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3-on-3 OT be like

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Here’s to you, #17

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A Pre-season Look at The Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames have had an interesting off-season to say the least. A team known for its scoring prowess has added extensive depth on the blue line, leading to a well-balanced team.

If anything, the Flames have too many legitimate NHL players with one-way contracts, including 16 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 3 goaltenders. This includes sure-fire break out star Sam Bennett who is healthy for the first time since he was drafted in 2014. Jiri Hudler had a career season in 2014-2015 and all signs point to him repeating.

The Flames are home to many young superstars. Johnny Hockey himself will be tearing it up in a Flames jersey yet again this year. The former Boston College star has established himself as an offensive powerhouse. Last year’s Calder Trophy finalist and 50 goal scorer is guaranteed an incredible sophomore season.

There most notable pick up this off-season is former Bruins defenseman and 2012 first round draft pick, Dougie Hamilton. Hamilton will be a pillar on the Flames already solid blue line that includes TJ Brodie and Mike Giordano. In the words of Don Cherry, the Flames “have the best defense in the league.” This defense will surely up the Flames’ possession time, making them a dangerous opponent.

The biggest question in Calgary is in net. The goaltending tandem of Karri Ramo and Jonas Hiller was an interesting storyline last season. When one struggled, the other picked up the slack. However, neither is exactly an all-star. In order to be a success in the modern NHL, a solid, consistent presence in net is a must. This is something the Flames lack.

The Flames are looking great for 2015-2016. If they can figure out their situation in net, coach Bob Hartley has the ability to lead this squad to greatness.

#Calgary #Calgary Flames #Flames #Bob Hartley #Dougie Hamilton #Karri Ramo #Jonas Hiller #Don Cherry #TJ Brodie #Mike Giordano #NHL

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From the Hockey News, a display of all the champions and the jerseys they were wearing when they won. 

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someone translated it here reddit(.)com/r/hockey/comments/39376b

GOD BLESS

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Strengths and Weaknesses: Bishop, Crawford

In recent years, goaltending has become more important in NHL hockey than ever before. While history has given us some fantastic tendys like Brimisek, Plante, Giacovin, and so forth, the level that today’s goaltenders are expected to play at goes unmatched. With the development of new equipment coupled with the advancement of science and theory in sports, goaltending more often than not makes the difference in a game or a series.

Tonight, two fantastic goalies will take they ice in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Corey Crawford has been here before-twice before actually. Bishop on the other hand is playing in the biggest game of his life so far.

These two goalies are incredibly skilled, but at the end of the day they are only human. Here is a breakdown of each goaltender’s strengths and weaknesses in anticipation of tonight’s match-up.

Corey Crawford, 30, Chicago Blackhawks

Corey Crawford is known for his overall athleticism, and his ability to see the ice. Despite being a goaltender, he often is responsible for setting up his teammates on important plays. He has a strategic mind, and is a better stick handler than almost any other active goaltender in the world.

Crawford’s weakness is most certainly his high glove side. A wizard on his stick side, his glove side is slow. He is able to shutdown a breakaway unlike any other goaltender in the league, and might I venture to say, in the world. However, the rebound is another sore spot of Crawford. He has a slow recovery after a play. The sharp shooters Tampa has are known for “picking up the trash” and scoring on the rebound. Crawford will need to elevate this area of his game in order to best support his team versus the Lightning.

Ben Bishop, 28, Tampa Bay Lightning

Bishop’s 6’7” frame has brought about my comparisons to Montreal Canadiens great, Ken Dryden. The kid fills up a lot of net. His strength lies in his ability to quickly rotate his large frame and square up for shots. While not explained easily by stats, Bishop is excited to see deep post-season play for the first time in his career

Bishop’s glove side, like Crawford, is definitely a weakness. Both high and low glove side have been issues for the tendy. His reaction time is slow, which will be an issue with the fast-paced play of the Chicago offense. He is susceptible to tap-in goals.

Tonight’s game will be a tight matchup between two incredible teams, but the play of their last defender will be key.

#chicago blackhawks #Corey Crawford #ben bishop #tampa bay lightning #nhl #stanley cup playoffs #stanley cup 2015 #Stanley Cup Final

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I’m not saying this should be played with alcohol, but I am

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Sidney Crosby - 10 Years

2005-2015

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6/2/15 Stanley Cup Final media day 

“Well, I think - I wanna call him Mr. Yzerman, but I know he’d probably get mad at me if I said that…but I think Steve is a very complimentary person, and I don’t think he’d say anything less than that, but I don’t know if I’d…I’d just take that with a grain of salt. I don’t - I think everyone here knows that that’s pretty much untrue.

But obviously it means a lot to hear any sort of praise from a guy like that, and over the years got to know him a little bit, and obviously a tremendous person off the ice since his career, so pretty special to hear something like that for sure.”

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Three Key Matchups To Watch In Stanley Cup Final

It has been eight long months since the journey to Lord Stanley’s Cup began. Thirty teams dreamt of hoisting hockey’s most coveted prize. Two teams now have the opportunity to turn that fantasy into a reality. The Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning will battle for the right…

Via: http://thehockeywriters.com/three-key-matchups-to-watch-in-stanley-cup-final/

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May 23rd, 2013: Brent Seabrook comforts Jonathan Toews after his third penalty in game four against Detroit.

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When your team wins in the longest game in franchise history to tie up the Western Conference Final

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Ben Smith for the You Can Play Project (x)

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Americans Should Care More About IIHF Worlds

Maybe we Americans need to care more about the IIHF Worlds. First and foremost, I want to congratulate the American hockey team for capturing the bronze medal. It was the second bronze in three years for USA Hockey at the IIHF World. This accomplishment is especially meaningful since the roster…

Via: http://thehockeywriters.com/americans-should-care-more-about-iihf-worlds/

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5.17.15: tyler seguin after team canada wins IIHF wold championship gold

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Love this sport. Love these teams. Love this country.