Below are the 9 most recent journal entries recorded in kingsbrown's LiveJournal:

Monday, January 29th, 2007
6:59 pm	ADAM WITH MUSIC MONDAY: DEATH SONGS, PRISONER DAVID AND KURT RAMBIS ADAM WITH MUSIC MONDAY: DEATH SONGS, PRISONER DAVID AND KURT RAMBIS – 5am to 10am PST, January 22, 2007 6:00 SUPERSTITION There’s a superstition that Adam believes, and it’s something a lot of people who know him might believe, too. Adam believes that he can actually will bad things to happen. It’s a sort of negative clairvoyance, he adds, and Danny jumps in with a prediction of his own: “I think this is about me.” Adam isn’t surprised, but it’s not about Danny, it’s about football. Adam loves football, which is no surprise to anybody. It’s really the only thing that he looks forward to in his life, he says, and since this past weekend was the AFC/NFC Championship games, it’s sort of a depressing thing for him, because that means football season is about to end. On to the willing of bad things… about two months ago, Adam’s agent called him up, and told him that a famous hockey player was retiring, and the Los Angeles Kings wanted Adam to preside over the ceremony. And, it was going to be on Sunday the 21st of January. He agreed to do it back in September, but even then, he knew that it was going to be the AFC/NFC Championship that weekend. Of course, jump to yesterday, and he’s got to leave in the middle of the Patriots/Colts game. As he was leaving, he announced to the group of people watching with him at Kimmels that “come on, the Pats are up so far, they’re obviously going to win.” As Adam presided over the retirement, the Patriots pulled off their biggest comeback ever, and it was arguably the greatest half of playoff football ever played. 6:24 BLACK OR FEMALE? For the first time in history, it looks like we have the possibility of electing either a black President, or a female President — Barack Obama, or Hilary Clinton. It seems like people will always care when we have the first black anything, but overall, it never seems to be a huge issue. Football had its’ first black head coaches, and nobody seemed to have a problem with that, and nobody had a problem when they had their first black quarterback. Danny’s prediction is this: we will see a female President before we see a black President. Teresa disagrees, and thinks the opposite. They head off to the phones to get some predictions. Adam always figures that if they were trying to explain to aliens the whole concept of the all-Male presidents, they would ask us… wouldn’t it make sense to have a president that is representative of the majority, which is women by a slim margin. Of course we would say, “No, never.” One listener calls up and feels like we should elect a black man over a white woman, because when a woman ascends to a place of power, she feels the need to prove herself. The American people know that, the caller adds. Someone else calls up and feels like Obama’s name is dangerously close to Osama, and that’s not going to play well in the Mid-West. Teresa tosses in that he could go by his middle name, if it weren’t… HUSSEIN. 7:03 THE PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT Adam wants to use his microwave for an in-building address, he says. This is a message to those listening inside the radio station, because the station is pumped through speakers in the halls. Oswaldo, who is here to do his movie review, just finished helping Adam clean out the microwave, because someone came in and blew up a shrimp taco in it, then walked away. Look, Adam bellows, don’t act as if you don’t realize the food exploded. Here’s the deal, Adam yells — “DON’T FLIP A SWITCH BETWEEN HOW YOU ACT AT HOME, AND HOW YOU ACT AT WORK?! IF WE DO THAT, WE HAVE NO SOCIETY.” You wouldn’t piss on the toilet seat at home, Adam says, and you wouldn’t blow up a shrimp taco in your microwave at home without cleaning it up afterwards. Adam actuallly had to take the tray out of the microwave and soak it, and Ozzie had to clean out the inside of the microwave, so whoever did this, “and you know who you are,” come finish cleaning it up, or at least give Ozzie five bucks. 7:03 TERESA STRASSER’S NEWS Hilary Rodham Clinton officially announced her entrance into the Presidential candidacy. Adam feels like a lot of people will vote for Hilary, because they loved Bill Clinton, and it’s a good chance for Bill to do a little armchair quarterbacking. The Bears handily defeated the New Orleans Saints yesterday, and will be heading to the Super Bowl. Of course, as Adam discussed earlier in the show, the Colts came back and snatched victory away from the Patriots, making the Super Bowl match-up a Bears vs. Colts showdown. Adam can’t understand why people were rooting for the Patriots, when they are such a winning team. Isn’t it time to send another team to the Super Bowl, Adam asks? Danny completely disagrees, and feels like people would rather see a winning team keep on winning. In entertainment news, there was a boardroom shocker on The Apprentice last night. Michelle, a team leader, has been heading up a losing team, and it was looking very obvious that she was going to be fired. So, before that would happen, she decided to resign. And the one thing Trump doesn’t like, Teresa says, is a quitter. She plays the clip of Trump reaming her. Adam laughs, and does a little Trump: “Nobody can win the Boston Marathon, without first entering the Boston Marathon.” And on a sad note, Ron Carey of Barney Miller fame has passed away at age 71. 7:32 MUSIC MONDAY: DEATH SONGS It’s time for Music Monday, and this week’s topic is songs about death. Adam’s number one is Elton John’s Funeral for a Friend. It’s one of those songs, Adam says, that is really two songs. “Yes kiddies, we didn’t have the attention span of a gnat.” Elton’s got some great songs, Adam says, and some horrible songs, but… this is Funeral for a Friend. Next up is one from Sir Paul McCartney, Live and Let Die. Danny likes this song, but he must admit, he really likes the Guns n’ Roses cover of it. Oingo Boingo comes into the next slot with Dead Man’s Party, which got very, very over-played when Adam was at KROQ, he says. He finds this one very grating, and not only that, but it’s become synonomous with Halloween. Teresa checks in with Gangsta’s Paradise, by the eminent rapper Coolio. She’s not sure how the rest of the crew will take it, but Danny feels like this is a really good song. Obscure songs are Danny’s specialty, as he checks in with Tell Laura I Love Her, by Ray Peterson. “Jack Silver loves this,” Teresa thinks. This was Danny’s bad choice, he says. The last song on Adam’s list is simultaneously good and bad, and it’s a horrible, sappy song. “I’m not proud of it,” he adds, but here it is… Seasons in the Sun, by Terry Jacks. InXs rocks Teresa’s “bad song”, and none of them particularly like the band. “These a-holes are just showing off,” Adam thinks, and he’d rather watch a bunch of guys on stage masturbating. Although he considers it a good song, he’s not sure anybody else will, but Danny chimes in with This Is The End, by The Doors. Adam gives a little shudder, and describes his ideal Doors listening experience: get a little high, lay back, dim the lights, and enjoy… this isn’t something you crank up on the FM radio while you’re stuck in traffic. Peter Gabriel’s Mercy Street is Teresa’s number one death song, and she wants to make it brief, because she assumes nobody will like it. On the contrary, Danny actually thinks it’s great. At Danny’s number one is Adam’s Song, by Blink 182. It’s got a lot of elements to it that make it great, he says, so Danny just plays it without setting it up. Finally, at Adam’s number one, is a little Blood, Sweat and Tears. “Take note, White Stripes,” he adds. “They aren’t afraid to employ musicians.” Now that they’ve aired all of their choices, Adam heads off to the phone to get the listener’s choices. While they take calls, Adam has to request one that he thinks of: Gone Away, by The Offspring. “This band goddamn rocks […] everybody, turn your radio up.” 8:23 OSWALDO’S MOVIE REVIEW Ozzie enters the studio, to review The Queen. Overall, this movie left the reviewer cold. 8:44 KURT RAMBIS Kurt Rambis, famed player-turned-coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, joins the crew on the phone to talk a little bit about his basketball career. 9:06 THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF RADIO This morning, Adam saw a story on CNN about how Google is the number one place to work in America — free massages, people can bring their dogs to work, a free gourmet restaurant, just all kinds of crazy perks. Adam contrasts that to the wonderful world of radio, where they were told that they can’t have jars of peanut butter unless they buy them for themselves. They take some calls from people talking about their “best jobs.” 9:23 NEWS RECAP Teresa Strasser recaps her news. 9:39 PRISONER DAVID It’s Monday, so the show checks in with Prisoner David, their devoted fan on the inside. Today, David puts them on the line with Jackass, their prison’s bookmaker. “Every joint has a sports guy,” David says, “and this is ours.” Jackass comes on the phone, and makes with some bookie talk. (Comment on this)
Tuesday, December 26th, 2006
5:46 pm	Devils get biten by Sharks for 3rd straight losing effort SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Martin Brodeur made 25 saves on 26 shots, but the team lost to the San Jose Sharks 2-0. Joe Thornton picked off an pass and scored midway through the third period, lifting the San Jose Sharks to a 2-0 victory against the New Jersey Devils. Evgeni Nabokov stopped all 24 shots he faced for his third shutout. Mike Grier added a short-handed, empty-net goal in the final seven seconds. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Devils Player of the Game: Martin Brodeur, with a 25 save effort. Devils Record: 12-10, 12th place in NHL, tied with New York Islanders (12-10, 11th place in NHL) Next Game: Monday at Los Angeles Kings (Comment on this)
Friday, August 18th, 2006
11:47 am	Pauli Jaks The World Junior Hockey Championships have quickly become one of the favourite non-NHL hockey tournaments on the hockey schedule. In fact some fans will tell you that it is the most exciting hockey you'll see all season long prior to the start of the Stanley Cup finals. We watch these kids playing their hearts out and we become instant fans of theirs. They don't get paid, they are there for their country and because they are chasing a dream - a dream that many of us have dreamt for as well, but came nowhere close to fulfilling. As we watch the excitement on television, often staying up (or getting up!) at the wee hours of the morning if the tournament is held in Europe, we develop instant favourites, and we follow them throughout the rest of their career. Many never become much of a professional player once they reach that stage, but some do. We don't just become fans of our home countries' players either. Often we are drawn to a great player on another team. Though he is the enemy for this short tournament, we become fans of his too. One of the best examples of an instant fan favourites from the past WJC tournaments is Swiss goaltending sensation Pauli Jaks. If you look at his stats at the 1991 championships, you'd probably scoff. 30 goals against in 5 games for 6.00 GAA. Only one win for the entire Swiss team. What you have to remember about the "A" Pool at the WJC is that there are always two weak sisters combined with hockey's perennial super powers - Russia, Canada, Sweden, USA, Finland and Czech Republic. Switzerland battled Norway in 1991 for the 7th spot of the 8 team pool. The 8th place team would be relegated back to the "B" Pool the following year. Switzerland has never been a power in hockey. Only recently has their hockey program improved. Everyone expected the powerful Russians and Canadians to run over the lowly Swiss, running up the score well into double digits. And while that Swiss team was very weak (they only scored 5 goals in 7 games, while giving up 48), goalie Pauli Jaks became a fan favourite, and stole the show. The tall netminder stood on his head and was a one man show throughout the tournament. So what if he gave up an average of 6 goals a game. That's tremendously respectable considering the quality chances against him outnumbered goals surrendered 5 or 6 times most nights. In one game against Canada, with mighty Eric Lindros among others, everyone was expecting a blowout - 10-0, who knows, maybe 20-0 even! But Jaks stood on his head and kept the score very respectable. It was Jaks who was almost single-handily kept the Swiss from finishing last. Jaks superb play did not go unnoticed either. Despite inflated stats that normally would get him overlooked, he was named to the 1991 WJC All Star team and was named the best goalie of the 1991 WJC! The NHL noticed Jaks for the first time too. Scouts began to watch Jaks more closely. Come summer time, the Los Angeles Kings selected the Swiss goalie 108th overall in the 1991 Entry Draft. Jaks remained in Switzerland to play for two more years, and was once again part of the Swiss WJC contingent in 1992. The Swiss team was somewhat stronger this year, scoring 23 goals - more goals for than Germany, Finland and even mighty Canada, who only managed to score 19 times. However the Swiss were still very weak in their own zone, surrendering a tournament high 44 goals. Jaks couldn't duplicate his magic of a year earlier. It wasn't that he played poorly exactly, he just didn't play above his head like he did the year earlier. As a result, the Swiss lost the relegation game to Germany, and were returned to the B Pool the following year. Jaks crossed the Atlantic for the 1993-94 season where he played with the Kings farm team - the Phoenix Roadrunners. He had a really good year for a rookie netminder, especially a European rookie. He had 16 wins against 13 losses and one tie. His GAA was high at 3.54, but he actually outplayed his counterparts David Goverde and veteran Rick Knickle. Jaks returned for the 1994-95 season, and struggled at the IHL level. He had an injury plagued year and went 2-4-4 with a 4.15 GAA. However the Kings did call the Swiss sensation up for a small tour of duty. Jaks even got to play 2 periods of NHL action. He gave up 2 goals in 40 minutes, stopping 23 of 25 shots in a respectable performance. He did not get a decision in the match. By appearing in the NHL, Jaks became the first Swiss born and trained player to play in the National Hockey League. However he was the first NHLer born in Switzerland. That honor goes to long time Los Angeles King and New York Ranger Mark Hardy - who was born in Switzerland but was raised in Canada Jaks returned to Switzerland after the 1994-95 season, but his legacy on Swiss hockey can not be overlooked. The Swiss have never been considered to be a hockey nation however interest in the country has perked during the 1990s, due in large part to Jaks great performance back in the 1991 WJC. As a result, other Swiss hockey players have become noticed - such as fellow goalie David Aebischer and 1st round pick Michel Riesen. (Comment on this)
Friday, August 11th, 2006
11:08 am	Other Notable Teams Atlanta Flames Tom Lysiak - Atlanta Flames and Chicago Blackhawks puck distributing pivot was an underrated player in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Buffalo Sabres Danny Gare - This Buffalo sparkplug teamed with Don Luce and Craig Ramsey on the Sabres' other great line during the 1970s Colorado Avalanche Patrick Roy - The greatest goaltender of all time? The Montreal Forum was St. Patrick's cathedral for many years before moving on to Colorado. Dallas Stars Brett Hull - Growing up in the shadow of one of the greatest hockey players of all time, The Golden Brett retired as the third highest goal scorer in National Hockey League history. Los Angeles Kings Wayne Gretzky - In the trade that shook the world, hockey took over Hollywood in 1988. Many of Gretzky's greatest achievements occurred in a L.A. Kings jersey. Bernie Nicholls - One of the most popular players in California hockey history, Bernie was known for highlight reel goals and his famous Pumper-Nicholl. Charlie Simmer - A key member of the Triple Crown Line in Los Angeles, Charlie Simmer could have been one of the all time great scorers if injuries didn't get in the way. Newfoundland Senior Leagues - Conception Bay Cee Bees/Bishop Falls Woodsmen/St. John's Capitals Alex Faulkner - The first "Newfie" to leave the island and play in the National Hockey League, Alex Faulkner will always be Newfoundland's favorite hockey playing son. Minnesota North Stars Gilles Meloche - In the 1970s and 1980s he played for the Seals, Barons, North Stars and Penguins. No wonder why his 351 career losses is only 1 loss off of the all time record. Tim Young - A tremendous passer with an above-average understanding of the game, Tim Young is now as forgotten as the Minnesota North Stars. Ottawa Silver Seven Cyclone Taylor - Best known with Ottawa and Vancouver. , the Cyclone was hockey's first national superstar, he excelled at all positions except goal. Pittsburgh Penguins Syl Apps Jr. - Hockey has many great families. The Apps family has to be near the top of the list, with three generations of dominant hockey players. Gilles Meloche - In the 1970s and 1980s he played for the Seals, Barons, North Stars and Penguins. No wonder why his 351 career losses is only 1 loss off of the all time record. Joey Mullen - One of the greatest American born players in hockey history, Mullen helped the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins win Stanley Cups.. Quebec Bulldogs Phantom Joe Malone - The NHL's original goal scoring king, history remembers only his 7 goal game and his 44 goal season in a 20 game schedule. St. Louis Blues Red Berenson - Best known for his 6 goals in one game, "The Red Baron" was the first NHL hockey star in St. Louis. He would later become a legendary college coach. Brett Hull - Growing up in the shadow of one of the greatest hockey players of all time, The Golden Brett retired as the third highest goal scorer in National Hockey League history. Brian Sutter - The first of six brothers to play in the National Hockey League, Brian set the tone for what would become best known as "Sutter Hockey." St. Louis Eagles Fido Purpur - An early star particularly in St. Louis, this North Dakota native was one of the earliest hockey legends from the United States. Seattle Totems (WHL) Guyle Fielder - Oldtimers will tell you Potlach, Idaho's Golden Guyle Fielder was the greatest minor league hockey player in the history of the sport. Vancouver Millionaires Cyclone Taylor - Best known with Ottawa and Vancouver. , the Cyclone was hockey's first national superstar, he excelled at all positions except goal. Washington Capitals Bobby Carpenter - Sports Illustrated's "Can't Miss Kid" was the first American player to score 50 goals in a single NHL season. He later became a dependable role player. Rod Langway - Born in Taiwan and a college football star, Washington Capitals all star defenseman Langway became the preeminent defensive defenseman in modern times. Winnipeg Jets Bobby Hull - The Golden Jet might be better known now as Brett's dad, but this Chicago and Winnipeg legend is one of the most important players in hockey history Thomas Steen - A quintessential Winnipeg Jet, the former captain is remembered as one of the most cerebral and most underrated stars of the 1980s (Comment on this)
Thursday, August 3rd, 2006
6:05 pm	NHL Entry Draft June 24, 2006 CHEAP NHL JERSEYS # 1 St. Louis Blues Erik Johnson (Defensemen) USA National Progam Born: March 21, 1988 Bloomington, Min. Ht 6-4 Wt 222 Shoots Right Johnson is the type of player that you can build a team around, a two-way defensemen that is in a class by himself a "Franchise" player. The Blues with holes all over the place will need a franchise player and this is the man will remind Blues fans of Pronger. # 2 Pittsburgh Penguins Jonathan Toews (Centre) North Dakota (WCHA) Born: April 29, 1988 Winnipeg, Man. Ht 6-1 Wt 195 Shoots Left Toews makes scouts droll, size, speed, skills and he shows up for the big games, the Penguins are in need of scoring and wouldn't Toews look good behind Crosby in Pittsburgh a 1-2 punch that could dominate the league for years. # 3 Chicago Black Hawks Phil Kessel (Centre) Minnesota (WCHA) Born: October 2, 1987 Madison, Wisc. Ht 6-0 Wt 189 Shoots Right Kessel touted as the #1 pick for the past couple of years slipped a bit in his draft year but that doesnt make him a bad player. The Hawks need scoring and Kessel will provide and being from Wisconsin will put some fans in the seats that still could develop into best player taken in draft as long as his head stays on straight. # 4 Washington Capitals Jordan Staal (Centre) Peterborough Petes (OHL) Born: September 10, 1988 Thunder Bay, Ont. Ht 6-4 Wt 209 Shoots Left Staal is the third of four brothers to make the jump into the NHL, similiar to his Hurricane brother Eric in style and great skater for his size. The Capitals must be dreaming of a centre of Staal's calibre to place with Ovechkin which could mean a Calder trophy win for this Staal brother. # 5 Boston Bruins Nicklas Backstrom (Centre) Brynas (Sweden) Born: November 23, 1987 Gavle, Sweden Ht 6-0 Wt 183 Shoots Left Backstrom is the rookie of the year in the Swedish Elite League and has on occasion been mentioned in the same breath as Forsberg. He isnt Forsberg but could develop awfully close. The Bruins need a top 6 potential forward in this draft and if they dont trade up Backstrom is best available at #5. # 6 Columbus Blue Jackets Derick Brassard (Centre) Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) Born: September 22, 1987 Hull, Que. Ht 6-0 Wt 174 Shoots Left Brassard is another top centre in this draft, he has accurate shot, quick on his feet and draws plenty of penalties his one downside is his weight but when he fills that in watchout. The Jackets have learned over the years that when Nash goes down their is no one to pick up the scoring Brassard should help with that problem. # 7 New York Islanders Jiri Tlusty (Left Wing) Klado (Czech Republic) Born: March 16, 1988 Slany, Czech Ht 6-1 Wt 185 Shoots Left Tlusty is a hard working two-way player with good speed and passing, played this season as a teenager in Czech Elite so gained experience. The Islanders who are thin on defense might just swap this pick for help in that department but if not Tlusty is a player with heart and grit something lacking in Long Island. #8 Phoenix Coyotes Michael Frolik (Right Wing) Kladno (Czech Republic) Born: February 17, 1988 Klado, Czech Ht 6-1 Wt 187 Shoots Left Frolik had potential to be #1 pick overall but may have let press clippings get to his head, he has all the tools to be a superstar and the Coyotes might just be the fix it up for this kid. The Coyotes need offensive help and who better then Gretzky to straighten Frolik out, he could potentially be the steal of the draft need we say more. # 9 Minnesota Wild Bryan Little (Centre) Barrie Colts (OHL) Born: November 12, 1987 Edmonton, Albe. Ht 5-10 Wt 194 Shoots Right Little won awards in four categories in the OHL this season and his leadership and competitiveness will be an asset to any team. The Wild need scoring bad as they where in the bottom third of the league for the fifth straight season and need some punch up front in the new NHL. # 10 Florida Panthers Nigel Williams (Defensemen) USA National Program Born: April 18, 1988 Montgomery, Ill. Ht 6-4 Wt 226 Shoots Left Williams is a big defensemen and with a couple of years development could be a Pronger, Hatcher type of defensemen. The Panthers could use another blueliner as with their core prospects in the system their isnt one. # 11 Los Angeles Kings Jonathan Bernier (Goalie) Lewiston Maineiacs (QMJHL) Born: August 7, 1988 Laval, Que. Ht 5-11 Wt: 180 Catches Left Bernier will be the first goalie taken in the draft, he is a butterfly goalie with a good glove hand and he covers the angles well. The Kings do not have a star goalie prospect in the system and with their inconsistent NHL goalies, Bernier could be fast tracked to the NHL if the Kings dont fix their problem in the big leagues. # 12 Atlanta Thrashers Peter Mueller (Centre) Everett Silvertips (WHL) Born: April 14, 1988 Bloomington, Minn. Ht 6-2 Wt 200 Shoots Right Mueller is the best two way player in the draft and his services will be great to any team has a Lehtinen quality to him. The Thrashers are currently an old team at the forward position and would benefit from his offensive potential and defensive skills, their arent many teenagers youd put out with game on the line but this kid could handle that kind of pressure. # 13 Toronto Maple Leafs Patrik Berglund (Centre) Allsvenskan (Sweden) Born: June 2, 1988 Vasteras, Swe. Ht 6-3 Wt 187 Shoots Left Berglund has all the tools for a great NHL career, size, speed, toughness, scoring touch and heart. He would be taken a bit early at this slot but has the potential for stardom if he can fill in his size. The Leafs need some depth at the forward position and could take a chance on Berglund with Sundin's career running down could this be his Swedish replacement? # 14 Vancouver Canucks James Sheppard (Left Wing) Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (QMJHL) Born: April 25, 1988 Sackville, N.S. Ht 6-2 Wt 201 Shoots Left Sheppard has been the go to guy for Cape Breton all season he has a good set of hands but lacks some foot speed this should come but his size 15 is by far the biggest feet in the draft. The Canucks lack good young forwards in their system and Sheppard can play all three forward positions if needed. # 15 New York Rangers Kyle Okposo (Right Wing) Des Moines (USHL) Born: April 16, 1988 St. Paul, Min. Ht 6-0 Wt 195 Shoots Right Okoposo skated away with rookie of the year honours in the USHL, he is a strong skater and a solid two way player, he isnt afraid to get into traffic and can give and take a hit. The Rangers lack prospects at the forward position and would love to get their hands on this power/two way forward. # 16 Tampa Bay Lightning Bob Sanguinetti (Defensemen) Owen Sound Attack (OHL) Born: February 29, 1988 Lumberton, N.J. Ht 6-1 Wt 182 Shoots Right Sanguinetti plays a solid two way game he is a great skater and moves the puck well, Sanguinetti is of the perfect mold in the new NHL and could develop into a #1 Defensemen. The Lightning need goaltending and defense and if they dont trade up to take a goalie then they will take the best available defensemen at this spot. # 17 Dallas Stars Cory Emmerton (Centre) Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) Born: June 1, 1988 St. Thomas, ON Ht 5-11 Wt 181 Shoots Left Emmerton seems to like challenges, he wasnt suppose to make the Frontenacs or dominate in the OHL and he did both, he has offensive talent that cant be taught. The Stars are one team loaded with prospects so they can take any positioned player with this pick and why not take the best offensive player at this point. # 18 Nashville Predators Alexander Vasyunov (Left Wing) Yaroslavi-2 (Russia) Born: April 22, 1988 Yaroslavi, Rus. Ht 6-0 Wt 187 Shoots Right Vasyunov is a pure scorer, he can turn many players inside out 1 on 1 and has moves that will make your jaw drop but the downside is he seems to play on and off. The Predators need a scorer and if they can get Vasyunov to play hard every night they will have a great talent and possibly a sleeper pick in this draft. # 19 Detroit Red Wings Ty Wishart (Defensemen) Prince George Cougars (WHL) Born: May 19, 1988 Comox, B.C. Ht 6-4 Wt 214 Shoots Left Wishart is a big strong and steady defensemen he isnt fancy but you can count on him just like you can count on facial hair and he is hard to beat 1 on 1, the downside right now is his skating bu that should come with age. The Red Wings have few prospects on the point and could use nothing more then a steady defensemen. # 20 Montreal Canadiens Chris Stewart (Right Wing) Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) Born: October 30, 1987 Toronto, ON Ht 6-1 Wt 227 Shoots Right Stewart like his centremen Emmerton was also a walk on with the Frontenacs and made the most of it. Scouts love Stewarts character and hard work and understands the concept of working together coming from a household with 5 sisters and brother Anthony a first round pick of the Panthers. The Habs are a team with not enough grit and Stewart has plenty a perfect match. # 21 Philadelphia Flyers Mike Forney (Left Wing) Thief River (USHS) Born: May 14, 1988 Thief River Falls, Min. Ht 6-2 Wt 185 Shoots Right Forney played high school hockey this season leading his school to the state hockey championship but Forney missed a year of development he will play catchup with North Dakota next year. The Flyers lack scoring prospects on the wing and Forney can fill the net he needs to add muscle to his big frame but is in the mold of the Flyers type of player a big guy. # 22 Calgary Flames John Armstrong (Centre) Plymouth Whalers (OHL) Born: February 26, 1988 Unionville, ON Ht 6-2 Wt 201 Shoots Right Armstrong came into the OHL off a 150 point season in the GTA hockey league but hasnt lived up to expectations yet but he does have size and speed and good hockey sense. The Flames dont have many prospects at forward with the potential of scoring 30 goals and if groomed right Armstrong can give the Flames that and more. # 23 Colorado Avalanche Ben Maxwell (Centre) Kootenay Ice (WHL) Born: March 30, 1988 Vancouver, B.C. Ht 6-0 Wt 175 Shoots Left Maxwell has potential to be a #1 Centre or a bust it all depends on how hard he decides to work, he has speed, hockey sense but he needs to get stronger. The Avalanche are a team full of grey beards at the centre position so they would like nothing better to develop Maxwell into that # 1 centre that he has potential for. # 24 Ottawa Senators Ivan Vishnevsky (Defensemen) Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL) Born: February 18, 1988 Barnaul, Rus. Ht 6-0 Wt 178 Shoots Left Vishnevsky is all offence from the blueline and would bring a great powerplay presence but he needs to remember that he needs to play defense as well. The Senators cant keep all their defense core with the salary cap so will be looking to get defensive prospects with this pick. # 25 New Jersey Devils Michael Grabner (Right Wing) Spokane Chiefs (WHL) Born: October 5, 1987 Villach, Aust. Ht 6-0 Wt 188 Shoots Left Grabner likes to score highlight reel goals and put up good numbers on a bad team, he has the skills but needs to be a bit more consistent. The Devils usually go into the draft taking the best player available dont see why that would change this year. # 26 San Jose Sharks Ryan White (Centre) Calgary Hitmen (WHL) Born: March 17, 1988 Brandon, Man. Ht 6-0 Wt 204 Shoots Right White will not put up big numbers but he's a winner, White can be used in any sitaution and has the heart and grit of a lion exactly what a team needs at playoff time. The Sharks are set at the #1 and #2 slot at centre but what they lacked these playoffs was the grit that Edmonton showed and White can provide that. # 27 Anaheim Ducks Mark Mitera (Defensemen) Michigan (CCHA) Born: October 22, 1987 Livonia, Mic. Ht 6-3 Wt 175 Shoots Left Mitera combines size and strength with a great character as the season progressed he got better and better and moved from #7 on the USA junior chart to #3. The Ducks could use defensemen and you can beat they will take a defensemen with this pick. # 28 Buffalo Sabres Chris Summers (Defensemen) USA Junior Program Born: February 5, 1988 Ypsilanti, Mic. Ht 6-1 Wt 180 Shoots Left Summers will suit up next season for Michigan and is a great skater some say he glides faster then some NHLers skate and is a steay stay a t home defensemen. The Sabres lack prospects as this position so you can beat the farm they will be getting their hands on one here. # 29 Edmonton Oilers Joe Ryan (Defensemen) Quebec Rampards (QMJHL) Born: October 19, 2006 Malden, Que. Ht 6-1 Wt 186 Shoots Right Ryan plays for Patrick Roy and what better mentor to tell you what you need to do to get to the show. It seems like Ryan listened and had a great year for the Rampards a solid defensive defensemen. The Oilers dont have many prospects and are looking to find a gem in the draft Ryan could be it. # 30 Carlina Hurricanes Ondrej Fiala (Centre) Everett Silvertips (WHL) Born: November 4, 1987, Stenberk, Czech Ht 6-2 Wt 190 Shoots Left Fiala has a great attitude and is a real sound player his learned to play the North American type of game in the WHL and teams will like that. What can you say about the Stanley Cup champs they will take the best player in the draft thats remain and Fiala could be it. (Comment on this)
Monday, July 31st, 2006
10:04 pm	The NHL's new breed of GM It's been scantly more than a month since the Los Angeles Kings inked new general manager Dean Lombardi — the consensus star among the candidates out there — and in that time, three other NHL clubs have since added GMs. May 24: Colorado Avalanche hire Francois Giguere May 25: Pittsburgh Penguins hire Ray Shero May 26: Boston Bruins hire Peter Chiarelli The dates sort of have an interesting symmetry to them, although that's the case in far more ways than one. Given how Shero's hiring played out, with the former Nashville Predators assistant having his choice between the Penguins and Bruins (and choosing to stay far away from the management in Beantown), it's not a stretch to say the hirings were all intertwined. What's interesting, too, is how all three men were in the assistant GM role with other organizations — Giguere with the Dallas Stars, Shero with the Predators and Chiarelli with the Ottawa Senators. As was pointed out during last Saturday's Satellite Hotstove, the assistant's job has traditionally gone to a "number-cruncher" rather than a hockey man — a description that fits all three like a (hockey) glove. None of the three played in the NHL (or even minor pro), all are in their early 40s and are well-educated. (Giguere, for instance, is a certified accountant — something many woebegone franchises wish they had at the helm this season.) Where Chiarelli and Shero did play was the NCAA, where both logged four years in the early 80s, and did so in the same division — the ECAC. A native of St. Paul, Minn., Shero was a high-scoring left winger for St. Lawrence University; Chiarelli came from Nepean, Ont., and studied economics at Harvard, where he captained the team during his final season. Another similarity? Lombardi, Chiarelli and Shero all have law degrees, a distinction that is increasingly becoming a requisite qualification for the GM position. What it all means is that the days of the Bobby Clarke types running a team's hockey operations are going the way of the dodo. After all, three of the most recently turfed GMs — Dave Taylor, Mike O'Connell and Craig Patrick — were all ex-NHLers who were replaced by guys without a lick of on-ice experience in the league. While this is a changeover that's far from complete, the four newest additions to the GM fraternity mean that for the first time in a long time, the Brian Burkes outnumber the Clarkes. At this point, only 12 of the NHL's current 29 GMs — the Islanders post is vacant — played more than a handful of games in the NHL: Buffalo's Darcy Regier (26 career games played), Calgary's Darryl Sutter (406), Carolina's Jim Rutherford (459), Chicago's Dale Tallon (642), Edmonton's Kevin Lowe (1,254), Montreal's Bob Gainey (1,160), Minnesota's Doug Risebrough (740), the Rangers' Glen Sather (658), Philadelphia's Bobby Clarke (1,144), San Jose's Doug Wilson (1,024), St. Louis' Larry Pleau (94), and Washington's George McPhee (115). (In addition, Atlanta's Don Waddell played one while Detroit's Ken Holland had four.) It all makes you wonder: Is hockey's next great mind more likely to be sitting in a rink or buried in law school texts? And how surreal is it that one ramification of Gary Bettman's 'New NHL' is that those guiding teams are beginning to have more in common with the league's commissioner than the players on the ice? The lawyer from New York may have won in more ways than one. (Comment on this)
Saturday, July 29th, 2006
4:56 pm	Other Notable Teams Atlanta Flames Tom Lysiak - Atlanta Flames and Chicago Blackhawks puck distributing pivot was an underrated player in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Buffalo Sabres Danny Gare - This Buffalo sparkplug teamed with Don Luce and Craig Ramsey on the Sabres' other great line during the 1970s Colorado Avalanche Patrick Roy - The greatest goaltender of all time? The Montreal Forum was St. Patrick's cathedral for many years before moving on to Colorado. Dallas Stars Brett Hull - Growing up in the shadow of one of the greatest hockey players of all time, The Golden Brett retired as the third highest goal scorer in National Hockey League history. Los Angeles Kings Wayne Gretzky - In the trade that shook the world, hockey took over Hollywood in 1988. Many of Gretzky's greatest achievements occurred in a L.A. Kings jersey. Bernie Nicholls - One of the most popular players in California hockey history, Bernie was known for highlight reel goals and his famous Pumper-Nicholl. Charlie Simmer - A key member of the Triple Crown Line in Los Angeles, Charlie Simmer could have been one of the all time great scorers if injuries didn't get in the way. Newfoundland Senior Leagues - Conception Bay Cee Bees/Bishop Falls Woodsmen/St. John's Capitals Alex Faulkner - The first "Newfie" to leave the island and play in the National Hockey League, Alex Faulkner will always be Newfoundland's favorite hockey playing son. Minnesota North Stars Gilles Meloche - In the 1970s and 1980s he played for the Seals, Barons, North Stars and Penguins. No wonder why his 351 career losses is only 1 loss off of the all time record. Tim Young - A tremendous passer with an above-average understanding of the game, Tim Young is now as forgotten as the Minnesota North Stars. Ottawa Silver Seven Cyclone Taylor - Best known with Ottawa and Vancouver. , the Cyclone was hockey's first national superstar, he excelled at all positions except goal. Pittsburgh Penguins Syl Apps Jr. - Hockey has many great families. The Apps family has to be near the top of the list, with three generations of dominant hockey players. Gilles Meloche - In the 1970s and 1980s he played for the Seals, Barons, North Stars and Penguins. No wonder why his 351 career losses is only 1 loss off of the all time record. Joey Mullen - One of the greatest American born players in hockey history, Mullen helped the Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins win Stanley Cups.. Quebec Bulldogs Phantom Joe Malone - The NHL's original goal scoring king, history remembers only his 7 goal game and his 44 goal season in a 20 game schedule. St. Louis Blues Red Berenson - Best known for his 6 goals in one game, "The Red Baron" was the first NHL hockey star in St. Louis. He would later become a legendary college coach. Brett Hull - Growing up in the shadow of one of the greatest hockey players of all time, The Golden Brett retired as the third highest goal scorer in National Hockey League history. Brian Sutter - The first of six brothers to play in the National Hockey League, Brian set the tone for what would become best known as "Sutter Hockey." St. Louis Eagles Fido Purpur - An early star particularly in St. Louis, this North Dakota native was one of the earliest hockey legends from the United States. Seattle Totems (WHL) Guyle Fielder - Oldtimers will tell you Potlach, Idaho's Golden Guyle Fielder was the greatest minor league hockey player in the history of the sport. Vancouver Millionaires Cyclone Taylor - Best known with Ottawa and Vancouver. , the Cyclone was hockey's first national superstar, he excelled at all positions except goal. Washington Capitals Bobby Carpenter - Sports Illustrated's "Can't Miss Kid" was the first American player to score 50 goals in a single NHL season. He later became a dependable role player. Rod Langway - Born in Taiwan and a college football star, Washington Capitals all star defenseman Langway became the preeminent defensive defenseman in modern times. Winnipeg Jets Bobby Hull - The Golden Jet might be better known now as Brett's dad, but this Chicago and Winnipeg legend is one of the most important players in hockey history Thomas Steen - A quintessential Winnipeg Jet, the former captain is remembered as one of the most cerebral and most underrated stars of the 1980s (Comment on this)
Thursday, July 27th, 2006
10:56 am	Coyotes sign Roenick to one-year contract GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Jeremy Roenick is coming back to the Phoenix Coyotes. The team said Tuesday it had signed the free-agent center to a one-year contract, bringing the nine-time All-Star back to Phoenix. Roenick, 36, was an original member of the Coyotes, playing with the club for five years through the 2000-01 season. Roenick was limited by injuries to 58 games for the Los Angeles Kings last season. The Boston native has 484 goals and 1,142 assists in 17 NHL seasons, with Chicago and Philadelphia in addition to the Kings and Coyotes. (Comment on this)
Thursday, February 9th, 2006
12:57 pm	Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a National Hockey League team based in Los Angeles, California, USA.In their first season, the Kings finished a very respectable second place in the Western Division, just one point behind the Flyers, but would be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota North Stars in seven games. (Comment on this)