Chris Mason: Nashville's Saviour

I am shocked about the way Chris Mason has been playing. I know it has only been two games, but this man is on fire. I know that he turned most people's heads last season, but now I'm starting to see why they traded away Tomas Vokoun. He started off the season with a shutout against Ryan Smyth and the Avs, then he followed it up with a 5-1 win over Dallas in his second game. He just looks so comfortable in there right now, and he deserves to be recognized. I honestly believe he can make a serious shot at the Vezina Trophy this season if he keeps this up. Mason is entering his prime years, so this type of play may only last for the next couple of years, but he deserves some praise from non-Predators fans. I was looking forward to see how he would play with a Timonen-less Predators lineup in front of him, but so far he is showing no ill effects. Dallas isn't a high powered offence, that's for sure, and Colorado may have just had an off night, so it will be interesting to keep an eye on him in the weeks to come. If nobody has him in you fantasy pool, I highly recommend you pick him up.

I'd also like to take this time to announce a new feature coming to this site in the coming weeks. I attend a lot of hockey games throughout the year, whether it be AHL, Junior A/B, or otherwise, and I will be submitting my "Amateur Scouting Reports" on the goalies that play (since that's what I know). I'll try to focus on players who have their rights drafted by an NHL team (which will be easy for an AHL game), or are entering the upcoming draft. I live in Hamilton, so the Bulldogs are the source of most of my games (I can hear the Habs fans shrieking with joy), and you will see some in depth reports on Halak, Danis, and any other goalie who starts a game for the Dogs, but I'll try to watch the opposing team's goalie more. I may also throw in the odd position player, but what do I know about them, I'm a goalie.

The Lowe Down

VS

Only on Pay-per-view!

Congratulations to Kevin Lowe, who according to TSN, has signed a four year contract extension with the Oilers.

Sources tell me that now that K-Lowe is under contract, Gary Bettman is working hard to get a grudge match signed between Lowe and Brian Burke. Rumor is that former Edmonton GM Glen Sather is working with Vince Mcmahon to get the match signed for Madison Square Garden, and that it'll either be a cage match or a ladder match. If it ends up being the latter, it'll be the Stanley Cup and Dustin Penner's contract hanging from the top of the arena.

While we're on the subject, what kind of match would YOU like to see between Kevin Lowe and Brian Burke? Leave your comments at the end of this blog entry!

Until we get to see that grudge match, here's to another 4 years of ridiculous offer sheets.

Here's to another 4 years of crazy Brian Burke tirades.

And finally, here's to hoping Carey Price signed a contract longer than Kevin Lowe's contract before he comes an RFA.

Congratulations Kevin Lowe, you make the offseason all that more entertaining.

Game of the Night 10/06/2007 (And Last night's recap)

Maybe I'm feeding the fire? What are you gonna do about it? :)

Good night in the NHL last night, but boy was I off in my predictions! here's a quick recap of last night's matches followed by tonight's previews:

New York Islanders 6 - Buffalo Sabres 4
Wow was I off on this one... High scoring, high octane game, whereas I thought originally it was be a lot slower and cautious, focused on goaltending. Will tonight's match-up be similar? Comrie has a big night, and Vanek gets my stamp of approval for slapping it 4 feet away from the net, that was just awesome.
Gold Stars: Mike Comrie (2G - 2A), Thomas Vanek (1G - goal of the season so far).

Pittsburgh Penguins 1 - Carolina Hurricanes 4
I was wayyyy off yet again. Pens get romped by the Canes. Staal keeps pushing for that spot as a top 10 player in the league, and Jeff Hamilton showed us that the 'Canes can roll more than just their top two lines.
Gold Stars: Eric Staal (2 Goals), Jeff Hamilton (1G - 2A), Cam Ward (34 saves), Mark Recchi (1G, 6 shots... for still having it)

Anaheim Ducks 0 - Columbus Blue Jackets 4
Yup... don't know what's going on here. The Ducks just stank. Their defense let 37 shots in, their forwards failed to produce a goal, and against the Blue Jackets of all teams. Something needs to change in Anaheim and soon. One thing's for sure though, if Nash can stay healthy and play the way he did last night, Columbus might not be so bad down the stretch.
Gold Stars: Rick Nash (2G - 2A), Pascal Leclaire (28 saves, Shutout), Ilya Bryzgalov (33 Saves... his team just wasn't there tonight).

Washington Capitals 3 - Atlanta Thrashers 1
Hey look Prax got one right! The new guys proved their worth here tonight, with Kozlov and Nylander both chipping in goals for the Caps, giving them the good ole vic. Now to see if they can keep it up.
Gold Stars: Viktor Kozlov (1 Goal - 7 Shots), Alex Ovechkin (1 Assist - 6 shots - leading this team like always), Kari Lehtonen (36 saves... again not the reason his team lost... almost seems like it's becoming a trend early in the season).

Boston Bruins 1 - Dallas Stars 4
Anyone really surprised here? Is there any reason to think Boston's going to go anywhere again this year? 4 goals on 18 shots is just unacceptable for a goalie like Manny Fernandez. You say something has to change in B-town but the more things change the more things stay the same there, it seems.
Gold Stars: Marty Turco (24 saves), Brendan Morrow, Sergei Zubov (1G - 1A each)

San Jose Sharks 3 - Vancouver Canucks 1
Sharks bounce back from their shootout loss vs. Edmonton the night before and knock off the Nucks with the help of Joe Thornton who again (*gasp*) scores. And guess what? JEREMY ROENICK HAD 2 GOALS! That's right! JR's back baby! Well it's only one game, but hey, might as well celebrate it while it lasts.
Gold Stars: Jeremy Roenick (2 goals, for not walking out of the game to go grab some ribs), Douglas Murray (2 Assists, +3), Bobby Lu (28 saves, for being the only Nuck who didn't completely suck)


Gold Stars of the Night:
1) Jeremy Roenick (hey, let him enjoy it while he can).
2) Rick Nash (could be seeing a lot of him here if he stays healthy).
3) Mike Comrie (almost didn't put him on here out of spite for dating Hilary Duff... lucky bastard).
Honorable Mention: Thomas Vanek (for what's so far, in three nights of play in the NHL, the goal of the season).

--------------------
On to tonight's predictions:

Professor Prax's Win Prediction record: 8-10 (ouch).


First Saturday night of the schedule and it looks like we have some good match-ups on tap, but none even come close to beating this one:

Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Ahh Hockey Night in Canada. A tradition reborn as the rivals of all rivals face-off in the first of 8 regular season meetings. The drama for this one won't be nearly as high as last April's game (which I still stand by as being the match of the decade), but emotions will be running high. While a lot of players in white and red will be looking for revenge for last April's loss, the Leafs will be looking for their first victory.

In a recent interview, many Canadiens players as well as the coaching staff said that it was still a difficult loss to swallow. It was the first time in Matthieu Dandenault's career that he missed the playoffs. It was a tough way to end an up-and-down season for the Montreal squad. Many still think that Cristobal Huet wasn't physically ready to start that game, and now he steps on the ice against the Leafs looking for revenge and looking to make up for the six goals he allowed in last year's loss.

The Leafs, on the other hand, are just as hungry for the win. Even though they won the now infamous game, they ended up missing the playoffs anyway. On top of that, they opened the season this week with two back-to-back loses to the Senators, so there will be a lot of pressure on Saturday night on the Toronto squad to pull off the victory.

Which team will be able to pull off the victory? Will the Habs avenge last April's devastating loss? Will the Leafs finally get their first win of the season? Whatever happens, it doesn't get much better than this, Hockey Night in Canada baby!

It's good to be Canadian!
Prediction: 5-4 Canadiens (F/SO), Hat Trick from Ryder, Komisarek knocks Darcy Tucker all over the arena.


Around the Rinks:

New Jersey Devils vs. Florida Panthers
TRAAAAAAPP (Will this be my comment for every Devils game? Maybe...)
Prediction: 2-1 Devils (I'm going to keep predicting this until it happens).

Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Islanders
The back-end of a so-far high scoring home-and-home. If both teams keep up what they've been doing so far we're in for another great rivalry this season and beyond.
Prediction: 7-4 Sabres get revenge

New York Rangers vs. Ottawa Senators
A meeting between arguably the two most powerful and stacked teams in the league, and it should be a good one. Possibly the two biggest top lines in the league right here. Will the Rangers be able to continue to mesh the way they did in their opener, or will Heatfredspezza strike again?
Prediction: 3-1 Rangers (Gerber's bound for a meltdown sooner or later, and Jagr's squad sounds liek the right team to have a meltdown against).

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals
The 'Canes visit the Caps in Washington after romping Sidney Crosby and his squad at home last night. Will they be able to put down the other boy-wonder of the NHL or will Washington's youth and speed catch up to their high-energy short bench game?
Prediction: 4-3 Capitals

Anaheim Ducks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Two ways to look at this game: The battle of a potential stanley cup final match come next spring OR the battle of two teams that really need a victory after getting stomped on last night. The Ducks REALLY need a convincing victory here but I'm not sure they're going to get it. Game after game it seems more and more like they're missing Neidermayer and Selanne.
Prediction: 5-2 Pittsburgh, Crosby gets 1100 points.

Atlanta Thrashers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
The first of many battle between these two Southeast teams. It's looking like the Southeast is becoming more and more competitive as the years go by, and both teams will be contending for the top spot in their division. Which of these teams will get the upper hand as the first week of the season starts to wind down?
Prediction: 4-2 Lightning

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Edmonton Oilers
I refuse to predict a victory for the Flyers yet, and I still think Briere's overrated. There I said it.
Prediction: 4-3 Oilers (I don't care what Briere does!!)

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Minnesota Wild
The Blue Jackets visit the Wild tomorrow night after romping the Stanley Cup champions last night. But the wild aren't a team to mess will, they haven't allowed a goal yet. Granted the season's 1 game old... Either way this game will be better than it looks on paper.
Prediction: 2-1 (F/OT)

Dallas Stars vs. Nashville Predators
Two teams that still have a lot to prove battle it out here. Both the Preds and Stars might have to struggle to do anything this year after disappointing offseasons for their fans. This game is a matter of momentum for both teams.
Prediction: 2-0 Preds


Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Hawks fans better hope Havlat's latest injury isn't serious, because if it is, it's going to be another looooong season in the Windy city. Either way they aren't winning this game, the Red Wings are too strong and too hot going into this one.
Prediction: 4-1 Red Wings


Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames
If there wasn't so much emotion in the Battle of Eastern Canada, this would be a GOTN candidate. Always good to see an all Canadian Battle in Western Canada.
Prediction: 4-3 Flames (F/SO) (Calgary goes down 2 goals early and comes back to win it in a shootout)


Boston Bruins vs. Phoenix Coyotes
The Bruins continue their Southwestern road trip, and just when Bruins fans thought they had it easy after facing a tough Dallas squad the night before, the Coyotes have looked fairly strong so far this season.
Prediction: 3-2 Boston (F/OT)


St. Louis Blues vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Kings have their first game at home (although technically they've already had a home game) six days after dropping a game to the champs in London. Will the 6 day hibernation prove to be the demise of the LA squad or will they be fresh and ready to go vs. the Blues?
Prediction: Kings 3-1

Game of the Night 10/05/2007

Professor Prax's Win Prediction record: 7-5 (I had a bad night last night, sorry guys)


Three nights into the schedule and we still have a few good ones to pick from. But there's one match-up that stands out in the crowd:

New York Islanders vs. Buffalo Sabres
Another rematch from last years playoffs, and both teams look very different. No more Drury and Briere in Buffalo. Can they dominate like they did last year without them? They still their top goalscorer in Thomas Vanek, and a healthy Tim Connoly will do a ton of damage. The Islanders are without their gamebreaker from last year (Ryan Smyth), and even though he didn't contribute much in the end, for the price Garth Snow paid for him, it's a big hole in any line-up. Will newcomers Fedotenko, Comrie, and Bill Guerin be able to plug the hole? Whatever happens, this match is deserving of GOTM honours, keep an eye out for this one on your TV sets.
Prediction: 3-2 Sabres, GWG is controversial.


Around the League:

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Sidney Crosby and his troups make their regular season debut as the 'Canes try to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Montreal on Wednesday night.
Prediction: 6-1 Pittsburgh, Crosby contributes on most of the goals.

Anaheim Ducks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Anaheim gets a night off after a tough road trip in London England vs. the Kings and then at Jos Louis vs. another top team in the west. What? Oh they're playing tonight? Does Columbus even count?
Prediction: 3-0 Anaheim, Bertuzzi has another big night.

Washington Capitals vs. Atlanta Thrashers
Here's a case of a team that did a lot to change vs. a team that didn't do much in the off-season. The Thrashers made the playoffs last year, but with teams improving around them left and right, are they good enough this year? The Capitals are much improved this year and, in my opinion, WILL pose a threat to teams like the Thrashers, and it starts tonight.
Prediction: 5-3 Washington, Backstrom scores in his first game in the NHL (with a little help from his budyd AO).

Boston Bruins vs. Dallas Stars
Here's a team that faced disappointment after disappointment last year vs. a team that could be this year's Bruins. The Stars have a lot to worry about, as do the Bruins, and even though this is an interconference game, it's an important one for both of them, as the Bruins need to start a season on a positive note and the Stars need to keep themselves out of a rut, already 0-1 this season.
Prediction: 2-1 Bruins (F/SO)

San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Playing a game the night after a disappointing loss in Canada is never an easy thing to do, but the Sharks try to do it tonight. The Canucks open the season tonight, and no one's really sure what to expect. Luongo is still one of the best goalies in the league, but other than that, what has Vancouver done to prove they can win games? Do they even need to do anything else? Facing a tired Sharks team is probably a good way to start the season though.
Prediction: 2-1 Canucks.

NHL Round-Up 10/04/07

Already night 2 of the NHL, here's a quick recap of last night's matches. Let's see if the professor got anything else right!

Rangers 5 - Panthers 2
I predicted 5-3, close enough. The Rangers got goals from all over the place and pretty much picked up where they left off last season. Does this mean the Rangers will be as powerful as people say? Only time will tell as their opponents get better.
Gold Stars: Marek Malik (3 Assists), Chris Drury (1 G - 2A), Jaromir Jagr (2 Assists).

Senators 3 - Leafs 2
Well it isn't a blowout, but it'll have to do. The Senators were outplayed last night though, and maybe got a little lucky. The Leafs are hungry and won't keep up their losing ways for long.
Gold Stars: Martin Gerber (41 saves, second game in as many nights), Heatfredspezza (combined for 3 goals -3 assists and 13 shots).

Tampa Bay 3 - New Jersey 1
Maybe my trap comment got to the Devils and they lost their concentration. Either Way, Vincent Lecavalier showed us why he's a top player in the league, chipping in two goals to start his 2007-08 campaign and to give his team the win.
Gold Stars: Vinnie Lecavalier (2 Goals), Martin St. Louis (3 Assists)

Predators 4 - Avalanche 0
A complete rout here, as it seems the Avs line-up wasn't ready for 2 games in 2 nights yet. Peter Budaj certainly wasn't. Has Ryan Smyth done anything yet?
Gold Stars: Jason Arnott (2G - 1A, 7 shots), Chris Mason (35 saves, shutout).

Wild 1 - Chicago 0
Martin Havlat proved why it was a good move for me not to pick him up in a fantasy league yet again. First game and he's already injured, it's unbelievable.
Gold Stars: Niklas Backstrom (27 saves, shutout), P-M Bouchard (Game winning goal)

Oilers 3 - Sharks 2 (F/SO)
The rookies proved their worth to Edmonton last night, more so than all the big name players Kevin Lowe acquired, contributing both goals for the Oil. And get this... Joe Thornton actually scored :O
Gold Stars: Joe Thornton (1G - 1A, Game tying goal, 5 shots), Dwayne Roloson (28 Saves), all the Edmonton rookies (for showing up the veterans).

Flyers 3 - Flames 2
so Briere scored... plan the parade. Going down 2 goals early, it doesn't seem to me like the Flames were ready for this one. The scary thing is, though, that the game they played reeked of the possible game they could end up playing all season. The Flames need to be awake when the puck drops in order to win games, and despite coming back from an 0-2 deficit, sleeping through the first half of the first did them in last night.
Gold Stars: Daniel Briere (2 Goals, 6 shots), Mike Knuble (1G - 1A), Simon Gagne (2 assists), Daymond Langkow (2 Goals).

Coyotes 3 - Blues 2
Can I be mean and call this the battle for the Western Conference Basement yet? No... ok sorry.
Gold Stars: I got nothin for ya... maybe Legace? (31 saves).


Gold Stars of the night:
1. Chris Drury
2. Daniel Briere
3. Martin Gerber

Gamenight Preview 04/10/07

Second night of the season and we're in for another good one! Here are some quick predictions for tonight.

Professor Prax's Win Prediction record: 4-0 (that's right)
Professor prax's Score Prediction record: 0-4 (Although I was close on a few)

Florida Panthers vs New York Rangers
Two teams that look completely different from the teams that ended the season last year open their campaigns tonight in New York. The Rangers go into this game with almost-Vezina-quality goaltending and a much improved offensive squad (not that it was that bad last season), but iffy and unproven goaltending. Florida, on the other hand, goes into this game with a goaltender with something to prove, an solid defensive squad but a fairly weak offensive unit.
Prediction: 5-3 Rangers, Goals from Drury (2), Jagr (3).

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators
Still waiting for that blowout rout...
Prediction: 7-2 Ottawa (Go Heatfredsspezza... that's right I just made that up)

New Jersey Devils vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
TRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP.
Prediction: 2-1 Devils (Do I really need to predict goalscorers? We all know that all that matters is Brodeur).

Colorado Avalance vs. Nashville Predators
Colorado's coming of a big win last night. But they're going to be tired, and they're going to Have to play Theodore. Nashville, on the other hand, is a much weaker team than last year and might have other things (sale of the team) on their minds. I predict a high scoring game.
Prediction: 6-5 Nashville, Goals from everyone. Can Stastny follow up on last night's performance?

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Minnesota Wild
A fresh young Blackhawks squad looks to start of the season with a bang, while Minnesota looks to prove their a playoff team in the Northwest. Should be an exciting contest.
Prediction: 3-2 Blackhawks, goals from Kane, Havlat (2), Sergei Samsonov DOESN'T score (bold prediction, I know :O).

San Jose Sharks vs. Edmonton Oilers
The Ball is Evgeny Nabokov's court now for the Sharks. They have a solid offensive unit but they'll be missing Scott Hannan's consistency on the blueline. And Nabokov doesn't have it easy in his first game tonight, as he faces Sheldon Souray's rocket. Edmonton has a lot to prove this season, will they be able to start off on a positive note?
Prediction: 4-1 Sharks, goals from Joe Thorton (rare one, don't expect me to predict this again), Cheechoo, Pavelski (2), someone's head gets knocked off by a Souray shot.

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Calgary Flames
An interesting season opener for both teams. Will Briere live up to his 10 million dollar hype? Will this new and improved Flyers squad survive the great crowd in the Saddledome? And where have the Flames been since April anyway?
Prediction: 6-4 Flames, goals from mostly Langkow and Gagne.

St. Louis Blues vs. Phoenix Coyotes
I'm going to come out and say this right off the bat, I'm a believer in the Blues this season, I think they'll make the playoffs. As for the Yotes... they still suck.
Prediction: 3-0 Blues, goals from... well is anyone really going to watch this game anyway?


Enjoy the games tonight folks, keep an eye out on the Battle of Ontario in Ottawa as well of the Flyers/Flames. Two potential Games of the night right there,.

Opening Night Recap 10/3/07

The NHL might not be the most popular sport on paper, but one thing's for sure, when they put on a show, they do it right. And Opening night of the 2007-2008 campaign in no exception. Two games went to overtime, one to a shootout, and the last was a one goal game. If that's not exciting hockey for you then I might as well give up my non-existing teaching license right now!

Here's a quick recap of last night's affairs, including a new feature from yours truly, "Professor Prax's Gold Stars of the game"... you get the idea (and I am taking suggestions for the name, I realize it's a little lame :P).

Red Wings 3 - Ducks 2 (F/SO)
First game of the season in the league and we get a shootout, who would've thunk it! Great way to start the 90th season of the NHL with this 2007 Western Final rematch. And to top it off, Prax is 1-0 with his predictions and, hey! He even got one of the goalscorers right! Todd Bertuzzi gets a big game, bouncing back from his non-season last year, chipping in a goal and an assist, as does Henrik Zetterberg for his team. Hudler gets the shootout winner but the real story here is the shot differential. Detroit dominated Anaheim 42-15, and dispite a lackluster .867 percentage, the Dominator looked like a Russian gymnast on some of the saves he made.
Gold Stars: Todd Bertuzzi (1 G - 1A), Henrik Zetterberg (1G - 1A), Ilya Bryzgalov (40 saves).

Canadiens 3 - Hurricanes 2 (F/OT)
Another renewed playoff rivalry here, but this time the Habs were the victors, pulling out a win in overtime. Saku Koivu picked up right where he left off last season, contributing 2 goals. Mark Streit looked like Sheldon Souray on the powerplay, and both Andrei Markov and Roman Hamrlik has quiet but solid nights anchoring the team at the blueline, as did Patrice Brisebois, surprisingly, minus a couple defensive hickups. Cristobal Huet was solid less a weak goal from Bret Hedican (hey we're all allowed a few), as was Cam Ward. This game was as close as they get, but the better team came out with the victory.
Gold Stars: Saku Koivu (2 goals, best player on the ice), Cristobal Huet (29 saves, stood on his head), Cam Ward (37 saves), Mark Streit (1 goal, played like a Swiss Army Knife).

Senators 4 - Leafs 3 (F/OT)
Leafs suck. Sorry, Had to say that, sorry. Although they played a tight game tonight, the 7.5 million dollar man and his crew were too much to handle. Arguably the game of the night, and hey, the good guys won!
Gold Stars: Dany Heatley (2G - 1A, continues to be a Leaf Killer), Nik Antropov (2G), Jason Blake (1 assist, 7 shots, +2)

Stars 3 - Avalanche 4
Everyone was wondering whether the changes the Avalanche made last season would pay dividends, but it's a sophomore with the team that's the story of the game, with Paul Stastny getting 3 goals and playing a big part of his team's win. Scott Hannan had a quietly solid night as usual. The Dallas Stars did everything they could to squeak out a win, but their lack of quality goalscorers inevitably caught up with them.
Prediction: Paul Stastny (3 Goals... nuff said).


Gold Stars of the night:
1. Paul Stastny
2. Saku Koivu
3. Dany Heatley