Saturday, May 31, 2008

Game 4 Prediction


The Wings WILL NOT lose twice in a row. There is no way that Nik Lidstrom will let such a thing happen. The Wings will beat the Tuxedos tonight 4-1.

Remember, I am terrible at making bets. So, you all know what to do by going against me. Enjoy this picture of one of the coolest, yet dorkiest, uncles in sitcom history.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Off Topic


Alright, here's the deal. Since it is at the end of the hockey season and summer is just around the corner, we all need something to keep ourselves going through the heat and humidity. Well, here it is...Off Topic. Something completely off topic and something that may not necessarily contain anything pertaining to an ice rink of any kind. So, without further adieu, I give you the first Off Topic...topic.

Ok, I may gauge my eyes and make rice pudding with them (I'll memorize the directions before I take away my vision, don't worry I've thought this through) if I see one more commercial for the Sex and the City movie. Wait, is it Sex in the City? Or Sex AND the city? Oh, who the hell cares? The show sucks, the movie will suck more, and know one cares about 4 old chicks who want dudes my age, fresh out of college. It's unrealistic and no self-respecting male my age would sleep with any of those AARP card holders ever....except maybe the brunette chick but, that is neither here nor there. This is not a MILF situation, at least I don't think it is, because I don't think any of them have kids. Besides, most MILFs are chicks who had babies around 18 years old. This is like Desperate Housewives, and that show sucks too.

By the way, Family Guy got it right when they said Sarah Jessica Parker looks like a foot. I mean, look at that picture. This movie is going to suck harder than the show sucked. Don't waste your money, don't let your girlfriend drag you there, and DO NOT try to impress any girl on a first date by taking her to this slop.

You've been warned. 10 on the Suck-O-Meter.

Canucks Prospect Killed In Motorcycle Accident

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Luc Bourdon died in a car accident on Thursday when his motorcycle struck a tractor trailer truck. He was 21. Send your best to his friends and family...this just shouldn't be...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Minor Trade

The Boston Bruins cut a deal with the Colombus Blue Jackets today receiving Rick Nash and sending defenseman Jonathan Sigalet to Ohio. Ok, I'm kidding about Nash but, a guy can dream can't he? The Bruins have acquired forward Matt Marquardt. I know absolutely nothing about the kid besides him being 6'2", 220 lbs and that he plays in the Q.

Monday, May 26, 2008

If You Like Money


Take the Wings and the over (5.5). It's a sure thing.


I collect 15 percent of your winnings so be honest about your gambling victory (not that I am condoning that sort of thing) or I will send Walter Sobchak after you.


For you Celtics fans, take the Celtics (+6.5) and the under (176).


DO NOT GAMBLE YOUR RENT AWAY! But, if you listen to me, you will gain a year's rent...

Remember, I don't condone this sort of activity...

Enjoy the games!

Saturday, May 24, 2008

McKeon's Stanley Cup Pick


Tonight is the beginning of what should be a very solid match-up in the Stanley Cup finals between the Detroit Red Wings and the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the west corner, weighing in at 212 pounds, wearing the red trunks, they are the definition of veteran domination, the now reigning western conference champions, the Deeeeetroitttttttt Red Wingggggsssss. In the east corner, weighing in at 205 pounds, sporting the black trunks, they are the youth movement juggernaut, the now reigning eastern conference champions, the Pittsburrrrggggghhhh Penguinnnnnssssss. Sorry, I was in a Michael Buffer mood. Anyhow, it is difficult to pick against the talent and veteran presence of the Wings. I also find it very difficult to pick a team with Hal Gill as a one of the top four defensemen. I'm sure he is a nice guy but, he is still the worst defensemen in the NHL. To his credit, he has looked pretty decent after being traded to Pittsburgh (for sucking in Toronto!) but, the Wings will abuse him, the rest of his defending corps, and Marc-Andre Fleury like they did with Turco and the defensive-minded Dallas Stars.

Wings in 6


**Picture courtesy of NHL.com

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Gaborik Rumor

Before I begin the girth of this post I want to explain something before some jump out of their seat. When I go to view Hockeybuzz with Eklund and his other cronies I go there for entertainment purposes as well as informative reasons with a ratio of 60/40% respectively. A rumor is just that, a rumor. I don't view any of these as full truth nor do I see any of these as falicies. I am a believer that Eklund doesn't just make this stuff up. However, I do believe that he takes information and runs with it on what he does see could work. He is usually wrong but, we all would be as well. If he hears that the Kings, Oilers, and Rangers are in talk with say, Wayne Gretzky (for example) and Eklund reports this. Say at the 11th hour, the Panthers sweep in and sign the Great One for more years and more money. Most would jump out and criticize Eklund and his "e" system even though none of it was his fault. I feel like this happens often. Either some crazy happens last minute, his sources are just trying to make a name for themselves, or teams and their employees are sworn to secrecy on trade/free agent talks.

That being said. Today, Eklund has a rumor that intrigued me in a way that made me think that this team could upgrade significantly if it just so happened to go through. The wording was...
Although some sources are saying pretty much the same thing regarding Gaborik's desire to remain a "Wild" (?) reports are that some very serious trade offers may make things complicated including a mega offer from a "team in the Northeast" that I believe to be either Buffalo or Boston. There is one scenario where Boston would attempt to unite Hossa and Gaborik in Boston.
Now, I think a trade would have to include Phil Kessel whom I would be torn on parting with. However, could this be a Celtics situation from last season while ironically talking with Minnesota? KG said no thanks to a trade to Boston (granted he had say in where he went so it is similar to free agency...ie Hossa). Ray Allen comes into the picture and KG suddenly thinks he can win here with himself, Ray Ray, and The Truth. Despite this intriguing picture, many of Celtic diehards did not want to part with budding star, Al Jefferson. Taking nothing away from Big Al's talents I need to ask, who misses him now? No one. In fact, he was missed so little, there was barely any talk about him from callers on WEEI despite his outstanding numbers.

So, this would be a similar scenario. The Bruins world is in love with the talent and the potential of Phil Kessel, including myself. With Gaborik in town after a trade with Kessel (among others) this could make Hossa turn his head a bit and think about the possibilities in a market like this. Can you imagine a top line of Sturm-Savard-Hossa and a second line of Kobasew-Bergeron-Gaborik (i know, thats two RWs). That is a pair of pontent lines. Then you add on some of the kids on the 3rd and 4th lines to continue to learn and can still offer a scoring threat taking more pressure off of the youngsters and the top dogs. I know it is not likely but, it certainly is a minute possibility.

Intriguing indeed...

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Ward Re-signs


Aaron Ward and Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli have agreed to a multi-year deal. Ward, apparently, was seeking two years. There is no word on the monetary value of the contract.

***Update*** 8:40 pm

As I was about to get in my car for a two hour trip home I randomly went to the Bruins website and noticed it so, I figured I would get this up just to get it out there. Now, here's my take.

McKeon's Take- I really like this move by Chiarelli. I believe that Ward is one of those guys you need in the locker room, like Sean Casey in the Red Sox clubhouse. Whenever I hear an interview with Mr. Root beer (A&W, Aaron Ward, get it? Sorry about that) he seemed like a down to earth guy who understands all aspects of hockey and someone who just loves the game. The guy has balls of steel and is a total gamer. The reason he is so "injury prone" is because of the aforementioned attribute. That's Bruins hockey, balls to the wall, petal to the metal, etc. and I will take that on my team any day of the week and I think coach Julien realizes this. I am glad he will be back but, I will determine the overall success of the deal by the cap hit. I am sure it will not be much but, PC does have to make some moves to be able to bring in some fresh blood to score some goals.

***Update*** 9:59 pm

Aaron Ward was given a 2 year deal while 2.5 million will be added to the 2008-2009 cap number. After giving Ward that much money, I would expect a salary shredding move to be made by either trade or buyout...However, a Boston/Hossa relationship just slipped further out of sight...

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Off-Season Sidebar

This afternoon I updated the sidebar with a list of player salaries, RFA's/UFA's, and a list of potential signee's in Boston. If you see any mistakes, let me know.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Kobasew Re-signs In The Bean


Chuck Kobasew and the Boston Bruins have agreed on a 3 year, $7 million contract. Kobes' season ended on March 25th at the hand of a Zdeno Chara blast from the blue line. Kobasew, who turned 26 last month, was originally acquired from Calgary with Andrew Ference for Brad Stuart, Wayne Primeau, and a conditional draft pick. Kobasew and General Manager Peter Chiarelli are expected to comment on the contract tomorrow afternoon. The remaining significant RFAs include Dennis Wideman, Mark Stuart, and Petteri Nokelainen.

McKeon's Take: This is a brilliant move by Peter Chiarelli. I feel like Kobes will be better suited as a second liner and not a go to guy. If Chiarelli can bring in a top scorer then Kobes, Sturm can breathe a sigh of relief that they will be able to perform without tons of pressure as the only wings who are labeled goal-scorers. Also, the price of this contract should be noted. Chiarelli didn't over pay but he was still able to show Kobes that he holds a meaningful spot in this line-up.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Euro Goalie Scores A Goal...



From what I can deduct in this video...it looks like the white team is ahead and the dark team has pulled the goalie for an extra attacker. The dark team has a delayed penalty so instead of the goalie going to the bench he joins the play for a 2-on-1. The goal is disallowed and the dark team is awarded a penalty shot because the goalie is not allowed to cross the red line. I think that would make sense but, I don't know...

Still awesome though!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Thomas Injured...

But how bad? The severity of the supposed knee injury is yet to be confirmed by Peter Chiarelli. I'm sure more will be said from the Bruins in the next couple days. Thomas seemed to hurt his knee in a contest against Canada which the United States lost 5-4 on a last minute goal by Dany Heatley.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Stars Shine In The Fourth Overtime


Last night (Sunday), I was able to stay awake for a marvelous Stars/Sharks game. You all know by now that the Stars finished off the game at 9:03 of the 4th overtime on a retribution goal by Brendan Morrow to win 2-1. I suppose it was fate for him to score after having a goal taken back for "kicking" the puck in the net a few nights earlier. It makes you wonder what the hell goes on in Toronto when arenas call in a questionable play. Remember that game (i forget which) against the Bruins when a player on the opposition clearly made a kicking motion but, the big wigs in Toronto still called it a goal? I know I do (clearly, because I can vividly recall all the details...). Anyhow, I feel like the committee is a bunch of high class, stuck up, rich, pompous slack jobs who flip a coin whenever a "kicking motion" is being questioned. All of this is obviously done while drinking of course, probably fancy martinis or something along those line. I digress.

Either way, last night proved just how exciting hockey can be without a result of 8-7 on the scoreboard. The game was back and forth with goaltenders standing on their heads and breath-grabbing chances at each end of the ice. I was completely exhausted by the start of the game and was honestly ready to fall asleep at the first intermission. I couldn't. The game was like a ping pong match that incorporated well-rounded, intense, and passionate hockey. Both teams wanted the game desperately and it showed. The game was an all out old fashioned trench fight. This just proves that playoff hockey is better than any other sport's extra session, hands down, and no questions asked.

My boy Marty Turco lived up to his high expectations and the team I chose after the Bruins were bounced remains in tact. I have to admit, the Brad Richards pick-up by Dallas was easily the best move at the trading deadline (with Hossa a close second considering his performance on Sunday). However, Richards was absolutely flying last night. If it weren't for one of the most marvelous glove saves in the history of televised hockey by Evgeni Nabokov, Richards would have been the hero in the first overtime.

For those that missed last night's game, I feel sorry for you. It was completely worth being exhausted today. Nabokov deserves all the credit in the world as the final goal was not nearly his fault because it was on a powerplay and no one could cover Morrow in front of the net. Kudos to both teams for an outstanding performance.

I would love to see another one of these before the playoffs come to a close.

Kessel Tips His Hat To Slovenia


Phil Kessel netted a hat trick while Tim Thomas delivered another winning performance in a 5-1 victory over Slovenia at the IIHF World Championships. Kessel had three goals while Patrick Kane and David Booth provided the other two goals. Thomas collected 11 saves on 12 shots only giving up a goal to LA King Anze Kopitar. The United States and Canada face-off against each other on Tuesday night.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Thomas Earns Goose Egg In Win Over Latvia

Tim Thomas collected 24 saves for the United States in a 4-0 win over Latvia at the IIHF World Hockey Championships. Patrick Kane had a goal and two assists while Dustin Brown, Zach Parise, and Patrick O'Sullivan had the other three goals. The United States plays again Sunday night against Slovenia who lost to Canada 5-1.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Definition Of Oxymoron............

Remember Hal Gill? Yes, of course you do. Well, today, I stumbled across this little number on our favorite website, thespokedb.blogspot.com...I mean NHL.com. This has to be some kind of joke. The headline before you access the article is, Gill a GODSEND for Pens. To quote last night's excellent episode of The Office, "Did I Stutter?!" No, there was no speech impediment involved there. Shouldn't that Godsend term be reserved for Sidney Crosby or the diving/slewfooting Evgeni Malkin? I suppose the next story on NHL.com will have a headline saying, Domink Hasek Is Still Good.