Happy Birthday Ryan Kesler!

Todd Bertuzzi

Todd Bertuzzi . . . just the name alone brings a whole lot of emotions to the surface for a whole lot of people.

Everyone knows about the horrifying incident with Steve Moore, I'm sure. I'm not going to justify the man's actions, but I will say there was a few things that led up to that confrontation. The Code is a very important part of hockey, and people disagree all the time on whether this was just another example of The Code in effect. Do I think it was only Bertuzzi's idea to go after Moore? No. Do I think it was his intention to injure the man so badly that it ended Moore's career? No. Do I think Bertuzzi was just a victim of the circumstances? Partially.

We can all go back and say what if - what if Moore had turned to face him front on? It wasn't as if he didn't know the Canucks had sworn revenge on him. What if the momentum of Bertuzzi's punch hadn't had him falling on the guy and driving his head in to the ice? What if Moore had gotten up and walked away from it all? All that said, none of those 'what if's' are what actually happened.

What really happened is that a rising star had his career prematurely ended. Moore has been able to resume skating, but he still suffers from concussion-like symptoms.

Todd Bertuzzi did not get off easy after this incident. Not only was Bertuzzi suspended, he was charged in a court of law with assault causing bodily harm, he forfeited some of his salary, lost endorsements, and is being sued by Moore and Moore's parents in a civil suit.

Bertuzzi has to live with knowing what he did (intentional or not) every day of his life. I'm certain he hasn't forgotten what has happened, nor have the fans.

Do I think Bertuzzi should never be allowed to play another game in the NHL? No - what happened was unfortunate, but I'm 100% certain what happened wasn't intentional. He didn't go out there with the mindset of hurting Moore so much that he would be forced to retire from the sport. And when someone plays a professional sport, they know there is a risk of injury--serious or not--and they assume the risk.

This might make me sound like a cold-hearted bitch, but I'm not really. I feel horrible for Steve Moore, but I also feel horrible for what Bertuzzi has had to endure as well because of an unintentional result of a fight, something that happens all the time in the NHL.

I, for one, will welcome him to the Red Wings. If his experience can help the Red Wings win, who am I to challenge that?

Let's Be Clear

Let's be clear, shall we? My top 5 hockey players in order:

Niklas Kronwall - Nothing is better than watching him find those little moments to knock someone in to next week on the open ice.

Jonathan Ericsson - Definitely one to watch, as proven by his play during the Playoffs. Not only is the guy a great defensive player, he's got a killer shot, and isn't afraid to get back in to a game only a few days after having an appendectomy.

Ryan Kesler - One of the best two-way players in the NHL, as proven by his Selke nomination. The Canucks need to keep him and start building a team around him. He's a future captain, for sure.

Patrick Sharp - Once I forgave him for spearing Super Swede in the testicles, I came to value how great of a player this guy is. I think he's underrated, and for that, I'm in his corner.

Adam Burish - Not only is he a decent player, but he's not afraid to throw down the gloves, whenever, wherever, and against whomever. This guy has stones the size of grapefruits.

Let's Get To It, Shall We?

I guess this is turning in to a weekly thing. I found myself actually keeping a list of topics this week. I'm sure I'll make an entirely superficial hot guys post later this weekend, but for now, it's all business.


1 - Henrik Lundqvist is a hottie, whether he's on or off the ice. My friends over at MSG.com have a great gallery of King Henrik that you may want to check out. There are some great pictures there, and they are all so good, I can't decide which is my favorite.

2 - Everyone (including me) has made their cracks about Chris Chelios being ancient, but that doesn't mean I don't like the guy or want him to succeed. If he wants to play, I say let the guy play. I want him to stay somewhere in the US, and not go to the KHL, and it looks like I may get my wish. Sounds like the Nashville Predators might be interested in Cheli.

3 - As much as I don't want Darren McCarty to disappear to the KHL either, if he needs the money and he's willing to go, I say go for it!

4 - Speaking of the KHL, it sounds like Huds is having some problems in getting approval from the IIHF to play in Russia. I don't know why they won't just let him alone. The NHL and the Red Wings aren't fighting it, so just let the guy play.

5 - Sounds like Lilja is starting to feel better too. Good for him. I don't want to see him forced into a medical retirement. Say what you want about the guy and his interesting adventures from a few years ago, but you never want to see a guy lose his career because of a fight.

6 - We're nearly two months removed from the Red Wings loss of Hossa and Kopecky to the Blackhawks. I was angry and upset in the beginning, but I've really come to respect those two now, especially Kopecky. I was watching their 'Meet the Blackhawks' press conference from the Blackhawks convention and I was impressed by their refusal to lead the fans in a 'Detroit Sucks' chant at the end of the hour. Kopecky was very respectful in his answer, and it restored my faith in them. I still luv ya, guys.

7 - I was going to talk about Todd Bertuzzi and how I feel about his signing with the Red Wings, but I think I'll make a separate post about that later this weekend.

8 - As most of you know, I know a bit of Swedish (not enough to hold an actual conversation where I make sense), but I was pleased to discover a hockey blog a few months back written by Marie Hallman, that deals with all things going on in the hockey world in Sweden. I use Google to translate it for me, and end up learning more about the Swedish players that we've come to love, and those that we've yet to meet here in the US. I really recommend checking it out.

9 - Just so everyone is clear, I'm proud of the USA and all the great players (Kelser, Rafi) we have, but in my heart when it comes to the Olympics, I'm Team Sweden all the way. I even own a Tre Kronors hoodie that I got from eBay.

10 - I don't know what's in the water lately here in Toledo, but Ovie is really growing on me. Someone help me, quick! I may end up going to therapy over this. Just to be clear, I mean as a hockey player, not a hockey hottie. That will NEVER happen.

Wowza

I wasn't planning on doing a post until later this week since I still have things to get together for it, but I couldn't not post this right now.

Are there two hotter brothers in the NHL right now? (Don't even mention the Staals' and Henrik and Joel don't count since Joel is now playing for Frölunda.)

And this is the best pic I've seen of Nik in his glasses so far.

Both of these pictures come from Marie Hallman's blog.

Taylor Swift and the NHL

Yeah - two things I would never imagine together, but I've been proven wrong, courtesy of YouTube:

Taylor's Nashville Predators commercial

Forever & Always split screen with Penguins/Red Wings game

Our Song with the Penguins and Flyers

Change featuring the Penguins winning the Cup

And as a bonus:

Def Leppard intercut with The Winter Classic games - a MUST-SEE

Hockey Hotties Post #2

I think it's time for a new Hockey Hotties post. And this one doesn't have ANY Red Wings on it. Shocking, eh?

Patrick Sharp #1
Patrick Sharp #2
Patrick Sharp #3
Patrick Sharp #4

Adam Burish #1
Adam Burish #2

Sheldon Souray #1
Sheldon Souray #2

Henrik Lundqvist

Mike Modano

Nikolai Zherdev (on the right)

Staffan Kronwall

Oops

I just realized I forgot the Phoenix Coyotes in my previous post. No matter, there's no one there I like anyway, although I do feel bad for the entire team having to put up with the drama they've had so far this summer.

There's One on Every Team

I can typically find one person to like on every NHL team. Sometimes because they are hot (yes, I'm shallow like that), and sometimes because of how good they play. Then there are those few that make the list for both reasons. Shall we get started?

Anaheim Ducks
Teemu Selanne - Firstly, who doesn't love saying that name? Secondly and more importantly, the guy is a hell of a player. He's retiring after this year, and the NHL will miss him.
Runner Up: Scott Niedermayer

Atlanta Thrashers
Ilya Kovalchuk - A great player with a crappy team.

Boston Bruins
Marc Savard - I'll be the first to admit I don't know much about the team, so here's one of the ones that is only determined by hotness.

Buffalo Sabres
Ryan Miller - He was born in Michigan and likes dogs. 'Nuff said.

Calgary Flames
Staffan Kronwall - A Calder Cup winner, he should definitely earn his spot with the team this year. Besides, he's a Kronwall.
Runner Up: Dion Phaneuf

Carolina Hurricanes
Rod Brind'Amour - I remember back in the day when he played for the Flyers. I noticed him then.

Chicago Blackhawks
Patrick Sharp - Who doesn't like a 'Sharp' dressed man who likes to eat?
Runner Up: Adam Burish

Colorado Avalanche
Matt Duchene - Only since Joe Sakic retired.

Columbus Blue Jackets
Rick Nash - He's the only one I know.

Dallas Stars
Mike Modano - A classy guy.

Detroit Red Wings
Niklas Kronwall - Not only hotter than hell, but a great hitter. Opponents, keep your head up. You don't want to be Kronwalled.
Runner Up: Jonathan Ericsson & Johan Franzen

Edmonton Oilers
Sheldon Souray - I believe this may be the hottest man in all of the NHL.

Florida Panthers
As hard as I tried, I just couldn't find anyone to like.

Los Angeles Kings
Rob Scuderi - Yes, I picked a former Penguin. I would have picked Jarret Stoll, but he lost all my respect when he ditched his fiancee via email.

Minnesota Wild
Martin Havlat - Great player with a great attitude.
Runner Up: Niklas Backstrom

Montreal Canadiens
Kyle Chipchura - I just love his last name.

Nashville Predators
Shea Weber - I hear he's a pretty good player.

New Jersey Devils
Zach Parise - Who doesn't love Zach?
Runner Up: Martin Brodeur

New York Islanders
John Tavares - Can't go wrong with a #1 draft pick - usually.

New York Rangers
Henrik Lundqvist - He's the king.
Runner Up: Marian Gaborik

Ottawa Senators
Alex Kovalev - You have to respect everything this guy has done.
Runner Up: Jason Spezza

Philadelphia Flyers
As shocking as this may be, I couldn't find anyone here to like either. Plenty to hate though.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Kris Letang - Decent player, not bad to look at, and his love for Luc.

San Jose Sharks
Jonathan Cheechoo - I would have picked Jeremy Roenick, but yeah, you know. I love this last name though. I want to say 'God bless you' to him.

St. Louis Blues
Ty Conklin - I miss my Conks.

Tampa Bay Lightning
Victor Hedman - How Swede he is.
Runner Up: Vincent Lecavalier

Toronto Maple Leafs
Francois Beauchemin - I love saying his name. That is all.

Vancouver Canucks
Ryan Kesler - Great player, great guy, great father.
Runner Up: Kevin Bieksa & Mikael Samuelsson

Washington Capitals
Mike Green - He's hot. Yes, another one of those.

Lots of Interesting Things Today

1 - Let's start with the whole Patrick Kane thing. No, I do not think he's guilty of the assault of the cab driver, but I do find the situation comical. And then I saw his mug shot. How can he look so cuddly cute and defiant all at the same time?

2 - The Kronwall brothers: Staffan on the left, Nik on the right.

3 - Random Trivia of the Day: Did you know that up until the 1960's, when two men were sent to the penalty box for fighting, they were placed in the same penalty box? The only other person in the box with them was a referee that had to sit in between the two men. Can you imagine that poor referee sitting in between people who had just been beating the crap out of each other? Funnily enough, the league finally decided that there needed to be two penalty boxes after too many fights were continuing in the shared box. WELL, DUH!

4 - Funny Video: The Zamboni Accident from the Red Wings/Chicago Winter Classic

5 - Funny Video: Dion Phaneuf wants to fight, but takes a fall instead.

6 - Funny Video: Jeremy Roenick and Patrick Roy's war of words. Roy wins.

7 - Hockey & Hollywood Collide: Kellie Pickler once dated that annoying little Nashville Predators punk, Jordin Tootoo. She can do so much better, no?

8 - Hockey & Hollywood Collide: Carrie Underwood is currently dating Ottawa Senator, Mike Fisher. Now they make a good couple.

9 - Then there's Sean Avery. Possibly the most hated man in the NHL. He even had a rule created because of his play: It's affectionately known as the Sean Avery rule. Now somehow, despite the confession that he played with dolls as a child, stealing them from his babysitter, as well as liking fashion a little too much, the man still gets some of the hottest women in Hollywood.

(a) First there was Sean and Rachel Hunter. When they broke up, Rachel moved on to LA Kings center, Jarret Stoll. They were together four years, even getting engaged and living together. Then in June, he broke the engagement and dumped her via email. They would have made beautiful babies.

(b) Then Sean moved on to Elisha Cuthbert, and here's where it really got interesting. Sean and Elisha were together for awhile before breaking up. Elisha then started dating Calgary Flames defenseman, Dion Phaneuf, a huge improvement over Sean.

(c) In December of 2008, then-Dallas Star Sean Avery arrived in Calgary to play the Flames and Phaneuf. Sean showed his class by calling the reporters together and making sure the cameras were recording before making his now-famous sloppy seconds comment. The NHL responded by suspending him for 6 games and ordering him to undergo anger management. After Sean's suspension ended, the Dallas Stars organization decided he would not be playing for their team anymore, telling him he needed to get help. As soon as his treatment was complete, the Stars placed Avery on waivers and he was claimed by his former team, the New York Rangers. Being a NY team, maybe they can handle his attitude. He's still the most hated man in the NHL.

Sunday Seven

1 - Ryan Kesler gave quite the interesting interview to Yahoo Sports' Puck Daddy. One of the things he mentioned? Guaranteeing a victory for the US hockey team in the Olympics. He had to be kidding, right?

2 - Patrick Kane, formerly famous due to Johan Franzen taking his mouthguard and throwing it down to the ice, has something else to be famous for now - assaulting and robbing a cab driver!

3 - Oh, Sidney Crosby. I never thought you could look any more idiotic, but I was wrong.

4 - Russian players aren't all they are cracked up to be. Case in point: Simeon/Semyon Varlamov. First he changes the spelling of his first name, then he insults American girls.

5 - While we're on the subject of Russians, let's talk about Ovie. You know who I mean, don't pretend you don't. That hot sexy babe, Alexander Ovechkin. Well, not only does Ovie believe that sex before AND after the game is a good thing, he also has a pair of lucky scissors that no one else is allowed to use.

6 - Someone forgot to tell Alex Burrows that the playoffs are over and the Canucks were eliminated in the second round.

7 - For a bit of light reading (channeling Hermione Granger) I downloaded the entire 475-page NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement from 2005, the year of the lockout. I converted it to a Kindle file, so when I get bored, I think I'll check it out.

Hello New Follower

Since I have a new follower, I figured it was the perfect time to make another hockey post, something he probably doesn't care about anyway. ;-)

1 - Jeremy Roenick retires . . . and I bawl like a baby. Especially when Cheli called in.

2 - Now that JR is gone, will Cheli retire? He still hasn't been signed to a contract for next season, and even made the joke today that he may be retired already and not know about it.

3 - If the Sharks actually bring Dany Heatley to their team, I will lose all respect for the team that let JR go out in 'Styles.'

4 - Boy the NHL really has a hard on for the Olympics don't they? Not only will 2010 be the last time in the foreseeable future that NHL players will play in the Winter Olympics, but now if a player gets injured in the Olympic camp, the NHL doesn't have to honor their contract? I call foul.

Sweden's Olympic Training Camp Pictures

Niklas Kronwall is so adorable in glasses

Those sexy Swedes