Full NHL Draft Order Part 3: Rounds 5-7

Here's the Final Part of the Draft for the final 3 rounds.

5th Round

122. NY Islanders: Anton Klementyev, Yaroslaval 2 (RUS3), Togliatti RUS
123. Pittsburgh Penguins: Alex Velischek, Delbarton High NJ, Quebec City QC
124. Colorado Avalanche: Kieran Milan, Boston University (Hockey East), Edmonton AB
125. Atlanta Thrashers: Cody Sol, Saginaw Spirit (OHL), Woodstock Ont
126. Los Angeles Kings: David Kolomatis, Owen Sound Attack (OHL), Livingston N.J.
127. NY Rangers: Roman Horak, Ceske Budejovice JR. (CZE JR.), Ceske Budejovice, CZE
128. Toronto Maple Leafs: Eric Knodel, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (USMAAA), West Chester, PA
129. Dallas Stars: Tomas Vincour, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), Brno CZE
130. Ottawa Senators: Mike Hoffman, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL), Kitchener ONT
131. Carolina Huricanes: Matt Kennedy, Guelph Storm (OHL), Richmond Hill, ONT
132. Nasvhille Preadators: Gabriel Bourque, Baie Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL), Rimouski, QC
133. Edmonton Oilers: Olivier Roy, Cape Breton Screaming Eaglers (QMJHL), Amqui QC
134. Buffalo Sabres: Mark Adams, Malden Catholic HS MA, Home Town NA
135. Florida Panthers: Corban Knight, Okotoks Oliers (AJHL), Oliver, B.C.
136. Anaheim Ducks: Radoslav Illo, Tri-City Storm (USHL), Bystrica, Slovenia
137. Columbus Blue Jackets: Phillips Exeter HS NH, London, England
138. Florida Panthers: Wade Megan, South Kent School, Canton NY
139. Montreal Canadaiens: Gabriel Dumont, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL), Ville Degelis QC
140. NY Rangers: Scott Stajcer, Owen Sound Attack (OHL), Cambridge Ont
141. Calgary Flames: Spencer Bennett, Surrey Eagles (BCHL), White Rock B.C.
142. Philadelphia Flyers: Nicola Riopel, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), St-Pie de Bagot, QC
143. Vancouver Canucks: Peter Andersson, Frolunda Jr. (SWE JR.), Kvidinge SWE
144. New Jersey Devils: Derek Rodwell, Okotoks Oilers (AJHL), Taber AB
145. Washington Capitals: Brett Flemming, Mississauga St. Michales Majors (OHL), Regina SK
146. Ottawa Senators: Jeff Costello, Cedar Rapids Roughriders (USHL), Milwaukee, WI
147. San Jose Sharks: Philip Varone, London Knights (OHL), Vaughan ONT
148. Tampa Bay Lighting: Michael Zador, Oshawa Generals (OHL), Toronto ONT
149. Chicago Blackhawks: Marcus Kruer, Djurgarden Jr. (SWE JR.), Stockholm, SWE
150. Detroit Red Wings: Nick Jensen, Green Bay Gamblers (USHL), St. Paul MN
151. Pittsburgh Penguins: Andy Bathgate, Belleville Bulls (OHL), Brampton, ONT

6th Round

152. NY Islanders: Anders Lee, Edina HS MN, St. Paul Mn
153. Philadelphia Flyers: Dave Labrecque, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), Vanier, QC
154. Colorado Avalanche: Brandon Maxwell, USNTDP U18, Winter Park, FL
155. Atlanta Thrashers: Jimmy Bubnick, Kamloops Blazers (WHL), Esterhazy SK
156. Los Angeles Kings: Michael Pelech, Mississauga St. Michaels Majors (OHL), Toronto, ONT
157. Phoenix Coyotes: Evan Bloodoff, Kelowna Rockets (WHL), Nelson B.C.
158. Toronto Maple Leafs: Jerry D'Amigo, USNTDP U18, Binghamton NY
159. Dallas Stars: Curtis Mckenzie, Pentiction Vees (BCHL), Golden B.C.
160. Ottawa Senators: Corey Cowick, Ottawa 67S (OHL), Gloucester ON
161. Minnesota Wild: Darcy Kuemper, Red Deer Rebels (WHL), Saskatoon SK
162. Tampa Bay Lighting: Jaroslav Janus, Erie Otters (OHL), Presov, SVK
163. Minnesota Wild: Jere Sallinen, Espoo Blues Jr. (FIN JR.) Espoo, FIN
164. Buffalo Sabres: Connor Knapp, Miami University (CCHA), New York City, NY
165. Florida Panthers: Scott Timmins, Windsor Spitfires (OHL), Hamilton ONT
166. Anaheim Ducks: Scott Valentine, Oshawa Generals (OHL), Ottawa ONT
167. Columbus Blue Jackets: Anton Blomqvist, Malmo Jr. (SWE JR.), Malmo, SWE
168. St. Louis Blues: David Shields, Erie Otters (OHL), Buffalo NY
169. Montreal Canadaiens: Dustin Walsh, Kingston Voyageurs (OJHL), Shannoville ONT
170. NY Rangers: Daniel Maggio, Sudbury Wolves (OHL), Windsor ONT
171. Calgary Flames: Joni Ortio, TPS Turku Jr. (FIN JR.), Turku FIN
172. Philadelphia Flyers: Eric Wellwood, Windsor Spitfires (OHL), Windsor ONT
173. Vancouver Canucks: Joe Cannata, Merrimack University (Hockey East), Wakefield MA
174. New Jersey Devils: Ashton Bernard, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), Eskasoni Nova Scoatia
175. Washington Capitals: Garrett Mitchell, Regina Pats (WHL), Regina SK
176. Boston Bruins: Tyler Randell, Kitchener Rangers (OHL), Scarborough ONT
177. Chicago Blackhawks: David Pacan, Cumberland Grads (CJHL), Ottawa ONT
178. Carolina Hurricanes: Rasmus Rissanen, Kalpa JR. (FIN JR.), Kuopio FIN
179. Los Angeles Kings: Brandon Kozun, Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Los Angeles CA
180. Detroit Red Wings: Mitchell Callahan, Kelowna Rockets (WHL), Whittier CA
181. Pittsburgh Penguins: Viktor Ekbom, Oskarsham (SWE2), Falkoping SWE

7th Round

182. Minnesota Wild: Erik Haula, Shattuck St. Marys HS, Pori FIN
183. Tampa Bay Lighting: Kirill Gotoveets, Shattuck St. Mays HS, Minsk Belarus
184. Colorado Avalanche: Gus Young, Nobles HS, Dedham MA
185. Atlanta Thrashers: Levko Koper, Spokane Cheifs (WHL), Dedham, AB
186. Los Angeles Kings: Jordan Nolan, Sault St. Marie Greyhounds (OHL), Garden River ONT
187. Vancouver Canucks: Steven Anthony, St. John Seadogs (QMJHL), Halifax Nova Scoatia
188. Toronto Maple Leafs: Barron Smith, Peterborough Petes (OHL), Hinsdale, IL
189. San Jose Sharks: Marek Viedensky, Prince George Cougars (WHL), Handlova SVK
190. Ottawa Senators: Brad Peltz, Avon Old Farms HS, New York City NY
191. Ottawa Senators: Michael Sdao, Lincoln Stars (USHL), Bloomington, MN
192. Nasvhille Predators: Cameron Reid, Westside Warriors (BCHL), Delta B.C.
193. Minnesota Wild: Anthoy Hamburg, Dallas Stars AAA Midget, Houston Tx
194. Buffalo Sabres: Maxime Legault, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), Ste. Agathe QC
195. Chicago Blackhawks: Paul Phillips, Cedar Rapids Roughriders (USHL), Darien IL
196. Philadelphia Flyers: Oliver Lauridsen, St. Cloud State (WCHA), Gentofte Denmark
197. Columbus Blue Jackets: Kyle Neuber, Mississauga St. Michaels Majors (OHL), London ONT
198. Los Angeles Kings: Nic Dowd, Wenatchee Wild (NAHL), Huntsville AL
199. Montreal Canadaiens: Michael Cady, Indiana Ice (USHL), New Britian, CT
200. NY Rangers: Mihail Pashnin, Mechel (RUS2), Home Town NA
201. Calgary Flames: Gaelan Patterson, Saskatoon Blades (WHL), La Ronge SK
202. St. Louis Blues: Maxwell Teddy, Duluth East HS MN, Duluth, MN
203. Atlanta Thrashers: Jordan Samuels-Thomas, Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL), Hartford CT
204. New Jersey Devils: Curtis Gedig, Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL), Pentiction B.C.
205. Washington Capitals: Benjamin Casavant, P.E.I. Rockets (QMJHL), St. Hyacinthe, QC
206. Boston Bruins: Ben Sexton, Nepean Raiders (CJHL), Ottawa ONT
207. San Jose Sharks: Dominik Bielke, Eisbaren Berlin (GER), Berlin GER
208. Carolina Hurricanes: Tommi Kivisto, Red Deer Rebels (WHL), Vantaa FIN
209. Chicago Blackhawks: David Gilbert, Quebec City Ramparts (QMJHL), Chateauguay QC
210. Detroit Red Wings: Adam Almqvist, HV71 JR (SWE JR), Jonkoping, SWE
211. Montreal Canadaiens: Petteri Simila, Karpat Oulu Jr (FIN JR), Oulu FIN

NHL Draft Order Part 2: Rounds 3 and 4

Here's the draft order for the 3rd and 4th rounds in part 2 of the Draft Order.

3rd Round

62. NY Islanders: Anders Nilsson, Lulea Jr. (SWE Jr.), Lulea, SWE
63. Pittsburgh Penguins: Ben Hanowski, Little Falls H.S., Little Falls, MN
64. Colorado Avalanche: Tyson Barrie, Kelowna Rockets (WHL), Victoria, B.C.
65. Montreal Canadaiens: Joonas Nattinen, Espoo Blues Jr. (FIN Jr.), Jamsa, FIN
66. Buffalo Sabres: Brayden Mcnabb, Kootenay Ice (WHL), Saskatoon, SK
67. Florida Panthers: Josh Birkholz, Fargo Force (USHL), St. Louis Park, MN
68. Toronto Maple Leafs: Jamie Devane, Plymouth Whalers (OHL), Mississauga, Ont
69. Dallas Stars: Reilly Smith, St. Michaels Buzzers (OJHL), Toronto, Ont
70. Nashville Predators: Taylor Beck, Guelph Storm (OHL), St. Catharines, Ont
71. Edmonton Oilers: Troy Hesketh, Minnetonkea H.S., Minnetonka, MN
72. Nashville Predators: Michael Latta, Guelph Storm (OHL), Kitchener, Ont
73. New Jersey Devils: Alexander Urbom, Djurgarden (SWE), Stockholm, SWE
74. Calgary Flames: Ryan Howse, Chilliwack Bruins (WHL), Prince George, B.C.
75. Detroit Red Wings: Andrej Nestrasil, Victoriaville Tigers (QMJHL), Prague, CZE
76. Anaheim Ducks: Igor Bobkov, Metallurg Magnitogorsk 2 (RUS3), Surgud, RUS
77. Minnesota Wild: Matthew Hackett, Plymouth Whalers (OHL), London, Ont
78. St. Louis Blues: Sergei Andronov, Togliatti (RUS), Moscow, RUS
79. Montreal Canadaiens: Mac Bennett, Hotchkiss School, Warwick, RI
80. NY Rangers: Ryan Borque, USNTDP U18, Boxford, MA
81. Philadelphia Flyers: Adam Morrison, Saskatoon Blades (WHL), Edmonton, AB
82. Edmonton Oilers: Cameron Abney, Everett Silvertips (WHL), Aldergrove, B.C.
83. Vancouver Canucks: Kevin Connauton, Western Michigan (CCHA), Edmonton, AB
84. Los Angeles Kings: Nicolas Deslauries, Rouyn-Nornda Huskies (QMJHL), Lassal, QC
85. Washington Capitals: Cody Eakin, Swift Current Bronocos (WHL), Winnipeg, MB
86. Boston Bruins: Ryan Button, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL), Edmonton, AB
87. Philadelphia Flyers: Simon Bertilsson, Brynas (SWE), Karlskoga, SWE
88. Carolina Hurricanes: Mattias Lindstrom, Skelleftea Jr. (SWE Jr.), Lulea, SWE
89. Chicago Blackhawks: Daniel Delisle, Totino Grace School, Minneapolis, MN
90. Detroit Red Wings: Gleason Fournier, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL), Rimouski, QC
91. Phoenix Coyotes: Michael Lee, Fargo Force (USHL), Fargo, N.D.

4th Round

92. NY Islanders: Casey Cizikas, Mississauga St. Michaels Majors (OHL), Toronto, Ont
93. Tampa Bay Lighting: Alex Hutchings, Barrie Colts (OHL), Burlington, Ont
94. Columbus Blue Jackets: David Savard, Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), St. Hyacinthe, Qc
95. Los Angeles Kings: Jean-Francois, Montreal De Junior (QMJHL), Repentigay, QC
96. Los Angeles Kings: Linden Vay, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL), Wakaw, SK
97. Phoenix Coyotes: Jordan Szwarz, Saginaw Spirit (OHL), Burlington, Ont
98. Nashville Preadtors: Craig Smith, Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL), Madison, WI
99. Edmonton Oilers: Kyle Bigos, Vernon Vipers (BCHL), Upland, Ca
100. Ottawa Senators: Chris Wilderman, Miami of Ohio University (CCHA), St. Louis Mo
101. Edmonton Oilers: Toni Rajala, Ilves Jr (FIN Jr.), Parkano, FIN
102. Nashville Predators: Mattias Ekholm, Mora Jr. (SWE Jr.), Borlange, SWE
103. Minnesota Wild: Kristopher Foucault, Calgary Hitmen (WHL), Calgary, AB
104. Buffalo Sabres: Marcus Foligno, Sudbury Wolves (OHL), Buffalo, NY
105. Phoenix Coyotes: Justin Weller, Red Deer Rebels (WHL), Daysland, AB
106. Anaheim Ducks: Sami Vatanen, JYP JR. (FIN Jr.), Jyvaskyla, FIN
107. Florida Panthers: Garret Wilson, Owen Sound Attack (OHL), Barrie, Ont
108. St. Louis Blues: Tyler Shattock, Kamloops Blazers (WHL), Vernon, B.C.
109. Montreal Canadaiens: Alexander Avtsin, Dynamo Moscow 2 (RUS3), Moscow, RUS
110. Nashville Preadators: Nick Oliver, Roseau HS, Grand Forks, N.D.
111. Calgary Flames: Henrik Bjorklund, BK Farjestad (SWE), Karlstad, SWE
112. Boston Bruins: Lane Macdermid, Windsor Spitfires (OHL), Hartford, CT
113. Vancouver Canucks: Jeremy Price, Nepean Raiders (CJHL), Milton, Ont
114. New Jersey Devils: Seth Helgeson, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL), Faribault, MN.
115. Washington Capitals: Patrick Wey, Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL), Pittsburgh, PA
116. Minnesota Wild: Alexander Fallstrom, Shattuck St. Marys, Gothenburg SWE
117. Atlanta Thrashers: Edward Pasquale, Saginaw Spirit (OHL), Toronto, Ont
118. Pick Forfetied
119. Chicago Blackhawks: Byron Froese, Everett Silvertips (WHL), Winkler, MB
120. Atlanta Thrashers: Ben Chiarot, Guelph Storm (OHL), Hamilton, Ont
121. Pittsburgh Penguins: Nick Petersen, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), Wakefield, QC

Full NHL Draft Order Part 1: Rounds 1 and 2

Here's the full draft order for the 2009 NHL Draft. Congrats to all the players who were selected and good luck in their paths to making the NHL. This year's NHL Draft took place at the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec.

It will go Team and Pick, the player, team and League, then the players birth place

It will be divided into 3 part post, this will have rounds 1 and 2. Then rounds 3 and 4 will be in part 2. Then the final part will have rounds 5-7

1st Round

1. NY Islanders: John Tavares, London Knights (OHL), Mississauga, Ont.
2. Tampa Bay Lighting: Victor Hedman, Modo (SWE) Ornskoldsvik, SWE.
3. Colorado Avalanche: Matt Duchene, Brampton Battalion (OHL), Haliburton, Ont
4. Atlanta Thrashers: Evander Kane, Vancouver Giants (WHL), Vancouver, B.C.
5. Los Angeles Kings: Brayden Schenn, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), Saskatoon, Sk
6. Phoenix Coyotes: Ekman Larrson, Leksand (SWE2), Karlskrona, SWE.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs: Nazem Kadri, London Knights (OHL), London Ont.
8. Dallas Stars: Scott Glennie, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL), Oakville, Ont.
9. Ottawa Senators: Jared Cowen, Spokane Cheifs (WHL), Saskatoon, SK
10. Edmonton Oilers: Magnus Paajarva Svensson, IK Timira (SWE), Norrkoping, SWE
11. Nasvhille Predators: Ryan Ellis, Windsor Spitfires (OHL), Hamilton, Ont
12. NY Islanders: Calvin De Haan, Oshawa Generals (OHL), Ottawa, Ont
13. Buffalo Sabres: Zack Kassian, Peterborough Petes (OHL), Windsor, Ont
14. Florida Panthers: Dmitry Kulikov, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL), Lipetsk, RUS
15. Anaheim Ducks: Peter Holland, Guelph Storm (OHL), Toronto, Ont
16. Minnesota Wild: Nick Leddy, Eden Prairie HS, Eden Prairie, Minn.
17. St. Louis Blues: David Rundblad, Skelleftea (SWE), Lycksele, SWE
18. Montreal Canadaiens: Louis Leblanc, Omaha Lancers (USHL), Pointe-Claire, Qc
19. NY Rangers: Chris Kreider, Andover HS, Boxford, MA
20. New Jersey Devils: Jacob Josefson, Djurgarden (SWE), Stockholm, Swe
21. Columbus Blue Jackets: John Moore, Chicago Steel (USHL), Chicago, IL
22. Vancouver Cauncks: Jordan Schroeder, Univ of Minnesota (WCHA), Burnsville, MN
23. Calgary Flames: Tim Erixon, Skelleftea (SWE), Portchester, NY
24. Washington Capitals: Marcus Johansson, Farjestad (SWE), Landskrona, SWE
25. Boston Bruins: Jordan Caron, Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL), Sayabec, QC
26. Anaheim Ducks: Kyle Palmieri, USNTDP U18, Smithtown, NY
27. Carolina Hurricanes: Philippe Paradis, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), Dolbeau QC
28. Chicago Blackhawks: Dylan Olsen, Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL), Salt Lake City, Utah
29. Tampa Bay Lighting: Carter Ashton, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL), Winnipeg, MB
30. Pittsburgh Penguins: Simon Despres, St. John Seadogs (QMJHL), Laval, QC


2nd Round

31. NY Islanders: Mikko Koskinen, Espoo Blues (FIN), Vantaa, FIN
32. Detroit Red Wings: Landon Ferraro, Red Deer Rebels (WHL), Trail, B.C.
33. Colorado Avalanche: Ryan O' Reilly, Erie Otters (OHL), Clinton, Ont
34. Atlanta Thrashers: Carl Klingberg, Frolunda (SWE Jr.) Gothenburg, SWE
35. Los Angeles Kings: Kyle Clifford, Barrie Colts (OHL), Ayr, Ont
36. Phoenix Coyotes: Chris Brown, USNTDP U18, Flower Mound, Tx.
37. Anaheim Ducks: Matt Clark, Brampton Battalion (OHL), Lakewood, CO.
38. Dallas Stars: Alex Chiasson, Des Moines Buccanners (USHL), Montreal, QC
39. Ottawa Senators: Jakob Silfverberg, Brynas Jr. (SWE Jr.), Gavle, Swe
40. Edmonton Oilers: Anton Lander, IK Timra (SWE), Sundsvall, SWE
41. Nashville Predators: Zach Budish, Edina HS, Edina Minn.
42. Nashville Predators: Charles Olivier Roussel, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), St. Eustache, QC
43. San Jose Sharks: William Drew, USNTDP U18, Anchorage, AK.
44. Florida Panthers: Drew Shore, USNTDP U18, Denever, CO
45. Atlanta Thrashers: Jeremy Morin, USNTDP U18, Auburn, NY
46. Ottawa Senators: Robin Lehner, Frolunda Jr. (SWE Jr.), Gothenburg, Swe
47. NY Rangers: Ethan Werek, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL), Markham, Ont
48. St. Louis Blues: Brett Ponich, Portland Winter Hawks (WHL), Edmonton, AB
49. Colorado Avalanche: Stefan Elliott, Saskatoon Blades (WHL), Vancouver, B.C.
50. Toronto Maple Leafs: Kenny Ryan, USNTDP U18, Franklin Village Mich
51. Carolina Hurricanes: Brian Dumoulin, Monarchs jr. Monarchs (EJHL), Biddeford, MS
52. Tampa Bay Lighting: Richard Panik, Trinec (CZE), Martin Zilinsky, SVK
53. Vancouver Canucks: Anton Rodin, Brynas Jr. (SWE Jr.), Stockholm, SWE
54. New Jersey Devils: Eric Gelinas, Lewiston Maineaics (QMJHL), Vanier, Ont
55. Washington Capitals: Dmitri Orlov, Novokuznets (RUS), Novokuznetsk, RUS
56. Columbus Blue Jackets: Kevin Lynch, USNTDP U18, Grosse Pointe MI
57. San Jose Sharks: Taylor Doherty, Kingston Frontaces (OHL), Cambridge, Ont
58. Toronto Maple Leafs: Jesse Blacker, Windsor Spitfires (OHL), Toronto, Ont
59. Chicago Blackhawks: Brandon Pirri, Georgetown Raiders (OJHL), Cambridge Ont
60. Toronto Maple Leafs: Tomas Tatar, Zvolen (SVK), Ilava Trencin, SVK
61. Pittsburgh Penguins: Philip Samuelsson, Chicago Steel (USHL), Leksand, SWE

NHL Draft Recap: Dallas Stars Review

With the draft ending on Saturday night, it's time to take a look at how the teams done. For the Dallas Stars, this year the Stars focused on offense this year taking 5 players to help them bring them into the future.

Their first pick on Friday night was at the 8 spot and with it, it was Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) Winger Scott Glennie. At 6'1" 177 pounds out of Winnipeg, Manitoba is a very fast and skilled winger who scored 54 goals in 116 games in his 2 seasons in the Western Hockey League and also got the team to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to the Calgary Hitmen. In the 2007-08 season was another strong year for the Wheat Kings where despite a 6th place finish in the WHL Regular Season, they were part of a very evenly matched Eastern Conference where the 8 playoff teams finished just 11 points from each other. Then in the 2008 WHL Post Season before losing to a very strong Lethbridge Hurricanes team in 6 games in the 1st round.

For Glennie, his physical ablitiy has been a bit underratted, but espically last year it was greatly needed when they used to crushed both the Kootenay Ice and the Medicine Hat Tigers where they sweeped them both in the 1st 2 rounds of this year's WHL playoffs.

Here's a comment from the Scouting Services

"Glennie is a very determined with a non-stop motor. He is a fearless in his approach and thrives in going into the dirty areas to dig out the pucks for his teammates. Glennie often comes out with the puck and his vision to spot the teammates going into the slot. His ability to play in traffic is top notch." Mckeen's 2009 Draft Guide

For more on Scott Glennie: Check out the Dallas Stars Website: www.dallasstars.com

Scott Glennie HT/WT: 6'1" 177

Here's a look at the draft picks from Day 2.

Round 2 Pick #38: RW Alex Chiasson from the Des Moines Buccaneers United States Hockey League (USHL)

HT & WT: 6'4" 187
2008-09 Stats: 56 GP, 17G, 33A, 50PTS, 101 PIM

Round 3 Pick #69: Reilly Smith from the St. Michaels Buzzers Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL)

HT & WT: 6'0" 157
2008-09 Stats: 49 GP, 27G, 48A, 75PTS, 44 PIM

The Stars had no pick in the 4th round in which it was part of the Brad Richards Trade back in Feb. of 2008.

Round 5 Pick #129 Tomas Vincour of the Edmonton Oil Kings Western Hockey League (WHL)

HT & WT: 6'2" 203
2008-09 Stats: 49GP, 17G, 19A, 36PTS, 23PIM

Round 6 Pick #159 Curtis Mckenzie of the Penticton Vees British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL)

HT & WT: 6'2" 192
2008-2009 Stats: 53GP, 30G, 34A, 64PTS, 90PIM

No 7th round pick as they traded to the San Jose Sharks for their 6th round pick next year.

I also wanted to mention that Flower Mound, Texas Native Chris Brown was taken in the 2nd round by the Phoenix Coyotes who was taken with the 36th overall pick. He's being compared to some other physical forwards like Bredan Morrow and Larsiv Nagy. He's just the lastest as Texas players are getting more and better chances to play in big time events around the world. Playing for the USNTDP team this past year where he played in both the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and in several international events throughout the year. In addidition, to what he did in the NAHL, he also scored 7 points in 7 games during the U18 World Championships back in April to help the Americans win the U18 Gold Medal.

To check out more on Chris Brown: check out the Phoenix Coyotes Website.

I will post the entire Draft order on the next post!

What to expect to post draft

I'm going to be heading out of town later today and won't be able to watch the draft while i'm out of town. If I do get to see some updates, I will post them on my twitter page. Tonight's 1st round starts up at 6PM tonight and then the rest of the draft will be taking place all day tomorrow.

Here's my twitter page: www.twitter.com/tanman9

Dallas Stars NHL Draft and Free Agent Needs

With the NHL Draft and Free Agency coming up, I wanted to share my thoughts on what the Stars need to consider when looking for penitential players to look for them. The NHL Draft starts up tomorrow night while the Free Agency Period starts up on July 1 and will last for most of July as different players make up their minds on who they will play for.

1. A strong Backup Goalie

One of the biggest reasons why the Stars failed to make the playoffs was a lack of a back up goalie to help out Marty Turco. At times especially late in the season, he look just really tired and was giving up a lot of soft goals that he would usually stop. Tobais Stephen just didn't cut it with the Stars, he only played in 10 games and only won 1 with a 3.70 GAA and a weak .870 SV%. In addition, in the games he would start, he would give up a lot of goals in a hurry and could never recover. I can't see him playing in the NHL very much in his career, he will most likely be a career European/AHL goalie with maybe a small chance to play in the NHL.

As for Matt Climie, he played 3 games at the end of the season, but the problem with him is that he's mostly a goalie in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) which is still a ways off from even the AHL. He played well in the 3 games, but by then the Stars were already eliminated from Playoff Contention and had nothing to play for in the last few games of the season.

Unfortunately, this is a draft where the goalie crop will be weak this year and they will probably won't look for a penitential goalie till near the end of the draft if it all.

2. A new #1 Defense men to replace Sergeri Zubov

With the injury problems that Sergei Zubov has had the last 2 seasons and the with Zubov being a free agent this year. Someone that can be the new #1 Defense men is a very important piece they will need to look for next year. Even though some of the younger defense men Matt Niskanen and Stephane Robidas have been increasing their roles in the last couple of years, I'm not sure if they can lead the defense men once when Sergei Zubov does eventually leaves the team where it could be this off season or in the near future. Zubov did say that he wants to stay with the team and retire as a Dallas Star and with the talent that could go far in the playoffs given a healthy roster, he thinks he could be a big part of a team that could have a shot of winning the Stanley Cup in the near future with a reduced role just like they have been doing with Mike Modano in recent seasons.

Looking at this year's defensemen crop like the goalies, they's not a lot of great defensemen to go for in this year's draft. Ryan Ellis of the Windsor Spitfires (OHL) has been mentioned as a player that not only who can physical but can move the puck really well. Some other possibilities could include Dmitry Kulikov of the Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) would be a strong stay at home defensemen who could protect the blue line and can hit hard as well.

As for the draft in general, this year is being billed as the year of the centers. However, with the Stars being packed with centers right now, they may be looking for a winger such as Mangus Paajarvi-Svensson for Sweden's IK Timra or Scott Glennie of the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL).

The 1st round of the NHL Draft will be on Versus while you can also follow the draft all weekend long on www.nhl.com to find out where different players fall in the draft. Also be sure to checkout the Dallas Stars website at www.dallasstars.com for all the Dallas Stars News and notes during the upcoming draft weekend and the Free Agency which starts up on July 1.

This year's draft is taking place in Montreal at the Bell Center and yes, the NHL Draft is open to the public.

NHL Draft Order

Here's the Draft Order for the NHL Draft which will be in Montreal coming up on June 26 and 27. The Dallas Stars have the #8 draft pick right now while the NY Islanders will have the #1 pick this year and should pick either against John Tavares or Victor Hedman with the 1st pick. Who will the Stars Pick in the 1st round, I think they need a strong defensemen that can be the new #1 defensemen if Sergei Zubov is not back in Dallas this year with him being a free agaent this year.

1st Round
1. NY Islanders
2. Tampa Bay Lighting
3. Colorado Avalanche
4. Atlanta Thrashers
5. Los Angeles Kings
6. Phoenix Coyotes
7. Toronto Maple Leafs
8. Dallas Stars
9. Ottawa Senators
10. Edmonton Oliers
11. Nashville Predators
12. Minnesota Wild
13. Buffalo Sabres
14. Florida Panthers
15. Anaheim Ducks
16. Coloumbus Blue Jackets
17. St. Louis Blues
18. Montreal Canadaiens
19. NY Rangers
20. Calgary Flames
21. Philadelphia Flyers
22. Vancouver Canucks
23. New Jersey Devils
24. Washington Capitals
25. Boston Bruins
26. NY Islanders (San Jose Sharks)
27. Carolina Hurricanes
28. Chicago Blackhawks
29. Detroit Red Wings
30. Pittsburgh Penguins

2nd Round
31. NY Islanders
32. Tampa Bay Lighting
33. Colorado Avalanche
34. Atlanta Thrashers
35. Los Angeles Kings
36. Phoenix Coyotes
37. NY Islanders (From Toronto Maple Leafs)
38. Dallas Stars
39. Ottawa Senators
40. Edmonton Oliers
41. Nashville Predators
42. Nashville Predators (From Minnesota Wild)
43. San Jose Sharks (from Buffalo Sabres)
44. Florida Panthers
45. Atlanta Thrashers (From Anaheim Ducks)
46. Ottawa Senators (Coloumbus Blue Jackets)
47. NY Rangers (Compensatory)
48. St. Louis Blues
49. Colorado Avalanche (From Montreal Canadaiens)
50. Toronto Maple Leafs (From NY Rangers)
51. Carolina Hurricanes (From Calgary Flames via Los Angeles Kings)
52. Tampa Bay Lighting (From Philadelphia Flyers)
53. Vancouver Canucks
54. New Jersey Devils
55. Washington Capitals
56. NY Islanders (From Boston Bruins)
57. San Jose Sharks
58. Toronto Maple Leafs (Carolina Hurricanes via Buffalo Sabres)
59. Chicago Blackhawks
60. Detroit Red Wings
61. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Comp Pick for the NY Rangers comes in the way of the death of NY Rangers Draft Alexi Cherepanov.

3rd Round
62. NY Islanders
63. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Tampa Bay Lighting)
64. Colorado Avalanche
65. Montreal Canadaiens
66. Buffalo Sabres (Los Angeles Kings via Vancouver Canucks)
67. Calgary Flames (From Phoenix Coyotes)
68. Toronto Maple Leafs
69. Dallas Stars
70. Nashville Predators (From Ottawa Senators)
71. Edmonton Oilers
72. Nashville Predators
73. New Jersey Devils (from Minnesota Wild)
74. Los Angeles Kings (from Buffalo Sabres)
75. Tampa Bay Lighting (from Florida Panthers)
76. Anaheim Ducks
77. Coloumbus Blue Jackets
78. St. Louis Blues
79. Montreal Canadaiens
80. NY Rangers
81. Philadelphia Flyers (from Calgary Flames)
82. Edmonton Oilers (from Philadelphia Flyers)
83. Vancouver Canucks
84. New Jersey Devils
85. Washington Capitals
86. Boston Bruins
87. Philadelphia Flyers (From San Jose Sharks)
88. Carolina Hurricanes
89. Chicago Blackhawks
90. Detroit Red Wings
91. NY Islanders (From Pittsburgh Penguins)

4th Round
92. NY Islanders
93. Tampa Bay Lighting
94. Columbus Blue Jackets (from Colorado Avalanche)
95. Atlanta Thrashers
96. Los Angeles Kings
97. Phoenix Coyotes
98. Nashville Predators (From Toronto Maple Leafs via San Jose Sharks)
99. Minnesota Wild (from Dallas Stars via Tampa Bay Lighting)
100. Ottawa Senators
101. Edmonton Oilers
102. Nashville Predators
103. Minnesota Wild
104. Buffalo Sabres
105. Phoenix Coyotes (from Florida Panthers)
106. Anaheim Ducks
107. Calgary Flames (From Columbus Blue Jackets)
108. St. Louis Blues
109. Montreal Canadaiens
110. Nashville Predators (NY Rangers)
111. Calgary Flames
112. Boston Bruins (from Philadelphia Flyers)
113. Vancouver Canucks
114. New Jersey Devils
115. Washington Capitals
116. Minnesota Wild (from Boston Bruins)
117. Los Angeles Kings (from San Jose Sharks)
118. Chicago Blackhawks
119. Los Angles Kings (From Detroit Red Wings)
120. Pittsburgh Penguins

5th Round
121. NY Islanders
122. Pittsburgh Penguins (from Tampa Bay Lighting)
123. Colorado Avalanche
124. Atlanta Thrashers
125. Los Angeles Kings
126. Phoenix Coyotes
127. Toronto Maple Leafs
128. Dallas Stars
129. Ottawa Senators
130. Edmonton Oilers
131. Nashville Predators
132. Minnesota Wild
133. Buffalo Sabres
134. Florida Panthers
135. Anaheim Ducks
136. Columbus Blue Jackets
137. Los Angeles Kings (From St. Louis Blues)
138. Montreal Candaiens
139. NY Rangers
140. Calgary Flames
141. Philadelphia Flyers
142. Vancouver Canucks
143. New Jersey Devils
144. Washington Capitals
145. Ottawa Senators (From Boston Bruins via Phoenix Coyotes)
146. San Jose Sharks
147. Nashville Predators (From Carolina Hurricanes)
148. Chicago Blackhawks
149. Detroit Red Wings
150. NY Rangers (From Pittsburgh Penguins)

6th Round
151. NY Islanders
152. Philadelphia Flyers (From Tampa Bay Lighting)
153. Colorado Avalanche
154. Atlanta Thrashers
155. Los Angeles Kings
156. Phoenix Coyotes
157. Toronto Maple Leafs
158. Dallas Stars
159. Ottawa Senators
160. Edmonton Oilers
161. Tampa Bay Lighting (From Nashville Predators)
162. Minnesota Wild
163. Buffalo Sabres
164. Florida Panthers
165. Anaheim Ducks
166. Columbus Blue Jackets
167. St. Louis Blues
168. Montreal Canadaiens
169. NY Rangers
170. Calgary Flames
171. Philadelphia Flyers
172. Vancouver Canucks
173. New Jersey Devils
174. Washington Capitals
175. Boston Bruins
176. Atlanta Thrashers (San Jose Sharks via Columbus Blue Jackets)
177. Carolina Hurricanes
178. Los Angeles Kings (From Chicago Blackhawks)
179. Detroit Red Wings
180. Pittsburgh Penguins

7th Round
181. NY Islanders
182. Tampa Bay Lighting
183. Colorado Avalanche
184. Atlanta Thrashers
185. Los Angeles Kings
186. Phoenix Coyotes
187. Toronto Maple Leafs
188. Dallas Stars
189. Ottawa Senators
190. Edmonton Oilers
191. Nashville Predators
192. Minnesota Wild
193. Buffalo Sabres
194. Chicago Blackhawks (from Florida Panthers)
195. Philadelphia Flyers (from Anaheim Ducks)
196. Columbus Blue Jackets
197. Los Angeles King (From St. Louis Blues)
198. Montreal Canadaiens
199. NY Rangers
200. Calgary Flames
201. Nashville Predators (From Philadelphia Flyers)
202. Los Angeles Kings (Vancouver Canucks)
203. New Jersey Devils
204. Washington Capitals
205. Boston Bruins
206. San Jose Sharks
207. Carolina Hurricanes
208. Chicago Blackhawks
209. Detroit Red Wings
210. Pittsburgh Penguins

Upcomming NHL Draft

Unfortunately, I'm going to be out of town during the NHL draft which starts up on Friday night. When I get back in town, look for a draft break down on the Texas Ice Hockey Expert Blog. Look for the my thoughts on the top players, what the Stars did and my picks for my big underrated and overrated players in the draft which starts on Friday night on Versus and all day Saturday that you can follow on www.nhl.com

Burning Questions for NHL Off Season

With the Stanley Cup being awarded back on Friday night, the off season is here and we have 5 burning questions for the NHL as we head into the off season from the future of the Phoenix Coyotes to will who play in the league's special events next season (Especially the Season Opening Weekend in Europe and the Winter Classic).

1. What will happen to the Phoenix Coyotes

Just before the playoffs started, the league officially took over the Phoenix Coyotes due to major debt problems, lack of a fan base and a shaky ownership situation. One of the biggest controversy is Jim Balsillie who wants to move the team from Phoenix to Hamilton, Ontario. Other then moving the team which would be a big controversy in it self, the fact it would affect the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Buffalo Sabres teams since the distance between the 3 cities is very close to each other. Even though I'm usually against moving teams for basically any reason, but not in this case, because this team is so much trouble from so many areas as the team has had a big problem developing a fan base of any kind in the area and big name players not coming for the most part with the exception of the 1st couple of years in the mid 90s when they had some of best players who moved with them from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Eventually, I think they will have to move the Coyotes because they future if they stay is very bleak in Arizona and theirs not much to gain for the Coyotes. If they were to move, we could they go? You could go to one of the cities that's been relocated out of the NHL like Quebec City or Hartford, another city that's been mentioned is Kansas City, this was a very popular pick especially with the NY Islanders having arena problems earlier this decade. If your looking for someplace new in the league, I would consider the Seattle because the Pacific Northwest part of the U.S.A. has never had an NHL team before and it would do both by getting new NHL fans and expanding to a new part of North America.

Seattle is looking for a winning team right now, the Seahawks haven't done very much in recent years and the Mariners have just plain sucked big time. I know their new MLS team, the Seattle Sounders have been doing well, but a hockey team would be much more well known then a MLS team no matter how successful they become.

2. Who will go first in the NHL Draft?

This year, they are 3 main players that league experts are talking about who will go #1 in this year's NHL Draft which is coming up at the end of June. These players are John Tavares, Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene as the 3 up and coming superstars from this year's draft class.

John Tavares is a explosive forward who has broken several records during his time in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). First he broke Wayne Gretzky's record for points in a single season with 134 back in the 2006-07 season with the Oshawa Generals then near the end of his junior career he broke Peter Lee's all time scoring record near the end of the 2008-09 season. In the playoffs he was very impressive as well which included scoring 56 points in the playoffs in his career and got the London Knights to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the eventually OHL and Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires.

In addition to his offense, his defense ability if getting better all the time with just his rookie season being a minus in the +/- catorgey during his junior career. Many experts have him going to the NY Islanders going #1, but they are 2 other players that have pretty strong cases about being the top player taken this year.

This year's top defense men is a big and strong Swedish player named Victor Hedman who has played for MODO in the Swedish Elitsern the last couple of years. At 6'6" and 220 LBS, he will be a defensive force in the for many years. During his time in Sweden, he's been punishing opponents with his physical presence and in a league where their's not much hitting in Sweden, he has scared other players throughout the league.

In addition to his league success, he's also has been a big part of the Swedish Junior team bringing home back to back Silver Medals at the World Junior Championships during both the 2007-08 season and 2008-09 seasons. He's also expected to play a major part for the Swedish Olympic team when the Olympics take place in Vancouver coming up next year. What may give him a disadvantage over Tavares and Duchene is that Defense men have the hardest transition to the NHL so some teams may go against that, but he's expected to trump that rule and make an impact very quickly.

Finally, a player that has taken him to the top of the rankings is Matt Duchene. He was always highly regaurded but it's only recently that he's been known as a top tier NHL Draft pick. In addition to his success in the playoffs which included being a big part of the Brampton Battalion going all the way to the OHL Championship Series against the Windsor Spitfires. Also his international success has included the 2008 U18 World Championship and the World U17 Challenge with team Ontario. He also impressed in the CHL Top Prospects Game where he got an assist in the game and was named the games best player.

In addition to these 3 players, some other players to watch for include teammates for the WHL Brandon Wheat Kings Brayden Schenn and Scott Glennie who helped the Wheat Kings getting to the Eastern Conference Final before losing the Calgary Hitmen.

Also two of the top Americans this year include Jordan Schroeder for the University of Minnesota and John Moore of the United States Hockey League's (USHL) Chicago Steel who's been ranked as the top NA Defense men.

3. Which Big Name Free Agents will switch teams?

This is always a very interesting part of the off season when the Free Agency Period begins on July 1. For the hometown Dallas Stars, Sergei Zubov has been injured a ton over the last 2 season only playing about 60 combined games the last 2 years including only playing about 20 games due to a hip injury. He will turn 39 in July and right around the end of the regular season, the Stars were preparing to move on without Zubov as they was some talk, but not much about the possibility of him retiring during the off season.

Look for more updates as the Free Agency period looms as it always a very busy time of year.

4. Who will play in the 2010 NHL Winter Classic?

Two of the most exciting moments of the Regular Season are the NHL European Openers and the NHL Winter Classic. For the European Weekend which will be played on October 2 and 3. It will be the Central Division Rivals Detroit Red Wings against the St. Louis Blues in Stockholm, Sweden, while the Chicago Blackhawks will play the Florida Panthers in Helsinki, Finland. This was announced back in February. www.sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3918495

As for the winter classic on New Year's Day, it's been rumored that Fenway Park may be the host next year, but haven't been able to be confirmed yet. However, it will be done next year and it's sure to be an exciting event once again as Wrigley Field in Chicago was an excellent host next year. Some of the teams that have been interested include the Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins about possibly playing in this event next year. It's expected that an official annoucement will be made on this topic pretty soon from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

I would like to see which teams will be playing and the site so fans and media who may want to attend the event can do it in a timely matter. This is quickly becoming one of the best events the NHL does every year and it's an important part to get the NHL back into the mainstream since the canceled season during the 2004-05 season.

5. What will a Marc Crawford Coached Dallas Stars Team look like?

With the changes the Dallas Stars have made in recent weeks with Joe Nieuwendyk being the G.M. and hiring new head coach Marc Crawford could be a high energy attacking team, with some similar moves that when he coached the Colorado Avalanche during the mid and late 90s when he won the Stanley Cup back in 1996. He work's best with veteran players like he had in Vancouver with the Sedin Twins and Todd Bertuzzi.

One of the main reasons why he didn't have much success in L.A. is because it was a rebuilding effort that seems to have gone to long and he was forced to play a style that he wasn't very comfy with. This should be a much better situation with his knowledge of playing and preserving older players like Jere Lehtinen and Mike Modano, also finding the best of the younger players like Loui Eriksson.

I can't say this enough though with the changes that have come in the last couple of weeks with the Stars, the only thing that Stars Fans can do is hope that Joe Nieuwendyk knows what he is doing after a team got all the way to the Western Conference Final last year and the fact that he knows it was unfair to fire Dave Tippet after that all he had to go through last year.

New Stars Coach Marc Crawford

Earlier today, the Dallas Stars officially announced that Marc Crawford will be the new coach for the Dallas Stars. Marc Crawford has spent 13 seasons in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche and spent the final year before the Avalanche moved from Quebec City, then from 1995-1998 he spent 3 seasons with the Avalanche where he had the best part of his coaching career where he won the Stanley Cup in 1996 and was the head coach of the Canadian National Team in 1998 in Nagano, Japan where the Canada lost to the Czech Republic in 1998, from the 1998-2006 he spent time with the Vancouver Canucks where his career took a nose down from a Stanley Cup and a Olympic Gold Medal Game to failing to make the playoffs 3 times and only won a handful of playoff games. The last 2 years he's been with the Los Angeles Kings where they have finished last 2 seasons in the Pacific Division. For new Dallas Stars G.M. Joe Nieuwendyk, he's certainly moving at a rapid pace to put his hand on things for the Dallas Stars.

This is simply a kick in the gut for Dave Tippett where he the odds were stacked against him as he had 3 of his best players injured for most of the year and the Sean Avery situation blow up in his face. In addition, he was doing the best job possible and was able to help keep the Stars in the playoff hunt until the last couple of weeks of the regular season. He should be given at least one more year to prove that he could get this team to become a Cup contender, he also had no decent backup goaltender and they didn't get the defenseman situation worked out and it blew up in the face with Sergei Zubov injured for the majority of the last 2 seasons. This was one of the most unexpected moves the Stars have made in a long time and I thought it was a bad descion.

Just because your a great player doesn't mean you will be a great head coach or G.M. Look at Wayne Gretzky in Phoenix right now. He has done very little to improve the Phoenix Coyotes franchise on or off the ice and the team is currently under NHL Control.

I'm very hopeful that Dave Tippett will be hired pretty quickly in the NHL and has a lot to offer to a team especially on offense and someone should hire him.

He's been an apprentice for the GMs for both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers since he announced his retirement a couple of years ago, but he won't have much time to get experience as both the NHL Draft on June 26 and 27 then Free Agency starts up on July 1.

I hope he knows what he's doing because if he works out for the team, this could have been a fantastic decision for the team, but if he doesn't work out very well, this could be very bad for his GM Career and you could have a lot of upset fans about a head coach in which given the time, could have done something really big next year.

Upcomming Junior Camps

Theirs a couple of teams that are having tryout camps at different parts of the summer coming up. First coming up from June 19-21 at the Dr. Pepper Arena in Frisco is the Texas Tornado as they continue to get back in the league after being out last year for arena reinventions. They looking for players aged 16-20 from different high school and travel teams to find out who may have a shot of playing hockey in the North American Hockey League next year. In addition, they looking for people to help work the event, if your interested in possibly helping out with the tryouts, contact the Texas Tornado Team Booster Club at www.texastornadobc.com .

Later this summer, the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) will be in town from July 31-August 2 at Polar Ice in Grapevine. This league is stronger and the players their looking for will be more selective then the Texas Tornado or anyone else in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). I don't know much yet about this camp since it's later in the summer but it will be an open for anyone who thinks they have a chance or find out what level they think they at. As of right now, they will be the only team at the USHL or higher that will be having tryouts in the Southwest.

If anything else changes, I will put them up on the blog.

Thoughts on the Phoenix Coyotes

Away from the Stanley Cup and Calder Cup Championships, the big story is the League taking over the Phoenix Coyotes through massive debt and having problems developing a fan base in the area. Gary Bettman has said that he's committed to keeping the Coyotes in Phoenix, but I think they it can't work right now. Eventually (Sooner rather then later) the team will move, the main city that one owner wants to move the team to Hamilton, Ontario. My problem with Hamilton is that it's near both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Buffalo Sabres teams and it would affect both teams in terms ticket sales, game attendance and the fact you would have 3 teams in a very short distance (about 90 miles).

Some places I would to see considered is somewhere like the Pacific Northwest or Canada Maritime Region where the NHL has never been if the Coyotes have to move. Moving a team is always the last thing you want to do, but in this case I think they is no other option. The NHL hasn't worked in Phoenix for nearly the entire time the team has been their since moving from Winnipeg in the mid 90s, but here it's one of the only things you can do.

Face the facts on the issue Gary Bettman, it's not working in Arizona and the faster the team moves the better it is for the league.

Watch for Twitter Updates of tonights Stanley Cup Game

I will be doing updates on Twitter tonight for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh. DET Is currently up 2-1 in the best of 7 series as the Pens attempt to tie the series in this critical game that will either be tied at 2-2 or the Red Wings going up 3-1 with a chance to close out the series on Saturday in Detroit.

Here's my twitter Page: www.twitter.com/tanman9

Stanley Cup and Calder Cup Update

Tonight is game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final in Pittsburgh where the Red Wings lead the series 2-1. However, Pittsburgh came back in a big way with a 4-2 win over the Red Wings on Wednesday to stay in the series. If the Penguins are going to win again tonight, they will need to play a complete game as the Red Wings were given them problems all over the ice during the 1st 2 games in Detroit. Superstar forwards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin need to find their touch that have been on top of the point charts during the post season with 34 and 33 points, but these games have been tough as the Red Wings D has been shutting them down especially in the 1st 2 games.

However, the big gripe from game 3 was that just before the 2nd PIT Goal, they was a time period of 21 seconds where the Penguins played with 6 players and the refs didn't even notice. Then the Red Wings got penalized, the Pens just a minute later scored to tie the game at 2-2 on th PP. This is what's so frustrating about the refs, they need to bring the consent to the playoffs and this is where all these conspiracy Theories come from and gets so frustrating when you see stuff like this happen.

Also, during the end of game 2, Evgeni Malkn was involved in a fight in the final couple of minutes where he also started the fight. Now the rule is that anyone who starts up a fight in the last 5 minutes of a game is supposed to be assed a 10 minute misconduct penalty and be suspendised the next game. However, it was also knowed that everyone on the ice was fighting and it was really hard to tell who actually started the fights on the ice just before the end of the game.

For game 4 tonight, Pavel Datsyuk is planning to come back from a foot injury that's kept him out since game 2 of the Chicago series by blocking a shot. This is going to give the Red Wings a much needed boost after losing game 3, Zetterberg has been playing some heavy ice time recently as he logged over 24 minutes and scored a goal and had an assist, he's also been one of the players for the Red Wings in this playoff run with 21 points in 19 games.

Contending wise, Marc-Andre Fluery will need to continue to play a huge game with Datsyuk and Zetterberg counting to play well. He will need to set up and use his great play making abilty to keep the Red Wings puck possession offense at bay and step it up to tie the series tonight. For Pittsburgh, take advantage of the PP as this could be the best way to beat the Red Wings as the DET PK is only at 76.5 %.

This is the dream final here in the NHL, we need to see some excitement tonight and for the Penguins to tie the series at 2-2 and it would force the series to go at least 6 games. This is the Stanley Cup Final for Pete sake and I don't want to see a short series with the Red Wings winning their 5th cup in the least dozen years (1997, 1998, 2002, 2008, 2009), We need some new blood winning the Cup.

Here's the schedule for the rest of the Stanley Cup.

Game 4 @ Pittsburgh on 6/4
Game 5 @ Detroit on 6/6
Game 6 @ Pittsburgh on 6/9
Game 7 @ Detroit on 6/12

AHL Calder Cup

Were 2 games into the AHL Calder Cup and the Manitoba Moose and Hershey Bears are tied at 1-1 with the Moose playing better in this series.

In game 1, a very exciting back and fourth saw Manitoba went into OT and in front of 2 sold out crowds of around 15,000. After Manitoba went up 3-1, the Hershey Bears scored 3 answered goals (2 of them by Oskar Osala) to put them up 4-3 with just 4:36 left in the game. Then on the PP goal by Maxime Fortunus scored only his 3rd goal in the playoffs, in the OT Period Alexandre Giroux who scored a hat trick in the game to win the game 5-4 for the Bears 13 minutes into OT. Hershey won game 1, but both teams proved that they could be able to win just about any kind of game possible to win the Calder Cup.

Back on Tuesday night turned defensive as the Bears got out to a 1-0 lead with another big goal by Alexandre Giroux. However, the game got pretty slow after the goal, that was until Jason Jaffray scored near the midway point of the game to tie at 1-1, then in the final minute to win it 3-1 for the Moose to get back in the series.

Some of the players to watch in this series include Mike Keane who's won 3 Stanley Cup's and at 42 years old, is showing that he can still play at a high level and has scored 4 goals in the playoffs.

Also, the goalies have been great as Cory Schneider has a strong 2.11 GAA and a very strong .921 SV%. As for Hershey goalie who's playing in his rookie season in the AHL also has a 2.11 GAA and a .926 SV%. These goalies will play a huge role in the championship.

Here's the schedule

Game 3 @ Hershey on 6/6
Game 4 @ Hershey on 6/7
Game 5 @ Hershey on 6/9
Game 6 @ Manitoba on 6/12
Game 7 @ Manitoba on 6/14