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2010 NHL Playoffs: All-Star Team from the First Two Rounds

Posted: 6th May 2010 by Mike Burse in NHL
We have seen some great performances to this point in the 2010 Stanley Cup tournament. From hits, to goals, to displays of sheer will and determination. Some players have stood out from their peers, whether it be one the score sheet or in their solid play. The fact is there have been so many great performers in this year's Stanley Cup tournament that is we very hard to make ...
These players sacrificed body and soul in the first round in an attempt to get their teams into the semifinals of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup tournament. While some were successful and some were not, all of these players deserve recognition for excellent service to their respective franchises. The No. 1 player on this list will be the recipient of the Golden Hard Hat Award. This honour is awarded based on analysis ...
Last night the Washington Capitals were defeated 2-1 in the seventh game of their first round series with the Montreal Canadiens. They lost three straight games in one of the biggest opening round upsets in Stanley Cup Playoff history. I am sure the fans in Washington are looking for someone to blame for this loss. Here is a look at some of the keys to the loss by the Capitals. John Carlson In ...
Thoughts on the loss to the Flyers Marty said it all after the game five loss to the Flyers, "I just can't believe it, it's tough to digest. We had a hell of a team here, but for whatever reason we could never play to the level we needed to play in the playoffs. Just real disappointed, that's for sure. Bigger expectations for this club here than to fold in five ...
What a first round we have seen thus far in the 2010 NHL playoffs. There has been no shortage of goals, hits, great saves, and displays of pure will in this exciting edition of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Every year there are those players that are expected to perform and produce great offensive or defensive play for their respective teams. Every year we are treated with unexpected performances from players ...

The Top 20 Hardest Working NHL Players of the 2009-10 Season

Posted: 18th April 2010 by Mike Burse in NHL
This is not your typical top 20 list of the best NHL players. These are the players that do not always show up on the score sheet and maybe are not talked about on Sportscenter. These players are the battered and the bruised bodies that can barely lift the Stanley Cup when they finally win that magical sixteenth game. These players put their heart, soul and bodies on the line for the ...

Team Canada: Mark Messier Makes First Roster Decisions

Posted: 16th April 2010 by Mike Burse in NHL
Canada will begin their quest to become the 2010 IIHF World Champions Saturday May 8, 2010 against Italy. The General Manager, Mark Messier, has already begun to choose his roster with as many as 15 players confirmed to play in the tournament. Mark Messier and his management staff of Doug Risebrough (former Minnesota Wild General Manager), Michel Goulet (former Director of Player Personnel for the Colorado Avalanche) and his father Doug Messier ...
The heavily-favored Pittsburgh Penguins have been defeated by the underdog Ottawa Senators in Game One of their first round series by a score of 5-4. The Senators silenced Penguins fans at the sold out Mellon Arena on this night. Why the Senators won They out-shot the Penguins 11-4 in the first period and ended up out shooting them 26-21. While, eleven players on the Sens finished with at least a point ...
It has been confirmed that the Edmonton Oilers will have the right to choose between top prospects Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin. Either one of those players may become cornerstones of the franchise for years to come. The Boston Bruins must be thanking the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight as they will get a shot at one of these players as well with the second overall selection in the 2010 NHL Entry ...

Ottawa Senators: Who Steps Up In Alex Kovalev’s Absence?

Posted: 10th April 2010 by Mike Burse in NHL
What is the status of Kovalev? According to a report in the Ottawa Sun, the Senators have lost their fourth leading scorer for the remainder of this season and the Stanley Cup playoffs. It is reported that he has completely torn the ACL in his left knee. He is scheduled to undergo knee surgery in two weeks, and while he will recover eventually, it will be a long arduous process for him ...