Sunday, January 31, 2010

Radulov Rolling In Russia

Forward Alexander Radulov was a starter in Saturday’s Continental Hockey League all-star game. He picked up an assist for Team Yashin, which fell 11-6 to Team Jagr...So far this season, Radulov, who left the Predators two summers ago with a year remaining on his contract, is fifth in the KHL in scoring with 55 points (21 goals, 34 assists) in 47 games played (John Glennon, The Tennessean 12/31/2010).

Hedberg's Saturday Start Makes Four Straight

Saturday's game against the Nashville Predators marked the fourth straight start for goalie Johan Hedberg over Slava Kozlov. Prior to last nights game, Hedberg has been nothing short of terrific, allowing only six goals (1.5 GAA) and stopping 116-of122 shots (.950).

Pekka Rinne's 23 Saves Key In 4-3 Win Over Atlanta

Nashville goalie Pekka Rinne, who stopped 23 shots, had some key saves including on Maxim Afinogenov at the end of one of the power plays and Ilya Kovalchuk on a breakaway. Rinne, who has been alternating starts with Dan Ellis, said it was time for some big saves (Teresa M. Walker, The Canadian Press 1/30/2010).

Sergei Shirokov Scores Twice In 6-4 Win

Prospect Sergei Shirokov scored twice in the first period to lead the AHL's Manitoba Moose over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 6-4. The Moscow native Shirokov leads all Moose scorers with 16 goals and 33 points and is tied for fourth in AHL rookie scoring. The win on Saturday ended a six game losing streak for Manitoba.

Mikael Samuelsson: Mason Raymond Could Be Even Better

Vancouver Canuck veteran Mikael Samuelsson applauded the skill set of teammate Mason Raymond, but also pointed out that the 24 year old could become even better if he added a play making element to his blazing speed game. Raymond who has had NHL scouts drooling over his speed and puck skills, has taken time to develop into a consistent threat. Mikael Samuelsson reiterated that while Raymond has made strides, there is still room for growth, and that a play making component in Raymond's game could really take him to the next level.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Pick a Door Any Door: Atlanta Has Three Options Regarding Ilya Kovalchuk

Chris Vivalamore of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution writes about Ilya Kovalchuk's unique situation with the Atlanta Thrashers. Never has a premiere player such as Kovalchuk at the age of 27 been an unrestricted free agent and have a plethora of options. Vivalamore details three options which Atlanta GM Don Waddell must consider. They include signing the superstar winger, trading him, and staying put for the time being. To check out Chris Vivalamore's piece and learn more about number seventeen's options, please visit this link.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Perttu Lindgren Continues To Impress With Texas Stars


Perttu Lindgren led all Texas Stars (AHL affliate of the NHL's Dallas Stars) skaters with six points (3 goals, 3 assists) over the past week. Five of his points came on the power play. Lindgren now leads the team with 19 assists and 28 points.

Moose Games: Hedberg Makes Funniest Save of The Season

The Atlanta Thrashers were happy to take a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night, but not without the heroic and hilarious play of goalie Johan Hedberg. In the third period, "The Moose" left his crease to take a save of Simon Gagne. The rest is hockey comedy history. To view Johan's hilarious save, please visit this link.

Upper Deck Player Spotlight: Ilya Kovalchuk


One of the premiere players in the NHL & the world, Ilya Kovalchuk has every right to be mentioned in the game's elite group of players. The man from Atlanta has accumulated 327 career goals, and much of those without a legitimate centre man. In addition, he has won a Rocket Richard Trophy in 2003-04, played in three All-Star games, and is on pace to reach the 50 goal plateau for the third time in his career. As Christopher Carmichael of The Upper Deck Blog writes, "He is seemingly the second most dynamic goal scorer in the game today behind only Alexander Ovechkin." Considering his incredible accolades and talent, one would assume Kovalchuk would be anointed the franchise player for the Atlanta Thrahsers and receive a contract to match. However as the Olympic Roster Freeze date and the NHL trade deadline come closer, the "Superman from the South" is still without a contract extension. The Upper Deck Blog gives five scenarios to what may happen to number 17 in the coming months. To see Christopher Carmichael's player spotlight on Ilya Kovalchuk, please visit this link.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Södertälje Welcomes Riku Helenius

Check out this Södertälje TV video of new addition Riku Helenius. To view, please watch video "Riku Helenius 100127"

16th Annual New York Rangers Skate With The Greats Featuring HOF Brian Leetch


NY RANGERS LACE UP FOR 16th ANNUAL “SKATE WITH THE GREATS” EVENT TO BENEFIT RONALD McDONALD HOUSE NEW YORK

Rangers Greats Brian Leetch, Rod Gilbert and Adam Graves take to the ice at Rockefeller Center, Thursday, Jan. 28 6:30 PM

On Thursday, January 28th, Brian Leetch, Rod Gilbert, Adam Graves and other celebrated former Rangers will take part in the 16th annual Skate with the Greats event at Rockefeller Center. The Skate with the Greats event has helped to raise more than $6 million for Ronald McDonald House New York, a facility that offers children with cancer and their family shelter and support while they undergo active treatment. Since its founding, more than 25,000 children have stayed at Ronald McDonald House New York.

Ronald McDonald House New York is supported in part by the Rangers through a partnership with the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit charity that works closely with the Rangers and all areas of Madison Square Garden to make dreams come true for kids in crisis.

The 16th Annual Skate with the Greats - Skate with New York Rangers Greats and participate in live and silent auctions

Join Brian Leetch, Rod Gilbert, Adam Graves and other celebrated former Rangers

Thursday, January 28, 6:30 – 8:00 pm – Live auction at 7:00 PM

The Rink and Restaurant at Rockefeller Center – 30 Rockefeller Plaza (between 49th & 50th Streets)

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

#17 is Number 53 on BusinessWeek 2010 Power 100


The common sports fan may not see Atlanta Georgia as a big time hockey town, but don't tell Ilya Kovalchuk. The Super Russian has been named the 53rd most powerful athlete in all of sports by Business Week. "Kovy" is ahead of NBA's Steve Nash, MLB's Evan Longoria, and the NFL's Ben Roethlisberger. To find out more about Ilya Kovalchuk's recent honor, please visit this link.

Good Old Texas Goal Show: Pertu Lindgren Has Goal and Assist

The Texas Stars defeated the Milwaukee Admirals handily, outscoring them 5-2 Tuesday night at Cedar Park Center. Forward Pertu Lindgren scored and assisted in the game, and now has five points in the last three games.

Olympic Snub Hurt, But Samuelsson Channeling It On Ice

Mikael Samuelsson initial reaction to being left off the Swedish Olympic roster was one of anger, but the 33 year old winger has channeled his emotions to produce his best hockey of the season. In the 14 games since getting the bad news, Samuelsson has been nothing short of spectacular, earning 8 goals and 12 points. Samuelsson has commented that his recent surge is no "coincidence" and went on to say, "Obviously, I had something to prove, I guess. . . I want to play good hockey and I want to prove to guys that I can." To learn more about Mikael Samuelsson's inspired play, please visit this link.

Moose Stops 34 In 2-1 Victory Over Ducks

Maxim Afinogenov ended the Trashers' power play drought with a third period goal to lift Atlanta 2-1 over Anaheim, but the most valuable player of the game could have been goalie Johan Hedberg who made 34 saves. This is Johan's third straight game where he gave up a goal or less. He has stoped 82 of 85 five shots in that span of games, which calculates to a .967 SV% abd 0.98 GAA in 183 minutes of play. To find out more about Johan's excellent night, please visit this link.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Pekka Rinne Gets Consecutive Starts For Predators


Fueled by the need to reduce the wear and tear on legs during a compressed Olympic-year schedule, Nashville Predator's coach Barry Trotz started goalie Pekka Rinne for the second consecutive game. The "Big Finn" did not want to speculate too much about the decision, but commented, "I'm just happy to be playing. It's nice to get back there and build from the last game, and hopefully we'll get it going again as a team, too." The Predators have produced mixed results since creating the goalie rotation between Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne, but the move has undoubtedly kept the competitive edge sharp.

A-Train Eyes Return

The Ottawa Senators' recent shut down defense will not keep them from welcoming back their top defenceman Anton Volchenkov. Volchenkov suffered an upper body injury Saturday in the Senator's 2-1 win over the Boston Bruins, but could return tonight when the Senators' host the New Jersey Devils. To learn more about Anton Volchenkov's return, please visit this link.

Monday, January 25, 2010

KHL All-Star Game: Radulov, Morozov, and Zubov selected to 1st Team! Babchuk, Kalinin, and Kukkonen selected to 2nd lines!

The 2nd annual KHL All-Star Game will take place January 20th in the new Minsk Arena. As was with the 2009 All-Star Game, this year's exhibition will feature players under the captaincy of SKA St. Petersburg's Alexei Yashin against players under the captaincy of Jaromir Jagr of Avangard Omsk. This year's game will have a strong PuckAgency presence as Alex Radulov (Salavat Yulaev), Aleksey Morozov (Ak Bars Kazan), and Sergei Zubov (SKA St. Petersburg) have been selected to the first line. In addition, Anton Babchuk (Avangard), Dmitri Kalinin (Salavat Yulaev), and Lasse Kukkonen (Avangard) have been selected to the second lines. To learn more about how the 2010 KHL All-Star rosters rounded out, please visit this link.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Meet the 1994 Cup heroes on Jan. 25: Leetch, Messier, Richter and Graves to appear at special event

Rangers fans will get a rare opportunity to meet and greet Blueshirts legends Mark Messier, Mike Richter, Brian Leetch and Adam Graves all at once in a special event planned for Monday, Jan. 25, from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Continue Reading: http://rangers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=514287

Friday, January 22, 2010

Sergei Shirokov Shines at 2010 Time Warner AHL All-Star Classic


Manitoba Moose right winger Sergei Shirokov had a successful AHL All-Star week as he competed in the 2010 Ducks Unlimited AHL All Star Competition on Monday January 18th and then scored two goals the following night for the PlanetUSA AHL All-Stars. The rising star from Moscow has 14 goals and 17 assists in the regular season for Manitoba. The Moose are the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks. To learn more about the Ducks Unlimited Skills Competition, please visit this link. To find out how the 2010 AHL All-Star Game shaked out, please visit this link.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Kovy's two goals lead Thrashers to 4-3 win over Maple Leafs

Ilya Kovalchuk continued his excellent play by scoring two goals and assisting in Tuesday's win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The star winger's two goals put him at 30 goals for the season, tying him with Washington's Alexander Ovechkin for third in the league. To learn more about Ilya's great game, please visit this link.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Samuelsson's Surge Keeps Olympic Roster Hopes Alive

After 6 goals in his last 9 games, the Swedish winger's scorching play has kept him in consideration for an Olympic roster call. Previously excluded from the Swedish entry in the 2010 Winter Olympics, the odds of being added to the Swedish team have increased due to great play and a series of injuries. To find out more about Mikael Samuelsson's chances of making the Swedish Olympic team, please visit this link.

Prospect Sergei Shirokov Talks About His Decision To Choose The NHL


This summer former CSKA Moscow KHL winger Sergei Shirokov had the chance to land a lucrative contract in Russia, but decided to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL. Currently the top scorer for the Manitoba Moose, the AHL affliate of the Vancouver Canucks, the transition to North America has raised interest by many in the hockey community. To learn more about Sergei's decision to play in the NHL, please visit this link.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Hard work pays off

I was thoroughly impressed by the work ethics on the ice, most surprised by the work of newcomer Kaspars Daugavins. Wow, the kid, can make things happen and is smart. I especially like his no-nonsense approach to the game: he makes smart plays but doesn't over-reach, when all else fails, put the puck on the net. His presence elevated the play of the fourth line.


Continue Reading: http://teamsenators.com/2010/01/15/hard-work-pays-off.aspx?ref=rss

Friday, January 15, 2010

Pekka Rinne plays great in Preds win

Pekka Rinne played well as Nashville beat Carolina 4-2 Thursday night.
Rinne made 25 saves on 27 shots. He is now 17-7-2 on the season.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Kaspars Daugavins scheduled to make his NHL debut at MSG vs. Rangers

Bulletin: Senators recall Daugavins and re-assign St. Pierre to Binghamton (AHL)

OTTAWA - The Ottawa Senators today recalled forward Kaspars Daugavins and re-assigned Martin St. Pierre to the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Binghamton Senators.

Daugavins has scored 11 goals, added 10 assists and has five multi-point games in 37 games with the B-Sens, and was named to Team Latvia on Dec. 29 for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. This is his first career call-up with the Senators and NHL.

Continue Reading: http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=513487

Young Moose step it up

Check out this article on the Manitoba Moose. Including PuckAgency client Sergei Shirokov, who currently leads the Moose in both goals and assists.

Continue Reading: http://www.winnipegsun.com/sports/hockey/2010/01/13/12442726-sun.html

Pekka picks 'em

The Nashville Predators could have been excused for their lack of jump, having played in Vancouver the night before and getting into Edmonton late.

Fortunately for them, goaltender Pekka Rinne was on his game.

The Predators goalie made 38 saves last night in a 5-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

Continue Reading: http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/myoilers/2010/01/13/12444321-sun.html

Why There Is No Excuse For Atlanta Not To Keep Ilya Kovalchuk

The Atlanta Thrashers have been in this position before.

Two years ago, Marian Hossa was closing in on unrestricted free agency. And when it became obvious that the team would be unable to come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension, they dealt him to the Pittsburgh Penguins at the trade deadline for Erik Christensen, Colby Armstrong, Angelo Esposito and a first-round draft pick (used on Daultan Leveille). It ended up being a disaster of a trade for Atlanta. Christensen no longer plays for the Thrashers, Esposito's stock continues to plummet as a prospect and Armstrong is still the likable, hard-working offensive enigma he's always been.

Fast forward to 2010, and the Thrashers are closing in on a potential doomsday scenario with the best player the franchise has ever known, who happens to be in the exact same situation as Hossa was two years earlier.

Continue Reading: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/01/13/why-there-is-no-excuse-for-atlanta-not-to-keep-ilya-kovalchuk/

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Mikael Samuelsson Heating Up


Winger Mikael Samuelsson and the Vancouver Canucks are starting to put things together with increased confidence. To find out more about Mikael Samuelsson and the Canucks recent surge please follow this link.

Swedish Ullevi Match Breaks Record

Known as the counterpart to the NHL's annual Bridgestone Winter Classic, the Sweedish Ullevi game set a European attendance record for a regular-season game. A crowd of 31,144 was on hand to see Frölunda beat rival Färjestad 4-1. To learn more about this historic game you can follow this link.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Hedberg gets mic'd up at practice

See video here!

Ilya Kovalchuk scores 600th NHL point



Ilya Kovalchuk scored his 600th point in the NHL on Friday night in Buffalo against the Sabres. It was Kovy's 579th NHL game. He scored the first goal of the game during the second period of the match. For more details about the goal and the game, click here.

Shirokov named to 2010 AHL All-Star Classic

On Wednesday, Manitoba Moose announced that Sergei Shirokov is on the roster for the 2010 Time Warner Cable AHL All-Star Classic. The Classic will be held on January 18-19 in Portland, Maine at the Cumberland County Civic Center. To read the full press release, click here.