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Smoothies and Standings

2/3/2015

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Hello Good Lookin Hockey Fans! The NHL season is officially past the 1/2 way mark. Lets get familiar with the terms Trade Deadline, Making a Run for the Playoffs, Standings, Wild Card Teams and of course Stanley Cup.

Today I checked out the Standings and I saw a few surprises. The Nashville Predators are atop the standings with 70 points in 49 games beating the oh so strong Anaheim Ducks, who also have 70 points but in 50 games. The St. Louis Blues take the 3rd spot with 68 points in 49 games. The top three teams right now are all in the Western Conference. The Tampa Bay Lightning are in 4th spot with 68 points in 51 games. Why are teams with the same amount of points not tied you ask? I'll tell you, Nashville is 1st and Anaheim 2nd because Nashville has 'one game in hand' meaning they have played one less game (Nashville 49, Anaheim 50) and collected the same amount of points (higher "points per game"). That is how the tie is broken. Same thing with St. Louis and Tampa Bay. Both teams have 68 points but St. Louis has only played 49 games while Tampa Bay has laced up 51 times.

If the playoffs were to begin today it would look like this:

Eastern Conference:
Atlantic Division: Tampa Bay Lightning, Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings
Metropolitan Division: New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers
Wild Card Teams: Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals

Western Conference:
Central Division: Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks
Pacific Division: Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames
Wild Card Teams: Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks

What is the wild card team you wonder? It confused me as well when the conferences and division changed a few years ago. It breaks down like this: Eight teams from each conference make the playoffs. The top three teams from each division are automatically in. That leaves two spots open. Those spots go to the two teams remaining with the highest amount of points. They can be from the same division or one of each. Remember the NHL as a whole has 30 teams, two conferences and within the conferences there are four divisions.

Trade Deadline: this happens annually. Throughout the year including the off season you will hear players being traded from team to team. There is a small window during a season where NO PLAYER IS ALLOWED TO BE TRADED. This is after the Trade Deadline and lasts until the end of the playoffs. Trade Deadline cut off is always around the last day of February and the first couple days of March. This year the deadline is March 2nd. The theory goes like this: After Trade Dealine, teams with an actual shot at the Cup can focus on that. Mentally; players, coaches, trainers and owners can focus on their roster, buckle down and work. Everyone is staying and can breath a sigh of relief for roughly four months. Winning a Stanley Cup takes strength both physically and mentally.

The Run for the Playoffs is always exciting. As we get closer and closer to the end of the season we will see who will get a spot for sure. This starts to happen mid March when teams start solidifying a spot. But every year like clock work there are a few teams that battle it out til closing night. There is no time for dilly dallying, every point counts. It is really an exciting time.

After all this Hockey Talk I need a morning pick me up. Thought I would share my current favourite morning smoothie.

I shall call this one: The season is 1/2 over, must maintain energy smoothie!

What you need:

Yogurt. I use plain and unsweetened
Almond milk or regular mlik
Blueberries. Think one big hand full
Banana. One is usually enough
Hemp, Chia, Sunflower seeds. All, some or none.
Spoonful of honey. Big spoon, little spoon, doesn't matter. To taste.
Hemp Seed Oil. Just a dash.

Throw everything into a magic bullet or blender. Amounts of ingredients is up to you. Feel free to take out the banana and add strawberries. A splash of water can replace the milk products. Blend it up, pour into a cup and enjoy!
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Yogurt, splash of water, banana, blueberries, hemp seeds, honey and hemp seeds oil make for a fabulous morning smoothie.
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Perfect for a relaxing weekend or mid morning pick up at work.
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Fantasy Friday has magically transformed to Male Monday for this edition and I am pleased to talk about the one and only (a personal favourite) Roberto Luongo!

1/12/2015

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Hello Hockey Fans! Last Thursday in Vancouver it was a special night to say the least, especially for Vancouver Canuck fans. Roberto Lunogo was back in town after being traded last year to the Florida Panthers. Like most trades in the NHL, it happened quickly, over night, Lou was no longer a Canuck. Fans didn't get the good bye they wanted so in true fan fashion when Lou returned you knew it was going to be his night. 

It started off like any other game; warm up skate, puck drop, cheering, but Louuuuuuuuus could be heard all over the rink. Every time Luongo touched the puck and made a save in his Florida Panthers jersey the crowd "Luuu'd" even louder. 
Que the TV time out seven minutes into the 1st period and the jumbo tron filled with images of Lunogo and his time here in Vancouver. The crowd rose to their feet and a 'thunderous' as some described it, cheer filled the arena. Luongo did what any true sportsman would do….. put his hand to his heart, looked up to the crowd and with tears in his eyes said thank you. Athlete to fan, it was a great moment. I know Luongo's time here in Vancouver was filled with ups and downs but at the end of the day he is one of, if not the best goaltender to man the pipes for Vancouver. I have always been Team Luo and will continue to be. Now lets look at the facts:
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Lunogo making one of a bizillion saves while goaltending in Vancouver.
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Celebrating his 1st of two Olympic Gold medals here in Vancouver in 2010
Luongo joined the the Canucks in 2006 after being traded by the Florida Panthers. 
Originally drafted by the New York Islanders in 1997, Luo went in the 1st round, 4th overall.
During his time in Vancouver, Luongo lead his team to victory 252 times, lost 137 (but who pays attention to that) and picked up points in 50 overtime loses. His save percentage was .919 meaning he stopped more then 91 out of 100 pucks that came his way.

While donning the blue, green and white, Lunogo helped his team win back to back President's Trophies in 2011 and 2012. The President's Trophy is handed out annually to the team that collects the most points. In 2011 the team finished with 117 points and in 2012 it was 111. Luongo also played a big part in the Canucks Stanley Cup run in 2011. It was the 3rd time in franchise history the team made it to the last round. It was sad to lose to the Boston Bruins in Game 7 and Lou says that is the only things he regrets about his time in Vancouver. Not being able to bring a cup to the fans. During his 8 years here, Lou also won not one but two Olympic Gold medals. Here in Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi Russia in 2014. Ironic upon his return to Van City Luongo would play against 2010 Team USA's goalie Ryan Miller. Miller was awarded MVP of the tournament but Lou skated away with the gold medal. Same building, same city, same goalies….awkward. The NHL can be a small world. 

Now for the juicy facts: Roberto stands 6'3", weights 217 pounds, shoots left, is 35 years old and was born in Montreal, Quebec. Il magnifique! Brown eyes, curly brown hair, a great great smile and a lover of poker, Lou would be fun at any party especially every charity event the Canucks have ever attended.
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With Anaheim Duck captain but Team Canada teammate Ryan Getzlaf.
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Winning Gold on Canadian soil I can only image is a pretty surreal moment. As a proud Canadian and big hockey fan it was a great moment for me!
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My favourite hockey mask of all time. Lou's vintage inspired mask he wore for a few seasons.
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Daddio Lou and his daughter at the Canucks Super Skills a few years back. #Cute
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After the lockout ended, as players returned to town they organized practice out at UBC. There is a daycare down the street from the rink and the children would walk over and watch practice in the morning. Luongo always stopped to talk to the young hockey fans.
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No words except: Model Lou
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The Lou/Schneider tandem that didn't last long enough will go down in history as one of the best moments in time for the franchise.
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Canada wins Gold, Russia takes home silver and Slovakia wins bronze for the 2nd time in amazing fashion! The World Juniors are over but man oh man it was a great tournament!

1/7/2015

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Hello Hockey Fans! Happy New Year! In classic World Junior fashion, this year's tournament can be summed up in one word: AMAZING! I have been watching this tournament for 4 years now and every year I find myself more and more excited as Boxing Day here in Canada approaches. For the month of December on radio stations and news channels, talk of camp, which countries are in, and the pools is a hot topic at any breakfast diner, sports bar or even at the library.

I personally enjoy the games for the sheer talent and passion these young players have. It's a very exciting time in their budding hockey careers. Some players have been drafted to the NHL, while others are still waiting to hit 18 years old(or 17 if born at certain times of the year). Teams like Canada, Russia and the USA are stacked knee deep with young NHL talent, while other countries such as Slovakia and Denmark who aren't as deep with NHL prospects are still able to give the top teams a run for their money.

This years tournament saw 10 countries competing. Group A consisted of Canada, USA, Slovakia, Finland and Germany. Group B saw Sweden, Czech Republic, Russia, Denmark and Switzerland battle it out. After five days of the preliminary round (or round robin) it was down to the quarter finals, followed by the semifinals which led to a bronze medal game between Sweden and Slovakia and the nail biting gold medal game between longtime arch rivals Russia and Canada.

The puck dropped late in the afternoon for Sweden and Slovakia. Sweden was favored to win, but following traditional World Junior fashion this fairytale had a bit of a twist. It was tied 2-2 at the end of the 1st period, followed by a scoreless 2nd period which led the way for a dramatic finish! The Slovaks were able to find their glass slipper to complete the Cinderella upset and take the bronze! This was the 2nd time Slovakia has taken a medal at the tournament after they won their 1st bronze in 1999 also against Sweden! I am sure it was a very exciting time for the country. For the 1st time ever the game was broadcast on national TV in Slovakia.

The world juniors officially began in 1977 with Slovakia joining the rush in 1998-1999. That year the tournament was held in Winnipeg, Canada. The Slovaks arrived in the great white north with mismatching gear and literally the only common thread joining the team was their excitement for being part of the World Juniors. It didn't take long for the people of Winnipeg to fall in love with the them and they actually went out and bought the team matching gear! It seems only fitting the Slovaks win bronze again on Canadian soil.
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Team Canada Family Photo! Players, coaches and staff celebrate their WIN!
Shortly after the Slovak skated off the ice, bronze medals around their necks, the Air Canada Centre in Toronto filled with 19,014 fans for puck drop between Canada and Russia. Little fun fact about this game: to keep it even, no referee or linesmen was Russian or Canadian. There were Swedish and Swiss refs and Swedish and Czech linesmen.

It only took 23 seconds for Canada's Anthony Duclair to score in the first period and make it 1-0. Just over two minutes later Nick Paul scored to make it 2-0. Half way through the period, Russia's Dmitir Yudin scored to get Russia within one. The 2nd period saw 6 goals scored while each team scored a natural hat trick shall we say. Canada scored 3 goals in a row: Connor McDavid scored at 5:08, Max Domi scored at 7:22 and Sam Reinhart scored at 12:20. Three goals in 7 minutes and Canada up 5-1. Leave to the Russians to blow up on the power play…….Ivan Barbashev scored for Russia at 14:21, Sergei Tolchinski scored 33 seconds later to make it 5-3, followed by Nikolai Goldobin's goal at 17:37. Three goals in 3 minutes meant Russia was only down by one goal to end the 2nd period.

It was a nailbiter of a 3rd for any Russian or Canadian hockey fan. You could say Russian netminders Igor Shestyorkin and Ilya Sorokin along with Canadian netminder Zach Fucale kept their teams in the game. In short there was no tying goal, no insurance goal, only the game winning goal scored by none other than North Vancouver's Sam Reinhart ! . I can't think of a better way to win the game. Congrats Team Canada! Once again you have done your country proud!
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Pat Quinn, Jannik Hansen, Bo Horvat and Old Team Canada videos = One Very Exciting Post!

11/30/2014

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Hello Hockey Fans! It has been a busy week in the world of the NHL and I was so overwhelmed by the amount of stuff going on, I choose to wait a few days and write all about it today.

First off, I want to start out by saying the hockey world lost a great man last week. Pat Quinn, one of the true hockey greats died last week here in Vancouver. I could go on and on and on about what Pat Quinn did with his career from player to coach to General Manager to owner but I won't. I chose to focus on a few great clips of Quinn throughout his career. Below you can check out the Vancouver Canucks beautiful tribute to "The Big Irishman", as he was affectionately called.
The night that Pat Quinn died the Vancouver Canucks played against one of their biggest rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks. There was something in the air that night and it provided the the Canucks with a strong desire to win. Jannik Hansen, the Canuck Honey Badger and one of my personal favourites scored his 1st career Hat Trick. I have uploaded the video below. 
A couple days after Hansen's Hat Trick, the Vancouver Canucks welcomed call up Bo Horvat the NHL with a spot on the team. The media called Pat Quinn a "firm but fair" coach and needless to say those are the coaches that get remembered here in Vancouver and earn the respect of the fans. Willie Desjardins is earning the same respect from fans as Quinn did. Here is case in point why Desjardins stands out as a coach that will remain in this city for a while. "Firm but fair" indeed.
We all know that New York Ranger Martin St. Louis in one of my favourite players in the NHL, and needless to say it isn't everyday you can report when a player recorded his 1,000th point. It happened Friday against the Philadelphia Flyers. To put this into perspective how hard a player has to work to get 1,000 points, just look at it this way; St. Louis was never drafted into the NHL. He completed college in Vermont, attracting some attention from NHL scouts, and in 1998 the Calgary Flames to a shot and signed him to an entry level contract. He has played most of his career with the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning the Stanley Cup in 2004. After being traded to the Rangers in 2014, St. Louis went on to win Olympic Gold in 2014 with Team Canada and continue to be an all around super star. One last thing, I want to point out that St. Louis is almost a point per game player. It took 1,083 games for St. Louis to crack 1000 points, 379 goals and 621 assists (most of those assists were probably off of Steven Stamkos goals). Below you can watch the 1.000th point unfold. Congrats St. Louis!
To finish off this week in hockey, I have found some of the hockey world's favourite Pat Quinn moments. First is an elbow hit to fellow super star Bobby Orr. There really are no words to describe it, so I will let Don Cherry do the talking. Second is the time Quinn coached the 2009 Canadian World Junior team to a 5th consecutive Gold Medal win. No words are needed, it is sheer beauty. The third is the time Pat Quinn coached the 2002 Olympic Men's Hockey Team to a Gold medal for the 1st time in 50 years! I remember this game well. I was visiting my Aunt and Uncle in Los Angeles. My Grandpa was also visiting. My Uncle took the afternoon off work and we gathered around the television. My cousin Roxanne was barely one at the time and every time Canada scored we cheered so loud she got confused. The loud cheering didn't stop Roxy from becoming a hockey fan, that Canadian blood is strong. Enjoy the videos and until next time Hockey Fans X
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Turnovers, disallowed goals and a Gordie Howe Hat Trick! Last night's Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks game was one of the most educational so far this season!

11/20/2014

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"Welcome to the Bakery because this game is full of turnovers." That is one of the commentators comments after a commercial break last night in Edmonton. He wasn't lying. The rink was full of turnovers and not the traditional kind with pastry and apple served warm…….and maybe ice cream. I am talking about the kind of turnover that involves losing the puck to the opposing team.  

Hello Good Lookin' Hockey Fans! How is everyone? What exactly is a turnover? In one sentence a turnover is: losing control of the puck to the opposing team. A team doesn't hand the opposing team the puck as a gift. Turnovers usually happen because of sloppy offensiveness, which leads to defensive brilliantness, or sloppy defensiveness and offensive brilliantness, which then leads to the puck being taken down the ice in the opposite direction is was just traveling and possibly a scoring opportunity.  Last night the turnovers were freshly baked and flying high in the 2nd period, 6 goals were scored and it was nutty.

Below I have uploaded Chris Higgins's goal from last night. It was a goal because of a turnover and the commentator even says "The Oilers have the puck and they keep giving it back" followed up by the other commentator saying "And it's not only the dreaded turnover." 
Last night's game in Edmonton also showed some smooth scoring ability by both teams.  The Canucks scored 3 seconds into a power play, right off the draw. Henrik Sedin wins the face-off, gets the puck to his brother Daniel who passes the puck to a wide open Radim Vrbata. It was a beauty of a goal. Teddy Purcell of the Edmonton Oilers smashed the 3 second record and scored 2 seconds into a power play after a face-off win by Mark Arcobello. Eleven seconds later Boyd Gordon scored for the Oilers and we had a tie game.  

Perhaps the one of the most exciting parts of the game was a disallowed goal with 11 seconds left by David Perron, end of the 3rd period that would have tied the game and sent it to overtime. The goal was immediately waved off by the referee no questions asked. They did call head office in Toronto for the reply but a bad goal is a bad goal. Why was this goal disallowed? It was determined the goal was kicked into the net. Remember hockey fans, pucks cannot be thrown or kicked into the net. You can see an obvious kicking motion, Perron's skate contacts the puck and slides in underneath Ryan Miller. Done, over, no goal. At the end of the video I have uploaded below you can see in slow motion why the goal was disallowed and the ref waving it off. 
PictureSteven Pinizzotto after his 1st NHL goal!
And finally hockey fans I have to point out that a Gordie Howe Hat Trick happened last night. Steven Pinizzotto fought Derek Dorsett, scored his 1st NHL goal and also assisted Boyd Gordon's goal.

Below I have uploaded the fight, followed by the goal and finally Boyd's goal and we hear the commentator say assisted by Pizizzotto.

Congrats Pinizzotto! May your vintage hockey style of fights and scoring lead to even more great nights in hockey.

Until next time hockey fans, enjoy! 

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The 1st Hat Trick of his NHL career means that Nino Neiderreiter is this week's Fantasy Friday!

11/15/2014

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PictureNeiderreiter finding a way to get the pucks in the net!
Hello Hockey Fans!  It is that time of year when the temperature outside is minus something and I am inside heating up talking about Good Lookin Hockey Players.  The same debate as last week, player from the East or the West?  Veteran or Rookie?  Original 6 or Expansion?  Blue Eyes or brown?  Then I was flipping through Instrgram last night and found him!  

Ladies, let me introduce you to…. Nino Niederriter!  

First off I would like to start by saying congratulations to Nino Neiderreiter for scoring his 1st career Hat Trick last night.

Now let's get down to business.  Nino Neiderreiter was born on September 8th 1992 in Chur, Switzerland.  That makes him a Virgo.  He stands 6'2", weight 210 pounds, wears number 22 and plays right wing.  This is Neiderriter's 4th season in the NHL.  His first two seasons were spent with the New York Islanders. They drafted him in the 1st round, 5th overall in 2010. The Islanders traded Neiderretier to Minnesota for mustache sporting gritty Cal Clutterbuck in 2013.  

Last year Neiderreiter played 81 games with the Wild scoring 14 goals and assisting 22 others.  He also showed up during the Wild's play off run scoring 3 goals and assisting 3 in 13 games.  This year in only 15 games Neiderreiter has already scored 7 goals!!  

Neidererriter with you European grace, mad hockey skills and dark brown eyes….. I am happy to call you this week's Fantasy Friday!

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The Minnesota Wild's Instagram account was all a buzz with Neiderriter's Hat Trick.
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Just another handsome man at work in the NHL!
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Casual Neiderreiter
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Taping his stick. One of my favourite parts of hockey!
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Chill down time mid game…...
Ladies one last thing…….. Neiderreiter's 1st goal last night came only 7 seconds after Ryan Carter's goal.  I wanted to show you Carter's goal.  At first glance why should this goal count?  Carter is behind the goalie plus it looks like he bats the puck in very high, which is a no in hockey.  Take a closer look and you realize that players are allowed in the goalie crease.  That Carter does in fact hit the puck in, with a part off his stick that is not the blade but it is still his stick so it counts.  You are not allowed to kick or throw the puck into the net.  Carter also does have great hand eye coordination because you are not allowed to hit the puck in above the cross bar.  Point of contact with the puck must be below the cross bar for a good goal.  As you can see in the side angle review the puck is indeed cross checked into the net below the cross bar making it a good goal and tying the game 1-1 for 7 seconds before Neiderreiter makes it 2-1.
This Weekend's Hockey Schedule

Friday November 14th 
Penguins vs Maple Leafs 4:30pm
Blue Jackets vs Flyers 4:00pm
Devils vs Capitals 4:00pm
Blackhawks vs Red Wings 4:30pm
Islanders vs Panthers at 4:30pm
Coyotes vs Canucks at 7:00pm

Saturday November 15th 
Hurricanes vs Bruins at 10:00am
Wild vs Stars at 11:00am
Ducks vs Kings at 1:00pm
Rangers vs Penguins at 4:00pm
Jets vs Predators at 4:00pm
Maple Leafs vs Sabres at 4:00pm
Flyers vs Canadiens at 4:00pm
Islanders vs Lightning at 4:00pm
Avalanche vs Devils at 4:00pm
Sharks vs Blue Jackets at 4:00pm
Capitals vs Blues at 5:00pm
Senators vs Flames at 7:00pm

Sunday November 16th 
Jets vs Wild 2:00pm
Sharks vs Hurricanes 2:00pm
Canadiens vs Red Wings 4:00pm
Stars vs Blackhawks 4:00pm
Panthers vs Ducks 5:00pm
Coyotes vs Oilers 6:00pm



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The New Jersey Devils may be 21st in the league right now but they are playing some extremely entertaining hockey!

11/12/2014

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Picture708 goals in and still a Stud!
Hello Good Lookin Hockey Fans!  During what was a long weekend for a lot of people I couldn't help but notice that the New Jersey Devils were producing a lot of great hockey highlights.

First there was the great goal by Seth Griffith, Monday night. I don't even know what you would call this? "Between the legs, backwards, watch what I can do?"  It was Griffith's 4th goal of the season in twelve games with the Bruins.  

And for your knowledge Ladies, Seth is 21, wears number 53, is a centreman, was drafted in 2012, is playing his rookie season in the NHL and is regarded as one of the top rookie prospects.



PictureJagr has been scoring goal for so long this hair was trendy when he began playing!
If I said Wayne Gretzky with 894, Gordie Howe with 801, Brett Hull with 741, Marcel Dionne with 731, Phil Esposito with 717, Mike Gartner with 708 and Jarmoir Jagr with 708, would that mean anything to you?

These men are the top scoring NHL players of all time.  The only one currently playing in the NHL is Jarmoir Jagr who scored his 708th goal Monday night to tie Mike Gartner.

Getting on this list doesn't come easy. A player must play for many years, sustain a high level of skill level throughout, and be a constant student of the game, always learning and adapting to the changes in the NHL. To put this into perspective, Jagr was drafted in 1990 by the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Seth Griffith was born in 1993.  Jagr has played 1,489 games in the NHL and Griffith has played 12. During his career Jagr has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils but also stints with Avangard Omsk of the KHL and HC Kladno in CZE. Jagr has won two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992, has won the Art Ross Trophy (most points scored in a season) 5 times, Hart Memorial Trophy (awarded to the most valuable player on team) and the Ted Lindsay Award 3 times (most outstanding player of the season voted by fellow players).  Jagr has assisted another 1,059 goals and scored an additional 78 goals in 202 playoff games over his career.  Jagr has played so many games and has sported the mullet back when it was trendy and not something we did at Halloween to reference the 1990s. One last little fun fact about Jagr…. he is the 1st non Canadian player to crack the top 6 in goal scoring ever.

PictureCory Schneider doing what he does best, stopping pucks.
And finally we all know I have a soft spot for New Jersey Devil goaltender Cory Schneider.  I like to claim my son was the original Schneider fan here in Vancouver 3 years ago.  Back when Schneider was back up to Roberto Luongo.  Tuesday night's game ended with the Devils beating the Minnesota Wild 3-1 and it was definitely Schneider's 24 saves that helped.  Four of which were insane, especially the one where he bats it out of the net just before the puck crosses the goal line and the puck continues to bounce along the goal line never actually crossing it.  Remember for a goal to count it has to cross the goal line 100%.  Below you can watch Schneider and his crazy saves.

Until next time hockey fans, enjoy!

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And then it happened….. Tyler Seguin…… yeah we're good…… Happy Fantasy Friday!

11/7/2014

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Do we need words….? Nope. Or maybe just Tyler Seguin, ladies.
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A man and his chocolate lab.
Hello Ladies!

Welcome to Fantasy Friday! This week I ran over ideas and players in my head. It was the same debate as last week, east or west, blue eyes or brown? Forward or defence? And then it hit me…. a player who was drafted by a team in the east but now plays for a team in the west.  I am talking about the one and only, uber handsome, extremely talented, Stanley Cup winning Tyler Seguin!

Let's break it down:

Tyler Seguin:

Great body, check
Beautiful eyes, check
Make you weak at the knees smile, check
Tattoos, check

That about covers it.

Tyler Seguin was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2010. Want to know how much potential the Original 6, Stanley Cup contending team thought Seguin had? Seguin went 2nd overall!  The player to go 1st that year was Edmonton Oiler Taylor Hall. Seguin stands 6'1" and weight 200 pounds. Wears #91 and plays centre. Born January 31st, 1992 in Brampton, Ontario means Seguin is an ultra fun aquarius when it comes to zodiac signs.

Here though is the best hockey fun fact when it comes to this adorable player:

Once drafted into the Bosotn Bruins organization, Sequin did what every freshly drafted player does. Training camp, a few pre season games but then it stops.  While the majority of newly drafted players are released by the team to play in leagues below the NHL to strengthen their game, Seguin continued to play for the Bruins. Out of an 82 game season Seguin played 74 games scoring 11 goals and assisting 11 others. Boston made the playoffs that year.  After ousting the Montreal Canadiens in game 7 Round 1, sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers in Round 2, beating the Tamps Bay Lightning in another 7 game series in round 3 and finally winning the Stanley Cup here in Vancouver against the Canucks in the 3rd game 7 for the Bruins, Seguin had officially won a Cup in his Rookie Season. No small feat. At tender age of 19, Seguin hoisted that beautiful cup above his head.  

Sequin went on the play two more season with the Bruins, playing every game except for one. Then in the summer of 2013, Tyler was traded to the Dallas Stars. Although his journey with the Original 6 team the Bruins was over, his journey was just beginning in Texas.  Nobody could have predicted the chemistry Sequin was going to have with Dallas Stars captain and one of Hockey Talk with Courtney's favourite players' Jamie Benn.  If Benn scores a goal, Seguin probably has an assist on it and if Seguin scoes a goal, Benn probably passed him the puck. This chemistry was most definitely a factor in the Dallas Stars making the playoffs last year for the 1st time in 6 years. They were ousted by the Anaheim Ducks in 6 games but that doesn't matter. With Seguin's playoff experience, chemistry with Benn and leadership in the dressing room the Dallas Stars future looks bright and their playoff season and Stanley Cup win looks even brighter.
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Ummmmmm……… Thank you.
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I have died and gone to Hockey Heaven!
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Taping his stick before puck drop.
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Seguin's partner in crime, brother from another mother, Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn!
Thank you Tyler Sequin for being so handsome and talented. Until next time hockey fans! The weekend lineup looks like this:

Friday November 7th
The Edmonton Oilers vs the Buffalo Sabres
The Columbus Blue Jackets vs the Carolina Hurricanes
the New Jersey Devils vs the Detroit Red Wings
The Washington Capitals vs the Chicago Blackhawks
The Arizona Coyotes vs the Anaheim Ducks

Saturday November 8th
The Vancouver Canucks vs the Los Angeles Kings
The Pittsburgh Penguins vs the Buffalo Sabres
The Winnipeg Jets vs the Ottawa Senators
The New York Rangers vs the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Calgary Flames vs the Florida Panthers
The Minnesota Wild vs the Montreal Canadiens
The Colorado Avalanche vs the Philadelphia Flyers
The Tampa Bay Lightning vs the Columbus Blue Jackets
The Carolina Hurricane vs the Washington Capitals
The Nashville Predators vs the St. Louis Blues
The San Jose Sharks vs the Dallas Stars
The New York Islanders vs the Arizona Coyotes

Sunday November 9th

The Vancouver Canucks vs the Anaheim Ducks
The Toronto Maple Leafs ve the Ottawa Senators
The Tampa Bay Lightning vs the Detroit Red Wings
The Edmonton Oilers vs the New York Rangers
The San Jose Sharks vs the Chicago Blackhawks 

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What exactly is an "Unanswered Goal" and my homemade Bean Dip!!

11/5/2014

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What's shakin good lookin hockey fans!?

Last night it felt like a million games were played in the NHL.  I was at home watching the Vancouver Canucks take on the Colorado Avalanche. The game went like this:

Colorado goal by John Mitchell
Colorado goal by Jamie McGinn
Colorado was up 2-0 at the end of the 1st period
With 4 seconds left in the 2nd period Vancouver Canuck Captain Henrik Sedin scored to get on the board and that goal we shall call the game changer.
The next four goals went like this:
Vancouver goal by Derek Dorsett
Vancouver goal by Nick Bonino
Vancouver goal by Nick Bonino
Vancouver goal by Shawn Matthias

After the 3rd Vancouver goal the commentators started using the term, "That is 3 unanswered goals", "That makes 4 unanswered goals", "Colorado has not answered back in 5 goals"

This got me thinking…. What exactly is an "Unanswered Goal?"  An unanswered goal is any goal scored without the opponents scoring afterwards. You could say last night's game had a few different collections of unanswered goals.  Colorado was up 2-0 which meant they had scored two unanswered goals. But the Canucks answered back with five goals.  The Avalanche didn't score anymore goals after the Canucks scored so all five goals were unanswered.  

An unanswered goal is different then a 'game winning goal' or an 'insurance goal'.  In last night's game Nick Bonino's 1st goal (3rd goal of the game) was the game winning goal. Bonino's 2nd goal (4th of the game) and Shawn Matthias's goal (5th of the game) were the insurance goals. The last two goals offered a little padding for the Canucks.

Even if a team wins 1-0, that goal is considered unanswered because the opposing team couldn't answer back. Now that we have that sorted below I have written the recipe for my Homemade Bean Dip. Above you can view Shawn Matthias's goal last night and the 5th unanswered goal for Colorado.  

My Homemade, always delicious Bean Dip!

As many of you know there are a lot of hockey games I spend watching at home.  Watching games at home means great food and company.  This recipe I wiped up one day when I was hungary and grabbed what I had in my cupboards.  The game was on and I have no time to run to the store.  It was such a hit with my company that I have to pass along the recipe to you.

What you will need:                                                          
1) Measuring Cups                                                                        
2) Mixer (Magic Bullet, Food Processor will work)                   
3) Strainer                                                                                        
4) Cutting Board                                                                            
5) Small kitchen knife                                                                  
6) Can opener                                                                                 

Ingredients:

1) One tin White Navy Beans               7) Crackers  
2) Oilve Oil                                               8) Olives
3) One Lemon
4) Garlic Powder      
5) Paprika 
6) Salt and Pepper  

Directions:

1) Open White Navy Beans, place in strainer and rinse.
2) Place Navy Beans in mixer and add 1/4 cup olive oil.  You may need to add a little more olive oil as you go, to get it to the consistency that you want.
3) Squeeze in juice of one lemon.
4) Add 1 tsp garlic power, a few dashes of paprika and salt and pepper.  Add as much or as little spice as you want.  My measurements are simply a guide line.
5) Mix
6) Give a little taste test and add more spices accordingly. 
7) Place in a serving bowl along with you favourite crackers and olives.  I also squeeze a little more lemon juice a top the dip at the end and sprinkle with what ever green herb I have in the house for a splash of colour.
8) Enjoy the Bean Dip and the game!


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My Bean Dip is a one pot wonder! The only thing you dirty is your mixer.
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Everything you need to make your own delicious Bean Dip!
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Bean Dip, your favourite crackers and some olives make the perfect Hockey Game snack, whether you are entertaining guests or enjoying a game on your own!
Until next time Hockey Fans!  Below I have unloaded the 4 goals before Shawn Matthias's goal, and yes as we now know they are all unanswered!
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Fantasy Friday is back with one of my favourites……. wait for it……. Montreal Canadian Dale Weise!

10/31/2014

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Hello Hockey Fans! Another exciting week in the NHL has past us by and I can't wait to start Fantasy Friday! For the last couple of weeks I have gone back and forth, watched a lot of games and started to choose this year's lineup. But who do I go with to start the year? Do I go with someone from the East or the West; a more veteran player or a hot shot rookie?  Blue eyes or brown?  Classic Canadian or Stylish European? Decisions, decisions.  

It wasn't until last nights game, Vancouver Canucks vs the Montreal Canadiens that I got my answer…….

To start off Fantasy Friday this year I have chosen one of my favourites, former Canuck, current Canadien, a gritty 4th liner who can score goals and drop the gloves, the one and only Dale Weise!
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Former Canuck and one of my favourites Dale Weise.
Here is what you need to know about Dale Weise:

1) Born on August 5th, 1988
2) Grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba
3) Plays right wing
4) Height 6'2", weight 205 pounds
5) Drafted in the 4th round during the 2008 NHL draft by the New York Rangers
6) In Vancouver, Weise wore #32 and in Montreal he can be spotted wearing #22
7) Weise is a Dad and his son's name is Hunter (my son's name is Hunter as well, Weise has great taste)
8) Blue eyes, brown hair

Do I need to say any more? A tall, handsome, protector.  

I have had a  soft spot for Weise for a few years now.  When he was a Canuck, I was fortunate enough to get to watch him at practice a few times.  Besides his work ethic and often being one of the last guys on the ice, Weise always stopped to talk to children lined up to meet a hockey player at the end of practice.  It didn't matter if there was 1 child or 20, Weise always stopped to make conservation, often tossing pucks their way and would chat about anything from hockey to shoes.

Besides talking to fans, Weise worked on his fighting skills. I once saw Kevin Bieksa fake fight with Weise at practice. Bieksa was clearly showing Weise some secret moves while Max LaPierre ref'd the fake fight.  All that hard work paid off because Weise is exactly a player teams are looking for. Great skater, scores goals, can throw a few knuckle sandwiches, always willing to lend time supporting charities and has a great comedic timing that only serves him well when being interviewed by countless media members. 

Above I uploaded one of Weise's overtime winning goals. Below you can check out a Weise fight, reminiscing about scoring his 1st NHL goal and his assist last night here in Vancouver.

Dale Weise for your hockey talent, fighting skill, great sense of humour and dashing good looks I declare you this year's 1st Fantasy Friday!
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The image is blurry, I know. I took this picture a few years back out at UBC. It was right after the lock out ended and the Canuck team had returned to the ice for practice. As the players moved the nets to the end of the rink, and the zamboni left about 15 children walked into the rink and found a spot right at the front. While guys were warming up and chatting, Weise skated over to the children and tossed them a few pucks. Needless to say the children were extremely excited and Weise's "Babe Status" went up in my books.
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