T minus about nine hours.

The problem with long weekends is that, while the following week goes by faster, Tuesday seems like twice a Monday to me. And I really have killed my laptop. No Internet access -- no Web, no e-mail, no messenger -- at all. "Boring" things like Microsoft Word work just fine, though. Anyway, before I head back to all that reality . . .

The full Russian World Cup roster was announced today. Nabby, Khabi, Ilya, Kovalev, Zhamnov, Fedorov . . .

I expected Fedotenko to be out tonight, but not also Pavel Kubina. What a way to get extra ice time on the Tampa Bay bench . . . Calgary really needs to stop taking penalties, especially in the first minutes of a game. I was not at all surprised when Brad Richards scored on the power play less than three minutes in . . . It was nice to see Krzysztof Oliwa playing again, and his hit at the beginning of the game was great. The penalty he got later? Not so good -- but much, much better than Ville Nieminen's hit on Lecavalier, from behind, with barely four minutes left. I guess he's already forgotten the Cujo incident.

Fun facts from tonight:

- Mike Commodore hasn't cut his hair since last August.
- The Keanu ad was on at 9:04 pm and 10:49 pm.
- The net in the Nextel Challenge was HUGE! My poor little Granma could've come close to scoring that $250k!
- Jarome Iginla always plays the first and last minutes of a period.
- Brad Richards' goal -- his seventh playoff game-winning goal -- set an NHL record, passing Joe Sakic and Joe Nieuwendyk with six each.
- Khabi and Kiprusoff are now tied again for playoff shutouts.
- TB's record is now 30-0-2 when Richards scores -- 8-0 in the playoffs.

Mid-Monday.

Today the U.S. marks Memorial Day, so take some time to honor those who've served your country. Then think about the ones who are still doing so.

If you haven't read any of The Good War, I highly recommend it. Hearing Studs Terkel is the reason I became interested in oral history.

It took over ten years, but the World War II Memorial in Washington is completed, and it was dedicated on Saturday. Sadly, only a small percentage of World War II veterans are still alive to see it. The dedication speeches were very good; you can probably find them online sooner or later. If you didn't see any of the presentation, you can see pictures here, as well as pictures of the memorial. It's complex and amazing -- I can't wait to go down and see it.

~ ~ ~

An amusing quote from Saturday's recap:

[Chris] Simon was so excited by the goal [he scored] that he literally threw himself into the glass at the corner to [Nik] Khabibulin's left.

"I was just so excited," Simon said somewhat sheepishly. "I didn't know what I was doing out there. I really don't have much of a celebration, so, you know ... I guess my type of celebration is banging into something."

- A dim view of stars.

- Kobasew eyes shot.

- The Herald Cup notebook.

- What TB should do tonight. This advice would no doubt work well for the Bruins: "Dump and chase, but do something when you get there."

- Now that we all know one way to find Roenick on the road, he'll probably be leaving that car in the garage for a while.

- A feature on Mike Commodore and Steve Montador ("the Doors"), and on Brad Richards.

- Tonight's game preview.

Halfway through the long weekend.

First off, Calgary kicked butt last night. Weird thing, though -- it's not as if the Tampa Bay guys were horrible. (If we're going to do the back and forth thing again, I don't know if I'll be able to take it!) The highlight of the game (to me) was watching Jarome Iginla and Vincent Lecavalier go at it, especially amusing since they were just featured in the Boston Globe. The two power play goals were a close second. And it was nice to see former Bruin Krzysztof Oliwa playing again. But the low point was Ruslan Fedotenko hitting the boards face first. In addition to his cheek and eye, I don't see how he didn't hurt his left shoulder when he fell to the ice.

- Nancy Marrapese-Burrell's column and game recap.

- Kevin Paul Dupont's pro hockey notes. [Mike O'Connell said,] "all of the club's higher-profile Group 2 free agents . . . will receive qualifying offers prior to July 1 . . . All the Group 2's will receive only one-year offers, at no more than a 10 percent raise. Players who earned below the league average of some $1.8 million must be offered the 10 percent sweetener. Any Bruin who made above the average will be qualified at their existing rate, as permitted by the collective bargaining agreement."

In more positive news, Sergeis Samsonov and Gonchar have been named to Russia's World Cup team.

- Steve Conroy's Stanley Cup notebook (scary story on Chris Clark), and the Herald game recap.

- Perfect timing for Mara.

My dear office assistant has grown a playoff beard. If I can snag his photo, I'll post it.

~ ~ ~

On a non-hockey note, I saw on the news yesterday that Pat Tillman's death was most likely the result of friendly fire. As if the story weren't sad enough.

Back in Calgary.

Game 3 is right now. So this'll be short.

NMB wrote about Iginla and Lecavalier today. Steve Conroy did a feature on Vinny, as well as the Herald Cup notebook.

~ ~ ~

Robert Esche is having surgery. Amazing he played as well as he did this year.

The color of the sky as far as I can see is coal grey.*

The hockey family is a large one, which is why I'm posting about Michael Fogolin. He played in the WHL for the Prince George Cougars (where Grant Fuhr is the goaltending coach). Thanks to Wil for the info.

Nancy Marrapese-Burrell's Stanley Cup notebook, and the Globe game recap.

The Herald game recap. And from Stephen Harris' Cup notebook: The Sporting News named Michael Ryder rookie of the year (122 votes). Andrew Raycroft was second (82 votes). Harris speculates that, perhaps, some players (40?!) didn't know LAR was a rookie.

Larry Wigge on Vincent Lecavalier; Rich Libero on Calgary going home; TB's top three; predictions on the future of the Sharks and the Flyers.

No major Mike Danton news. Commentary on the Florida Panthers' changes.

And rain. Lots of rain.

* 10,000 Maniacs, In My Tribe, "Like the Weather." [ clip ]

Oh, jeesh; I almost forgot . . .

NHLPA is profiling the Pearson Award candidates. Jocelynn, just stay away from this one.

It's official!

The Tampa Bay/Calgary rivalry has been established, and this one should last long into the future. Game two had 60 minutes in penalties just from misconducts! There were well over 60 other penalty minutes -- and if you didn't see it, I can't really describe it all. Pavel Kubina was ticking people off, Martin Gelinas broke his stick across someone's back, Andre Roy was talking trash, and Jarome Iginla was more than ready to go. I couldn't count how many people ended up in the last pig pile.

Now for the other hockey skills, Khabibulin was great and Kiprusoff was outstanding; the score doesn't reflect the 27 saves he made. The score was the same as last game: 4-1. Dan Boyle scored, which gives him a little something to smile about. The one Calgary goal (Ville Nieminen) was on the power play, Martin St. Louis scored in the third period again, and Ruslan Fedotenko just will not stop. Vinny Lecavalier continues to step up. The record-breaking crowd in TB was 22,222, while in Calgary, fans could watch the game at the Saddledome.

What I wouldn't give to be at game three on Saturday.*

~ ~ ~

In crossover news, you can find a clip of Keanu's NHL ad at Club Keanu. (He was also honored at last night's World Stunt Awards, but that's another story.)

* Don't forget -- the rest of the series is on ABC now.

News of the day.

Send positive thoughts to Dan Boyle, whose house was severely damaged in a fire during Tuesday night's game. The story is also in the Boston Herald.

Great comments from Darryl Sutter on Jarome Iginla and on being a captain in NMB's column today:

"The biggest reason that he's taken a step forward this year is because he's assumed the leadership of the team," said coach Darryl Sutter. "Before, he was the face of the team. It was the wrong sort of pressure to have on him. Even in the locker room, [there was a feeling of], 'Well, if Jarome doesn't score, we can't win.' Or, 'It's all right if we're playing Boston and Jarome had a big game.' It doesn't work and it didn't work and it's unfair to the player." Sutter said it was crucial every player understand he is part of a unit, and not look to the team's best player to carry the day. "It has to be about the team and I think he's grabbed that," said Sutter. "He wanted to be the captain of the team and he's assumed more of that role. There are a lot of captains who wear the 'C', it doesn't make them the leader of the team. He's become the leader of the team and I think that is why he's a better player."

Nancy also has a nice feature on Chris Clark. And Stephen Harris features Jarome Iginla. His column starts:

Bruins fans were reminded, in the most unpleasant manner, that a team's best players must make big plays if that team is to have success during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The fact that Joe Thornton, Glen Murray, Brian Rolston, etc., accomplished little against the Montreal Canadiens in the B's first-round loss largely explains why the B's are five weeks into the golf season.

And the fact Jarome Iginla is playing like a true star is a big reason why the Calgary Flames find themselves three wins from a most improbable NHL championship.

It's not like you can argue with that.

Mike Commodore and his hair (!) are featured at NHL.com, as is Martin St. Louis.

Today is Jonathan Girard's birthday, which you already know if you've been to Heather's site. Yesterday was former Bruin PJ Stock's. And since there are a bunch this week, I'll just say HB to Jiri Slegr (05.30), Doug Doull (05.31), and Michal Grosek (06.01) now.

Game two: 8 pm tonight. TB and Calgary have a lot in common, but from the Florida point of view, Tampa Bay needs to win.

A little thank you!

To Jen, who not only has a photo of Keanu in goalie equipment (and hundreds of other fabulous things) on her KCR site, but also has linked pics from Keanu's commercial posted at Club Keanu (they're posted in reverse order). It's good to know that other people love their Webcams and whatnot as much as I do. (And Keanu.) Oh, but I cannot wait for tomorrow night, when I will, rest assured, be ready at the VCR, now that my cable is fixed and I can watch the game in my apartment. And maybe devise some way to tape record the ad, too, because poor Jen doesn't live in the States and may never get to see it, but if I taped it, she could at least hear his voice! And, no, I'm not thirteen! STOP LAUGHING AT ME! STOP THAT! IF I WERE TALKING ABOUT BOSTON BRUINS CAPTAIN AND FRANCHISE CENTER JOE THORNTON, OR GOALIE OF THE FUTURE ANDREW "RAZOR" RAYCROFT LIKE THIS, AT LEAST SOME PEOPLE WOULD THINK IT PERFECTLY FINE!

Okay, sorry. I need to stop writing about this topic before I slide into a Keanu coma. Not that that would be bad, but I'd stop thinking about hockey indefinitely, and we wouldn't want that to happen, would we?!

But if you'll excuse me for a little while, I have some pictures to go look at . . .

Will wonders never cease?

Mike Keenan is back with the Florida Panthers -- as the GM!

Jacques Martin, formerly of Ottawa, is the new head coach.

Mike Keenan, General Manager of the Florida Panthers. Crazy. Crazy!

Rick Dudley must be TICKED!

Okay, now you can go read about a possible end to the trap, Larry Wigge on Kip and Khabi, Jarome Iginla's game-winning goal, Martin Gelinas, Dave Andreychuk, how many former Bs I missed from my Cup count, Tampa Bay's defense and post-game one strategies, Stephen Harris on yesterday's game, and also Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Bettman on the Players' Association* . . .

* The commissioner stopped short of saying training camps wouldn't open if there's no agreement, but reading between the lines, that's obviously the case. Not that I'm surprised, but you know I'll be crying in September, don't you?

So . . .

Jarome Iginla and Martin Gelinas scored again, Ville Nieminen came back into the game, Kiprusoff came close to another shutout, Calgary actually got a power play goal, Martin St. Louis scored, I saw Johnny Grahame up close, and, oh, yeah, Calgary won.

Iginla's goal was quite nifty, as he caught his own rebound just behind the net and snuck it back around past Khabibulin.

And Minnesota fan Theresa Gould, the Seventh Man award winner sounds really cool.

I can go to bed happy now.

~ ~ ~

P.S. Florida press conference tomorrow.

"Good luck, boys. Come and get it!"

I just saw the Keanu commercial.

That's all I have to say. The game hasn't even started yet.

Tuesday stuff.

Here's the NHL.com preview for tonight's Calgary/Tampa Bay game, and Nancy Marrapese-Burrell on why you should be watching.

Here's the Herald's Stanley Cup notebook. Coincidentally, Ruslan Fedotenko is also today's NHLPA player of the day. See also Finals full of flash.

And here's coverage from Media Day. "Only 10 players combined for both teams have ever reached the Stanley Cup Finals on a previous occasion." Can you imagine being in those locker rooms tonight?!

~ ~ ~

In World Cup news, the Czech and Finnish rosters are done. Our very own Jiri Slegr made the Czech team! This just leaves Russia, and we'll be done.

You can see the stereotypical (quintessential?) picture of a hockey player in Shean Donovan's NHLPA feature. But be sure to read the story -- especially the part about Jorian and Teresa!

Just for Jocelynn.

Okay -- and for me, too! But more for Jocelynn. She needs some good Sharks memories right about now.

Heh. And huh.

Keanu Reeves is doing an NHL ad! Yes, I like Keanu Reeves. For years before The Matrix. Since his fourth movie, in fact, which is why I've always known about the hockey connection. And I am not afraid to admit it. In public.

Rick Dudley was fired as the Panthers' GM. I am a bit speechless on this matter. Naturally, this news is not on the Cats' site (yet).


~ ~ ~

Flashes of brilliance. Why this year's finals will be more interesting than last year's (to some).

And I forgot to post this weekend: Tampa Bay sold some tickets to Game 7 for $8.00. EIGHT DOLLARS!

Completely off topic.

Nothing to do with hockey: I just like this picture of the Roughnecks after they won the NLL championships.

No comment necessary.

From the Boston Globe on Friday:

"I can honestly say I hoped we'd be here, but I didn't expect it," said Craig Conroy, who centers the Flames' dangerous top line. Despite the festive atmosphere in the Saddledome after the clinching win, the Flames aren't doing much celebrating yet. Thanks to a charismatic captain, a humble roster, and a coach who won't tolerate selfishness, they haven't lost their focus -- or their appreciation for their humble roots in this hockey-crazed community.

Just look at captain Jarome Iginla, who stayed late at the Saddledome following Game 6, chatting for two hours with fans* after the Flames finished off another opponent of higher regard and higher expectations.

"They don't get enough credit for how great a hockey city this is," said Iginla, who grew up in Edmonton rooting against the Flames. "Easily, easily one of the best in the NHL, if not the best. You look around the league when other teams went through tough times and they were out of the playoffs. We were still getting 14, 15,000 fans."*

* My emphasis.

Sunday press.

- Hold the phone, Lightning are in. Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella, comparing the finals to the Flyers series: "I have too much respect for that man, Darryl, with Calgary and their team and how they have done it. Don't expect me to be involved in any b.s. This is the finals."

- KPDP's hockey notes.

- Flames hope momentum won't flicker.

- A lost season for Rolston: Steve Conroy's NHL notes.

Post-game.

Congratulations are in order for the Tampa Bay Lightning, who, having won their first-ever conference title, are now going to their first-ever Stanley Cup finals. For once in my life I actually wasn't rooting for the underdog, but I really can't be mad at TB for winning. The Flyers neither blew it nor were blown out; it was a series all the way. I like Ruslan Fedotenko, St. Louis, and Lecavalier (in spite of himself). Anyway, how could you really hate a team who's never won a Stanley Cup? And whose captain is currently the leader in games played without winning a Cup?

You can't.

And while I'll be rooting for Calgary, I would completely appreciate the irony of John Grahame touching that trophy.

Saturday, slightly cold and grey.

First off, congrats to all the SSC-ers (hockey players or not) who graduated today.

Johnny Bucyk is featured at NHL.com, and the Flyers are about to play Tampa Bay for the last time this season. Nancy Marrapese-Burrell has a preview:

"When coaches talk about needing their best players to step up and be counted, they should just show video of [Keith] Primeau's performance in this series."

As for that other Cup . . .

The Stanley Cup finals schedule is done, though the final match-up is not.

Cup counting. No, the *other* Cup.

Bruins representing their countries in the World Cup (thus far):

Per Johan Axelsson (Sweden)
Brian Rolston (USA)
Jiri Slegr (Czech Republic)
Joe Thornton (Canada)

Recent Bruins:

Bill Guerin (USA)
Bryan Smolinski (USA)
Jozef Stumpel (Slovakia)

Since the Finland roster is set now, we're just waiting on Russia (Sergei Gonchar, perhaps?). Germany is done.

[05.25.04]

Press.

John Buccigross on Philly and TB, on NHL Tonight: "While Calgary waits and rests, these two will beat each other up for another night."

Lightning rod: on John Tortorella (who used to go to Salem State).

There's nothing complimentary to Mike Danton.

The U.S. Cup team was picked for a purpose.

~ ~ ~

Sheesh -- I almost forgot to post the Philly/TB recap!

Thursday night, again.

The U.S. World Cup roster is done. How many did you get right?

Tampa Bay plays in Philly tonight. The Flyers have to win to continue.

~ ~ ~

1-0/1-1/1-2/2-2/2-3/3-3 . . . 4-3. Ruslan Fedetenko (former Flyer) and Vinny Lecavalier have two goals each.

~ ~ ~

I love that Amstel Light commercial with the ridiculously portly goalie. I've seen it so many times, but it still makes me laugh whenever I see it. And speaking of being in shape . . .

I don't meet the age requirements, so I can only dream of attending the Bruins' camp. Sadly, I doubt they'll let me just hang out and watch!

~ ~ ~

Philly just tied with 1.49 left! Oh, man! I remember when the Bs made me excited!

~ ~ ~

So Keith Primeau (four points in this game!) and Simon Gagne matched TB with two goals each -- but Gagne's was the game-winner in overtime. Whoo hoo! On to game seven!

Jocelynn's favorite player was on NHL Tonight. Hopefully, seeing him cheered her up a little!

In search of . . . Diversity.

I've started going to the Hockey's Future board again, which I don't do often (to me it's better in small doses), and yesterday I was reading this thread on U.S.-born players. A father from Massachusetts (ShankMan) posted about his son, the cost of playing, and the increasing elitism -- as in being an elite athlete, not being elitist (though that may coincide) -- of the sport. And he said it so perfectly:

"My 10-year-old is a very good athlete, plays many sports, but hockey is his favorite. However, as it looks now, he'll never be anything more than a good "town" hockey player and be lucky to make his make his high school hockey team because my wife and I are not willing nor able [my emphasis] to engage in the "hockey spending arms race." This involves commiting your life to driving everywhere all week long to hockey clinics, camps, and faraway elite hockey leagues and tournaments and spending $3000-$6000 per year in the process. We refuse to get caught up in this psychotic youth hockey culture -- it takes the fun out of hockey for the kids in my view. My impression is that most of the kids who end up playing elite levels of hockey, such Divsion I college hockey, are a by-product of this culture and system.

"The practice rink for my son's town hockey program is one mile away - very convenient, but due to the severe limited availability of ice time, he gets about 1.5 hours of practice per week and 3 games per month, which is clearly not enough to develop in a high-skill sport like hockey. In the other major team sports, practicing and developing skills is always far cheaper and much closer to home than hockey."

It's a challenge, loving hockey the way I do.

Place your bets.

The U.S. roster for the World Cup is announced today. While you're waiting, read about the Canadian controversy.

Then you can compare the Inside College Hockey predictions with the actual outcome.

Sorry, Jocelynn.

Jarome Iginla just scored a wicked goal from the left side. Power play goal (four minute high stick on Curtis Brown) at 18.52. Through the legs of Scott Hannan (who was featured at NHLPA last week).

~ ~ ~

Hey! NBC and ESPN have announced a two-year deal with the NHL. That's right: We have a TV contract. Now about that players' contract . . .

So . . . If the Bruins were still playing, would Aerosmith be at the Fleet? (I know they wouldn't be -- they played Edmonton last night and play Calgary tomorrow -- but it's a nice thought, isn't it?)

~ ~ ~

If I see one more short-handed/fast break bid on San Jose, with a mad scramble in front, I may pass out . . .

The calm before the storm, indeed.

~ ~ ~

Oh, man. Jonathan Cheechoo will, as they say, wake up screaming about the puck that jumped over his stick, wondering if his shot would've gone in . . . The former coach, the former backup goalie -- I'd be speechless if I were either of them.

Calgary is going for the Cup. I am still sort of in shock.

~ ~ ~

P.S. Martin Gelinas' game-winning goal was his third playoff game winner this season, his fourth (I think) career series-ending goal, and his sixth career playoff game-winning goal. Iginla has ten goals in the playoffs. What is it like to have players like that?

Golf. Ehh.

May this be the only post I make about golf all summer.

Patrice Bergeron is home, and he has one goal for the summer: "I don't golf at all now. But I have to learn. I have to start playing."

I suppose he figures he needs to be ready for the Bruins golf tournament in August. It's only $500 per person* to register.

I thought someone (Heather?) was supposed to intervene on Patrice's behalf. Another one lost . . .

* Yes, I know it's a charity fundraiser, and I know various Bruins folk will be there, and it includes lunch and dinner and greens fees, etc., but how about a non-golf, less expensive, summertime event for "the rest" of us?

~ ~ ~

In other non-news, the Boston Globe has changed the format of its Bruins page . . . Calgary plays San Jose tonight. Will the home team win, or will San Jose make history on the road? . . . My fish has become as finicky as my cats . . . Slovakia's World Cup roster is set, and former Bruin Jozef Stumpel is on the list . . . And today is exactly one month since the Bruins bit it.

I don't know why I'm thinking about this right now.

But I do like to torture myself from time to time, so that could be it.

Zdenek Kutlak and Tim Thomas have signed with teams overseas, which is wise not only because of the CBA issue, but also because of their future roles (or lack thereof) with Boston.

Each year I check Cory's list for updates, but obviously I expect this season's developments s l o w l y.

Tuesday miscellaney.

Tampa Bay plays Philly tonight, and the Bolts lead 1-0 right now. Quite a few penalties thus far.

Here's what some Kings fans think about the possibility of Glen Murray going west.

Speaking of the Kings, Milan Hnilicka is going home to work.

And speaking of home, Peter Stastny, father of Yan (who played in Germany this season), is running for office in Slovakia.

TB, 2-0 now.

~ ~ ~

TB, 3-2, 15 minutes left . . . 4 . . . Empty net goal with seconds left. Tampa Bay, 4-2.

Other stuff: The Hockey Journal prospect report, Bs look to uncertain future, Scott Bradley scouting Q & A, and the Bs' playoff wrap -- another rare moment when Kirk Luedeke and I agree:

"[Joe] Thornton deserves credit for battling to stay in the lineup, but the benefit of hindsight has many saying that he should have taken himself out of action early on. That his presence on the ice alone helped the Bs' cause matters not, because after the fact, it wasn’t enough."

By the way, the cover of the current Hockey Journal says, "BLACK AND FOLD."

It's Monday . . .

Feeling nostalgic? The Boston Globe has finally removed the Bruins playoff links, but you can still see the little photo galleries of Joe Thornton, Glen Murray, Patrice Bergeron, and Andrew Raycroft.

Here's an article on the evolving relationship between Ken Hitchcock and Keith Primeau.

Some of the Sharks are forgiving of fair-weather fans. We'll see what happens tonight.

~ ~ ~

PJ Axelsson made Sweden's team for the World Cup, but Michael Nylander did not. Some people don't like the trophy designed by Frank Gehry, but I do.

Keith Primeau was interviewed during the first intermission of the Calgary/San Jose game. (Calgary's winning 2-0 right now.) Beside talking hockey, he said that his eight-year-old daughter stayed in her soccer game after hurting her MCL. Apparently, she figured her dad would want her to stay. I appreciate the grit, but she's eight. Let's hope it was a minor injury.

~ ~ ~

Former Shark Miikka Kiprusoff sat down to make a save just before the puck hit the line, the goalie gods most definitely put the crossbar in the right place, and Calgary held San Jose to nine shots in the last 40 minutes. "[Jarome] Iginla and Craig Conroy scored unassisted goals resulting from inexcusable mental lapses by the Sharks . . . The Sharks' fans booed them off the ice after each of the final two periods."

Calgary, 3-0.

Around the world.

San Jose beat Philadelphia today, 4-2. They play again tomorrow.

It's official: South Africa will be hosting the 2010 World Cup (soccer). If you don't know the significance of that, let me explain: South Africa was banned from the World Cup and from the Olympics for 28 years because of apartheid. This will be one of only a few international sporting events to be held in South Africa since the end of apartheid. Even more remarkable: While FIFA is now rotating among continents (the 2014 Cup will be held in South America), the Olympics have never been held in any country in Africa or South America.

That needs to change.