Taylor Chorney makes debut for Edmonton

Last night another youngster gets his NHL career started. Defenseman Taylor Chorney made his NHL debut for Edmonton. Taylor is 21 years old, born in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He was drafted by Edmonton in 2005 (36th overall). Member of the WCHA First All-Star Team (2008) he has spent whole season in Springfield (AHL). An excellent skater he has great passing abilities. Even he is not too big (5’11”) for the NHL standards he has very strong chances to join the Oilers starting roster next season. To make this debut more remarkable Edmonton completely overplayed short-benched Calgary (5:1). Flames played without Dion Phaneuf, Robyn Regehr, Cory Sarich and Curtis Glencross. I believe in Taylor Chorney. The NHL needs skilled blueliners.

Flames goalie Mikka Kiprusoff stops Oilers Steve MacIntyre

Lovin'lovin' Ovie

Reading my "The Hockey News" magazine today I have found this article interesting. So I decided to reprint it here.

"As a passionate hockey fan, I find too much being made of Alex Ovechkin and his goal-scoring celebrations by certain commentators and reporters.
The commentators have to see that Ovechkin is bringing back something lacking in the players these days - fun.
Some players look like they are only playing the game as a job and aren't enjoying it. With these celebrations Ovechkin shows that he truly has fun while playing and that there's nothing else he would rather be doing.
Hopefully, Ovechkin will remind other players to have fun, remember why they started playing in the first place and that they have a job millions of people would give anything to have.
Here's to Ovechkin bringing back fun to the NHL."

Matthew Wilks, Markham, Ont.

Did you miss it?

It was great hockey last night shown by many teams fighting for their playoffs spots and positions. Among all I don't want you to miss some quick facts such as:

It was beauty-to-watch diving pass by Martin St Louis and crisp snapshot by Steven Stamkos. Too fast, too hard for Jose Theodore to stop. The Blog wants to congratulate Steven Stamkos of Tampa Bay Lightings who set a Tampa Bay record for rookies with his 22nd goal to make it 1-0 just 36 seconds into the game. Previous one was held by Brad Richards, who scored 21 goals during his rookie season in 2000-01. I believe this kid has a long star hockey journey in front of him for many, many years. Way to go, Steve!

The famous NHL referee Don Koharski served his final game, ending a 32-year NHL career. He was congratulated by Tampa and Washington players who shook hands with Koharski after the Capitals vs. Lightings game ended.
Finally Carolina has its amazing winning 9-0 rout finished. The only pleasant thing is 40th goal of the season scored by Erik Staal. This late goal came with 27.1 seconds remaining and helped Carolina avoid its second shutout loss of the season. Congratulations to the Hurricanes star!

The Florida's hopes died

It's little bit too late for Florida. New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens both have secured their playoffs spots. Maybe another game or two for Florida and the final standings would be different, but... Already not this season. Congratulations to Rangers and Canadiens.

Nikale Photos from today game

Columbus secured Playoffs spot

Thanks God! Its over! That, probably, was the first thing that came in mind to the Columbus fans yesterday after the final whistle of the end of regulation. Tied the game with Chicago has brought so desired one point to guarantee the 2009 playoffs spot. The Blue Jackets, who entered the NHL in 2000-01, were the only active team that hadn't made the playoffs. This unpleasant fact is the history now thanks to Rick Nash late goal that tied the game with 5:30 left in regulation to force overtime. "The biggest goal in the history of the franchise," Hitchcock, Columbus coach, said after the game. It was the 39th goal of the season for Blue Jackets captain and the biggest (and probably, the only) star of the club. This blog would like to congratulate Columbus Blue Jackets fans and Rick Nash admires in particular for wrapping up their first playoff spot. "To get that one point was huge ... after being down 2-0. To get the win was even more important," said Nash at his interview to the media.

Are you the hockey expert?

I'd like to start kind of Hockey Trivia today. Wanna check your hockey knowledge? Think...Pick your answer...Click the link!

The first NHL All-Star game was held as a benefit for what injured star?

Choose Your Answer:

A: Eddie Shore,
B: Ace Bailey,
C: Howie Morenz,
D: Sylvio Mantha

So, expert, have you got it right?

Islanders, Dipietro and ...0:9

You know, I can understand it’s the end of the season, no chances to make playoffs, too many lost games etc... But to lose the game as it was done yesterday by Islanders it's way out of these explanations. The team just has shown no respect to their fans, opposite team and spectators. In my opinion, those two long term contracts with Yashin first and then, even more confusing, with always-injured Dipietro absolutely ruined this team. Even signing good players like Ryan Smyth or Bill Guerin they failed to keep them. Surprisingly for me, I have heard some comments from the NHL Center Ice that to sign Rick Dipietro “was the good move” for Islanders. Hmmm! Look how many games has he played this season – 5 (five!). Very exciting!
Anyway, congratulations to Carolina. This is hardworking team with no big stars, except of Eric Staal, that can easy make a long run into 2009 playoffs.

But what do you, guys, think about Islanders?