Bloop33's Blog
Well, after the amazing season that was 2032-33, we're into the next season, with what may be my deepest line-up ever. While not everyone has amazing overalls, their individual statistics are perfect for their roles. Everyone is fast, everyone can play defence and everyone can contribute in some way offensively.
Regular Season :
Key Match-Ups (Games I've played):
-Game 11 vs. Buffalo Sabres. First Home Game of Season. After the Cup was presented in front of the hometown faithful and the banner raised, we won an easy 5-2 game that included a great performance from Calle Moller and a few lucky goals by the opposition. After the first it was 5-1 though, and we just played a trap for the rest of the game.
-Game 21 vs. Florida Panthers. We're off to a very hot streak now, winning 11 games in a row, and this game is a game vs. #1 and #2 in the conference. Florida is a strong offensive team, but weak defensively. We come out strong and our elite size and speed is too much for Florida to handle. Led by Baron's hat trick, we wind up winning 8-1 and send a clear message to the NHL.
-Game 41 vs. Dallas Stars. Well at the halfway point of the season, we get a Stanley Cup final rematch vs. a depleted Dallas Stars line-up. With us being 30-9-1 and them being 20-16-5, we are heavy favourites, but won't take them too lightly. The first was a wash, as we scored 4 goals on 5 shots, and then we just grinded them down for 2 and a half periods afterwards. Easy 5-0 win, and the team seems almost perfect as we look forward to the second half of the season.
Trade Alert:
The team began to struggle creating offense, so I decided to make a move for a more offensive 4th line forward than Kelly Morrow.
To Nashville Predators:
D - Tero Laakonen (81)
LW - Dustin Sigalet (80)
To Boston Bruins:
RW - Josh Tokarski (81) (Also called up D-Willie Rose, 83, to replace Laakonen)
23 years old, 6'1", 199 lbs. Small, but very good defensively, he adds more speed to the 4th line than Kelly Morrow, and is also better defensively, while has more potential for offense with his speed, I think.
First 14 games with the team, he has 7 points.
TRADE DEADLINE:
Going into the deadline, I haven't had to play too much, since the team is so good. What I would like though is possibly a good scoring forward from the AHL to fill in for injured players (Bordson currently out 4-5 weeks). My bottom 6 is fairly set and has numerous replacements, but the top 6 has nobody would can fit in to the scoring game. My defensive depth is fairly strong, and even with Cunning being very injury prone (missed 20+ games in all 3 seasons of his career), I am confident my depth is strong enough.
TRADE:
To New York Islanders:
D - Isaac Phillips (82)
To Boston Bruins:
C - Austin Champagne (81)
32 years old, 6'3", 213 lbs. Top scoring AHL forward, will fill in on the 2nd line in place of 38 year old Brent Pedersen while Bordson is out, then may play bottom 6 afterwards.
Big Injury-Calle Moller out 4 weeks:
Well, I haven't mentioned all of my injuries this season, Bordson 4-5 weeks, Cunning a combined 11-12 weeks, Cleeve 3 weeks. But finally, I have a key injury to report. With 14 games left in the season, Calle Moller has been injured with a swollen knee. Out for 4 weeks. Hopefully he'll recover in time for the playoffs, my goaltending depth is not great.
-Game 72 vs. Ahaheim Ducks. As I begin my feeling out process of where I stand for the playoffs, I am confronted by the #2 team in the NHL, the Ducks. Made up of many former players, they've overtaken the Coyotes and have opened up a 6 point gap in the West, so it should be a good test. My first impressions are, without Moller, we may not go far. Second impressions, we can score! 6-4 win, looking good personel-wise, just need Moller healthy for playoffs
Have decided I'm content, and will sim to playoffs now.
Playoffs:
Ideal Playoff line-up (top subs in extra fields after top 6 D-men)
Calle Moller is back for playoffs, only player on IR left is Ray Cunning.
Round 1 vs. Buffalo Sabres
Game 1
In a repeat of the first round last season, the Buffalo Sabres bring a high flying offence and a solid defensive game to the table vs. us. Game 1 was a defensive struggle, with both teams battling hard. Callahan opened the scoring in the second with a great shot to make it 1-0 (G- Callahan (1), A- Wilm, Fast). Not long after though, Serge Charpenon scored for Buffalo to make it 1-1 (G- Charpenon (1), A- McClement, Kudrna). The rest of the game was a see-saw battle, and entered overtime, but about 16 minutes in, Steve Bordson took a boarding call and Buffalo's Keefe score on a turnover for the 2-1 (G- Keefe (1), A- Unassisted) win and took the series lead 1-0.
Review:
Buffalo played a much stronger game than anticipated, and next game I'll have to more evenly distribute the size throughout the line-up to create more chances.
3 Stars:
1. Calle Moller (1.82 GAA, .944%, 34/36 saves)
2. Sven Dahl (0.91 GAA, .958%, 23/24 saves)
3. Casey Fast (0G, 1A, 1P, +1)
Game 2
Game 2 saw the reunited Tyrell-Wilm-Bordson and Callahan-Stokes-Baron lines. In this game, we knew Buffalo was going to be strong defensively, but if we moved the puck and used the big bodies at forward to maintain possession, we would have a great chance at winning. However, we did not expect what was to come. Tyrell scored in the first to make it 1-0 (G- Tyrell (1), A- Bordson, Wilm). In the second, play opened up, and our constant forecheck created great opportunities. Tyrell scored again, 2-0 (G- Tyrell (2), A- Bordson), then Stokes, 3-0 (G-Stokes (1), A- Baron, Tyrell). Buffalo scored on a point shot from Kennedy, 3-1 (G-Kennedy (1), A- Stepan, Alikoski), but Klee fired back just over a minute later, 4-1 (G- Klee (1), A- Meldere, Quirk). The third continued our dominance with goals by Tyrell, 5-1 (G- Tyrell (3), A- Bordson, Wilm), Callahan, 6-1 (G- Callahan (2), A-Stokes, Baron) and finally Quirk (G- Quirk (1), Tokarski, Pitlick). The final result, 7-1 boatrace. Series 1-1
Review:
A dominant game, our big bodies and high speed kept us on top of the puck most of the game and other than a screened point shot, Moller was great once again. Good things to build off of heading onto the road.
3 Stars:
1. Joe Tyrell (3G, 1A, 4P, +3)
2. Steve Bordson (0G, 3A, 3P, +2)
3. Donald Quirk (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
Game 3
Game 3 in Buffalo was going to be very important, as we haven't faced much adversity in the past few seasons, so a loss could be dangerous, but a win could be huge for momentum. The game got off to a horrible start, Buffalo dominated play and despite great efforts from Calle Moller, Stepan scored for them, 1-0 (G- Stepan (1), A- Alikoski, Cleeve). With 8 seconds left in the first, they scored again, 2-0. (G- McCormick (1), A-Unassisted). The second period started off even worse, as Phil Hartnell was cheapshotted with what would eventually be determined an MCL sprain, out for the game. Callahan, Klee, Cleeve and Pitlick all got into fights afterwards, and maybe we lost focus a bit. 2-0 still after two periods, we were desperate for a goal. Joe Tyrell received a pass from Bordson, and buried it top shelf, 2-1 (G- Tyrell (4), A- Bordson, Wilm). Unfortunately, not long afterwards, Willie Rose was hurt, and we were playing with 4 defencemen. By the end of the period, Rose had returned but we were going to only use him if something happened to the healthy 4 defencemen. As we put on pressure, a clear by Buffalo turned into a missed hit by a tired Rich Cleeve, and Hull scored for the Sabres, 3-1 (G- Hull (1), A- Stepan, Cleeve). Series: 2-1
Review:
A poor first period lead to a Buffalo victory. Now with Phil Hartnell looking like he may miss quite some time, someone will have to step up defensively. Ray Cunning will return soon, but his sporadic health and play don't make him reliable. A tough climb awaits if we're going to even make it past the first round this season.
3 Stars:
1. Roy Stepan (1G, 1A, 2P, E)
2. Sven Dahl (1.00 GAA, .955%, 21/22 saves)
3. Arthur McCormick (1G, 0A, 1P, +1)
Injury Report & Line-up Changes:
Phil Hartnell will miss the next 4-5 weeks with an MCL Sprain. Steve Bordson also suffered a concussion in game 3 and will miss at least 1 game. Ray Cunning is almost recovered from his broken hand, and will join the team for game 4. AHL superstar Austin Champagne will fill in for Steve Bordson.
Game 4
With Bordson and Hartnell out, the gameplan was to hopefully get a lead and then hold it. Quickly, Champagne made most of his first career NHL Playoff start with Boston by scoring, 1-0 (G- Champagne (1), A- Stokes, Fast). Less than a minute afterwards, we score again! 2-0 (G- Callahan (3), A- Stokes, Fast). As the period goes on, Buffalo gives a little push-back, and eventually score, 2-1 (G- Kudrna (1), A- Versteeg, Charpenon). In the second, Champagne scores quickly again, 3-1 (G- Champagne (2), A- Wilm, Kantor). We continue to dominate the period, but are unable to pot anymore. In the third, they come out very strong, and after a charging penalty to Cracknell, Serge Charpenon does what he has done for years, and scores a PP goal, 3-2 (G- Charpenon (2), A- Denis, Archibald). For the rest of the period, the Sabres dominate, with Moller standing strong, but in the last 25 seconds, they finally get one to tie it, 3-3 (G- Cleeve (1), A- Archibald, Hull). In overtime, it didn't take long. A scramble faceoff wound up with Champagne shooting the puck on net, but it was blocked and went straight to Tyrell, who buried it low glove side, 4-3 win! (G- Tyrell (5), A- Champagne). Series 2-2.
Review:
Well, Austin Champagne really proved he deserves a place on the NHL roster. His physical play and finishing touch carried the team on a night where most lines struggled to get any offence generated. Despite only 19 saves on 22 shots, Calle Moller made some great saves once again, just wasn't helped by the defence tonight. Looking forward to move ahead now.
3 Stars:
1. Austin Champagne (2G, 1A, 3P, +1)
2. Serge Charpenon (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
3. Tristan Archibald (0G, 2A, 2P, +2)
Game 5
Game 5 was another very important game, as whoever would win would have the edge not just in the series, but they would put the other team on the brink of elimination. While Steve Bordson was available to play, we decided to keep the same line-up and re-introduce Bordson when he was 100%. The first was a tightly checked period, with only 10 combined shots, but Colin Meldere was able to score while crashing the net to make it 1-0 Boston, (G- Meldere (1), A- Klee, Quirk). The second was dominated more by the Sabres, and after some good goaltending by Moller, they finally broke through to tie it up at 1-1, (G- Havelid (1), A-Crooks, Lechance). In the third, Boston came out much stronger, and we controlled play for the most part. At the halfway point, Josh Tokarski tipped in a Casey Fast shot to put us up 2-1 (G- Tokarski (1), A- Fast). The rest of the period involved a lot of shot blocking and hitting, and the tight checking affair wound up a 2-1 victory for Boston. Series 3-2.
Review:
Another well played game for Calle Moller and Sven Dahl, this one came down to a lucky break on a strange Tokarski tip in. While we won, we didn't produce a ton of shots (25) considering our heavy Time On Attack advantage. Game 6 should see us shoot the puck more, and if we can do that, we will be heading to Round 2. It's been a well contested series thus far.
3 Stars:
1. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .960%, 24/25 saves)
2. Josh Tokarski (1G, 0A, 1P, E)
3. Colin Meldere (1G, 0A, 1P, +1)
Game 6
Game 6 sees Steve Bordson return to the fourth line and 2nd unit PP. Josh Tokarski will sit out despite scoring the game winner in game 5. He is still a -1 for the series and for the most part, been the worst forward in the series (and still playing very well). The first was completely dominated by the Bruins, outshooting the Sabres 11-4, and eventually Jamie Baron buried one to make it 1-0 (G- Baron (1), A- Tyrell, Cunning). In the second, the Sabres were stronger, but were still outplayed and Colin Meldere wound up making it 2-0 (G- Meldere (2), A- Pitlick, Cracknell). In the 3rd, Buffalo went all out, but we responded. Halfway through the period, they broke though the Swedish wall, 2-1 (G- Stepan (2), A- Keefe, Crooks). The rest of the period was dominated by Buffalo, and they even got a great breakaway chance, with a great deker, but Moller managed a toe save to preserve the lead. Baron eventually scored an Empty Net goal, 3-1 (G- Baron (2), A- Kantor, Callahan). Joe Tyrell left the game late with an injury, not sure how serious it is. Series Win, 4-2.
Series Review:
Well, round 1 was much more difficult than expected, with the Sabres bringing a strong defensive game combined with a good potent offence and solid goaltending. Luckily, our depth came through, but without Hartnell, we'll really need to be strong defensively, and if Tyrell's injury is serious, we'll really have to man up.
3 Stars:
1. Jamie Baron (2G, 0A, 2P, +2)
2. Sven Dahl (2.00 GAA, .935%, 29/31 saves)
3. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .957%, 22/23 saves)
Round 2 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins:
Game 1
Game 1 sees Steve Bordson return to the top line, as Tyrell recovers from his injury. No other line-up changes for game 1. First impressions, Pittsburgh is an undisciplined, poor defensive team. It took 11 minutes, but Brad Stokes opened the scoring to make it 1-0 (G- Stokes (2), A- Klee, Callahan). 30 seconds later, Austin Champagne scored (G- Champagne (3), A- Wilm) Shots were 10-4. In the second, they took a ton of penalties, so Callahan scored quickly (G- Callahan (4), A- Fast, Klee). Then, Cracknell scored for a 4th line goal (G- Cracknell (1), A- Pitlick, Fast). Finally, Stokes buried another goal, 5-0. (G- Stokes (3), A- Baron, Cunning). Finally, in the 3rd, Colin Meldere scored another, (G- Meldere (3), A- Cleeve, Cracknell). Easy win, Series 1-0.
Review:
Dominant, shots wound up 42-11. Moller untested, defence untested. Offence hot.
3 Stars:
1. Brad Stokes (2G, 0A, 2P, +1)
2. Rich Cleeve (0G, 2A, 2P, +3)
3. Shannon Cracknell (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
Game 2
Game 2 saw no line-up changes, although Tyrell was available, just not fully healed. This game, Pittsburgh was more disciplined, and produced more chances. In the first though, Cameron Callahan owned the game. First, in a 1 on 3, he dangled, lost the puck, won it back, and sniped it over Hakens glove (G- Callahan (5), A- Fast). Then, at the end of the period, he got some open ice and used his amazing speed to get a breakaway, a nice move wound up scoring, 2-0 (G- Callahan (6), A- Unassisted). The second was back and forth, but neither team scored until 12:47 of the 3rd period, where Stokes took a pass from Callahan and buried it for his 3rd goal of the series, 3-0 (G- Stokes (4), A- Callahan, Rose). Moller held on for us, our forecheck injured a Penguin, and we won 3-0. Series 2-0.
Review:
Another fairly easy game, with Moller playing very well the few times Pittburgh had sustained pressure. The second line has started to step up big though, and may get consideration as the top line moving forward.
3 Stars:
1. Cameron Callahan (2G, 1A, 3P, +2)
2. Calle Moller (0.00 GAA, 1.000%, 24/24 saves)
3. Brad Stokes (1G, 0A, 1P, +2)
Game 3
Game 3 had Joe Tyrell return to the top line, with Champagne moving to the 4th line, but keeping his top PP unit spot. Pittsburgh came out strong, but it was Boston who struck first with a Danny Wilm PP goal, 1-0 (G- Wilm (1), A- Bordson, Champagne). Not too long after, Jimmy Pitlick added one of his own, 2-0 (G- Pitlick (1), A- Cracknell, Rose). Unfortunately, Pittsburgh's attack forced Moller to give up his first goal of the series, 2-1 (G- Taratukhin (3), A- Bulakov, Backstrom). The second was a Penguins dominant period, with shots being 12-5, but Moller stood tall. In the 3rd, they continued their attack, and tied it up, 2-2 (G- Hirvonen (1), A- Hurme, Maillet). Less than 30 seconds later though, Callahan put the Bruins up for good, 3-2 (G- Callahan (7), A- Stokes, Fast). The rest of the period was controlled by the Bruins and the Series is 3-0.
Review:
A much more difficult game on the road, Moller once again stood tall to keep us alive. Callahan's brilliance continued, and Danny Wilm finally broke though. Hoping to eliminate them in the next game.
3 Stars:
1. Calle Moller (2.00 GAA, .933%, 28/30 saves)
2. Pekka Hirvonen (1G, 0A, 1P, +1)
3. Cameron Callahan (1G, 0A, 1P, 0)
Game 4
Game 4 saw us bring in the same line up, but Pittsburgh was extremely aggressive, and after a few bad penalties by us early, we really toned back our play until the 3rd. In the first, we opened the scoring on a goal be Meldere to make it 1-0 (G- Meldere (4), A- Quirk, Fast). Next though, Luttinen scored for Pittsburgh in the second, to start a big night for himself (G- Luttinen (2), A- Duchesne, Samson). Wellar opened scoring for the Pens in the 3rd (G- Wellar (1), Luttinen, Pikkarainen) on a powerplay given up by Calle Moller playing the puck in the restricted zone (3rd of the night). We got a Powerplay though, and after not creating a lot early, Stokes finally scored to tie it up. (G- Stokes (5), Bordson, Fast). Unfortunately, the Pens were able to score with 10 second remaining to take a 3-2 lead (Duchesne (4), A- Beech, Luttinen). The 2nd line won the faceoff, but since Callahan was moved top line to try and score earlier, he was too tired, so Bordson filled in, and wound up wiffing on a great opportunity from Stokes. Game ended 3-2 Pens, Series 3-1.
Review:
We backed off in the first to avoid taking bad penalties and giving the Penguins a chance, and the plan worked until we took a penalty anyways, giving them a 2-1 lead. Overplaying the top line wound up resulting in the final goal, so just have to worry about managing that better moving forward, as well as stopping Luttinen, who appeared from nowhere. Penguins aren't back in this yet.
3 Stars:
1. Olli Luttinen (1G, 2A, 3P, +2)
2. Cesar Duchesne (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
3. Mikko Haken (2.00 GAA, .920%, 23/25 saves)
Game 5
Well, I played this so late at night that I forget who scored and got points, and 3 stars, but I know the final score. 7-2 for Boston, 4-1 Series Win.
Series Review:
While Pittsburgh dominated at times, the series was very one sided on the score sheet. Cameron Callahan has show potential Conn Smythe ability. Moller once again looks great, and the team is getting healthier, with only Hartnell currently out.
Eastern Conference Final vs.
RIVALS Carolina Hurricanes
(West Final is Calgary vs. Minnesota Wild)
Series Preview:
Well, as has been the case in almost every season for 15 straight seasons, the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes meet in the playoffs once again. Carolina's starting goaltender Abraham Boyes has always been great against the Bruins, and Nolan Tavares, their star center, comes in with the best wingers he has ever had. Their defensive core is also upgraded from past years, so this should be a great test for both sides as we are basically build to destroy each other.
Game 1
We started out the much stronger team, shots were 8-3 in the first, but Boyes was a wall until finally in the last 2 minutes, Tyrell was able to score one, 1-0 (G- Tyrell (6), A- Cunning, Cleeve). The second saw Carolina give much more push back, and both teams started taking some penalties. Danny Wilm struck early though, blowing a wrist shot past Boyes, 2-0 (G- Wilm (3), A- Tyrell, Kantor). Before the period ended however, Banasik scored for Carolina on a heavily tipped screen shot, 2-1 (G- Banasik (9), A- Lalonde, Tamura). By the third, Carolina completely took over, and the shots wound up 11-7, with 5 of ours coming in the last few minutes. Chouinard opened the scoring with a wrist shot that found it's way through traffic 2-2 (G- Chouinard (5), A- Norton, Brind'Amour). Not long after, another screened tip-in found it's way to the back of the net, 3-2 Carolina (G- Tamura (1), Hoyle, Norton). Willie Rose suffered an injury at the end of the period, not sure what it was. 1-0 Series.
Review:
I'm not sure whether I got complacent or what, but losing after having a 2-0 lead was very disappointing. Possibly losing Rose could cripple my defensive core for the series. The top 4 are strong, but bottom pairing is having a hard time. Jamie Baron was -2 once again, and his struggles could see him sit for a game or two shortly for Josh Tokarski.
3 Stars:
1. Eric Tamura (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
2. Joe Tyrell (1G, 1A, 2P, +1)
3. Curtis Norton (0G, 2A, 2P, +2)
Game 2
Willie Rose's injury, as well as Phil Hartnell not quite back from injury (started practice though), let last years playoff shocker, Steve Porter, enter the line-up as the 6th d-man. In the first, Boyes was once again very strong, and it looked like we would have a near impossible task in trying to beat him. Finally though, after numerous chances, Casey Fast scored his first of the playoffs, 1-0 (G- Fast (1), A- Cracknell, Kantor). The shots ended up 13-4 for Boston. The second was even more lopsided, as we outshot the Hurricanes 14-1, but Boyes continued to stand tall, and the period was scoreless. Finally, in the third period, Jimmy Pitlick scored on a broken play. The Hurricane defenceman poke checked him, but he got it back and wristed it at Boyes, now out of position, it hit his arm and found it's way into the net, 2-0 (G- Pitlick (2), A- Unassisted). Then Steve Bordson blocked a shot late, and scored on the empty net, 3-0 (G- Bordson (3), A- Unassisted). 3-0 final, 1-0 Series.
Review:
A defensive gem, Steve Porter played well, but the whole team came through to shut down the Hurricane players, and we managed to tie the series. A solid showing for Moller, got an easy shutout. Phil Hartnell is almost back from his injury, so hopefully things keep trending upwards.
3 Stars:
1. Casey Fast (1G, 0A, 1P, +3)
2. Abraham Boyes (2.01 GAA, .941%, 32/34 saves)
3. Jimmy Pitlick (1G, 0A, 1P, +2)
Game 3
Kept the same line-up as game 2's dominant performance. The first period was closely contested, and nobody scored, with shots being 6-5 for the Bruins. In the second, after killing a penalty, Colin Meldere tipped in a shot from the point to take the 1-0 lead (G- Meldere (6), A- Cunning, Pitlick). For the rest of the period, both teams traded chances, but no goals were scored. The third started with a quick goal from Danny Wilm, 2-0 (G- Wilm (4), A- Callahan, Tyrell). As the period continued, I wound up having to kill off a 5 on 3 powerplay for nearly 2 full minutes. Great shotblocking and goaltending, though, kept the team in great shape, and not long afterwards, Callahan potted his 9th of the playoffs to seal the win, 3-0 (G- Callahan (9), A- Porter, Klee). Former Bruin 1st overall pick and 3rd line center, Kenneth Brind'Amour broke Mollers shutout streak inside the final minute, 3-1 (G- Brind'Amour (4), A- Lalonde). With the empty net, Wilm scored again, 4-1 (G- Wilm (5), A- Tyrell, Callahan). Series 2-1 Boston.
Review:
Another tightly contested game on ice looks like a route on paper. Wilm's shooting ability came up strong to start the second, and a few tip in goals from Callahan and Meldere helped as well. Hartnell will be back for game 5, as the win gives the team more time to allow him to recover. Moller once again making many key saves when the came is tight, proving to be an amazing playoff performer.
3 Stars:
1. Danny Wilm (2G, 0A, 2P, +2)
2. Cameron Callahan (1G, 2A, 3P, +2)
3. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .957%, 22/23 saves).
Game 4
The start of the game was a neutral zone slugfest for over 2 minutes, but when the Hurricanes dumped it, Fast lost his stick hitting a winger, and they got the puck, threw it in front and Nolan Tavares buried it past Moller, 1-0 'Canes (G- Tavares (8), A- Faikov, Banasik). The rest of the period had Carolina dominate a seemingly tired Bruins team, but Moller stood tall and the period ended 1-0, shots 12-7. In the second, we continued to be unable to produce many shots, although we did outplay the Hurricanes for most of the period. No score in the period, shots now 18-14 for Carolina. Carolina dominated early on in the third, but they took a penalty, and even though I didn't score on it, I got momentum. A ferocious fore check finally resulted in a goal, with Danny Wilm scoring to tie it 1-1, (G- Wilm (6), A- Baron, Champagne). Another powerplay was looking to fiz out until Cameron Callahan got some open ice on a breakout, sped past 1 defender, then deked another before blowing a snap shot 5-hole on Boyes, 2-1 (G- Callahan (10), A- Tyrell). Finished the game off trying to hold off the Carolina attack, many blocked shots and saves resulted in a 2-1 win. 3-1 Series.
Review:
Well, it was a sluggish start, but we managed to pull through, with the big guns producing like they are meant to. Calle Moller saved us though in the first two periods, and even in the 3rd when he made 13 saves to preserve the win. Phil Hartnell returns in game 5, so the defensive core will be much stronger, and his added offence should help as well.
3 Stars:
1. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .968%, 30/31 saves)
2. Abraham Boyes (2.02 GAA, .933% 28/30 saves)
3. Nolan Tavares (1G, 0A, 1P, E)
Game 5
Game 5 has the return of Phil Hartnell, as previously mentioned. The first starts out how the last game started, with a neutral zone battle and very little chances either way. A penalty by the Hurricanes though leads to the first goal of the game, with Cameron Callahan slapping one by Boyes, 1-0 (G- Callahan (11), A- Kantor, Stokes). No score the rest of the period. The second period was more of the same, as both teams really clogged up the neutral zone, nobody was able to score in the period, shots 17-12 for Carolina. Starting the third shorthanded, I finally gave up a goal, one that Moller will regret from the goal line, 1-1 (G- Faikov (2), A- Tokarski, Banasik). The rest of the third, again, provided no offence. Finally, early in OT, at the end of a long shift, Danny Wilm and Cameron Callahan played some give and go, and after Wilm absorbed a hit and drew 3 defender to him, he threw it in front to Callahan to buried it for the 2-1 series clinching goal! (G- Callahan (12), A- Wilm, Bordson). Series 4-1
Series Review:
Every game was tightly contested, so even though it wound up 4-1 in the end, it was a great battle against our fiercest rivals in the East. Looking forward, our old foes, the Calgary Flames, have rebuilt and swept the Wild in the WCF. It should be a good series, and if Moller continues his great play, we should have a good chance to win the Stanley Cup once again with our veteran group of players.
3 Stars:
1. Cameron Callahan (2G, 0A, 2P, +1)
2. Calle Moller (0.93, .960%, 24/25 saves)
3. Kyle Kantor (0G, 1A, 1P, +1)
Stanley Cup Finals vs. Calgary Flames
Series Preview:
Well, the Flames and the Bruins met in 3 finals in 4 seasons at one point, after I traded Kuznetzov to them to increase my teams prospect pool many seasons ago. But, their stars all retired, and all that is left is their superstar goaltender Daryl Flick. The 30 year old goaltender has been the reason for the 8th seeded Flames making their way to the final, with a 1.21 GAA and .965%. As for skaters though, we have a clear advantage. If we can get to Flick, we can dominate the series.
Game 1
A back and forth start put both goalies to the test early, and just over 10 minutes into the period, Trevor Klee scored to make it 1-0 (G- Klee (3), A- Champagne, Quirk). On the next shift, a simple rush up the ice led to Klee's second of the game, as his cross-ice pass hit a defender and bounces past Flick into the net (G- Klee (4), A- Cunning). In the second, Cameron Callahan tipped in a Hartnell wrist shot to go up 3-0 (G- Callahan (13), A- Hartnell, Tyrell). Another weak goal wound up getting past Moller, he's better on the one timers than broken plays it seems, 3-1 (G- Hulbig (1), A- Mckee, Blum). A powerplay led to a Danny Wilm goal to make the game 4-1 (G- Wilm (7), A- Hartnell, Tyrell). A defensively sound third period, with some solid saves from Moller closed it out. Series 1-0
Review:
Calgary's forwards and defence were about as weak as expected, it was a game I could have easily dominated, but decided to not take too many chances. Moller was strong, other than the weak goal, and Phil Hartnell was his best in the playoffs so far. Seems like an easy series if we can stay healthy.
3 Stars:
1. Trevor Klee (2G, 0A, 2P, +1)
2. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .967%, 29/30 saves)
3. Phil Hartnell (0G, 2A, 2P, +1)
Game 2
The first period was another back and forth, and both stellar goaltenders stopped all 7 shots they each faced, our penalties allowed them to control play a little more than they should have. To start the second, Steve Bordson scored a shorthanded goal, 1-0 (G- Bordson (4), A- Wilm, Fast). Again, the rest of the second was a bunch of shut down, and the period ended 1-0. In the third, Callahan batted a puck out of mid-air to make it 2-0 (G- Callahan (14), A- Tyrell, Fast). Callahan then scored again on the powerplay with a great backhand fast Flick, 3-0 (G- Callahan (15), A- Klee, Baron). Shutout for Moller, 2-0 Series
Review:
Dominant.
3 Stars:
1. Cameron Callahan (2G, 0A, 2P, +1)
2. Casey Fast (0G, 2A, 2P, +2)
3. Steve Bordson (1G, 0A, 1P, +1)
Game 3
Game 3 was another closely contested game on the ice. Hulbig opened the scoring for Calgary to give them their first lead of the Finals, 1-0 (G- Hulbig (2), A- Kukkonen, Crosby). Later, Tyrell scored to tie it at 1-1, (G- Tyrell (7), A- Wilm, Callahan). In the second, we took over and scored on a goal by Kantor to make it 2-1 (G- Kantor (1), A- Baron, Callahan). In the third, Danny Wilm sealed it for the 3-1 victory (Wilm (8), A- Tyrell, Cleeve). 3-0 Series.
Review:
While Calgary almost proved to have life for a while, our depth and Moller came through for the big win, setting up a potential sweep for the Stanley Cup!
3 Stars:
1. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .971%, 33/34 saves)
2. Danny Wilm (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
3. Joe Tyrell (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
Game 4
Game 1 started with Calgary being very aggressive. We played into a nice defensive shell, but Haken eventually scored to make them game 1-0 in the first (G- Haken (2), A- Carlsson). At the end of the period, Danny Wilm scored a snap shot over Flicks blocker, 1-1 (G- Wilm (9), A- Tyrell, Kantor). Off the faceoff, Callahan raced into the zone and also scored blocker side on Flick, 2-1 (G- Callahan (16), A- Andersson, Wilm). Moller made a series of saves in the second, but eventually the Calgary attack struck and Markkanen made it 2-2, (G- Markkanen (2), A- Neckar, Mckee). Late in the second, a Phil Hartnell slapshot off of an icing draw hit Tyrell and in, 3-2! (G- Tyrell (8), A- Hartnell, Wilm). In the third, Austin Champagne scored on the PP to make it 4-2 (G- Champagne (4), A- Hartnell, Tyrell). Less than 7 minutes, we will try to trap it up for the Cup win. On a scramble, Tyrell scored again to make it 5-2 and wrap up the cup! (G- Tyrell (9), A- Wilm, Callahan).
Boston Bruins win the Cup!
Conn Smythe Trophy: Calle Moller
Retirements:
Captain, Kyle Kantor (1,357 GP, 117 Goals, 454 Assists, 571 Points, 6 Stanley Cups)
Brent Pedersen (1,011 GP, 227 Goals, 204 Assists, 431 Points, 2 Stanley Cups)
Offseason Moves:
Well, less players retired than expected, and Cameron Callahan and Danny Wilm both got at least $13 million, and Moller $8.5 million. With not as much cap space as I would have liked, I had to let some players go, like Willie Rose, Shannon Cracknell, Jimmy Pitlick, Kelly Morrow, among a few others.
Trades:
To Ottawa Senators:
-28 year oldRW Jamie Baron (85 overall, $5 million/season)
-24 year old RW Josh Tokarski (82 overall, $2.5 million/season).
Both Baron and Tokarski lost management's faith in the playoffs last season, and losing their salaries will help gain some depth.
-Future 2nd Round Pick
To Boston Bruins:
-26 year old RW Eugene Commodore (86 overall, $6.210 million/season).
A pure goal scorer, he has played 3 full seasons, and a 33 game campaign as a rookie, with 157 goals and two 50+ goal seasons.
-This years 1st Round Pick.
Free Agency:
D - Chris Carlisle, 39 years old, 85 overall. Going to try and get the HoF worthy defenceman his first stanley cup.
RW - Bernard Beaudoin, 28 year old, 80 overall. Tough guy to play 4th line.
LW - Roy Corey, 29 year old, 80 overall. Tough guy to play 4th line.
C - Geoffrey Fisher, 33 year old, 78 overall. 4th line replacement.
Early in the season right now, but since I'm simming through most of it (will play 10 or so games), it will be fast. Regular Season record of 60-20-2.
| 2033-34 Line-Up | ||||||
| # | CENTERS | AGE | HT | WT | SHOT | BIRTH PLACE |
| 83 | Danny Wilm (SNP) | 34 | 6'1" | 188 lbs | 94 | Canada |
| 17 | Brad Stokes (PLY) | 30 | 5'10" | 180 lbs | 89 | Canada |
| 54 | Donald Quirk (PWF) | 25 | 6'6" | 247 lbs | 84 | Canada |
| 91 | Shannon Cracknell (SNP) | 33 | 6'3" | 215 lbs | 81 | USA |
| 61 (AHL) | Nathaniel Sutter (SNP) | 22 | 6'1" | 193 lbs | 78 | USA |
| # | LEFT WINGS | AGE | HT | WT | SHOT | BIRTH PLACE |
| 59 | Joe Tyrell (PLY) | 36 | 6'2" | 184 lbs | 91 | Austria |
| 50 | Cameron Callahan (SNP) | 35 | 5'11" | 185 lbs | 92 | Canada |
| 44 | Trevor Klee (PWF) | 27 | 6'4" | 235 lbs | 85 | Canada |
| 18 | Jimmy Pitlick (TWF) | 36 | 6'0" | 195 lbs | 85 | USA |
| 22 (AHL) | Dustin Sigalet (SNP) | 29 | 6'4" | 211 lbs | 79 | Canada |
| # | RIGHT WINGS | AGE | HT | WT | SHOT | BIRTH PLACE |
| 97 | Steve Bordson (SNP) | 31 | 6'4" | 221 lbs | 90 | Canada |
| 23 | Jamie Baron (SNP) | 27 | 6'2" | 199 lbs | 85 | Canada |
| 57 | Colin Meldere (SNP) | 27 | 6'4" | 222 lbs | 84 | USA |
| 47 | Kelly Morrow (SNP) | 30 | 6'4" | 218 lbs | 81 | USA |
| 19 (AHL) | Brent Pedersen (SNP) | 38 | 6'3" | 209 lbs | 79 | Canada |
| # | DEFENSE | AGE | HT | WT | SHOT | BIRTH PLACE |
| 11 | Casey Fast (DFD) | 36 | 6'2" | 199 lbs | 93 | Canada |
| 10 | Phil Hartnell (DFD) | 29 | 6'2" | 200 lbs | 93 | Canada |
| 14 | Kyle Kantor (TWD) | 37 | 6'3" | 210 lbs | 88 | USA |
| 12 | Rich Cleeve (DFD) | 21 | 6'9" | 235 lbs | 87 | Canada |
| 6 | Ray Cunning (DFD) | 21 | 6'8" | 229 lbs | 83 | USA |
| 21 | Tero Laakonen (DFD) | 24 | 6'2" | 200 lbs | 81 | Finland |
| 13 (AHL) | Willie Rose (TWD) | 29 | 6'2" | 204 lbs | 83 | USA |
| 20 (AHL) | Isaac Phillips (TWD) | 33 | 6'4" | 216 lbs | 82 | France |
| 18 (AHL) | Kristian Andersson (DFD) | 21 | 6'5" | 211 lbs | 78 | Sweden |
| 53 (AHL) | Steven Porter (OFD) | 23 | 6'3" | 207 lbs | 77 | USA |
| # | GOALIES | AGE | HT | WT | SHOT | BIRTH PLACE |
| 1 | Calle Moller | 29 | 6'3" | 209 lbs | 91 | Sweden |
| 31 | Bernard Appel | 24 | 6'5" | 213 lbs | 80 | Canada |
Regular Season :
Key Match-Ups (Games I've played):
-Game 11 vs. Buffalo Sabres. First Home Game of Season. After the Cup was presented in front of the hometown faithful and the banner raised, we won an easy 5-2 game that included a great performance from Calle Moller and a few lucky goals by the opposition. After the first it was 5-1 though, and we just played a trap for the rest of the game.
-Game 21 vs. Florida Panthers. We're off to a very hot streak now, winning 11 games in a row, and this game is a game vs. #1 and #2 in the conference. Florida is a strong offensive team, but weak defensively. We come out strong and our elite size and speed is too much for Florida to handle. Led by Baron's hat trick, we wind up winning 8-1 and send a clear message to the NHL.
-Game 41 vs. Dallas Stars. Well at the halfway point of the season, we get a Stanley Cup final rematch vs. a depleted Dallas Stars line-up. With us being 30-9-1 and them being 20-16-5, we are heavy favourites, but won't take them too lightly. The first was a wash, as we scored 4 goals on 5 shots, and then we just grinded them down for 2 and a half periods afterwards. Easy 5-0 win, and the team seems almost perfect as we look forward to the second half of the season.
Trade Alert:
The team began to struggle creating offense, so I decided to make a move for a more offensive 4th line forward than Kelly Morrow.
To Nashville Predators:
D - Tero Laakonen (81)
LW - Dustin Sigalet (80)
To Boston Bruins:
RW - Josh Tokarski (81) (Also called up D-Willie Rose, 83, to replace Laakonen)
23 years old, 6'1", 199 lbs. Small, but very good defensively, he adds more speed to the 4th line than Kelly Morrow, and is also better defensively, while has more potential for offense with his speed, I think.
First 14 games with the team, he has 7 points.
TRADE DEADLINE:
Going into the deadline, I haven't had to play too much, since the team is so good. What I would like though is possibly a good scoring forward from the AHL to fill in for injured players (Bordson currently out 4-5 weeks). My bottom 6 is fairly set and has numerous replacements, but the top 6 has nobody would can fit in to the scoring game. My defensive depth is fairly strong, and even with Cunning being very injury prone (missed 20+ games in all 3 seasons of his career), I am confident my depth is strong enough.
TRADE:
To New York Islanders:
D - Isaac Phillips (82)
To Boston Bruins:
C - Austin Champagne (81)
32 years old, 6'3", 213 lbs. Top scoring AHL forward, will fill in on the 2nd line in place of 38 year old Brent Pedersen while Bordson is out, then may play bottom 6 afterwards.
Big Injury-Calle Moller out 4 weeks:
Well, I haven't mentioned all of my injuries this season, Bordson 4-5 weeks, Cunning a combined 11-12 weeks, Cleeve 3 weeks. But finally, I have a key injury to report. With 14 games left in the season, Calle Moller has been injured with a swollen knee. Out for 4 weeks. Hopefully he'll recover in time for the playoffs, my goaltending depth is not great.
-Game 72 vs. Ahaheim Ducks. As I begin my feeling out process of where I stand for the playoffs, I am confronted by the #2 team in the NHL, the Ducks. Made up of many former players, they've overtaken the Coyotes and have opened up a 6 point gap in the West, so it should be a good test. My first impressions are, without Moller, we may not go far. Second impressions, we can score! 6-4 win, looking good personel-wise, just need Moller healthy for playoffs
Have decided I'm content, and will sim to playoffs now.
| Boston Bruins Stats - 2033-34 | |||||||||
| Skaters | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | GW | PIM | SOG | SPCT |
| Danny Wilm | 82 | 45 | 65 | 110 | 52 | 8 | 20 | ||
| Joe Tyrell | 82 | 27 | 73 | 100 | 57 | 2 | 16 | ||
| Cameron Callahan | 82 | 32 | 40 | 72 | 49 | 4 | 62 | ||
| Brad Stokes | 82 | 26 | 43 | 69 | 46 | 2 | 64 | ||
| Jamie Baron | 82 | 26 | 40 | 66 | 38 | 3 | 16 | ||
| Steve Bordson | 66 | 34 | 22 | 56 | 52 | 6 | 38 | ||
| Kyle Kantor | 82 | 18 | 36 | 54 | 63 | 5 | 24 | ||
| Phil Hartnell | 82 | 8 | 38 | 46 | 59 | 1 | 125 | ||
| Trevor Klee | 82 | 15 | 38 | 45 | 27 | 6 | 39 | ||
| Donald Quirk | 82 | 12 | 30 | 41 | 28 | 2 | 44 | ||
| Colin Meldere | 82 | 27 | 12 | 39 | 24 | 8 | 10 | ||
| Casey Fast | 82 | 8 | 28 | 36 | 53 | 1 | 176 | ||
| Shannon Cracknell | 82 | 9 | 21 | 30 | 22 | 2 | 12 | ||
| Jimmy Pitlick | 82 | 8 | 15 | 23 | 17 | 3 | 20 | ||
| Rich Cleeve | 75 | 6 | 14 | 20 | 59 | 2 | 103 | ||
| Josh Tokarski | 36 | 6 | 11 | 17 | 11 | 1 | 38 | ||
| Kelly Morrow | 46 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 0 | 12 | ||
| Willie Rose | 36 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 20 | ||
| Austin Champagne | 11 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 7 | ||
| Ray Cunning | 54 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 0 | 75 | ||
| Goalies | GP | W | L | T | GAA | TOI | SV | SV% | SHO |
| Calle Moller | 60 | 42 | 11 | 0 | 2.12 | .919 | 8 | ||
| Bernard Appel | 26 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 2.49 | .911 | 1 | ||
Playoffs:
Ideal Playoff line-up (top subs in extra fields after top 6 D-men)
| Boston Bruins Depth Chart - 2033-34 | ||||
| STARTER | 2ND | 3RD | 4TH | |
| LW | Joe Tyrell (92) | Cameron Callahan (92) | Trevor Klee (87) | Jimmy Pitlick (85) |
| C | Danny Wilm (94) | Brad Stokes (89) | Donald Quirk (84) | Shannon Cracknell (81) |
| RW | Steve Bordson (91) | Jamie Baron (85) | Colin Meldere (84) | Josh Tokarski (81) |
| D #1 | Phil Hartnell (94) | Kyle Kantor (88) | Ray Cunning (83) | D - Kristian Andersson (78) |
| D #2 | Casey Fast (93) | Rich Cleeve (87) | Willie Rose (83) | LW - Austin Champagne (81) |
| G | Calle Moller (92) | Bernard Appel (81) | ||
Calle Moller is back for playoffs, only player on IR left is Ray Cunning.
Round 1 vs. Buffalo Sabres
Game 1
In a repeat of the first round last season, the Buffalo Sabres bring a high flying offence and a solid defensive game to the table vs. us. Game 1 was a defensive struggle, with both teams battling hard. Callahan opened the scoring in the second with a great shot to make it 1-0 (G- Callahan (1), A- Wilm, Fast). Not long after though, Serge Charpenon scored for Buffalo to make it 1-1 (G- Charpenon (1), A- McClement, Kudrna). The rest of the game was a see-saw battle, and entered overtime, but about 16 minutes in, Steve Bordson took a boarding call and Buffalo's Keefe score on a turnover for the 2-1 (G- Keefe (1), A- Unassisted) win and took the series lead 1-0.
Review:
Buffalo played a much stronger game than anticipated, and next game I'll have to more evenly distribute the size throughout the line-up to create more chances.
3 Stars:
1. Calle Moller (1.82 GAA, .944%, 34/36 saves)
2. Sven Dahl (0.91 GAA, .958%, 23/24 saves)
3. Casey Fast (0G, 1A, 1P, +1)
Game 2
Game 2 saw the reunited Tyrell-Wilm-Bordson and Callahan-Stokes-Baron lines. In this game, we knew Buffalo was going to be strong defensively, but if we moved the puck and used the big bodies at forward to maintain possession, we would have a great chance at winning. However, we did not expect what was to come. Tyrell scored in the first to make it 1-0 (G- Tyrell (1), A- Bordson, Wilm). In the second, play opened up, and our constant forecheck created great opportunities. Tyrell scored again, 2-0 (G- Tyrell (2), A- Bordson), then Stokes, 3-0 (G-Stokes (1), A- Baron, Tyrell). Buffalo scored on a point shot from Kennedy, 3-1 (G-Kennedy (1), A- Stepan, Alikoski), but Klee fired back just over a minute later, 4-1 (G- Klee (1), A- Meldere, Quirk). The third continued our dominance with goals by Tyrell, 5-1 (G- Tyrell (3), A- Bordson, Wilm), Callahan, 6-1 (G- Callahan (2), A-Stokes, Baron) and finally Quirk (G- Quirk (1), Tokarski, Pitlick). The final result, 7-1 boatrace. Series 1-1
Review:
A dominant game, our big bodies and high speed kept us on top of the puck most of the game and other than a screened point shot, Moller was great once again. Good things to build off of heading onto the road.
3 Stars:
1. Joe Tyrell (3G, 1A, 4P, +3)
2. Steve Bordson (0G, 3A, 3P, +2)
3. Donald Quirk (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
Game 3
Game 3 in Buffalo was going to be very important, as we haven't faced much adversity in the past few seasons, so a loss could be dangerous, but a win could be huge for momentum. The game got off to a horrible start, Buffalo dominated play and despite great efforts from Calle Moller, Stepan scored for them, 1-0 (G- Stepan (1), A- Alikoski, Cleeve). With 8 seconds left in the first, they scored again, 2-0. (G- McCormick (1), A-Unassisted). The second period started off even worse, as Phil Hartnell was cheapshotted with what would eventually be determined an MCL sprain, out for the game. Callahan, Klee, Cleeve and Pitlick all got into fights afterwards, and maybe we lost focus a bit. 2-0 still after two periods, we were desperate for a goal. Joe Tyrell received a pass from Bordson, and buried it top shelf, 2-1 (G- Tyrell (4), A- Bordson, Wilm). Unfortunately, not long afterwards, Willie Rose was hurt, and we were playing with 4 defencemen. By the end of the period, Rose had returned but we were going to only use him if something happened to the healthy 4 defencemen. As we put on pressure, a clear by Buffalo turned into a missed hit by a tired Rich Cleeve, and Hull scored for the Sabres, 3-1 (G- Hull (1), A- Stepan, Cleeve). Series: 2-1
Review:
A poor first period lead to a Buffalo victory. Now with Phil Hartnell looking like he may miss quite some time, someone will have to step up defensively. Ray Cunning will return soon, but his sporadic health and play don't make him reliable. A tough climb awaits if we're going to even make it past the first round this season.
3 Stars:
1. Roy Stepan (1G, 1A, 2P, E)
2. Sven Dahl (1.00 GAA, .955%, 21/22 saves)
3. Arthur McCormick (1G, 0A, 1P, +1)
Injury Report & Line-up Changes:
Phil Hartnell will miss the next 4-5 weeks with an MCL Sprain. Steve Bordson also suffered a concussion in game 3 and will miss at least 1 game. Ray Cunning is almost recovered from his broken hand, and will join the team for game 4. AHL superstar Austin Champagne will fill in for Steve Bordson.
Game 4
With Bordson and Hartnell out, the gameplan was to hopefully get a lead and then hold it. Quickly, Champagne made most of his first career NHL Playoff start with Boston by scoring, 1-0 (G- Champagne (1), A- Stokes, Fast). Less than a minute afterwards, we score again! 2-0 (G- Callahan (3), A- Stokes, Fast). As the period goes on, Buffalo gives a little push-back, and eventually score, 2-1 (G- Kudrna (1), A- Versteeg, Charpenon). In the second, Champagne scores quickly again, 3-1 (G- Champagne (2), A- Wilm, Kantor). We continue to dominate the period, but are unable to pot anymore. In the third, they come out very strong, and after a charging penalty to Cracknell, Serge Charpenon does what he has done for years, and scores a PP goal, 3-2 (G- Charpenon (2), A- Denis, Archibald). For the rest of the period, the Sabres dominate, with Moller standing strong, but in the last 25 seconds, they finally get one to tie it, 3-3 (G- Cleeve (1), A- Archibald, Hull). In overtime, it didn't take long. A scramble faceoff wound up with Champagne shooting the puck on net, but it was blocked and went straight to Tyrell, who buried it low glove side, 4-3 win! (G- Tyrell (5), A- Champagne). Series 2-2.
Review:
Well, Austin Champagne really proved he deserves a place on the NHL roster. His physical play and finishing touch carried the team on a night where most lines struggled to get any offence generated. Despite only 19 saves on 22 shots, Calle Moller made some great saves once again, just wasn't helped by the defence tonight. Looking forward to move ahead now.
3 Stars:
1. Austin Champagne (2G, 1A, 3P, +1)
2. Serge Charpenon (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
3. Tristan Archibald (0G, 2A, 2P, +2)
Game 5
Game 5 was another very important game, as whoever would win would have the edge not just in the series, but they would put the other team on the brink of elimination. While Steve Bordson was available to play, we decided to keep the same line-up and re-introduce Bordson when he was 100%. The first was a tightly checked period, with only 10 combined shots, but Colin Meldere was able to score while crashing the net to make it 1-0 Boston, (G- Meldere (1), A- Klee, Quirk). The second was dominated more by the Sabres, and after some good goaltending by Moller, they finally broke through to tie it up at 1-1, (G- Havelid (1), A-Crooks, Lechance). In the third, Boston came out much stronger, and we controlled play for the most part. At the halfway point, Josh Tokarski tipped in a Casey Fast shot to put us up 2-1 (G- Tokarski (1), A- Fast). The rest of the period involved a lot of shot blocking and hitting, and the tight checking affair wound up a 2-1 victory for Boston. Series 3-2.
Review:
Another well played game for Calle Moller and Sven Dahl, this one came down to a lucky break on a strange Tokarski tip in. While we won, we didn't produce a ton of shots (25) considering our heavy Time On Attack advantage. Game 6 should see us shoot the puck more, and if we can do that, we will be heading to Round 2. It's been a well contested series thus far.
3 Stars:
1. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .960%, 24/25 saves)
2. Josh Tokarski (1G, 0A, 1P, E)
3. Colin Meldere (1G, 0A, 1P, +1)
Game 6
Game 6 sees Steve Bordson return to the fourth line and 2nd unit PP. Josh Tokarski will sit out despite scoring the game winner in game 5. He is still a -1 for the series and for the most part, been the worst forward in the series (and still playing very well). The first was completely dominated by the Bruins, outshooting the Sabres 11-4, and eventually Jamie Baron buried one to make it 1-0 (G- Baron (1), A- Tyrell, Cunning). In the second, the Sabres were stronger, but were still outplayed and Colin Meldere wound up making it 2-0 (G- Meldere (2), A- Pitlick, Cracknell). In the 3rd, Buffalo went all out, but we responded. Halfway through the period, they broke though the Swedish wall, 2-1 (G- Stepan (2), A- Keefe, Crooks). The rest of the period was dominated by Buffalo, and they even got a great breakaway chance, with a great deker, but Moller managed a toe save to preserve the lead. Baron eventually scored an Empty Net goal, 3-1 (G- Baron (2), A- Kantor, Callahan). Joe Tyrell left the game late with an injury, not sure how serious it is. Series Win, 4-2.
Series Review:
Well, round 1 was much more difficult than expected, with the Sabres bringing a strong defensive game combined with a good potent offence and solid goaltending. Luckily, our depth came through, but without Hartnell, we'll really need to be strong defensively, and if Tyrell's injury is serious, we'll really have to man up.
3 Stars:
1. Jamie Baron (2G, 0A, 2P, +2)
2. Sven Dahl (2.00 GAA, .935%, 29/31 saves)
3. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .957%, 22/23 saves)
Round 2 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins:
Game 1
Game 1 sees Steve Bordson return to the top line, as Tyrell recovers from his injury. No other line-up changes for game 1. First impressions, Pittsburgh is an undisciplined, poor defensive team. It took 11 minutes, but Brad Stokes opened the scoring to make it 1-0 (G- Stokes (2), A- Klee, Callahan). 30 seconds later, Austin Champagne scored (G- Champagne (3), A- Wilm) Shots were 10-4. In the second, they took a ton of penalties, so Callahan scored quickly (G- Callahan (4), A- Fast, Klee). Then, Cracknell scored for a 4th line goal (G- Cracknell (1), A- Pitlick, Fast). Finally, Stokes buried another goal, 5-0. (G- Stokes (3), A- Baron, Cunning). Finally, in the 3rd, Colin Meldere scored another, (G- Meldere (3), A- Cleeve, Cracknell). Easy win, Series 1-0.
Review:
Dominant, shots wound up 42-11. Moller untested, defence untested. Offence hot.
3 Stars:
1. Brad Stokes (2G, 0A, 2P, +1)
2. Rich Cleeve (0G, 2A, 2P, +3)
3. Shannon Cracknell (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
Game 2
Game 2 saw no line-up changes, although Tyrell was available, just not fully healed. This game, Pittsburgh was more disciplined, and produced more chances. In the first though, Cameron Callahan owned the game. First, in a 1 on 3, he dangled, lost the puck, won it back, and sniped it over Hakens glove (G- Callahan (5), A- Fast). Then, at the end of the period, he got some open ice and used his amazing speed to get a breakaway, a nice move wound up scoring, 2-0 (G- Callahan (6), A- Unassisted). The second was back and forth, but neither team scored until 12:47 of the 3rd period, where Stokes took a pass from Callahan and buried it for his 3rd goal of the series, 3-0 (G- Stokes (4), A- Callahan, Rose). Moller held on for us, our forecheck injured a Penguin, and we won 3-0. Series 2-0.
Review:
Another fairly easy game, with Moller playing very well the few times Pittburgh had sustained pressure. The second line has started to step up big though, and may get consideration as the top line moving forward.
3 Stars:
1. Cameron Callahan (2G, 1A, 3P, +2)
2. Calle Moller (0.00 GAA, 1.000%, 24/24 saves)
3. Brad Stokes (1G, 0A, 1P, +2)
Game 3
Game 3 had Joe Tyrell return to the top line, with Champagne moving to the 4th line, but keeping his top PP unit spot. Pittsburgh came out strong, but it was Boston who struck first with a Danny Wilm PP goal, 1-0 (G- Wilm (1), A- Bordson, Champagne). Not too long after, Jimmy Pitlick added one of his own, 2-0 (G- Pitlick (1), A- Cracknell, Rose). Unfortunately, Pittsburgh's attack forced Moller to give up his first goal of the series, 2-1 (G- Taratukhin (3), A- Bulakov, Backstrom). The second was a Penguins dominant period, with shots being 12-5, but Moller stood tall. In the 3rd, they continued their attack, and tied it up, 2-2 (G- Hirvonen (1), A- Hurme, Maillet). Less than 30 seconds later though, Callahan put the Bruins up for good, 3-2 (G- Callahan (7), A- Stokes, Fast). The rest of the period was controlled by the Bruins and the Series is 3-0.
Review:
A much more difficult game on the road, Moller once again stood tall to keep us alive. Callahan's brilliance continued, and Danny Wilm finally broke though. Hoping to eliminate them in the next game.
3 Stars:
1. Calle Moller (2.00 GAA, .933%, 28/30 saves)
2. Pekka Hirvonen (1G, 0A, 1P, +1)
3. Cameron Callahan (1G, 0A, 1P, 0)
Game 4
Game 4 saw us bring in the same line up, but Pittsburgh was extremely aggressive, and after a few bad penalties by us early, we really toned back our play until the 3rd. In the first, we opened the scoring on a goal be Meldere to make it 1-0 (G- Meldere (4), A- Quirk, Fast). Next though, Luttinen scored for Pittsburgh in the second, to start a big night for himself (G- Luttinen (2), A- Duchesne, Samson). Wellar opened scoring for the Pens in the 3rd (G- Wellar (1), Luttinen, Pikkarainen) on a powerplay given up by Calle Moller playing the puck in the restricted zone (3rd of the night). We got a Powerplay though, and after not creating a lot early, Stokes finally scored to tie it up. (G- Stokes (5), Bordson, Fast). Unfortunately, the Pens were able to score with 10 second remaining to take a 3-2 lead (Duchesne (4), A- Beech, Luttinen). The 2nd line won the faceoff, but since Callahan was moved top line to try and score earlier, he was too tired, so Bordson filled in, and wound up wiffing on a great opportunity from Stokes. Game ended 3-2 Pens, Series 3-1.
Review:
We backed off in the first to avoid taking bad penalties and giving the Penguins a chance, and the plan worked until we took a penalty anyways, giving them a 2-1 lead. Overplaying the top line wound up resulting in the final goal, so just have to worry about managing that better moving forward, as well as stopping Luttinen, who appeared from nowhere. Penguins aren't back in this yet.
3 Stars:
1. Olli Luttinen (1G, 2A, 3P, +2)
2. Cesar Duchesne (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
3. Mikko Haken (2.00 GAA, .920%, 23/25 saves)
Game 5
Well, I played this so late at night that I forget who scored and got points, and 3 stars, but I know the final score. 7-2 for Boston, 4-1 Series Win.
Series Review:
While Pittsburgh dominated at times, the series was very one sided on the score sheet. Cameron Callahan has show potential Conn Smythe ability. Moller once again looks great, and the team is getting healthier, with only Hartnell currently out.
Eastern Conference Final vs.
RIVALS Carolina Hurricanes
(West Final is Calgary vs. Minnesota Wild)
Series Preview:
Well, as has been the case in almost every season for 15 straight seasons, the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes meet in the playoffs once again. Carolina's starting goaltender Abraham Boyes has always been great against the Bruins, and Nolan Tavares, their star center, comes in with the best wingers he has ever had. Their defensive core is also upgraded from past years, so this should be a great test for both sides as we are basically build to destroy each other.
Game 1
We started out the much stronger team, shots were 8-3 in the first, but Boyes was a wall until finally in the last 2 minutes, Tyrell was able to score one, 1-0 (G- Tyrell (6), A- Cunning, Cleeve). The second saw Carolina give much more push back, and both teams started taking some penalties. Danny Wilm struck early though, blowing a wrist shot past Boyes, 2-0 (G- Wilm (3), A- Tyrell, Kantor). Before the period ended however, Banasik scored for Carolina on a heavily tipped screen shot, 2-1 (G- Banasik (9), A- Lalonde, Tamura). By the third, Carolina completely took over, and the shots wound up 11-7, with 5 of ours coming in the last few minutes. Chouinard opened the scoring with a wrist shot that found it's way through traffic 2-2 (G- Chouinard (5), A- Norton, Brind'Amour). Not long after, another screened tip-in found it's way to the back of the net, 3-2 Carolina (G- Tamura (1), Hoyle, Norton). Willie Rose suffered an injury at the end of the period, not sure what it was. 1-0 Series.
Review:
I'm not sure whether I got complacent or what, but losing after having a 2-0 lead was very disappointing. Possibly losing Rose could cripple my defensive core for the series. The top 4 are strong, but bottom pairing is having a hard time. Jamie Baron was -2 once again, and his struggles could see him sit for a game or two shortly for Josh Tokarski.
3 Stars:
1. Eric Tamura (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
2. Joe Tyrell (1G, 1A, 2P, +1)
3. Curtis Norton (0G, 2A, 2P, +2)
Game 2
Willie Rose's injury, as well as Phil Hartnell not quite back from injury (started practice though), let last years playoff shocker, Steve Porter, enter the line-up as the 6th d-man. In the first, Boyes was once again very strong, and it looked like we would have a near impossible task in trying to beat him. Finally though, after numerous chances, Casey Fast scored his first of the playoffs, 1-0 (G- Fast (1), A- Cracknell, Kantor). The shots ended up 13-4 for Boston. The second was even more lopsided, as we outshot the Hurricanes 14-1, but Boyes continued to stand tall, and the period was scoreless. Finally, in the third period, Jimmy Pitlick scored on a broken play. The Hurricane defenceman poke checked him, but he got it back and wristed it at Boyes, now out of position, it hit his arm and found it's way into the net, 2-0 (G- Pitlick (2), A- Unassisted). Then Steve Bordson blocked a shot late, and scored on the empty net, 3-0 (G- Bordson (3), A- Unassisted). 3-0 final, 1-0 Series.
Review:
A defensive gem, Steve Porter played well, but the whole team came through to shut down the Hurricane players, and we managed to tie the series. A solid showing for Moller, got an easy shutout. Phil Hartnell is almost back from his injury, so hopefully things keep trending upwards.
3 Stars:
1. Casey Fast (1G, 0A, 1P, +3)
2. Abraham Boyes (2.01 GAA, .941%, 32/34 saves)
3. Jimmy Pitlick (1G, 0A, 1P, +2)
Game 3
Kept the same line-up as game 2's dominant performance. The first period was closely contested, and nobody scored, with shots being 6-5 for the Bruins. In the second, after killing a penalty, Colin Meldere tipped in a shot from the point to take the 1-0 lead (G- Meldere (6), A- Cunning, Pitlick). For the rest of the period, both teams traded chances, but no goals were scored. The third started with a quick goal from Danny Wilm, 2-0 (G- Wilm (4), A- Callahan, Tyrell). As the period continued, I wound up having to kill off a 5 on 3 powerplay for nearly 2 full minutes. Great shotblocking and goaltending, though, kept the team in great shape, and not long afterwards, Callahan potted his 9th of the playoffs to seal the win, 3-0 (G- Callahan (9), A- Porter, Klee). Former Bruin 1st overall pick and 3rd line center, Kenneth Brind'Amour broke Mollers shutout streak inside the final minute, 3-1 (G- Brind'Amour (4), A- Lalonde). With the empty net, Wilm scored again, 4-1 (G- Wilm (5), A- Tyrell, Callahan). Series 2-1 Boston.
Review:
Another tightly contested game on ice looks like a route on paper. Wilm's shooting ability came up strong to start the second, and a few tip in goals from Callahan and Meldere helped as well. Hartnell will be back for game 5, as the win gives the team more time to allow him to recover. Moller once again making many key saves when the came is tight, proving to be an amazing playoff performer.
3 Stars:
1. Danny Wilm (2G, 0A, 2P, +2)
2. Cameron Callahan (1G, 2A, 3P, +2)
3. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .957%, 22/23 saves).
Game 4
The start of the game was a neutral zone slugfest for over 2 minutes, but when the Hurricanes dumped it, Fast lost his stick hitting a winger, and they got the puck, threw it in front and Nolan Tavares buried it past Moller, 1-0 'Canes (G- Tavares (8), A- Faikov, Banasik). The rest of the period had Carolina dominate a seemingly tired Bruins team, but Moller stood tall and the period ended 1-0, shots 12-7. In the second, we continued to be unable to produce many shots, although we did outplay the Hurricanes for most of the period. No score in the period, shots now 18-14 for Carolina. Carolina dominated early on in the third, but they took a penalty, and even though I didn't score on it, I got momentum. A ferocious fore check finally resulted in a goal, with Danny Wilm scoring to tie it 1-1, (G- Wilm (6), A- Baron, Champagne). Another powerplay was looking to fiz out until Cameron Callahan got some open ice on a breakout, sped past 1 defender, then deked another before blowing a snap shot 5-hole on Boyes, 2-1 (G- Callahan (10), A- Tyrell). Finished the game off trying to hold off the Carolina attack, many blocked shots and saves resulted in a 2-1 win. 3-1 Series.
Review:
Well, it was a sluggish start, but we managed to pull through, with the big guns producing like they are meant to. Calle Moller saved us though in the first two periods, and even in the 3rd when he made 13 saves to preserve the win. Phil Hartnell returns in game 5, so the defensive core will be much stronger, and his added offence should help as well.
3 Stars:
1. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .968%, 30/31 saves)
2. Abraham Boyes (2.02 GAA, .933% 28/30 saves)
3. Nolan Tavares (1G, 0A, 1P, E)
Game 5
Game 5 has the return of Phil Hartnell, as previously mentioned. The first starts out how the last game started, with a neutral zone battle and very little chances either way. A penalty by the Hurricanes though leads to the first goal of the game, with Cameron Callahan slapping one by Boyes, 1-0 (G- Callahan (11), A- Kantor, Stokes). No score the rest of the period. The second period was more of the same, as both teams really clogged up the neutral zone, nobody was able to score in the period, shots 17-12 for Carolina. Starting the third shorthanded, I finally gave up a goal, one that Moller will regret from the goal line, 1-1 (G- Faikov (2), A- Tokarski, Banasik). The rest of the third, again, provided no offence. Finally, early in OT, at the end of a long shift, Danny Wilm and Cameron Callahan played some give and go, and after Wilm absorbed a hit and drew 3 defender to him, he threw it in front to Callahan to buried it for the 2-1 series clinching goal! (G- Callahan (12), A- Wilm, Bordson). Series 4-1
Series Review:
Every game was tightly contested, so even though it wound up 4-1 in the end, it was a great battle against our fiercest rivals in the East. Looking forward, our old foes, the Calgary Flames, have rebuilt and swept the Wild in the WCF. It should be a good series, and if Moller continues his great play, we should have a good chance to win the Stanley Cup once again with our veteran group of players.
3 Stars:
1. Cameron Callahan (2G, 0A, 2P, +1)
2. Calle Moller (0.93, .960%, 24/25 saves)
3. Kyle Kantor (0G, 1A, 1P, +1)
Stanley Cup Finals vs. Calgary Flames
Series Preview:
Well, the Flames and the Bruins met in 3 finals in 4 seasons at one point, after I traded Kuznetzov to them to increase my teams prospect pool many seasons ago. But, their stars all retired, and all that is left is their superstar goaltender Daryl Flick. The 30 year old goaltender has been the reason for the 8th seeded Flames making their way to the final, with a 1.21 GAA and .965%. As for skaters though, we have a clear advantage. If we can get to Flick, we can dominate the series.
Game 1
A back and forth start put both goalies to the test early, and just over 10 minutes into the period, Trevor Klee scored to make it 1-0 (G- Klee (3), A- Champagne, Quirk). On the next shift, a simple rush up the ice led to Klee's second of the game, as his cross-ice pass hit a defender and bounces past Flick into the net (G- Klee (4), A- Cunning). In the second, Cameron Callahan tipped in a Hartnell wrist shot to go up 3-0 (G- Callahan (13), A- Hartnell, Tyrell). Another weak goal wound up getting past Moller, he's better on the one timers than broken plays it seems, 3-1 (G- Hulbig (1), A- Mckee, Blum). A powerplay led to a Danny Wilm goal to make the game 4-1 (G- Wilm (7), A- Hartnell, Tyrell). A defensively sound third period, with some solid saves from Moller closed it out. Series 1-0
Review:
Calgary's forwards and defence were about as weak as expected, it was a game I could have easily dominated, but decided to not take too many chances. Moller was strong, other than the weak goal, and Phil Hartnell was his best in the playoffs so far. Seems like an easy series if we can stay healthy.
3 Stars:
1. Trevor Klee (2G, 0A, 2P, +1)
2. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .967%, 29/30 saves)
3. Phil Hartnell (0G, 2A, 2P, +1)
Game 2
The first period was another back and forth, and both stellar goaltenders stopped all 7 shots they each faced, our penalties allowed them to control play a little more than they should have. To start the second, Steve Bordson scored a shorthanded goal, 1-0 (G- Bordson (4), A- Wilm, Fast). Again, the rest of the second was a bunch of shut down, and the period ended 1-0. In the third, Callahan batted a puck out of mid-air to make it 2-0 (G- Callahan (14), A- Tyrell, Fast). Callahan then scored again on the powerplay with a great backhand fast Flick, 3-0 (G- Callahan (15), A- Klee, Baron). Shutout for Moller, 2-0 Series
Review:
Dominant.
3 Stars:
1. Cameron Callahan (2G, 0A, 2P, +1)
2. Casey Fast (0G, 2A, 2P, +2)
3. Steve Bordson (1G, 0A, 1P, +1)
Game 3
Game 3 was another closely contested game on the ice. Hulbig opened the scoring for Calgary to give them their first lead of the Finals, 1-0 (G- Hulbig (2), A- Kukkonen, Crosby). Later, Tyrell scored to tie it at 1-1, (G- Tyrell (7), A- Wilm, Callahan). In the second, we took over and scored on a goal by Kantor to make it 2-1 (G- Kantor (1), A- Baron, Callahan). In the third, Danny Wilm sealed it for the 3-1 victory (Wilm (8), A- Tyrell, Cleeve). 3-0 Series.
Review:
While Calgary almost proved to have life for a while, our depth and Moller came through for the big win, setting up a potential sweep for the Stanley Cup!
3 Stars:
1. Calle Moller (1.00 GAA, .971%, 33/34 saves)
2. Danny Wilm (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
3. Joe Tyrell (1G, 1A, 2P, +2)
Game 4
Game 1 started with Calgary being very aggressive. We played into a nice defensive shell, but Haken eventually scored to make them game 1-0 in the first (G- Haken (2), A- Carlsson). At the end of the period, Danny Wilm scored a snap shot over Flicks blocker, 1-1 (G- Wilm (9), A- Tyrell, Kantor). Off the faceoff, Callahan raced into the zone and also scored blocker side on Flick, 2-1 (G- Callahan (16), A- Andersson, Wilm). Moller made a series of saves in the second, but eventually the Calgary attack struck and Markkanen made it 2-2, (G- Markkanen (2), A- Neckar, Mckee). Late in the second, a Phil Hartnell slapshot off of an icing draw hit Tyrell and in, 3-2! (G- Tyrell (8), A- Hartnell, Wilm). In the third, Austin Champagne scored on the PP to make it 4-2 (G- Champagne (4), A- Hartnell, Tyrell). Less than 7 minutes, we will try to trap it up for the Cup win. On a scramble, Tyrell scored again to make it 5-2 and wrap up the cup! (G- Tyrell (9), A- Wilm, Callahan).
Boston Bruins win the Cup!
Conn Smythe Trophy: Calle Moller
| Boston Bruins, top 10 (and ties) Stats - 2034 | |||||||||
| Skaters | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | GW | PIM | SOG | SPCT |
| Cameron Callahan | 20 | 16 | 9 | 25 | 11 | 5 | |||
| Joe Tyrell | 18 | 9 | 12 | 21 | 18 | 2 | |||
| Danny Wilm | 20 | 9 | 12 | 21 | 16 | 5 | |||
| Casey Fast | 20 | 1 | 11 | 12 | 16 | 0 | |||
| Steve Bordson | 18 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 4 | 6 | |||
| Brad Stokes | 20 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 6 | |||
| Trevor Klee | 20 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 4 | 16 | |||
| Colin Meldere | 20 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 8 | 2 | |||
| Donald Quirk | 20 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 6 | |||
| Rich Cleeve | 20 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 5 | |||
| Ray Cunning | 17 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 0 | |||
| Goalies | GP | W | L | T | GAA | TOI | SV | SV% | SHO |
| Calle Moller | 20 | 16 | 4 | 1.39 | .945 | 4 | |||
Retirements:
Captain, Kyle Kantor (1,357 GP, 117 Goals, 454 Assists, 571 Points, 6 Stanley Cups)
Brent Pedersen (1,011 GP, 227 Goals, 204 Assists, 431 Points, 2 Stanley Cups)
Offseason Moves:
Well, less players retired than expected, and Cameron Callahan and Danny Wilm both got at least $13 million, and Moller $8.5 million. With not as much cap space as I would have liked, I had to let some players go, like Willie Rose, Shannon Cracknell, Jimmy Pitlick, Kelly Morrow, among a few others.
Trades:
To Ottawa Senators:
-28 year oldRW Jamie Baron (85 overall, $5 million/season)
-24 year old RW Josh Tokarski (82 overall, $2.5 million/season).
Both Baron and Tokarski lost management's faith in the playoffs last season, and losing their salaries will help gain some depth.
-Future 2nd Round Pick
To Boston Bruins:
-26 year old RW Eugene Commodore (86 overall, $6.210 million/season).
A pure goal scorer, he has played 3 full seasons, and a 33 game campaign as a rookie, with 157 goals and two 50+ goal seasons.
-This years 1st Round Pick.
Free Agency:
D - Chris Carlisle, 39 years old, 85 overall. Going to try and get the HoF worthy defenceman his first stanley cup.
RW - Bernard Beaudoin, 28 year old, 80 overall. Tough guy to play 4th line.
LW - Roy Corey, 29 year old, 80 overall. Tough guy to play 4th line.
C - Geoffrey Fisher, 33 year old, 78 overall. 4th line replacement.
| 2033-34 Awards | |||
| Award | Player | Pos | Team |
| Art Ross Trophy | Danny Wilm | Boston | |
| Hart Memorial Trophy | Danny Wilm | Boston | |
| James Norris Memorial Trophy | Kyle Kantor | Boston | |
| Lady Byng Memorial Trophy | Danny Wilm | Boston | |
| Calder Memorial Trophy | Ross Jackman | Phoenix | |
| Conn Smythe Trophy | Calle Moller | Boston | |
| Vezina Trophy | Scott Dawes | Tampa Bay | |
| William M Jennings Trophy | Calle Moller | Boston | |
| Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy | Teemu Hirvonen | New Jersey | |
| Frank J. Selke Trophy | Cesar Dupuis | Los Angeles | |
| Ted Lindsay Award | Danny Wilm | Boston | |
| Rocket Richard Trophy | Eugene Commodore | Ottawa | |
Early in the season right now, but since I'm simming through most of it (will play 10 or so games), it will be fast. Regular Season record of 60-20-2.
# 2
Hooterz @ Jun 12
I'm struggling currently on 3 game losing streak. Can't seem to score recently! Record is 20-20-4 leaders are Landeskog with 22 G, Grig 24 A, Burmistrov +12 and Subban 19 W. Just got Burmistrov back, trying to do some line juggling for scoring production. Powerplay is at 25% but past like 10-15 haven't scored. Also traded away Ceci and Oshie and a 4th line center I wasn't using a long with another AHL player for a first round pick, Altshuller a 23 year old 85 overall goalie with A- B- C potential, Erne with 80 overall a TWF RW C B- A- potential but provides scoring and speed, Clutterbuck a 79 overall SNP LW with A- B- B- potential. Halfway through season lookin to deal Raymond and Hansen at the deadline for a first rounder. Hopefully I'll make the playoffs. I am still in 6th in the West with 44 points but only up by 3 points from 9th place NSH.
# 3
Bloop33 @ Jun 12
Maybe try Raymond and Hansen for a goal scorer, then trade him for a 1st at the draft?
Landeskog seems to be doing well at least, maybe you actually need a better playmaker. 24A isn't much really. Or maybe, uber defensive team, like I like to do? lol.
Thanks, the 60 wins was awesome. Hopefully I will do the player stats tomorrow, if I remember. Wilm had a great season being the "top overall" forward for the first time in his career. Right now, having a tough playoffs, but Pittsburgh seems like they'll ease up (note the game 1 review), hopefully I can get healthy and go for my 4th straight cup.
Landeskog seems to be doing well at least, maybe you actually need a better playmaker. 24A isn't much really. Or maybe, uber defensive team, like I like to do? lol.
Thanks, the 60 wins was awesome. Hopefully I will do the player stats tomorrow, if I remember. Wilm had a great season being the "top overall" forward for the first time in his career. Right now, having a tough playoffs, but Pittsburgh seems like they'll ease up (note the game 1 review), hopefully I can get healthy and go for my 4th straight cup.
# 4
Hooterz @ Jun 12
Yeah good luck hopefully you can make it 4 straight!
And yeah, the thing is, my top center and playmaker Burmistrov was out for 8-9 weeks. It's kinda a tough role to fill when your other highest overall centers are 85. I never really have that many assists with my players like I should. Don't know why, guess it is because assists go all around for the most part. Yeah Landeskog was at a point per game until this 3 game losing streak, think he is 2 points behind games played. Still doing well though. I need my powerplay to start scoring. Can't go 0/5 in a game and lose those chances. Normally, my power play is what wins me games which is why I usually maintain a 22-40% PP. I feel my lines are pretty good though my top 6 guys are Parise, Jurco, Landeskog, Grigorenko, Burmistrov and Lafontaine. I can never really score with Jurco though, I might deal him in the off season or trade dead line for another top 6 guy. My bottom 6 is also doing alright, at least they were. After I made the trade, I called up Ekblad for D to replace Ceci, also put Erne in the 4th line LW spot and a guy named Cain Franson in my 4th line center position. Feel like the 2 of them go well together and first game after putting them together they scored. I'll try playing again today and get my team going, out golfing soon and orientation tomorrow so not much time.
And yeah, the thing is, my top center and playmaker Burmistrov was out for 8-9 weeks. It's kinda a tough role to fill when your other highest overall centers are 85. I never really have that many assists with my players like I should. Don't know why, guess it is because assists go all around for the most part. Yeah Landeskog was at a point per game until this 3 game losing streak, think he is 2 points behind games played. Still doing well though. I need my powerplay to start scoring. Can't go 0/5 in a game and lose those chances. Normally, my power play is what wins me games which is why I usually maintain a 22-40% PP. I feel my lines are pretty good though my top 6 guys are Parise, Jurco, Landeskog, Grigorenko, Burmistrov and Lafontaine. I can never really score with Jurco though, I might deal him in the off season or trade dead line for another top 6 guy. My bottom 6 is also doing alright, at least they were. After I made the trade, I called up Ekblad for D to replace Ceci, also put Erne in the 4th line LW spot and a guy named Cain Franson in my 4th line center position. Feel like the 2 of them go well together and first game after putting them together they scored. I'll try playing again today and get my team going, out golfing soon and orientation tomorrow so not much time.
# 5
Bloop33 @ Jun 12
Yeah, normally having a set up guy is nice. In all 3 of mine I've had clear pass-first guys on the top line almost all the time, for some reason the combination is just that much better than other ones.
# 6
Hooterz @ Jun 13
Yeah, since I've had my line-up back to normal, won the past 2 or 3 I forget, and 2 were against St. Louis the first place team in the NHL. Losing 2-0 to EDM atm though, but I've had a few chances. Need to get the puck on net more
# 7
Bloop33 @ Jun 13
Me too, I have the ability to dominate games like game 1 vs. Pittsburgh in Round 2, where I outshoot them 42-11, but usually play so defensively that I get outshot 30-22 like I just did in game 3.
# 8
Hooterz @ Jun 13
Yeah. I hate this inconsistency in my team or me. Some games I will generate a ton of offense and score some goals. Other games I can't and don't score at all. Just lost 3-0... I don't know if it's my play style or my lines or what. I am going to trade Jurco maybe next year at the draft, there is a guy I scouted with 8.0 7.5 8.0 and I am guessing he will be pretty dang good. We'll see...
# 9
Hooterz @ Jun 13
I also don't have my roster where I want it to be atm. I have a few more defensive guys, guys who will play bottom 6. But they are on my AHL team, and my NHL roster is pretty much full, no room to call up and experiment. That's why I can't wait to deal away Raymond, Hansen, possibly Jurco and Zharkov. Zharkov is over half trade value an 81 overall sniper with A- B- B- I think.
# 10
Bloop33 @ Jun 13
Yeah, maybe if you continue to struggle, you should try some of the AHLers and try to trap your way to the playoffs, Capitals style.
All my playoff rosters and Regular season stats are up now, by the way.
All my playoff rosters and Regular season stats are up now, by the way.
# 11
Hooterz @ Jun 13
Looks like your team is doing pretty dominant man. Good to see such a balanced lineup with the scorers and defensive players.
# 12
Hooterz @ Jun 13
Another thing is default controls. I find that sometimes when I make a move with the right analog stick, I have trouble going up with it and shooting as well. Sometimes I will just swing the puck left and right and run right into the goalie with no shot.
# 13
Bloop33 @ Jun 13
Hmm, that's interesting. I know when I first used them it was similar, haven't switched to them again yet, but that would be a bad little glitch
# 14
Bloop33 @ Jun 13
Also, thanks. my offensive guys are all good defensively too, so I just counter attack a lot and usually it works out for me. Calle Moller's amazing goaltending helps too.
# 15
Hooterz @ Jun 13
Yeah that is nice. I feel my goaltending is inconsistent but it may just be my defense. Just won in OT though, and see, my power play was about 2/3. Burmistrov 3 points (2G 1A) with the overtime game winner. Missed him for those 8-9 weeks.
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