Comments on: Knee-jerks & Notes: New Years Fun Indoors and Out http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/ A Haven for the Hockey Malnourished Sat, 06 Sep 2008 06:26:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: PenaltyBox http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-73164 PenaltyBox Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:30:57 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-73164 I was shocked — and thrilled — to see such a high Nielsen rating for the Winter Classic, second only to a Fox broadcast some 12 years ago ! Strikes me that this could make for yet another wakeup call for the NHL. People watched — and kept watching — because of the return to roots (read: the romance and simplicity of pond hockey) If only the NHL could REALLY clamp down on clutching and grabbing, the Devils-style neutral zone trap, and deliver the kind of romance and simplicity of bigger-ice hockey that we get at the Olympics and the World Championships — instead of the bandbox game in which six-foot-six defenders with sticks just about as long keep their smoother skating colleagues on the sidelines. Then, and only then — when the NHL introduces international size ice sheets — will we see these kinds of ratings for Stanley Cup playoff games. I was shocked — and thrilled — to see such a high Nielsen rating for the Winter Classic, second only to a Fox broadcast some 12 years ago !

Strikes me that this could make for yet another wakeup call for the NHL. People watched — and kept watching — because of the return to roots (read: the romance and simplicity of pond hockey)

If only the NHL could REALLY clamp down on clutching and grabbing, the Devils-style neutral zone trap, and deliver the kind of romance and simplicity of bigger-ice hockey that we get at the Olympics and the World Championships — instead of the bandbox game in which six-foot-six defenders with sticks just about as long keep their smoother skating colleagues on the sidelines.

Then, and only then — when the NHL introduces international size ice sheets — will we see these kinds of ratings for Stanley Cup playoff games.

]]> By: Thunderweenie http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-73123 Thunderweenie Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:34:42 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-73123 Yes, that is correct re O Canada in Buffalo. You can hear lots of "oots" and "aboots" at the HSBC on any given night. :-) Just out of curiosity, does anyone know if they sing O Canada in Detroit, too? I've never been to a game at the Joe, and I know that Detroit and Buffalo are different cities with VERY different hockey histories and traditions. However, I also know that there's a cross-border culture in Windsor-Detroit much like there is in Buffalo-Niagara, where people hop back and forth for activities like this all the time. Anyone know? Thanks for indulging the off-topic question, folks. Cheers! Yes, that is correct re O Canada in Buffalo. You can hear lots of “oots” and “aboots” at the HSBC on any given night. :-)

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know if they sing O Canada in Detroit, too? I’ve never been to a game at the Joe, and I know that Detroit and Buffalo are different cities with VERY different hockey histories and traditions. However, I also know that there’s a cross-border culture in Windsor-Detroit much like there is in Buffalo-Niagara, where people hop back and forth for activities like this all the time. Anyone know?

Thanks for indulging the off-topic question, folks. Cheers!

]]> By: SpartyCuse http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-73118 SpartyCuse Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:40:26 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-73118 Thats correct. Because Buffalo draws a lot of fans from Canada, and their proximity to the border, they play O Canada at every game. Thats correct. Because Buffalo draws a lot of fans from Canada, and their proximity to the border, they play O Canada at every game.

]]> By: chanuck http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-73114 chanuck Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:22:13 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-73114 I didn't watch the game, but in regards to the singing of the Canadian national anthem. I have heard that Buffalo plays it at every home game. No matter who they are playing. I didn’t watch the game, but in regards to the singing of the Canadian national anthem. I have heard that Buffalo plays it at every home game. No matter who they are playing.

]]> By: Thunderweenie http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72947 Thunderweenie Thu, 03 Jan 2008 03:56:22 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72947 The fake outdoor hockey game, brought to you by Moon Landing Productions! The fake outdoor hockey game, brought to you by Moon Landing Productions!

]]> By: dmg http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72927 dmg Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:52:50 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72927 If the outdoor game was fake they either have really good (waterproof) robots or really good animators. If the outdoor game was fake they either have really good (waterproof) robots or really good animators.

]]> By: jdug http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72868 jdug Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:23:18 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72868 Heres to the flood gates opening just a bit for Kozlov. Thank goodness Backstrom did not get it to him any sooner, he would have put it over the cross bar for sure. Heres to the flood gates opening just a bit for Kozlov. Thank goodness Backstrom did not get it to him any sooner, he would have put it over the cross bar for sure.

]]> By: Thunderweenie http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72865 Thunderweenie Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:19:23 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72865 1) OUCH! All the Ottawa comments! I'm so hurt! Oy, vey! The season finale between our two teams is next week, my DC friends, so keep yer jerseys on for the moment. (For the record, though, I do agree on Gerber--although I suspect that OrderedChaos may have spiked his water bottle...) 2) Re. the outdoor game: all I can say is: thank God I could watch it on the CBC and not have to listen to NBC's Sidney love-fest (or at least listen to a slightly toned-down version of it). But since we're on the subject...am I the only one who finds the whole outdoor thing kinda...well, kinda fake and gimmicky? Just askin'. 3) Canada V USA at the World Juniors on Friday, baby!!!! I wanna hear O Canada sung in CZECH!!! WHOOO!!!! :-) 1) OUCH! All the Ottawa comments! I’m so hurt! Oy, vey!

The season finale between our two teams is next week, my DC friends, so keep yer jerseys on for the moment. (For the record, though, I do agree on Gerber–although I suspect that OrderedChaos may have spiked his water bottle…)

2) Re. the outdoor game: all I can say is: thank God I could watch it on the CBC and not have to listen to NBC’s Sidney love-fest (or at least listen to a slightly toned-down version of it).

But since we’re on the subject…am I the only one who finds the whole outdoor thing kinda…well, kinda fake and gimmicky? Just askin’.

3) Canada V USA at the World Juniors on Friday, baby!!!! I wanna hear O Canada sung in CZECH!!! WHOOO!!!! :-)

]]> By: pucksandbooks http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72858 pucksandbooks Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:01:26 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72858 Jordan: Out of 1,088 OFB files, care to make a wager on how many mention Gonchar? Jordan: Out of 1,088 OFB files, care to make a wager on how many mention Gonchar?

]]> By: OrderedChaos http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72851 OrderedChaos Wed, 02 Jan 2008 23:39:50 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72851 Re: Gonchar, y'know, I always thought he was the best winger playing D in the league... if only the Caps had enough defensive depth at the time to play him at wing I'd probably have liked him more. But Gonchar had a penchant for horrible defensive gaffes at the worst times (I remember in particular when he tripped over the blue line, leading to a breakaway game-clinching goal in the playoffs). Re: Gonchar, y’know, I always thought he was the best winger playing D in the league… if only the Caps had enough defensive depth at the time to play him at wing I’d probably have liked him more. But Gonchar had a penchant for horrible defensive gaffes at the worst times (I remember in particular when he tripped over the blue line, leading to a breakaway game-clinching goal in the playoffs).

]]> By: Jordan http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72831 Jordan Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:54:00 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72831 Writers on this site sure do go out of their way to pan Gonchar at every turn, I've noticed. Was his exit from the Caps on bad terms or something? Writers on this site sure do go out of their way to pan Gonchar at every turn, I’ve noticed. Was his exit from the Caps on bad terms or something?

]]> By: Capsaholic http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72789 Capsaholic Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:44:41 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72789 Did I mention, that outdoor game was FAKE? Loved the snow, though. Did I mention, that outdoor game was FAKE? Loved the snow, though.

]]> By: Victor http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72777 Victor Wed, 02 Jan 2008 18:49:12 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72777 Betcha The Toronto Sun & FanNation got that info from Eklund. Betcha The Toronto Sun & FanNation got that info from Eklund.

]]> By: pucksandbooks http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72772 pucksandbooks Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:55:22 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72772 Zach, We think it's more important to confirm that the Caps are negotiating with Alex. We have limited info about the give and take involved, and to date no sense if a deal is to be achieved sooner rather than later. Zach,

We think it’s more important to confirm that the Caps are negotiating with Alex. We have limited info about the give and take involved, and to date no sense if a deal is to be achieved sooner rather than later.

]]> By: Zack http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72768 Zack Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:32:26 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72768 A little bit off topic but...can you guys confirm or refute this rumor? http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/31756 A little bit off topic but…can you guys confirm or refute this rumor?

http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/31756

]]> By: Kim http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72767 Kim Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:32:25 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72767 I am surprised there has not been more of an uproar over the National Anthem (or more accurately the lack there of) at the Winter Classic. Since when do we sing the Canadian Anthem at games with two US teams and God Bless America vs. the Star Spangled Banner? Maybe I am being petty, but I believe it is disrespectful to not sing the National Anthem of the host country on a nationally televised game of that importance. Also got tired of all of the Sidney Crosby lust from the announcers. I am surprised there has not been more of an uproar over the National Anthem (or more accurately the lack there of) at the Winter Classic. Since when do we sing the Canadian Anthem at games with two US teams and God Bless America vs. the Star Spangled Banner? Maybe I am being petty, but I believe it is disrespectful to not sing the National Anthem of the host country on a nationally televised game of that importance.

Also got tired of all of the Sidney Crosby lust from the announcers.

]]> By: Strikeman http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72764 Strikeman Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:24:23 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72764 Personally I think Emrick is annoying I usually cant stand listening to one of his broadcast, that why I love the mute button. Hopefully in the future we can get multiple audio streams to choose from, id love to just hear the sounds of the game. And If that wasnt a fixed game then i dont know what is, a nationally televised game going to the shootout and crosboy wins it....cmon. The NHL headline said somethign about a perfect ending, uh hello wouldn't it be a perfect ending if the home team won??? OV is a better personality than crosboy will ever be. Personally I think Emrick is annoying I usually cant stand listening to one of his broadcast, that why I love the mute button. Hopefully in the future we can get multiple audio streams to choose from, id love to just hear the sounds of the game.

And If that wasnt a fixed game then i dont know what is, a nationally televised game going to the shootout and crosboy wins it….cmon. The NHL headline said somethign about a perfect ending, uh hello wouldn’t it be a perfect ending if the home team won???

OV is a better personality than crosboy will ever be.

]]> By: TG http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72759 TG Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:55:54 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72759 My biggest problem from NBC's telecast, aside from not being able to see what was going on due to the snow, was the absolute fawning over Crosby. Everything he did was "amazing", "fun to watch", "impressive." Good Lord! Go and get a room already! Of course, I knew it was going to be something like that when Doc Emerick, normally a good broadcaster, started out with, "Some of you may not have seen Crosby play before. In that case, you're in for a real treat today..." My biggest problem from NBC’s telecast, aside from not being able to see what was going on due to the snow, was the absolute fawning over Crosby. Everything he did was “amazing”, “fun to watch”, “impressive.” Good Lord! Go and get a room already!

Of course, I knew it was going to be something like that when Doc Emerick, normally a good broadcaster, started out with, “Some of you may not have seen Crosby play before. In that case, you’re in for a real treat today…”

]]> By: Gustafsson http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72754 Gustafsson Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:20:35 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72754 What's also nice about that shot chart is the up to date bio pictures of the players! ;-) What’s also nice about that shot chart is the up to date bio pictures of the players! ;-)

]]> By: OrderedChaos http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72753 OrderedChaos Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:12:48 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72753 Another point regarding the Capitals' victory: check out the shot-location chart on ESPN from the game. A majority of the Caps' shots are clustered up close, in the slot (unlike Ottawa's). I suspect Coach Boudreau will be emphasizing that smart shot selection and crashing the net for rebounds, something the team is historically uneven in doing, strongly contributed to these two dominant victories. http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/shotchart?gameId=280101023 Another point regarding the Capitals’ victory: check out the shot-location chart on ESPN from the game. A majority of the Caps’ shots are clustered up close, in the slot (unlike Ottawa’s). I suspect Coach Boudreau will be emphasizing that smart shot selection and crashing the net for rebounds, something the team is historically uneven in doing, strongly contributed to these two dominant victories.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/shotchart?gameId=280101023

]]> By: Gustafsson http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72751 Gustafsson Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:03:47 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72751 I find games against the Canadian cities a treat as we get to enjoy both the American and Canadian anthems. Yesterday, I felt embarrassed for the Capitals and especially for the singer, who on several occasions, referred to the lyrics of "O Canada" which was written on her left palm. I expected her to glance at her right palm during the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner". I find games against the Canadian cities a treat as we get to enjoy both the American and Canadian anthems. Yesterday, I felt embarrassed for the Capitals and especially for the singer, who on several occasions, referred to the lyrics of “O Canada” which was written on her left palm.

I expected her to glance at her right palm during the singing of
the “Star Spangled Banner”.

]]> By: Gustafsson http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72750 Gustafsson Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:01:49 +0000 http://www.onfrozenblog.com/2008/01/02/knee-jerks-notes-new-years-fun-indoors-and-out/#comment-72750 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.austingrill.com/austingrillee/" rel="nofollow"><img alt="WINGS! @ Austin Grill" id="image2312" src="http://www.onfrozenblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/wings.jpg" /></a> WINGS! @ Austin Grill

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