Kris Versteeg, Welcome to Toronto

It must be quite the splash of cold water in the face being on the number one team in the league, winning the Stanley Cup - and still probably drunk from the celebrations - one minute and then being picked up by the second last team in the league. Then again, the team in question HAS won the second most Stanley Cups in the NHL (sorry, what did you say? When did we win the last one? Nope, sorry, can't hear you) and is the most profitable/valuable team in the NHL so hey, he can't complain too much.

I, for one, am thrilled! I can only hope that I will be walking down the street in Toronto one day to turn around and witness something like this:

Versteeg had an amazing rookie season, finishing second amongst all rookies in scoring (Bobby Ryan was first) and being nominated for the Calder Trophy (which went to Steve Mason). His productivity dropped a bit in his sophomore season but he still came up huge in times when it was needed


Can't wait to see him in action in blue and white!

Player of the Week: Duncan Keith

Duncan Keith winning the Norris Trophy just put the cherry on the top of the amazing year he has had thus far. Undoubtedly one of the best defensemen the league (uhh obviously, he won the Norris trophy, not my brightest moment), he won gold for his country in Vancouver and helped his team to a Stanley Cup.



His point totals have only increased season after season and no one can accuse him of not being a dedicated player:

New Love for the Ducks

I think Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf have just made my favourite players list. The skit they did for the NHL Awards was PHENOMENAL - major kudos to Ryan for agreeing to do this and being such a good sport. It's gotta still sting a bit being so close to the gold and coming up a bit short but silver is definitely nothing to frown at - way better than I could ever do, that's for sure!

Best Team Videos - Blackhawks 'One Goal' Commercials

I already posted about the block of Blackhawks commercials that were done before but they definitely have more. Their PR guys better get paid well for this because the commercials are genius.









And the very best one...



Well, they achieved their goal. I don't know if the commercials helped but they couldn't have hurt!

Player of the Week: Ilya Bryzgalov

I love the Coyotes' goalie and it's his birthday today! What better a way to celebrate the big 3-0 than to be named player of the week...during the off season....

He had quite the amazing season this year and was definitely one of the major factors in the Coyotes making the playoffs this year (I so wanted them to win the series against Detroit! Next year...). Luckily, his teammates appreciate him



Before Phoenix, he was backup to Giguere on the Ducks, including the season they won the Stanley Cup. He was around when there was all the controversy with Chris Pronger asking for a trade away from Edmonton. But he came to his new teammates defense with this simple explanation:

He has played for his country - Russia - a few times, including winning gold at the 2009 World Championships... where they beat Canada... hmph. We'll stick to NHL highlights ;)

Army is a Dad!

Colby Armstrong and his wife welcomed a baby boy into the world yesterday: Cruise Samson Armstrong. Congrats to the new parents - I can just picture Army as a hockey dad

Player of the Week: Patrick Kane

Patty Kane doesn't get player of the week because he made the Stanley Cup winning goal...

not because he played for his country and won silver at the Olympics this past year...



Not because he blew up in his rookie season and won the Calder trophy, beating out his teammate and future captain, Johnny T... Not because he likes to go out and get drunk and take his shirt of...

He is player of the week because of this:


Haha I absolutely love that he can laugh at himself. Yeah you made some mistakes, I think you make enough money so that 30 cents isn't a big deal, but good on you for owning up to it and being able to laugh at yourself. Go continue your drunken escapaes and dancing

No Words

I'm pretty sure I'm going to have nightmares...