Friday, September 30, 2016

Marchand pops the European dreams with game winning short handed goal

Brad Marchand celebrates a career making kind of goal
as he secures a World Cup victory for Team Canada

(photo from World Cup of hockey website)
Such was the relief at Team Canada's come from behind victory to win the World Cup on Thursday night that even fans living in British Columbia, still with memories of a Boston Bruin tandem that dashed their Stanley Cup dreams clear in their minds as a bright Pacific sky, probably stood up and cheered.

On Thursday evening, what was shaping up as a rather disastrous night for the Canadians was turned around with mere seconds to go, as Brad Marchand hustling off the Canadian bench joined into the play to convert a Jonathon Toews pass which he quickly rifled behind Jaroslav Halak to secure the victory for Team Canada.

But let's back up a bit shall we, because for 57 minutes of the game it was most certainly Team Europe's victory to claim, they out-hustled the Canadians to the puck and Halak, as he had for the entire tournament put up a wall that was almost enough to send a seismic shock through Canadian hockey.

Playing with momentum off of a laser guided missile from Zdeno Chara, the European squad did what many teams from the continent have done for decades, make a one goal game an exercise in shut down hockey, with the Canadians frustrated at any number of times through almost sixty minutes of play.

The Europeans made sure that no room would be found to launch an offensive attack, the Canadians for their part uncharacteristically making a number of sloppy plays, passes that just missed, shots that went wide and periods of lethargic play that seemed to suck the atmosphere out of the Air Canada Centre and left folks at home occasionally checking in on baseball, the NFL or pre-season hockey.

Sure we checked back in from time to time to see if things were still looking sketchy, but the full attention of the nation (much like the players it seemed at times) appeared to be elsewhere.

The Europeans no doubt were deserving of one more game of the best of three series, such was their ability to neutralize the Canadian machine, yet the as the third period moved towards the midway point though, our attention became focused again as Team Canada looking increasingly desperate to turn around the play began to pressure the European squad in ways that they hadn't through the previous fifty minutes.

First there was the equalizer as Patrice Bergeron finished off a Sidney Crosby/Brent Burns play at the seventeen minute mark to give a jump to the Canadians, putting the first doubt of the game for the Europeans at the worst possible time.

The push down the stretch didn't come without some tension, Drew Doughty took a high sticking penalty with two minutes left in the third, leaving the Canadians short handed and looking to just survive the period and take Game Two into an Overtime.

Their penalty killing proved inspiring, aided by one lucky bounce off a post and a spectacular game saving stop by Carey Price who had been providing much of the same for much of the game.

And then game the time for the Magic of Marchand, as he hopped off the bench on a change on the fly, found himself in the right spot to take a Jonathan Toews pass and with a quick shot the World Cup was Canada's.

The winning goal by Brad Marchand capped his tournament appearance, making whichever member of the Team Canada selection team that lobbied for him to be included on the roster look like an Oracle of the puck.

The wisdom of that selection having been rewarded time and time again through the tournament, the fact that the clinching goal came off of the Nova Scotian's stick was a true reward to the concept of the work ethic and always being ready to accept the call to duty.

There have been many significant moments in Canadian hockey since the legendary magic of 1972 when Paul Henderson brought relief to the huddled masses gathered around a television set watching the flickering images from Moscow.

A  goal for the ages that has been joined by a few other Heritage moments over the decades since.









And while we suspect that in the litany of historic goals for Canadian hockey, the Marchand marker won't be quite remembered in the same conversations as those of Henderson, Gretzky to Lemieux or Iginla to Crosby.

On September 29th of 2016, Brad Marchand's late game heroics resonated for Canadian hockey fans from coast to coast to coast, and even in Vancouver, where the name Marchand was once etched into the deepest corners where the nightmares of the Pacific coast hockey fan live, a glass or two of craft beer was no doubt raised as Team Canada celebrated their lucky talisman and claimed another international title.




Thursday, September 29, 2016

World Cup Game Day: Thursday, September 29, 2016

Our update page for Tuesday, September 27 at the World Cup of Hockey.

Canada Wins the World Cup of Hockey 2 games to 0 in Best of Three Final

8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Team Europe  1 vs Team Canada 2
Game Summary

Game Notes:

Canada scores two down the stretch to beat Europe, win World Cup
Canada's Cup win maintains world hockey order
Fans get 'the outcome we wanted' as Canada wins World Cup of Hockey
Team Canada storms back to claim the World Cup of Hockey title over Team Europe
Team Europe played its heart out in loss to Team Canada: Chara
Canada's core, led by Sidney Crosby, cotinues hockey domination
Canda saves best for last as Marchand's game-winner caps late rally to seal World Cup of Hockey
Carey Prince in Vezina form, plus other takeways from World Cup
Canada's dominance in International hockey
Canada rallies to beat Team Europe, wins World Cup of Hockey
Team Canada continues its run of dominance with World Cup Win
Brad Marchand's clutch goal squashes his reputation as a pest
Canada scores twice down the stretch to stun Europe, win World Cup of Hockey
There's nothing left to question about Team Canada
How Crosby led Canada to an unprecedented golden era
Canada's golden era something to savour
MVP puts Sidney Crosby in rare company
Team Canada defeats Team Europe to win World Cup
Canada's unprecedented streak continue
Team Europe united, managed to build legacy
Final three minutes difference in Team Canada victory
Brad Marchand caps 'dream come true' with Cup-winner
Carey Prince win streak hits sweet 16

Pre Game

Europe aims to give Canada its all at second game of World Cup final
Sidney Crosby cementing place as 'best player of his generation'
Team Europe believes it can beat Canada in Game 2 of World Cup final
Once feared and dominant, Zdeno Chara's decline apparent at the World Cup of Hockey
No doubt about it: Mike Babcock deserves to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame
Things we have learned about the World Cup of Hockey
Canada is just too good and Team North America was a ton of fun: What we learned from the World Cup of Hockey
Who is Ralph Krueger and why isn't he coaching in NHL?
Canada can't afford to take plucky Europeans lightly in Game 2 of WCOH finals
Sidney Crosby reasserts himself as game's best
Mike Babcock won't reveal lineup for Game 2
Team Europe looks to build on good things from opener
Canada strives for perfection at World Cup



Archive Page for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

With interest starting to wane, time to put the wrap on the World Cup for 2016

Danger World Cup!
We are getting sleepy, very sleepy
For a Final round of a highly promoted tournament, Game one of what could be, but really shouldn't be a Best of Three provided for few moments of inspiration, or as the lacklustre crowd at the Air Canada Centre who at times could work up to a good yawn, would show for few moments of excitement.

Whether it was just the fact that the tournament had entered a new week, or the thrill of the pressure packed elimination games had come to an end, the first puck drop for the finals provided an underwhelming display of the game, with the Canadian side for the most part the main culprits when it came to lethargic and sloppy play, making life miserable for their own goaltender as they went along.

The Europeans who rumbled through the tournament knocking off favourites as they did, put up a good effort, testing the Canadians Carey Price frequently, thirty three times as a matter of fact, something that should indicate the lack of attention that his defensive corps provided to the night.

As was expected, Team Europe played a more clinical game, cycling the puck, trying to slow the game down (rather successfully most will note) while taking advantage of a number of turnovers that the Canadians offered, a surprising trait that wasn't part of the Canadian game plan for most of this tournament.

Defensively the Europeans had high hopes of concentrating on shutting down Team Canada's top line of Sidney Crosby, Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron, something that others attempted and failed at and once again didn't happen on Tuesday night.

That top offensive combo provided for two of Canada's three goals and six points on the scoresheet for the night, the first marker opening the game at 2:33 of the first, the second closing it down for good at the 9 and half point of period number three.

Canada's other marker on the night was a Steven Stamkos shot, which converted a Ryan Getzlaf pass for a 2-0 lead heading into the first.

The full Canadian lull came in the second period as the Europeans briefly found some incentive on a Tomas Tatar goal at the seven minute mark and while they would have a number of other chances, nothing else would get by Price in the Canadian nets.

For much of the game the Canadians play suggested that they were weary of the tournament and that the end can't come fast enough.

And while the Europeans are saying all the right things for motivation purposes, that of playing the Canadians tough in game one, showing disappointment at letting a chance for a win get away, even they probably have the feeling that they won't be hanging around for a Game Three.

After a couple of weeks of some high tempo hockey and emotional play, the first instalment of the Final was not the kind of game that suggested drama was at hand, in fact you know that you're in trouble when the Zamboni becomes the main attraction for the night, going in circles over and over again, which come to think of it, was a similar style that many on Team Canada seemed to be bringing to the game for long stretches when the ice was resurfaced.

Wednesday is an off day for the two teams, a chance to refocus and  review how they played in Game One and what they need to change for the next one, for Canadian fans the hope will be that Team Canada brings a bit more immediacy to the rink.

The fact that they won with a sub par effort is probably a testimony to the fact that even on a bad day they are still the Best of the Show, but the time is at hand to bring the World Cup of Hockey to an end.

Thursday should bring the curtain down for the 2016 edition, leaving hockey fans to prepare to turn their attention to training camps and who will be in the opening night lineups of mid October.

It's been a fun run for the European squad that has probably provided tournament organizers with more than a few things to give some thought towards as they ponder the tournament make up in years to come ....

But for Team Canada, Thursday should be Closing Time!





It's time to put the bar stools up and turn off the Big Screen TV's, better for Canada turn them off with one more win, before the folks at home turn them off themselves over a lack of interest.

The pace of Tuesday's game did not go un-noticed by the media covering Game One from the Air Canada Centre, you can review some of their thoughts from our Game Day Archive.







World Cup Game Day: September 27, 2016

Our update page for Tuesday, September 27 at the World Cup of Hockey.



8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT
Team Europe 1 vs Team Canada 3
Game Summary


Game Notes:

Price bails out home team as Canada tops Europe in Game 1
Whose game? The question has been asked and answered
Canada squeezes out victory over Europe in snoozefest Game 1 of World Cup of Hockey Final
Simply put: Game 1 of Canada-Europe World Cup of Hockey final was brutal
Europe keeps it close in Game 1 loss to Canada
Crosby line leads Canada to Game 1 win over Europe
Canada in control of underwhelming World Cup Final after 3-1 win over Euorpe, but the thrill is gone
Canada holds off Team Europe in Game 1 of World Cup of Hockey Final
Canada needs to play a better overall game against Europe or risk -- gasp -- losing a game
Canada cruises to 3-1 win over Team Europe in Game 1 of World Cup Finals
Stamkos, Canada draw first blood in World Cup Final
Team Canada defeats Team Europe in Game 1
Team Europe 'very angry' over Game 1 loss
Team Canada far from perfect but good enough
Carey Price big when he has to be
Top line continues to lift Team Canada




Pre Game


Sidney Crosby's legendary resume is missing one thing: World Cup Gold 
Canada's Marchand turns into little ball of great
Europe's Zdeno Chara still draws respect at 39
Looks like Krueger has all the right tools to slay Canada
Roman Josi - the diamond in the rough of Norris Trophy contenders - shines for Europe at World Cup
Former Canadiens teammates Carey Prince and Jaroslav Halak go head-to-head, and four other storylines for the World Cup of Hockey final
Brad Marchand's reward for starring at the World Cup of Hockey? A cool US$49 million contract extension
Could Team Europe really beat Canada? It would take an upset of miraculous proportions
Win or lose, Team Europe has surpassed expectations at the World Cup of Hockey
'He's like a real diamond': Roman Josi having coming out party at World Cup
Former "Little Ball of Hate" Marchand has earned spot on Team Canada's top line, contract extension with Bruins
Canadiens past resurfaces as Price and Halak clash in World Cup of Hockey final
Team Europe motivated to knock off Canada
Hockey great Wayne Gretzky among World Cup of Hockey converts
No past or future: Team Europe embraces World Cup stage
Team Canada's battle-tested leaders benefit from experience
Europe has to be firing on all cylinders to have a shot at Canada
Team Europe's Jaroslav Halak making another surprise star turn
Europe has a Cinderella run at the World Cup of Hockey, but Canada is its midnight
Marian Gaborik to miss World Cup final
Team Europe looks to get jump on upset bid in Game 1
Focus, fear key for Team Canada
Jaroslav Halak, Team Europe capable of earning upset
Team Canada looks to stay dominant in World Cup Final
Carey Price can thank Jaroslav Halak
Jaroslav Halak cornerstone of Team Europe
Team Europe's experience could fuel upset
Team Canada too deep, talented


Archive Page for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey


Sunday, September 25, 2016

In the flash of a blade, Sweden is sent packing by Team Europe

The ensemble cast of hockey's version of Les Miserables made things rather miserable for Swedes everywhere on Sunday, as momentum, that of a skate blade to be precise, told the tale for whether Team Europe, or Team Sweden would move on in the second semi-final of the World Cup of Hockey.

Team Europe, the tossed together line up of the other countries that don't quite put fear into the hearts of hockey nations as a full unit, collected a string of A-listers that was made up along the lines of a Noah's Ark squad (one, or two from each of the participating counties) along with some surprising lesser names.

All of whom pulled on the rather colourful uniform of Team Europe and took to the ice without the benefit of even a national anthem (though in a pinch they possibly could have pulled out the EU's Ode to Joy which seems to be the defacto song of unity for those inclined to such a concept in Europe)




Regardless if they had a song to sing along with or not, all seemed to gel quite nicely under coach Ralph Krueger, who no doubt channelled that always popular theme of "No one respects us, and no one expects us" something clearly heard by his roster of new believers.

That approach worked well through the opening round and on Sunday in the second semi-final of the weekend, the European squad would once again surprise the hockey pundits, as they and Team Sweden settled in for what at times resembled a sixty minute drills session, occasionally broken up with some bursts of speed and yes, even a hit or two.

It wasn't a thriller by any means, that despite the fact it went to an Overtime before the Euro's found their winning goal off of the skate of Tomas Tatar, the bulk of the three periods was for the most part a stifling affair of lock down hockey. Ye there was some nice passing and shots were fired on goal here and there, and while plentiful at 39 to 31 in favour of the Swedes, you never really had the feeling that suggested a high scoring match was on the horizon.

The first period was played to a 0-0 draw and for good cause, few chances were taken, few mistakes were there to be capitalized on, as the two sides took to lengthy glides on the ice as drawn up on the dressing room board we imagine.

Period two did find some scoring as each team traded goals the Swedes making their case for another Canada/Sweden final with Nicklas Backstrom's goal in the first three minutes, the Europeans going not so fast when Marian Gaborik grabbed the equalizer late in the middle frame.

Tomas Tatar served notice that Sweden might not be fulfilling its destiny when he picked up his first of two goals on the day at the twelve second mark of the final period, Team Sweden would not claw their way back into a tie until fifteen minutes later when Erik Karlsson gave hope to the Blue and Gold combining with the Sedins for a nice passing play to even things up.

Neither side could find the range in the final four and half minutes setting the stage for the Overtime drama which would not take long to play out, with Tatar once again the featured attraction parked at the side of the Swedish net, directing the puck with his skate by Henrik Lundqvist setting off celebrations from uh, ah, well ... they were pretty happy on the Team Europe bench at least.




The Swedes looked sufficiently stunned at the outcome, wondering if the goal was valid or not, though in the end it was ruled a good goal and the celebration for Team Europe was on.

And while Sweden may have been shocked, they probably were nowhere near as baffled as World Cup organizers.

They now have a team that was tossed together as a way to showcase the constellation of non hockey power nations (Team Leftovers as some would call them) ready to challenge for the top honours.  Something we are pretty sure they didn't anticipate back when they cooked up the World Cup Concept earlier this year.

The European squad now moves on to the Semi-Finals on Tuesday and the first of what could be a three game showdown with Team Canada.

And while most probably believe that the Canadians will be on a fast track to claiming the top spot for 2016, a few bounces of a puck and the continued hot hand of Jaroslav Halak could make things interesting.

If the Europeans really want to really put a scare into Canadian hockey fans from game one on, we offer up an alternative option for the anthem prior to each game.

Same tune; different interpretation.



If nothing else, it probably would make for the perfect dressing room sound mix to get some European blood pumping prior to face off.

And should Team Europe pull off a World Cup Hockey championship, it will definitely become the talking point for the two weeks of hockey that have played out and none of us will ever look at Ode to Joy in the same light again.

You can review the game summary and some notes on Sunday's semi-final from our Game Day Archive page here.

World Cup Game Day: Sunday, September 26, 2106

Our update page for Sunday, September 25 at the World Cup of Hockey.



1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT
Team Sweden 2 vs. Team Europe 3 (Overtime)
Game Summary


Game Notes:

Team Europe has made it to the best-of-three tournament final
Anything but gold was a 'failure' to Team Sweden
Team Europe stuns Sweden on Tomas Tatar overtime goal, will face Canada in World Cup final
Team Europe digs deep to reach World Cup of Hockey championship series
No past or future: Team Europe embraces World Cup stage
Europe beats Sweden in OT to reach World Cup of Hockey finals
Coach Krueger and Europe living in the now of World Cup
Europe goes from laughingstock to last opponent standing at World cup
Team Europe's World Cup success may spell its end
Tatar scores in OT to lift Team Europe into final
Team Europe's Cinderella story continues
Team Sweden never played to potential


Pre Game

Fittingly, Sweden stands between Europe and World Cup Final
Team Eurpoe playing with house money but no pushover at World Cup of Hockey
Team Europe, Team Sweden vie for World cup final spot
Patience paying off for Team Sweden
Henrik Lundqvist gives Team Sweden advantage
5 keys: Team Europe vs. Team Sweden
Jaroslav Halak embracing next challenge
Team Europe defensemen gain valuable audition time
Team Sweden not taking semifinal lightlty
Mikael Backlund leaves Team Sweden
Team Europe not lacking pride at World Cup
Team Sweden focused to face Team Europe this time
Team Europe deserves respect in World Cup semifinal
Mikael Backlund out of World Cup of Hockey with concussion
Slovak vets Gaborik, Hossa, Chara are foundation of Team Europe's surprising success
Henrik Lundqvist leads Sweden into World Cup of Hockey semi-final
Henrik Lundqvist eager for Rangers return - but first, a World Cup title

Archive Page for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey


Saturday, September 24, 2016

Hey, A little help here if you can ... Bobrovsky left to fend for himself as Canadians roll over Russia

Russian net minder Sergei Bobrovsky is going to be reporting to his Columbus Blue Jackets training camp in a few days and the first thing he'll probably do is take a deep sigh of relief at the prospect of having some help from the blue line for a change from his last week or so.

And that's saying something considering the Blue Jackets offered up 252 goals against last year, second worst in the NHL and yet compared to the corps on the Russian line this tournament, the Blue Jackets look like lock down specialists.

The signs were building for much of the week that the Russians were a little thin on the blue line but perhaps Bobrovsky should have been prepared for Saturday night's defensive shortcomings when he cracked open the fortune cookies for a glimpse on the game to come.





Bobrovsky did all he could to stem off such omens for Mother Russia on Saturday night, making for the main difference between at least keeping things respectable, as opposed to suffering a humiliation on the ice as he held off a high octane Canadian lineup.

A squad that while scoring five goals over the course of the three periods, probably left the ice following their semi-final victory wondering how with 47 shots on goal, they didn't get even more behind the Russian goal line.

The Russian defence was horrendous in their showdown with the Canadians, allowing the home side into their zone time and time again, the concept of clearing the front of the net, or taking a man once and a while, seemingly forgotten once they jumped over the boards and onto the ice.

Offensively they weren't much more effective, while a second period lead at 2-1 provided for a temporary case of the vapours for Canadian fans, once Team Canada had returned the universe to its balance it quickly became clear that the Russian team, while gaining 34 shots on goal,  didn't really seem all that dangerous or inclined to be making much of a push, that might give much further cause for distress for the Canadian side.

For Canada Brad Marchand continued to make for a fascinating story line for the tournament,  his play a major difference maker for the Canadians, adding to his reviews on the week by snaring two goals that proved to be quite instrumental in Canada's 5-3 victory over the Russians.

Both of which came as a result of some terrific work from Captain Sidney Crosby who got the puck over to Marchand on both occasions for the finishing touch.

Another strong night for Sidney Crosby
as he bested long time rival
Alexander Ovechkin in Saturday's semi-final
Of course Marchand has benefited from shared ice time with Sidney Crosby, who once again was no slouch on the ice himself, picking up a beauty of an opening goal as he forced a turnover in the Russian end to set the pace for Canada.

Besides his opener and the assists on the Marchand goal, Crosby continued to have a dominating presence on the ice, overshadowing Russia's Alexander Ovechkin who struggled to find any kind of offence on the night.

Russia's marquee player was slowed down rather effectively by Jonathon Toews and his line mates, frequently leaving the Russians frustrated for much of the sixty minutes as they became bogged down an incapable of moving the puck with any authority.

Russia did offer up some resistance and for a brief period in the second period had pulled ahead of the Canadian squad and appeared ready to set the scene for another Canada/Russia thriller, however Team Canada settled their play down shortly after that brief spurt.

Marchand's first goal of the night coming just one minute after the Russians took the lead, his second in the opening two minutes of the third returned a one goal margin for the Canadians and they never looked back.

Corey Perry picked up his first goal of the tournament less than five minutes later, the marker not only providing the cushion that gave Canadian fans an opportunity to breathe, but also appeared to finally knock down any Russian prospects of a push back.

John Tavares also grabbed his first goal of the World Cup salting away the victory at the 9 and half minute point of the third, the Canadians by that time in full control of the flow, dictating the play as they wished.

Russia made one more mark on the scoring sheet with less than ten seconds to go in the game, with an extra attacker on the ice Artemi Panarin was credited with the Russians third goal of the night, though replays suggest that it probably should not have counted, however with time close to expiration no challenge was issued, the Canadians content for the centre ice puck drop and the sound of the horn.

Canada moves on to the Finals set to begin on Tuesday evening, their opposition will be sorted out on Sunday afternoon as one of the pleasant surprises of the tournament Team Europe look to spoil any plans that the Swedes have of securing their place in the three game final.

For the Russians they will scatter to their various directions, the NHL based players to their training camps those in the European leagues or Russia's KHL will make their return overseas. And while they return to the ice, they will leave it to the officials back in Moscow to try and figure out why their development program suddenly no longer can deliver the likes of a Fetisov, Mironov, Zubov or Zhitnik.

Members of defensive units that once held a strong presence on a Russian blue line and gave hockey fans a totally different theme to consider when talking about Russian hockey.

You can find more on the Canada/Russia semi-final from our  Game Day Archive page, which features game summaries and a collection of commentary and analysis of Saturday night's match up.

The Expandable NHL -- Las Vegas Archive



Our notes on development from the Southwest desert, as the Las Vegas franchise for the 2017-18 season begins to put together its foundation to launch its travels in the NHL.

Las Vegas
Team website


September 22 -- Vegas Hockey Fan Fest scheduled for October 8 at Toshiba Plaza
September 22 -- Announcement of Las Vegas NHL team name delayed again
September 22 -- Hockey team announces 20-year lease for Summerlin practice facility
September 20 -- Las Vegas NHL expansion franchise sells out season-ticket allotment
September 20 -- Las Vegas franchise ready to pack the house, sell out of season tickets for 2017-18
September 19 -- Las Vegas reaches limit on season tickets
September 19 -- Las Vegas hockey team hits season ticket deposit cap at 16,000
September 19 -- Las Vegas NHL team sells out season ticket deposits a year in advance
September 19 -- Las Vegas hockey team hits season ticket deposit cap at 16,000
September 19 -- Sold Out: Las Vegas NHL expansion franchise reaches season-ticket deposit limit of 16,000
September 19 -- Las Vegas NHL expansion team reaches cap for season tickets
September 19 -- Las Vegas' new NHL team already sold out their season tickets
September 19 -- NHL Las Vegas hockey season tickets sold out
September 19 -- Jackpot: Vegas Expansion Team sells out Season Tickets
September 17 -- Foley turns attention to business side for Las Vegas expansion team staff
September 16 -- Bettman and Fehr on World Cup, Las Vegas, salary cap info and jersey ads
September 15 -- Bill Foley, fans put too much emphasis on NHL team's nickname
September 14 -- Poker Face: Vegas NHL Expansion team has a name, but it's a secret
September 14 -- Construction ready to begin on Las Vegas NHL team practice facility
September 13 -- Las Vegas inches closer to NHL team name
September 13 -- Las Vegas NHL team will be called Silver, Desert or Golden Knights
September 13 -- Las Vegas trademarks three names
September 13 -- With staff in place, McPhee confident he'll bring NHL winner to Las Vegas
September 10 -- Las Vegas NHL team name to have word "Knights" in it
September 9 -- Las Vegas NHL team adds Robert Morris assistant coach as amateur scout
September 9 -- Las Vegas owner confirms team will have "Knights" in name
September 7 -- NHL Las Vegas team hires Raphaël Pouliot as scout
September 3 -- Bill Foley admits to registering fake names for Las Vegas NHL team
September 3 -- Las Vegas owner registered fake names in 'misdirection ploy'
September 2 -- Las Vegas NHL team hires NHL veteran Kelly Kisio as pro scout

August 31 -- Las Vegas NHL team adds  former minor-leaguer Kent Hawley as amateur scout
August 23 -- Las Vegas NHL franchise hires Vaughn Karpan as director of player personnel
August 18 -- Bill Foley learning valuable lesson in selecting team name
August 18 -- Murray Craven gets title with Las Vegas NHL team
August 17 -- Las Vegas NHL team hires scout
August 17 -- George McPhee returns from Europe armed with knowledge of young hockey players
August 12 -- Vegas NHL team goes back to drawing board in search of nickname
August 12 -- Bill Foley says 'Nighthawks' still in play for Las Vegas NHL nickname
August 12 -- Las Vegas NHL team registers 3 choices for potential team name
August 11 -- Report: Red Hawks, Desert Hawks and Nighthawks in play for name of Vegas NHL team
August 10 -- Las Vegas NHL team hires David Prior as goalie coach
August 8 -- Las Vegas NHL team hires Misha Donskov as director of hockey operations
August 7 -- Las Vegas NHL team general manager scouting for players at European hockey tournament
August 6 -- Bill Foley again asks for fans' patience on NHL team name
August 4 -- NHL Las Vegas team hires director of player personnel
August 4 -- Las Vegas dips into Washington franchise for its director of player development
August 3 -- We're still trying to figure out the Las Vegas hockey fan
August 3 -- Las Vegas' NHL team making slow but steady progress on finding a name
August 2 -- Kelly McCrimmon takes 'dream job' with Las Vegas NHL team
August 2 -- Kelly McCrimmon joins Las Vegas' NHL team as assistant general manager
August 2 -- T-Mobile Arena's public preview of hockey setup awes fans
August 1 -- Kelly McCrimmon leaving juniors for Las Vegas NHL
August 1 -- Las Vegas hockey fans get to see NHL team's home (video)

July 31 -- Las Vegas NHL team to get WHL coach as Assistant GM
July 24 -- Former NHL Player Murray Craven back in the game with Bill Foley
July 23 -- This is the name you decided on for Las Vegas' NHL team
July 22 -- Las Vegas NHL expansion team still searching for name
July 15 -- Bill Foley's frustration grows over lack of name for Las Vegas NHL team
July 14 -- New GM expounds on philosophy behind building Vegas' franchise
July 13 -- Murray Craven helped deliver new GM George McPhee to Bill Foley
July 13 -- Las Vegas NHL team introduces George McPhee as GM (video)
July 13 -- Las Vegas NHL expansion team reportedly hires McPhee as GM
July 13 -- In mirror image, Las Vegas owner Bill foley hires no-nonsense GM
July 13 -- Las Vegas NHL team picks George McPhee as general manager
July 13 -- Las Vegas NHL expansion franchise hires George McPhee as GM
July 13 -- Foley tabs former Capitals leader to be Vegas team's first GM
July 11 -- Las Vegas NHL team closes in on general manager hire
July 6 -- Dropping the puck in Sin City
July 2 -- Las Vegas NHL expansion team holds staff meeting - in Montana
July 1 -- If hockey stars align, Victor Hedman makes sense on Las Vegas blue line
July 1 -- Veteran NHL executive on L.V.: 'They have to decide what type of identity they want'

June 30 -- New Las Vegas club had edge over NHL's 2000 expansion teams
June 30 -- NHL may face uphill climb in Las Vegas, but let's hope it can stick
June 29 -- The NHL is coming to Las Vegas because America is now a casino nation
June 28 -- Bill Foley planning ahead with local NHL team's opening-season roster
June 25 -- NHL betting at T-Mobile is possible (there's an app for it); no shakin' in Elvis' old theatre
June 25 -- Bill Foley nears deal to build hockey practice facility next to downtown Summerlin
June 25 -- Toronto sports official on NHL in Las Vegas: "It's a bad idea"
June 24 -- Season ticket sales for Las Vegas NHL team exceed 15,000
June 24 -- NHL's expansion decision gets varied reaction in media
June 24 -- 10 subtle decisions Bill Foley must make for his Las Vegas NHL team
June 24 -- Bill Foley's focus is to get Las Vegas hockey operations running 
June 24 -- Bill Foley expects NHL franchise to give Las Vegas a new identity
June 23 -- What type of owner will Bill Foley be? Think late Ed Snider or Mark Cuban
June 23 -- Picking team name, logo tops list of what's next for Las Vegas' NHL franchise
June 23 -- NHL insiders say Las Vegas could field competitive team soon
June 23 -- Bill Foley considers options for minor league affiliates for his NHL team
June 23 -- Las Vegas NHL chief Bill Foley: 'This is not going to be a 10-year program'
June 23 -- T-Mobile Arena played major role in enticing NHL to Las Vegas
June 23 -- NHL player Jason Zucker can't wait for puck to drop in Las Vegas
June 23 -- Ex-Wrangler Deryk Engelland says Las Vegas' distractions will benefit home team
June 23 -- Youth hockey could flourish with NHL in Las Vegas
June 23 -- Las Vegas could be attractive destination for NHL free agents



And the NHL will expand to ... Las Vegas, Nevada

June 22 -- Las Vegas hockey history now includes an NHL team
June 23 -- T-Mobile Arena designed for hockey
June 22 -- Place your bets: Books already taking action on new NHL team
June 22 -- Las Vegas awarded NHL expansion team
June 22 -- Las Vegas NHL franchise now faces many tough hockey decisions
June 22 -- Gary Bettman, Bill Foley confirm Las Vegas expansion franchise
June 22 -- Even before talk of pro pucks, Las Vegas has been a major league city
June 22 -- FAQ about Las Vegas expansion team
June 22 -- Las Vegas hockey fans cheer long-awaited arrival of NHL team
June 22 -- NHL rolls dice on expansion team in Las Vegas
June 22 -- Season-ticket holders for Las Vegas NHL franchise will be able to select seats soon
June 22 -- Bill Foley's commitment to Army will show how he runs NHL team
June 22 -- Sports books don't expect betting ban on NHL's Las Vegas team
June 22 -- Hockey fans ponder what's in a name?
June 22 -- Five potential coaches for the new Las Vegas NHL franchise
June 22 -- Maloofs stay in background as  minority owners of Las Vegas NHL team
June 22 -- Bill Foley smitten with 'Black Knights' as Las Vegas nickname
June 22 -- NHL Board of Governors votes to expand to Las Vegas
June 22 -- Cost of NHL expansion goes from $2 million to $500 million
June 22 -- Here's a timeline for Las Vegas' pursuit of an NHL expansion franchise
June 22 -- Las Vegas NHL team owner Bill Foley opens up in a wide-ranging sitdown
June 22 -- NHL is welcomed to Las Vegas
June 22 -- NHL expansion press conference in Las Vegas
June 22 -- NHL expected to officially announce Las Vegas expansion franchise today
June 21 -- Kings' Drew Doughty looking forward to Las Vegas rivalry
June 21 -- Vegas NHL team will need to get creative, play good hockey to keep fans
June 21 -- Foley, Las Vegas fans await NHL's vote to grant expansion franchise
June 20 -- Bill Foley to stay low key as wait for Las Vegas NHL team is almost over
June 20 -- Oscar Goodman started Las Vegas' NHL relationship
June 16 -- With Las Vegas decsion, the NHL gets lost in the desert
June 15 -- Why the NHL is hot on Vegas
June 15 -- NHL's imminent Las Vegas expansion a ridiculous decision
June 15 -- NHL hasn't pursued betting ban for local expansion team
June 14 -- NHL finally ready to gamble on Las Vegas
June 14 -- NHL settles on Las Vegas for Expansion: source




The Expandables -- Quebec City Archive



Our notes on development from the Southwest desert, as the Las Vegas franchise for the 2017-18 season begins to put together its foundation to launch its travels in the NHL.

Quebec City 


September 14 -- Bill Daly Still hoping for NHL Expansion in Quebec City soon


June 27 -- Quebec taxpayers spent hundreds of Millions on an NHL-ready arena and didn't get an NHL team
June 26 -- Paying for an NHL-ready arena only guarantees you a spot on the rumour  mill
June 26 -- History of a dream: Régis Labeaume's unending quest for NHL hockey
June 26 -- Quebec City's Centre Vidéotron 'Field of Dreams' a nighmare for taxpayers
June 24 -- Quebecor-ownd TVA Sports, doubles losses  if first year of NHL, RDS profits drop 58%
June 24 -- Régis Labeaume convinced Quebec City will have an NHL team, some day
June 23 -- Why Sin City topped Quebec City for an NHL team
June 23 -- Why the NHL (and the Montreal Canadiens) said no to Quebec City
June 23 -- Quebec City still holding out hope for future team as NHL opts to expand to Las Vegas
June 23 -- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman doles out another face-wash to Canada
June 23 -- Quebec City vows to continue fight for NHL team
June 22 -- NHL defers expansion to Quebec City
June 22 -- Quebec City ponders options after NHL defers expansion bid
June 22 -- NHL expansion to Las Vegas; no team for Quebec City
June 22 -- Quebec City remains patient, optimistic
June 22 -- Sorry, Quebec City: Loonie, geography blamed for NHL team deferral
June 15 -- Even if you build it, NHL still won't come to Quebec City
June 15 -- Writing has been on the wall for Quebec City non-expansion
June 15 -- NHL's Las Vegas expansion a ridiculous decision by any normal metric. But, hey, free money
June 14 -- Las Vegas a 'done deal' for NHL expansion team, but not Quebec City
June 4 -- Mulroney has his doubts about Quebec City NHL expansion this year
June 3 -- Mulroney: Quebec City expansion 'slim'
June 3 -- Ex-PM Mulroney optimistic for NHL return to Quebec City, but not soon

April  8 -- Does Hurricanes owner have eye on Quebec City?

Mrach 23 -- Québecor owner still wants NHL franchise in Quebec City
March 16 -- Quebec City most natural choice for expansion
March  7 -- Rumours aside, the weak Canadian dollar won't help Quebec City's dreams of NHL expansion this time

January 15 -- Puny loonie could have a huge impact on the NHL



The Expandable NHL -- Archive of Developments 2016-17



With the Las Vegas franchise beginning to lay its foundation for play in the 2017-18 season, we'll start to track their moves both in the front office and in the city itself as they prepare to introduce their team to the NHL collective.

With Vegas now officially in and the NHL looking to expand by two in the years to come, we'll also track other locations that are looking to find a crack in the door to join up with the league, either through the expansion process, or by standing by to take any wards of the NHL that may arrive from existing locations.

In the Club

Las Vegas


Looking for a seat at the table

Quebec City




--

World Cup Game Day: Saturday, September 24, 2016

Our update page for Saturday, September 24 at the World Cup of Hockey.


7:00 ET/4:00 PT
Team Canada 5 vs. Team Russia 3
Game Summary


Game Notes:

Canada pots four straight goals, pulls away from Russia to clinch spot in World Cup of Hockey final
Canada pulls away from Russia to reach final at World Cup of Hockey
Canada steamrolls into World Cup final
Canada advances to World Cup of Hockey final after beating Russian rivals
Crosby-Ovechkin rivalry ends with Sid on top once again
Alexander Ovechkin's legacy is being defined by his play against Sidney Crosby
Russian goalie Sergei Bobrovsky put in the best performance of the tournament but still lost to Canada
Brad Marchand scores twice as Canada reaches World Cup Finals
Marchand, Crosby lead Canada over Russia
Sidney Crosby's dominance helps Canada send Russia packing
Team Canada defeats Team Russia to reach final
Alex Ovechkin thwarted by Team Canada
Sergei Bobrovsky does his part, gets little help


Pre Game

Sidney Crosby carries weight of a nation in World Cup of Hockey
'Going to be crazy': Russians relish matchup with Canadians
Sergei Bobrovsky will be Canada's biggest obstacle in World Cup of Hockey semi-final against Russia
Beating Sidney Crosby, Canada at World Cup of hockey would be a signature moment for Russia's Alex Ovechkin
Weber says Canada's sustained success comrs from 'having pride in wearing that maple leaf'
Ovechkin and Russia beating Crosby and Canada in World Cup semifinal would speak volumes
Storied Canada-Russia rivalry begins next chapter at World Cup of hockey
Sidney Crosby among six forwards getting own postage stamps
Can Canada be stopped? Ranking the four remaining teams in World Cup of Hockey
Former Russian team goalie Ilya Bryzgalov remembers Canadians in 2010 as big, mean, scary
What to watch for: Russia vs. Canada
The Canada-Russia rivalry, which once produced the best hockey ever played, could use a kickstart
Can Russia compete with Canada?
Canada expects intense, emotional game from Russia
Russia will need some luck against these Canadians
Team Canada's 'here to win' - but Russia's a real threat at World Cup
Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin in International play
Red-Hot Bobrovsky stands in Canada's way
Pavel Dasyuk's status for semi-final uncertain
Team Russia in position to upset in semifinal
Make no mistake, Canada will be ready for Russia
Canada vs. Russia still holds magic for diehard hockey fans
Canada-Russia gets new chapter at World Cup
Alex Ovechkin, Team Russia eager to play Team Canada
World Cup semifinal storylines to follow
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin to meet in semifinal
Team Canada won't adapt for Team Russia
Phil Esposito plays ambassador to Russia



Archive Page for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey