Carnival of the NHL #13
Welcome to the Carnival of the NHL #13, which features a wonderful assortment of rides for your pleasure. Whether it’s the rollercoaster that is Sean Avery or the Rookie Ferris Wheel, you’re sure to find a ride to suit your taste and interest.
Ride #1 - Merry Go Round of Officiating
It seems lately that fans and players alike have plenty to say about the officiating in the new NHL thus far this season. However unlike players and coaches who get fined for talking negatively about the officiating, us hockey bloggers can talk about the refs all we want. Dubi at Blueshirt Bulletin doesn’t have a problem with the new rules, rather the inconsistency of calling them. In a few games he watched, “you couldn’t get a call unless you dove (both teams).” Tom Benjamin noted in a Vancouver-Calgary game the numerous phantom calls made by NHL officials as well as critical penalties that were missed entirely. Mike finds fault with the referees going overboard on calling minor penalties and ignoring flagrant penalties.
Paul at Kuklas Korner helps clarify Steve Yzerman’s comments about the officiating. He doesn’t have a problem with the rules, but the fact that the refs need to use some judgment. Off Wing Opinion’s Eric McErlain also had some thoughts on Yzerman’s comments and other officiating observations.
Mike Chen steps up on his soapbox to proclaim that players control the outcome of the game and not the referees. Red and Black Hockey cover the controversy surrounding LA’s Jeremy Roenick’s shootout goal in this post.
Ride #2 - Rookie Ferris Wheel
On this ride, we’ll view the rotating views on who is the #1 rookie thus far this season. It seems most everybody has an opinion on Sid Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, whether good or bad. A common view is that Crosby didn’t deserve October’s Rookie of the Month honors, but he is certainly proving his case this month. Among those views are James Mirtle and Eric McErlain. Michael was impressed with Crosby’s shooutout goal that won the game for the Penguins over Montreal. You can read more at his blog, Confessions of a Hockey Fanatic. He also covered the Battle of Pennsylvania (Part 2) where Crosby also got the game winning goal. However, Jes asks that everyone keeps things in perspective when it comes to Sid Crosby.
Matt at Battle of Alberta thinks Dion Phaneuf is deserving of winning the Calder if he keeps up this pace, but unless Ovechkin and Crosby get injuries resulting in a loss of 12+ games, that won’t happen. Greg at Puck Stops Here believes that Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers should be considered as a Rookie of the Year favorite.
Carnival Food
Let’s take a break from the rides to enjoy some carnival snacks courtesy of Washington Capitals owner, Ted Leonsis. Lately he has become the league’s most fan friendly owner as seen through his jersey giveaways and owner’s box invitation extended to blogger Eric McErlain. Jordon at Hockey Pundits discussed the benefits Leonsis would receive from giving season ticket holders a black CCM Caps replica jersey of their choice. You can also read Eric’s detailed account of game night in the owner’s box with Leonsis here and here.
Ride #3 - The Sean Avery Rollercoaster
Avery’s big mouth and brash actions continue in this rollercoaster ride. Martin at HockeyDirt.com pokes fun at Avery and his new “agent,” Drew Rosenhaus. Red and Black Hockey takes a look at Avery’s problem with a diving call and consequent $1000 fine and David believes he should just let it go. And like they say at Vancouver Canucks Op Ed, every time Avery gets a fine, an angel gets its wings.
Ride #4 - Poor Blues
Not until the two past games, the St. Louis lost 11 straight games. Eleven. Jes Gölbez talks about the Blues, both the good and bad. There’s obviously a lot more bad to talk about then good. Just yesterday, Stephen at Back in Blue also gave his thoughts on the good, bad, and ugly of the Blues before they faced Detroit. He also believed Yzerman should stop whining about the rule changes and officiating. And now that David Checketts withdrew from negotiations to buy the St. Louis Blues, things don’t seem to be looking up for the Blues.
Ride #5 - Small World After All
On this ride, we get to see that while fans may differ in their favorite team and hometown; they aren’t so different afterall. Some of us bloggers, myself included, have debated over the type of fans and and others have asked if we can or should even classify fans.
Another common topic of conversation is hockey sweaters or jerseys. Michael Fedor talked about why he thinks its okay to wear a jersey with your name on it. Jes also added some more rules to keep in mind before wearing a sweater. David Lee at Red and Black Hockey has his own thoughts on the sweaters whether it’s a couple of rules, his favorite sweaters, or the worst ones.
Ride #6 - Business Stop
Well, the next stop isn’t as fun and enjoyable as making fun of bad jerseys, but it is an important ride. Here you can see the business world in the NHL from high atop Space Mountain. To the right, you can view the perils of the salary cap courtesy of James Mirtle. JJ, who recently got engaged (congratulations), had additional comments on this topic.
Go through the tunnel where Kevin at BFLO Blog takes apart ESPN’s Scott Burnside’s column through the eyes of a Sabres’ fan. Outside the tunnel to your left, look as Jes compares ticket prices, beer costs, and attendance. And to conclude the ride, Tom Benjamin dissects the trend in goals whether its goals with even strength, shorthanded, or on the powerplay.
Background Music
Stop for a minute to observe the surroundings. Hear anything? Perhaps some classic hockey tunes? Martin uncovers the reasoning behind playing songs after a certain player scores and also finds a website run by Glen Gower, the Ottawa Senator’s Director of Entertainment & Events, featuring the top hockey songs.
Ride #7 - The NHL As We Know It
Jeff at Sisu Hockey posted his Quarter Pole awards for biggest hit, best goalie name, most lethal shooutout team, etc. Ranger’s Pundit, Mike, compares the old NHL to the new version. Matt Barr has a few suggestions in changes that need to be made in this new NHL.
Kuklas Korner’s Paul is waiting for the day when _____ (you’ll have to click on the link to read his list).
Matt at Battle of Alberta takes a look at home and road records and how that could impact coaching. The Puck Stops Here comments on Matt’s theory.
Tom at Sabre Rattling examines the pronunciation changes in names of late. For more humor, don’t forget to visit Vancouver Canucks Op Ed for their weekly quote sheets (posted every Thursday) and daily NHL Odds and Ends feature. Additionally, Habs Blog pokes fun at Sheldon Souray for his amazing performances of late [note the sarcasm].
Sidearm Delivery brings up the possibility of a NHL-IIHF series.
HockeyAnalysis.com came out with its Entertainment Index Version 2.0. David Johnson created a formula to rank teams based on their entertainment factor. He determined that Toronto is the most entertaining team thus far this season while Tampa Bay finds itself on the bottom of the list. You’ll have to visit his website to find out where your favorite team falls in the rankings.
Ride #8 - Hockey Fights
Odd Man Rush covers the noticeable decrease in fighting majors this season; 42% less than the 2003-2004 season. Jon at Sharkspage features Drop the Mitts exhibition featuring hockey fighting. You can also view a “toughness preview” of all the teams at HockeyFights.com where you can also purchase Honor & Courage: Tough Guys of the NHL.
JP at Japers’ Rink portrays the glitches in this season’s scheduling and then provides an alternative with a solid explanation for his reasoning.
The Acid Queen also discusses the lessons we should take from the Bertuzzi incident at Sweet Tea, Barbecue, and Bodychecks. And that we all need to just let it go. Give it a rest. Move on.
Ride #9 - Hockeytown
This carnival wouldn’t be right without a stop in Hockeytown, my hometown. Grampapinhead discusses who he thinks will take the Western Conference after reading this post. Be sure to check out Blue Line Comics take on Chris Chelios cheering for the Chicago White Sox.
Matt at On the Wings talks about the trade that brings ex-Wing Sergei Federov back to the Central Division. Grampapinhead rounded up some quotes on this trade aka salary dump. Steve Ovadia at PuckUpdate believes that this “trade” is more like a personality dump.
Kevin wrote in his Rinkside Ramblings about the Wings’ past week including all the highs and lows. And finally, a tribute to the Red Wings captain, Steve Yzerman.
Ride #10 - Hail to the Victors
Not only have the Michigan Wolverines ice hockey team gotten off to a strong start (9-1-1), they are doing so with a large influx of freshmen. The Wolverines are coming off a sweep of the Wildcats and will face the University of Minnesota this Friday, which I will be attending.
Penn State seems to be slipping in their control over the ACHA division according to Michael Fedor. For other college hockey news, visit Inside College Hockey.
Michigan Junior Hockey covers all that is junior hockey in Michigan, including my favorite the OHL Plymouth Whalers. For more OHL coverage, visit Ottawa 67s Fan Blog.
SoVeryObsessed.com’s Heather Creegan attended the AHL Manchester game to cheer on their opponent, Lowell. You can view her game recap and beautiful photos here.
In Conclusion…
We hope John at BoltsMag makes a quick recovery from his wrist surgery. I also hope you all enjoyed the many rides and stops that this Carnival had to offer and good luck to the next host of the Carnival of the NHL.
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13 Responses to “Carnival of the NHL #13”
Leave a Reply
November 20th, 2005 at 6:00 pm
Wow, Christy. You were very thourough. Well done!
November 20th, 2005 at 6:10 pm
Very nice Carnival. It must have taken a tremendous amount of effort.. Thanks for including me.
November 20th, 2005 at 11:11 pm
Excellent job christy! Very, very well done and thanks for including me too. Keep up the great work.
November 21st, 2005 at 2:27 am
*insert thunderous ovational applause here*
November 21st, 2005 at 9:40 am
Great job!
November 21st, 2005 at 9:42 am
Very well done, Christy! Thank you for taking this on!
J.J.
November 21st, 2005 at 12:52 pm
Thanks Christy!
Well done.
November 21st, 2005 at 1:41 pm
Very well done. A superb carnival!
Thanks for including me.
November 21st, 2005 at 3:54 pm
Ha! I am dumb! Thanks. Heh.
November 22nd, 2005 at 9:34 am
Bellissimo!!! Christy, thank you for including me, twice, I might add. How do you find the time? You sure set a high standard for the rest of us bloggers. I will now become a regular reader.
November 22nd, 2005 at 9:52 am
Thanks to everyone for your wonderful compliments! I’m glad you liked this Carnival.
Mike- I spent a good amount of my late Saturday/Sunday morning working on this post. But it was well worth it.
November 23rd, 2005 at 9:49 am
Christy,
With a job that well done I have now officially removed from my to-do list sending an offer to Eric to host a Carnie, b/c there’s no way to compete with that! *bow*
Thanks for your attention to detail and great writing.
Ta,
November 25th, 2005 at 9:47 am
Heh, and here you were worried. I’d say you pretty much beat the pants off of me (and added to my complex about Detroit sports teams ;)).