A couple of Indiana University students have created a sports-focused social media site that allows users to create and listen to alternative audio commentaries for live events. This sounded pretty cool to me and the lads took the time to send an email explaining their vision, so I thought I’d give them some screen space alongside today’s links. The site is called Fandio and you can learn more about it here.
With that random plug out of the way, here are your links for the day.
Montreal Canadiens News and Analysis
There’s not much roster news to report this morning. On the injury front, George Parros skated with the team yesterday, but has yet to be cleared for contact. Meanwhile, Travis Moen had another fantastic game against the Ducks last night, leading Montreal’s forwards in even strength ice time, raw Corsi For percentage, and relative CF%. Apart from luck, I can’t think of a reasonable explanation for Moen’s fantastic numbers to start this season. Regardless, they’re still pretty cool.
Saku Koivu’s homecoming gift from the Montreal Canadiens was a chair, which I hope the organization will pay to have shipped back to California. With regards to a future retirement gift, Koivu feels space in the Bell Centre’s rafters is not in the cards for him. What say you, dear reader?
The fifth edition of the Hockey Inside/Out Summit is being held this weekend, and will coincide with San Jose’s only trip to the Bell Centre this season. EOTP’s own Andrew Berkshire will be participating in the festivities, so feel free to stop by and have a good yell over the importance of shot quality.
Christopher Boucher looks at even strength successful and unsuccessful touches in the offensive zone per minute played. In this analysis, successful offensive touches are defined as successful passes, dekes, shots, or dump ins. Colour me surprised, but Michael Bournival leads all forwards by this measure.
General NHL News and Analysis
Mike Milbury is neither impressed with John Scott’s skill set nor the concussion inducing hit the Buffalo “winger” delivered to Boston forward Loui Eriksson Wednesday night. Scott has been suspended indefinitely by the NHL and offered an in-person hearing with the Department of Player Safety, while Eriksson is out indefinitely. Here’s reaction from Stanley Cup of Chowder and Die by the Blade.
Jack Edwards was also upset with what happened during the Buffalo game, firing shots at John Scott and Doc Emrick (for some reason) in his latest Twitter rant.
Brett Hull and Alex Ovechkin are the only two players since 1992 to have single season shots per game numbers that can be counted within the top 10 shots per game seasons of all time. If the Great Eight maintains his blistering 6.77 S/G pace throughout the season, his 2013-2014 campaign will be second only to Phil Esposito’s 7.05 S/G rate set in 1970-71.
Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment will raise a banner to Bon Jovi at the Air Canada Centre in recognition of the revenue the band has generated for the company over the years. This is really weird, but whatever.
Manny Malhotra purchased a metal detector and used it to help rookie and fellow member of the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers Brendan Woods find lost treasure. If anyone ever deserves the “good in the room” label, it’s Malhotra.
The NHL has rejected the appeal submitted by Patrick Kaleta that sought to reduce the 10 game suspension the Buffalo winger received earlier this month. For those interested in the appeal process, here’s a 16 page document produced by Gary Bettman’s office, detailing the commissioner’s decision. Included is the Kaleta camp’s counterargument to the initial ruling and Bettman’s full rebuttal.
More from Eyes On The Prize:
- Canadiens vs Ducks – Top Six Minutes – Second Homecoming Edition
- Montreal gives Saku Koivu a standing ovation
- Is David Desharnais on his way to becoming the new Scott Gomez?
- Return of the King (and other links)
- Ears on the Prize – Episode 7 – Podcast/
