6-5 has to be the best score possible in any Canada Russia game. 6-5 was the score in game 8 of the summit series when Paul Henderson scored the biggest goal in hockey history. 6-5 was the score when Mario Lemeiux scored to win in 87 in what might have been the best 3 game series of all time. Incidentally 6-5 was the score in all three games that year with the first two games going to OT. Of course last night the 6-5 final was the result of the extra goal being awarded for the shoot-out, but the final tally is all that matters. Canada gets to try to run their gold medal streak to five on Monday.So why open with the Canada game? After watching both games, I noticed a similar script to both games. Sure, the Junior game had more scoring and a lot more power-plays but in essence this was the case of two teams who arguably didn't deserve the game finding a way to emerge victorious.In Nashville although the Flames were able to post fourteen shots through one period, much of the next thirty minutes they looked like they were skating in quicksand. They weren't able to break out of their zone or generate many scoring chances and although they were only down by a goal after two periods, the play was clearly being controlled by the Preds.In Ottawa the Canadians started quickly and were able to score but were unable to keep the lead at any point. Sure Tokarski let in a couple he would like to have back, but the Russians were able to stay in the game and eventually take the lead due in a large part to some sloppy play by the entire team. Need an example? How Patrick Kane jersey about a powerplay that was riding a 60% success having difficulty even generating shots, let alone scoring chances going 1-8 which included two abbreviated 5 on 3's.In short, both teams were down late an in Joey Votto Red Jersey danger of having their streaks come to an end (points in 9 games for the Flames, winners of Authentic Lebron James Jersey Marc Andre Fleury jersey four straight and Canada's streak of five straight gold medals). Sure the Canadian one is much more impressive but the Flames being on a roll like this after their atrocious start is also encouraging. When the chips were down, however, both teams found a way out and for both teams the most impressive part may be that it was their secondary players that made the difference.For the Flames it was Todd Bertuzzi with a goal and an assist in the third Felix Hernandez Jersey to tie the game and then give the Flames the lead. The tying goal was a great pass behind the net to a waiting Daymond Langkow who quickly stepped out and roofed the puck to tie the game. With time winding down a last rush and some extra effort by Craig Conroy who slid the puck out to Bertuzzi, led to Bert going top-shelf on Dan Ellis who looked like he was leaning towards a cross-ice feed on the play and opened the corner enough for Big Bert to snap one in. Incidentally the assist gave Conroy 500 points for his career.For team Canada is was Jordan Eberle who saved a night of disappointment for many Canadians when he calmly took a puck that had slid under a Russian defenceman and went wide enought to outstretch Russian goalie Vadim Zhelobnyuk, in order to tie the game and then scoring in the shootout to give the Canadians the semi-final win and a date on Monday to extend their streak.It was a case of two teams finding a way to win when they didn't have their best, PC9527609mms2016.com

Holding a degree in psychology, I’m always on the lookout for new studies in hockey and the NHL. The title of my most recent find, “Game Attendance and Outcome Uncertainty in the NHL,” intrigued me. Economists Dennis Coates of UMBC and Brad Humphreys of the University of Alberta published the study in March 2012.The Uncertainty of Outcome Hypothesis was created in 1956, and states that the bigger difference on quality of teams playing (poor competitive balance), the less attendance a game sees. Research in the past has shown that attendance is higher at games featuring good visiting teams and high scoring teams. Attendance also decreases if the away team is more likely to take penalties (but is unaffected for home teams’ transgressions). The loss aversion theory also suggests that fans will stay away from a game that they expect their team to lose.Seeing all the previous research that pointed to this outcome, Coates and Humphreys analyzed data from 6,125 NHL games between 2005 and 2010, 37 percent of which were sellouts. They believed that the less uncertainty there was in a game’s outcome (the more likely the home team was to win), attendance would increase.The results found Marshawn Lynch Jersey that there were certain visiting teams that affected a home team’s attendance, for good and for bad. The Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New York Rangers significantly increased a home team’s attendance, while the Atlanta Thrashers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning significantly decreased attendance. Carolina and Phoenix also Autographed Colin Kaepernick Jersey had slight negative effects on home attendance.They believe their results also suggested that, as they expected, DeMarcus Ware Broncos jersey attendance increases as fans have higher expectations for a home win. They also suggest that fans show up more if they expect a higher-scoring game.However, there were numerous problems with their suggestions. First, numerous studies have shown conflicting results over the past few decades, Russell Wilson Jersey so it is extremely difficult to generalize any of these studies as an absolute rule. Autographed Aaron Rodgers Jersey The study also fails to draw a fine difference between high-scoring teams and poor defensive teams, both of which can occur simultaneously. Lastly, both the Uncertainty of Outcome Hypothesis and Loss Aversion theories have been supported and weakened by scores of analyses, so it is difficult to claim either of them have validity. Requests for comment by the researchers were not returned.The bottom line is, attendance in professional sports, especially hockey, seem to fluctuate based on what is “in.” During the dead puck era, fans enjoyed the rare high-scoring games, though in the post-lockout era, they seem to flock towards teams with more speed. Unfortunately, no amount of data can prove this, nor any other theory. Fortunately, all that matters is that we get players back on the ice. Because what can be proven, is the relationship between the lack of a CBA and empty arenas.Alan Bass, PC9527609mms2016.com

Varlamov formally advised of Russell Wilson Jersey assault charge; next court date Jan. 22 Follow @RickS7The Avalanche didn't practice Sunday or Monday, so not a whole lot going on hockey-wise until Tuesday when the team returns to the ice.The Avalanche doesn't play again until Thursday when it begins a three-game road trip through western Canada in Edmonton. The team also will play in Calgary and Vancouver.*****As for goalie Semyon Varlamov, Autographed Aaron Rodgers Jersey he appeared in Denver County court Monday morning for a brief hearing where he was formally advised by a judge that he faces a charge of third-degree assault, a misdemeanor.Varlamov remains free on a $5,000 bond while facing the charge, which stems from an alleged domestic violence incident involving his girlfriend, Evgeniya Vavrinyuk, at their apartment on Oct. 30.Varlamov's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 22 when he will have an opportunity to enter a plea.If convicted, Varlamov could face a sentence ranging from probation to two years in jail.Lynn Kimbrough, a spokeswoman for Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey, said most misdemeanor cases in Denver end with a negotiated plea bargain.Varlamov, 25, Autographed Colin Kaepernick Jersey has posted a 13-6-0 record in 19 games this season with one shutout, a 2.13 goals-against average and .933 save percentage.His play DeMarcus Ware Broncos jersey has been a major factor in the Marshawn Lynch Jersey Avalanche's improvement from a year ago. The team is in third place in the Central Division with a 19-6-0 record and 38 points, tied with Boston for the fifth-most points in the NHL before Monday night's gamesVarlamov is hopeful of playing for Russia in the Winter Olympics in February, so he and the Avalanche have a lot at stake depending on how this case evolves.*****Right wing Alex Tanguay and defenseman Ryan Wilson skated at the Avalanche practice facility Monday. Tanguay is expected to miss at least one more week to recover from the knee injury he sustained Nov. 2 against Montreal. Coach Patrick Roy has said that Wilson, who hurt his back Nov. 6 against Nashville, will likely be sidelined for a longer period.Tanguay and Wilson joined their teammates, coaches and mascot Bernie for the Avalanche's annual holiday visit to Children’s Hospital. They visited patient rooms, distributed Bernie plush animals, signed autographs and took photos with the children and their families.PC9527528mms2016.com

What now for the Flyers? Joey Votto Red Jersey Plus King of the Hill Now that we know Peter Forsberg will not be returning to the Flyers -- or any NHL team -- this season, what should the injury-riddled club do next?Frankly, unless the team can pull off a blockbuster trade, they might just as well stand pat and try their best to hang onto a playoff spot until they start to get some of their injured players back into the lineup.In terms of forwards, what would renting someone like Vaclav Prospal really do to strengthen the team's position? How much would a defenseman like Brad Stuart (whose stock has plummeted the last couple years) really help?I don't want to see the Flyers give Authentic Lebron James Jersey up on trying to make the playoffs by becoming full-blown sellers at the deadline. But I also wouldn't be opposed to seeing the club make a move involving a veteran if they got a decent prospect or established young role player in return.Regarding Jeff Carter, I don't think the Flyers should -- or will -- be anxious to deal him. But if they Patrick Kane jersey can use him as the fulcrum of a deal for an in-his-prime legitimate top-three defenseman, so be it. As Marc Andre Fleury jersey for Peter Forsberg, if he is able to rehab successfully over the upcoming months, he may actually be a better fit with an incentive-laden contract (which he'll eligible for next season as a 35-year-old) as part of a Philadelphia team that has taken the next steps in the retooling process that began last season.***Last week marked the 31st anniversary of the greatest debut game by any player in NHL history. On the night of Feb. 14, 1977 an emergency Flyers' Felix Hernandez Jersey callup by the name of Al Hill nearly recorded a double Gordie Howe hat trick in his NHL debut: two goals, three assists, one fight. "I didn't even know we had him on the team," Flyers head coach Fred Shero deadpanned after the game.Hill was a decent AHL goal scorer but far from a star even at the minor league level. In his 221-game NHL career (all with the Flyers), he would only score a modest 40 goals and 97 points. But for one magical night, Al Hill was the greatest rookie ever to play the game.As incredible as Hill's performance was in its own right, the story is downright improbable when you consider the fact the rookie almost didn't make it to Philadelphia in time for the game. He had a long minor league bus trip the night before and didn't get back home until after 4 AM. At about 11 AM, he got the call to head to Philadelphia for the Flyers-Blues game. Hill had to travel through a severe snowstorm and barely made it the arena in time for warmups.Once the game started, he didn't even play on a regular line. Shero gave the rookie spot duty on all four forward lines, and he recorded at least one point in each combination.On the newest installment of the Great Moments series at Philadelphiaflyers.com, we take an in-depth look at Hill's history-making performance.PC9527528mms2016.com

Follow me @jaeckelHeard from my top source late last night (who corroborated and added to some things I'd heard from other sources over the last 48 hours):He believes that Stan Bowman's talk about minor tweaks is just that . . . talk. A smokescreen. Multiple quality sources are telling me that the opposite could hold true. That Rocky Wirtz has not only given Bowman the green light to make significant moves to improve the club—but Bowman is expected to do so.I heard some specifics.Suter:The Hawks will in all likelihood be in this. If you see Niklas Hjalmarsson moved before 7/1, the likelihood of Suter being a Hawk goes way up.Kane:My source said there is reason to believe that the hawks have had conversations with Anaheim about Bobby Ryan. And with other Marc Andre Fleury jersey teams. Parise:Yes. Parise. I don't think the Hawks are trying to pull off the package deal that teams with more cap room might. But Parise has been a topic of discussion by the Hawks. And his acquisition Authentic Lebron James Jersey could hinge on a Kane trade. Perhaps like Hjalmarsson, Kane would be dealt for picks and prospects, freeing up significant salary cap room. Or Parise is a Plan 1A, if the club misses on Suter early Patrick Kane jersey on 7/1.Schultz:Someone told me this morning that a source close to the team had mentioned the young defenseman. Let me say this: it's the first I've heard of it. But the overwhelming sense I got last night was that the Hawks have a long list of possibilities going into the draft, trades and free agency. So, yes, it is quite possible Schultz is on the list.What is interesting in all this is the sense that there are a variety of ways—infinite really—this could all play out. Do the Hawks trade away significant cap commitment? If they do, what do they do with it.I know many in Hawk Nation have grown weary of Stan Bowman's "conservative" approach and therefore assume nothing will happen. The problem Joey Votto Red Jersey with that line of logic is that it is based on the assumption that all the power is in Bowman's hands. Which most inside sources say is not the case. And even if it is, there is evidence to suggest that he is literally under orders to make some moves. The team needs them on Felix Hernandez Jersey the ice. The notion of a perennially Cup contending club is gone. This is, as constructed, at best a first round and out team. At worst it misses the playoffs.Off the ice, this team and its carefully crafted multi-gazillion dollar brand is suffering—it needs some big, positive moves. Rocky Wirtz is an incredibly successful businessman, first and foremost. And, as such, he knows when and why there are problems. And it's my understanding the directive to improve the club is coming directly from him.I might have an update later today. PC9527522mms2016.com

Their skates are dull, and their the car is fish-tailing all over the highway. The hydro pole and guard rail are dangerously too close for comfort. Buffalo's once prodigious division lead is now down to the nub.The schedule does not wok well in their favour. Here comes yet anoter three games in four nights bender.Autographed Colin Kaepernick Jersey This ain't a winnable Florida-Boston-Ottawa trifecta. Buffalo were lucky to grab one of six points in their recently concluded three in four set. Lindy hates leaving points on the table. His team just squandered five points in its most forgettable weekend fold job versusMarshawn Lynch Jersey three of the Eastern Coneference's beatable teams. Buffalo will have to summon the spirit, the intestinal fortitude, and the stellar goaltending Russell Wilson Jersey that propelled them to victories over Calgary and Philly. Failure is not an option. The first two are on the road in hostile barns. Wed Nov 25, 2009 Sabres @ Capitals - #3 seed travels to #1 seed.Fri Nov 27, 2009 Sabres @ Flyers - #3 seed travels to #5 seed. Sat Nov 28, 2009 Hurricanes @ Sabres - #14 seed travels to the #3 seed; The Canes are a wounded animal that will look to bite Buffalo hard in an attempt to turn their fortunes. Laugh if you want. Buffalo failed to beat Florida, Boston, and ottawa. What males you think they can DeMarcus Ware Broncos jersey finish the #14 seed? Buffalo have becoome the slump buster of the Eastern conference in recent weeks.Mon Nov 30, 2009 Sabres @ Maple Leafs - Ditto. Wilson has had enough of losing and will be looking to knock Autographed Aaron Rodgers Jersey Buffalo's crown from their head.-We're nearly at the quarter pole. Buffalo are 12-6-2 to this point in the season. Their recent 0-2-1 schneid has flashed the blitzkrieg light on the one NHL stat that does not lie: Plus Minus Rating.Here's the worst to the best Buffalo Forwards:Clarke Macarthur -9Tim Connolly -6Derek Roy -4Thomas Vanek -3Jason Pominville -2Drew Stafford -1Tim Kennedy -1Mike Grier -1Adam Mair -1Jochen Hecht -1The guys who deserve more ice time:Paul Gaustad +6Matt Ellis +3Pat Kaleta +7I love Patty Kaleta because he is an honest and honourable player. He knows his job and he performs it well each and every shift. Perhaps its time for the coach to peel ice time away from Mac, Connolly, Pommer, Roy, and, Vanek, and give it as a reward to PK, Goose, and Ellis.PC9527522mms2016.com

NBC's Pierre MaGuire had it exactly DeMarcus Ware Broncos jersey right; the demonstration that the Calgary Flames put on at the end of Game 5 was completely unacceptable. I'll refrain from using the word 'goon', but goodness...if that wasn't self-destructive, thug-like behavior, I don't know what is. I'm not against fighting, antagonizing or even brawling...but the repeated attempts at cheap shots from the likes of Jamie McLennan, Jarome Iginla and Marcus Nilson are reprehensible. If you're scoring at home, the Flames logged 32 minutes in penalties Autographed Aaron Rodgers Jersey in the last 4:42 of the game. There's something to be said for sending a message going into Game 6, but there's also something to be said for sportsmanship and dignity. This has nothing to do with being pro or anti Flames, either; I'm guessing even the most hardcore Flames fans aren't real happy right now about the way that a couple of guys represented that crest on the jersey this afternoon. For the life of me, other than trying to get suspended I can't figure out what purpose those guys were hoping to serve.As was alluded to on the television broadcast, Calgary will likely be making a call to the farm to bring in a new backup goalie for Game 6. I'm not sure how long the suspension to Jamie McLennan will be, but I'd rate it as an incident worth more than the 3 games that Brad May got...given the circumstances of the game and the fact that a weapon was used, it should be severe. There was no injury sustained on the play, which might ease up the discipline a little bit. Another interesting question surrounds Jim Playfair. Will he face any disciplinary action for the way his Russell Wilson Jerseyteam behaved in the last 5 minutes of the game? You have to figure he either condoned what Marshawn Lynch Jersey went on or has completely lost control of his bench...The interesting dynamic to watch Autographed Colin Kaepernick Jersey tomorrow night will be to see what the carry-over is and what effect it will have on a dominant Flames team on home ice. This all being said, I'd be shocked if this series didn't go 7.I'm in the process of arranging to be down in Calgary to cover Game 6...if it all pans out, I'll do a live blog of the game.*****POST-GAME THOUGHTS ON THE LATE-GAME HAPPENINGS:Mike Babcock: "I'm not gonna talk about that. It was a real big win for us."Jim Playfair: "You know it is the emotional side of the game and now it's about getting ready for tomorrow night."..."It is what it is and now it's about moving on. We could debate about whether it was right or wrong or good or bad but right now it's about tomorrow night for us."Neither coach was asked about it too much...the juicy quotes will come from the players after this one.PC9527519mms2016.com

If everybody can get over my parody piece on the Oilers moving…which they won’t, I’d like to talk about the Coyotes. Now I know I won’t get so many hits (SHOCKER) but I don’t give a shit. Allegiances to a franchise shouldn’t dictate what one reads or we are no better than the National Socialists.Portland Pirates:Alexandre Bolduc: The ex Canuck and new Captain of the Pirates has been a force. He’s that kind of playaer that causes problems in hockey. He doesn’t have the skill to get past the 3rd line in the NHL, yet he has the ability to lead a team in the AHL, his defensive game isn’t there and he isn’t young. He’ll likely always be a call-up kind of player, yet his extremely hot start should help him over a certain fun loving Wheeling Nailer.Chris Conner: The ex Pens/Stars/Wings prospect Patrick Kane jersey looking for a new home has found one on the top line for Portland. Like usual he has had a great start in the AHL, the 5’8 winger has no issues scoring in the AHL and has even shown a tiny bit of ability at the NHL level, sadly even if the year were to happen he wouldn’t make the Coyotes if only on team policy. Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Easily the most important piece going forward. OEL has been destroying the league so far and really needs to get back to NHL competition and show his ascendency to stardom. His Felix Hernandez Jersey 3 goals and 7 points in 5 games are a good outline of his play, but it’s his attention to the defensive zone and becoming more physical that is attracting more attention.David Rundblad: Mixed reviews for the skilled defender. He has Marc Andre Fleury jersey shown issues with being a giveaway machine and a creative monster. He has created numerable chances that people haven’t finished off, and his outlet passes are Joey Votto Red Jersey sublime. However, he is still lost under pressure. He needs to either adjust to the new ice or fade away, he has all the skill and attributes to be a great NHLer.Brandon Gormley: The young defender has had a slow start to his AHL year behind a rather stacked squad. Despite limited PP time and 3rd pair duties he’s managed 2 assists in 5 games and hasn’t been terribleAuthentic Lebron James Jersey defensively…in fact, he has been pretty solid showing his positional intelligence. Michael Stone: The most underrated of the Coyote prospect Dmen, he has been a tower of power. Defensively he has been amazing, offensively he has shown he can move the puck despite no PP time and overall he has been a perfect fit with OEL. He might have been a terribly sad Phaneuf style clone when drafted, but he has become a great two-way reliable defender.Thanks for reading. Update on the KHL soon.PC9527519mms2016.com

A solid win last night, one to build on after giving Marc Andre Fleury jersey up the first goal Patrick Kane jersey and playing a rather lackluster first period the Nashville Predators came out strong in the second and third periods sending the Columbus Blue Jackets to another defeat at Bridgestone Arena. Columbus has not won in Nashville since April 2006. A modest two game win streak follows that ugly five game losing streak.The win came with another injury, Cal O’Reilly fractured his fibula in the third period and will be out for awhile. It seems to be hard to keep a top 6 forward healthy.The team heads out after practice tomorrow for the west coast, doing the California swing through Anaheim, LA and San Jose.Random Notes - The ratings are in and the Winter Classic was a hit, the most watched regular season hockey game in 36 years. I expect this game to move to prime time on a regular basis.- Can’t wait for the puck to drop on the USA/Canada match up tonight. - Good news for the Chicago Blackhawks as Jonathan Toews is expected to return to their lineup. They’ll need him as they take on the LA Kings.- After a strong playoffs last season, the Authentic Lebron James Jersey Flyers put Michael Leighton on waivers today… it’s Joey Votto Red Jersey a tough business .- After watching Ryan Ellis in the World Juniors, Pred Nation can’t wait to see him quarterbacking a power play in Pred colors.You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!COMING UP ON THE NEXT SLAPSHOT RADIO…Our next show, we Felix Hernandez Jersey will be talking to the president of HBO Sports, Ross Greenburg. He is the force and architect of HBO’s 24/7 series, we'll get a preview of the finale airing later that evening. We’ll be previewing the Anaheim Ducks game with members of the Anaheim broadcast crew and we’re going behind the bench with Predators Head coach Barry Trotz. It’s all Wednesday at 6pm Central on SportsRadio 560 WNSR or listen online at www.slapshotradio.comFor the most updated guest information go to the SlapShot Radio website.PC9527516mms2016.com

Oilers Autographed Colin Kaepernick Jersey Guest Blogger> Russell Wilson Jersey Scan "D" Autographed Aaron Rodgers Jersey Navian, by Zachary Zillman Scan D Navian(Yes, I know the "i" is missing)Now this off season it sure looks like MacT has some prejudice towards European players. Of the 14 new Oilers under contract only 2 are European (Joensuu and Larsen) neither of whom are guaranteed a roster spot, then he trades Paajarvi and loses Hartikainen and Rajala to the KHL. Marshawn Lynch Jersey 3 players that last season were concidered by many including myself to be in the discussion for top 10 up and coming Oilers. Oh, Petrell is gone too but who cares. Whats funny is while hating on the land of blue eyed blonde babes he's in love with mother Russia, adding 2 roster russians and another 2 via the draft.(Yes I'll stop with the alliteration)Right now your probably wondering what my sad attempt at a catchy title has to do with anything Ive written thus far so lets get to it. While MacT has DeMarcus Ware Broncos jersey not added many Europeans and none of any note, he's inherited a team that's entire prospect depth on defence is Scan D Navian. If you think that titles bad thank Marincin, Gernat, and Musil because I was this close to titling it "Swede D Bro!" but only Klefbom is actually Swedish.Nurse, Klefbom, Marincin, Gernat, and Musil make up the Oilers concensus top 5 defensive prospects that have not yet played in the NHL. Of them only Nurse has MacT's stamp of approval and based on the summer we've had I'd be willing to bet by this time next year our depth chart loses some of it's European flavour. 1 will probably be moved for immediate help during this upcoming season and likely another during the off season. Current Oilers Ladislav Smid and Ales Hemsky have had their fair share of trade rumours notably Smid to Philadelphia as part of a deal to land Brayden Coburn, leaving Anton Lander as the sole European returning Oiler that can sleep at night. Cameron: You hate coincidence.House: We reconciled. It was a whole thing.Like the great Gregory House I too don't believe in coincidence especially when it comes to hockey. In just months MacT has already shown his style and what to expect going forward. Definitely not the Detroit model, a Russian revival, and toughness over talent. I know, I said I'd stop. Whether it succeeds is yet to be determined but one thing is for sure, Edmonton has a man with an idea of what a winning team will look like something they haven't had since…well the last time MacT was here.PC9527516mms2016.com