Rangers sign Tim Kennedy

The New York Rangers have signed unrestricted free-agent Tim Kennedy to a one year contract at $550,000.

The 24 year old 2 year pro played his first full NHL season recording 10 goals and 16 assists in 78 games. Kennedy was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2005, 181^st overall, and was traded to Buffalo before his on ice debut.

His smaller frame of 5’9 176lbs. seems to be Kennedy’s only crutch. He does, however, show some promise in the offensive zone with good skating ability and on ice vision. He will be surrounded by a slightly improved cast in his move to New York that will likely help the third and fourth pairing of the Rangers. Kennedy is used to playing a depth role where offense is more wide spread throughout the lineup, which is what the Rangers lacked last year.

It remains to be seen as to whether or not Kennedy will blossom into a more effect points scorer, but the signing does bode well for the Rangers as he will be a restricted free-agent come the end of the year.

-Kendall Grubbs

Paul Kariya Done For The Year

Veteran and free-agent Paul Kariya will miss the 2010-2011 season after being diagnosed with post concussion syndrome on Friday, August 27.

Kariya played last year with the St. Louis Blues (his third year with the team) posting 18 goals and 25 assists.

Along with Kariya himself, and those who have loved and supported him throughout his career in the National Hockey League, there are other very sad faces amongst the NHL. Former teammate from 95/96 - 00/01, Teemu Selanne, has reportedly been trying to bring Kariya’s services back to Anaheim for a memorable reunion. Selanne, 40, is in the last year of his contract and once again is contemplating retirement following the upcoming season. In the six years spent together; Selanne and Kariya amassed 974 points and were one of the most dynamic pairs in NHL history. Selanne captured his championship with the Ducks in 06/07, but Kariya’s name still hasn’t made the silver.

Kariya missed six games from January through December of last year due to a head injury sustained by an elbow to the head delivered by Patrick Kaleta on December 27, 2009. Kaleta was suspended two games for the cheap-shot, but it appears the damage is much more long-term for Kariya.

Kariya has a long history of head injuries. The two most devastating from the past came in 1998 and 2003. Gary Suter, in 1998, cost Kariya the opportunity to play for Team Canada in the 1998 Olympics and saw him out of 28 regular season games. This was, at the time, reported to be the fourth concussion of his career. Also, in 2003, Scott Stevens obliterated Kariya with a shoulder to the head. Kariya’s bounce-back ability in that game was one of a true hockey player and one of the defining moments in Paul Kariya’s career. Not only did he come back onto the ice, but he also scored.

The biggest worry for hockey enthusiasts is that Paul Kariya, at 35 years of age, may be forced into retirement not by compete level, but by sustained head injuries. I truly hope Paul continues his career and is able to make a come-back to once again pursue the Stanley Cup which he so rightly deserves.

In 15 years in the NHL Kariya has scored 402 goals and 587 assists for 989 points. He has played in six NHL All-Star games, won two Lady Byng Trophies, and won a gold medal at the 2002 Olympics.

-Kendall Grubbs

Hangin' Them Up: Aaron Ward Retires

The NHL has lost another prominent player and household name Tuesday. Veteran defenseman Aaron Ward announced his retirement after 13 seasons and three Stanley Cups.

37 year old Ward underwent a third knee surgery during the off-season after becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 09/10 season.

"I'm very proud to have played for as long as I did in the NHL, with and against the best players in the game," Ward said in the release. "This game has left me with countless memories and relationships, especially from those Stanley Cup winning teams in Carolina and Detroit. Thank you to my family, fans, friends and teammates for all of the great years."

Ward played in 839 career NHL games with Detroit, Carolina, Boston, Anaheim and the New York Rangers, winning Stanley Cups with the Red Wings ('97, '98) and Hurricanes ('06). He finishes his career with 44 goals and 107 assists with 736 penalty minutes.

Last season he started with Carolina, and was dealt to Anaheim near the trade deadline. In 77 games he tallied one goal and 13 points with a plus/minus -15.

Ward was drafted 5^th overall in the 1991 Entry Draft by the Winnipeg Jets, but made his NHL debut for the Detroit Red Wings in 1993. Three years later he played his first full season with the Wings, capturing the first of two strait Stanley Cup championships. In 2006, he would repeat his winning ways as a part of the Carolina Hurricanes Championship team in 2006.He was a pivotal piece to all of the team’s he played for on the back end. Ward was a steady, smart, and strong defenseman throughout his career.

Aaron will stay North Carolina with his wife and children, and plans to continue his television work as a hockey analyst in this coming season.

-Kendall Grubbs

Team Preview - Washington Capitals

09/10 Stats:
Regular season: 54-15-13 (121 points)
Eastern Conference: 1st; Overall: 1st
Playoffs: 3-4-1 (eliminated by Montreal – 1st round)


After a shocking and demoralizing exit from the 2009-2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs in the first round, the Caps players, management, ownership, and fans have expectations for this coming season like never before. No matter what the cost, Washington expects to capture Lord Stanley this coming season with a finals appearance being a distant appeasement. There are players walking a tight rope, but no one may be feeling the heat more than Coach Bruce Boudreau. In fact, an argument can be made for management structuring incorrectly, and spending too much on their top end talent. This isn’t to suggest the team has been a total failure. The team led the league in goals by a staggering amount (313 total), in plus/minus (+74), and coming from 13th to 1st overall in points in just three years time with a league leading 121 points. The onus undoubtedly lies on the players themselves, but the defensive structure of the team is definitely their crutch. This could largely effect  Bruce Boudreau’s status if his aggressive in-your-face coaching style falls short once more. The team definitely needs some re-tooling, but with a fairly tight budget, as in many cases; the axe might fall on the coach first.


The Caps made some impressive moves at the trade deadline last year, that many thought could well see them to the Finals with the general favorite Chicago Blackhawks. Three of the four players are not going to be on the roster next year. Joe Corvo, Scott Walker, and Milan Jurcina were walked away from. Corvo probably being the biggest head scratcher, the picture is pretty clear where the Caps must improve. The biggest hole in the roster is in defensive play. Acquired at least year’s deadline, Eric Belanger has just re-upped with the Caps for one year at $1.85 million.


Somewhat shaky goaltending is a big deal in the Nation’s Capital with Jose Theodore also making an exit. In 104 games with the Capitals Theodore went 62-24-7 with a 2.67 goals against average. The 13 year veteran is still seeking a team to play for, but the $4.5 million cap relief is huge for the Capitals. Semyon Varlamov is talented, and still holds rays of hope from the organization but might not be enough for the team’s lack of defense (and perhaps a slight lack of confidence in himself). The 22 year old Russian will get his chance to prove himself as number one goaltender in a contract year, which he becomes a restricted free agent.  Michal Neurvirth looks to be a very strong and upcoming goalie. He, too, is in a contract year. At 6’1 200 lbs the 22 year old Czech plays a technically sound game, and is extremely composed. He recorded a 9-4-0 record in 17 appearances with a 2.75 GAA and .914 SP in his rookie year. The Caps seem to have two youngsters on the rise but there is no doubt, in the here and now, the net presence for next year will be key for success. Capitals’ General Manager George McPhee intends on going with this young tandem.

"We're going with our young goaltenders," McPhee said. "We actually think this is going to be good for both of them because there isn't going to be the pressure on either one of them to play 65 games. It's an opportunity for both of them to play more games at the NHL level without the pressure of trying to carry the team.”

Mike Green, Jeff Schultz, Tom Poti, and John Erskine are the top-four defensemen, with a third pairing of highly touted youngsters John Carlson and Karl Alzner at the five and six slots, and Tyler Sloan in the seven spot. The defense hasn’t gotten it done, and if not Shaone Morrisonn or Joe Corvo, someone needs to be found to bolster the blue line. With just enough cap space to do it, Mike Mottau and veteran Kim Johnsson are worth a good look. George McPhee also doesn’t plan to change much on the back end. Once again focusing on home bred prospects expected to come in strong. Mike Green had a career year leading defensemen in points (76) and being nominated for the James Norris Trophy. He tallied 19 goals and 57 assists with a plus/minus +39 (2nd best in the league) and 35 powerplay points. He and Jeff Schultz (with a whopping +50, top in the NHL) benefitted largely from being on the ice with the Ovechkin line. Veteran Tom Poti, 33, and John Erskine, 30, are the only two defensemen becoming unrestricted free agents at the end of the year. Each of them had pretty good years but with the likes of John Carlson and Karl Alzner coming into the mix one of them is likely out due to space on the roster and more importantly on the cap. John Carlson,20, played 22 games in his NHL debut last year including 7 in the playoffs. The 2008 first round draft pick is noted for his size, strength and skating ability and he is a great playmaking defenseman with a strong offensive upside.  In season and in the first round of the playoffs he showed he’s very responsible in his own end, and his playmaking ability at a young age is electric. In the post season he recorded one goal and three assists with a plus/minus +6 in seven games. I’m sure we’ll see plenty of Karl Alzner as well this year. The 21 year old enters the third and final year of his entry level contract and will become a restricted free agent at the end of the year. The fifth overall first round draft pick of 2007 has great mobility and overall defensive awareness. He can make for a great one-two punch on defense if these two kids can develop quickly this year. Tyler Sloan will desperately be working to make this roster. The 29 year old has put in his time in the AHL with 300 games played. After appearing in 40 last season, Sloan looks to be a step closer to becoming an NHL defenseman and he deserves that chance at least somewhere. are the most attractive free agents for the Caps to consider although


The biggest story financially and personnel wise for this off season/next season will be Washington’s second favorite Alex, Alexander Semin. He has scored 163 points in his last 135 games and 40 goals of last year’s team’s 313. His biggest mention comes in the form of, however, the most likely player to be on his way out.  With an expiring contract at the end of the 10/11 season which sits currently at a 6.0 million dollar expense, it’s an expense that Washington probably won’t have an easy time swallowing long term. The top two, Ovechkin and Backstrom are staying put on large long term deals. Mike Green, their third most important and fourth most expensive player has only two years left on his deal. Semin is a point producing machine, and could be the tradable asset that Washington can fill their defensive handicap with. The return is almost too wide spread to call, but high caliber players from teams such as Boston and Calgary stand out strong in trades if both teams can fill voids in the process. The potential for dealings with Boston open up doors for a package deal of players like Michael Ryder, Marc Savard, Tim Thomas, and Blake Wheeler. Boston is looking to shed cap dollars and score more goals. Washington will naturally have to take money back in a deal with Semin, but if the terms line up correctly for the Nation’s Capital a deal is feasible. There have been speculations regarding Cory Sarich or Robyn Regehr’s departure from Calgary, and with large question put into their scoring depth this could be a blockbuster move for both teams. On a real long shot with no other reason than to just say it; a Kaberle/Grabovski for Semin swap would be fantastic to see. Both with expiring contracts and inspiring play. A trade that for at least next season both teams could benefit from. The option remains for Washington to go elsewhere in deals, but the inability to sign him after a potential short coming next season would be a scar left on George McPhee.


If kept, Semin must be accompanied by a second line center that can more-than replace Brendan Morrsion’s departure and accompany a stud like Brooks Laich. McPhee’s stance remained the same through the offensive players as well as he thinks it possible 22 year old sophomore Mathieu Perreault could fill that void. Perreault appeared in 21 games last year recording 4 goals and 5 assists with a plus/minus +4. He is a crafty playmaking centerman that can pass and shoot with a quick release. Although he is a little under sized, he does have 2nd line potential.

"We think we have centers that are ready to go," McPhee said. "So we want to be really careful not get drawn into any long-term deals at that position. The issue is: Are they ready this year or next? We've done a good job of drafting and developing, and it's time to give these players their opportunity."

Should he be wrong the saved cap space, roughly $ 5.0 million, will have to be applied to a trade mid to late next season as the free agents list has dwindled significantly. Eric Belanger’s re-signing was a good one for McPhee, but he fits in best at third line center.

"We don't have to spend it,” McPhee said. "You don't ever want to go into the season right up against the cap. Ideally, you put a good team on the ice and you have room."

The top lines are pretty obvious for the Caps. Alexander Ovechkin plays the left wing to Niklas Backstrom and RW Mike Knuble. Ovechkin had another offensively mind boggling year with 109 points. In just 72 games ‘OV’ scored 50 goals and 59 assists with a plus/minus +45. He was just one goal shy of a three way tie for the Rocket Richard Trophy won by Steven Stamkos and Sydney Crosby. It was his third highest point total, and fourth highest goals scored in his five seasons. He continues to solidify himself as an offensive mega star as now in 396 games he has scored 529 points. If his body can withstand it, and he can mirror his first five years to his next, we’re looking at a 1,000 point scorer in the making. Niklas Backstrom had a career year with 101 points with 33 goals and 68 assists. In 7 playoff games this year he scored 5 goals and 4 assists Mike Knuble finished just 2 points shy of an all time high (53) and will play in a contract year where he hopes to win a second Cup.


After locking up Fleischmann, Steckel, Fehr, Gordon, Bradley, and Belanger the third and fourth pairings don’t look too bad. D.J. King was also acquired via trade. Jason Chimera accompanies these seven, but only Fehr, Steckel, and Chimrea have contracts beyond next season. Fleishmann or Laich will currently center line two, with the other guy playing the left wing. These two next to Semin is a dynamic line, but we’ll look to see both of them really have a breakout season as they are both in their last contracted year. Fleishmann comes off of a career best in points (51) and goals (23) and came up big for the team in Ovechkin’s absence last year. Laich, too, posted his best numbers with 25 goals and 59 points. Both in their mid twenties; they really look to be on the up, and another full year with Semin should bring shorten their development. Both, however, could stand to improve on their faceoff ability. Though Belanger was re-signed for the 3rd line center role, David Steckel truly deserves the spot. Steckl was second in total faceoffs taken and second in faceoff win percentage for his club at 59.2%. He is great on the penalty kill and Eric Belanger full time presence will make him even stronger. Eric Fehr was one of the seven 20 goal scorers posting 21 goals and 39 points. After signing a two year contract extension, he will likely play the right wing on the third line. Fehr , the large framed 6’4 202lbs 24 year old, also had a career year with the Capitals.  26 year old Boyd Gordon likely fills the fourth line center role with checking power forwards Jason Chimera and Matt Bradley on the wing. Chimera point total was his second highest in his 9 year career split between Columbus and Washington at 34 points and took 98 penalty minutes between the two clubs. These pairings look to make a pretty solid third and fourth checking line. Recently acquired tough guy D.J. King will try to make this roster from time to time to give the Caps some more grit on the fourth line. Meanwhile, 22 year old aforementioned  prospect Mathieu Perreault  could be set to make this roster somewhere between the second and fourth lines. He scored 100 points over his last 133 AHL games and is in the last year of his entry level contract.


For long term security and current post season success, a good looking Capital’s roster may still be in for some changes. The possibilities in dealing Semin are seemingly endless and fairly high in return, but highly improbable. The glaring faults within this team are visible, and the verdict is out on weather George McPhee is making the right call or not by keeping things much the same. As their 21 man roster sits now, the Capitals have eight unrestricted free agents and three restricted free agents at the end of the year. McPhee will have his hands full of contractual decisions to make for this organization to remain competitive for years to come.


With these expectations set in place regardless of player movement, the Nation’s Capital can look forward to a highly contentious season once again. This year, for the first time, the Capitals will appear in the Winter Classic at Heinz Field for an outdoor battle with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The NHL’s dream matchup will be played out on a large outdoor scale, and if history repeats itself (which it often times does) this battle could well carry over into the post season where (historically speaking) one of the Winter Classic participants has made the finals for the last three years consecutively.


-Kendall Grubbs

*note: Eric Belanger is not signed with the Capitals, instead he has signed with Phoenix. This does change their third line presence significantly, and reduces their powerplay ability tremendously. for a full explanation of my mistake, please read my article on Eric Belanger: Belanger Signs with Coyotes, Angry with Caps.


Transactions to date:


In:
D.J. King
Brian Willsie
Dany Sabourin
Brian Fahey
Kyle Greentree
Patrick McNeill
Eric Belanger


Out:
Joe Corvo
Scott Walker
Milan Jurcina
Jose Theodore
Shaone Morrisonn
Brian Pothier
Chris Clark
Stefan Della-Rovere


Team Info:
2010/2011 Stats
2010/2011 Roster
2010/2011 Salary

Antti Out; Marty In. Huet On His Way To Switzerland.

The Chicago Blackhawks have decided to walk from Antti Niemi’s $2.75 million dollar contract awarded to him through arbitration.


Instead, however, they have signed veteran goaltender Marty Turco.


Antti Niemi was the number one in Chicago last year and was a key part in winning the Stanley Cup. After replacing Cristobal Huet, Niemi was 26-7-4 with 7 shutouts in 39 games, 16-6 in the playoffs, a 2.63 GAA, and a .910 save percentage, and the cap hit from his one year deal was $826,375. Not bad for a 26 year old rookie. The bad thing for the young Finn is the fact he no longer has a team to play for. While there’s no disputing the fact that Niemi played well and patched their void in a struggling number one, Huet, I also believe Niemi should have had a slice of the humble pie after his day with Lord Stanley.

"We exhausted all of our options to make this work," said Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman.

Niemi, in his own right, thought he was worth $3.0 million and was awarded by an arbitrator $2.75 million. This is a contract that Chicago cannot justify accepting. Had Niemi personally won them the cup in a scintillating debut it might be somewhat of a different story. The Blackhawks have lost now eight roster players since their Stanley Cup win. Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Ben Eager, Kris Versteeg, Colin Fraser, Brent Sopel, Adam Burish, and now goaltender Antti Niemi.  This was necessary roster shake-up to get the Blackhawks under the salary cap, and a necessary risk to win a Cup.


Marty Turco has been signed for $1.3 million dollars on a one year deal. Turco, 35, became a free agent at the end of an abysmal year for Dallas. He spent all ten years of his career in Dallas becoming the franchise leader in wins, shutouts, and games played. He is second among active goalies in GAA, and sixth in wins.

"This is the direction that made the most sense. You have to have flexibility within your roster and this was the best way to defend the Cup." Said Bowman. "We talked it over and Marty is the guy we certainly had interest in for a long time here."

Turco is the perfect solution in Chicago, and will provide a proven net presence to keep them going strong to defend the Cup. It is evident that Turco wants to be there and believes he can win the championship that has eluded him in his illustrious career.

“Joining the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks is an unbelievable opportunity for me both professionally and personally,” said Turco in a press release. "The Blackhawks are a first-class organization in a world-class city and at this point in my career I am excited to be a part of a team that will give me such a good chance to win the Stanley Cup."

The other odd man out now is the French net minder, Cristobal Huet. The kinks need to still be worked out in terms of when he can make his transfer, but according to RDS (Monday August, 23) he has signed a one year deal with HC Fribourg-Gotteron of the Swiss National League A, and the Blackhawks have agreed to loan his services. Huet fell as the number one goaltender after posting a 26-14-4 record with a 2.50 GAA and a .895 save percentage in 48 games. He has two years left on his deal at $5.625 million that now, buried in Switzerland, will bring the Hawks back under the cap limit by $1.5 million. Huet played four years in the Swiss League before joining the Kings in 2002.


This now also enables the Blackhawks to call up long time prospect 2003 2nd round draft pick Corey Crawford. The 25 year old Montreal Native will benefit greatly playing behind veteran Marty Turco, and despite all things changing in the crease in Chi Town, everything still looks very good for the Blackhawks ahead of next year.


-Kendall Grubbs

Welcome to Light the Lamp Hockey

Light the Lamp Hockey Blog

About us


Dustin and I are passionate hockey fans at heart. If you’re like us: you eat, sleep, and breathe hockey. The birth of this blog came in the form of one realization we both came to without really having to think about it. The basis of a lot of our discussion amongst one another and friends revolves around the greatest sport on earth. We have knowledge and opinions on every day happenings within the National Hockey League, and there’s nothing we love more than talking about it.


Our goal is to be a portal to everything hockey. From our in depth analysis and personal perspective on current events, to our lengthy (and growing) list of favorite links, we want the old and new hockey fans to find everything they need in one place.


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Our blog is very much still in progress with daily work and ideas being implemented to our site.


Currently on the main page you’ll find our most recent blog posts. As it being just the two of us who have our own full time jobs and full time schedules it would be impossible for us to cover every single aspect of this great game. We will, however, be working our hardest to get as much content and insight on the league and all that encompasses it. This is what we love to do, and our dream job without question lies within the realm of hockey. We never have, and never will claim to be know-it-alls’ when it comes to hockey, as our minds and ears are open to anyone who loves the game. We realize that without great websites and writers out there our knowledge would significantly less than what it is. We want to pay homage to the great sites, businesses, personnel, players, and writers by directly linking them on our main page and encouraging our readers to take a look.


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Dustin Lundberg
Kendall Grubbs
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