Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Stanley Cup Playoffs-2013
Action in the Stanley Pittsburgh ,
Chicago, Boston , and Los
Angeles , are the last four winners of the Stanley Chicago
It appeared as
if the Penguins were going to walk into the finals, as they began their series
with the Bruins. That all changed quite dramatically. The Bostonians jumped on
the Penguins last Saturday night, behind some fine goaltending from Tuukka
Rask. In a bit of a nasty tilt, the Bruins blanked the Penguins 3-0.
Early in the
second period, Matt Cooke was assessed a major penalty for checking from
behind, and was also given a game misconduct. Many of you either saw the play,
or have seen the replay. The main problem that I have with the call, and other
similar calls, is that the Bruins player, Adam McQuaid, heard Cooke’s
footsteps, looked over his shoulder to see what was coming, and turned his face
toward the boards. He anticipated Cooke’s arrival, and his team was awarded the
power play for his manoeuvre.
Cooke has gone
through a series of changes in his play the past few seasons, simply to stay in
the game. His reckless style jeopardized his career, and he served several
suspensions. He knew what was at stake, and he reacted to the situation. As
reported in Bruce Arthur’s column in The Ottawa Citizen, Cooke noted: “I had to
change from the outset, change my outlook on how I approached the game;
otherwise, there was no chance that I was going to have success. I think that
before, you’re so focused on trying to find that line and where to be, and
whether it’s on it, or before it, or across it, and there’s risk involved in
that. I had to put myself in a position to get there, and now I don’t have to
do that. Being a useful, honest player-that’s hopefully how I’m remembered.”
“Cookie” had 21
points in the regular 48 game season, with 8 goals. He spent 36 minutes in the
penalty box. In only 12 playoff games, he has already been assessed with 33
minutes in penalties. Has his play changed? Not significantly. Is he being
monitored a little more carefully? Likely. Has he been unlucky, as in the case
with McQuaid? Definitely. Cooke did not receive a suspension on the play, and
will skate for the remainder of the playoffs.
Andrew Shaw,
another feisty type, continues to be a fan favourite in Chicago Chicago
Brad Richardson has
played in nine of the Kings’ post season games. He is used in all situations,
and is most effective killing penalties, because of his outstanding skating
ability. “Richie” would love to be able to show Lord Stanley ’s
mug to the folks in Belleville
By this time
next week, we will have the finalists. Hopefully, they will be able to wrap up
the season before the first day of summer. Time for the beach.
James Hurst
Sportslices.blogspot.com
June 3, 2013.
# posted by James Hurst @ 8:44 AM 
