Not In The Face!: Is it time for mandatory visors?

It was a scary sight on Monday night: an errant high stick, the agonizing yell of a grown man, and his immediate rush of hands to grasp his face.

In a matter of seconds, an injury that could have been avoided sidelined Philadelphia Flyers Captain and defensive stalwart Chris Pronger for what GM Paul Holmgren has said will be a period of two to three weeks.

And then, it began.  The old debate, reopened.  No, not fighting, something that was covered just last week.  This is the visor debate.  However, this debate is much simpler than tackling what has become a very touchy subject in fighting.

When it comes to facial injuries — those the likes of what Chris Pronger encountered and that which sidelined Manny Malholtra and put his career in danger — could have been avoided by the use of a visor.  NHLPA statistics state that 68% of players in the NHL currently wear visors (via James Mirtle), but what’s more is that it seems to be primarily the younger generation.  This is no coincidence.

An article in The Hockey News in January of 2010 found that 65% of NHLers under 30 chose to wore the facial protection.  Less than half of their elder statesmen, the 30+ category, chose to wear a shield.  This can be well attributed to the younger generation being more aware of incidents of eye injuries akin to what Bryan Berard suffered that threatened to end his career.

As well, those younger players who don’t make the immediate jump into the NHL and go the developmental AHL route have been mandated into wearing a visor.  In 2006-07 the league legislated the use of visors for all players, regardless of age.

Chris Chelios, at 46 years of age, wearing a visor for the first time in his career with the AHL's Chicago Wolves.

But what about fighting?

There are many that believe fighting will drop significantly if visors are made mandatory for all players, but the evidence just isn’t there to prove this.  If you’ve looked through article written last week on fighting, you would realize that fighting numbers in the leagues that have made facial protection necessary is higher than the NHL.  In fact, while many point to visors possibly creating a situation where players remove their helmets prior to a fight and leave themselves vulnerable, it’s simply not the case.  The Western Hockey League, which is statistically the most fight heavy junior league in Canada, has put in a place a rule where it is illegal to remove a helmet before a fight.  Last season?  There were over 1700 fights in the WHL, roughly one per game.  The helmets and visors were far from a deterrent.

There will be those who point to Rule 46.6 of the NHL Rulebook and determine that the face shield will be the end of fighting.

For those wondering, Rule 46.6 states, “If a player penalized as an instigator of an altercation is wearing a face shield (including a goalkeeper), he shall be assessed an additional unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.”  The instigator penalty on top of the unsportsmanlike conduct, nine minutes in penalties over five, would create quite a stir amongst those who make a living with their stone hands.

Could there be a middle ground?  A way to both legislate in mandatory visor use and expel any fear of the additional infractions in any fight?

The Bauer X100 Visor. Patented "Quick Clip" shield removal technology can be seen.

There is.  It has been available for years now and it’s used by the players in most junior leagues.  That answer is the Bauer X100 visor.  The ability to easily remove the visor with two clips puts an end to the clunky use of tools and the premeditation of taking it off well prior to a fight.  It would become the new throwing down of the gloves.  With the X100, two parties wanting to engage in a fight would be able to toss off the gloves, quickly unclip and toss the visor, and throw.  It’s simple and it’s right in front of the NHLPA.

However, the inherent issue in using the Bauer visor is sponsorship and all that is attached to it.  While the AHL and CHL are sponsored by Reebok-CCM and it is the most visible sponsor, the WHL has integrated the use of the Bauer visor.  The logos, while visible, are small and not easily discernible while watching the game.  It wouldn’t truly hurt companies.  As well, the NHL could surely strike some sort of deal with Bauer to use the visors without the logo if need be.  The technology, currently patented by Bauer, would eventually be adopted in some way, shape, or form by the other manufacturers, make no mistake.

The use of a visor isn’t really a question anymore.  It’s not a matter of how many, who, or what will the rules be surrounding them, it’s just a matter of when the NHLPA and the NHL step forward and begin protecting their players.  The solutions for the NHL and NHLPA are there, they just have to be willing to take that extra step and put their foot down.

 

On Fighting

Since I have been a fan of the game, I have been a fan of fighting.

We learned of it from video games, from Don Cherry’s Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em tapes, and from watching the warriors on the ice.  It was part of the game, it was part of the violence, it was part of what made it the toughest game on earth in a fans eyes.  There was nothing like it in any other sport, and maybe that is part of what drew us to it as fans.

The great Ken Dryden with a sprawling save on Jerry Korab

Weeks back — nearly three to be exact — Ken Dryden lent his vast knowledge of the game, and knowledge in general, to the project that Bill Simmons et al have taken up over at Grantland.  The article is not only a great piece of writing, something we have come to expect from Dryden, but astonishing in its ability to bring to light the issues we face today from someone who was present during expansion-era NHL play.  While many of the “old school”-ers from years passed would be reluctant to speak out on the issue, often chalking up the rough play to, “the way the game is,” Dryden faces the issues head on and takes a stand voicing the need for change.

CDL Season Preview Series: Columbus Blue Jackets

The Cycle Down Low Season Preview is a feature where we look at the chances for your favourite team in the 2011-2012 NHL campaign.  AND WE’RE GOING TO VEGAS!  With the new season upon us, a mere 30 days away, the CDL Season Preview Series will take you right up to game one of the new season.  Is this the year they surprise everyone and take the Cup?  Are the great expectations placed upon them too much?  Here you’ll get the scoop on what is to come for every team from both the Eastern and Western Conferences.  The breakdown will list the teams in six categories: Stanley Cup Odds (the actual odds from Bodog.ca and a breakdown of what you can expect), Lock (the best bet or biggest star on the team), Upset (the bust or player that won’t preform as well as many think), Pit Bosses (front office), Payout (the overall summary of the team), and CDL Bet (our bet at what the results will be for the team this year).

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STANLEY CUP ODDS: 75/1

In 2009, the Columbus Blue Jackets became the last of the four expansion teams to make the Stanley Cup playoffs.  The 8th place finish, however, set them up for a battle against the ever powerful Detroit Red Wings.  The Wings, the Western Conference’s top ranked squad, made quick work of the Jackets defeating them in four games, sweeping the series and sending Ohio’s NHL franchise packing.

However, for Jackets fans it seemed their fate was about to change.  Rookie goaltender Steve Mason played outstanding, carrying a heavy workload between the pipes for the Jackets.  Mason’s record of 33-20-7 with 10 shutouts was enough to earn him the Calder Trophy and a Vezina Trophy nomination.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have only tasted the playoffs once. Could this year be a possibility?

If there can be anything said about the Jackets up until that point, it was that their weakest position was easily goaltending and now they had a legitimate starter.

But, as is often the case, the sophomore slump hit Mason hard.  Since his breakout season in his rookie campaign, he has been unable to recapture that magic.  In the last two years, his combined record has been 44-47-16 with a .901SV% and GAA over 3.00, a far cry from the .916SV% and 2.29 GAA he posted in his first season.

To go along with the Jackets inability to remain stable in goal, they were forever searching for a legitimate top-line center to play along perennial all-star Rick Nash.

Nash, the Jackets first round pick — first overall in his draft year — in 2002, has been the face of the franchise since his arrival.  With a combination of size, speed, and strength, Nash is the prototypical power forward.  Think Eric Lindros without the concussion or injury issues, and you have Nash.

It is because of Nash that the Jackets are ever even spoken in the same breath as contenders, but with hockey being the ultimate team game that it is, it is impossible and improbable to believe that Nash himself could carry this team to a championship.

Bringing in the likes Antoine Vermette, Kristian Huselius, R.J. Umberger, and with Scott Howson’s smart drafting and the blossoming of top draft pick Derrick Brassard, the Jackets seem to have begun to take that turn towards consistent competitiveness.  But are they there quite yet?

CDL Season Preview Series: Florida Panthers

The Cycle Down Low Season Preview is a feature where we look at the chances for your favourite team in the 2011-2012 NHL campaign.  AND WE’RE GOING TO VEGAS!  With the new season upon us, a mere 30 days away, the CDL Season Preview Series will take you right up to game one of the new season.  Is this the year they surprise everyone and take the Cup?  Are the great expectations placed upon them too much?  Here you’ll get the scoop on what is to come for every team from both the Eastern and Western Conferences.  The breakdown will list the teams in six categories: Stanley Cup Odds (the actual odds from Bodog.ca and a breakdown of what you can expect), Lock (the best bet or biggest star on the team), Upset (the bust or player that won’t preform as well as many think), Pit Bosses (front office), Payout (the overall summary of the team), and CDL Bet (our bet at what the results will be for the team this year).

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STANLEY CUP ODDS: 75/1

Out with the old, in with the new.  Quite literally, that’s the way things seem to be going in Florida.

After years of the Panthers continuing their playoff drought — now reaching the decade mark — the Panthers have gone ahead and cleaned house.  Randy Sexton, the team’s GM in 2009-10, was let go and Dale Tallon, seen by many as the architect behind the Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup winning team, was brought in.  This summer Peter DeBoer was let go after three full seasons as the team’s coach and replaced with former NHLer and coach of the AHL’s Portland Pirates, Kevin Dineen.

With the front office and bench boss positions filled, the re-shaping of the Florida Panthers began.  After trading away Nathan Horton, Gregory Campbell, and Keith Ballard, the Panthers went into the year knowing it was going to be one of those years.  The team struggled from nearly the opening faceoff.

Scoring was a struggle all season with the Panthers managing a measly 2.33 goals a game, good enough for — Oh, I don’t know — 28th in the league?  If that wasn’t enough, it seemed like every move Tallon made to add scoring fell flat on its face.  A trade for Niclas Bergfors, who was at one time a key piece in the Ilya Kovalchuk deal, didn’t quite work out as Tallon would have hoped as the talented prospect failed to get anything going and would register a measly seven points (1-6) in 20 appearances with the Cats.

It wasn’t only Bergfors that struggled, either.

Tallon would make a plethora of moves up front to make the offense blossom, but nothing would click.  Jack Skille’s 13 games in Florida were good for two points, off-season acquistion Steve Bernier only put up 15 points in 68 games, and even those he could count on regressed as Stephen Weiss’ point totals dipped after to two consecutive years at 60+ to 49 (21-28).

Not only were things going wrong on the ice, off the ice there was just as much negativity surrounding the team.

For the past several years the only redeeming factor for the Panthers has been their undeniable all-star between the pipes, Tomas Vokoun.  The clear cut team MVP year in and year out since his arrival in 2007-08, Vokoun has never posted a save percentage below .919 in a Panthers uniform, and it was clear what Florida’s intentions were: sign him, and sign him long-term.

As rumours continued to swirl about the back and forth, it became clear that there was very little chance Vokoun would be back in a Florida jersey, and the bad news seemed like it didn’t stop there for Panthers fans.

Just before the trade deadline rumours were sparked that Dale Tallon had made his voice heard about blowing up the entire roster and starting fresh, stating that there were almost no untouchables on the team.  Stephen Weiss, he was looking at you.  For weeks, even months, there was speculation about the chances of Weiss being moved, but nothing ever seemed to happen.  It was not until the trade deadline came and passed that people stopped the speculation about Weiss’ future with the team.All in all 2010-2011 was a year to forget for the Panthers.  Matter of fact most of the past ten years have been that way, but is there some light at the end of the tunnel?

Maybe, but it may very well just be a train.

Tragedy in the KHL: Plane Carrying Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Crashes

Today, September 7th, 2011, will forever be associated with one of the great sports, and human, tragedies of all-time.

A Russian airline, carrying the entirety of the Russian hockey team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl including four members of their junior squad Loko, crashed after reportedly catching fire just four kilometers after takeoff.  The crash, happening on the teams departure from Tunosjno Airport, is said to have claimed to the lives of all but two aboard the plane.

Of the confirmed deaths are ex-NHLers Brad McCrimmon, Pavol Demitra, Karel Rachunek and Ruslan Salei.  Also aboard the flight, and tragically confirmed dead, was New Jersey Devils prospect Alexander Vasyunov.

The crash site of a Yak-42 which was carrying members of the KHL team Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (AP Photo)

Reports from Slava Malamud (@slavamalamud) stated that Alexander Galimov, who survived the initial crash, was taken to hospital after suffering third-degree burns to 80% of his body.  His injuries are said to make his chances of living very slim, but he continues to fight for his life in hospital.

Russia Today, which has been doing an incredible job of covering the story today, have confirmed that 45 passengers were aboard and it is believed that 43 have died.  It is unclear what the full condition the other survivor, a plane engineer, is in at this time and whether the injuries suffered could be fatal.  All that is known is that both men, Galimov and the engineer, are in serious condition.

From the story on Russia Today:

Visitors of the International Political Forum, who are visiting Yaroslavl at the moment, held a minute’s silence to commemorate the victims of the crash. The Russian Hockey Federation voiced its condolences to the Lokomotiv club, the families of the victims and the entire ice hockey community.

Hockey fans in Moscow are gathering in Red Square near the Kremlin to honor the deceased Lokomotiv players and the other victims of the crash. In Minsk, people are laying flowers in front of the stadium where the team was scheduled to play on Thursday. Yaroslavl fans are meeting at one of the city’s squares to mark the loss of their team.

As well as the statement from the KHL on this unbelievable tragedy:

“We are only beginning to understand the impact of this tragedy affecting the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl club and the international hockey community. First and foremost, our condolences go out to the families and friends of the players, coaches and staff lost in today’s tragedy.

“We know that there are many in the KHL family who will be grieving with us. As the investigation of this tragedy progresses we will work closely with investigators, government officials, club executives and the Yaroslavl community. We are working to find an appropriate way to honor this club and begin the healing process from the deep loss so many of us feel today.

“We are aware that many of you have questions. This tragedy remains our primary focus. We ask for patience as we find an appropriate way to proceed with the 2011/2012 season. We will continue to communicate our plans as they take shape.”

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UPDATE:  A list of the deceased can be found here: SovSport.ru

The citizens of Yaroslavl have gathered and are waving flags, jerseys, and laying flowers in respect and in honour of the fallen after today’s news.

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Please keep the families and friends of those involved in today’s epic tragedy in your thoughts as our hockey family has suffered an incredible loss.

More to come as it is available.  A lot seems to be up in the air.  Will continue to update as confirmation comes in.

Free Agency 2011: The 5 Most Intriguing Goaltenders Available

While most teams have their goaltending set, there are a few where the position is in question; Colorado comes to mind, Washington has two young goaltenders who don’t seem quite ready to make the jump, and there’s a big question mark in Phoenix after the trade that saw Ilya Bryzgalov head to Philadelphia.

Ilya Bryzgalov was going to be the most sought after free agent goaltender, but Philadelphia secured his rights from Phoenix and signed him, taking him off of this list

Over the last few seasons, goaltending has become an interesting position in the way teams have addressed their situation.  In the past two or three seasons, there has been a culture shift towards the mid-priced, young player with high hopes that he’ll be able to get the job done, as opposed to overspending on that upper echelon player, like the money spent on Tim Thomas, Roberto Luongo, or the aforementioned Bryzgalov.

This year, coming off a playoffs that just saw the Vezina winning goaltender also hoist the Stanley Cup with a series victory over the Vezina runner-up, we could see that shift back.  Bryzgalov already started things off on the upper-end of the price scale, signing a nine year contract with the Flyers that will seem him get paid over $50 million throughout his tenure.  With a few other notables available, it could be an expensive year for a team looking for a starting goaltender.

Here is Cycle Down Low’s list of the Top 5 Most Intriguing Goaltenders:

Free Agency 2011: The 10 Most Intriguing Defensemen Available

Christian Ehrhoff is one of the brightest stars among the NHL Free Agents and could be looking to cash come July 1st

Yesterday, Cycle Down Low looked at who is available to help bolster your teams front lines in hopes of making a run at Lord Stanley’s Mug this upcoming season.  With the Free Agent market set to open on Friday at noon, there will be teams looking to solidify the backend of their rosters and fill the holes in their D-corps.

Unlike the forwards, the talent pool for defensemen is a bit deeper.  Most fans often want to see their team acquire a D-man who will give them immediate impact on the score sheet and completely overhaul their teams defense — a cornerstone defenseman.  This pool does offer some very good top pairing defesemen, but they will most likely get slotted in at the two-four spot on the teams depth chart.  Respectable for a player that you’ll merely have to throw money at, blindly, in hopes they turn out, right?  Right.

With that, let’s look at the ten most intriguing defensmen in the UFA pool:

Free Agency 2011: The 10 Most Intriguing Forwards Available

Pittsburgh fan favourite Maxime Talbot has most likely played his last game in a Penguins uniform, but where will he be next?

Throughout the middle of the week, Cycle Down Low will be taking a look at the pieces your favourite team may be after to bolster their line-up for the upcoming season.

While the Restricted Free Agent pool is home to some of the most amazing talent this year — Steven Stamkos comes to mind — the Unrestricted Free Agents have some players that could ultimately boom for the team of your choice.  Although 2011 seems to be a down year for free agents, which more often than not has a direct correlation to some of the potential pickups getting a vast overpayment, it does have several players that could have an impact.  While the cream of the crop is obvious, there are a few bottom-six players that could take a team from standing on the outside right into the thick of things.

Today Cycle Down Low looks at the Forwards who could bring the most to any club this year and put them one step closer to the Stanley Cup:

A Quick Word on the Upcoming NHL Free Agent Pool

On July 1st of 2010, free agent defenseman Sergei Gonchar inked a three-year deal worth $16-million.

July 1st, Canada day to those of us up North, is only four days away and while it signals another year as a Nation on this globe, it also signals another year of bargaining with professional hockey players and bolstering of the NHL lineups.

While last years free agent class was said to be lacking, there are even more who believe the upcoming year has even less to offer.  The offensive talent, aside from the few and far between which are upper echelon, will be relegated to third and fourth offensive lines and second-tier specials teams units.  Penalty-killing and faceoff-winning will be the strong suit of those that are picked up in and around the free agent frenzy, and as such it will be a wealth of depth talent that is most likely acquired.  While these cogs are important, they will not be the flashy moves that every fan base seeks to make on July 1st, nor will they be the ones that will be critically analyzed until the season begins.

Defensively, the possibility remains that there could be some unforeseen talent that lies beneath the surface of bottom three defensemen, but the truth of the matter is that most of the acquisitions will be of exactly that — bottom three defensemen.  While the talent pool may be increased by the chance that certain defensemen — Vancouver’s Christian Ehrhoff comes to mind — may not be re-signed before going to free agency remains, it can all change with a flick of the wrist and the inking of a deal.  The big name defensemen, one of which is already off the board with Vancouver’s Kevin Bieksa re-upping for five years with the Canucks, will certainly find homes as soon as GM’s can get them to.

When it comes to between the pipes, the question is not what the free agent goaltenders will earn, but rather where one will land, that one being Tomas Vokoun.  Many teams currently sit a healthy ways away from the Salary Cap floor (just ask the Panthers… Oh hi, Mr. Campbell, didn’t see you there) and won’t be able to make it without an addition or two of the exorbitant financial calibre.  A deal to Vokoun, a goaltender who is certainly going to command a decent raise from the $5.7 million annual Cap-hit he was making ($6.3 million salary last year), will have to range in the $7 million dollar area, especially after the deal inked by Coyotes cast-off Ilya Bryzgalov that saw him become the highest paid goaltender when it comes to average salary.

Make no mistake, a big splash in this off-seasons free agent pool could be the move that puts a team over the top, but it will not be the move that takes a team from pretender to contender.  If you are a fan of a team that is on the outside looking in, you will need a strong showing from those already on the roster if your team is to make that Stanley Cup push.

That, or get those offer sheets ready.

 

- JC

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Florida Panthers do not Qualify Niclas Bergfors, two others

Late this afternoon, Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel (@hfialkov on Twitter) broke the news that the Florida Panthers and GM Dale Tallon had made the decision to not tender qualifying offers to Niclas Bergfors, Byron Bitz, or Steve Bernier.  The move, a surprising one for a Panthers team that is scratching and clawing to make their way to the salary cap floor, will leave the three players as unrestricted free agents heading into July 1st.

Niclas Bergfors (11) is rubbed out by Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin (8)

Although the move, for Panthers fans, may seem the right one, it raises some questions about former first round draft pick Niclas Bergfors.

Bergfors, the 23rd selection of the 2005 NHL entry draft by the New Jersey Devils, was said to be one of the big bargaining chips that was needed from the Devils in order to complete the trade that saw Russian superstar Ilya Kovalchuk head to the Swamp.  In the trade that took place in February of 2010, the Devils shipped off Bergfors along with prospect Patrice Cormier, defenceman Johnny Oduya, and a first-round selection in the 2010 entry draft for Kovlachuk and young defenceman Anssi Salmela.