GoonBlog.com

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks

Hockey fight blog with humorous, blow-by-blow commentary on goons, enforcers and donnybrooks.

AHL

Opening Night


in AHL, Chris, Dave, Goons, GoonSquad, Lowell Devils, Milan Lucic

Usually Wednesday night is Hockey Night in Acton, but last night it was Hockey Night in Lowell. I got in my first Lowell Devils game of the year, and here is a quick recap of what me and the other 400 fans saw, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Providence goal, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Providence goal, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzI think you get the idea. I have taken English tests in High School that were more exciting. I do not like the brand of hockey New Jersey plays, and I do not like the trickle down effect to their Minor League systems. They’ve had a decent tough guy on their roster in the form of Pierre Luc Leblond, and he has yet to dress. It’s pretty frustrating to see your team go down 4-0 to a division rival in the first meeting of the year, and have no one do anything. Hell, they didn’t even have anyone dressed that could do anything.

On the other side of the ice, the Bruins fan in me was very impressed with Tuuka Rask. That kid is lightning quick, stays square to the shooter, and has excellent rebound control. I really like him, and was totally impressed. Keep in mind; I also said that about Hannu Toivonen the first time I saw him as well. I hope they are more patient with Rask, than they were with Hannu.

It’s also always fun to see the league’s biggest pussy, Sean Curry, in action. I love his menacing stare and the fear in his eyes because he knows it can’t be backed up. Listen girls have been sending me mixed messages my whole life. I.e. I am not a lesbian, but after being hit on by you, I can learn, so I know one when I see it, and Sean is sending a mixed message. He can’t hide the fear is his eyes, with a fake glare, the Peter Reynolds starter set for a hair cut, and the fake enforcer goatee.

Tonight, MOL and I are off to the Garden for opening night. Our special guest will be newly minted American Citizen, Dave. I am very proud of Dave for becoming a Citizen of this great Nation. In a time when everyone seems to take pleasure in bashing America and our policies at every turn, and Americans are saying they are ashamed to call themselves an American, Dave has decided to become an American Citizen. I think it’s an outstanding move, and I am proud of him for doing it. Cue Lee Greenwood

This will be my third straight opening night with MOL. The first was the end of the lockout year when they lost to Montreal, and I sat in front of people that thought Colton Orr was Bobby Orr’s son (no relation) and was debating on if Bobby would be mad because Colton wasn’t getting any ice. The verdict? Yes he would be. Last year was the Calgary Flames. I think I may have been that guy in the stands that night. Boston won. We got plowed. Tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning is in town. To say I am excited is putting it mildly. I am pumped to see Lucic in action live for the first time, and I hope number 22 mixes it up with former teammate, and baby faced tough guy Shane O’Brien. We’ll be leaving in about 30 minutes to get to the Fours, and Halftime Pizza. If you see anyone in a Goonblog T shirt, with a girl that won’t stop muttering, what have I done stop and say Hi to MOL and I! Go Bruins, and Go Sox!

{ 12 Comments }

It Can’t End Well


in AHL, Chris, Goons, GoonSquad, Jesse Boulerice, Lowell Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, The Hammer

Big weekend for the Goonblog boys. I just filled two flasks with Eagle Rare Bourbon. One I am giving to Hammer, and one is mine. I will make the delivery to him tomorrow at Bob and Tawnya’s wedding up at the lake. To say no good can come from this is the understatement of the year. Tonight I am watching the Sox, then the Bruins. Tomorrow, I will figure out a way to watch the Sox and Bruins at the wedding, and Sunday is the Pats. To top it off, MOL has a slinky black dress lined up for the wedding. RAAR. Easy boys. She’s spoken for, and despite her constant crying and mumbling what did I do, she’s happy.

I saw Jesse Boulerice got suspended for 25 games today for his cross check on Ryan Kesler. I can’t say I am surprised at the length of the sentence. I thought there was no need for what he did, and the sentence fit the crime here. I was really glad to see Jesse back in the show too. He didn’t seem the same player after Aaron Downey scrambled his eggs a couple of years ago. He only played a handful of games in Lowell, and Albany, and couldn’t seem to catch a break. Now, with a fresh start in the place where it all started for him, he seemed to finally be back. I think Jesse is a quality player and decent enforcer. The one time I talked to him, he seemed like a nice young man to boot. I am not sure if he gets too wound up in the heat of battle, but he needs to learn to stop using his stick as a weapon. Maybe a 25 game seat in the press box after working his way back to the NHL will be the ticket.

Go Sox, Bruins, and Patriots. Congratulations to Bob and Tawnya, as well as Dorothea and Todd. Have a great weekend everyone. Look for the weekly wrap up Sunday.

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Weekly Wrap up Volume I


in AHL, Chris, Goons, GoonSquad, Gordie Dwyer, Killer, Lowell Devils, Steve Downie

Here’s the idea I had. I think it’d be cool if Sunday evening before the late games start, I can do a Goonblog weekly wrap up. I’m thinking it can be some odds and ends stuff we on staff may have missed, or just some things on my mind. This week will be a little different because there aren’t any late games, but MOL is watching Desperate Housewives, so I pretty much have nothing better to do anyway.

The NHL regular season got underway with all the fanfare of a new Dunkin Donuts opening in Massachusetts. One day there was no Dunkin Donuts, the next, there was. They pop up so often around here no one notices anymore. My point being, the new season started and I bet if you asked 100 people, I’d say maybe 5 would know the season is underway. I have Center Ice once again, so I got Saturday’s game, and I found it to be a sloppy, Special Teams affair. I love the new NHL! Not. This just in NHL, in order to grow your product, you need to advertise, and make sure what you are selling doesn’t suck. Negative on both.

Saturday night I got my first live game of the season. MOL and I had a prior engagement. When our plans changed, I went to the Devils and Soundtigers pre season tilt in Lowell. It was a fairly decent game actually. We had decided we were not going to the Bruins on Sunday due to Thank You cards, and a visit with my mother, so I was especially happy to be in the building. There was even a fight which was a pretty good tilt. Does anyone know what is up with Gordie Dwyer and the Islanders? I saw he didn’t play today, or yesterday for them. I don’t think he played Friday night either. Was he released? Sent to Bridgeport? I didn’t see him in Lowell with the scratches, or on the ice. Any info would be appreciated.

Sunday I watched the nationally televised (if you can call VS. national) debut of NHL ’08. This game was equally sloppy, but at least we saw some even strength goals, and hey, there was even a fight. George Parros and Scott Thornton got into it in the second with the Ducks up big and Thornton trying to spark his Kings. Thornton I think won the battle, landing some very good punches. Parros landed a few of his own, and got the takedown, but I scored it for Thornton for more thrown and landed. Alas, the Ducks won the war winning 4-1. They are back on VS. Wednesday against the Red Wings, while the Kings are off until Saturday. I like the Kings. They have some young talent worth watching. They will be a West Coast favorite I feel. I also love the Ducks in your face style. I will keep tabs on them as well.

Finally we have the Steve Don’t Call Me Gord Downie issue. Frequent reader, poster, and Goonblog friend, Todd St. Louis sees it as a guy in the show trying to finish a check. I agree with him to a certain degree. Downie is a young guy trying to make a team, and to do so, he needs to finish checks. On the other hand, I feel he did a little more than finish a check there. He left his feet to do it, and hit a guy in the head hard enough to bounce him off the boards. I am 1000% sure he didn’t mean to hurt McAmmond, and has called to apologize, but it doesn’t change the fact he could have very seriously hurt Dean McAmmond.

Steve Downie has had a very rocky road to the NHL. The kid has a shit load of talent, and I see him as a Sean Avery type player. The type of guy that gets under your skin in a big way. Right now, he’s just trying to make the club and is doing whatever he thinks he needs to do to get on the NHL roster. When looking at it over and over, I think what he did was cheap, and is the wrong way to go about making the Team. There is finishing a check, and there is a cheap shot, and I think Downie laid a big cheap shot on Dean McAmmond. If and when he gets up to the NHL, I suggest he have his head on a swivel when facing the Senators. They will most assuredly be after this youngster.

So that’s the week that was. Off to the office tomorrow for my first day back in a week. I’m pumped. I hope you are picking up my sarcasm. Lots of games this week. Killer, bring the wings Friday for the Bruins, I got plenty of beer. We’ll need it for this edition of the Bruins.

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Farewell to a Favorite


in AHL, Chris, Dennis Bonvie, Dennis Bonvie, Goons, GoonSquad, Lowell Devils

For all you Lowell Devils fans out there (Insert Cricket Sound Here) I implore you all to circle January 23, 2008 on your calendars right now. When checking the AHL site today at 10:50 because they told us yesterday the schedule was coming out at 11, what can I say, I’m impatient, I saw Mr. Dennis Bonvie has decided to hang up the blades, and retire the axe after this season. I am not sure if anyone else gets as fired up for AHL schedule day as I do. But for me the summer looks like this.

1. Stanley Cup Awarded.
2. Depression.
3. Free Agency Begins.
4. Depression because the Bruins do nothing. Although they did sign Shawn Thornton this year. Then did nothing else. So, elation, then depression.
5. NHL Schedules come out. Glimmer of hope.
6. Starting to watch old game tapes.
7. Really need to see a fight.
8. AHL Schedules come out.
9. Training Camp.
10. Opening Night. All is right with the world.

Usually I pour over the schedule to see about Opening Night, and any possible road trips. This year, I was only looking for if and when WB Scranton was in the house. So, mark your calendars. January 23.

For me, Bones is the type of guy I want at every position. Dennis stands up for anyone, and everyone on the ice that is wearing the same color as him. Whether it’s a fight to get the boys and the crowd going, or a big hit in the corner. He does what is needed. He’ll keep you honest, and a lot of the times, he’ll keep you in stitches too. The man’s mouth is always running. I guess its part of what he does best. From him barking like a dog at Craig MacDonald, to asking if Jan Vodrazka had ever fought before, to telling Eric Staal he’d have gotten a bigger contract if he’d been able to finish, he’s always going. I haven’t seen Bones since he’s been in WB Scranton, and I am glad he’ll be making a final swing through the Paul this season.

Bonvie is a fan favorite wherever he goes. I am sure the Penguins fans will be out in force all over the AHL barns to see old number 27 off proper. I know that they have several special nights planned for Dennis in the home arena throughout the season, and I am planning on a trip down there. He definitely represents the old guard here in the American League as he’s been playing pro hockey for quite a few years now. The man is a one of a kind type of guy, and a sure Goonblog first ballot hall of famer. The Goonsquad would like to wish Dennis Bonvie all the best on the upcoming season, and success in whatever he decides to do after retiring from hockey. Good luck Dennis. We’ll see you on the 23rd.

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And Now For Something Completely Different


in AHL, Chris, GoonSquad, Trevor Gillies

Let’s take a break from the Bruins bashing, to talk about two things this off season that have me fired up for October. After all, this is supposed to be Goonblog, not, What the Hell is wrong with the Bruins Blog.
1. Trevor Gillies is going to be in Albany. It was very obvious this Goonblog favorite had fallen out of favor with Coach Dineen in Portland. He was barely playing, and anytime he did get on the ice, Coach tore him a new one on his way back to the bench. To be honest, I don’t even remember the last time I saw Trevor fight. He was a scratch in Worcester this year, and no one on Lowell’s roster wants any part of him. I think it’s a great move by Trevor getting back into Carolina’s fold, and more specifically, Tom Rowe’s fold. Tom always loved the kid and tried to resign him before he got the Ranger’s deal. Rowe will let him do his thing, and try to teach him to play a bit too. I will make the trip to Albany for sure this year, especially because.
2. Ryan Flinn signed with Edmonton. Meaning, there is a good chance he’ll be in Springfield. Flinner is one of the most intimidating people I have ever seen. Though he is often injured, he brings the kind of presence to the ice you want from an enforcer. I am not sure what his chances of playing in the NHL are as I haven’t seen him in two years, so I can’t speak to his skill level. LA gave him a lot of chances, and he was hurt in a fight in the NHL. Minnesota didn’t call him up last year, and he was in Houston for the season so again, I don’t know where his skill is at. What I can tell you is that he is a fan favorite wherever he goes, and can chuck em with the best of them.
As an aside, I won Sony Vaio at the Office, and it came with 2007 Pro Pre Loaded. The operating system is Vista Business, and to say this thing is bad ass is a gross understatement. If you are in the market for a notebook, I suggest it highly. Now, the Bruins suck.that’s better.

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Let’s Review


in AHL, Chris, GoonSquad

Ok boys, you want the good news, or the bad news? The good news is MOL is doing an overnight at the Germ Factory. I love her, but she has not done as well with the playoffs this year as she did last. I think it’s because no one she knows or likes is in it. Obviously, the Bruins are out. With Carolina not getting in, she really has no rooting interest. It’s been hard to watch, and admittedly, I watched some chick flick instead of a game because her constant complaining had to stop.

The bad news? I am unsupervised with the giant Grey Goose bottle Killer brought over. Thank god there is only one game tonight. My liver, relationship, and neighbors can’t handle the double dip tonight. Killer, I am going to need a wellness check around 11:30.

It was quite a busy week on Goonblog. Killer did the heavy lifting from a writing stand point, and K Special, I, and Red Thunder had a lot of comments. One of the most heated debates was regarding a post on a goal or no goal at MSG earlier in the week. From my standpoint, it didn’t go in. Oh, it was this fucking close, but it didn’t go in. Killer sees it a different way. It sparked a debate about cameras in posts, and micro chips in pucks. I am not sure about the micro chip idea, but the cameras would most assuredly work. Those of you that follow the AHL know the Philadelphia Phantoms tested a net this season where the posts actually lit up when a goal was scored. No lights were damaged in the course of the game. If they can do that, I see no reason why two cameras couldn’t be safely installed in the posts with no harm to the cameras themselves, or the game.

The other item of note was a comment KSpecial had made about former Bruins still in the playoffs. He made a fine point about the mismanaging that has plagued the club for years. Think back to when the lockout ended. What team was in the best position to take advantage of the new CBA? That’s right, the Bruins. What do they do? Sign Brad Isbister. A guy that was in the American League with two teams this season. Dave Scatchard (old and bad) Brian Leetch (Probably the only thing they did right was sign him for one year) Shawn McEachern (Demoted to Providence after 37 terrible games) and the traded arguably the best player in the whole league for a bag of used pucks. To say they mismanage, and can’t evaluate talent is the understatement on the century.

Here are some quick picks for the Conference Finals. Wait, before that, has there been a single fight in the second round of note? I can’t think. OK, now the picks.

What would be great for the NHL in the East: New Jersey Snooze Fests vs. New York Rangers for obvious reasons.

What will really happen? Rangers and Senators. I really like the Rangers this season.

What would be great for the NHL in the West: Detroit Red Wings vs. Anaheim Ducks. The Wings are America’s Team and will garner the most TV ratings. I realize that is a huge oxymoron. TV ratings in America for hockey.

What will really happen? Very close series out West. I like the Wings. They have been battling all playoffs, and are getting great goaltending.

I have to make a drink. Killer, let’s move the wellness check to 10?

{ 29 Comments }

One Down


in AHL, Chris, GoonSquad, Old Time Hockey

It has been playoff time for a week now, and so far, we have seen some great games. San Jose and Nashville has a real snarl to it, and I have enjoyed the Detroit and Calgary series. In the East I have watched the beloved Penguins go down 3-1 to the Senators, and I have been watching the Rangers series as well. This is the best time of the year to be a hockey fan. The NCAA’s just wrapped up (Heart breaker for BC) the local High School Tourneys are wrapped up, and the NHL and AHL playoffs have begun. Below are 10 observations, ramblings, if you will on the Playoffs so far.

1. San Jose and Nashville really don’t like each other.
This has been the old time hockey special from the start. There have been nasty hits from behind, brawls, and a general chippiness I like. The series represents the old guard, and has been my favorite so far.

2. I don’t like Buffalo.
All fucking Winter I have had to listen to Buffalo fans piss and moan on XM about how they came this close, and they were the better team last year, and if this happened, that would have happened..enough already! Now they are taking the whole playoffs lightly. The Isle may not be good enough to make them pay for it, but I’d love to see them bump off the Sabres and their mouthy fans.

3. I really like Sean Avery
He has been the ultimate playoff player. He’s been a real shit disturber, and has taken Atlanta off their game, while playing a big role in his own team’s success. I would love to see him in the Black and Gold.

4. So far, no one is stopping Detroit.
Those guys are scary good. Calgary has tried to push them around, and it hasn’t worked out. I think the series is going back to the Joe tied because Calgary is a force at home, but they can’t win on the road. Eventually it will be the Flames undoing.

5. Tampa Bay is going to win their series.
The Bolts have forced the Devils to play un Devil like hockey, and it will be their undoing.

6. I have not seen one second of the Ducks series.
Let me clarify. I did see some of it, but I was wasted. Um. Go Ducks?

7. I am a sick man.
I watched a very good deal of the bazillion OT game Dallas and Vancouver played on opening night. I looked up at 1 AM and realized, hey, WTF? I am not from Vancouver, or Dallas. What the hell am I doing? Oh yeah, and I was out of beer.

8. Ding Dong. I’ll get it.
Hit of the playoffs so far? Armstrong on Eaves. Good clean hockey play and I love it.

9. I hate to say it.
I think the Rangers are going to win the East. Goaltending is hot right now, and the team is playing well in front of him. Having Shanny in the room will help.

10. Early favorite.
Wings. I really don’t see anyone stopping them. Calgary has tried to push them around, and they have not let that happen. Goaltending has been good, and they have been scoring a lot of goals. Add that to the experience in the room, and I give you the ’07 Champs, the Detroit Red Wings.

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I’m Not Playing


in AHL, Chris, GoonSquad, Lowell Devils, Trevor Gillies

I’m suspended. I am also 21, 22, big afro. Today was our annual sports day at the office. Usually on Opening Day you can wear your favorite sports team gear, and since the only thing I have is an Oglethorpe jersey I got as a Halloween costume a few years ago, it’s what I go with every year. Only a few people get it, but hey, that’s kind of the norm for hockey fans anyway eh? No one gets the game we love. Oh my god, Lou just fired me. Speaking of being a hockey fan, this weekend was a super fan weekend.

Friday was spent in Lowell watching the Devils lose to the Portland Pirates. I was quite focused on Mr. Gillies for a couple of reasons.

1. This is called Goonblog. We like Goons.

2. I kind of was all over the boy for his performance the last time he was in the building.

As I watched him I noticed two things.

1. I think he’s out of Coach Dineen’s dog house. Trevor got a regular shift, and didn’t hurt the team.

2. He wasn’t acting like a spastic Pee Wee on the bench this time around. Hard to explain how weird it was to watch him do what he was doing on the bench last time without having actually seen him do it. Bizarre.

Obviously there were no fights. Duh. It’s Lowell. The game itself was pretty crappy, but Bekah and I got a brew after and talked about how Mr. Kitty is doing so it was cool.

Saturday found me on the couch watching the Bruins blow another one. This game featured two fights, and they were even pretty good scraps. I especially enjoyed the Hoggan tilt. I’d like to see more of him next season. I learned two things watching this tilt.

1. Gord Kluzak is a pussy.

2. Rob Simpson may be a dork, but he is obviously a big fight fan, and as such, I will now lay off him.

Saturday evening found me back in Lowell. I can’t say exactly why I missed the entire game, but I did. They won. I don’t think there were any fights.

Sunday was a real good day for me. I went down to Providence and Kinger and I went to the Bruins tilt. I got to his place around 2:30ish and naturally we headed right to the bar for some brew and snacks. After a couple of beers and a banging chicken sangy, oh, and an attempted mugging (don’t ask) we headed off for the game. We were standing in line, when some dude cam up and handed us two free tickets. Nice! The only thing better than a hockey game, is a free hockey game. We settled into our seats at the old folk’s home (I swear to god, the Dunk smells just like the nursing home my grandfather was in) and watched the Devils lose to the Bruins. It was a pretty entertaining tilt that featured a fight between Aaron Downey and the mouth, Lowell Devil forward David Clarkson. At first blush it looked like Clarkie got killed, but watching the replay, none of what Downey threw really landed. In fact, I think Clarkson landed the only punch of the fight on his first hard right hand. Pre Replay, I call it a big win for Downey, post, it’s a draw.

Since I was with Kinger in Providence, we obviously went to the Ballet after. Our place of choice was Desires. Not a bad joint. When we went in the place, the B and C teams were taking their cuts, but as we left some of the ringers had come aboard. All in all it was an outstanding weekend. This is a great time of the year for hockey, and it’s good to get in as many games as possible before all we have is stupid baseball. Now, who is going to buy me a soda after the game?

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Super Sleuth


in AHL, Chris, Goons, GoonSquad, Gordie Dwyer

I have been looking for Gordie all year, and I fucking found him.
Looks like his career lives on with that waste of a first rounder, Nikos Tselios. I don’t speak Swedish or whatever, so I have no idea what this says. I can gather that Wendel Clark is Gordie’s favorite player. Good to know. Good luck Gordie. Bring me back some meatballs eh?

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Trevor Gillies lived Under Power Lines


in AHL, Chris, Goons, GoonSquad, Trevor Gillies

Trevor. Did you eat a lot of paint chips as a kid? I was at the Devils game in Lowell this past snowy Friday night. Since the game was boring as hell, I was watching Trevor Gillies for most of the third period. My friend Bekah says I am obsessed. Well, no more than she is obsessed with Mr. Kitty. At any rate, I noticed a few things.

The first thing I noticed is Mr. Gillies has fallen a long way from the guy that was wearing an A on his chest last season. Every shift he took, which wasn’t many, Coach Dineen was all over him upon his return to the bench. Coach is all over this guy.

Secondly, he is like a Pee Wee on the bench. No kidding. For most of the Third Period, which was tied by the way, Trevor was fooling around with his helmet, elbowing the guy next to him, punching the same guy in the gut, and pushing his helmet forward. I couldn’t believe I was watching a Professional do that sort of thing on the bench. Maybe he’s just really bored, but it was strange to see a pro do it. Trevor also seemed to be pretty chummy with Mike Hoffman, a guy he has fought a zillion times this season. Anyway, you really had to see what Gillies was doing on the bench t believe it. I really was amazed. If he can’t figure out why he’s in Dineen’s dog house, this may be a big reason why.

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