Hockey!

It hasn't really hit me yet, the summer is coming to an end, hockey has started and my vacation is storming towards its last days. where did the time go?

But non the least Im looking forward to this fall. NHL will be very interesting to follow, and the Swedish Elit League was really close last year and it will most likly be that way 2011-2012 as well. Lots of players have left Sweden to seek their fortune in the NHL and KHL. I'll be looking into the 12 teams before the season starts to see what each team has done to strengthen their line up.

the 12 team thats battleing it out this season is:

• AIK
• Brynäs IF
• Djurgården IF
• Frölunda HC
• Färjestad BK
• HV71
• Linköing HC
• Luleå HF
• MoDo Hockey
• Skellefteå AIK
• Tmrå IK
• Växjö Lakers HC

Pre-Season

European hockey tour has begun. Have seen one game, Frölunda Indians vs Eisbären Berlin. Berlin is the defending champion in this pre season tournament. They didn't show much quality in this game, Indians won the game 6-0. Frölunda have gotten a good start this year and its more or less new team is showing qualities we haven't seen in a long time. its only been 2 games so far but with 2 victories they are undefeated. Second game was against Red Bull Salzburg. The players to keep eye on this season is forwards Fredrik Petterson, Mathis Olimb, Mika Pyöräla and defencemen Fredrik Eriksson and Pierre Johnsson. They have started out great.

The Eoropean Trophy is a tournament that grows, but its still a small problem attracting larger crowds. especially here in Sweden where the soccer still is playing their league. But the idea is good and the clubs joining is more likly to be involved if there would be a EHL, European Hockey League. There needs to be some counterweight to the NHL. Can't say that I think KHL has been able to be that yet. I believe that we need to be stronger then that. We need all the countries to create a league thats is supported from all. still, the NHL is the best league, with no contest. Don't think a new league will change that, but it might create a healthy competition?

Great numbers!

What can you say about Boston Bruins goalkeeper Tim Thomas? His numbers right now are incredible. Almost 99% is great. Good job by the bruins. Stamkos have sparked in this season start and he is helping his Tampa Bay in their quest for new success.
And is there any Habs fans out there that misses Halak? Corey Price is playing great right now. he did some awesome saves against the Columbus Blue Jackets, even if they lost.

And whats the deal with Randy Moss? Is he dumb for real? hmm...no wonder why both The Vikings and The Patriots didn't want him. Too bad that The Vikings did a bad deal. But its not worth having a player that speaks the way randy has been doing about his team.

thats all for now!

London

After a nice weekend in London I'm back home. This is not a football/Soccer blog but need to write something about the game I saw on Saturday. Wolverhampton was guests at Stamford bridge. The Blues took an easy win, 2-0. They played well and it was real fun to see worldclass players like Drogba, Anelka, Malouda and Ashley Cole. The way they can handle the ball and play is impressive. If "wolves" could have got one goal that might had given the game some more speed and excitement but it was a solid Chelsea that was playing, as usual. Ashley Cole and Boswinga are very talented offensive defenders. they are a threat every time they attack. Essien is a real powerhouse at the middle of the field and I wouldn't wanna go into a duel with him. There will be more trips to England to see football. Hopefully I will be able to see Liverpool at some time. The team I support more then any other in Premier League.

Back in theNHL Lindbäck is still showing that he wants to fight for first position as a goalie. Rinne will most likly be the one for Nashville but its fun with newcomers. Sedin is taking aim for a high position in points. even if Canucks have some issues in its game.
Edmonton Oilers have something going. If they can keep this track they have started on it will be very very good. they need to get some new players in the future but they have everything on their side.

Sad to hear about Nylander that got hit in a AHL game and got injuries in his back. serious it seems to be. Not sure he will be coming back to hockey again, might be time to put away the skates? He's been on top level for so long, had a good career, I wouldn't blame him if he wanted to quite. Injuries are a part of the game, as it is for all sports.
I heard a interview with Dana White, president for the UFC, he was wondering why they give their athletes time out for about 3 months after a KO and that players in the NFL can play as soon as they want after a big hit. Think that the NFL needs to reflect around this. And it seems like the helmet to helmet hit is a problem that you need to face. If you have two 100kg heavy guys running at full speed into each other it will be a major collision. No wonder players get different head injuries. But it is a tough sport and every player knows whats going on. But still the league need to protect its players in the ways it can.

How much does a GM impact his team?

Tampa Bay has had some bad years but are now looking at the future with a positive vibe. They seem to be doing it right, mixing new young rockets with the "old" guys thats been around for a while. Stamkos seems to be shooting himself into the top of the NHL. and with players like Gagne, LeCavalier, St Louis, Kubina, and Öhlund they have a decent ground to stand on. Defensman Hedman that are said to be next big thing, not just in length, he his a big guy, but he is also a very good defensman.
Yzerman has done wonders so far. what will he be able to do for Tampa until next season?


The NHL have lots of fun players to follow right now and as a Swede there is both good news and bad news.
Some good news: Lindbäck at the Predeators have been playing real good and haven't lost a game so far. Lundqvist is the star at Manhattan alongside with speedskater and sniper Gaborik. We also got a new captain in the NHL, Sedin got the big C on his shirt and that is a huge honour.
I sense that Loui Eriksson will be even more important for his Dallas this season. Can he score over 40?

The bad news for Sweden: The Mule is injured again. Many of the newcomers have been sent to the AHL. The NHL doesn't pay that much for a swedish player, and the teams can afford to take a chance on a european and if he doesnt work out they just puts him in AHL. The problem with this is that the League in Sweden is hurting. The top players, the young players are all taking the chance in the NHL, and I would too if I got the chance. It is a chance of a lifetime. But the swedish hockey is not as it once was. we still educate good players and goalies. but we just don't get to see them in our domestic league.

Hockey is back!

Watched the game between the Leafs and the Penguins. Its nice to see that Toronto is playing with bigger confident than last season. Gustavsson did some great saves to keep his team in the game.

Im wondering what Buffalo is thinking about MacArthur? They let him go on a free transfer and now he has scored 4 goals so far. MacArthur played well as the whole team did.
Kaberle and Phaneuf will be a huge asset in PP. Kaberle's assist on one of MacArthurs goals were a treat.
The penguins hasn't started the league in a very positive way but with players as Crosby and Malkin they will be playing when the Stanley Cup is on.

There has only been a few games so far and to be reading anything in the result at this time would be foolish.

BUT, Ovie has started producing early and a lot, this might very well be his year. even though he's been the top player for some seasons now. The capitals probably wants to play way further in the spring next year then last time. Bäckström and Ovie will lead this team into victory? the future will tell.

this was my first writing and just a few thoughts.