USA Hockey/2010 IIHF World Championships: Where Were You?

USA Hockey won a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament. The United States men’s team are ranked 5th in the world.

At the Germany 2010 World Ice Hockey Championship the United States struggled to score goals and possess the puck, were beaten three straight times and eliminated.

The United States selection for the Germany 2010 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championships lost to first Germany in front of nearly 80,000 spectators (2:1 sudden death OT), then Denmark (2:1 sudden death OT), and finally Finland (3:2) resulting in their unceremonious, and perhaps undeserved, exit from the tournament.

None of the losses was an embarrassment on the scoreboard. But if you were to look at the record of the United States team over the years in major international tournaments, you would see that they have rarely lost to either Germany or Denmark. Thus the results were quite embarrassing regardless of the score. This raises the question “Why did we crash out of this tournament in such spectacular ‘crash and burn’ fashion?”

Was the selection not strong enough? Was the effort not enough? Were our opponents simply better regardless of who we put in a United States sweater? Had the Stanley Cup Finals poached the best players from the USA team?

The USA had some mean talent to be sure at the IIHF Worlds:

Brandon Dubinsky, who was, quite frankly, unlucky to not be selected for the Olympic team for Vancouver 2010.

Jack Johnson of the Los Angeles Kings, who was selected for the Olympics and still saw fit to represent his country after playing 92 matches between the NHL season, the Olympic tournament, and the Stanley Cup’s first round. He was the only player who accepted an invitation to be on this team of those that represented the USA in the Olympics.

Scott Clemmensen, a fine goaltender. He certainly has given the New York Rangers fits over the years while he played for their bitter Hudson River rivals the New Jersey Devils.

And the talent level doesn’t decrease at all after these three...however the experience level in international competition drops dramatically.

If it was the goal of USA Hockey to get more of its young stars experience on the world stage regardless of the result, then mission accomplished.

If not, the Germany 2010 tournament raises some serious questions about the selectors at USA Hockey, the desire of the American players to represent their country or perhaps both.

It’s easy enough to round up the highest level of talent for the Olympic Games ice hockey tournament. The Olympics presents a global stage to showcase the ability of hockey players with a captive television audience of billions. The IIHF Worlds on the other hand is probably not seen by that many people in the United States and it is likely that the USA selectors struggle to scrape up a competitive team.

This begs the question “Are the IIHF World Championships not as important as the Olympic ice hockey tournament?”

It’s not difficult to imagine a player’s agent advising them to decline participation in the IIHF Worlds. After the grueling 82 match season of the NHL, and in some instances the first round of the Stanley Cup, plus perhaps other international competition such as the Olympics or the IIHF World Junior Championships, one could see how players might be a bit sore and tired. Perhaps they are even carrying an injury after that level of prolonged gritty competition.

The conclusion that it seems safe to draw, is that representing the United States in the Olympics is glamourous, and doing the same for the IIHF Worlds is anonymous. That is a sad commentary on the national pride of our ice hockey players.

Part of the problem is the timing of the IIHF Worlds, which begins during the Stanley Cup Finals. The only players from the NHL that are available for selection for the IIHF Worlds, are from teams that failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Finals, and teams that are eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup.

Jack Johnson represented his country in both tournaments. Alexander Ovechkin represented his country in both tournaments.

I have the greatest respect for the men that wore the USA sweater in this year’s edition of the IIHF World Ice Hockey Championship. They battled hard, and did their best.

But could we have fielded a more experienced team?

So for America...why not:

Chris Drury
Brian Boyle
Zach Bogosian
Tim Gleason
Ryan Malone
Mike Lundin
Rob Schremp
Keith Ballard
Phil Kessel
Erik Johnson
Ty Conklin
David Backes
James Wisniewski
Bobby Ryan
Matt Niskanen
R.J. Umberger
Ryan Whitney
Patrick O’Sullivan
Tom Gilbert
Lee Stempniak
Chris Butler
Drew Stafford
Jason Pominville
Ryan Miller
Tim Kennedy
Patrick Kaleta
Paul Gaustad
Ryan Stoa
Paul Stastny
Jon-Michael Liles
Craig Anderson
Rob Scuderi
Jonathan Quick
Scott Parse
Jeff Halpern
Dustin Brown
Colin Wilson
Ryan Suter
David Legwand
Francis Buillon

The list of eligible players to represent the USA in the IIHF World Championship is larger than this, but I grew weary and a bit jaded compiling it.

It is my hope that in future international tournaments that USA Hockey publish the list of players invited, and also a list of players that decline the opportunity to represent their country, perhaps showing a reason of why they chose not to participate.

American professional hockey players...where were you when America crashed out of the 2010 IIHF Worlds?

Were you invited by the USA Hockey selectors? Did you decline? Were you hurt? Did you have a family emergency?

Where were you?

New York Rangers: 10 Positive Things about the 2009-10 season

The Rangers 2009-10 season ended in disappointment. On Sunday April 11th they traveled to Philadelphia, PA to play the Flyers. At stake: the 8th and final Eastern Conference berth into the Stanley Cup. The winner to go into the Cup, the loser to go home. Tied at 1:1, neither team could break the deadlock after 65 minutes. The Flyers won the ensuing shootout 2 goals to 1.

Rather than piss and moan about any perceived shortcomings in the team or organization, I choose to profile (in no particular order) ten positive things for the club going forward.

1. Henrik is King

Despite seeing more rubber than the Bridgestone tire factory this year , Henrik Lundqvist kept his saves percentage at a royal .921. Not too shabby. Henrik is still the King of New York City. Lundqvist faced 2109 shots this year, the third most of any goalie this season. It’s an average of roughly 29 shots a game. To allow this many shots per game is considered very high by professional standards. What it also means is the Rangers had better play up and reduce that number next year to assuage a rightfully grumpy king.

2. Emergence of Ryan Callahan

No, Callahan didn’t set NHL scoring records this year. What he did do is quietly put together a decent season of two-way hockey, and was named one of the team’s two alternate captains. In the future, I believe that the Rangers will be Callahan’s team to lead. Moderate in stature, Callahan is outstanding in terms of leadership, heart, and commitment. Though he finished with 37 points, he finished third in the league in hits - dishing out no less than 285 punishing body checks. Callahan also blocked 81 shots. Callahan was also selected to the 2010 United States Olympic team.

3. Marc Staal...The Professional

Staal has quietly become one of the best defenders in the league. Not only did Staal finish with 27 points and a club high +11, he went on a mini goal scoring tear at the end of the season. Credited with 178 hits and 97 blocked shots.

4. Dan Girardi Packs His Lunchpail...All Year

I firmly believe that Dan Girardi would run through a wall if it would help the Rangers to victory. A steady and consistent defender, nothing flashy, Girardi turns up every day with his A-game. He played all 82 games this season, and blocked 180 shots, 6th best in the league. Girardi was credited with 178 hits this season.

5. Heart Transplant and the Birth of Artie’s Crash Crew

During the bulk of the season it was no secret that the Rangers were a little soft in the toughness department. This was underscored in a match against Philadelphia, when one of Philadelphia’s gooners roughed up Ranger’s star forward Marian Gaborik.

There was also a cross-check to the head of Ranger captain Chris Drury in Calgary that resulted in an injury and games missed. There was no response to this incident.

When officiating fails to police the conduct of players in the NHL, it falls to the “sheriff” of each team to take care of business and explain, in no uncertain terms, what is unacceptable. Donald Brashear was unable to fulfill his responsibilities in this role, and got sent to the minors. The Rangers addressed this vacancy by acquiring forwards Jody Shelley, and Brandon Prust. Not only have they kept the peace, but they also started to score goals at the end of the season, no doubt in part because they were teamed up with skillful and responsible rookie center Artem Anisimov.

6. Marian Gaborik

Gaborik’s detractors said that his injury problems would hamper and ultimately hasten the end of his career in the NHL. He left his critcs slack-jawed by playing 76 games for the Rangers and scoring 42 goals in the process, 14 on the Rangers’ ailing power play. (Scoring in general improved for the team this season, with Vaclav Prospal and Brandon Dubinsky adding 20 goals each. Ryan Callahan scored 19 goals.)

7. Erik Christensen

For a player claimed off of waivers, Christensen did a very good job of stepping in to help out a struggling team. In addition to scoring 26 points in 58 games, Christensen also finished the season +11 in plus/minus, tied for team best with Marc Staal. Christensen finished the season centering the Rangers’ top line.

8. Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal

One of the best value deals in NY Rangers history. $1.1 Million for one year, 20 goals and 38 assists for 58 points in 75 games. Prospal was also named an alternate captain early on in the 2009-10 campaign.

9. Michael Del Zotto

In a fine debut year, Del Zotto scored 9 goals and 37 points in 80 games. Although he finished -20 in plus/minus, you get the feeling that Del Zotto will iron out his defensive responsibilities without sacrificing the offensive displays that have helped make the Rangers an exciting team to watch.

10. Avery the Agitator

On the strength of 11 goals and 20 assists in 69 games, Sean Avery continues to aid the Rangers in their fight for victory in a style that is not in the least quiet and reserved.

Add to this a wealth of young talent in the system, and there is good cause for optimism. Stay tuned, as the Rangers retool for a new campaign. Don’t be surprised if the Rangers trade up for picks in the draft, and if televised, definitely check out the Prospects Tournament in Traverse City, MI.

Saturday Morning Painfully Early Football: Schalke 04 v. Bayern Munchen

Jermaine Jones isn't even in the substitutes bench for Schalke. Therefore, I am going back to bed. Please Schalke, telephone me when you plan to play him, and I'll watch if the telecast is available. Guten nacht Deutchland.

Better Know a US Footballer: Jared Jeffrey, FSV Mainz

At the tender age of 19 he is just on solid food. He attended the IMG Soccer Academy. He has 7 caps and 1 goal for United States youth teams. For the last two years he toiled in the reserves for Club Brugge in Belgium, but never earned a first team place there.

In the 2009-10 winter transfer window, Jared signed a contract with FSV Mainz of the German Bundesliga. Perhaps it will be a fresh start in the Rhineland for the American midfielder. Such American football luminaries such as Conor Casey, and Oguchi Onyewu used to toil for Mainz. Young Preston Zimmerman is also there, with the amateur team FSV Mainz 05 II.

Here’s hoping you get a decent run-out in Germany Jared.

Better Know a US Footballer: Seb Harris, Northampton Town

You may or may not have heard of him, but Seb Harris left his place in the PDL’s Michigan Bucks in 2009 to give it a shot in Jolly Old.

Sebastian ‘Seb’ Harris, the former Oakland University Golden Grizzly (12 goals in 45 appearances), now plays for Northampton Town in England’s League Two. He has made 6 appearances for The Cobblers in all competitions, scoring one goal - a late winner against Cheltenham.

Former Northampton gaffer Stuart Gray had this to say about Seb (August 2009):

“...He is very raw, but he is full of energy and has plenty of enthusiasm. He has caught our eye with his displays in training and he will be staying with us until the end of the year.”

“He has a lot of good attributes, he has pace and is good in the air and with day in, day out coaching and training here we think he will improve.”

“Seb is a player who is work in progress but we are happy to give him the time to develop and we think there is potentially a good player there...”

His current manager Ian Sampson said (March 2010):

“He's worked ever so hard and improved a lot since Christmas.”

"It's not easy to come such a distance and try your luck in the English game. It's a totally different environment. He deserves quite a few plaudits.”

The Rochester, Michigan native also played for the Michigan Bucks of the Premier Development League appearing 14 times and scoring 1 goal.

Good on ye Seb, we hope you make it.

New York Rangers: White Flag From Slats, With A Tin Lining

If the Jokinen/Prust for Kotalik/Higgins deal goes through - and that’s a big if, you might wonder how this deal helps either New York or Calgary. The name of the game is Admit You Made a Mistake, And Dump Salary. Sather and Sutter are ready to play.

This is the way you play:

First you make a horrible sports management decision and sign an underachieving player to a multi-year contract. Then realizing how badly you screwed up, you deal that player for another high-priced underachiever - provided that high-priced underachiever has a contract that expires at the end of the season. If the player helps you...fine. If he doesn’t, you can release him to free agency anyway. It’s a best case scenario for a player that you know you couldn’t get anything good for in a trade.

Calgary gets: Higgins will either help and get re-signed, or he will drop into the free agent market, opening up $2.25M in the salary cap. Kotalik may or may not help the Flames. What Calgary does gain from this is a player with two years and change left on his contract, instead of Jokinen who would’ve probably become a free agent at the end of the year. Calgary also immediately sheds $500K from their salary cap total.

New York gets: Jokinen who will either help or not. If he helps, they may choose to re-sign him. If he doesn’t the Rangers will release him into free agency and will immediately clear $5.25M in salary cap room. Prust not only provides youth, but perhaps will add the toughness that Voros and Brashear failed to consistently provide this year. If Prust makes it on Broadway, it will be the tin lining of the storm cloud that is the Rangers salary cap situation. If Prust is a wash, he can be released to free agency at the end of the season clearing $500K in the salary cap.

New York Rangers: To Trade Or Not To Trade?

The New York Rangers have become victims of their own prosperity. I sometimes wonder if it would be better if the Rangers had the budget and assets of a small market club, as then they couldn’t afford to meet the astronomical salary demands of would-be saviors.

With a salary cap of $56.8M, the Rangers have only $312K remaining. This has become common knowledge and has been written about extensively. The current payroll situation of the Rangers will determine their trade deadline strategy. And that strategy is perhaps to make no trades at all.

The temptation would be to try to acquire Ilya Kovalchuk from Atlanta at the trade dealine this March. Kovalchuk is a big, strong, fast, and tough player that scores loads of goals. Atlanta seem to have no chance of re-signing him, and will try to get as much as possible for the franchise cornerstone they are about to lose. The Rangers should definitely RESIST this temptation. The price for Kovalchuk is simply too high. Atlanta has already asked the LA Kings for Jack Johnson, and a laundry list of young prospects. The Rangers cannot afford to trade away their developing young talent at this stage. Even if the Rangers could get Kovalchuk without completely mortgaging the future, they would be in the same predicament with the salary cap that is inhibiting their trade options. Also, Kovalchuk's contract would still expire at the end of the season.

If Kovalchuk isn’t traded either by the trade deadline or at this Summer’s draft, he will become an unrestricted free agent. The Rangers don’t have blockbuster free agent cash or cap room at this stage, so it’s my belief that the Kovalchuk to the Rangers scenario is a dead issue with the Rangers’ current payroll configuration.

No GM in the NHL with any sense left is going to go anywhere near the bloat-tastic salaries of the New York Rangers' Chris Drury, Michael Roszival, or Wade Redden. No one in the NHL is taking on players of that salary, even players who are relatively young AND producing.

Any player young enough and skilled enough to be an interesting trade option for the New York Rangers is likely to demand too much salary, and that player’s club will demand far too many of the Rangers young prospects and/or draft picks in return.

The situation between the Rangers' cap bloat and a string of poor results is quickly approaching a flashpoint. Approaching a flashpoint much as it did a year ago when then head coach Tom Renney was fired. Clearly there will be changes in personnel. The question is: Will it be players moving on, or management or both? At this point it looks like both the jobs of coach John Tortorella and general manager Glen Sather are in serious jeopardy. Something must break.

The answer to the Rangers problems may lie within the organization...

Drury produces respectable numbers for a player making half his salary. Therefore, something must be done about it. Drury has a no movement and a no trade clause in his contract. Therefore he can’t be sent to the minors to clear cap room, and he can’t be traded without his consent. Even if Drury gave his consent, it is debatable that any teams would have him at a $7.05M cap hit. There is an additional wrinkle in that Drury is the captain of the team. Therefore the club has no room to maneuver without Drury’s consent. It would seem that the Rangers and Drury are stuck with each other until 2012.

Hope is not lost though. The Rangers have a number of prospects waiting in the wings at their Hartford AHL affiliate. Though it might be debatable whether or not these young players are ready for the NHL, it would appear the Rangers have cornered themselves into accelerating their development.

If the Rangers send Wade Redden, and Michael Roszival to the Hartford Wolf Pack, that would free up $11.5M in the salary cap. They would have to clear waivers, but I doubt that any other NHL club could afford to take on their salaries. The alternative would be to continue on as it stands, rewarding players who produce subpar results with first team places until 2012 for Roszival, and/or 2014 for Redden. The status quo isn’t working, and the Rangers’ management is in a position where it must either send a clear message that failure to produce results will result in serious consequences, or the club will surely be forced into firing, or calling for the resignations of Tortorella and Sather.

Defensemen Bobby Sanguinetti and Ilkka Heikkinen have spent some time this year with the Rangers and acquitted themselves reasonably well. Although they would lack the experience and seasoning of Roszival and Redden, the Rangers might gain an edge in speed, grit, and enthusiasm by promoting Sanguinetti, and Heikkinen.

The newfound cap space could be used to sign or trade for four or five players of essentially the same quality that Roszival and Redden are currently displaying. Perhaps the open cap space could be used to promote Corey Locke who is leading the Hartford Wolf Pack with 19 goals and 53 total points. Locke cannot be promoted until cap space is cleared or until another player is demoted to Hartford to open enough cap room. Hartford’s Dale Weise and P.A. Parenteau have also shown an ability to score goals.

Another problem has been the Rangers lack of toughness. The Rangers lack an enforcer that strikes fear into the hearts of the NHL’s evil-doers. The attempts of Donald Brashear, and Aaron Voros to fill this void have been less than convincing. Both players should be sent down to Hartford, or traded. Perhaps Dane Byers from Hartford, who has also spent time this year in a Rangers sweater could become a tough guy that might actually score a goal or two. Weise and Devin DiDiomete might also lend some toughness, and Weise can actually score goals as he has 15 already for Hartford this season.

Winger Ales Kotalik has at times produced, but more often that he scores goals, he creates goals for the opposition with his propensity to turn the puck over at the worst possible times, and in the worst possible areas of the ice. He makes $3M/year. If they must trade someone, perhaps a solution is Kotalik to a team for a draft pick. At this point, even a third round choice would be meaningful in return for Kotalik.

There is another far less attractive option to opening cap space. The Rangers can admit their mistake of overpaying Drury, Roszival, and Redden and buyout the remainder of their contracts for the purposes of releasing them. This may not even be possible depending on how leveraged the Rangers already are against the sale value of the club.

If Drury, Roszival, and Redden wanted to truly demonstrate their commitment to win to their teammates they can request that their contracts be restructured to open cap space. I wouldn’t hold my breath for that though, as why should they give up anything they have earned so far? Just to help an organization that can’t mind it’s own finances? Not likely.

It must be pointed out that the aforementioned players are good players. The fact of the business of professional hockey is that in the absence of positive results, changes must be made. The worse the Rangers results, the closer the club is to making changes with player personnel and/or with management personnel. Finger-pointing must end. Results must be achieved. It is my belief that the Rangers would be best served by completing the rebuild that was started when Enver Lisin, Artem Anisimov, Matt Gilroy, and Michael Del Zotto made the first team last Fall. Potential talent must be tested to see if it is actual talent. Grumpy and disruptive elements must be moved on or sent down.

Currently the Rangers are teetering at the edge of qualification for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Should Atlanta win their match today against Philadelphia, the Rangers will fall into 9th place, just outside the qualification zone. Although the Rangers have 28 games left to play, their current form of three wins in their last ten games doesn’t inspire confidence.

Should the Rangers fail to make the playoffs, or make the playoffs and crash out in the first or second round, Rangers supporters and fans would hope a severe reckoning awaits both players and management at the end of play this year.