Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs

This past Saturday I shot the Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs game at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, MI. (Special thanks to Dave!!)  The Joe is one of the oldest arena's still being played in by NHL teams.  I got to experience my first toss of the octopus.  Legend has it, "Each tentacle of the octopus was symbolic of a win in the playoffs. Back then, the NHL boasted only six teams, and eight wins (two best-of-seven series) were needed to win the Stanley Cup. The Red Wings swept the series that year."  This started in 1952 and has been their good luck charm to this day.

5 minutes into the first, forward Henrik Zetterberg scored a power play goal on Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer.  Halfway through the second, another power play goal was scored. This time by forward Tomas Holmstrom.  In the third, Jiri Hudler's slap shot founds it's way into the back of the net putting the Wings up 3-2.  At 13 left in the third, the Wings goalie Jimmy Howard was injured.  Backup goalie Joey MacDonald replaced him to play the final 13 minutes, making 7 saves. With a minute left in the third the Maple Leafs goalie was pulled and veteran forward Todd Bertuzzi scored an empty netter. 

The Red Wings won 4-2.

Howard is currently day-to-day with a sprained left shoulder.

Shutout Saturday at the Coliseum

The New York Islanders took on the Los Angeles Kings this past Saturday at the Nassau Coliseum and defeated them 3-0.  Goaltender Al Montoya #35 made 35 saves, this was his first start as a New York Islander, and first NHL career shutout.  Forward Frans Nielsen #51 is the first player in the NHL to score five shorthanded goals in the 2010-2011 season as he dominated the penalty killing to put the Isles on the board. This was followed with forward Matt Moulson #26 scoring the remaining two goals against his brother-in-law, Kings goalie Jonathan Quick.  The New York Islanders hosted the Florida Panthers today and won 5-1.

Bridgeport V. Norfolk - Game 1

On Friday, January 14th, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers took on the Norfolk Admirals at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.  The Admirals first goal was just 3:03 into the game.  But just before the first period ended, the Sound Tigers tied up the game with a goal from number 25, Brett Motherwell. 

During a second period power play, the Admirals took the lead to make it 2-1.  But Michael Haley, 18, tied up the game.  That was short lived though, as the Admirals responded with another goal during their man-advantage to make it 3-2.  At the end of the second period a few punches were thrown as players were getting ready to head to the locker rooms.

Just 5 minutes into the third period the Admirals made it 4-2, and with 2:19 left in the game the Admirals stuck again to end the game at 5-2.  Goalie Mikko Koskinen, made 30 saves that night.

(Assistant Coach Matt Bertani)

Hockey in Virginia

This weekend I am out shooting the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.  Here are some screen shots from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers website where my photos are used from last nights game. The Sound Tigers are taking on the Norfolk Admirals, in Norfolk, Virginia at the Scope Arena.  (The Admirals are the Tampa Bay Lightening NHL affiliate.)  Last nights game the Sound Tigers were defeated by the Admirals 5-2.  Tonight the match up beings at 7:15pm and will be played on pink ice.  The Admirals participate in an annual "Pink in the Rink" event where the ice is dyed pink to bring awareness to breast cancer and to help raise money for the Tidewater branch of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The second screen shot is about the recently signed  forward Olivier Labelle and defenseman Wes O'Neill to professional tryout contracts (PTO).  This is O'Neill's second PTO with the team. 

The third screen shot is for a preview on Saturday nights game.

Check back for more photos from each individual game. Have a great weekend everyone. Go Steelers!

Islanders goaltender Kevin Poulin and forward Jeremy Colliton

These photos are from my trip to Bridgeport, CT in November.  I decided now is a great time to post these because the goalie featured, 20 year old Kevin Poulin, was recently called up to the New York Islanders.  Poulin made his NHL debut Friday, January 7th, to relieve goaltender Nathan Lawson, when the Isles took on the Edmonton Oilers but then lost 2-1.  There he made 19 saves.  Poulins first NHL win was earned against the Colorado Avalanche in Colorado, the very next day.  The Islanders left with a 4-3 win in overtime.  Poulin had 34 saves.
The photos also feature forward Jeremy Colliton (wearing the A in the Sound Tiger jersey), in November he was signed to a one year, two-way NHL/AHL contract.  His rookie season was in 2005-06 where he played 19 games with the Islanders.  Recently, he was called up again on Friday, January 7th to replace Frans Nielsen who was questionable because of a groin injury.  Colliton scored two goals during the Avalanche game on Saturday to assist with their win.

In the game below, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers won against the Portland Pirates 3-0.  Also, please note one of the best fans I have ever seen below.  This kid was screaming for "Storm" the Sound Tigers mascot at the top of his lungs.