Archive for NHL
Michael Ryder Raises the Cup
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Photo Courtesy cbc.ca
Boston Bruins Michael Ryder has reached the pinnacle of what many hockey players dream about. He can now call himself a Stanley Cup champion and take his place in the history books.
The Bonavista native became the second Newfoundlander to raise the Stanley Cup after the Bruins stunned the hockey world and defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4-0 in game seven.
Many people had written the Bruins off after Vancouver jumped out to a 2-0 series league but the Beantown heroes battled back at home to even the series at 2 games a piece. The teams traded home wins again, setting the stage for game 7 in Vancouver and there were those who thought the Bruins could go all the way, especially the fans in Ryder’s hometown.
In dramatic fashion, the Bruins did the unthinkable, upsetting the number one seed in the playoffs and put the game away with a decisive 4-0 victory.
It was unlike anything Ryder had ever experienced and he had described it as being “Almost like a dream.”
Ryder played a key role throughout the playoffs, contributing goals and points when needed as the Bruins continued through team after team in post-season.
The Stanley Cup will be making another trip to Newfoundland sometime this summer and Bonavista is sure to celebrate!
Newfoundlanders Destined for Cup Fame
Posted by: | CommentsIt’s unprecedented times here in Newfoundland and Labrador. There are many hockey players from the province that dream of one day raising the cup but in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs there will be at least one Newfoundlander who will get that opportunity.
In 2008, Dan Cleary became the first Newfoundlander to have his name engraved on the cup and to bring Lord Stanley’s trophy to the island. Unfortunately, Cleary and his Wings were eliminated in a nail biter last night when eliminated by the San Jose Sharks but that’s not the end of Newfoundlander’s fighting for the cup.
San Jose has Ryan Clowe in the lineup and he has proven to be a force in the playoffs. The Sharks’ leading scorer in the playoffs is well positioned with only 4 teams remaining.
We can’t forget Michael Ryder of the Bruins. He’s once again caught up in the thick of things as the Bruins will now square off against Tampa Bay and another Newfoundlander in Teddy Purcell in what’s looking to be a great series.
The Vancouver Canucks also have a Newfoundland connection but not on the ice. Darrell Williams is their video coach and he hails from St. John’s. Playing a pivotal role in the organization, Williams has the opportunity of a lifetime as the Presidents Cup winning Canucks continues its quest to Lord Stanley!
Exciting times for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Who do you have picked as the favourite?
Montreal Canadiens Win Against Washington Capitals
Posted by: | CommentsThe Montreal Canadiens have done the improbable. In defeating the Washington Capitals, the Montreal Canadiens not only advanced to round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they have become the first team to come back from a 3-1 defecit against the President Cup winners and steal a victory.
Game 7 of the series saw Montreal jump out to a 1-0 lead after the first period. The Habs played with heart in the second period, silencing the Capitals big line and then in the third period, the Canadiens took a 2-0 lead late into the 3rd period.
The Washington Capitals scored with a little over 2 minutes remaining to pull within a goal and with a late powerplay with only 1:44 left, Washington was unable to score.
The Canadiens move on to face the Penguins in round 2.
Wings Lose Game 3
Posted by: | CommentsThe Detroit Red Wings lose game 3 of the 2009 Stanley Cup final 4-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
With the loss, the Wings still lead the series 2-1, bringing Newfoundlander Daniel Cleary closer to his second cup. Will the Stanley Cup make its second trip to Newfoundland? That’s yet to be seen. Hopefully, the Wings will resume their winning ways and Daniel Cleary will be another game closer to his second cup.
Cleary Scores 2 to Lead Wings
Posted by: | CommentsDan Cleary scores 2 goals as he led the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Cleary was by far Detroit’s best player in the game.
After Detroit fell 1-0, Cleary evened the score early in the first period. With the goal, momentum swung to Detroit who then dominated the game. Cleary ended the game with 3 shots on goal and a +3 for the game, making him +13 for the playoffs.
As the only remaining Newfoundlander left in their chase for the cup, Dan Cleary hopes to bring the cup back to Newfoundland and Labrador once again.
Dan Cleary Scores a Big One
Posted by: | CommentsDan Cleary from Newfoundland, scored a big goal for the Detroit Red Wings, allowing them to advance to the next round of the 2008-09 playoffs.
With the score tied 3-3 late in the third period, Cleary batted the puck out of the air to score the game winner. The Detroit Red Wings now advance to the Western Conference Final against the Chicago Blackhawks in an original 6 matchup.
Will Cleary and his wings be heading back to the Stanley Cup finals? We can only hope!
Bruins Battle Back
Posted by: | CommentsFellow Newfoundland Michael Ryder and the Boston Bruins have come back from the brink of elimination to tie the series with the Carolina Hurricanes. With a 4-2 victory, the Bruins have tied the series, sending it to game 7.
The Bruins have a had a major battle with the Hurricanes, and if they can complete the comeback, they will have done what few teams have.
Michael Ryder has not been a major goal scoring threat in this series, but he did manage 1 assist tonight, bring his total to 5 goals, 7 assists (12 pts), placing him 12th in the NHL playoff scoring race.
Michael Ryder and his Bruins Near Elimination
Posted by: | CommentsWell, it’s about to happen. The Boston Bruins are being dominated by the Carolina Hurricanes, meaning that Newfoundlander Michael Ryder is nearing elimination from the 2008-09 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Since losing their first playoff game several days ago, the Bruins look defeated. Michael Ryder who was one of the scoring leaders up to the start of this series has been relatively quiet. The entire team is struggling.
Will Sunday’s game be the last for Michael Ryder and the Bruins?
Ryder’s Bruins Down 2-1
Posted by: | CommentsNewfoundland’s Michael Ryder and the Boston Bruins have fallen to 2-1 in their Round 2 playoff matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes with an overtime loss.
After running up 5 straight victories in the 2008-09 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Boston Bruins have lost 2 straight, giving the Hurricanes an early series lead. Michael Ryder has been quiet on the scoring front in Boston’s two losses and the Bruin’s defensive squad have allowed some soft goals in their 2 game skid.
One must wonder if Michael Ryder’s rise in the 2008-09 playoffs is over or if he will dig deep and show his scoring prowess in game 4.
Wings Lose 2-1 to Ducks
Posted by: | CommentsNewfoundlander Dan Cleary and his Detroit Red Wings have lost to the Ducks, and now trail 2-1 in the series.
Late in the 3rd period, it looked as if the Wings had tied the game but the referee had apparently blown the whistle, making the play “unreviewable” for video replay.
The Wings, last year’s defending Stanley Cup Champions now have their backs against the wall. Daniel Clearly logged a fair amount of ice time in the loss but played a very strong game for the wings.