Since it is the middle of July and the snow finally melted in Minnesota hockey has come to a stand still for me.  So there is no better time to whip out something that is meaningless but fun nonetheless, Ranking NHL Jerseys.   These rankings are completely subjective and possbily influenced by a couple beers, but I was wondering if other people felt the same as me. Wether you scratch your head at some designs,  puke or say, I want that!

The best:

1: Montreal Canadiens:  CH "club de hockey" is awesome, even inspired St. clouds jersey

2.  Detriot:  Just two colors but the tire logo is great

3. Hartford whalers:  Best vintage jersey.

4: Blackhawks: i'd get mine with Griswold on the back.

5. St. Loius Blues:  Nice, jazzy

6. NY Rangers:   just classy, just brush off the Sather slime

7. NJ Devils: simple but fashionable

8. Canes-  the best of the new series of jersys.

9. OIlers: the blue and orange are such opposites but look great together.

10. North Stars:  how many jerseys can you buy with cardinal directions on them.

11. Nordiques:  look what Colorado did was like defacing the Mona Lisa.   

12. Flyers:  even Forsberg looked good in this costume.

 

Worst or stupidest:

1: The original Vancouver "V" shirt.   just crap. 

2: Old Mighty ducks.  God, can a grown man where this in public.  did the players ever say, do we really have to step out of the ice with these on?  Proof disney sucks

3. Old coyotes:  gotta say the new ones are okay, but the old ones came from a Jim Morrison dream.  maybe the coyote witht he hockey stick represents the long held hockey traditions in the, um, desert.  

4.  Minnesota wild:   Its christmas time! Can somebody tell me what the logo is?  Is it an ink blot test? what the hell is a "Wild"?  

5. Thrashers:   those arenot hockey colors.    Figure skaters wouldn't wear colors like that.

6. Boston.  Does the B mean boring.  all the original six jerseys are awesome, but this ?  I just can't say I trust anybody wearing this.   

 

 

 

     The balance of European power is swaying in a sea of change. The lucky Turks and the awakening of the Russian bear loom upon the traditional European powerhouses.  However, the Germans are still alive after beating the crafty Portuguese with sublime play, planning and movement almost reminiscent of the von Schliefen Plan.  Tomorrow's match of Spain's Armada of individual talent and Italy's aging gladiators will decide which new upstart the winner will face.  

    The Turks have certainly used all nine lives and are looking to eclipse their own excellent display since the 2002 world cup showing.  How can anyone wager against a team that has come from behind in such dramatic fashion in so many successive games? Turkish keeper Rustu went from zero to hero in just minutes.  On Wednesday the Turks will relish their chances of being outplayed for 90 minutes but yet finding some fascinating way to pull off the unpredictable.   The Russian's on the other hand will not rely on their nations best weapon against aggressive opposition, the long cold winter.   Their number 10 will melt away the cold with blazing runs and hardened determination. 

      The Turks and Russians are leaving off wear the Greeks and the Danes of '92 left off. This is the best new wave, since the 80's, when New Wave actually, well, sucked.  But anyway, a Turkey-Russia final would be nice future encouragement for small footballing countries such San Marino, Luxemburg and England to have hope.     

The olympics are coming soon and its not too early to talk about what the US team will look like in two years.  Over the past decade our former super stars like Modano, Hull,  Leetch and Hatcher did their duty and won the 96 world cup and now their time has come.  One of the more promising groups of young Americans are coming through and I think they will be able to challange the likes of Canada and Sweden.   

Projected Line up.

Offense:                      in red is a probable Canuck team! 

 Jason  Blake (MN)    /   Paul Statsny  (MO) /  Patrick Kane (NY)

Heatley             /       Lecavalier  /                             St. Louis

Brian Rolston (MI)  /  Matt Cullen  (MN)   /   Peter Mueller (MN)

Nash                /    Crosby          /                              Iginla 

 Zach Parise (MN)   /  Chris Drury  (CT)   /  Brian Gionta (NY)

Smyth               /  Spezza        /                            Gange

 Chris Higgins (NY)   / Scott Gomez (AK)   /  Eric Cole (NY)

Stillman          /     Thornton   /                            Perry

 Defence:

          Erik Johnson (MN)   /    Brian Rafalski (MI)

          Ryan Whitney (MA)   /   Keith Ballard (MN) 

         Joe Corvo (IL)    /   Paul Martin   (MN)    

 

in Goal:     

             Ryan Miller (MI)            

          Back up:    Dipietro

 

To me I think the defence is looking a little weak, but the offence looks young and very skillfull.  I haven't a clue who i would have coach the team.  I'd say no to Tortorella.  I would go outside the box and have Brian Leetch take the helm, have a college hockey coach like Lucia or Berenson do it.  

I know the season is only three games so far but with Backstrom having 2 shutouts in three games and having a ridiculous GAA and Sv Pct,   I have good reason to think he is already in line for the Venzina trophy.  I know he is going to have competition from Luongo because he is always good and brodeur, but the Devils most likely wont make the playoffs.   I think Martin Gerber might challenge this year as well, its always nice to play behind a stellar team like the sens.  Nikl-Back might not put up the most wins but i'm pretty sure he will put up the best save pct. and GAA.     Who do think will win the Vezina? 

Here is my Northwest Division final standings for next year.

 

1. Calgary.  They kept Iginla and Kipper. Dion Ph. will continure to be a top d-man.  I think their new coach will also bring a winning attitude to the franchise. 

2. The MN Wild.  If Gaborik plays the entire season, count on the Wild winning a majority of their games.  Backstrom will win the Vezina. the Wild's d-Fence first policy will only help Backstrom. Not to mention the best fighter in league Boogaard!!!!  

3. Colorado Avalanche.  the addition of Smyth is instant class.  Sakic, no matter how old he is can score goals. if only the Avs had quality in the goal region, maybe they could top out the NW.  

4.  Vanocuver.  The  new jerseys alone will relegate you into this position.   Not to mention you have over rated Swedes in your offense. Man that hurts.   Plus you have to play four games at the toughest road arena in the league, the excel energy center!   

5. Oilers.    Are they still in the Northwest division? I cant remember. Didn't Pronger play for them once?