All City Sports

Presidents' Trophy-winning Vancouver Canucks on the Verge of Elimination

2012-04-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Canucks are looking to prevent elimination tonight in game 4 at the Staples Centre, while the Kings are trying for their first ever sweep in a best-of-7 series.

Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick, Vezina trophy candidate for 2011-2012
Photograph by: Gerry Kahrmann, PNG/Postmedia News

Monday night, the Vancouver Canucks went down in the series 3-0 to LA, thanks to an impressive performance from Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick, who stopped all 41 shots for his eleventh shutout of the year. Tonight, they're hoping that star forward Daniel Sedin will return after missing 4 weeks with a concussion to prevent them from being only the sixth Presidents Trophy winners to lose in the first round of the playoffs. However, Canucks staff aren't rushing Daniel's comeback, saying they only want him to return when he's feeling 100 percent. On a side note, Daniel did practice with the team yesterday and says he's feeling better, which is good news for the Canucks.

Another tough decision for Canucks staff and head coach, is which goalie will start game 4. In the first two games, Roberto Luongo was between the pipes, allowing 7 goals on 64 shots. After two straight losses, head coach Alain Vigneault tried to get the team going by starting Cory Schneider. Despite losing game 3 as well, Schneider did only allow 1 goal on 20 shots. Luckily for the Kings, they don't have to think about their goaltending at all. Jonathan Quick, who has been stellar this series, boasts a .965 save percentage saving 111 out of 115 shots.

So which goalie do you think will be starting game 4 for the Canucks? Feel free to send us a message on twitter @ACSportsBlog.

St. Louis and San Jose: Game Two

2012-04-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

Dilip Vishwanat - Getty Images
San Jose's Goalie Antti Niemi

Tonight at 6:30 ET game two of the Blues vs. Sharks series will be under way.

The Sharks are coming off from a 3-2, 2OT win Thursday night, which will have to contribute to tonight’s play as they will be returning back to Scottrade Center for game two in the first round of playoffs. A less than anticipated win for the Sharks left the favorable Blues with a sour taste in their mouth, a win that had the potential to have gone either way, as it was stretched out to a second over time. Needless to say, the on road win definitely added some much needed momentum for the Sharks, but will that be enough for them to hold on for game two?

Niemi’s goaltending in game one was a huge aspect of their win Thursday, stopping 40 of 42 shots on net. However, will the sharks be able to rely on their net minder for another win tonight? The Blues outshot the sharks in all periods (with the exception of the third period) which does not help in making it any easier for Niemi. Most of St. Louis’ shots could be chalked up to their quite effective offence, and shot chances provided by the SJ defence.

Allowing the fewest shots per game in the league, the Blues defence has done an effective job in reducing the chances on net, and taking some work off of Halak. This being said, the 26 year old goaltender let in 3 for 34 shots, a lower than average save percentage than he is used to (his average being .926).

Tonight’s game is expected to be just as close as game one, but regardless of the outcome in game one, the Blues are still favored to take game two.

Have a question, comment, or just want to talk? Send us a message on Twitter @ACsportsblog

Formula Racer

2012-04-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

Play the ultimate flash Formula-1 racing challenge!

Play free games at Kongregate

Put this game on your blog or website!

Leafs Ron Wilson fired: Randy Carlyle named new Head Coach

2012-03-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

Leafs former head coach, Ron Wilson.

Early Friday evening, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson was fired. Just moments later, TSN reported that Randy Carlyle would be replacing Wilson as head coach.

Since Wilson was hired in summer 2008, he had not led the Leafs to the playoffs. His record this year was 29-28-7. Toronto hopes that their new coach will help them make the playoffs for the first time in over 6 years.

Randy Carlyle was an obvious candidate, seeing as how he played with Brian Burke in the late 2000's, and played with the Leafs for a number of years. Carlyle was fired by the Ducks earlier this year after having a not-so-impressive start to the season, 7-13-4. Although the Ducks didn't do well this year under Carlyle, he did lead them to five playoff runs in six years, and posted an impressive record of 273-182-61. Burke may be hoping that Carlyle's playoff and Stanley Cup experience will rub off on the team.

Despite a strong start to the season, the Leafs are struggling to make their way to 8th in the East, after being passed by Winnipeg and Washington. They won their last game over two weeks ago against the struggling Oilers. In their last 10 games, they have only been able to achieve 1 win, allowing 42 goals against and scoring only 23. After a horrific 1-8-1 streak during a crucial part of the season, the Leafs decided it was time for Wilson to go.

Over 40 Interesting Sports Facts

2012-03-01T22:23:00.000-08:00

We recently put up a new page full of interesting sports facts which you can view here. Check out just a few of the facts we added!

The first Olympic race ever held (in 776 BC) was won by a cook.
More than 100 million people hold hunting licenses.
Muhammad Ali lost to more amateur boxers than he did professional.
Sugar Ray Leonard won world titles in a record five different weight classes.
Babe Ruth wore a cabbage leaf under his cap every game to keep cool, and changed it every two innings.

Be sure to check out all of our latest sports facts by visiting the links above!

Top 20 Funniest Hockey Pictures

2012-02-27T20:04:00.000-08:00

A compilation 20 of the funniest hockey pictures from around the net (in no particular order)...

1. Dustin Brown's Backwards Water Bottle

2. I'm the Biggest Idiot Ever

3. Strange Defence

4. ...F*** YOU!

5. I Hate Her

6. Brotherly Love

7. Cloutier Ball

8. I smell...

9. Yet Another Crosby Sign

10. All I want for Christmas

11. Welcome Back Cindy

12. What We're Going as for Halloween

13. Pricele$$

14. I'd Give a Kidney

15. Let's Drop Some Coilers

16. More distracting than the Green Men

17. Hey Chelios!

18. One Passionate Fan

19. Gary Bettman's Career

20. Funny Fans

Jeff Carter Traded to Kings for Jack Johnson

2012-02-23T21:04:00.000-08:00

Columbus Blue Jackets Centre Jeff Carter

Just earlier tonight, a major trade was made between the Los Angeles King and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus' centre Jeff Carter made his way to LA in return for defenceman Jack Johnson and a first round pick in 2012 or 2013.

The Kings are hoping that their latest edition to the team will not only supply some offence, but also help them secure a playoff position. The Kings have only scored 129 goals this season, but are still hanging on to that eighth playoff position in the West. Carter has scored 14 goals and 25 points in 39 games so far this season, missing 20 due to a separated shoulder and broken foot.

On the other side of the deal, the Blue Jackets find themselves with veteran defenceman Jack Johnson, who moves to Columbus after being with the Kings for six years; ever since the 2006-07 season. Johnson has 8 goals and 24 points in 61 games so far this year with the Kings.

The Blue jackets also received a first round pick in either 2012 or 2013. It appears as though they are looking to rebuild for the future, seeing as how they won't be competing in the playoffs this year. They also wanted a first round pick in exchange for Rick Nash, as well as a goalie and first line defenceman.

So after this big deal, do you still think that Rick Nash will be gone before the trade deadline?

Tampa Bay Lightning trade James Wright and Mike Vernace

2011-12-02T16:23:00.000-08:00

A few moments ago, TSN's Bob McKenzie tweeted this: "Trade news: Lightning have traded F James Wright and D Mike Vernace to Florida in exchange for d-men Mike Kostka and Evan Oberg." (You can view the tweet here.)

We're Back!

2011-12-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile since this site has been updated, so I decided to start posting once again. If you have any suggestions or comments for content on this site, feel free to send me an email. But in the meantime, look out for new content coming to the site, and feel free to follow our blog!

- Thanks!

Anaheim Ducks fire Carlyle, and acquire ex Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau

2011-12-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

Late Wednesday night, after Anaheim's 4-1 victory over the Canadiens, the Ducks made their sudden move, firing their Cup-winning head coach Randy Carlyle. Carlyle had been with the Ducks for six seasons, leading them to a Stanley Cup and many playoff runs. Despite having many talented players on their roster, the Ducks are only 7-13-4; fifth in their division. Anaheim has only recorded three wins in their last 19 games.

Anaheim GM Bob Murray said that "At this time, we simply felt a new voice was needed. Bruce is a proven winner with a great track record, and we are optimistic we can turn this season around under his leadership.”

Boudreau says in an interview that he plans on restoring the Ducks' confidence, and hopes that he will be able to help in assisting the Ducks turn their season around.

Aaron Rome suspended 4 games, Horton out with concussion

2011-06-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

Aaron Rome ended up getting a 4 game suspension (the rest of the Stanley Cup Finals) for his hit on Bruins Nathan Horton early in game 3, the longest suspension ever handed out in Stanley Cup Finals history. Mike Murphy, senior vice president of hockey operations in the NHL, answered a few questions about the suspension,as he helped determine the penalty for Rome's hit.

"I take it very seriously, very seriously," Murphy said. "Aaron Rome is an important part of the Vancouver team. Guys play all their lives to get to this series on both teams, and you might never get back. That's all I can say. I do not make light of this. I wish I wasn't sitting here. I wish Aaron was playing, and I wish Nathan was playing.

Nathan Horton suffered a severe concussion on the hit, and will be out for the rest of the series, and begins his long road to recovery. Horton was tied in second for postseason points on the team, with 17.

Tim Thomas lays big hit on Henrik Sedin

2011-06-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

Halfway through the third, Tim Thomas shows that the players aren't the only ones that can throw big checks. Boston ended up winning the game 8-1.

Big Blowout in Boston

2011-06-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

8-1 was the final score tonight, more goals than the last two games combined. Boston scored four goals in the second period to lead 5-1 going into the second. Bostons special teams were on fire tonight, scoring two shorthanded and powerplay goals. They also had stellar defense, thanks to Tim Thomas.

"He never ceases to amaze me," saidBrad Marchand about Thomas' play after the victory. Thomas had a 40 save night, and also a big hit on Henrik Sedin halway through the third. Luongo only made 30 saves on 38 shots, and wasn't looking as sharp as he did the previous two games. But not everything went well for the Bruins tonight. Nathan Horton was sent away to the hospital on a stretcher early in the first period, on a questionable hit by Canucks defenseman A. Rome. He appeared to be knocked unconcious, as his eyes rolled back in his head as he lay on the ice. More news is yet to be announced on his status. One thing's for sure, game 4 will be an aggresive game, considering there were several game misconducts late in the game.

Sports Facts of the Day

2011-06-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike annually than all the factory workers in Malaysia combined?

Did you know that tug-of-war was an olympic event between 1900 and 1920.

Also, a Formula One race car generates so much downforce going at 120 miles per hour, that it's actually able to drive upside down on the roof of a tunnel. (They've actually tested it, too)

Boston Going Home Hungry

2011-06-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

Last nights overtime loss was a painful way to end the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals, but the Bruins are confident that this series is far from over.
All year they have proved that they have the ability to bounce back, as they showed in the Montreal and Tampa Bay series. They won the series against the Canadiens in 7 games, after being down 2-0, and they beat the Lightning despite of losing their first game as well.

"You just stick with it," said Bruins Andrew Ference. "They are tight games and will continue to be tight games. You just have to dig deep and get on the right side of it next time."

Throughout the series we've seen Tim Thomas make spectacular saves and help keep the games close, but a lot of the goals scored on him have been by players taking advantage of his aggressive play-style. Last nights OT winner is one example, where Burrows faked the shot to pull Thomas out of his crease, then wrap it around the net.

"Losing stinks no matter what. So it's not something that you want to do, but we've got to move forward," said Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas.

Boston is looking to win both games at home, and revive their chances of winning the Cup.

Game 2 Stanley Cup Finals - Canucks looking to make it two in a row

2011-06-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

After Wednesday's close game that Vancouver stole with 19 seconds remaining, the Canucks are looking to win both games at home. But there are some setbacks. With Hamhuis out of the line due to an injury suffered in game 1, the Canucks will be short a valuable defensemen, and will really have to prove their skill and depth on defence. We do not know if Vigneault will juggle the lines as of yet. One things for sure though, Boston will be looking to take advantage of this injury. After being shutout in game 1, expect to see a more aggressive play style in the offensive zone, and maybe Chara will be at the point instead of in front of the net. You can watch the game tonight on CBC at 8 ET. So, who do you think will win game 2?

Canucks Steal the Game with the One (and only) Goal

2011-06-02T21:45:00.000-07:00

With 70 shots and almost 30 penalty minutes, you'd think that this would be a high scoring game, but there ended up only being one goal Wednesday night. With only 19 seconds left in the game, a streaking Raffi Torres received a pass from Hansen about five feet in front of the crease, and tapped the puck into the wide open net. Luongo was the first star, getting a 36 save shutout, followed by Thomas and Torres as second and third star. All 5 previous teams that have shutout the opposing team in game 1 have ended up winning the Stanley Cup... a sign of things to come? Game 2 will be played on Saturday night in Vancouver, before going to Boston for 2 games.

Random Sports Fact of the Day

2011-06-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

Did you know that in the NHL, there used to be a rule saying that the team captain had to be on the ice at all times? There was also a rule that kicking the puck with your skate resulted in a penalty.

After 15 Years, Hockey Comes Back to Winnipeg!

2011-05-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

The Jets team over 15 years ago.

Today, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the NHL officially announced that a deal had been made, and that the Atlanta Thrashers are now moving to Manitoba's capital, Winnipeg. Thousands of fans in Winnipeg wore Jets paraphernalia and paraded the streets in celebration, playing road hockey all day long. There were so many people at the city's historic intersection on Portage Avenue and Main street that buses actually changed their routes around it. The name for the team is yet to be announced, but some possibilities are the Winnipeg Jets (obviously), Falcons, or Moose.

NHL Playoff Games Tonight

2011-05-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

Sharks VS Canucks in the 2011 Western Conference Finals

The Sharks play their first game of the series in Vancouver tonight, (20:00 ET) as both teams are looking to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals for their first Cup in franchise history. San Jose came off of a close series with Detroit after blowing a 3-0 series lead, and won game 7 by just one goal, while the Canucks won their series in 6. Both teams are determined and able to win, and I predict that this will be a very close and intense series to watch.

Tampa Bay Lights up the Bruins

2011-05-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

After a 3-0 lead for Tampa just ten minutes into the game, it seemed as though game 1 had already fallen out of reach for the Bruins. Which it had. Tampa Bay ended up winning the game 5-2 with a late empty-netter, and took game 1 away from their home ice. But not all was bad for the Bruins. The game was very close despite the scoreboard, and a few players for Boston played very well, especially the 19 year-old Tyler Seguin. Playing in his first NHL game ever, the youngster opened up the scoring for the Bruins with a nifty dangle past a Lightning defenseman, and got an assist on the Bruins only other goal. He finished even on the night with two points.

Derek Boogaard Found Dead in his Minneapolis Apartment

2011-05-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

New York Rangers forward and enforcer Derek Boogaard was found dead in his apartment yesterday. His cause of death is still unknown, and autopsy is scheduled for later today. Boogaard was only 28 years old when he passed away, and had just signed a 4-year 6.5 million dollar deal with the Rangers. Former Wild teammates and Rangers teammates say that Derek was an "unreal guy" and was a giant teddy bear outside of the rink.

NHL Playoff Games Tonight

2011-05-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

Stamkos scores the game winning goal in last nights 4-3 victory!

The Washington Capitals are on the brink of elimination, and play game four of their series tonight against the Lightning. They're currently down 3-0 in the series, and a comeback looks out of reach the way Tampa has been playing, but Ovi says it's possible. Boston plays Philly at home looking to make the series 3-0 in their favor, and the Detroit Red Wings face off against the Sharks tonight. Detroit is down 2-0 in the series, but has only lost each game by a score of 2-1. You can't help but wonder how they may be doing if they didn't have so many injured players...

Predators Win Game 2 in Double Overtime

2011-04-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Pekka Rinne is Game 2's first star for a reason

Nashville's fourth liner Matt Halischuk wired it glove side on Roberto Luongo with five minutes left in double OT to win game 2 for the Predators. It looked as if Vancouver would win another game by a score of 1-0, but Ryan Suter scored for the Preds with 1:07 left in regulation to force overtime. Pekka Rinne was first star once again with 33 saves on the night. Luongo also had a great night, making 44 saves. The next game of the series will be played in Nashville on wednesday. Boston also won tonight against Philly by a score of 7-3, as the Flyers cycled through goalies once again.

NHL Playoff Games Tonight

2011-04-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

Last night the Canucks beat the Preds to take a 1-0 series lead. Tonight the Lightning and Capitals play (the game's currently tied 1-1) and the Red Wings and Sharks play at 8:00 P.M. (MT). The Boston and Philadelphia series starts tomorrow.