July 23, 2008
Phoenix Rewards Brawler Carcillo With New Contract
It looks like one of my favorite new players will be spending some more time in the league. The Phoenix Coyotes have signed Daniel Carcillo to a 2-year deal. This past season was Daniel Carcillo's first in the league. Due to injury he was limited to 57 games, but was still able to rack up a league-leading 324 PIMs, nearly 100 minutes more than Jared Boll, who came in 2nd in the category.
While being a rumbler on the ice, Carcillo also managed to net 13 goals to go along with 11 assists. His +1 tied for 6th on the Coyotes, and his 24 points were 10th on the team.
While not a big scorer, Carcillo is a fairly strong all around skater. He can put up points as well as his fists.
Jes Golbez has an article on Fanhouse about Phoenix's new foray into toughness. With all their new additions, he notes that;
The Coyotes probably want [Carcillo] to concentrate more on scoring, given that he put up a respectable 24 points in his rookie campaign.
Last season I picked up Danny boy to help my PIMs category. Each goal and assist was an added bonus. This season look for him to cut down on his dirty work and pick up on his scoring. With a new direction in Phoenix coming this season, it will be interesting to see just how well Carcillo does.
July 22, 2008
Over At The Sporting News ...
I take yet another look at the brewing conflict between the NHL and the KHL, and why the NHL ought to make a deal with them sooner rather than later.
Kastles Lose As Pressure Mounts For Playoff Berth
With Sunday's loss the Washington Kastles fall to 5-7 for the season. How can the Kastles make the playoffs? The Kastles put it this way:
The Kastles (5-7) currently sit in a log jam for the WTT wildcard playoff spot. The Sacramento Capitals currently hold one of the top two spots in the Western Conference, thus a wildcard position is up for grabs. Currently leading the fight for the last position are the Boston Lobsters, but the Kastles are just one game back. In between the Lobsters and Kastles and just a half game out of the wildcard spot are the Freedoms. The Kastles still have a great opportunity to make the playoffs, so make sure to get your tickets for Tuesday and Wednesday's matches before its too late.
Click on any of the following for more details on the match:
The Kastles are back on the court tonight as they face off against the Delaware Smash in hope of catching a wild card berth to the playoffs.
As always, if you are a blogger and would like to use our photographs please contact us.
July 18, 2008
Kastles Up-Ended By Sacramento Capitals
After holding a big lead, the Kastles fall to the Sacramento Capitals in last night's match. The Kastles jumped out to a commanding 10-5 lead, but ultimately lost 20-15.
One bright spot was the outstanding play of Sacha Jones in the opening singles match. Her opponent Tammy Hendler had no answers to the overwhelming power and tenacity of Sacha Jones. Hendler, a 16 year old is fresh from Wimbledon having reached the Junior's semi-finals. As Jones lead 4-0 in the opening match, the crowd saw an unusual substitution for Hendler, as Sacramento Coach Wayne Bryan put in veteran and grand slam doubles champion Elena Likhovtseva. Jones eventually won her match dramatically by a score of 5-2, in sudden death point in the seventh game.
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 17: Sacha Jones of the Washington Kastles hits a forehand during a World TeamTennis match against the Sacramento Capitals at Kastle Stadium, CityCenterDC in Washington, DC July 17, 2008. (Photo by Allen Clark/www.OffWingPhoto.com)
Another bright spot was the play of Mashona Washington and Scott Oudsema in mixed doubles, who beat Elena Likhovtseva and Eric Butorac, 5-3. it felt as though Washington and Oudsema had momentum throughout the match.
Sacha Jones and Mashona Washington have been the "go-to" gals for the team for big wins and overtime heroics. However last night Jones and Washington could not find their Mojo against the team of Hendler and Likhovtseva, losing 5-0.
The Kastles are still in contention for a play-off berth for their inaugural season.
As always, if you are a blogger and would like to use our photographs please contact us.
Another Reason To Ignore The ESPYs
Again, check out my explanation at FanHouse.
KHL Not Backing Down on Radulov Contract
Details over at FanHouse.
