NHL postseason picture is getting clear

With approximately four games to be played in the regular season, the National Hockey League’s (NHL) playoff picture is somewhat clear. Still there will be a log jam for the eight place with a week before the postseason start.

In the Eastern Conference there seems to be a heated contest for the seventh and eighth places to get into the postseason. Buffalo, Washington and Ottawa are battling it out. It appears that 90 points may be the magic number to qualify.

In the Western Conference, the minimum required point to qualify seems 94. San Jose Sharks may be out of the playoffs but four games remaining they are controlling their destiny. They need to win three out of the remaining four to secure their postseason berth. Dallas Stars have two games with Sharks and their chances are same as San Jose. Even if Los Angeles Kings wins their game with Minnesota, they still need another win out of three remaining games. The Coyotes still needs a win to reach 94 to keep their postseason dream alive. The strong St. Louis Blues are hoping for a boost from other battles, but pushing for a win may give them a place in the postseason.

Dos and Don’ts of buying hockey skates

Figure skate vs. speed skate: Remember there are figure skates, recreational skates, hockey and speed skates. Each skates serve a different purpose.

Buy at a specialized store: If you are new to the game, go to a store that specializes on hockey gear. Since there are many aspects to consider, experienced sales people can assist you to select well-fitting skates.

Consider your age and experience: A child needs an inexpensive pair because they grow out of skates sooner than an older player. Both should look for protection.

Size: Always try them on. You need to buy skates that are few notches lower than your regular shoe size for the fit and safety.

Bring your socks: Depending how thick or thin, you need to try your new skates with socks on for fitting.

Try your new pair of skates at the store: Remember to look for safety. An enforced toe, solid ankle support, and a tongue that stays in place when laced are key points when fitting.

Additional service warranties: Your new skates may come with an initial blade sharpening. Also, “heat molding” and future refitting may also be available to you free of charge or at a reduced rate.

Basics of Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is the game evolved from the field hockey and is played on ice. It is usually played in the northern Europe. Nowadays this game is an Olympic sport and is played between two teams wearing ice skates. It is very exciting and famous game in the world.

Learning ice hockey basics involves few basic elements. To get the punk in the goal, players must use hockey sticks not hands. Each team has six players; five plus one goal keeper. Ice sheet which is the playing field is called Rink. This is divided into three regions by red line at centre and blue lines in the halves. Defending Zone is the area where net is located for the team defending that net. Neutral zone is the middle area of the rink between two blue lines. Offensive or attacking zone is the area where the opposing net is located. Goal keeper guards the goal in the crease and no player can enter the Crease. Crease is surrounded by the half circle. Goalkeeper is supposed to use hands or any part of the body to keep away the puck from entering the goal. Penalty box is near the centre line of the rink, the referee sends the player back if he commits an offense. Each goal scores one point as scoring in ice hockey is straight forward.

Three basic rules of hockey includes offside, icing the puck and offside pass. A team is offside when any player of opposing team precedes the puck over the defending teams blue line. The player is offside if both the skates are over the blue line before the puck. He is onside if he has only one skate on the blue line.
Icing the puck is not allowed when teams are at equal numbers. If a player on his team side of centreline hits the puck all the way across red goal line and touched by defender, the puck is returned to other end for faceoff in the offender’s half.
Offside pass refers to 2-line pass from defending zone to beyond the centre red line also crossing own blue line and is determined by position of puck (Unlike skates position in team being offside).

Ryan Kesler to miss start of season

Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler has undergone arthroscopic hip surgery last week which will keep him out of the game for a 10-12 week period, which means he will be missing training camp and will miss the start of the season. The Canucks begin their NHL season on October 6 against the Penguins.

According to CBS the General Manager of the team released a statement stating that “After consultation with our team physicians following the playoffs, it was deemed that Ryan would require a procedure on his hip. We expect a full recovery and determined this procedure would best serve Ryan and the team’s long term goals” it is believed that Kesler tore his labrum in the game against San Jose, the win which took the Canucks to the Stanley Cup final.

The 26 year old Kesler scored seven goals and had 11 assists through the first three rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs this year, before the Canucks lost to the Boston Bruins in the seven game final during which he only had one assist. He has a career high of 41 goals last season and won the Selke award as the league’s best defensive forward.

Things to consider when buying hockey skates

Buying a well fitting, good pair of hockey skates is important to protect your legs as well as to enjoy the game to the maximum, but when you go to the sports good store you will be at a loss as to where to start looking when faced with all the options available. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect skates.

1. When going shopping wear a pair of thick socks, the type you will be wearing when playing. Always fully lace up the skates and walk around to feel the fit, it should fit you perfectly and not be too tight or too loose.

2. The size of the skates should be smaller than the normal shoe size, start trying on one size less than the normal size. The right fit should feel very snug.

3. Make sure the skates are not too stiff and that you are able to bend your knees in them.

4. Try on several pairs before deciding on one pair.

5. The more expensive does not necessarily mean the best. A cheaper one might fit you better.

6. Look for skates made with durable material.