Is It A Sport, Is It A Plane, No It’s Roller Hockey

Roller Hockey

The sport of hockey has many variations, including the Olympic sports of ice hockey and field hockey. Roller Hockey however, has also gained in popularity, as a recreational activity and as a competitive sport. It is an extremely fast sport, exciting for spectators to watch, and demanding a lot of skill.

There are two distinct disciplines within the sport, with their own equipment and rules. The original Roller Hockey is played, using traditional quad roller skates. When inline skates were invented, the new Inline Hockey evolved. Both sports are played in many countries but the US and Canada favor Inline Hockey. The different choice of skates results in a different skating style. There is more intricate footwork in Quad Hockey and it is easier for the players to maneuver. Inline Hockey contains more racing around and is similar to Ice Hockey action.

The goalies differ in that they use different gloves for each sport. Inline Hockey goalies use a catch glove, whereas Quad Hockey goalies block shots with a batting glove. Each of the Roller Hockey teams are made up of four skaters and a goalie. Inline Hockey, also known as Street Hockey, is played over two, 20 minute periods. Quad Hockey, sometimes referred to as Hardball Hockey, is played for an extra five minutes in each period.

Every sport wants Olympic status and Quad Hockey was a demonstration sport at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona in 1992. Many World Championships have taken place, with the Latin countries dominating. Portugal is the most successful country, winning 15 Quad Championships. Inline Hockey World Championships are rather more complicated as there are two different events each year. One is organized by the International Roller Sports Federation and the other is run by the International Ice Hockey Federation. The United States and Canada are the traditional leaders in the sport but Inline Hockey is becoming more popular across Europe and Latin America.

Women have come to the sport too, becoming increasingly organized. Both Roller Hockey disciplines have structured competitions. Inline Hockey has had Women’s World Championships since 2002 and women have competed on the world stage in Quad Hockey, since 1992. Again, the Quad Championships are dominated by Latin countries. Roller Hockey started as an amateur pastime, played on the streets and local rinks. Ice Hockey may still be the leading stick and puck sport, but the other versions are keen to catch up. Countries without a tradition of playing sport on ice have welcomed this type of hockey too.

Ian Botham (no relation) runs his own online sports goods mail order business as well as several sports related websites. If you need to look for some hockey equipment then check out this great
Hockey Accessories site.

http://www.hockey-accessories.net/

What NHL Autographed Memorabilia You Can Find and Get

The National Hockey League is home to heroes and warriors aplenty. With each swerve and drive of the puck through the ice, sticks clash, players dash, and tempers fly. With each score, a player is hailed as a savior and hero. With each miss of the goalkeeper, groans and screams can be heard for miles. Such is the appeal of hockey, whether it is watched in its full glory live, or on television, where viewers can alternate between tearing their hair out and jumping out of their seats.

Hockey, whether played on the grass or on the ice, has legions of fans and viewers. These same fans and viewers are poised to cheer any player on, whether he is the neighborhood hero or Wayne Gretzky himself. They are likewise interested, sometimes even obsessed with finding NHL autographed memorabilia at low prices.

If you are interested in hockey, or if you are new to the game and are planning to collect NHL autographed memorabilia, start inquiring at your local collector’s stores on what NHL autographed memorabilia are available, or what NHL autographed memorabilia you can afford. There are also many online sites where you can buy, auction, or trade NHL autographed memorabilia. Beware of such sites, however: like many other trading sites, there are lurkers and predators aplenty that can promise you wares without sending them to you, or promise to pay you for your NHL autographed memorabilia but do not do so.

Here are a few examples of NHL autographed memorabilia that you can avail of online. Although this list is by no means complete, it can give you a good idea of what most websites will offer. Prices will differ depending on the age of the NHL autographed memorabilia, who signed it, and the quality of the signed merchandise.

- NHL jerseys are the most commonly traded, sold, and bought items online. Signed and autographed by the players themselves, such jerseys become gems to collectors. If you are able to avail yourself of such a jersey, do not simply stash it away or keep it in a box. Frame it, not only to display the signature, but to preserve the autograph and jersey as well.

- NHL hats and caps are also attractive, as they can be used at games to proudly display the autograph of a fan’s favorite player. If you are able to buy autographed hats and caps, do not wear them too often unless you are in an air-conditioned stadium. Acidity and moisture can wear away cap quality and can damage the ink used to sign the autograph. Keep such hats and caps in a glass display box, along with some dehydrating salts, to protect them from humidity.

- Many other autographed NHL memorabilia can come in the forms of photographs, posters, and books. Take care of such memorabilia by either storing them in glass cases, or covering them with protective plastic. Keep any paper away from heat, acidity, and humidity, as these can easily destroy them. Photographs should also be kept away from direct sunlight, as these can cause photographs and the inks used to sign the autograph to fade.

- Hockey pucks and sticks are also available online, and, once signed by hockey players, can become so precious, their owners will refuse to use them to play any amateur game. Such autographed memorabilia should also be kept in glass cases, and should be free form moisture, since humidity can damage puck and stick materials.

- Made of stronger material, signed NHL helmets can withstand humidity, but the ink used to sign the helmet can melt away or fade. Store autographed NHL helmets in glass cases or cardboard boxes, and keep them away from acids or water.

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For more information about authentic autographed sports memorabilia and collectibles, visit http://www.sportscollectionz.com . Read articles from contributing writers in our blog site at http://sportscollectionz.wordpress.com

A Piece of the Miracle - 1980 USA Hockey Team Collectibles

The 1980 USA hockey team played what could be called the most memorable game in hockey history. So significant was the game that Sports Illustrated voted it as the greatest moment in sports. It also captured the imagination of the whole nation, which at the time was reeling from the stressful 70s. It was also the game that made the chant ‘U-S-A! U-S-A!’ popular, which has since been the rallying cry in many international games. No wonder memorabilia related to the 1980 USA hockey team are very much sought-after.

Why they matter
In an era where the playing field was dominated by the Soviets, the 1980 USA hockey team were never considered a threat. It was very unlikely that the US Olympic team, composed of collegiate and amateur hockey players, could ever hope to win against the heavily-favored Soviet Union team.

Of the 12 teams that joined the competition at Lake Placid, New York, the US team was seeded 7th. Two years before the competition, the Soviet team had won against the NHL All-Stars for the Challenge Cup. The score? 6-0. In an exhibitions game in 1980, the Soviets also scored 5-3-1 against the National Hockey League teams. They were also manned by some of the most legendary hockey players in history, including team captain Boris Mikhailov and goalie Vladislav Tretiak.

Another factor that added to the excitement of the US vs. USSR game was the Cold War, where the US and the Soviet Union had an uneasy and long-standing participation. It also helped that during an exhibition match 13 days before the actual competition, the Soviet Reds defeated the Americans 10-3. A column in the New York Times said that unless a miracle is performed by the US or another team, the Soviets were expected to take home the gold medal.

But history was going to be written differently. Under the tough guidance of coach Herb Brooks and the leadership of team captain Mike Eruzione, the US team scored: the first point from Buzz Schneider, two from Mark Johnson and the last from Eruzione himself. The US team went on to win the gold medal.

A piece of the Miracle
One of the most popular 1980 USA hockey team collectible is a group-signed jersey, valued at about $1,300.00. It includes signatures from Eruzione, Craig, Johnson, Schneider, Neal Broten, Steve Christoff, Dave Silk, Phil Verchota, Mike Ramsey, Ken Morrow, Mark Pavelich and 9 other players. The jersey comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Steiner Sports, one of the most respected and reliable authenticators of sports items and memorabilia.

Hand-signed jerseys are probably the most expensive collectibles from the 1980 US hockey team, with prices over $1000. Hockey sticks are also highly-coveted and are in the same price range.

While Mike Eruzione and Mark Johnson stirred the crowd for their scoring, it was goalie Jim Craig who bore the brunt of the Soviets’ attacks and kept them at bay through his strong defense. This makes any Craig-signed memorabilia special. An example is a Miracle on Ice puck priced at about $80 and a hand-signed photograph of Craig draped in the American flag after the US team won the gold medal against Finland. The photos are limited edition 8″ x 10″ size and comes with a COA from Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia. It is priced at $130.

Another memorable collectible from the 1980 US hockey team is a photo showing the team crowding the podium during the awards ceremony. It’s hand-signed by 20 team members and includes a certified hologram and COA. There are also hand-signed pucks by individual players that cost from $70 to $80.

Another great collectible is the reprint of the New York Times front page dated February 25, 1980 with the headline, ‘USA Hockey Victory Stirs Celebration’. This was printed 3 days after the US defeated the Soviet team and a day after they defeated Finland to win the Gold Medal. The item costs about $90.

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For more information about authentic autographed sports memorabilia and collectibles, visit http://www.sportscollectionz.com . Read articles from contributing writers in our blog site at http://sportscollectionz.wordpress.com

Break It Like Bettman

Hockey

After the Islander’s Chris Simon’s vicious and un-called for attack on the Ranger’s Ryan Hollweg, members of the sport’s media decided that it was time for pro-hockey to get rid of fighting. Many of these “experts” believe that because hockey allows players to fight, it leads to these events and thus creates a low in popularity. It has no appeal to the “soccer mom’s.” In order to save hockey’s ever decreasing popularity, they have to clean up their act.

Fighting is engrained in the game and should never be removed, as many of these self-righteous men and women have suggested doing. Hockey polices itself through fighting. The league only steps in when there is an extreme case, such as the Simon incident. Agitators, head-cases, and guy’s out to injure are taken care of on the ice. The other major sports have gotten away from the philosophy of policing itself on the field of play. In my opinion, they have some what suffered for it in the form of prima-donnas. Do you think Terrell Owens would get away with his antics against Dick Butkis? Barry Bonds would need a lot more than just his elbow guard had he played in the days before Public Relations Departments. Kenny Roger’s pine tar would have taken care of on the next Tiger’s at bat, or a St. Louis hard charge to first when Roger’s had to cover. The problem with hockey and it’s appeal has nothing to do fighting or aggression or any of that ire. Hockey’s appeal is low because…it’s hockey. The memo informing Commisioner Bettman of this fact must still be sitting on his desk.

The best hockey can place in the spectrum of popularity is 3rd out of the 4 major pro-sports. Maybe 2nd. And that is a HUGE maybe. Planets must align and deals with Satan must be made for it to place that high. Unfortunately for hockey fans, the NHL thinks it can be number one. The NHL is like that one friend we’ve all hung out with. They’re that guy who isn’t really all that attractive. Sure when they dress up for a wedding or fancy function, they look okay at best. But on Friday nights, when you go out, they really aren’t the best catch. But these people think they’re Derek Jeter. They’ve decided to put on some expensive threads and douse themselves in fragrances. Of course, this ploy doesn’t hide their weight/acne problem, sweating issues, love of swords, or abilities in conversational Klingon. They’ve set their standards way too high. When a girl of equal “merit” shall we say starts to hit on them, they shy away, roll their eyes, or worse, they act insulted. They’re saving themselves for the hotties. We’ve all known these people. And we’ve always been frustrated as hell with them. “Just go home with the fat chick! She’s in your league! I can’t stand you complaining all the time about not getting laid!” This is hockey. It has decided to set too lofty goals. It wants to beat baseball in American sports. It thinks it can beat out football. That day will only come when the Canadian Mounties patrol the streets of Manhattan. Hockey has decided to go after the sexy ladies, as opposed to ignoring the most abused fat chick in the history of civilization, Mother Nature. It’s a geographically limited sport. Sure there’s roller hockey, but the speed is different. The friction between rubber wheels and pavement is too great to really get the feel of blades on ice. I grew up in central NY, a place where it snows until May. There is nothing more fun than playing ice hockey out doors. In my mind, and many others, it trumps touch football or sweaty basketball courts. Do you know who those “many others” are? People raised in cold climates who have experienced the same thing. Nobody in Tampa Bay, or Atlanta, or Nashville have any idea what I’m talking about. But people in Canada, Buffalo, Minnesota, New England and Northern Illinois understand.

Hockey’s biggest problem right now is that it is too big. It expanded way to fast. It thought it could go for the hotties. Some of their best players are playing in the wrong markets. I have friends who are very active sports fans. They follow all the majors, and some college sports, fanatically but every so often they say, “There’s an NHL team in Atlanta?” Hockey has decided to expand in warm weather climates and worse yet, markets where pro-sports fans aren’t as fanatical. Most southern and mid-western fans love College sports, specifically Football. They are loyal and rabid fans of these sports, which is fantastic. But they cannot support a major league team that competes on a surface that cannot be found anywhere without paying for a skate rental.

Let’s cut the number of teams. Do it Bettman. Cut your loses and start over. Cut out 10 teams. You’ve already lost so much credibility with your fan base. It will be the best thing to do ever. You broke it, now fix it.

I’m not the first person to suggest this move. But here is my lay out of how the league should look. Now, not all of these teams that I am keeping are cold climate markets. I took into account market size/fan base activity, and hockey tradition. Hockey traditions seem to escape Mr. Bettman. To him, old school is circa 1998.

Here is the layout. I am also using the old names of the divisions and conferences. (Imagine if Selig even proposed getting rid of the National League and American League!) Please hockey fans, try to hold back the tears as I show these names and layouts.

Prince of Wales Conference
Patrick Division:
New York Rangers
New York Islanders
New Jersey Devils
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins

Adams Division:
Buffalo Sabres
Ottawa Senators
Montreal Canadians
Toronto Maple Leafs
Boston Bruins

Clarence Campbell Conference
Norris Division:
Chicago Blackhawks
St. Louis Blues
Detroit Red Wings
Colorado Avalanche
Minnesota Wild

Smythe Division:
Calgary Flames
Edmonton Oilers
Vancover Canucks
LA Kings
Dallas Stars

No Tampa Bays. No Carolinas. No Atlantas. No Nashvilles. (Yes, I have teams in LA and Dallas. But LA is a huge market that has proven that it can sustain a team since the late 60’s, thanks to a guy named Gretzky. Dallas is a Stanley Cup winner, a former cold climate team and has a market that can support most pro-sports teams. The fact that their team name is reminiscent of the symbol of Dallas’, and pro-football’s, most recognizable franchise doesn’t hurt.)

This is how the NHL should look. Imagine giving all the talent that is wasting away to fans who know that icing is not something on top of a cake. The caliber of play would be tremendous. It would be the best of the best. Put the minor league teams in those other markets. It’s not like you need a hometown team to root for. Think of all the Chicago Bulls fans from 10-15 years ago. Think of the people who follow Manchester United, and they play across an ocean! Sidney Crosby is going to get fans. Boston fans are passionate and are spread through out the globe. Don’t believe me? Watch an A’s/Red Sox game played in Oakland. Sure, the Bruins aren’t the Sox, but if the Bruins returned to their past glories, you’d see a lot of “B” jersey’s all over North America. Put Alex Ovechkin in a market with some love of the sport or better yet, media, and people will take note.

Of course there’s the playoffs. Here’s my suggestions. A) six teams from each Conference or B) seven with the best record getting a first round bye. They have first round byes in football. Sure upsets are fun, but you want to see the best teams win. Choice “B” would also include a 5 game first round series. Short series always produce an upset or two for those who love underdogs. This also makes the whole play-off season shorter. Hockey in June? Did this ever make sense?

Of course, this may never work out. This is just a fan’s dream. Sure, I have an East Coast bias. But I also have a hockey fan’s bias. This is my imaginary perfect hockey world. This is what I think of on a slow and crowded train. I think of my child hood, skating on the frozen pond behind my parent’s barn. Thinking about a violent but amazingly graceful sport. This is how the sport should look, instead of the 30 team, mediocre-fest of Bettman’s NHL. A man who just won’t go home with the fat chick.

Isaac Rathbone is a professional playwright, living in NYC. His plays have been produced in various venues through out New York City, as well as the rest of the country.

Lacrosse Helmet - The Importance of Choosing the Best

In rough contact games such as lacrosse, head protection should be a requirement for all players. Lacrosse helmets are the best way to protect the head from injuries caused by falls or accidental hits from lacrosse balls, lacrosse sticks, or other players. But it’s not enough to wear just any helmet – your head protection must be designed for the specific risks of lacrosse.

Anatomy of a lacrosse helmet

The typical lacrosse helmet has protruding chin and jaw areas for protecting the lower part of the head. In face forward falls, the chin and the jaw usually absorb the most impact. This design gives them adequate protection to prevent jaw or dental injuries. A typical lacrosse helmet also has a face mask or a set of grills on the front part of the helmet. This protects the face from oncoming balls or sticks without reducing the player’s field of vision. The face mask also prevents eye injuries and surface damage such as cuts, scratches, and bruises.

Lacrosse helmet materials

Lacrosse helmets must be made from very strong and durable material such as steel, titanium, and chrome. Steel helmets are reinforced with iron oxides and are generally resistant to heat, making them great for playing on hot days. Titanium helmets can be made of pure titanium or a mix of titanium and chrome. Titanium is lighter and more durable than steel, and are usually the material of choice for goalies. Pure chrome helmets are slightly heavier than titanium, but lighter than steel. These are less rigid and are easier to shape or bend, making them ideal for customized designs. However, they are less durable and tend to chip or dent more easily.

Buying tips

Picky Guide has a complete guide to lacrosse helmets. Picky Guide is one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

Lacrosse Bags - Choosing the Best

Lacrosse players often have to carry a lot of equipment, such as balls, sticks, shirts, shoes, and towels. Bags made specifically for lacrosse gear allow you to keep your stuff organized while protecting them from bumps and scratches during transport. Lacrosse bags can be made for a particular piece of lacrosse equipment or designed to carry an entire lacrosse set. There are different styles of lacrosse bags available. Here are some of your options.

Types of lacrosse bags

Lacrosse bags can be carry-on bags, shoulder bags, duffel bags, or back-packs. Most of them are made from durable fabrics such as nylon and polyester, and are usually waterproof and lightweight.

They can also be made for a specific type of equipment or for general storage and transport. The latter usually follows the form of the equipment, such as the narrow shaft and wide head of a lacrosse stick. Lacrosse stick bags have straps on one side so that they can be carried over the shoulder. Lacrosse ball bags, on the other hand, usually have wide bottoms and cylindrical bodies. They are designed to carry several lacrosse balls and may be slung over the shoulder or hand-carried.

There are also duffel-style lacrosse bags. These are usually big and wide, and may be carried by hand or over the shoulder. This style is ideal for lacrosse sets including balls, sticks, and apparel. Some even have special compartments for smaller items such as shoes and water bottles.

Lacrosse bags came in different styles and colors, choosing one may depend on your style-preference. Before buying however, make sure that you check on basic features such as durability and waterproofing.

Buying tips

Picky Guide has a complete guide to lacrosse bags. Picky Guide is one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

Hockey Sticks - Choose the Right Stick to Improve Your Game

Hockey sticks come in different sizes, compositions, and materials. Choosing the best combination is vital to staying comfortable throughout the game without sacrificing performance. Here are some of important factors to consider when buying a hockey stick:

Size

Hockey sticks come in junior and senior sizes. Junior hockey sticks are about 46 to 54 inches long, while senior hockey sticks measure 56 to 62 inches. The slanted end usually extends 10 to 15 centimeters from the shaft. Generally, shorter sticks offer better control, but longer ones make more powerful hits.

Stiffness

The shaft also has different flex or stiffness levels, classified as medium, stiff and extra stiff. Forward players usually prefer more flexible shafts, while defensemen can play better with stiff shafts. If you’re a beginner, start with a medium shaft and move to stiffer ones as you get better.

Lie

The lie is the angle between the shaft and the blade. This is measured with the numbers 4 to 8; the smaller the lie number, the wider the angle. Use a lower lie stick if you prefer to skate close to the ground with the puck in front.

Materials

Wood. Wooden hockey sticks are usually stiff and heavy, so they are best for strong players. They also tend to break more easily.

Fiberglass. These hockey sticks have a wooden core with a fiberglass coating, making them a lot heavier than other composites. They are the cheapest but least durable, making them ideal for practice but not for actual games.

Aluminum. Aluminum sticks have an aluminum shaft with replaceable blades. They are lighter than fiberglass and wood but heavier than Kevlar and titanium. They are ideal for those with various blade preferences.

Graphite. Graphite hockey sticks can be made of pure graphite, have a wooden core and graphite coating, or a composite of graphite and Kevlar. They are more expensive than fiberglass and aluminum, and are relatively lightweight and durable.

Kevlar. Kevlar is made from aramid fibers, either pure or mixed with graphite. They are light and highly durable, but they are the most expensive.

Titanium. Titanium sticks cost about the same as Kevlar. They are lightweight and highly durable, and usually have replaceable blades that can also be installed with torches.

More information

Picky Guide has a complete guide to hockey sticks. Picky Guide is one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

Hockey Wrist Guards Help Prevent Injury

Hockey is an aggressive game that puts you at risk of serious injuries, such as sprains and dislocations. The wrist is especially vulnerable because it is heavily used throughout the game – in maneuvering the stick, hitting the puck, and controlling angles and directions. Even minor injuries such as sprains can take weeks to recover fully. Fortunately, such injuries can easily be prevented by using hockey wrist guards.

What are hockey wrist guards?

Hockey wrist guards are used to control wrist movement, absorb sweat, and aid in the handling and movement of the hockey stick. They also serve as a shock absorber when the player falls and lands on his wrist. Hockey wrist guards can be designed to cover only the wrist or include part of the hand. The latter provides added safety for the hand, which is also prone to minor injuries like cuts, scratches, and bruises.

What materials are the best wrist guards made of?

Your hockey wrist guard should provide both protection and comfort. When choosing a wrist guard, make sure it is made from light, breathable material. The inner fabric should wick away moisture and prevent sweat from building up on your hand. This will keep your hands dry and comfortable throughout the game, allowing you to better control the stick and concentrate on the game. Make sure it is thick enough to absorb impact, but not too thick that it feels heavy and reduces your feel of the stick. Some hockey wrist guards have gel fillings for providing added comfort and protection.

Important buying tips

Picky Guide has a complete guide to hockey wristguards. Picky Guide is one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

How Can You Be Pro Ice Hockey Player

Have you ever dreamed of being the best ice hockey player in Singapore?
Or even Asia?

Representing your country in participating international competition held by the International Hockey Federation, receiving cash prizes and awards?
Getting famous in the ice hockey field?

There is a chance of making your dream come through.

Here are steps to guide you through the first few stages of being one good ice hockey player!

1. Start small by learning ice skating, make it an interest or even a hobby.
Take time to balance yourself in the skating rink. After several practices, you would start to enjoy this sport. However, it is the determination that counts.

2. Attend lessons conducted by professionals to know the different ways of skating.
Enquire from your nearest ice skating center to gather more information. This includes the duration of the course and also what are you going to learn
from that course that will help you improve your skills.

3. Take cautious note that ice hockey is different from figure ice skating.
Especially when signing up for courses, take extra care that you do not sign up the figure ice skating course.

4. After getting familiarized with the different ways to skate, you got to start choosing the equipments for yourself.

5. Getting the correct equipments includes

a. good pair of gloves
b. ice hockey stick
c. comfortable skating shoes
d. and a nice jacket to top it off

These entire aside, an ice hockey player must not have the temptation to consume drugs to ensure good results. One must plan well and follow through
the lessons diligently to ensure good foundation. A professional ice hockey player does not depend only on his talent and strengths but also the mental focus of oneself to concentrate.

Marilyn is the owner of productsinfo.wordpress.com. Specialised in ice skating coaching. Check me out on products info here, and learn more benefits on ice skating. For more information about how to become an ice hockey professional, click here for ice hockey manual!

Thibault Could Be Key To Pens Success In Playoffs

An NHL veteran, Thibault rarely sees action on the ice unless the Penguins are playing back to back games because of the stunning performance of Fleury over the course of the season. But as his performance in the 2-1 loss to the New York Rangers proved, “T-Bo” isn’t just around to spell the youngster every now and again. The man is here because he is a good goal tender and he can play the game. More importantly, he keeps giving the Penguins the chance to win the game even if they don’t take advantage of it.Against the Rangers Thibault showed that he has almost just as many flops, splits and dives as the youngster he backs up. He pulled out more than his fair share of Fleury-like, last gasp saves to show the crowd he isn’t just filler on a team chocked full of talent.

He’s kept the Penguins in almost every game when he has been called upon to perform. In 20 games for the Pens, Thibault is 6-8-2 with a 2.79 GAA and a .911 save percentage. Fleury, in 59 games, is 35-14-8 with a 2.92 GAA and a .902 save percentage.

Fleury, while spectacular to watch, still has a long way to go to become an elite goal tender with numbers like those. And there is no doubt that there is a good chance that somewhere, sometime come playoffs Fleury will falter and there will be a reason to tap Thibault on the pads an tell him to get in the pipes and give the Penguins a chance to win.

Right now it is shades of how the Penguins needed Ken Wregget to backup Tom Barrasso on their way to the Stanley Cup. Not that the Penguins are definitely Championship material mind you. They still have a lot to prove before I’ll ever make that prediction.

Jeff Jackson is the owner of A Great Day For Hockey a blog dedicated to checking up on the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is also the owner of the T-shirt Entrepreneur dedicated to online t-shirt selling and business tips.