Saturday Puck-pourri

There's a lot of hockey goodness going on  - but as each intense match winds down, we're reminded that the season is coming to a close. To make sure you're taking in every second of puck, here's a list of tournaments that are taking place right now:

NHL Playoffs.
As of this writing, the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes are fighting for a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. As of this writing, the Kings look closest to achieving that goal.

AHL Playoffs
As of this writing, the Norfolk Admirals (TBL), Saint John Ice Caps (WPJ), Oklahoma City Barons (EDM) and Toronto Marlies (TOR) are fighting for a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs. As of this writing, the field is WIDE open, so pick a team and jump on for the ride.

ECHL Playoffs
As of this writing, the Florida Everblades and Las Vegas Wranglers are battling for the Kelly Cup. Florida leads the series 2 games to 1. The two teams face each other again on Tuesday (May 22).

Memorial Cup Tournament
The Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL), London Knights (OHL), Shawinigan Cateractes (QMJHL) and Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL) are vying for the coveted Memorial Cup. The Q has two teams in the tournament because Shawinigan, as host city, gets an automatic berth. The other teams had to get their the old fashioned way, by winning their respective leagues.
Tangent: Here's hoping that this year's trophy is more sturdily constructed than the one awarded in 2008. This video has been seen so many times, but it never gets old:



NAHL Playoffs
Well, this went by pretty quickly! The Texas Tornado defeated the St. Louis Bandits to win the Robertson Cup.

World Championships.
Russia and Slovakia will meet tomorrow (Sunday, May 21) in a Gold Medal match. Russia got there mostly on the back of Evgeni Malkin, who's playing like a man possessed. As a diehard Penguins fan, I'm a little disappointed that he didn't unveil this side of him when the Pens needed him most, but I'm still cheering for Russia to go all the way. Former Pen Miroslav Satan led Slovakia to the finals, but my money is still on Geno.

Geno's Hat Trick
Here's Sean Leahy's story about Team Russia and Geno's hat trick. Video is included, because Sean is a thorough kind of guy.
What the hey - just watch it right here:





Norfolk Admirals on Video

My good friend (and CCPT Hockey Show co-host) Cassie McClellan covers the Norfolk Admirals for Raw Charge. Recently, she has shared several pieces of video featuring Admirals players showing off their various personalities. A shout out should go to the Admirals' PR corps for taking a creative approach to showcasing the team. I'd post individual videos here, but I'll use my time more wisely by linking you to Norfolk's website so you can browse to your hockey heart's content. Just click here. (BTW, if you're a WHL fan, then you should follow the Ads, as they boast a lineup that includes former WHLers: Radko Gudas (Everett Silvertips), Keith Aulie (Brandon Wheat Kings), Scott Jackson (Seattle Thunderbirds), Tyler Johnson (Spokane Chiefs), Brandon Segal (Calgary Hitmen), Dustin Tokarski (Spokane Chiefs).
Oh, who am I kidding?
Here are two videos I like, because one features Scott Jackson (former T-Bird) and the other features Radko Gudas (former Silvertip):





Did I miss anything?
Let me know!