Let’s Meet Jimmy Vesey!

We recently had a chat with Jimmy Vesey of both the Nashville Predators and the Harvard Crimson. He grew up in North Reading, Massachusetts. In his freshman year (this year) he was the Ivy League Rookie Of The Year with 18 points in 27 games. Just some cool facts about his family, his dad Jim, played college hockey at Merrimack, and after college hockey went on to play in the NHL for both the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins. Jimmy was drafted by the Nashville Predators 66th overall in 2012. He’s a great follow on Twitter and you can follow him @19Vesey. You can also follow me on Twitter @HkyBlogger. If you like us make sure to “like” our page here: https://www.facebook.com/NotYourAverageHockeyBlog. Got a question, comment, or concern? Leave a comment below, and I promise I’ll get back to you! I’m not going to drag this on any further so without further ado… Here’s our interview with Harvard Crimson and Nashville Predator’s forward, Jimmy Vesey!

As per usual, we’re in bold.

So first things first, how has your day been?

My day was relaxing today. I just got out of school, so I’m taking the week off before getting back in the gym Monday.  I slept in, got some ice cream with my sister, and hung out with my family.

 

Whats a day in the life of Jimmy Vesey?

Usually, at school, I’m up around 9 o’clock for a day of classes before heading down to the rink around 2 o’clock.  There, we have practice and a lift, and then I usually grab dinner with the guys.  Then, I’ll go back to my room, do some homework, listen to music, and try to get into bed at a reasonable hour.

 

Any cool facts about you?

I’ve taken five years of Mandarin Chinese and hope to be fluent by the time I finish college.

 

Growing up, what was it like having a father who played professional hockey?

Having my dad around was the best thing I could’ve asked for.  He taught me everything I know about hockey, and also taught me a lot of life lessons about how to conduct myself off the ice and how to be a man.  His knowledge of the game was second to none – he really knows hockey inside and out.

 

What are you studying at Harvard?

Right now, I haven’t declared my major, but I think that I will eventually decide to concentrate in government.

 

I was doing some research, and I stumbled on some thing I must ask. You’re a member of the Chinese National Honor Society? How did you into that in the first place? 

I took four years of Chinese in prep school, and it turned out to be my favorite subject.  I got pretty good at it, and my teacher put me in the application process for the National Chinese Honor Society.  I had to give a resume and stuff like that and was eventually accepted. - (wow! Maybe I should try to interview him one day in Mandarin!)

 

So we’re doing an interview with your teammate Alex Fallstrom as well, do you have any secrets you could expose about him?

He was our team DJ in the locker room this year.  He actually did a pretty good job, mixing it up with a lot of techno and country.  Terrible dancer though. - (can’t wait until I interview Alex and ask him about his dancing skills!)

 

What kind of player do you consider yourself?

I consider myself an offensive-minded forward who can play a skill game and can also be a power forward.  I like to make plays in the offensive zone with the puck and think I have the ability to score and make the pretty pass.

 

What is your biggest strength hockey-wise?

I think my biggest strength is my hockey sense in the offensive zone.  I think I have a natural ability to score goals in the offensive zone and make plays.

 

Where do you think you can improve on?

I think the biggest areas to improve for me are my skating and my strength.  Those are gonna be key areas to focus on as I move to the next level.

 

So take us back to when you were drafted. What was it like?

Being drafted was an unbelievable experience.  I got to be at the draft and experience it with 15 family members so it was awesome.  Sitting there can be a little nerve-wracking, but hearing my name called was surreal.  It is definitely something that I will never forget.

 

If there was one thing you’ve learned from representing Team USA at the 2013 U20 World Junior Championship, what would it be?

I learned to never give up.  I had no prior international experience and never thought I’d make the team after the summer tryout and even during the pre-tournament camp.  I ended up making the team as the 13th forward and working my way into a bigger role.  The experience taught me to always be positive and never give up!

 

Team USA Gold Medal, Getting Drafted, or Ivy League Rookie of the Year, what was the best?

I think the gold medal was the best.  I don’t know if I’ll ever get a chance to play for my country ever again.  It truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity and an awesome experience that couldn’t have gone any better.

 

The highlight of your career so far, what is it?

Scoring on Malcolm Subban vs. Canada in World Juniors. - (if you’re curious, the photo is the goal he’s talking about!)

 

How about your lowest point of your career?

Not getting drafted in my first draft year.  I thought it was going to happen, so I was pretty crushed when I wasn’t selected.

 

How did you persevere from that?

I tried to play from then on like I had something to prove.  I used not getting drafted as my motivation for that summer and the next season.  

 

So the next part is a lightning round. This is where people really learn about you as a person! I don’t want you to think, just answer. Your answer doesn’t even need to make sense. Just answer! Ready?

Favourite food?

Chicken Parm - (ohhh, that’s good. haha)

Pre-game superstitions?

Put all the right-side of my equipment on before the left (socks, shinpads, skates, elbow pads), play soccer with some of the guys before warmups, stand in the same spot for the national anthem. 

Mac or PC?

Mac

If you weren’t aspiring to be a NHL player, what would you be aspiring to be?

Probably an MLB player 

iPhone or Android?

iPhone 

One place you want to visit?

Bora Bora 

Best prank you’ve seen or done?

Clear tape on someone’s skates

Favourite class as a kid?

History

Pet peeve in people?

Arrogance

 

Final questions: 

Do you have any advice for aspiring hockey players?

My advice to young hockey players would be to never give up and don’t listen to people’s negativity.  Focus on what you do best and never stop working hard.  

 

Any suggestions on who we should interview?

Brian Hart, Tommy O’Regan, or Dan Fick

Thank you for your time!

Interview With Matt Lindblad!

We caught up with Matthew Lindblad of the Dartmouth Big Green. He was signed by the Boston Bruins in early April to an entry level contract. Matt was the Ivy League Rookie of The Year in 2010-2011. During his sophomore year, he was injured and only played 26 games but still was 2nd on the team in scoring with 24 points! He’s a nice guy, replies quickly, and he knows how to celebrate after a goal! So follow him on Twitter, @mlindblad9. He’s a cool follow! You know who else is a cool follow? We are! Follow us on Twitter @HkyBlogger and like us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/NotYourAverageHockeyBlog  

We’re not going to drag this on longer, so without further to do!
Like usual, we are in bold.

So we know Matthew Lindblad’s name, but we don’t know Matthew Lindblad as a person. So let hear a little bit about yourself! Maybe your childhood or maybe something cool about yourself?

I grew up in Winnetka, Illinois and didn’t start playing hockey till around age six.  I have always looked up to my brother, Brewster who is two years older, and once I saw him play for the first time it immediately became something I wanted to do as well. 

 

Take us through a day in the life of Matthew Lindblad?

A typical day for me consists of a good breakfast at around 8:00.  I usually like to get to the rink early to stretch and warm up, so for a 10:30 practice you’d find me usually at the rink by 9:00.  After practice I like to stick around on the ice and work on different aspects of my game, whether shooting pucks or doing extra drills with some of the guys.  After practice I would cool down and stretch before grabbing lunch with a couple teammates.  With the rest of the day usually open, I am typically either watching movies or playing XBOX.  

 

As a child, was there a player you looked up to?

One of my favorite players as a kid was Ilya Kovalchuck.

 

What were you studying at Dartmouth?

At school I have been studying Government.

 

What do you think your greatest asset as a hockey player is?

I’d say my greatest asset is how I think the game.  I am very responsible in both ends of the ice.

 

Where do you think you can improve the most?

Something I need to improve on that I have been working towards is becoming stronger.  One of the biggest differences I notice from one level to another is how strong guys are.  I feel that this is an aspect of my game that I need to continue to focus on in order to maximize my potential.

 

How do you play such a disciplined game while playing a large role for Dartmouth?

There is no real secret for how I play a disciplined game.  Whether I was playing at Dartmouth or at any other level, I have always tried to minimize making mistakes.

 

You’ve played a lot at the college level but not as many at the AHL, but from your limited experience, whats the biggest difference college hockey and AHL hockey?

At the AHL level, guys are much bigger and stronger.  However, what I have also noticed to be a heavy difference is the style of play.  The different systems we play, and the positioning of players is much different than what I had experienced at Dartmouth. 

 

Take us back to when you were signed, can you paint us a picture of what happened?

I signed about two weeks after my season at Dartmouth ended.  Before signing, I asked if there was any way I could catch a game at the Garden since I had never been there before.  My family flew out to Boston to meet me at the game and it was an experience I’ll never forget. 

 

Right now in Providence, who’s your roomie on the road?

Unfortunately I had to return to Dartmouth to finish out the term so I am not on the road.  However, when I was in Providence my roommate was Rob Flick, who had just recently been traded from Rockford. 

 

So the next part is sort of like a “lightning round”. Don’t give lots of thought in to these questions. Just answer. Ready?

Motorcycle or car?

Car

 

Backyard Barbecue or Fancy night out?

Backyard Barbecue

 

Read the book or watch the movie?

Watch the movie

 

Pet peeve?

Bad service when going out to eat

 

Dogs or cats?

Dogs

 

Favourite TV show?

The Office

 

xBox or Playstation?

xBox

 

Final questions:

Any advice for aspiring hockey players?

Never give up on pursuing your dreams

 

Who should we interview next?

Tim O’Brien

Thank you for your time!

NHL Playoff Predictions. Round 2. The Semi-Finals!

Hey guys it’s been a while since I’ve written anything, just want to say sorry for that! I have a Montreal Canadiens post season blog coming up in the next few days that I cannot wait to share with you guys but for now i’d like to share with you all my predictions for the 2nd Round of Playoffs so here it goes!

We will start in the Eastern Conference with the Pens & Sens! This will be a interesting series because of the controversy surrounding Matt Cooke and Erik Karlsson earlier in the season. I pick Pittsburgh in 5 games. Craig Anderson is good but he cannot beat the Pens by himself.

Bruins & Rangers: This will be a good physical original six series. I have to pick Boston in 7, this is going to be a close series though.

In the West, let’s start with the Blackhawks & Wings. This will be the second original six series in the second round of these playoffs. Can Detroit stop Chicago? I don’t think so! Chicago in 6!

Sharks & Kings. This is probably the most difficult series for me to call, i really think the winner of this series wins the cup this year, its just a gut feeling. Is this the year the Sharks finally make it to the finals? Will the Kings repeat as Stanley Cup champions? So many questions to be answered but I have to go with LA in 7.

Feel free to argue my predictions on Twitter @Synyster_sparx and don’t forget to like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NotYourAverageHockeyBlog Ill be back shortly with a post season blog about the Canadiens and more predictions throughout the post season!

Period by Period Analysis of Game 7!

Hey guys! It’s Alson of Not Your Average Hockey Blog here. Some of us have some extra time today, so we’re going to present you with a treat. I’ve invited some friends to help me out today, as we’re going to do a period by period analysis of game 7 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins. We’ll be posting after the end of each period, and at i’ll finish it off after period 3 with my final thoughts. So check often for new news, share with your friends, cause we’ll love you if you do, and comment! We PROMOTE arguing with your friends! As long as its yknow, making sense?

Period 1:
Alright hey guys, Alson here with the 1st Period. I admit, I missed the first five minutes. The score is 1-1. One big thing being mentioned quite a bit is Dennis Sidenberg seems to have an injury. Not too sure what it is right now, seems like a lower body injury. Big blow for the Bruins. With Redden out as well, Claude Julien will be relying quite a bit on Dougie Hamilton and Matt Bartkowski. Toronto needs to take advantage of a younger defenseive core with less experience. Keep up the forecheck and try to force mistakes. If they can force mistakes, it’s only a matter of time till the Leafs take the lead. On the flip side, the Bruins need to keep on passing. Take their time and a good opening will come. This is my part for now. Check back later!

Period 2:

Hey guys, Zain here with the 2nd Period. The score is 2-1. C.Franson has scored both the goals for Toronto and  has a chance of getting a hat-rick.  In my opinion, he is playing outstanding today, he is maintaining his position and scoring whenever it is possible.  Even though the Leafs are taking a lot of hits they are still going on strong especially Grabovski . This is one of the guys that has had a lot of shots and chances but hasn’t been lucky at all with the goals. On the other hand, Rask is definitely trying to keep the Bruins in the game by making some crucial saves. For the Bruins all of those hits are starting to take its effect on the leafs especially on Phaneuf, it looks like he is hurt and tired. For now, it looks good for the Leafs.

3rd Period:
Guess Reimer can’t be called Jesus anymore. Leafs started the third period with Kessel’s goal. However, Boston has been keeping the puck in the Toronto zone the entire time during the period. With this, Boston scored three times and forced overtime into third. Honestly, I thought the Leafs had improved in defense but because of inexperience from the lack of playoffs, they are still unable to deal with the pressure during a lead. Matt Frattin had a breakaway, which would have insured the Leafs a win tonight but Rask made a key save for Boston. Frattin’s goal would have changed many things in this third period. Going to overtime, Leafs need to win their faceoffs, or else they’re out as Reimer cannot bail the Leafs out anymore. Let’s just hope Boston doesn’t succeed in pulling off a Russian comeback.

OT:
Alson here again. Good try Toronto, good try. People thought Toronto was going to get destroyed and they made a series out of it. Toronto gave up too many rebounds and they got burnt. Toronto should be proud of their team. To all the people who think they need to blow it up and trade Reimer, open your eyes. This team over achieved like crazy. Reimer has the potential to be a top high end goalie that can steal games. Boston goes on to face New York. This is going to be a fun series.

3rd Period Recap by AKM
What A Period!
As the second period ended, I looked across the room at my dad, a lifelong Leaf fan, and it brought a smile to my face. He leaned back in his beloved chair, let out a big sigh and said, “What a game! How about those Leafs?” I’m sure he was echoing the emotions of Leafs Nation! The Bruins fans, on the other hand, are probably collectively thinking, “How did it come to this?” Is there anything like a game 7 between original six rivals?
The first 3:00 of the third period were not kind to the Bruins. Over the past few games, the Bruins defense made a habit of turning pucks over in their own zone those giveaways turned into scoring chances for the Leafs leading to an early goal by Phil Kessel to put the Leafs up 3-1. A few minutes later Boston’s defense made a mistake inside the Leafs blue line that turned into an odd man rush that the Leafs Nazim Kadri capitalized on, not only making it 4-1 but silencing the Boston faithful at the same time. Nathan Horton scored and made it 4-2 with over ten minutes left in the third period but James Reimer made some big saves immediately following the Horton goal and kept the Leafs on top! Speaking of the Leafs goaltending, I think it would be foolish to mention the mistakes by the Bruins defense without talking about the stellar play of the Leafs young goalie James Reimer! He was spectacular.
The third period has been just like the entire series, UNPREDICTABLE! Just when LeafNation was starting to think about heading to round two, the Game 7 savvy Bruins scored two goals with Rask on the bench and instead of celebrating a round one series win, the Leafs are stunned and trying to regroup for the most exciting thing in the NHL playoffs…Game 7 Overtime! Wouldn’t it be Fitting to see Phil Kessel score in OT in Boston? What a fitting way to end a great series! Boston’s strength going to OT is most definitely their experience, their weakness, their defense! Toronto’s strength heading to OT, their Goalie, their weakness inexperience! As a Habs fan, I have bad memories about game 7 OT in Boston. One thing is for sure, no matter what happens, it’s been a great series!

Game 7 OverTime

Both teams started OT flying! The Leafs had a couple if big chances early but Rask made a huge save to keep the Bruins in it. Everyone is on their feet, nobody wants to make THE mistake! As the overtime continued the Bruins experience really started to show as they took it to the young Leafs getting chance after chance! The Leafs just couldn’t get their bearings and the Bruins best player on both sides of the puck scored the winning goal on a rebound! He tied it, then he won it! Take nothing away from the upstart Leafs as, I believe, there are better days ahead. They were so close to winning this game, I would compare it to “the miracle in Manchester!”
In closing I’ll say that the Bruins leaned on their experience as I eluded to in my third period blog, as well as a couple of huge saves from Tuuka Rask and will now play the New York Rangers in a second straight original six matchup that, based on their games in the regular season, looks like it will be another beauty!

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Playoffs predictions: OTT-MTL; NYR-WAS

Living close to Montreal and having access to French and English media gave me a lot of opportunity to get all the vibes surrounding the first round series between the Habs and the Senators. There is not much rivalry between those two teams. That may change now that they are facing each other in the playoffs for the first time since the ”return” of the Senators 20 years ago. The big talk now is how will Carey Price handle the pressure for the Canadiens and both coaches have been talking about toughness and hitting making the difference. Chris Neil could become the most hated player at Bell Centre after Chara. He will be on a mission. Montreal is counting on Prust for that. The PK vs EK confrontation has been brought up. Both coaches have admitted that both teams are alike. Well structured. Good defense, Good balance. The advantage may be with Montreal for the 4 lines though. That is the main reason they finished 2nd in the East. Defensively I would give the edge to Ottawa and goaltending. I predict Price will crumble. I like him. It’s just too much pressure for him to handle right now and he did not finish the season very strong. He was not even in the net against the Leafs last Saturday. He was in the bad mood with the reporters the day after. Not the best scenario. The Senators have Karlsson back and Spezza may get back too. Great PK% for the Sens and same for the Habs but on the PP. The Senators can frustrate teams. I have a bad feeling for the team my friends adore here in Habsland. 

Prediction: Ottawa in 6.

Supper time is coming and hockey is on soon so I will make it brief for the other series starting this evening. The Rangers are not the same team they were a year ago. They were solid as rock last year. This year their record and consistency did improve as the season went but they made the playoffs by playing 7 of their last 8 games vs opponents in the bottom 8. That is where the Caps come in with Ovechkin. He has a lot to prove still in the playoffs. He wants to win it all as well. Mike Greene has 11 points in is last 8 games. Holtby was hot in the playoffs last season in the net. The Caps are getting in the playoffs red hot.

Prediction: Washington in 7.

NHL Playoffs 2013 – Predictions (Part Two)

Three more series are getting under way this evening with the Eastern Conference in this time. I expect higher scoring games than yesterday. Here are my thoughts:

 

• Toronto Maple Leafs (5) vs Boston Bruins (4)

All original 6 teams are in the playoffs this spring and this is the only match up between good old rivals. The Bruins have not been too hot lately and they came out flat last weekend to let Montreal get away with the Northeast division title. Still they will start the series at TD Garden with a second best home ice record in the Eastern Conference this season after Pittsburgh. The Leafs have been excellent on the road this year but they have not won in Boston. The outcome of the first two games in Boston will dictate the rest of the series. With only 3 goals in 22 career games against his former team, Phil Kessel’s performance will be a key to the Leafs’ success. This is his time to shine and produce. Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and Jaromir Jagr are the ones to watch for Boston at the front. Tyler Seguin and Nathan Horton are barely a factor at this point. The Bruins had problems with scoring at times but with a good defense, good penalty killing % and a reliable Tuukka Rask in the net they can win in many ways.  So can the Leafs. Randy Carlyle has experience in the playoffs. He built his team the way he wanted it to play and it paid off. They can hit and adjust to any type of games. The Bruins must forget their last 10 games of the season (3-5-2) and build from there. However they are not the same team they were two years ago and I believe Claude Julien’s job is on the block if the B’s are not playing anymore two weeks from now.

Prediction: Toronto in 7 games.

 

• New York Islanders (8) vs Pittsburgh Penguins (1)

The Penguins won 4 of their 5 games vs the Islanders in the regular season and they are going in the playoffs with a lot of confidence and a great record both on home ice and on the road. They have been the best team in the Eastern Conference and even with injured key players at the front and at the blue line they kept on winning. The presence of both veterans Jarome Iginla and Brenden Morrow is a major plus in terms of experience and leadership for their quest of the Cup. The Isles are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2007 and they are on the rise with John Tavares leading the way. They don’t have the roster to compete with the Pens at this time. Nabokov is in my opinion superior to Fleury and Vokoun but for the Isles to move on to the second round they would have had to meet another team than Pittsburgh.

Prediction: Pittsburgh in 5.

 

• San Jose Sharks (6) vs Vancouver Canucks (3)

The Canucks remind me a lot of the Bruins this season and I believe Alain Vigneault’s job is also on the line if the Canucks take an early exit against the Sharks. These two teams met in the Western Conference Finals two years ago and both rosters are not that different. The Sharks are playing well at home while they were 8-14-2 away this season and Vancouver is not a friendly place to play especially during the playoffs. Both teams are in the top 10 in the league for goals for per game and for goals against per game. Special teams and face off winning % are favorable to the Sharks. I would go with San Jose as winner of a long series but I believe goaltending will make the difference for the Canucks.

Prediction: Vancouver in 6.

I shall be back tomorrow with a final post on the first round playoffs predictions as two series in the Eastern Conference are starting. They are not easy ones to figure out either.

 

 

 

 

NHL Playoffs 2013 – Predictions (Part One)

This is the first of three posts regarding my predictions for the NHL Playoffs 2013 as three first-round series start this evening in the Western Conference. I heard on radio today that flipping a coin is as good as trying to predict the outcome of some particular series. The odds in Las Vegas were out on Monday. Not that I rely on these too much but it is Interesting how some teams are definitely labeled as underdogs. As far as I am concerned I make predictions according to how ”hot” or ”cold” the teams are entering the playoffs, how experienced each roster has in past playoffs, their respective coaching staffs and of course goaltending which as you know can win you a Stanley Cup – think Tim Thomas version 2011 here.

With that said here are my predictions along with analysis and comments for the three series starting this evening:

• Minnesota Wild (8) vs Chicago Blackhawks (1)

What else could we add to comment on the Hawks’ performance this season I wonder. I don’t think they are taking anything for granted with the Wild but in my opinion Chicago is the most confident team in the league. With the Jennings trophy going to Emery and Crawford for less goals allowed by a team the defense and the goalies have accomplished wonders for the Hawks. Add to that a second place overall in the league for Goals for per game (GF/G). Among top players Patrick Kane has finally got back in scoring mode this season and him alone could spark the offense when necessary. Both the Hawks and the Wild are in the middle of the pack for PP% so no real advantage there for a team. Both played well at home. The Wild will not be an easy prey but they are just not ready yet for what they are aiming for with the money they spent last summer. The goaltending has been questionable at times. They were officially in the playoffs on Saturday. Heatley is still injured. They will need to score more than their 2,46% GF/G to create an upset.

Prediction: Chicago in 5.

 

• Los Angeles Kings (5) vs St.Louis Blues (4)

The Blues have constantly improved though out the short season despite various issues with goaltending. Lately however they have one of the NHL’s hottest goaltenders in Brian Elliott, who went 11-2 in April, allowing one goal or less 10 times. Last year’s Conn Smythe trophy winner Jonathan Quick will have to show greatness again for the Kings to score 3-4 goals per game. Both of these teams have allowed the same Goals against per game (GA/G) % with 2,38%. I could toss a coin here but I don’t think St.Louis will be able to beat the Champions. Mind you I don’t think as well the Kings will repeat this year but they will make it to the second-round. Jeff Carter could be the difference maker for the Kings. I don’t see any player who can do the same for St.Louis. Too much experience and pride in Los Angeles to drop that contest.

Prediction: Los Angeles in 6.

 

• Detroit Red Wings (7) vs Anaheim Ducks (2)

That one will be short. I am not a fan of the Ducks and the Wings are my second favorite team in the West after the Hawks. This will be the upset among first-round series as Jimmy Howard will make miracles and the Ducks will fall short. I just have a feeling that Babcock will make miracles with his team. It will be a long series with details making the difference and coaching is one.

Prediction: Detroit in 7.

I will back tomorrow with predictions on the three other series starting. In the meantime let’s see what we’re gonna get this evening.