Hockey cards, collectibles and culture
The dust has settled and the 2021 trade deadline is behind us. Two major trades occurred during the deadline in addition to a plethora of other smaller deals that will surely pay dividends come playoff time. Other than the deadline, last week we saw three NHLers play in their 1,000th game, the Frozen Four champion was crowned, and the Memorial Cup was canceled. Read all about it here.
Happy Monday!
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Big Moves at the Trade Deadline”
Is New York Rangers rookie and first-overall draft pick Alexis Lafreniere living up to his hobby hype? That is the big topic for this week’s episode of the Puck Junk Hockey Podcast. Sal Barry and Tim Parish discuss all things Alexis, plus the PSA price increases, new card releases and the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention. The guys also discuss Keith Yandle, Brent Seabrook, Darryl Sutter, Walter Gretzky and Mark Pavelich.
Show Notes, Links and Images:
Keith Yandle plays 1000th game (NHL.com)
Walter Gretzky, Father of Wayne Gretzky, Passes Away (ESPN)
Mark Pavelich, Member of “Miracle on Ice”, Found Dead (ESPN)
Barry Beck Blasts Rangers, John Davidson on Facebook (Facebook)
Brent Seabrook Announces Retirement After 15 Seasons (NHL.com)
Calgary Flames Re-Hire Darryl Sutter as Coach (Yahoo)
Upper Deck e-Pack Commercial (iSpot.tv)
Topps Now NHL Sticker Archive (Topps)
President’s Choice Trading Cards Vintage PaperCuts (President’s Choice)
2016 Leaf Jack Eichel Box Set Review (Puck Junk)
41st National Sports Collectors Convention Announcement (Facebook)
2020-21 Parkhurst Hockey Info and Checklist (Beckett)
PSA Raises Prices, Suspends Crossover Service (Sports Collectors Daily)
Woman arrested for Fake Alexis Lafrenière cards (Montreal Gazette)
2020-21 Alexis Lafreniere Collection Boxed Set (Cardboard Connection)
Upper Deck Alexis Lafreniere Memorabilia Collection (Upper Deck Store)
Follow Sal Barry on Twitter @PuckJunk.
Follow Tim Parish on Twitter @TheRealDFG.
Podcast opening and closing music by Jim “Not the Goalie” Howard.
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Another week of 2020 is in the books. There weren’t many notable headlines last week, though I dug deep and ended up finding some of my favorite stories from the past year — all of which are random and offbeat. I think you’ll like them. This week, I write about what you all care deeply about: hockey cards. I also get into a bit of social justice and investigate another photo of Connor McDavid looking awkward.
And I almost forgot, Happy Hannukkah!
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Gretzky Breaks Another Record”
Last week was a busy one in the NHL. In one week we saw the start of free agency and the NHL Draft take place. I could rattle off 20 takes this week. I’ll stick to my usual five, but I’ll include some of this week’s news in future columns because there is so much to talk about.
This week, I’ll focus on the bigger transactions around the league as well as a major points jersey announcement . Happy Tuesday!
Sometimes when I wait until Monday to write this it pays off. The NHL released some big news on Monday which gives me something worthwhile to write about out. I’m noticing a trend where the big news is released on Mondays.
That news was that the league announced the logistics for their next phase in their plan to return to hockey. Not only that, but the NHLPA also opted to move forward with the proposed 24-team playoff. It looks like hockey might be coming back. Keep reading to see my thoughts with a few other takes sprinkled in.
Last week was a busy one for the NHL. It was the first week in more than a month where I had backup takes (more on those next week). This week, I’ll touch on the interesting dynamic between AHL and NHL teams. Also, the Blackhawks made a huge move in their front office which warrants a look. Plenty more, too. Stay safe everyone!
Last week was really all about the Battle of Alberta. The Flames and Oilers faced off twice and neither game was a disappointment. This week’s column is better suited to be a review of a boxing match than a hockey column. I’ll dive into all the punches thrown and gloves dropped up in Western Canada as well as share my thoughts on one of my new favorite hockey-related beverages. Happy Monday!
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: The Battle of Alberta Strikes Again”
In this week’s episode of the Puck Junk Hockey Podcast, Sal Barry and Tim Parish talk about the upcoming 2020 NHL All-Star Game — including the 3-on-3 women’s game that will take place during the Skills Competition. Plus, Gerard Gallant’s firing, Patrick Kane joining the 1000-point club, and more. This podcast is 1 hour and 5 minutes of pure hockey goodness!
Show Notes and Links:
Here is what the 2020 NHL All-Star Game jerseys look like (picture).
And here is a visual history of NHL All-Star Game jerseys (pictures).
Did you see Dougie Hamilton’s leg injury? Ouch! (video)
Follow Sal Barry on Twitter @PuckJunk.
Follow Tim Parish on Twitter @TheRealDFG.
Podcast intro and ending music by Jim “Not the Goalie” Howard.
Subscribe to the Puck Junk Hockey Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Podchaser, PocketCasts, Castbox , Castro,
Overcast, TuneIn and SoundCloud.
Support this podcast and buy a shirt from the Puck Junk Online Shop. ■
In this week’s episode of the Puck Junk Hockey Podcast, Sal Barry and Jim “Not the Goalie” Howard talk about the blowup between Zack Kassian and Matthew Tkachuk. Other topics include the New Jersey Devils firing GM Ray Shero — yes, we’re calling it a firing! — the Carolina Hurricanes’ “Whalers Night,” Pekka Rinne’s goalie goal and more.
Show Notes and Links:
Zack Kassian Ragdolls Matthew Tkachuk (video)
Why the New Jersey Devils fired GM Ray Shero now, and what’s next (ESPN)
Martin Brodeur’s Enterprise Commercial (video)
Review of Ken Dryden’s book Game Change (link)
Ilya Kovalchuk’s first goal with the Canadiens (video)
Jeremy Roenick’s Apology (video)
Pekka Rinne’s goalie goal (video)
Follow Sal Barry on Twitter @PuckJunk.
Follow Tim Parish on Twitter @TheRealDFG.
Podcast intro and ending music by Jim “Not the Goalie” Howard.
Subscribe to the Puck Junk Hockey Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Podchaser, PocketCasts, Castbox , Castro,
Overcast, TuneIn and SoundCloud.
Support this podcast and buy a shirt from the Puck Junk Online Shop. ■
In this edition of Blake’s Takes, I’ll share my thoughts on the latest chapter in the Battle of Alberta and chaos that ensured last weekend. There was a goalie goal last week — and I can’t ignore that. I’ll take a look at why I think Auston Matthews is the NHL’s coolest player.