Hockey cards, collectibles and culture
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”
Seeing that all eyes were on the All-Star Game last week, there wasn’t much other news in the world of hockey. So I wanted to focus my column this week on a few players that deserve your attention. I’ll also make my case for why the league needs to change their All-Star Game format to something much more interesting. Happy reading!
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Looking Past the All-Star Break”
Last week, we saw two of the game’s best players reach tremendous milestones. We also saw a milestone reached off the ice. And, as is tradition this season, another team in the hunt for the playoffs fired their coach. Read all about it below!
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.
I swear every time I delay my column by a day all hell breaks loose. Thankfully, that’s a good thing. For this week’s takes, I’ll walk you through my trip to the United Center when I watched my Red Wings lose to the Blackhawks. I’ll also cover the World Junior Championships and take a look at how the Dallas Stars are the league’s most unlucky franchise.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: I Love Honey Butter Chicken”
The takes are hot this week. We’re in the midst of the World Juniors and there have been plenty of storylines from the tournament thus far. The All-Star Game rosters were just released and I have a lot to say about that. I’ll also take a look at another gem of a press conference by the one and only John Tortorella.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: All-Stars and World Juniors”
Happy third night of Hannukkah and merry Christmas Eve. This edition of Blake’s Takes won’t be very festive, but it will have some interesting content. Last week was a busy week in the NHL. Taylor Hall was finally moved and Ilya Kovalchuk is now a free agent! I’ll also highlight a breakout performer and take a closer look at one of my favorite plays of the week.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Hall Moves to Phoenix for the Holidays”
This week in hockey was much calmer than the last few. Sadly, most of the news that was reported was negative and a bit depressing. But, I’ll still highlight one of the more surprising starts of a player on one of the league’s worst teams. Let me know what you think!
Sorry I kept all of you waiting! Of course, the one weekend I go on vacation I miss all the great storylines. Regardless, in this edition of Blake’s Takes, I’ll take a look at the league’s response to abusive behavior that has dominated the headlines recently. I’ll also shoot off a few takes about fired coaches and recent player honors.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Big Changes Announced at Board Meeting”
For this week’s takes, I dive into the entire Bill Peters saga and why his comments illuminate a growing issue in the NHL. I also comment on a few notable extensions up in Boston and look into a team moving up in the standings.
Continue reading “Blake’s Takes: Peters Out in Calgary After Frequent Player Abuse”