NHL FanHouse

Place Your Bets: Even With Phil Kessel, Oddsmakers Still Don't Like Toronto

Adam Gretz — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST

Brian Burke was a busy man this offseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs, upgrading his defense with Mike Komisarek and Francois Beauchemin, finally acquiring Phil Kessel from the Boston Bruins -- a move that should surely improve an offense that was already in the top-10 in goals scored -- and snagging Swedish goaltending prospect Jonas Gustavsson.

Despite the wheeling and dealing, the oddsmakers in sin city -- specifically the Las Vegas Hilton -- are betting on a fifth consecutive non-playoff season for the boys in blue and white, according to Jeff Haney's article for the Las Vegas Sun, which has the over/under point totals for every team in the league.

Among the teams with lowest expectations, according to the odds, are the usual suspects on Long Island and in Phoenix, as well as the Colorado Avalanche. The Islanders have the lowest projection at 70.5, which would be a nine-point improvement.

The Hilton likes the San Jose Sharks to repeat as Presidents Trophy winners with a projected point total of 107.5, something that doesn't seem all that unreasonable when you consider they added a two-time 50-goal scorer (Dany Heatley) to the lineup this offseason. The Sharks are followed by the Detroit Red Wings (106.5) and Chicago Blackhawks (105.5).

In the Eastern Conference, Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals are projected to be on top of the pile with an over/under of 104.5, followed closely by the Philadelphia Flyers and Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins (102.5 projection for both).

Elsewhere, the oddsmakers like the Dallas Stars to rebound from their injury-plagued 2008-09 season and return to the postseason, replacing Columbus. Not only does Vegas not like the Blue Jackets to return to the playoffs, Columbus is projected to finish behind Minnesota, Los Angeles and Edmonton in the Western Conference standings.

Place Your Bets: Even With Phil Kessel, Oddsmakers Still Don't Like Toronto originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Place Your Bets for the 2010 Stanley Cup

Adam Gretz — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:55:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Gambling

We're in the fourth day of the NHL offseason, so what better time to start looking ahead to the odds for the 2010 Stanley Cup winners. Bodog.com recently came out with next season's odds, and the Detroit Red Wings are at the top of the list as the favorites at 5/1. The Penguins are currently second at 7/1. The New York Islanders are the longest shot at 100/1.

After the jump, the current odds for every team in the NHL:

Detroit Red Wings: 5/1
Pittsburgh Penguins: 7/1
San Jose Sharks: 8/1
Boston Bruins: 9/1
Chicago Blackhawks: 10/1
Washington Capitals: 10/1
Vancouver Canucks: 15/1
Philadelphia Flyers: 16/1
New Jersey Devils: 18/1
Calgary Flames: 20/1
Anaheim Ducks: 22/1
Carolina Hurricanes: 25/1
New York Rangers: 25/1
Dallas Stars: 30/1
Montreal Canadiens: 30/1
Minnesota Wild: 35/1
St. Louis Blues: 35/1
Buffalo Sabres: 40/1
Columbus Blue Jackets: 40/1
Edmonton Oilers: 40/1
Florida Panthers: 40/1
Ottawa Senators: 45/1
Nashville Predators: 50/1
Los Angeles Kings: 60/1
Toronto Maple Leafs: 60/1
Colorado Avalanche: 70/1
Atlanta Thrashers: 80/1
Tampa Bay Lightning: 80/1
Phoenix Coyotes: 85/1
New York Islanders: 100/1

Not exactly going out on a limb to put the Penguins and Red Wings at the top of the list, seeing as how they've met in the finals two years in a row, but other than that? It's obviously a futile effort to make a guess at this point. Trades haven't been made, free agents haven't been signed, players haven't been injured.

But, hey, if you feel like placing a bet on the Calgary Flames (and at 20/1, who wouldn't!) more power to you. Before you do, however, make sure you take a look at Bodog's odds for this year's Stanley Cup released back in August. Yes, the Penguins and Red Wings were once again at the top (again, not exactly going out on a limb), but the rest of the favorites? Yikes.

(H/T Bolts Report)

Place Your Bets for the 2010 Stanley Cup originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rinkotology: Hockey's Bracket Challenge

Kevin Schultz — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Penguins, NHL Fans, NHL Gambling

Watch out college basketball, another sport is trying to corner the market on springtime office bracket pools. The idea been sitting in front of our faces for a while, but no one has really thought to put two and two together and create the dream. When you combine the NHL Playoffs and bracketology, what do you get? Tons of fun for NHL fans. And that's just what we have for you today.

Thanks to the boys at Pensblog, the world can now enjoy the NHL Playoffs in the bracketed style made famous by the NCAA Basketball Tournament. They've put together a unique website at Rinkotology.org, not to be confused with Bracketology or the President's version, Baracketology.

If you head on over to the Rinkotology website, the concept is explained simply:

Build your Stanley Cup Playoff Bracket

Don't do anything for the next two months

Then maybe win

It's a pretty easy concept and the site is designed simplistically, which isn't a bad thing. It's straight forward and to the point. The best part of all this is that the Pensblog is using the attention this will generate for a good cause. They are raising money for the Mario Lemieux Foundation, which helps to fund medical research projects. They're already about halfway to their goal of $10,066.

So check out the site, pick your bracket, donate a few dollars and enjoy!

Rinkotology: Hockey's Bracket Challenge originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Resurrection of Rick Tocchet

Eric McErlain — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:15:00 EST

Filed under: Coyotes, Lightning, NHL Gambling, NHL Police Blotter

Seemingly lost in all the shock over the quick hook given to Barry Melrose by the management team of the Tampa Bay Lightning has been another story, and that's the completion of a long comeback by former NHL star Rick Tocchet.

With Melrose again banished from the NHL coaching ranks -- and I think we can say with confidence that he won't ever be returning -- owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie had little choice but to turn to assistant head coach Tocchet, and hand him the keys to the sputtering Lightning for the rest of the season.

Yes, this is the same Rick Tocchet that the league banished for 162 games after his role in an admittedly small-time New Jersey gambling ring was discovered by the New Jersey State Police. The price for Tocchet was terribly high -- a leave of a full two calendar years from the sport that he had made his life in combined with two years of probation.

Here at FanHouse, two of our former colleagues, Greg Wyshynski and Jes Golbez, had it out over Tocchet's future, with Greg voting for a season-long suspension, while Golbez wrote that it was time for us to put aside the moralizing and let Tocchet get back to earning a living the only way he knew how.

For me, it's very hard not to sympathize with Tocchet. Had he not been a former NHL player and an assistant coach working in Phoenix under the greatest player in the history of the game in Wayne Gretzky, the Tocchet case would have gone down the memory hole. But when the New Jersey State Police discovered that an internal investigation of one of their own had uncovered links to Gretzky and his wife, there was no chance they weren't going to do all they could to milk the investigation and subsequent prosecution for all it was worth.

In the end, the NHL more or less decided that Tocchet had suffered enough, and officially reinstated him on February 7, 2008, the two-year anniversary of the start of his indefinite leave from the Coyotes. At the end of the season, he snagged the job with Melrose, and now the man who was staring down the barrel of what could have very well turned into a lifetime suspension now finds himself a member of the very small fraternity of NHL coaches.

So what's next for Tocchet? Yes, the Lightning are in fourth place in the Southeast and 14th place in the Eastern Conference. But with only four points separating them from 8th place in the Eastern Conference, the season is not lost.

So what's Tampa Bay's problem? Despite all the money that Tampa Bay spent in the offseason bolstering their forward corps, the team only has one line that's producing -- and that's the one that features holdovers Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis. Rookie Steve Stamkos, who plenty of folks -- including me -- had written in for the Calder, has looked overmatched, while free agent acquisition Ryan Malone hasn't produced numbers anywhere near what might justify his gaudy contract.

Is there a bright side? Despite the defense being a mess, with more players coming and going than you could possibly keep track of, goaltender Mike Smith has proved to be something of a revelation, posting a 2.47 GAA and a save percentage of .929.

I watched the Lightning play the Caps on Monday night, and it seemed pretty clear that a lot of the problem was focus and motivation. With backup goalie Olie Kolzig returning to Verizon Center as a member of the opposition for the first time in his career, his teammates more or less hung him out to dry in a first period where they fell behind 3-0. The Lighting did eventually get two goals from ageless warrior Gary Roberts, but it was far too late to matter as they fell, 4-2.

After that game, Melrose seemed to be out of answers, and it's clear management agreed with him. Now it's up to Tocchet to see if he can get this disparate set of parts working together and listening to him. And while I'm not sure even Scotty Bowman could rescue the situation in Tampa Bay, something tells me Tocchet is just happy to have the opportunity.

The Resurrection of Rick Tocchet originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bodog's Odds on Sarah Palin's Puck Drop

Eric McErlain — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:39:00 EST

Filed under: Flyers, Rangers, NHL Gambling

For those of you who might be looking to make the Flyers-Rangers game on Saturday night a little more interesting, the folks at Bodog are offering odds with a slightly different twist.

With Republican Vice Presidential nominee, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin set to drop the ceremonial first puck before the game, the folks at Bodog are offering a couple of additional wagers to the regular menu.

The following come from our friend Jimmy Shapiro at Bodog:

Will Sarah Palin Fall while dropping the Puck at the Philadelphia Flyers Home Opener?

Yes 10/1

Will Sarah Palin get in a Donnybrook with the Flyers Captain at Center Ice?

Yes 1000/1

Will Sarah Palin get Booed more or Cheered more when introduced onto the Ice at the Flyers Home Opener?

Booed Even
Cheered -130

Will Sarah Palin wear a Philadelphia Flyers jersey at Center Ice?

Yes Even
No -140

Those are some interesting choices to say the least. I wonder what Janet Gretzky thinks?

Bodog's Odds on Sarah Palin's Puck Drop originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caption This Photo: Lucky Luc's Celebrity Poker Tournament

Kevin Schultz — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:28:00 EST

Filed under: Avalanche, Kings, NHL General, NHL Gambling

Here we are once again with another edition of Caption This Photo! Last night, the Avalanche and Kings played a pre-season game at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It's the annual game in Las Vegas and the Avs won the game 4-3 in a shootout. But the great part in about spending the weekend in Vegas is that there is much more to do than watch a hockey game. On Friday night, members of both teams participated in the Luc Robitaille/Shelter for Serenity Celebrity Poker Tournament. It's a great charity event and also game us some interesting pictures of NHLers in front of the poker tables. Take the one above picturing Robitaille, Tony Granato and PJ DeLuca, a member of the Avalanche staff.

Here's the original caption from Getty:

LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 26: (L-R) Former NHL player Luc Robitaille, Colorado Avalanche head coach Tony Granato and PJ DeLuca talk while participating in the Luc Robitaille/Shelter for Serenity Celebrity Poker Tournament at the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino September 26, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Exciting stuff, right? No. Not at all. So let's see what you guys got!

I'll get us started and please leave your own captions in the comments!

Granato: Luc, you had a pair of twos! That was clearly a hand to go all-in on!

Robitaille: That is the LAST TIME that I ever take poker advice from you. Get away from me.

Granato: Now, see you've got 7-5 off-suit. You want to slow play this hand for sure.

DeLuca: Hey... Is that Jessica Biel by the craps table?

%Gallery-11318%

Caption This Photo: Lucky Luc's Celebrity Poker Tournament originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 02:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mats Sundin Chooses ... To Play Poker

Jes Golbez — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:08:00 EST

Filed under: Maple Leafs, NHL General, NHL Gambling, NHL Gossip

First, we were given a deadline of August 1st for Mats Sundin to make a decision ... nothing. Not that I mind that he takes his time to make up his mind on his playing future, but you wonder how long it takes him to choose a pair of socks in the morning.

Now? The Swedish troll won't even make up his mind until the start of the regular season, putting him behind the eight ball when and if he decides to sign.
While this puts the screws on the teams that hoped to sign him, it makes perfect sense for Sundin to keep waiting. Why not wait until it is clear which teams are contenders and which are pretenders? Why not keep healthy and mitigate the physical effects that a long season has on the human body? Then again, it appears that there is a far different reason for Sundin's dithering ... A new career as a Poker player (?).

Yes, it seems the gambling bug has bitten the Swedish Troll, and he's signed on to be the latest celebrity shill for PokerStars.

Playing online as "MatsSundin," the 37-year-old Olympic champion plans frequent appearances playing on PokerStars.net and at live tournaments on the PokerStars' global poker tour circuit. This includes the PokerStars European Poker Tour which starts its fifth season next week in Barcelona.

"MatsSundin"? Would you really think a guy called "MarioLemieux66" or "CarolAltsBoytoy" would be the real thing? How to tell the impostors from the real thing ... oh, my!

Mats Sundin Chooses ... To Play Poker originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bodog Makes Wings and Pens Early Cup Favorites

Eric McErlain — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Penguins, Red Wings, NHL Gambling

Yes, I know it's August.

And yes, I know we're still about a month out before training camp.

Still, if The Hockey News can put most of its hockey yearbook to bed complete with predictions in August, what's the harm in checking in with people who actually have some skin in the game if they get things wrong? In particular, I'm talking about the folks at Bodog who have just published odds for winning the conference championships and the Stanley Cup Finals for the 2008-09 NHL season.

Up top, there's not much of a surprise, as Bodog has installed the Red Wings (10-3) and the Penguins (~~5-2~~ 6-1), as co-favorites in their respective conferences -- see those odds after the jump. Rounding out the top 10 are San Jose (9-1), Montreal (10-1), Anaheim and the Rangers (12-1), Washington (15-1), New Jersey (16-1), Ottawa (16-1), Chicago, Dallas and Philadelphia (18-1).

For those of you looking to lay your money on a long shot, Atlanta and Los Angeles are at the bottom of the board at 100-1, followed by Toronto (75-1) and Columbus (65-1). For a complete list of odds on the Stanley Cup as well as the winners of both the Eastern and Western Conference, look after the jump.

Odds to win the 2008-2009 Stanley Cup

Detroit Red Wings: 10/3

Pittsburgh Penguins: 6/1

San Jose Sharks: 9/1

Montreal Canadiens: 10/1

Anaheim Ducks: 12/1

New York Rangers: 12/1

Washington Capitals: 15/1

New Jersey Devils: 16/1

Ottawa Senators: 16/1

Chicago Blackhawks: 18/1

Dallas Stars: 18/1

Philadelphia Flyers: 18/1

Tampa Bay Lightning: 20/1

Calgary Flames: 25/1

Colorado Avalanche: 25/1

Buffalo Sabres: 25/1

Minnesota Wild: 25/1

Boston Bruins: 30/1

Vancouver Canucks: 30/1

Carolina Hurricanes: 33/1

Edmonton Oilers: 35/1

Florida Panthers: 50/1

St. Louis Blues: 50/1

Nashville Predators: 50/1

New York Islanders: 60/1

Phoenix Coyotes: 60/1

Columbus Blue Jackets: 65/1

Toronto Maple Leafs: 75/1

Atlanta Thrashers: 100/1

Los Angeles Kings: 100/1

Odds to win the 2008/2009 Eastern Conference Championship

Pittsburgh Penguins: 5/2

New York Rangers: 4/1

Montreal Canadiens: 5/1

Ottawa Senators: 7/1

Washington Capitals: 9/1

Philadelphia Flyers: 10/1

New Jersey Devils: 10/1

Tampa Bay Lightning: 12/1

Carolina Hurricanes : 18/1

Boston Bruins: 20/1

Buffalo Sabres: 20/1

Florida Panthers: 28/1

New York Islanders: 30/1

Atlanta Thrashers: 45/1

Toronto Maple Leafs: 50/1

Odds to win the 2008/2009 Western Conference Championship

Detroit Red Wings: 3/2

San Jose Sharks: 9/2

Anaheim Ducks: 5/1

Dallas Stars: 10/1

Chicago Blackhawks: 11/1

Calgary Flames: 12/1

Colorado Avalanche: 12/1

Minnesota Wild: 12/1

Nashville Predators: 15/1

Vancouver Canucks: 16/1

Edmonton Oilers: 16/1

Columbus Blue Jackets: 30/1

St. Louis Blues: 35/1

Phoenix Coyotes: 45/1

Los Angeles Kings: 50/1

Bodog Makes Wings and Pens Early Cup Favorites originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Wings Early Favorite in Finals

Eric McErlain — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit, Pittsburgh, General NHL, Penguins, Wings, NHL Gambling, NHL Rumors, Stanley Cup

Though we don't often boast about it, FanHouse has sources everywhere, and a little bird just gave us a preview of how the odds makers in Sin City view this year's version of the Stanley Cup Finals.

As always, these numbers are passed along for recreational purposes only. And I mean that in the most sincere way possible.

In short, Detroit is the favorite to win the series. According to the people who talk to us, the early moneyline for the series should be somewhere around Detroit (-160) and Pittsburgh (+120).

For those of you who aren't used to betting the money line on the NHL or anywhere else, the odds are pretty simply to understand. In order to win $100 on the Red Wings, you'd need to lay $160. On the other hand, if you laid $100 down on Pittsburgh, that bet would pay off at $120.

As to how they derive these numbers, I'm at a loss to say, especially since the two teams haven't met in the regular season since the beginning of the 2006-07 NHL campaign, when Detroit won a 2-0 decision at Mellon Arena. Kris Draper and Johan Franzen scored for Detroit, while Marc-Andre Fleury had 23 saves for Pittsburgh.

Game One is Saturday night in Detroit.

Red Wings Early Favorite in Finals originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 20 May 2008 00:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Tocchet Line: Who Will Be the Next Publicity Stunt/Guest Head Coach in the NHL?

Greg Wyshynski — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:53:00 EST

Filed under: General NHL, Islanders, Avalanche, NHL Gambling

Named in honor of noted gambling aficionado Rick Tocchet, The Tocchet Line is an occasional feature on NHL FanHouse in which we even out the odds for the likelihood of various hockey-related happenings.

As Eric McErlain noted today on FanHouse, Al Arbour's one-shot return to the New York Islanders' bench was a very big deal. Not only did the NHL legend coach his 1,500th game, but the Islanders managed to piss off hockey purists with nary a 15-year contract in sight. So successful was Arbour's cameo appearance, one can't help but wonder who else might be in line for a ~~flimsy publicity stunt~~ moment of honor and distinction. The Tocchet Line handicaps the field:

Barry Melrose (2:1) - The Mullet must return! If not because he's the key to landing sponsorship with Mario's House of Mafioso Pinstripes, then because he's looking so laid back these days on ESPNews that I'm pretty sure he could coach an entire NHL game with a copy of The Hockey News in one hand and a Tom Collins in the other.

Phil Goyette, Terry Simpson, Lorne Henning, Mike Milbury, Butch Goring, Peter Laviolette and Steve Stirling (6:1) - Did you see the attendance for the Islanders' win against the Penguins on Al Arbour Night? Incredible ... a sellout at the Nassau Coliseum, and the Rangers weren't even playing. Based on those numbers alone, they should bring everyone that ever coached the Islanders back for one night only. Can you imagine the nostalgic joy that is Steve Stirling Night?

Paul Newman (15:1) - Get the Hansons out of moth balls and grab the foil, because Reggie Dunlop's finally coaching an NHL team! Would you have him behind the bench in Philly, where the Flyers are currently perfecting their own brand of "old time hockey?" Nah ... gotta have him in Florida, where the Charlestown Chiefs were going to be relocated -- if the rumors were true, that is.

Dave Chambers (20:1) - If the Islanders are willing to bend over for Al Arbour so he can hit a nice round number, shouldn't Colorado give Chambers, a former Quebec Nordiques head coach, the opportunity to do the same? Chambers coached 94 games from 1990-92 for the Nords, losing 64 of them ... and coming one victory away from hitting the big two-oh. Twenty wins might not mean anything to you, but you don't have 19 career wins, now do you? Will someone give this poor bastard a chance to have more career wins than Dennis Vial has career points?

Wayne Gretzky (30:1) - Seriously, how awesome would it be if the greatest player in hockey history stepped behind the bench and ... wait, what?!

Don Cherry (50:1) - A fairly obvious one, don't you think? Grapes hasn't coached an NHL game since ~~1979~~ 1980 but that shouldn't matter, considering he really hasn't learned a thing since the 1960s anyway. We're talking about a guy who blamed Patrice Bergeron for his own Grade 3 concussion by "inviting" Randy Jones of the Flyers to illegally check him into the boards. How about Cherry behind the Leafs' bench for one night? I can see it now: Nik Antropov blows a 2-on-1, and Cherry steps out from behind the bench and in front of a camera to cut a promo on how pathetic "And Drop Off" is.

Sean Connery (100:1) - No, I don't believe he has any hockey credentials. No, I'm not sure if he's even familiar with many of the intricacies and concepts of the sport. So why does he belong on his list? I want you to muster up your best (or your worst) Connery impression -- it can even be an impression of Darrell Hammond's impression -- and repeat after me: "Getzlaf, Marchant, Pahlsson, Parros and Schneider on the ice! Bryzgalov to the crease! Now let's skate out and destroy Sidney and those Penguins bastards!"

Manute Bol (10,000:1) - OK, so his hockey playing career was sadly truncated, but maybe he was more cut out for the X's and O's. If he goes behind the bench for one game and loses, so what? He'll simply be the NHL's tallest coaching failure; Bruce Cassidy's status as the biggest will remain unchallenged.

Previously on The Tocchet Line:
Who Will Be the Next Head Coach of the Atlanta Thrashers?

The Tocchet Line: Who Will Be the Next Publicity Stunt/Guest Head Coach in the NHL? originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I'll Bet Rick Tocchet's a Happy Man Today

Greg Wyshynski — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Phoenix, General NHL, Coyotes, NHL Gambling

Rick Tocchet was caught by Operation Slapshot, and received two years of probation from a New Jersey court for conspiracy to promote gambling and promoting gambling as part of an illegal sports betting ring. That investigation began over 20 months ago, and Tocchet -- an assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes -- has been on an extended leave since the news of his involvement broke. Today, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that Tocchet will be reinstated back into the League on the two-year anniversary of that leave: Feb. 7, 2008.

Attorney Robert Cleary, who appeared at a press conference with Bettman, conducted an independent investigation of Tocchet for the League and found no gambling on hockey within that ring. Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail has his own thoughts on what that means:

The league ultimately needed to decide if they would reinstate Tocchet on the grounds that he was mostly guilty of stupidity and poor judgment. Or if they would extend his ban from the game on the grounds that even a peripheral association with gambling - involving sports other than hockey - could call into question the integrity of the league.

"The bottom line is, if you're fortunate enough to work in the National Hockey League, you are necessarily held to a higher standard of personal conduct than in many other professions," said Bettman.

"Moreover, during his 21 months away from the game, Mr. Tocchet did not strictly adhere to the terms of our understanding - that he have no contact with NHL league or club personnel.

"In addition, and almost unbelievably, Mr. Tocchet has continued to gamble during his leave of absence, although not as frequently or in the same manner that resulted in the problems he incurred with law enforcement."

But, in the end, the NHL decided it was time to welcome back Tocchet to Wayne Gretzky's right hand. Bettman said that those looking for an admitted gambling ring leader to be banned from the NHL for longer "are not familiar with all the facts and are still focused on the original headlines."

Since Tocchet seems so fond of running numbers, here are a few to run through the heads of hockey fans going forward:

Suspension for Pleading Guilty To Conspiracy to Promote Gambling and Promoting Gambling on Sports: 162 games (by Feb. 7, 2008).
Suspension for Ending Steve Moore's Career With a Punch To the Head: 20 games (including playoffs), the World Cup of Hockey, two world championships and a locked-out season.
Suspension for Taking a Baseball Swing at Ryan Hollweg's Face: 30 games (including playoffs).
Suspension for Telling a Portly Referee To Have Another Donut During the Stanley Cup Playoffs: 1 postseason game.
Suspension for Being a Goal-Scoring Superstar and Checking Daniel Briere in the Back Behind The Play: Priceless.

Previously on FanHouse:
Video of the Day: Rick Tocchet, TV Chef
Spare Me the Moralizing and Let Rick Tocchet Coach Again
Time To Make an Example of Tocchet

I'll Bet Rick Tocchet's a Happy Man Today originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Great Gretzky Garage Sale

Greg Wyshynski — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:08:00 EST

Filed under: General NHL, Oilers, Kings, NHL Gambling

Wayne Gretzky will be holding an estate sale later this month. I know what you're thinking: Janet must have had the Cowboys and the under last night...

Truth is that the Gretzkys are holding this sale on Oct. 27 to benefit Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California. Proceeds will help pay for the construction of Oaks' new baseball stadium and programs at nearby Carden Conejo School; items for sale include home furnishings, recreational items, off-road vehicles, clothing, signed game-quality jerseys and signed bottles of Wayne Gretzky Estate Wines.

I'm sure a Gretzky rug or a Gretzky ATV or some Gretzky Merlot will certainly fill the coffers. But if Wayne really wanted to raise some dough, here are some of the items from storage I wish Gretzky would have put on the open market:

A pair of Mickey Mouse ears signed by Gretzky and the 1984 New Jersey Devils.
A shoebox filled with Bruce McNall's letters from prison.
His collection of original animation cells from the first season of "ProStars."
The Lou Marsh Trophy. C'mon, unless you're Canadian you didn't know what it was either. And Gretzky's got four of them...
The magic whistle he used to carry that, no matter where he was in the world, would summon Marty McSorley or Dave Semenko to pummel you for looking at Wayne the wrong way.
The Calgary Flames' collective ass, circa 1982-85 and 1987-88.

The Great Gretzky Garage Sale originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:08:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video of the Day: Rick Tocchet, TV Chef

Jes Golbez — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 10:38:00 EST

Filed under: General NHL, Coyotes, NHL Gambling, NHL Videos

Long before Rick Tocchet was arranging sports bets for people, he was a pretty darn good hockey player and tough SOB.

It turns out that the Tocchet Rocket was also a wanna-be TV chef, as we can see in this video clip from over a decade ago.

Ahh, yes, the good old Italian standby of spaghetti. If that dish was any simpler, Paris Hilton might be able to count the amount of ingredients. Surely, Tocchet's mom could have taught him something a bit more involved?

Notice that he has the paper set up to read the Sports section? Even at a young age, Tocchet knew the importance of keeping track of Vegas odds. It's always nice to see players prepare for the post-playing careers.

Previously on FanHouse:

Ominous Signs for Tocchet Ahead of Friday Sentencing
Time to Make an Example of Tocchet
Spare Me the Moralizing and Let Rick Tocchet Coach Again

Video of the Day: Rick Tocchet, TV Chef originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sun, 19 Aug 2007 10:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tocchet Gets Probation in Gambling Case

Eric McErlain — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: General NHL, Coyotes, NHL Gambling, NHL Police Blotter

Thanks to his status as a first-time offender, former Phoenix Coyotes Assistant Coach Rick Tocchet was sentenced to two years probation earlier today for his part in running a New Jersey-based gambling operation:

``Today's sentence reflects the fact that Mr. Tocchet is a first-time offender,'' Attorney General Anne Milgram said in the statement. ``But make no mistake, he is paying a heavy price for his foray into the world of illegal bookmaking. He must now live with the stigma and consequences of being a convicted felon.''

But while the ordeal of the investigation and his guilty plea are over for Tocchet, questions remain as to whether or not he'll be allowed to retake his position behind the bench as an assistant working with Phoenix head coach Wayne Gretzky. That determination will depend in part of the results of the findings of Robert Cleary, an independent investigator hired by the league to look into Tocchet's activities.

NHL spokesman Gary Meagher sent me the following statement: "In light of today's events, Mr. Cleary is now in a position to conclude his independent investigation. Once the Commissioner receives Mr. Cleary's report, it is probable that he will want to meet with Mr. Tocchet before making a determination."

As I wrote earlier this week here at FanHouse, Tocchet's sentencing couldn't have come at a worse time, falling only two days after former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to placing bets on games he officiated and on the heels of a New York Times report that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was working with his lawyers to forestall additional federal indictments for financing a gambling operation of his own.

Perhaps worst of all, out of the public eye while Tocchet and his lawyers were working on a plea deal, the NHL, along with all the other major professional sports leagues and the NCAA were working together to scuttle legislation sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) to legalize Internet wagering.

Taken together, it looks like an uphill battle for a man who probably would like to have his old job back -- and one where the league might have to say no to its most famous name if he doesn't.

Previously on FanHouse:
Ominous Signs for Tocchet Ahead of Friday Sentencing
Time to Make an Example of Tocchet
Spare Me the Moralizing and Let Rick Tocchet Coach Again

Tocchet Gets Probation in Gambling Case originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spare Me the Moralizing and Let Rick Tocchet Coach Again

Jes Golbez — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: General NHL, Coyotes, NHL Gambling

This Friday, Rick Tocchet will face sentencing for his part in a sports betting ring. In the light of many recent sporting scandals, the critics are frothing at the mouth at the fact that Phoenix Coyotes owner/coach Wayne Gretzky wants his buddy back behind the bench as his assistant. Popular with his players, Tocchet would be a welcome addition behind the bench of the desert dogs.

Given how Rick Tocchet is unlikely to face any jail time for his crime, he will be free and available to work, should the NHL let him.

Tocchet will, however, face the possibility of a suspension from the NHL, which would bar him from such employment. Given how NBA ref Tim Donaghy was found to have helped fix games, there is a lot of pressure for the NHL to suspend Tocchet in a bid to save face for the league.

To that, I say 'rubbish'. Let the man work, if the Coyotes want him. Does anyone outside of the media and law enforcement really care about this case? Do you care that Tocchet was organizing some sports betting among some rich folks with money to burn?
Do I think hiring Tocchet is smart? No. Would I hire Tocchet to coach my team? No. Do I find Gretzky's loyalty puzzling? Somewhat. Still, it's not my choice and doesn't affect me one iota if Tocchet is coaching in Phoenix next season.

"He's a convicted criminal, he shouldn't be allowed to work."

Oh, I see get it ... nobody with a criminal record should ever be allowed to work, huh? If Tocchet serves his punishment (via fine or jail), why should that prevent him from any employment? Even convicted criminals have the fair right to hold a vocation in our society.

"The integrity of the games is at risk"

What a crock! How, exactly, can Tocchet influence the game enough to profit as a gambler or bookie? He's an assistant coach, and holds very little power over what happens on the ice. If he was making such terrible on-ice decisions, you know Gretzky would either fire him, or the mainstream media would be all over him. The players on the ice, and the refs, hold a great deal of control over the game. An assistant coach does not.

Need I remind you that 1. nobody was gambling on NHL games in this ring, nor do they tend to in general, and 2. Tocchet, himself, never bet on any games. Tocchet profited on OTHER people betting on OTHER sports. How, then, does this affect the integrity of ye olde NHL tilt?

Now that Tocchet is under such scrutiny, do you really think he could ever get away with any activity to 'fix' a game? If he makes ONE questionable line change, you can be sure the media will be all over him like lawyers at an accident scene.

"But, what he did is immoral!"

Uh oh, here comes the Morality Police!

Although YOU may not like gambling, there are plenty of people who enjoy this activity. Who am I, or who are you, to tell people what to do with their money and time?

Really, who cares if some rich folks want to plunk down some dough on some football games? It's their money, and they have every right to gamble it, throw it away, burn it, or buy Ashlee Simpson CDs. The attitude towards sports gambling in North America is really quite silly, puritanical, and hypocritical.

"But, he broke the LAW!"

When has the NHL ever been concerned about the law? The league has gone to great lengths to tell law enforcement to butt out of its affairs. Remember the Bertuzzi incident? The NHL told the police basically to butt out and that "We'll handle our own affairs." The NHL likes to police itself, for better or worse, and doesn't seem too concerned about the criminal activities of its players (who like to drink and drive) and coaches.

How about this choice quote from the league that they penned in conjunction with all the other major professional sports leagues and the NCAA:

Sports betting is incompatible with preserving the integrity of American athletics. For many decades, we have actively enforced strong policies against sports betting.

Sports betting is incompatible with what??! As if the NFL doesn't do all it can to promote gambling and have a cozy relationship with Vegas bookies. Sure, the NHL doesn't want the perception of gambling, but it would dearly love for you to put down a few bucks on the next Oilers/Thrashers tilt.

If the NHL is so anti-gambling, why does it, and the NHL clubs, actively promote lotteries? In Vancouver, one can buy Canucks scratch-and-win tickets, and bet on Canucks games through the government lottery. I don't see much outcry from the NHL over such gambling activities.

According to my FanHouse colleague, Greg Wyshynski,

"Tocchet should be formally suspended indefinitely, for a minimum of a season. Not only because he dipped his skate into a cesspool he knew could be publicly damaging for the league, but because we're in a post-Donaghy sports landscape in which a professional coach caught operating an illegal gambling ring cannot get off with a sanctioned "leave of absence."

Excuse me? Tocchet should be prevented from employment simply because of what happens in another league? Should we also ban Tylenol and Sudafed because the Olympics do?

Given that Tocchet will serve his punishment, and given how little, if any, he could affect the integrity of an NHL game, why should he be made the sacrificial lamb? If the Coyotes want to hire him as an assistant coach, that is their right. Why should the NHL punish him further?

Spare Me the Moralizing and Let Rick Tocchet Coach Again originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time To Make an Example of Tocchet

Greg Wyshynski — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: General NHL, Coyotes, NHL Gambling

Let's clear the air before we convict Rick Tocchet: This post isn't what you think it is. You think it's going to be some puritanical sermon on the mount about the evils of sports wagering, delivered with Mushnick aplomb by someone getting their morally superior rocks off. In fact, I have 2-to-1 odds in Vegas right now that this is exactly what you'll assume.

Save your ire; I gamble on sports. So do the majority of my friends, using everything from basketball brackets to bookie slips. Stripped of some important supporting facts, what Rick Tocchet and his co-defendants did shouldn't mean jail time; unfortunately, we live in an American killjoy culture that makes Roger Goodell look like Steve Rubell by comparison. I have no issue with fans wagering on the games they watch, and wish that gambling on hockey was slightly less complicated and more exciting than an algebra exam.

While the National Hockey League has to openly crucify wagering with its brothers-in-monopolistic-arms in other sports leagues, the reality is that it doesn't seem all that concerned about it. (Probably because the NHL has, like you and I, seen its ratings in comparison to those of March Madness and the Super Bowl.) I searched the 2005 CBA for "gambling" and found one reference in 472 pages: Exhibit 14, Form of Standard Club Rules, No. 2, which states that "Gambling on any NHL Game is prohibited." Being a club rule, anyone caught wagering on an NHL game faces some serious (place tongue in cheek) punishment, according to that section of the CBA -- a fine on a first offense of $250, a fine for a subsequent offense of less than $500, and having their record cleared at the end of each regular season. What, no Hail Marys?

It's been established that the gambling ring Tocchet, James Harney and James A. Ulmer operated did not include wagering on NHL games, and that NHL players are allowed to (legally) bet on anything but hockey in the eyes of the league. But that shouldn't matter, nor should the sentence Tocchet is expected to receive on Friday in a New Jersey court: The NHL needs to suspend this man indefinitely for what he has done, and could have done, to the integrity of the game.One of my core beliefs about professional sports has always been that the moment a paying customer believes the results of the game they are watching have been predetermined in any way, the business is over. Fold up the tents, mark down the merchandise and call Vince McMahon for advice on how to transition from a sport to sports entertainment. There is an insurmountable difference between a fan illegally wagering on a game and a player, coach or referee doing the same; both can quickly descend into financial ruin, but the latter group can climb out of that hole by using their positions of sports privilege.

That's why David Stern and the NBA broke land-speed records in establishing Tim Donaghy as a solitary rogue element in an otherwise squeaky-clean league. Game fixing ruins the experience for the casual fan; more importantly, it breaks the trust with the gambling fan that the money he's wagering is on a legitimate sporting event and not a glorified game of Three-Card Monte.

As mentioned by Stu Cowen in a well-argued Canada.com piece about why Tocchet should be banned from the NHL, both an NBA referee and an assistant coach in hockey have their means for potentially fixing a wager, like tipping off bookies about a key injury or personnel change, much like what Donaghy pleaded guilty to on Wednesday. I'd argue that an assistant coach could flat out fix a game if he wanted to, depending on his level of responsibility. If Tocchet, for example, was in charge of line changes, what if there was a "botched" one at a key moment in the third period, causing an odd-man rush the other way? It's not the exact science that a player fixing a game is, but the potential is still there to affect the outcome.

No, Tocchet (and the several still-unnamed NHL players) didn't bet on hockey. There's evidence Donaghy didn't start with basketball either -- breaking NBA rules by wagering hundreds of dollars a hand in Atlantic City card games. As any gambler will admit, it can be a slippery slope; Tocchet just got caught before it was his turn down the mountain side.

He pled guilty in May to promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling, a mea culpa that's expected to spare him any time in the real sin bin. He's been on a league-approved "leave of absence" since Feb. 2006 when police broke the case. Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky wants him back on the bench; and while the NHL isn't exactly in the business of saying "no" to Wayne Gretzky, it's time to make an exception -- and an example.

Tocchet should be formally suspended indefinitely, for a minimum of a season. Not only because he dipped his skate into a cesspool he knew could be publicly damaging for the league, but because we're in a post-Donaghy sports landscape in which a professional coach caught operating an illegal gambling ring cannot get off with a sanctioned "leave of absence." I think the NFL's policy against gambling has it right, prohibiting "associating with gamblers or with gambling activities in a manner tending to bring discredit to the NFL." But that's an argument for the next CBA; right now, there needs to be punishment not only for this crime, but for the next crime.

C'mon, isn't that a core principle of the NHL? To suspend as a preventive measure, so the next guy knows he'll get 25 games for taking a baseball swing at Ryan Hollweg or three games for having the nerve to back-check Tomas Kaberle? Give Tocchet at least a year out of the game, and perhaps the next Ricky the Greek will think twice, keep his nose clean and avoid turning into our own little game-fixin' Tim Donahockey...

Time To Make an Example of Tocchet originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ominous Signs for Tocchet Ahead of Friday Sentencing

Eric McErlain — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: General NHL, Coyotes, NHL Gambling

By now, it has to be written into NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's calendar. I'm talking about a Friday appearance that Rick Tocchet, former assistant coach for the Phoenix Coyotes, will be making in a New Jersey court in order to be sentenced for his part in an illegal gambling ring. The investigation has already resulted in one of his former associates being sentenced to five years in prison.

As for Tocchet, he faces up to five years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

Later today, my FanHouse colleagues Jes Golbez and Greg Wyshynski will be taking the opposite sides of the question as to whether or not the NHL should allow Tocchet to rejoin Phoenix Coyotes head coach Wayne Gretzky behind the bench if he avoids jail time.

But whether or not you believe Tocchet should be banished from working in professional hockey, it's hard to argue against the fact that his sentencing couldn't have come at a worse time for him and his cause.For instance:

On Wednesday in a Brooklyn federal court, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy will plead guilty to placing bets on NBA games in which he officiated;

Late Tuesday night, the New York Times reported that Michael Vick is considering a guilty plea to charges he organized and ran a dogfighting ring not only to end the case, but rather to forestall another potential federal indictment that he financed a gambling operation;

And finally, behind the scenes, in a letter dated July 30, the NHL joined with all of the other major professional sports leagues and the NCAA to urge Congress to oppose the passage of H.R. 2046, legislation that would legalize online wagering on professional sports. The letter, signed on behalf of the NHL by Deputy Commissioner Bil Daly reads in part:

Sports betting is incompatible with preserving the integrity of American athletics. For many decades, we have actively enforced strong policies against sports betting. And the law on this point is consistent. Federal statutes bar sports betting, especially the 1961 Wire Act and the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Enforcement of these laws against sports betting was also a significant motive for enacting the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA).

If "sports betting is incompatible with preserving the integrity of American athletics" on July 30, then how in the world could Commissioner Bettman see his way to allowing Tocchet back into the sport on August 17 after being sentenced in a sports gambling investigation?

No matter what one might think about Tocchet and his situation, it's hard not to conclude that Bettman's hands may be tied. Stay tuned.

Ominous Signs for Tocchet Ahead of Friday Sentencing originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another PR Goof for Wayne Gretzky?

Greg Wyshynski — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 17:24:00 EST

Filed under: General NHL, Coyotes, Western, NHL Gambling, NHL Gossip, The Word

When Wayne Gretzky has been in the public eye over the last year and change, it's usually been over in that crusty part near the bridge of the public nose. Rick Tocchet was Gretzky's assistant coach with Phoenix when he was charged in a nationwide gambling ring, eventually pleading guilty to conspiracy and promoting gambling. Janet Gretzky was accused of making bets with that operation, and publicly attacked the media for scrutinizing hockey's first couple. (Well, at least that's what they were until "Dumrie" had their coming out party.) His Phoenix Coyotes have been blasted by fans for their relative inactivity during the off-season. Even an innocent compliment about Gretzky's new wine label was turned into an awkward exchange in which The Great One thought an ESPN writer was "digging" his wife. (Scroll down to "The Grape One.")

In an effort to turn around that bad PR mojo, Gretzky did what any of us would have done: He publicly threw his support behind Barry Bonds. Saturday night in San Francisco, Gretzky followed in the footsteps of Michael Jordan 24 hours earlier by presenting a video greeting to Bonds at the stadium:

"Hey Barry, Wayne Gretzky here. On behalf of my wife and kids we want to congratulate you on a job well done, but remember don't stop there and we'll be rooting for you as you chase down history."

As expected, the cameo has taken some heat. The Globe and Mail took its shot ("No word if Gretzky's good friend Rick Tocchet is taking bets on when Bonds breaks the record."), while Jay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times ripped Jordan and Gretzky for their appearances and pondered who was next:

Who should appear on the video board after No. 756, a milestone finally upon us after a wait that has anesthetized the national psyche? Tim Donaghy? Michael Vick? Greg Anderson, his personal trainer, on a satellite beam from jail as federal inmate No. 93389-011?

Whatever relationship away from baseball exists between Gretzky and Bonds doesn't matter -- here is someone who's still the greatest ambassador for hockey in the U.S. casting his lot for the most reviled sports villain in the country not currently involved in a dogfighting case. The obvious question for Gretzky is how he'd feel if his most cherished record was being threatened by a player with a cloud of steroid suspicion surrounding him. Maybe he's got so many damn records that losing one wouldn't matter. Maybe he knows the only guy on track to eclipse him plays in Pittsburgh and currently has the physique of a "before" picture in a GNC ad. Or maybe Gretzky's answer would be yet another public gaffe that continues to tarnish the post-retirement aura of the NHL's greatest star.

Another PR Goof for Wayne Gretzky? originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sun, 29 Jul 2007 17:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is there a Tim Donaghy in the NHL? Not Bloody Likely!

Jes Golbez — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: General NHL, NHL Gambling, NHL Gossip, NHL Media Watch, NHL Rumors, The Word

In the wake of the huge point-shaving scandal in the NBA, other leagues are being asked "Is your league just as tainted? Do your refs accept bribes?"

It certainly is possible that NHL referees could take such bribes and drastically affect the outcome of games, but it is highly unlikely. The NHL has many factors that would make it hard for a referee to purposely affect more than the outcome of a single game. While the NBA continued to ignore cries about their officiating, the NHL has always been proactive in trying to ensure that their officials are doing their jobs well and officiating games to a certain high standard.

What would make it so hard for this kind of scandal to occur in the NHL?

1. Each NHL game has two refs. Sure, both referees could be in tandem to fix a game, but this step makes it a lot harder for a single ref, like Tim Donaghy, to do this type of damage. The NHL also rotates their officials quite often, so the pairs are broken up after a few games. If 2 single refs were collaborating, they wouldn't have a large window of opportunity to do so.

2. NHL officials are very well compensated, and are very happy with the latest deal they signed with the NHL. NHL refs can make at least $110000-$255000/season and linesmen can earn $72000 to $162000/season. Since the NHL refs are so well paid, they have little incentive to risk such a high salary by playing with the proverbial fire.
3. The NHL constantly reviews their officials ala Big Brother. The NHL's head office tapes every game, reviews officials' performance, and keeps a database of how the officials perform. Constant communication between all levels is utilized to improve and standardize the league's officiating. If a ref was fixing games, it would probably come to light quite quickly.

For example, referee Mick McGeough blew an obvious call that cost the Edmonton Oilers a game. It was all over the papers and websites, resulting in some behind-closed-door punishment and public cries of execution for McGeough. When do you ever see an individual ref in any other sport get this kind of spotlight for a blown call? The NHL was on "McGoo" like a lawyer at a crash scene.

4. As Jeremy Roenick once quipped, who the hell bets on hockey? Sadly, hockey is not just a popular target for the Vegas bookies, and it's hardly worth the Mafia's time to make the effort to fix hockey games. The money just isn't there.

While it's certainly not impossible for an NHL ref to pull a Donaghy, it's highly unlikely given all of the checks and balances put in place by the NHL. We can complain about inconsistent refereeing all we like, but I have no doubt that each game is being legitimately controlled, in an unbiased manner, by the men in striped shirts.

Is there a Tim Donaghy in the NHL? Not Bloody Likely! originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video of the Day: Maxime Talbot's Road to the World Series of Poker

Greg Wyshynski — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Penguins, Eastern, NHL Gambling, NHL Videos

As fellow FanHouser J.P. reported last month, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Maxime Talbot went to the World Series of Poker, earning the spot after winning a charity tournament involving several other NHL players. Talbot has since been eliminated from the WSOP, which shouldn't be a total shock considering he's a card player who describes his strengths as: "I'm pretty good at bluffing. I don't know, maybe it's because I don't care that much."

While Talbot's stay in the tournament was brief, his "road to Las Vegas" was humorously depicted in a video short shown on Réseau Info-Sports in Canada. Warning: The following is nearly all in French. Beyond basic culinary terminology, I don't speak a word of the language myself, but I was still able to enjoy many of the physical sight gags -- primarily because I made up my own dialogue in my head, much like I do when I see Lou Pinella shout down an umpire. Besides, any video featuring a dude in a Quebec Nordiques Eric Lindros jersey speaks the universal language of hockey comedy:

Video of the Day: Maxime Talbot's Road to the World Series of Poker originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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