Steamers Split Pair w/ Pens

Greensboro) The Steamers split a home & home series with the Penguins losing 4-2 on Saturday and following up with a 6-4 win on Wednesday. The Steamers (6-3-0) enter next week's action in 3rd place with two games remaining before the playoffs.

The Steamers next home game is Wednesday, November 4th vs the Blizzard. The Puck Drops at 10:30 PM. Steamers Legend, Mike Hunt will be on hand to sign autographs prior to the contest.

Turkey Skate Update

Update: All spots have been filled for the annual Thanksgiving Classic. I will send out updates and rosters in the coming weeks. A sign-up sheet for alternates will be placed in the Ladies Room at the IceHouse. Until then....

Steamers Eat Their Riedies

GREENSBORO) In typically ugly fashion the Mighty Steamers prevailed 5-3 in Thursday night action versus the Guns & Hoses. The Steamers were paced by a balanced scoring attack in which 5 different players scored for the second consecutive week. While some might call this balance, scouts around the league agree that is only because the Steamers don't have anyone talented enough to score more than 1 goal in any given game. With the win, the Steamers move within 2 points of first place.

The Steamers won despite the best efforts of Mikey "Brian Campbell" Auston, who was held off the scoresheet...that is unless you count the beautiful tip he put into his own goal.

The Steamers return to action Saturday night at 10:15. Come out and watch if you don't have any paint drying that might be more entertaining.

The Thankgiving Skate

The Thanksgiving Skate is upon us. First 22 skaters and 2 goaltenders to confirm are in. All others go on the Reserve List.

UPDATE: Only 2 spots remain!

We'll get going at 9:30 ('til around 11). Cost is $15/player - Goalies are Free

Once I have all the players "signed up" I will create teams again (like last year). Keep checking the blog for rosters and updates.

Ryno Flops to Victory

Greensboro) In more painfully exciting GHL action, the Steamers blanked the Jags 5-0 behind the stellar, yet unorthodox goaltending of Ryno (shown above). The Steamers O was paced by Shack, Hughesy, Dougie, Rieder, and Mikey who all tallied goals on the evening.

Steamers Grind Out an OT Victory

Playing with only 7 skaters and a back-up goalie, the Steamers grinded out a 3-2 OT victory over the Ice Holes Thursday night. Nate Weeks continued his torrid goal scoring pace and Mike Auston scored 2 including the Game-Winner in overtime on a nifty assist from his big brother (and Mike Barry).

Speaking of the Grind, here's a picture of a young Bob Riedlinger from his days on MTV.

NHL Preview

With a brand-spankin' new NHL season upon us, I have read a few of those season previews and thought...what the hell...the Steaming Blog should have one too. This preview hopes to answer the all important question, Will my favorite team win the Cup? I have created a un-scientific survey to help answer this question:

1. Did your team qualify for the playoffs last year? If the answer to this question is NO, then sorry, your team will not be hoisting Lord Stanley come June. This does not mean your team won't make huge strides...they make even make the play-offs....but they won't be sipping from the Cup. In the NHL play-off experience means something.

Sorry fans of the: Isles, Lightning, Avs, Thrashers, Kings, Coyotes (never met one), Leafs, Stars, Sens, Oilers, Preds, Wild, Sabres and Panthers. 14 down and 15 to rule out.....

2. Does your team reside in Canada? Recent History would suggest that if the answer to the question is YES, then the answer to "will they win the Cup" is a resounding NO! Not since the '93 Habs have a team from north of the border claimed the prize. That's 16 years my friends, meaning that a baby born in in the Spring of '93 is now driving daddy's Buick.

Sorry fans of the: Canucks, Flames, & Habs . 17 down and 12 to go...

3. Has your team ever won a Cup to begin with? I don't see it changing this year!

Sorry fans of the: Capitals, Blue Jackets, Blues, and Sharks. 21 down and 8 to go...

4. Is your team a previous Cup-Winner but trending downwards due to age, losses in Free Agency, etc?

Sorry Wings & Devils fans but when Shanahan doesn't want to play for you anymore, you are not going to win the Cup. 23 down....

The Final 7

Hawks, Pens, Hurricanes, Rangers, Bruins, Flyers, and Ducks.....take it to the Bank that one of these 7 teams will win the Cup.

On to the rapid fire portion:

1. Did your team trade Chris Pronger in the off-season? If yes, then no cup for you...sorry Ducks!

2. Did your team trade a 36 goal scorer from last season without replacing him with a forward with 2 healthy nuts that can bank 40? Sorry Bruins!

3. Is your team relying on a goaltender who spent last season in Siberia? Sorry Flyers

4. Did your team sign a supposed star named Marian in the offseason? Sorry Rangers & Hawks. Gaborik won't play 20 games for the Rangers and Hossa....hell....need I say more.

5. Did your team win the cup last year? Chances are they won't repeat. Sorry Sidney!

That leaves one team standing: The Carolina Hurricanes. The Hurricanes were a Conference Finalist last season, are just 3 years removed from winning the Cup, have Conn-Smythe caliber goaltending in Cam Ward, and have quietly improved and added depth in the off-season.

EAST

1. Capitals*

2. Bruins*

3. Flyers*

4. Penguins

5. Hurricanes

6. Rangers

7. Canadiens

8. Lightning

WEST

1. Sharks

2. Blackhawks

3. Flames

4. Red Wings

5. Canucks

6. Ducks

7. Blues

8. Blue Jackets

STANLEY CUP FINALS

HURRICANES over BLACKHAWKS