Jumping Ship...

Dustin Penner
2007-08 Upper Deck #74

Switching Suits in the High Number Series

Browsing 2007-08 Upper Deck, looking at dealt players who are pictured with their new teams in Series 2.

(I believe that Dustin Penner is the only one to have a card in both Series 1 and Series 2)

Immediately thinking of the infamous Dustin Penner "offer sheet"...

Dustin Penner abandons the Anaheim Ducks when the Edmonton Oilers offer to grease his wheels with a big stack of cash.

Pretty sure Brain Burke would have a few additional comments regarding this deal (as former GM of the Anaheim Ducks).

Dustin Penner
2007-08 Upper Deck #314

Don't blame another team for tempting your player with more money - Blame your own player for taking the offer.

Seems all the bikini-clad beach vixens in Southern California just can't compete for all that cold, hard cash in icy Edmonton.

Michael Handzus
2007-08 Upper Deck #341

Michael Handzus left the Philidelphia Flyers to join the Los Angeles Kings.

(Hadn't heard about this deal, but hockey is pretty irrelevant in California)

Bill Guerin
2007-08 Upper Deck #371

Now a grizzled veteran, seems Bill Guerin was named Captain of the New York Islanders immediately after stepping off the plane.

Kevin Weekes
2007-08 Upper Deck #355

Is that a vicious cat on the mask?

Never knew that Kevin Weekes wore 40.
Always associated him with number 80.
Very curious.

Possibly during an exhibition game.
Also speculating that the NDJ organization tried to roll with low numbers.

Have heard that around the millennium, some clubs have attempted to keep player egoes in check by not allowing any player to wear a jersey higher than 40 - With no exceptions, even for a goaltender. Not sure if that's the case here, but interesting nonetheless....

Weekes would ultimately wear the classic goalie jersey number 1 with the Devils (which is why I speculate this may be from an exhibition game).

As for the high numbers, seems a few exceptions were made for Stephane Richer (44) and Doug Gilmour (93)

(Also curiously, players Rocky Trottier and Garry Howatt also briefly wore 88 in 1983 & 1984, respectively)

Freaky Filing System...

Mike Smith
2007-08 Upper Deck #84

Back at the Editor's desk... What a mess.
(I'd fire that secretary if she didn't look so good in a skirt)

So many cards - Many of which are scanned but not uploaded.

Other blog posts (aka rants) have been written with cards not scanned.

The focus is still mostly geared towards goaltender cards - Even spectacular shots of the lesser-knowns are treasures within the collection.

Other obsessions still include records, The Original Six, Stanley Cup Playoffs, and other weird random things captured on a card - Even if something exists in the background and has nothing to do with the play...

First order of business is Freaky Mask Friday - Looks like a wild western theme on the mask of Mike Smith.

Of MANY teams he's played with (actually just five?) - From his very first NHL team, the Dallas Stars.

Expansion Dream...

Francois Beauchemin
2007-08 Upper Deck #73

Two Expansion Teams playing for the 2023 Stanley Cup...

Vegas Golden Knights (est. 2017) against the Florida Panthers (est. 1996).

I believe this is just the second time in the "modern era"
that two expansion teams have made it to the Finals...

In 2007 the Anaheim Ducks (est. 1993) defeated the Ottawa Senators (est. 1992).

Gotta love Chris Neil's facial expression...
One sportscaster described it best:

"Looks like somebody stole his teddy bear."

I Don't Think So, Tim...

Tim Thomas
2007-08 Upper Deck MVP #43

Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins with an early mask.
Really like that bear.

Photo from just his third season, I honestly didn't recognize him.

Seems his preferred masks are atypical of NHL goaltenders...

Tim Thomas
2010-11 Upper Deck #265
(UD 20th Anniversary Variation)

This is the mask style that I more commonly associate with Tim Thomas.

Even the cage isn't the usual "cat eye" style.

This look reminds me of Don Beaupre or Mike Liut (both of whom coincidentally played for the Washington Capitals)

Ball Fans...

Jamie Langenbrunner
2007-08 Upper Deck MVP #96

Here's a New York Knicks logo (NBA Basketball) on the boards of an NHL Hockey rink..

My hockey card collection now has (at least) one card containing a baseball, football, and now a basketball (even a card of a hockey player with a soccer ball).

Which brings up this card...






 

 

Brent Seabrook
2010-11 Upper Deck #157
(UD 20th Anniversary Variation)

Fan wearing a sweater "Gahannah Lady Lions".
Looks like a basketball to me...

Google search results elude to a softball team.
But apparently there are basketball AND softball teams out of Gahannah, Ohio.

Abomination!

Peter Budaj
2007-08 Upper Deck #58

Another card destined for the duplicates pile - But wait!

Already own this set in its' entirety. But pulling this card from a re-pack caused me to notice the Sasquatch monster on the side of Peter Budaj's mask for Freaky Mask Friday.

Budaj spent the first 6 years of his NHL career with Colorado - Before moving on to Montreal, Los Angeles and Tampa Bay. Also returned for a brief, second stint with LA.

Wild, Wild West...

Jason Spezza
2016-17 Upper Deck #62

A quick post inspired by the 2023 NHL Playoff series between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild...

The Stars score a goal in Minnesota, and nobody cares...
Every visible fan seams to be wearing Minnesota Wild apparel.

I just find it amusing because the Dallas Stars were originally the Minnesota North Stars... until 1994. Now the old franchise is back in town, embroiled in a Playoff series against the "new" Minnnesota expansion team.

Makes me wonder if any fans still wear their North Stars jerseys while cheering for the "road" team...

Just now realizing that the teams previously met in the 2016 Playoffs, with Dallas emerging as the victor. It's even feasible that this snapshot could have been taken at that time.

Jason Spezza
2017-18 Upper Deck #61

Couldn't help but notice that Jason Spezza's card from the following season is equally entertaining...

Maybe Corey Perry is dodging out of the way... But at a glance, it looks as if Spezza is nailing him with an elbow on the way by.

Either way, a pair of highly amusing cards.
Fortunately, I have duplicates available for my favorites binder.

Steve Reinprecht
2007-08 Upper Deck MVP #87

Also stumbled upon this card...
Is that a Minnesota North Stars jersey in the crowd???

From a decade earlier, and likely in the Phoenix Coyotes' arena - But still interesting, nonetheless...

Case of Mistaken Identity (Vyacheslav & Viktor Kozlov)

Always thought there was only one Kozlov in the NHL... Vyacheslav Kozlov (aka. Slava Kozlov) won two championships with the Detroit Red Wings. Didn't realize that Viktor Kozlov was quietly putting up points for teams like the Sharks and Panthers...

Vyacheslav Kozlov
2007-08 Upper Deck #423

Vyacheslav Kozlov (Left Wing)
Born: 1972
Drafted: 3rd round 1990 (45th overall)
Playing Career: 1992-2008
Teams: Red Wings, Sabres, Thrashers
Numbers Worn: 13

Scored 853 points in 1182 career games.

Vyacheslav Kozlov
1993-94 Topps Premier #494

Vyacheslav Kozlov was a member of the Stanley Cup winning Detroit Red Wings in 1997 & 1998. Was also on the receiving end of a devastating Scott Stevens bodycheck, known today as a "predatory hit".

Viktor Kozlov
1995-96 Parkhurst International
Emerald Ice #515

Viktor Kozlov (Center)
Born: 1975
Drafted: 1st round 1993 (6th overall)
Playing Career: 1994-2009
Teams: Sharks, Panthers, Devils, Islanders
Numbers Worn: 47, 25, 22

Scored 573 points in 897 career games.

Viktor Kozlov
2002-03 O-Pee-Chee #132

Viktor Kozlov received votes for both Lady Byng and Selke Trophies. Impressive when a player can be considered for both awards.

Freddy Gets Fingered...

Frederik Modin
2000-01 O-Pee-Chee #92

Yet another card featuring the Lightning VS Islanders. Great action in front of the net.

Is that Roberto Luongo in net? His number 1 could be hiding around the sleeve...

Five different goalies saw action for the Isles during the 1999-00 season (Weekes, Luongo, Potvin, Valiquette, Flaherty).

Frederik Modin
2007-08 Upper Deck #277

Spotting one cool card of Frederik Modin caused me to notice another, from his days with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both horizontal cards from in front of the net.

The opposing team just happens to be the Anaheim Ducks, yet another expansion team.

Had considered the Ducks to be the most successful "new" team until recently...

Carolina VS Nashville

Mike Commodore
2007-08 Upper Deck #184

The old guard in the Central Division (Dallas, Detroit and Chicago) are on the outside of the Playoff picture looking in...

Meanwhile, 2021 is the first time that the Carolina Hurricanes will encounter the Nashville Predators in the playoffs.

The Canes have a Stanley Cup to their name in 2006, which was preceded by another valiant attempt in 2002.

Carolina still seems relatively new team, at least for me... The Whalers became the Hurricanes in 1997-98 during the weather trend phenomenon (Lightning, Avalanche, Hurricanes).

In 2022, the Carolina Hurricanes are set to eclipse the number of years played as the Hartford Whalers.

David Legwand
2003-04 O-Pee-Chee #78

Guess I still consider Nashville to be "new". The Predators have been around for more than two decades, and the franchise has a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals under its' belt...

Card from 2004, the very first year that the Predators made the playoffs. Legwand is probably the franchise's most iconic player, and these white (home) jerseys are my favorite Preds uniform.

Quack in Black...

Ilya Bryzgalov
2007-08 O-Pee-Chee #15

While I don't approve of the Ducks' use of the color orange,
I do approve of the black & orange goalie gear that Ilya Bryzgalov is wearing...

Mostly because the pads look freakin' cool.

A Second Glance...

Steve Thomas
1991-92 Pro Set Platinum #203

Destined for the duplicates pile, the photographs on these cards managed to catch my eye and earn a second look.

Pat LaFontaine
1991-92 Upper Deck #253

The scene will play out in slow motion for both the goaltender and the shooter.

Corey Millen
1992-93 Parkhurst #292

I like how the puck is still airborne as it hits the back of the net, with the Bruins' defender swiping hopelessly at it.

Tim Sweeney
1994-95 Parkhurst #9

Frantic action in front of the net is always enjoyable.

Glen Murray
2007-08 Upper Deck #168

Excellent demonstration of balance as Glen Murray gets everything he can on this one.

Valterri Filppula
2011-12 Upper Deck #392

The hometown fans don't look impressed as the visiting Detroit Red Wings celebrate a goal in the Boston rink.

Dallas Stars Goalies

Jon Casey
1990-91 Topps #269

Felt like putting together a short list of goalies who have played the most number of games for the Dallas Stars franchise.

Had a chance to get Don Beaupre in a Stars uniform... It was one of about five cards that I actually wanted in the lot. Should have tried to work something out.

Jon Casey was in the Minnesota net for the late 1980s and early 1990s, before being traded to Boston.

Andy Moog / Darcy Wakaluk
1994-95 Topps Premier #81

Even more interesting that most of them wore different numbers (with the exception of Moog and Turco both wearing 35).

I seem to remember Darcy Wakaluk as number 34, but apparently he also wore 35 for a couple seasons.

Ed Belfour
2002-03 O-Pee-Chee #245

The Stars has a competitive team all through the 1990s, but in 1999 they were backstopped by Ed Belfour and won the Stanley Cup.

Marty Turco
2007-08 SPX #7

The Stars are relatively consistent as far as netminders go, often having a main goalie for several seasons.

I used to watch Marty Turco get shelled on the sports highlights... In the 2007 playoffs, he got 3 shutouts as the Stars lost a 7 game series. The team in front of him couldn't manage to score more than 1.3 goals per game to help him out.

Kari Lehtonen
2010-11 Upper Deck Black Diamond #44

Kari Lehtonen is well known for his awesome masks, just glad that I had a card from before the Stars changed their logo and colors...

Random Goaltender on O-Pee-Chee card...

Brent Johnson
2007-08 O-Pee-Che #499

Looking through some "new retro" OPC cards and found one that had pretty much been forgotten.

I believe it's from the second year the O-Pee-Chee brand was released by Upper Deck.

Also note the "new" Capitals logo, bottom right.

Feelin' Used?

Jason Pominville
2007-08 SP Game Used #89

2007-08 SP Game Used
Total Cards: 200

The "Game Used" brand name seems to imply that every card contains game-used material... (Of course only an idiot would expect that to be the case)

The set does contain a ridiculous number of insert sets, all of which appear to be jersey cards, letters, numbers, etc.

Someday, they might even claim that the actual rolls of cardstock were physically in an NHL arena while a game was taking place.

Either way, I don't mind settling for the faux jersey and stitching graphics printed on cardboard, which actually look kinda cool.

Wouldn't normally seek out cards from these sets, but just happened to find a random base card from SP Game Used in a re-pack.

Jason Pominville
2007-08 SP Game Used #89
(card back)

The back of the card is solid, and does use an alternate player photo. Needs a bit more space between the stats and bio...

Always nice to offer the jersey number and position - Although in this case, it's white on yellow (Could have had a black outline, a shadow or something). Overall, would give this card design a mark of "B" or even "B plus".

Jason Pominville scored 293 goals and 434 assists for 727 points in 1060 career games.

2007-08 Upper Deck (Series I & II)

Thomas Vanek
2007-08 Upper Deck #135

It's always more fun to slowly collect a set over time, than to obtain it all in one fell swoop... (But it's also cheaper to buy a set than to build it)

In this case, I picked up 2007-08 Upper Deck Series I last year, and happened to score Series II this year. I really like this set. The design is ridiculously simple. So neat & clean.

It's also the third year for Crosby & Ovechkin. The Caps in Series I are still wearing their black, blue & gold uniforms, but there are photos of the more traditional red, white & blue uniforms in Series II, where Ovechkin can be found. (Also noticed that Joe Sakic and Rick Nash have cards in both Series I & II)

The only thing I dislike (besides the ugly "Buffaslug" uniforms) is the shiny foil player names are annoying to read (as usual).

Joe Sakic
2007-08 Upper Deck #54

After collecting all the base cards from a set, I like to pick out a few favorites. In most cases, it has more to do with an awesome photograph than the actual player(s) depicted.

The set is full of colorful action snapshots, but this one stands out because it's different... A bird's eye view of legendary Joe Sakic, in alone against Dwayne Roloson (who helped Edmonton reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006). The card looks just as good when flipped vertically (as it's displayed in the binder).

Sean Avery
2007-08 Upper Deck #118

Never thought I'd pick an Avery card among my favorites... This card features a great snapshot of memorable characters Sean Avery and Martin Brodeur, who got entangled with each other in the 2008 playoffs (after the release of this card). The NHL made a very specific change to the rulebook (aka the Sean Avery rule) with regards to using the hands or stick to interfere or distract the opposing goaltender.

In 2005, the NHL had also put restrictions on goaltenders playing the puck behind the goal line, limiting them to the "trapezoid" behind the net. (aka the Martin Brodeur rule).

Cards That Remind Me of Other Cards...

J.P. Dumont
2007-08 Upper Deck #8

Sometimes one card reminds me of another card.
A decade and a half apart, and from two different companies, this card instantly made me think of the one below...

Adam Graves
1991-92 Pro Set #67

An annoyed goaltender looking through the opposing player in his crease....

WTF Hockey Card: Rob Ramage (1992-93 Upper Deck #105)

Rob Ramage
1992-93 Upper Deck #105

Seen another blogger comment on this card...
(shoeboxlegends.blogspot.com)

The background is out of focus, but there's definitely
an abundance of skin, blonde hair and pink clothing.

Couldn't help examine the card after adding it to my collection...

I'm convinced it's an optical illusion... Possibly a girl looking sideways, with a guy's bald head in the way.

Gary Roberts
2007-08 Upper Deck #112

On a similar note, I couldn't help but notice the background on this card is in much better focus...

Chris Kunitz
2011-12 Score #369

And another random Penguins card...