SHARK WEEK (Day 7): Hungy For Action...

Paul Martin
2017-18 Upper Deck #157

My favorite part of this card is the women in the San Jose crowd reacting to the hit...

One girl cringes at the bone-crushing bodycheck, while the other girl laughs and cheers.

The Edmonton Oilers fan in the next row appears to be a big fan of french fries...

Warding Off Canon Fire...

Cam Ward
2017-18 Upper Deck #38

An awesome looking card for Freaky Mask Friday - The Pirate theme kicks some serious booty.

Rather appropriate, as just off the coast of Carolina is the final resting place of Captain Blackbeard's notorious flagship, the QUEEN ANNE'S REVENGE.

Even more awesome, is the fact that Cam Ward is just about to rob somebody with his glove.

The card almost earns another bonus point for partial NHL 100th anniversary logo on the boards.

Really hoping to acquire a duplicate copy of this card for my treasure chest of collectable swag.

Freaky Mask Friday (Kari Lehtonen)

Kari Lehtonen
2017-18 Upper Deck #62

Not a particularly "freaky" mask...
But still cool nonetheless.

Kari Lehtonen was drafted in the 1st round (2nd overall) by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2002. He was traded to the Dallas Stars in 2010. This card is from 2017-18, his final season.

This goalie has had quite a collection of masks over the years.
Worthy of a compilation, if I can find cards in my collection that offer a decent look at each mask...

WTF Hockey Cards: Pekka Rinne (2017-18 UD #113)

Pekka Rinne
2017-18 Upper Deck #113

At first glance, it just looks like a neat angle of goaltender Pekka Rinne from the netcam with a great wide-angle view of the entire Nashville stadium...

Noticed there's a visible Anaheim player celebrating, with a dejected Nashville Predators defender (P.K. Subban) skating away.

Looks as if the Ducks have just scored a goal, stunning the yellow-clad Nashville fans.

Also of note, visible banners of other NHL teams hanging from the rafters.

John Blue
1993-94 Upper Deck #74

Goalie allowing a goal on his own card reminds me of this one...

Looks like the puck is past Bruins goaltender John Blue.

With the angle and trajectory of the puck, I'm saying there's no way this didn't cross the goal line.

It's a Grind...

Mattias Ekholm
2017-18 Upper Deck #110

Dont't normally tolerate cards that are devoid of hockey action, but for this card I'll make an exception. (At least it's better than a player eating pizza or reading a newspaper!)

My obsession with this card is because I find it fascinating how individual players prepare their sticks...

Mattias Ekholm is taking a belt sander to modify the handle to his liking.

Had previously heard of players filing their sticks as narrow as a golf club.

He looks like he's completely entranced and in the zone, like an old Jedi crafting a new lightsaber...

Feelin' Greene (in NJD Retro Colors)

Andy Greene
2017-18 Upper Deck #119

After a decade long tradition of losing in red & green (1972-1982), the New Jersey Devils switched their colors to red & black (shortly after Martin Brodeur arrived).

They emerging as a dominant hockey club that would remain competitive for well over a decade, winning three championships in eight years....


Red & green are definitely oldschool NJD... Even the relatively low number 6 jersey reminds me of oldschool NJD.

Eric Weinrich wore number 5... Other low numbers were occupied by defencemen Fetisov (2), Daneko (3) and Stevens (4).

The jersey numbers for Daneko and Stevens have since been retired by the hockey club.

These "Third Jerseys" were worn by the 'Jersey Devils from 2010-2017. This is just the right dose of nostalgia for me... The 2021 "Reverse Retro" jersey (featuring green as the primaty color) wasjust awful.

While the red & green was an alternate jersey (for now), many teams are completely reverting to their retro color schemes as a neat marketing gimmick. I don't mind the occasional "third jersey"... But wen a team completely changes their uniforms back to the old colors - It's a bold move.

Getting Wise...

Dale Weise
2017-18 Upper Deck #140

It's a Philadelphia Flyers card, but I personally get a kick out of the banners hanging from the rafters in Detroit..

The banners are from just after the "Dead Wings" era - BEFORE the team started winning championships again in the late 1990s.

Among those Detroit Red Wings banners from the early-mid 1990s:
"Presidents' Trophy", "Central Division Champions" and "Western Conference Regular Season Champions".

Finishing first place in 1995 & 1996, only to be eliminated by the New Devils and Colorado Avalanche, respectively. (Ironically, the Devils used to be the Colorado Rockies...)

Detroit would finally lift the curse (and the Cup) in 1997 & 1998. And a couple more times for good measure in 2002 and 2008.


With the Detroit team in its' current state, this Zelda fan suggests "Re-Dead Wings" as a new nickname.

Now that Steve Yzerman has returned to managing the team in some capacity, things can only get better.
(They can't get much worse!)

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...

Flightless Birds...

Matt Murray
2017-18 Upper Deck #148

From Wikipedia:

"The Pittsburgh Penguins failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2005–06 NHL season, ending the NHL's longest active playoff streak at sixteen consecutive seasons.

The longest active streak moved to the Boston Bruins & Toronto Maple Leafs at seven consecutive seasons after the Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals also had their eight-season playoff streaks end."

"For the first time since 1990, both Pennsylvania-based teams (the Flyers and Penguins) missed the playoffs in the same season."

Hand-Over-Stick Handling...

Darren Helm
2017-18 Upper Deck #71

I like the way he's reaching with his hockey stick, almost as if trying to knock the puck forward.

With an opposing player and random stick in the mix, it's an interesting composition.

The card earns another point for pizza ad on the boards.

Mats Sundin
2003-04 O-Pee-Chee #140

Reminds me of this card...
Matt Sundin reversing the grip, presumably after the puck.

Bonus point for Mark Messier cameo.

Bear Necessities...

Travis Boyd
2017-18 Upper Deck AHL #8

A lone card featuring the better known AHL teams: The Hershey Bears.

Currently serving as the minor-league affiliate of the Washington Capitals, I tend to associate the Bears with the Philadelphia Flyers...


From Wikipedia:

"The 1984–85 season was also the first of a dozen year affiliation with the Philadelphia Flyers who shared the club with the Boston Bruins that year before taking over as the sole parent club the next season and remained so through 1995–96...

The Washington Capitals returned as the Bears NHL parent club in 2005 after a 21-year span with the Boston Bruins, the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Colorado Avalanche. (The club has also had earlier NHL affiliations with the Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres)"

2017-18 O-Pee-Chee

Chris Stewart
2017-18 O-Pee-Chee #299

Always enjoy acquiring cards from sets that I don't have...

I kinda like the design of 2017-18 O-Pee-Chee. Just enough graphics to make it interesting, without being too busy.

Actually can't decide if the look is supposed to be modern or retro... Relatively neat and clean, which appeals to my taste.

Hired Gun...

James Neal
2017-18 Upper Deck #434

It's hard keeping up with sniper James Neal, who has already played for 6 teams during his 12 year NHL career. (Dallas, Pittsburgh, Nashville, Vegas, Calgary and Edmonton)

From the back of the card:
"Neal scored the first goal in Golden Knights franchise history..."

The only question is which team will he sell his services to next year???

Canvasing The Discount Rack

Alex Iafallo
2017-18 UD Canvas #C226

2017-18 Young Guns UD Canvas

Not necessarily a huge fan of UD Canvas, but I've pulled a couple of them.

My first one was from 2016-17 Upper Deck (Series One), and this one is from a discounted box of 2017-18 Upper Deck Series II. I have no problem waiting for previous year's boxes to go on sale.

I definitely enjoy the overall design. Only thing that loses points in my book, is the excessive yellow "paint" on the front of the card. Still, I'm giving it an "A minus".

Probably one of my favorite finds from this year's collecting season, and one of the best UD Canvas designs I've seen.

Alex Iafallo
2017-18 UD Canvas #C226
(card back)

Back of the card is simple, and effective. Just enough canvas grains to give a pleasant illusion of texture, without trying too hard.

Hadn't actually heard of Alex Iafallo, but with the slated UD Canvas odds per pack at 1:12, and UD Young Guns Canvas being 1:96, I suppose my scavenging has been rewarded with a rather lucky pull... Especially considering I've actually seen him on the ice (as opposed to sitting on the bench of playing in the minors).

2017-18 Upper Deck

My favorite cards from 2017-18 Upper Deck happen to be horizontal...

John Gibson
2017-18 Upper Deck #252

Ducks netminder John Gibson, captured in motion over 3 shots. This photography style is reminiscent of something seen in 1992-93 Upper Deck.

Robin Lehner
2017-18 Upper Deck #273

Dig the skeleton on Robin Lehner's mask. (Although I have not been able to find another snapshot of this exact same mask)

Bryan Rust
2017-18 Upper Deck #395

Even with a team full of superstars, secondary scoring is essential.

2017-18 UD Portraits

Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson
2017-18 UD Portraits #P-109

All other releases of UD Portraits I've seen have been in color...

2017-18 UD Portraits
(Slated odds: UD Portraits Rookies 1:12)

Can't say that I'm a huge fan of the black & white. They were just trying something experimental, I guess.

Could have at least added a classy black & white team logo to the front of the card.

Move over, Oliver Ekman-Larsson...
Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson probably owns the longest name of any player in the league.

Upper Deck O-Pee-Chee

Brendan Lemieux RC
2017-18 Upper Deck
(O-Pee-Chee Update #644)

2017-18 Upper Deck (O-Pee-Chee Update)
Total Cards: 50
(card numbers 601-650)

Still feels kinda weird to pull an O-Pee-Chee card from a pack of Upper Deck...
With odds being 1:10, found one inside a redux blaster box of 2017-18 UD Series II at Wal Mart.

Listed as an Insert Set within 2017-18 Upper Deck, I wasn't overly familiar with the concept of an "Update Set". Seems the regular 2017-18 O-Pee-Chee set has 600 cards,  with this set containing 50 cards: 10 recently traded veterans in their new team colors, plus 40 rookies.

Glad that my first Brendan Lemieux card is a Rookie Card... Although being the son of the infamous Claude Lemieux certainly doesn't improve his likeability.

Five-Goal Game for Mika Zibanejad

Mika Zibanejad
2019-20 Upper Deck MVP #82

Getting a hat-trick is awesome - But netting five goals in a game is pretty freakin' exceptional.

Swedish-born center Mika Zibanejad of the New York Rangers managed to score five goals against the Washington Capitals on March 3, 2020.

Not only did he score five goals, but the types of goals scored is what I found most impressive...

Tipped a shot from the point, wired a one-timer from the wing, took a pass from behind the net and buried it from the doorstep for the hat trick - But he wasn't done yet.

A teammate fired wide of the net and Zibanejad was there to get the puck off the end boards and score his fourth. He then went on to score the game-winning goal on a breakaway in overtime, putting it top corner. Surely one of the most memorable nights of his career.

Mika Zibanejad
2017-28 Upper Deck #373

It's pretty special, and a player scoring 5 goals in a single game has only happened 4 times this millennium...

The last player to score 5 goals in one game was Patrick Laine on November 24, 2018. Prior to that, were Johan Franzen in 2011, and Marian Gaborik in 2007.









Sergei Federov & Mario Lemieux each had 5-goal games in 1996, Lemieux being the last North-American born player to accomplish the feat.

Gretzky and Lemieux each have four five-goal games in their respective careers.

More Adventures in Re-Packed Packs...

Craig Smith
2017-18 Upper Deck #357

Nabbed some more re-pack cards, which yielded little of any real value. Doesn't bother me, as long as I find interesting cards. Always prepared to receive plenty of early 90s junk wax, but considering that I got 8 cards I didn't already have, I suppose it's another win.

Visible through the plastic wrap is usually a card from a newer Upper Deck set. Didn't know a single thing about Craig Smith, but at least it's a decent looking card from 2017-18 Upper Deck. Good enough to entice me to buy the pack.

(I've found that packs that tease you with the very latest Upper Deck set tend to be loaded with lesser cards)

Grant Fuhr
1996-97 Collector's Choice #224

Sure, the "Collector's Choice" cards are considered lower quality than the main UD set, but I've always kinda liked them.

This Grant Fuhr card (with mid 90s St Louis Blues jersey with plenty of red) becomes my only card from the set.

The trivia question on the back has stood the test of time... The all time goalie wins leader for the St Louis Blues is still Mike Liut. (although active netminder Jake Allen is creeping up there...)

Jeff Beukeboom
1994-95 Upper Deck #339

Didn't have this one, but I always like finding cards of roleplayers.

Jeff Beukeboom was one of many key components to the New York Rangers 1994 Stanley Cup victory.

Scott Stevens
1991-92 Pinnacle #81

A young(er) Scott Stevens, fresh off his trade from St Louis to New Jersey. Only have a handful of cards from this set, so it's worth one point.

Ray Whitney
1995-96 Score #84

Didn't have anything from 95-96 Score. Actually like this set design better than most of their previous attempts. Score another point.

Jay Moore
1992-93 Parkhurst #394

Have acquired several hundred Parkhurst cards from 1991 to 1995, but at least this one isn't a duplicate.

Daniel Sedin
2015-16 Upper Deck #430

Already had this Sedin card. Teasing the back of the pack was my favorite card from 2015-16 Upper Deck (so far). Figured it was a good omen.