News Archive
Posted on: Friday, February 5th, 2010
By Ken Wiebe, Winnipeg Sun
When you've been banished to the press box more than you'd like, a demotion to the minors isn't necessarily a bad thing.
While the opinion wouldn't be shared by everyone put in this situation, it's the way veteran defenceman Nick Boynton is taking things in stride after being assigned to the Manitoba Moose by the Anaheim Ducks.
"It was a shock I guess, but I played my first two years in the American League and I'm familiar with it," Boynton said after his first skate with his new teammates yesterday at Gateway Recreation Centre. "I'm thankful they're giving me a chance here and it'll be nice to play some games."
After signing a one-year deal with the Ducks as an unrestricted free agent, the 31-year-old from Nobleton, Ont., had been in and out of the lineup this season -- posting a goal and seven points in 42 NHL games.
An opportunity to play regularly, perhaps see some power play time and get a chance to showcase himself is part of what makes the trip to Manitoba appealing.
"There's no substitute for playing the game, practice doesn't quite do it and I'm going to work on everything," said Boynton, who has 33 goals and 135 points in 547 NHL games over nine seasons. "When you're not playing, you fall out of game shape and it's a quick game. When you're out of the lineup a couple of weeks, it's tough to jump back in. It'll be good to get some playing time, for sure."
Should he play well over the next little while, it's also possible Boynton could be subject to recall waivers (where another NHL team could claim him at half price), so a lack of motivation shouldn't be a factor.
"I don't know (what to expect), it's been a while since I've played," said Boynton, who cleared waivers on Tuesday. "My game is pretty simple. Move the puck, shoot the puck, that sort of thing. Be good in my own end. Just do my best. I'll do whatever they ask of me. I'm ready to help out anyway I can."
Boynton will make his Moose debut tonight at the MTS Centre against the San Antonio Rampage and it looks like he'll line up beside Ducks' prospect Brian Salcido.
"To get a veteran guy like (Boynton) is perfect. He can step in play a lot of minutes and give you offence, defence or whatever you need," said Moose goalie Cory Schneider.
"I remember him playing for the Bruins when I was still living in Boston. He's a good player and he can do it all."
Game time is 7:35 p.m. as the Moose open a four-game homestand with Cory Schneider bobble-head night.
HOOF PRINTS: Moose D Taylor Ellington (foot) and C Nikita Kashirsky (immigration issue) were back on the ice yesterday and Moose head coach Scott Arniel said they will both be options for the weekend. LW Pierre-Cedric Labrie (who missed the past two games with a groin problem) has also been cleared to play. Vancouver Canucks F Alexandre Bolduc was among the spectators at Moose practice yesterday. Bolduc, who had surgery to repair a separated shoulder last week, will spend the next few weeks rehabbing in Winnipeg since Vancouver is being over-run with the Olympics and the Canucks are on an extended road trip.
Comments
Rick
commented on
Saturday, Feb 6th, 2010
I was at the game tonight......Sexy was the best player on the ice period for both teams!!!!! Sneids gave up a couple of goals that he would have liked to have back and our D struggled (Ellington in particular)........No need to feel sorry for ourselves.......We need to win our next 3 games.....Arniel must be pulling his hair out losing to another LAST place team on home ice.....stuff like that can't continue if we want to at least squeek into the playoffs.
Chris
commented on
Saturday, Feb 6th, 2010
Rick... Arniel needs to teach a new style of play, because the current style stinks, the whole season is proof. The D struggled to say the least, Rampage players blowing by our guys on breakouts, and the overtime goal was a classic result of that. Tommorrow night should be a gem.
Rick
commented on
Saturday, Feb 6th, 2010
Tonight's game is a must-win for the Moose............No more moral victories such as comebacks for single points (that's only for losers)..........The Moose need to smack them in the mouth........6-1 style!!!!!!!!
Chris
commented on
Saturday, Feb 6th, 2010
Well said bro! That's exactly what needs to happen. Here's to a huge 2 points tonight!!! Cheers!
moosefan5
commented on
Saturday, Feb 6th, 2010
moose beat rampage 4-3 in shootout!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rick
commented on
Saturday, Feb 6th, 2010
HHHHHUGE.........MMMMMMAMATH........A BADLY NEEDED win tonight for us folks...........Grabs FINALLY got the GIGANTIC gorilla off his back with the shoot-out winner.....This is a step in the right direction for us making the play-offs!!!!
Chris
commented on
Sunday, Feb 7th, 2010
Pretty good game. One step at a time, problem now is though we don't play for a week, and the standings are so close. Nice to see Grabby pot one.
Chris
commented on
Sunday, Feb 7th, 2010
I can't believe the giveaways tonight, anyone else here at the game? Did you notice how many times Rampage players were left all alone in front of the net? sheeeesh.We get the 2 points, and Toronto isn't going to lay down for us either next week. Every game is a challenge it seems. Hopefully things are being learned. Maybe too much to ask??
Adam
commented on
Sunday, Feb 7th, 2010
kyle turris is dirty. gretzky sure did screw up his development by letting him stay up in the show last year. he'll be very deadly next year in glendale for tippetts yotessss! moose 4 lyfe boyzzz.
majoring in bus stops!
Michael
commented on
Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
What's the word on Boynton, McIver, Baumgartner, Bolduc? When all these guys back on the ice, the Moose look scary good on paper. If they get a consistent line-up for a good length of time - and scrape into the playoffs - they could surprise a few teams...
Chris
commented on
Monday, Feb 8th, 2010
Scrape into the playoffs? Nice. Surprise who? And for what.
