Monday Morning Meissnervations

It's Monday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is February 10th, the 41st day of 2014. There are 324 days left in the year.

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'Miracle on Ice' team members salute 2014 Olympians.

Penguins' Letang recovering from stroke.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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Today's Birthdays: TV host George Stephanopoulos is 53; Elizabeth Banks (Man on a Ledge, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) is 40; Emma Roberts (American Horror Story) is 23.

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Tampa, FL. --The Tampa Bay Lightning did not fail to head into the Olympic break with a little bit of mystery before the eventual 4-2 victory against the Detroit Red Wings Saturday night at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Read the rest here.

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It's Random Acts of Kindness Week.

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Fairbanks, AK. – The Wenatchee Wild took on the Fairbanks Ice Dogs Saturday night in the third of a three-game set at the Big Dipper Ice Arena and it took extra time and then some to settle things, with Fairbanks winning a 10 round shootout to take the game, 2-1.

The Wild got the game’s first goal off an odd man rush, as Brendan Harris (Las Vegas, Nevada) filled the lane, wristing a shot into the net from about 20 feet straight on. Alex Rauter (Morristown, New Jersey) assisted at 12:14, giving Wenatchee a 1-0 lead.

Ethan Somoza tied the game for the Ice Dogs in the second period, assisted by Hans Gorowsky at 14:50, knotting the game at 1-1.

In the third, both teams battled hard but neither could find the back of the net and the game would head to overtime, tied 1-1.

In the shootout, Troy Loggins (Huntington Beach, California) scored in round one, Jakob Ahlgren (Fergus Falls, Minnesota) scored in round three and Harris scored in round seven for the Wild. However, Fairbanks responded with goals by Gorowsky in round two, Todd Burgess in round five, Lonnie Clary in round seven and then got the winner from Nick Hinz in round ten, taking the shootout 4-3, the game 2-1 and grabbing the extra standings point in the process. “One of our better efforts of the year” said Wenatchee Wild Head Coach Bliss Littler. “One of those nights where you feel you deserve a better fate, but sometimes that’s what home ice advantage does. They (Fairbanks) picked up a break when they needed it, got a big save when they needed it. I though Chase Perry was outstanding. Overall, I was pretty pleased with our effort.” Littler continued, saying “I’m excited to go home. We’ve played 12 of our last 14 on the road, we finish the regular season 11 at home, 2 on the road, so our playoff fate will be decided at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee. Kenai finishes 2 at home and 11 on the road.” Littler concluded by saying “Probably deserved a better fate (tonight) but that’s hockey. We won some games when we shouldn’t have and maybe tonight we could have had a bounce go our way, but overall the last two games I was real happy with how we played. We competed hard and we stood up to them. They’re two good hockey games.”

The Ice Dogs outshot Wenatchee 24-23 on the night. Chase Perry (Andover, Minnesota) made 23 saves for the Wild and Kevin Aldridge had 22 saves for the Ice Dogs. The Wild was 0-for-2 on the power play and 1-of-1 on the penalty kill.

Wenatchee is now 22-19-6; Fairbanks is now 35-13-0.

Wenatchee returns home to face the Soo on February 14^th and 15^th with games starting at 7:05pm PST both nights. That starts a stretch where the Wild plays 11 of its last 13 games at the Town Toyota Center. Individual and group game tickets for all home games are on sale now. Call 509.888.PUCK (7825).

WILD 2.0 UPGRADE

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Jay Leno walked away from the Tonight Show the other day. [But people don't expect him to stay retired. There's a rumor that he wants to come out of retirement to try to lead the Broncos to a Super Bowl championship.]

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U.S. National Under-18 Team Edges Czech Republic, 3-2, to Claim 2014 Five Nations Tournament Title Team USA Earns First Place for Seventh Time DMITROV, Russia - Brandon Fortunato (North Hills, N.Y.) scored the eventual game-winning goal and Edwin Minney (Wind Gap, Pa.) made 20 saves as the U.S. National Under-18 Team edged the Czech Republic, 3-2, here today at Dmitrov Arena. With the victory, Team USA concludes tournament play with a perfect 4-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record and captures first place at the 2014 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament. Joe Wegwerth (Brewster, N.Y.) put the Czechs on notice at 4:15 of the opening period. Shane Gersich (Chaska, Minn.) and Nolan Stevens (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) assisted on the play. Team USA doubled its lead when Dylan Pavelek (Marysville, Mich.) lit the lamp at 15:51. Ryan Wagner (Park Ridge, Ill.) collected the lone helper. Fortunato found the back of the net with 47 seconds remaining in the first to put the U.S. up 3-0. Jack Dougherty (Cottage Grove, Minn.) and Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.) recorded assists. The Czech Republic notched back-to-back goals in the second stanza, just over one minute apart, to inch closer to the U.S. Team USA outshot the Czechs, 10-7, in the period. Minney needed to make just three stops in the third period to help seal the victory for Team USA. Vitek Vanecek and Karel Vejmelka combined to make 31 total saves in the loss for the Czech Republic. The U.S. National Under-18 Team now returns home and will face Bowling Green State University next on Feb. 21. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:07 p.m. EST at the BGSU Ice Arena. Team USA will then travel to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Ice on Feb. 22-23. NOTES: Team USA outshot the Czech Republic, 34-22 ... The U.S. went 1-2 on the power play, while the Czech Republic also went 1-2 ... For the complete U.S. National Under-18 Team roster, click here ... The U.S. National Under-18 Team claimed its first title at the Five Nations Tournament since 2011. Team USA has now claimed first place seven times (1999, 2005, 2007-09, 2011, 2014) ... Follow @USAHockeyScores on Twitter for live scoring updates during the Five Nations Tournaments. Scores will be designated with the #5nationsU18 tag ... For additional coverage, visit the NTDP Facebook page and follow @USANTDP on Twitter ... The U.S. National Under-18 Team trains with The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary new software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visit USAHockeyIntelliGym.com. 2014 U18 Five Nations Tournament Schedule - United States Feb. 4-8, 2014 • Dmitrov, Russia Date Opponent Location Time (EST) / Result Tues., Feb. 4 Russia Dmitrov W, 5-2 Thurs., Feb. 6 Finland Dmitrov W, 8-3 Fri., Feb. 7 Sweden Dmitrov W, 4-2 Sat., Feb. 8 Czech Republic Dmitrov W, 3-2 ABOUT THE NTDP: In 1996, USA Hockey launched a new initiative called the National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Celebrating its 17th season of play in 2013-14, the goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice. U.S. National Under-17 Team Defeats Sweden, 4-1, to Earn 2014 Five Nations Tournament Title Team USA Claims First Title in Event SUNDSVALL, Sweden - Zach Werenski (Grosse Pointe, Mich./1-1) and Auston Matthews(Scottsdale, Ariz./0-2) recorded two points each as the U.S. National Under-17 Team defeated Sweden, 4-1, here tonight at Gardehov Arena. With the win, Team USA finishes with a perfect 4-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record and claims first place at the 2014 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament. Sweden tallied the first goal of the game at 3:58 of the opening period. Team USA knotted the score on the power play with just four seconds remaining in the frame. Matthews sent a shot on net that ricocheted directly to Werenski on the right side. The defenseman settled the puck and wristed it into the wide open net. Noah Hanifin (Norwood, Mass.) also assisted on the play. After a scoreless second stanza, Team USA struck at 7:40 of the third period to take the lead. The U.S. halted a clearing attempt by Sweden and the puck found Luke Kirwan (DeWitt, N.Y.) alone in front of the net. Kirwan lit the lamp for the eventual game-winning tally. Jeremy Bracco (Freeport, N.Y.) and Charles McAvoy (Long Beach, N.Y.) registered assists. Jack Roslovic (Columbus, Ohio) knocked in a rebound at 10:37 to extend the advantage for the U.S. Werenski earned the lone helper. Team USA sealed the victory when Michael Floodstrand(Hinsdale, Ill.) skated out to the front of crease and backhanded the puck into the cage. Matthews and Brendan Warren (Carleton, Mich.) assisted on the play. Luke Opilka (St. Louis, Mo.) kicked out 25 shots in the win for the U.S., while Adam Werner made 50 saves for Sweden in the loss. The U.S. National Under-17 Team returns to United States Hockey League action next weekend when it faces Chicago (Feb. 14) and Indiana (Feb. 16). Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST and 3:30 p.m. respectively at the Ann Arbor (Mich.) Ice Cube. NOTES: Team USA outshot Sweden, 54-26 ... The U.S. went 1-3 on the power play, while Sweden went 0-4 ... The U.S. National Under-17 Team closes out its international schedule with an unblemished record of 15-0. Team USA previously claimed titles at the 2013 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament and 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge ... For the complete Under-17 Team roster, click here ... This is the first Under-17 Five Nations Tournament victory for Team USA in two attempts. Last year, the U.S. finished third with a record of 2-0-1-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L) ... For additional coverage, visit the NTDP Facebook page and follow @USANTDPon Twitter ... The U.S. National Under-17 Team trains with The Hockey IntelliGym, a revolutionary new software program that trains hockey sense. To learn more, visitUSAHockeyIntelliGym.com. 2014 U17 Five Nations Tournament Schedule - United States Feb. 5-9, 2014 • Sundsvall, Sweden Date Opponent Location Time (EST) / Result Wed., Feb. 5 Finland Gardehov W, 6-5 Fri., Feb. 7 Czech Republic Anashallen W, 4-2 Sat., Feb. 8 Russia Gardehov W, 6-4 Sun., Feb. 9 Sweden Gardehov W, 4-1 ABOUT THE NTDP: In 1996, USA Hockey launched a new initiative called the National Team Development Program, based in Ann Arbor, Mich. Celebrating its 17th season of play in 2013-14, the goal of this full-time development program is to prepare student-athletes under the age of 18 for participation on U.S. National Teams and success in their future hockey careers. Its efforts focus not only on high-caliber participation on the ice, but creating well-rounded individuals off the ice.

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If you haven't already downloaded the addictive and much-hyped Flappy Bird mobile game for iOS or Android, you're out of luck. Creator Dong Nguyen officially pulled the app, saying he could no longer handle the pressure and stress following its instant success. Users who already have the game will still be able to play it.

... This video shows why Flappy Bird is so controversial.

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2014 Free Agent Forecast: BC Lions.

2014 Free Agent Forecast: Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

2014 Free Agent Forecast: Edmonton Eskimos.

2014 Free Agent Forecast: Montreal Alouettes.

Please visit the league's official website, cfl.ca.

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The nostalgic Look Back videos that Facebook offered to automatically create for anybody and everybody as part of the company's 10th anniversary celebrations were a much bigger hit than they expected. Facebook is now letting you edit yours until it's even better.

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Tampa, FL. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams will be arraigned in Tampa on Feb. 24 on misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief and trespassing, according to multiple media outlets.

Read the rest here.

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In Flint, Michigan, a verbal argument escalated into a father and his adult son shooting each other. The father suffered one gunshot wound through the left ankle while the son suffered one gunshot wound through the upper right arm. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt and both were escorted to jail after being treated for their wounds.

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See Daddy? It's Gumby!

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You're reading the Johnny Blog. Almost as much fun as a cool Monday morning, isn't it?

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Today in Elvis History

1943 - Ral Donner was born. His first hit was a cover of Elvis Presley's "The Girl of My Best Friend" and he narrated the documentary "This Is Elvis."

1964 - Elvis Presley sent a telegram of congratulations to the Beatles after their successful first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

1968 - Elvis Presley's soundtrack "Clambake" hit #40 in the U.S.

1976 - Elvis Presley was made a captain in the Memphis Police Reserve.

2004 - The DVD "Frank Sinatra Show - Welcome Home Elvis" was released. 

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The Lego Movie had the biggest opening of the year, debuting with a whopping $69.1 million in ticket sales. I took Jimmy to see it and he loved it. "Everything is awesome...."

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Today in Beatles History:

1968 -   The Beatles turned all of their business affairs over to the newly formed Apple record company.

1968 - The Beatles closed their American fan club, Beatles U.S.A.

2012 - Paul McCartney was honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year.

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The fire extinguisher was patented by Alanson Crane on this date in 1863.

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Today in Sports History:

1920 - Major league baseball representatives outlawed pitches that involved tampering with the ball. 

1946 - Jackie Robinson and Rachel Isum were married.

1961 - The American Football League's Los Angeles franchise was transferred to San Diego.

1971 - Bill White (New York Yankees) became the first black baseball announcer.

1962 - Jim Beatty became the first American to break the four minute barrier for the indoor mile.

1992 - Mike Tyson was convicted in Indianapolis of raping Desiree Washington, Miss Black American contestant.

2003 - Brett Hull (Detroit Red Wings) became the 6th player in NHL history to score at least 700 career goals.

2005 - The NHL and the players' association broke off talks after two days. The previous day commissioner Gary Bettman had said that a deal would need to be ready by the weekend to save the season.
 

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The singing telegram was introduced by the Postal Telegraph Company of New York City on this date in 1933.

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Coming Up:

Tonight --

Nothin' Doin'

Tuesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Wednesday --

Nothin' Doin'

Thursday --

Nothin' Doin'

Friday --

NAHL -- Wenatchee Wild vs Soo Eagles 10:05pm EST

USPHL -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Pennsylvania Showcase

Saturday --

NAHL -- Wenatchee Wild vs Soo Eagles 10:05pm EST

USPHL -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Pennsylvania Showcase

Sunday --

USPHL -- Tampa Bay Juniors at Pennsylvania Showcase

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That's all for today. Thanks for stopping by, see you tomorrow!