Got a Case of the Mondays?

Or maybe it's the holidays getting you down. The fabulous (and delicious, bendy, and gigantic) Jacob Markstrom has a cure for what ails you.



I'm endlessly happy that someday he will be playing about two hours away from me when the Panthers give him an NHL gig. Endlessly happy.

All I have left to say is- Gift dig med mig Jakob?

Stick tap to the fabulous Ms. Conduct for bringing that to my attention via Twitter.

We're Back...and We Brought a Friend

As the kids go back to school and summer comes to an end it's time to get back into the swing of things. I was recently surfing through our Twitter feed when I discovered a gem of a lady. Her name is Rachel Lindstrand and she writes a charming blog entitled huggingthepost56.

Her posts explore her life, love and happiness in the crazy world of professional hockey. Her latest post inspired (full paragraph 22) me and so I pass that inspiration on to you.

Now most of the time I'm unaware of goalies significant people so we unashamedly ogle. This time I'm going for mostly classy and we mean no disrespect to either party.

We're simply about admiration, Rachel and Mike are both cute as a button.

Photo courtesy of 560XLS

See the story behind this game on Rachel's blog.

Dishy Goalie Monday-Michael Leighton

Pokechick gleefully pointed out that we here at G5H shun the Philadelphia Flyers and all of their affiliates. It's true. For the most part I can't stand the Flyers, but their is something about a goalie in orange pads that warms my heart (see Zane Kalemba).

So without further ado, this weeks DGM is......... Michael Leighton.

Leighton was not on the casual hockey fans radar until the 2009-2010 playoffs where Leighton proved clutch for the Flyers.

This year he has spent most of the regular season playing in the AHL for the Adirondack Phantoms. Over 30 games with the Phantoms Leighton posted a respectable 2.22 GAA and a .926 SV% and looked mighty fine doing it.

Leighton has once again joined the Philadelphia Flyers for a playoff run.

Is there anything sexier?

What's Not to Love?

I've admitted my love for minor league journeymen before. One of my favorites? Todd Ford. Seriously, check out his stats. Dude has been around more than a puck bunny with daddy issues (oooooh, too far?).



I've been watching him come through for a couple of seasons now and I have to say he nice to watch. Aside from really filling up the crease...



mmmmmmmm...biggoalie...mmmmmmmm....





... uh, yeah... where was I? Oh, yeah, dude fills up the crease. Right. Uh, he also has some bad ass tatste in music if his mask is any indication.



I just can't help but adore a man who appreciates Johnny Cash.



Add to that his penchant for coming out of the crease and its true goalie-love.



I don't think there is really anything left to say, so, I will leave you with this hilarious video of Ford and his Stingray teammates taking on a local Boys and Girls club in a rousing game of dodgeball.

Dishy Goalie Monday- Michal Neuvirth

Warning: I LOVE Michal Neuvirth

Stanley Cup Playoff's are in full swing and as we watch the first-round match ups, it comes as no surprise that rookie goaltender Michal Neuvirth has been outstanding.

The 23-year-old Czech native has been a work horse for the Washington Capitals this season. While many were debating which goaltender would start for the Caps, there was little question in my mind, Neuvith has the net.

Through his first three playoff appearances, Neuvirth stats are spectacular, 1.22 GAA with a .951 SV% and a shutout.

None too shabby for a rookie goaltender in his first full season in the NHL. The former Hershey Bear is ranked first among Rookie goaltenders in the playoffs.

Neuvy played in 48 games this season, winning 27 of them.

While Semyon Varlamov struggled with injury, Neuvirth shined....

and stretched.....

and stretched a teensy bit more.

While I can't (won't) speculate on the outcome of the playoffs, I can say that I thoroughly enjoy watching Neuvirth in net and that's enough of a reason to wish for a long run for the Capitals.

Dishy Goalie Monday- Mike Murphy

DGM is all about inspiration. This week was difficult and I was struggling for a clear vision. I reviewed several prospects for todays post, including Thomas McCullom (ECHL to NHL in 1 week), and a hockey hall of fame post, before deciding upon Mike Murphy.

Murphy is a Hurricanes prospect that plays for the teams AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. Prior to being injured Mike was posting some pretty solid stats and while those are titillating in their own way, Murphy gets the nod for much much more.

Murphy's qualifications for DGM:

1. Yes, he is more than a pretty face and awesome flow.

2. @MichaelMurphy31 is great about interacting with fans, he even lets the broads attempt to wheel him on twitter.

3.

Murphy's Mail Bag began last season when the team resided in Albany, NY. This year we have the added pleasure of Michal Jordan.

4.

Quick flashback. We all should have known this was coming. Rocking that shade of yellow is a skill all on its own.

5. Murphy is the Checkers "Man of the Year" for his continued work with Checkers charities and promotion of good causes.

What can I say? He's handsome, funny, charitable and likes kids. Sounds like a pretty damn good DGM to me!

Dishy Goalie Monday- Bryan Pitton

DGM is usually based on a feeling, some might call it intuition, I call it attraction. This week is special and features a repeat guest, Bryan Pitton. You might remember him from PokeChicks post "Pitton Goes Pipe-to-Pipe".

Pitton was brought to our attention by @msconduct10. He is a 23 year old prospect for the Edmonton Oilers and currently plays for the Oklahoma City Barons. Pitton has also played this season with G5H alum, Zane Kalemba.

Now I know you're all waiting for the photos, but we like to get to know our boys a little before we ogle them shamelessly. So here is 5 little tidbits on the admirable Mr. Pitton.

1. When assigned to the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL, Bryan plays alongside his older brother Jason.
2. He is from Mississauga, Ontario (allegedly the current home of Don Cherry).
3. Was drafted in the 5th round #133 overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2006.
4. He stands 6'2" and weighs in at 176 lbs. He has a wiry strength about him.
5. He has dreamy bedroom eyes.

Refreshing.

Wait the best part is right around the corner (or down the page).

With moves like these, I'd love to see a goalie dance off with @Geffman47.

*In game photos and videos provided courtesy of @MsConduct10.

Anton Khudobin: Мило, как кнопка

If Google translate can be trusted, that means cute as a button.



I have to admit that I'm aware our poor coverage of AHL goalies is an injustice to all our loyal readers. To make it up to you, I will share with a goalie who is hands down the most adorable thing to ever step on the ice.



This is Anton Khudobin. He's from Kazakhstan. He's also so cute it hurts your teeth.



He was given the nickname Dimples by his adoring fans in Houston. This interview with him might give you a hint as to how he earned it.



Did I mention he gives the most wonderful interviews ever? 


(The previous three photos, and the interview are courtesy of Sarah C. from Something's Bruin)

You may remember him from earlier in the season when, during a call-up, he had a few starts for the Minnesota Wild. During one of those games he was able to shut-out some team called the Vancouver Canucks.

I can't be the only one to have a "OMG, must cuddle" reaction to this picture (I do forget who sent it to me though, sorry).

For some silly reason the Minnesota Wild chose to send him to the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. Because an AHL goalie on a call-up shutting out the Canucks is no big deal I guess. This ended up benefiting not just Khudobin, but the Providence Bruins as well. He reacted to the new atmosphere by playing some of his best game all season going 5-1-1.

Both of these photos are courtesy of @unsportscomments

His style is decidedly unique. One of the best descriptions I've ever heard described him as a whirling dervish. Having seen him in action several times over the last few years I couldn't agree more. He can give you palpitations with his play, but honestly, it's part of his charm and it works.

Friday Quickie

Michael Hutchinson knows what you're thinking... and apparently, he's OK with it. Yesssssss.

Dishy Goalie Monday- Jaroslav Janus

Alrighty folks here we go with another DGM. As I sit down to research and write these each week I've come to realize that the interleague goalies are traveling soldiers. One such goalie is Tampa Bay prospect Jaroslav Janus.

Janus has split his time this season between the AHL Norfolk Admirals and the ECHL Florida Everblades. The Slovakian cutie received his fifth AHL call up on March 18th, but was back with the Everblades for their Sunday game against Gwinnett Janus posted .92 SV% during the game and helped the Everblades win 5-3.

Now his traveling stamina is admirable, but he has some "other" talents. Janus has the ability to make me swoon during his warm-ups.

About 3 seconds after this photo was taken Janus will booty pop and my heart will skip a beat.

Janus, who speaks multiple languages sports his Slovakian heritage on the back of his helmet.

I've never seen a man look so good in pink.

*In game photos courtesy of @Swamphockey.

Dishy Goalie Monday-Braden Holtby

Welcome to our late night DGM. Tonight we'll take a gander at Mr. Braden Holtby a goaltender for the Washington Capitals and their affiliate the Hershey Bears.

Holtby relieved Michal Neuvirth after the first period versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Braden Holtby is well known for his quirks and warm up routines and the frog impression he did upon taking the ice was no different.

This is a Goalie I have no problem picture doing a victory dance!

Video courtesy of LuvdCaps.

Plenty of Love to Go Around

Tonight we have a little bit of this and a little bit of that and a whole lot of ooo la la.

We had some fan submissions we thought we should share with all who would appreciate it.

The first round of photos were submitted by the author of the artandhockey blog (artandhockey.blogspot.com), Christa.

Tyler Weiman of the Manitoba Moose working it low.

Not sure on his name, but he plays for the Rockford Icedogs and he can visit my barn anytime. (Thanks to Ms. Conduct our mystery man has a name and it is Hannu Toivonen)

Last, but never least is Richard Bachman. The photo says it all.

Thank you to all the fans who send in the delicious photos. You expand our horizons everyday.

Dishy Goalie Monday-- Martin Jones

Today's guest on DGM is Martin Jones, a goalie prospect for the Las Angeles Kings. Jones has been posting some pretty sexy numbers in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs.

The North Vancouver native is more than a pretty face and is currently rocking a .93 save percentage and allowing only 2.17 GAA.

One of the most impressive aspect of Jones' history is that he managed to go undrafted. He's getting alot of attention for his impressive play in the AHL, but its not the first time Jones has gotten attention.

Jones played four years for the Calgary Hitman of the WHL.

Jones' using his long... long... legs in the World Juniors to completely stonewall his opponents.

The man has beastly potential and if you keep an eye on the Kings, I expect you'll see more of him in the future.