Last Skate of The Day, January 3, 2014

Jan 2, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) battles with Nashville Predators right wing Patric Hornqvist (27) in front of the net during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The fallout from the flub over Bobby Ryan is still pretty intense. The disaster over the published comments regarding the Ottawa Senators forward has so affected the perception of Team USA hockey, it has caused Team Canada to go into a total media blackout. Team USA got caught with its mouth open and is now in damage control mode. (It doesn’t matter that Ryan didn’t get any votes to actually start for the team.) Team USA has fully apologized to Ryan, and will be sure there are no cameras in their offices for a while. (LA Times)

Torey Krug didn’t get selected either, but he’s not worried. His focus is on doing the best he can for the Boston Bruins (Causeway Crowd)

Dougie Hamilton had a strong performance in the Bruins 3-2 overtime win against the Nashville Predators. It was a little surprising since he had been out for ten games with a lower body injury. Thankfully, both he and the Bruins worked together to make his rehab as quick, safe, and as comprehensive as possible. (Boston Bruins)

Niklas Svedberg got his first NHL start in that game. Svedberg stopped thirty of thirty shots in his debut, prompting rumors that included him in a possible trade of him or Chad Johnson. Well, the Hockey Gods give and they Hockey Gods take away. After one game in the NHL, the Bruins organization have sent Svedberg back to the AHL Providence Bruins. The Big B’s seemed please with his overall performance, and you can read how the coach and the team thought of the first Swede even to play in the net for Boston. (CSNNE)

Over one hundred thousand people went to see the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs play in the 2014 Winter Classic. The final numbers from the media indicate that this was the most watched Winter Classic in NHL history. The NHL brand took a few hits after having to cancel the 2013 game due to the lockout. Now, the NHL can look at these numbers and plan a slew of more outdoor games. (Puck Daddy)