May 20, 2003
There was a very short Q and A with Mathieu in the Detroit News. The main topic was the playoffs and his adjustment to the team.
April 17, 2003
Too bad I didn't have time to post my predictions before the playoffs, because now I just look like Monday morning quarterback. Honestly, I knew the series wasn't going to be a cake walk but I'll admit I was surprised by the sweep. I figured it would be Red Wings in 6. But here I wake up Thursday morning to the news that Mathieu and his teammates were done for the summer. Well, Happy Birthday to me. =( Anyway, here are the stats and my commentary.
The stats, facts, and figures:
Mathieu lead the team in average shifts per game (36.3) and was second behind Niklas Lidstrom in average ice time (28:15 per game). He was tied with Darren McCarty for team lead in penalty minutes (6), as well as tied with Brett Hull and Henrik Zetterberg with team worst plus/minus (-4). The most damning stat is that in all four games (all decided by one goal), Mathieu was on the ice for the game deciding goal.
The commentary:
Even with some unflattering statistics, no way was Mathieu the reason for the early exit from the playoffs. The Red Wings were victim of team wide breakdowns, as well as victim of a strong opponent. If anything, Mathieu was guilty of, as Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News stated before game, "trying to do too much." At least he can go into the summer knowing he is playing for a team that will bounce back, and will do whatever is necessary rise to the next level to be a contender again next year.
April 16, 2003
Game summary: (roughing), 14:37 of 3rd.
April 14, 2003
Game summary: (roughing), 18:59 of 2nd.
April 11, 2003
In last night's marathon triple overtime loss, Mathieu logged 40:17 of ice time (3rd most on the team). Sadly, he was on the ice for the goal that ended the game at just past midnight Friday morning. Game summary: (holding the stick), 13:22 of 2nd.
April 9, 2003
As the Red Wings begin the first round of the playoffs, Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News offers some insights from pro scouts about Mathieu and some of his teammates in this Scouting Report.
April 6, 2003
In the last game of the regular season, Mathieu picked up his first- and last- short handed point of the year. But tonight's overtime loss means the Red Wings will finish second in the Western Conference. They will open the first round of the playoffs on Thursday, April 10, versus the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Game summary: Federov (SH) (Schneider), 11:45 of 3rd.
April 3, 2003
Game summary: (PP) (Yzerman, Datsyuk), 9:17 of 2nd.
April 1, 2003
In this article by John Niyo of the
Detroit News, Mathieu excitedly talks about the chance to possible win a second Stanley Cup (again with an Original Six team) and is candid about his disappointment in the LA Kings inability to do what was needed to build a true championship caliber team.
March 29, 2003
Along with every other player on the ice at the time (except the goalies), Mathieu picked up 12 minutes in penalties in the last minute of tonight's rout of St. Louis. Game summary: Hull (PP) (Schneider, Datsyuk), 16:06 of 3rd; (roughing) and (10-minute misconduct), 19:25 of 3rd.
March 25, 2003
With his first double point game as a Red Wing, Mathieu was also voted the second star of the game. Game summary: Larionov (Schneider, Chelios), 1:57 of 1st; Zetterberg (Schneider, Hull), 0:27 of 3rd.
March 22, 2003
Mathieu scored his first goal as a Red Wing in dramatic fashion: with one-tenth of second left in the period. Game summary: (Federov, Chelios), 19:59 of 1st; (interference), 7:21 of 2nd.
March 21, 2003
The war in Iraq has been on a lot of minds, and as Mark Francescutti of the Detroit Free Pressreports, Mathieu has concerns for his childhood friend- Jon MacDonald- currently deloyed in the Middle East. On a lighter note, Mathieu is having issues with living in Detroit: He keeps getting lost. As he says, "In L.A., you always have the water to judge by; the water was west. Here it's kind of tough. I've got to look at a map or something."
March 18, 2003
Mathieu has been getting a lot of press lately. There was a short Q&A with the Detroit News, as well as a chat with ESPN's John Buccigross. Scroll to the bottom of Bucigross' article for the piece with Mathieu on choosing a number, the Counting Crows, and chocolate chip pancakes.
March 17, 2003
Mathieu is injured? Oh, wait, I get it. Bruce Dowbiggin of the Calgary Herald (via faceoff.com) was just making a funny: "Speaking of Red Wings, their new defenceman Mathieu Schneider may have to go
on the DL. It seems they can't get the insane smile off his face since his trade to the defending Stanley Cup champs from 10th-place Los Angeles." Forgive me, I've just been a little slow lately...
March 15, 2003
Whoops. His first penalty with his new team lead to a goal against. Game summary: (high-sticking), 10:09 of 3rd.
March 12, 2003, part 2
In his first game with the Red Wings, Mathieu was paired with Chris Chelios, saw time in all situations, and logged 23:23 minutes (2nd on the team). He also got an assist, which was his 500th career point. Too bad the goal was questionable. His post game comments reflected his immediate comfort with the team and the system of play, and how much fun he had in the game. Game summary: Larionov (Holmstrom, Schneider), 13:56 of 1st.
March 12, 2003
In interviews with Mathieu following yesterdays trade, while disappointed to leave LA, he was not surprised, and is very
excited to go to the Red Wings. See the following links for day after stories on the trade:
- "Kings Retreat, Ducks Charge," from the Los Angeles Times (requires registration)
- "Schneider glad to be a Red Wing", from the Detroit News
- "Wings get their Defenseman", also from the Detroit News
- "Schneider arrives; Avery, Kuznetsov, 2 picks depart," from the Detroit Free Press
- Also, please see the Quotes section of this site for some of his thoughts.
After getting up at 4:30 am for an early flight, he joined the Red Wings this morning for practice and will be in the line-up for tonight's game in Phoenix. He expects to be wearing number 23.
March 11, 2003
MATHIEU HAS BEEN TRADED TO THE DETROIT RED WINGS! In a trade deadline deal made nearly
certain following the resigning of Aaron Miller, Mathieu was moved out of LA to Detroit in exchange for
defenseman Maxim Kuznetsov, forward Sean Avery and a 1st round pick in 2003 and a 2nd rounder in 2004. See the following links for stories about the trade:
- "Red Wings deal for Schneider," from nhl.com
- "Wings get their defenseman," from the Detroit News
- "Wings acquire Schneider for Kuznetsov, Avery, picks," from the Detroit Free Press
- "Wings pay steep price to acquire Schneider", from faceoff.com
March 9, 2003
A rather quiet game for Mathieu, who played his 900th career regular season game, oddly enough against Montreal, the team he started out with
March 5, 2003
Mathieu was featured in the nhl.com "In the Spotlight" feature. Shawn P. Roarke wrote about Mathieu's sometimes grueling off-season training, and his exceptional physical conditioning. Check the article out at nhl.com.
March 4, 2003
Anaheim's Mike Brown and Mathieu got into a little scuffle, with Mathieu earning a minor penalty and Brown picking up a coincidental minor plus another minor for roughing. Game summary: (roughing), 18:58 of 1st; (high-sticking), 13:44 of 1st.
February 25, 2003
Game summary: (PP) Modry (Palffy, Schneider), 17:49 of 1st; (PP) Palffy (Armstrong, Schneider), 16:39 of 2nd; (interference, 6:19 of 2nd.
February 24, 2003
Game summary: (PP) (Palffy, Armstrong), 5:37 of 2nd; (interference), 9:39 of 2nd
February 15, 2003
Game summary: (PP) (Palffy, Armstrong), 9:52 of 1st; (boarding), 14:43 of 3rd.
February 13, 2003
Mathieu was on the ice for all four Kings goals tonight! Game summary: Heinze (PP) (Rasmussen, Schneider), 6:28 or 1st; (hooking), 15:06 of 1st; Corvo (PP) (Palffy, Schneider), 18:24 of 2nd; (high-sticking), 7:20 of 2nd.
February 12, 2003
Trade rumors continue to swirl around Mathieu, as Philadelphia has been mentioned as a front runner, with Toronto and even the NY Rangers mentioned as possiblilities as well. Anything can happen before the trade deadline in March.
February 11, 2003
Game summary: (obstruction), 9:23 of 3rd.
February 9, 2003
Game summary: Armstrong (Palffy, Schneider), 16:52 of 1st; (high-sticking), 13:10 of 1st.
February 7, 2003
Wow! Mathieu had an amazing game, playing solid defensively, and being on the ice for 6 of the Kings goals! Game summary: Aulin (PP) (Frolov, Schneider), 6:21 of 2nd; Smolinski (PP) (Aulin, Schneider), 18:41 of 3rd.
February 5, 2003
This morning, both major LA area papers published Mathieu's denials of the reports from Toronto: "No, I don't want to be traded. That's all." (See the Quotes section for more.) This evening, he responded by scoring a goal and helping his team to an important win over Phoenix. Game summary: (PP)(Armstrong, Smolinski), 12:59 of 2nd; (tripping), 6:13 of 2nd
February 3, 2003
Speaking out about his disillusionment with the Kings management and questioning their dedication to winning, Mathieu was quoted by a media outlet as saying "I'm definitely open to a trade."
February 2, 2003
In what was one of the most exciting and entertaining All-Star games in recent memory, Mathieu helped his Western Conference to a 6-5 win. He logged 19:40 of ice time, in 22 shifts, registering 2 shots, and 2 assists. All-Star Game summary: Mike Modano (Ray Whitney, Schneider), 8:58 of 1st; Marian Gaborik (Schneider, Sergei Federov), 15:55 of 1st.
February 1, 2003
Mathieu was involved in two events in today's SuperSkills Challenge. He was in the Pass and Score challenge with Mike Modano and Ray Whitney, and scored a goal. On the Breakaway Relay, his shot was saved by Patrick Lalime.
January 30, 2003
Mathieu has returned to the line-up and will also participate in this weekend's All-Star game.
January 28, 2003
Of course, the game I get to see in person and Mathieu doesn't play. He is suffering from a foot injury after taking a shot from Ziggy Palffy in Monday's game. Although x-rays were negative, the pain is more severe than expected, and he is scheduled for an MRI today.
January 24, 2003
Despite the nagging groin strain, Mathieu still plans to play in the All-Star game: "It's not a very stressful game. But if it comes down to me needing rest for the rest of the year and the playoff run then yeah, I would (miss the game).
January 23, 2003
Mathieu again sat out a game to nurse his injury.
January 22, 2003
Lingering groin pain kept Mathieu out of tonight's game. He is listed as day to day.
January 20, 2003
Still nursing a sore groin, Mathieu sat out the last practice in order to rest for games.
January 18, 2003
The All-Star nod isnt the only recognition Mathieu has gotten lately. The Hockey News gave Mathieu an A, and the highest grade for the team, in its Kings mid-season report card. And Matt McHale, writing for The Hockey News' January 3, 2003 issue, named Mathieu as one of the "Leading Men": "His savvy and scoring touch have been critical to the Kings' strong start. He is comfortable with the media, shielding teammates who aren't." Also, kind words came from Kings coach Andy Murray: "(Mathieu) has been terrific for us all year, not just in games but in practices, too. He is one of the most critical players to this team... This season he has been there every day, which is big with all the players we've had injured. I am very pleased."
January 16, 2003
NHL All-Star Game 2003, here he comes! This evening, Mathieu was named the Kings representative to the Western Conference All-Star Team!
January 15, 2003
With ten goals, Mathieu is now tied for third among NHL defenseman. He is also second in power play goals, second in power play points, and fifth in overall defensive scoring.
January 14, 2003
Mathieu admits "I didn't feel 100 percent" in Monday's game: "I was here in between periods, stretching, getting some work done on it. I was able to hold up pretty good."
January 13, 2003
I got to watch the game tonight and here is my report: Mathieu looked
slower than usual, but that can be expected after returning from yet another groin episode. And he had a hand in all of the Kings 3 goals: with a goal, an
assist, and an almost assist. The game winner in overtime happened in large
part because of him. The Sharks finally had a chance to clear the zone and Mathieu stole the defenseman's clearing shot and kept the puck in the offensive zone. The Kings forwards took back control, and scored a few shots later. Overall, a good game and a well earned third star nod. Game summary: (Frolov, Corvo), 1:36 of 3rd; Frolov (Schneider), 9:15 of 3rd.
January 11, 2003
Mathieu missed his first game of the season as he takes time to rest his sore groin and hopefully prevent serious injury again. He is questionable for Monday's game.
January 9, 2003
After reaggrevating a groin strain, Mathieu sat out practice today, but may play tomorrow.
January 7, 2003
Mathieu picked up a fighting major in tonight's game for his scuffle with Dallas' Brenden Morrow. Reports from viewers indicate Mathieu, although dropping the gloves late, got the slight advantage over Morrow. Game summary: Cammalleri (PP) (Aulin, Schneider), 8:52 of 2nd; Norton (Kelly, Schneider), 10:39 of 3rd; (fighting), 0:27 of 3rd.
January 4, 2003
Game summary: (PP) (Modry, Palffy), 9:53 of 1st.
December 29, 2002
Game summary: Palffy (PP) (Schneider, Cammalleri), 4:17 of 1st.
December 26, 2002
Game summary: (PP) Cammalleri, Palffy), 9:15 of 2nd.
December 19, 2002
Here's an update on league leaders among defensemen (as of noon today): Mathieu is tied for 2nd in points, and tied for 3rd in goals, PP points, and PP goals. He is also second on the Kings in scoring.
December 17, 2002
Game summary: Modry (PP) (Allison, Schneider), 15:17 of 1st; Smolinski (PP) (Schneider, Modry), 6:11 of 2nd.
December 14, 2002
The tsn.ca headline read: "Schneider sinks Pens in OT." And with the game winning goal in overtime, Mathieu picks up another first star of the game! Game summary: Palffy (PP) (Allison, Schneider), 11:22 of 2nd; (Allison, Palffy), 4:22 of OT.
December 11, 2002
Game summary: Palffy (PP)(Allison, Schneider), 9:21 of 2nd; (high-sticking), 4:13 of 1st.
December 10, 2002
Another first star of the game nod for Mathieu! Game summary: Palffy (PP)(Schneider, Modry), 12:37 of 1st; Deadmarsh (PP)(Schneider, Modry), 12:22 of 2nd; (interference), 5:45 of 1st; (cross-cehcking) and (roughing), 17:51 of 1st.
December 5, 2002
Game summary: (PP)(Modry, Allison), 14:47 of 3rd.
December 3, 2002
Only two out of the 30 NHL teams have defenseman leading the team in scoring: the NY Rangers and the LA Kings. Mathieu not only leads the team in points, he is also on pace for his best offensive season of his career.
November 30, 2002
Number one star of the game! Mathieu earned that honor tonight after being on the ice for all four Kings' goals. Game summary: Cammalleri (Modry, Schneider), 8:20 of 2nd; Armstrong (Schneider, Belanger), 12:37 of 2nd; (cross-checking), 8:40 of 2nd; (holding), 13:40 of 2nd.
November 27, 2002
Game summary: (PP)(Modry, Smolinski), 4:11 of 2nd; Palffy (Schneider, Smolinksi), 13:56 of 3rd; (interference), 6:57 of 1st.
November 26, 2002
The "Freezer Burn" episode of Monster Garage will air again Saturday, November 30 at 7 PM on the Discovery Channel. Mathieu is in it for a minute or two around the middle of the show. Check your local listings: it is worth a watch...
November 23, 2002
Mathieu took a penalty for hooking Niko Kapanen at the same time Kapanen took a penalty for diving. How can it be both at the same time? Game summary: Palffy (Schneider, Rasmussen), 14:47 of 3rd; (hooking), 14:56 of 3rd.
November 19, 2002
Game summary: (slashing), 18:36 of 3rd.
November 18, 2002
To go along with last week's article about the offensive production of the Kings' defenseman, here are some of Mathieu numbers as of this morning:
Tied for 9th in the league for points by a defenseman (6 points behind the leaders); Tied for 5th in the league for goals by a defenseman (3 goals behind the leaders); Tied for 2nd in the league for PP goals by a defenseman (one goal behind the leaders); Tied for 6th in the league for PP points by a defenseman (three points behind the leaders).
November 17, 2002
The Toronto Sun had a poll of the "NHL's smartest players." According to Mathieu, "the smartest players are the guys who make
their teammates better. There are 10 or 12 guys like that." On his list are Brett Hull and Joe Sakic. His extended thoughts on these players can be found in the Quotes section.
November 16, 2002
Game summary: Modry (PP)(Schneider, Smolinski), 4:29 of 3rd.
November 15, 2002
Chris Stevenson wrote a piece for espn.com about the offensive success of the Kings defensemen. He credits Head Coach Andy Murray's system; Mathieu agrees: "He encourages all our defensemen to get involved if the opportunity is
there." Mathieu continues: "I know it's a cliche, but the best defense is a good offense. They can't score on you if the puck is in their end."
November 14, 2002
Game summary: (holding), 10:02 of 2nd.
November 12, 2002
Game summary: Deadmarsh (Schneider, Palffy), 7:39 of 3rd.
November 8, 2002
Big night tonight, as Mathieu scored the game tying goal, assited on the game winner, and was voted the number one star of the game! Game summary: (PP)(Cammalleri, Palffy), 11:26 of 2nd; Smolinski (Frolov, Schneider), 5:27 of 3rd.
November 5, 2002
I was able to watch the San Jose game in person on Tuesday (even if SJPD road blocks made me miss the pregame skate!). I wish I could offer some great insight into the game, but it was kind of a dull. Basically, I can report that Mathieu was paired against many different players tonight, he looked pretty tentative on the penalty kill, and had some rocket shots on the power play. What was most obvious, though, was that the whole team misses Allison and a healthy Palffy and Deadmarsh. But they can't use the injuries or the road games as an excuse to fall apart. It was nice to see that Mathieu had the same thoughts. It was reported that he and team captain Mattias Norstrom called a team meeting after the game to address the team's woes. His quotes in the LA Times also reflect the no excuses approach: "We're not playing as a team right now. Things that we were doing over the first six or seven games and even in training camp, supporting each other and making the simple plays, we're not doing right now. We have to find a way to elevate our game. We can't use the schedule as an excuse.... We have to regroup." And that is why he is a team leader and an alternate captain! Game summary: (interference), 8:31 of 3rd.
November 4, 2002
Game summary: (interference), 2:13 of 1st; (closing hand on puck), 5:46 of 3rd.
October 31, 2002 Happy Halloween!
Game summary: Modry (PP)(Schneider, Belanger), 7:07 of 2nd.
October 29, 2002
The Kings received a blow tonight as top scorer Jason Allison was knocked out with a serious (possibly season ending) knee injury. Mathieu's assessment? "It doesn't look good." But as he also said, "The season didn't end tonight. We still have to play the games." Game summary: (hooking), 14:48 of 2nd.
October 25, 2002
Game summary: Deadmarsh(PP)(Schneider, Smolinski), 2:33 of 3rd.
October 23, 2002
Another goal tonight. Mathieu is now tied for the league lead in goals by a defenseman and tied for 10th in defensive scoring, and second on the Kings in overall scoring. Game summary: (PP)(Palffy, Smolinski), 4:18 of 2nd.
October 22, 2002
The Kings are facing a month of almost all road games. Although Mathieu calls it "crummy scheduling," he admits that times like these can also unite a team: "On the road you're living together, basically -- eating together, back to the hotel at the same time, a lot of hours on the plane together. It just comes naturally"
October 19, 2002
Game summary: (Frolov, Deadmarsh), :41 of 3rd.
October 16, 2002
A problem exists in the stats for Wednesday's win in Anaheim. How can Mathieu be a -2, if the Ducks only scored 2 goals, and he had an even-strength assist? The answer, according to nhl.com's "on the fly" stats, is that Mathieu wasn't on the ice when he assisted on Adam Deadmarsh's goal! I decided to updated the season stats to reflect the "official" stats, eventhough they don't seem right. (note: I rarely look at game stats closely, and I'm amazed I even noticed this. It makes you wonder how many times little errors like this occur). Game summary: Deadmarsh (Bednar, Schneider), 3:10 of 3rd.
October 12, 2002
Game summary: (charging), 9:22 of 3rd.
October 11, 2002
After reviewing a tape of Wednesday's season opener, I dare say Mathieu had an outstanding game! He was on the ice for all 4 Kings' goals (and not for Phoenix's), his penalty was well called for, and his positional play with new lineate Brad Norton was solid. Many times Mathieu has been quoted on his happiness with Norton, and it shows. He couldn't stop smiling all game. What a great way to start the season!
October 9, 2002
The Kings opened the regular season with a dominating 4-1 win over the Phoenix Coyotes. And, with 2 points, 7 shots, and a +2, Mathieu was voted the third star of the game! Game summary: Belanger (Schneider, Smolinski), 6:32 of 2nd; (Allison, Palffy), 9:32 of 3rd; (hooking), 13:50 of 3rd
October 8, 2002
I got word from an eagle-eyed fan last week about Mathieu possibly appearing in the Discovery Channel series "Monster Garage." And I got confirmation from a coworker, that, yes, he did make an appearence. The episode was titled "Freezer Burn," and you can check the Discovery Channel website for rerun schedules. I'll try to give advance notice to reruns. (side note: I would have watched the rerun on Saturday and given a report, but I don't have cable and had plans for the evening. So, I asked my parents to tape it for me, and my mom taped the wrong station! AHH!!)
September 29, 2002
It seems Mathieu is back in old form, as he was a large presence in tonight's dominating preseason win in Anaheim, including having the game winning goal. Preseason game summary: (Heinze), 3:46 of 3rd; Frolov (Schneider), 14:32 of 3rd.
September 25, 2002
Mathieu scored a goal in tonight's preseason loss in Colorado. Preseason game summary: (Barney, Frolov), 19:11 of 3rd.
September 19, 2002
The first preseason game of the year ended with a 1-0 Kings win. Preseason game summary: (hooking), 17:00 of 3rd.
September 17, 2002
Yesterday being Yom Kippur, Mathieu did not participate in the first intra-squad scrimmage of this preseason. He may, however, suit up tonight.
September 13, 2002
Training camp officially opens today at the Kings training facility in El Segundo, CA. If you're in the area, all practices are open and free to the public, and a schedule is available from lakings.com. For reference, Mathieu is (as reported by rinkrat from letsgokings.com) on the "Black Team" for scrimmages and practice.
July 31, 2002
With proceeds going to the Kings' Care community project, a 45-minute flight over the South (Santa Monica) Bay area in the Goodyear blimp with Mathieu was auctioned off at nhl.com. The ride took place last week, but I never did find out how much the winning bid went for.
July 25, 2002
The LA Kings have had a pretty quiet off-season, which makes many fans, and some players, nervous. From the Daily News, here are some of Mathieu thoughts: "I know that a team needs to work within a budget, but on the other hand when you're as close as we feel we are to having an championship team, you'd like to see them take the next step." He continues: "When I was with the Rangers, they signed everyone and it blew up in their face. There is a lot to be said for chemistry. I like to think we have a core group in place. I don't want to say we've overachieved, but I think maybe we've reached our potential, gone as far as we can with this group."
July 11, 2002
Getting a jump start to the pre-preseason workouts, Mathieu has joined the LA Kings prospects in workouts at the HealthSouth Training Center in El Segundo, CA.
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