While not so much an update on him, I do have to say that the press conference was held today, and he is out indefinitely. On a personal level, watching the Bruins blow that 3-0 series lead last year was amazing. However, watching anyone's career get cut short by injury isn't cool. especially concussions because they really can puck you up for life.
Having said that, I must now turn my attention to the league. Something has to be done about returning players prematurely from head injuries. As even Savard himself said "I've had knee issues and stuff like that, you come back a little early but you just play through it, I guess with your brain and your head I learned that probably wasn't the best thing to do." Ok, while this seems like a no-brainer (no pun intended. seriously), there is still a lot to be learned about the brain. We all say we know our own bodies, and i won't begrudge that fact for anyone. you know how you feel better than any doctors. However, brain injuries are far different than messing up your shoulder or your knee.
The league has taken the right steps in increasing disciplinary action against blindside hits to the head, which is most certainly good. I'll admit it's fun to watch sometimes, but when you see a guy laid out by a cheap shot, it takes away from the game. But, regardless of increased penalties against the hitters, what about the victims of their hits? While I'm far from a league insider so I can't say what actually happens in the workings of the league or teams, it appears that there is little education about concussions for the players. Each person heals differently so it's hard to say that a grade 2 concussion is 8-10 weeks recovery time. It's not like a broken bone which has an approximate heal time for everyone.
If not the league, than the Players Association has to step up and educate their members about the dangers of concussions and trying to come back too soon. Despite how much we as fans love the game, at the end of the day it's still a business. It's a business and its players are its assets. Without players, you won't be successful. No one wants to pay a guy to sit, but would you rather pay a guy for a short term gain, with a potentially crippling long term loss? For me, i'd rather see the players protected than rushed back. Now I know that it's not the owners/gm's forcing injured players back out onto the ice, as these players genuinely love the game and want to be out there, but they need to know how foolish it can be. Not just for their career, but their lives.
But hey, maybe they can always start a punch drunk hockey league
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
I hate the injury game.
So as i said on the facebook page, there have been a good amount of injuries this preseason and it's barely a week old. I'm not mad the people are getting injured. It's a part of the game. It sucks when people on your team go down with injuries, but you have to expect it. What i hate is this whole half truth, barely admitting it bullshit.
It happens every year, especially during the playoffs, but what's really getting me annoyed lately, is the saga with Marc Savard. If you've been on most hockey related sites, you've seen stories of "sources" saying Savard may be done for the year with Post Concussion Syndrome/symptoms. Now I understand that the GM of the club has to be aware of his condition, but downplay it to the media, it seems like it's just one big clusterpuck of information. "He could be done for the season" "he'll be out, but no one knows how long" blah blah blah. We all know he got rocked last year by notorious douchebag Matt Cooke, and I think it stands to reason that he might've come back a bit too soon. Whatever, what's done is done. If Chiarelli is still looking to trade Savard to make cap room, I can understand his unwillingness to admit that Savard might be done for the season. However, knowing that he's hurt already has put his current market value in the tank anyway. Who's going to trade for a guy who may or may not be on the long term injury list? Now granted most of this is speculation, as no one really knows how long Savard will be shelved, and if he will actually be traded, eventhough Chiarelli has said no.
Now I'm not bashing Chiarelli, because this situation could happen to any team, this just seems to be the major headline as far as injuries go this preseason. I understand the need for secrecy, but let's face it, if a guy is out, he's out. Injured reserve, long term IR, day to day, whatever. He's not on the active roster. Being coy about just frustrates everyone. Fans want to know, the media wants to know. I understand that a team won't want to tell everyone that one of their star players is out indefinitely, but it's going to come out eventually. End this pucking cloak and dagger shit already.
Now for a bit of interesting news for any New York Islanders fans out there. The team signed number one draft pick Nino Niederreiter to a three year entry deal. I think he has a good chance to crack the line up this year. Should be interesting what the Isles do with their roster this year.
It happens every year, especially during the playoffs, but what's really getting me annoyed lately, is the saga with Marc Savard. If you've been on most hockey related sites, you've seen stories of "sources" saying Savard may be done for the year with Post Concussion Syndrome/symptoms. Now I understand that the GM of the club has to be aware of his condition, but downplay it to the media, it seems like it's just one big clusterpuck of information. "He could be done for the season" "he'll be out, but no one knows how long" blah blah blah. We all know he got rocked last year by notorious douchebag Matt Cooke, and I think it stands to reason that he might've come back a bit too soon. Whatever, what's done is done. If Chiarelli is still looking to trade Savard to make cap room, I can understand his unwillingness to admit that Savard might be done for the season. However, knowing that he's hurt already has put his current market value in the tank anyway. Who's going to trade for a guy who may or may not be on the long term injury list? Now granted most of this is speculation, as no one really knows how long Savard will be shelved, and if he will actually be traded, eventhough Chiarelli has said no.
Now I'm not bashing Chiarelli, because this situation could happen to any team, this just seems to be the major headline as far as injuries go this preseason. I understand the need for secrecy, but let's face it, if a guy is out, he's out. Injured reserve, long term IR, day to day, whatever. He's not on the active roster. Being coy about just frustrates everyone. Fans want to know, the media wants to know. I understand that a team won't want to tell everyone that one of their star players is out indefinitely, but it's going to come out eventually. End this pucking cloak and dagger shit already.
Now for a bit of interesting news for any New York Islanders fans out there. The team signed number one draft pick Nino Niederreiter to a three year entry deal. I think he has a good chance to crack the line up this year. Should be interesting what the Isles do with their roster this year.
Also Charles Wang has said the team is staying in Long Island until 2015. Which is a bit of a mixed blessing, as it gives them time to work out this Lighthouse Project and finally give the team the new arena it so desperately needs, or it gives Mr. Wang plenty of time to shop for a new home somewhere else. So it's a situation worth watching if you care about the Isles and/or possible realignment. Given the rumors of them possibly moving to Kansas City or wherever, I can't see how they can stay in the Atlantic Division. I could see a possible KC-Nashville or Columbus switch. I think the Preds in the east would shake up the southeast division. But now i'm just pulling stuff outta my butt. weeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
More Shenanigans in the desert
Will someone please just pucking buy the coyotes and get it over with? Apparently an anonymous bidder placed 25 million in an escrow account to potentially cover the city's loses, should the team be bought by said bidder.
Now what I do not understand, is why the league is so adamant in regards to keeping the team in a failing market. They just had one of their best seasons ever, regardless of location, and they still can't sell out a home game. I have no problem with non traditional hockey markets as long as they're viable. Arizona has been nothing but a money pit, so why can not mad up and admit hockey in the desert was a mistake. Are the 15 people in Glendale (see it's not even in Phoenix, what bullshit), going to raise enough money to buy the team? I highly doubt that. Please just get this shit over with so one has to hear about it anymore. I'm sure Winnipeg would love the Jets coming back. So please someone in the NHL administration, I beg you to just get this thing done.
Now what I do not understand, is why the league is so adamant in regards to keeping the team in a failing market. They just had one of their best seasons ever, regardless of location, and they still can't sell out a home game. I have no problem with non traditional hockey markets as long as they're viable. Arizona has been nothing but a money pit, so why can not mad up and admit hockey in the desert was a mistake. Are the 15 people in Glendale (see it's not even in Phoenix, what bullshit), going to raise enough money to buy the team? I highly doubt that. Please just get this shit over with so one has to hear about it anymore. I'm sure Winnipeg would love the Jets coming back. So please someone in the NHL administration, I beg you to just get this thing done.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
And the tie goes to....
The NHL has approved a new tie breaker proposal, put forth by the GM's back in March. As it formerly stood, the initial tie break was total wins. In a sense it still is, but the big change now is from total wins to Regulation/OT non shootout wins first. So now i have to ask, why have a shootout?
If the shootout has no real inherent value, why use it? Why don't we go back to wins losses and ties? We can still keep the overtime loss if it seems fair. I understand the point of having the overtime loss point, as it, in theory, gives teams more incentive to go for the win in OT rather than waiting for the shootout since you'll be guaranteed a point. What I don't understand now is with the shootout being even less important, what point is there in keeping it? Now I've heard that supposedly the fans enjoy it, and fine give the people what they want. However I can think of at least one team who hates the shootout. I'm talking about the Rangers losing their playoffs hopes on the last game of the season, in an epic game against the Flyers. Oh how I thank Jolli Jokinen from the bottom of my heart for that collapse. Personal allegiances aside, hockey is a team game. When everyone is out there competing, why do the skill players have to be the ones who win/lose it for their teams? The history of the game is rich with stories of unlikely heroes, in the cup finals no less, but the regular season has to go to the "stars"? I call bullshit.
So while I somewhat agree with the direction of the league, I still have to question why they do things. Sure the shootout is enjoyable, until it actually matters. Then your team is hanging on whether or not your go to guy pulls a Charlie Conway and nails the triple deke, or pulls a Gordon Bombay and hits the post. Yes I made a Mighty Ducks reference. It fits, because it's that ridiculous. And just because I'm a nice guy....
If the shootout has no real inherent value, why use it? Why don't we go back to wins losses and ties? We can still keep the overtime loss if it seems fair. I understand the point of having the overtime loss point, as it, in theory, gives teams more incentive to go for the win in OT rather than waiting for the shootout since you'll be guaranteed a point. What I don't understand now is with the shootout being even less important, what point is there in keeping it? Now I've heard that supposedly the fans enjoy it, and fine give the people what they want. However I can think of at least one team who hates the shootout. I'm talking about the Rangers losing their playoffs hopes on the last game of the season, in an epic game against the Flyers. Oh how I thank Jolli Jokinen from the bottom of my heart for that collapse. Personal allegiances aside, hockey is a team game. When everyone is out there competing, why do the skill players have to be the ones who win/lose it for their teams? The history of the game is rich with stories of unlikely heroes, in the cup finals no less, but the regular season has to go to the "stars"? I call bullshit.
So while I somewhat agree with the direction of the league, I still have to question why they do things. Sure the shootout is enjoyable, until it actually matters. Then your team is hanging on whether or not your go to guy pulls a Charlie Conway and nails the triple deke, or pulls a Gordon Bombay and hits the post. Yes I made a Mighty Ducks reference. It fits, because it's that ridiculous. And just because I'm a nice guy....
Monday, September 13, 2010
.....WOW!
So news came down today that the NHL was going to take disciplinary action the Devils, and they did a number on them. Since the league has said that the Devils deliberately attempted to circumvent the salary cap, the league handed out the following punishment: A 3 million dollar fine, the loss of their 3rd round draft pick in the 2011 draft, and the loss of a first round draft pick in any one of the following four drafts.
Now on a personal level I am not a fan of the Devils, but this is ridiculous. Where was the disciplinary action against the Red Wings, Canucks, Blackhawks or even the Bruins and Flyers? Although I have issues this one being suspect since Pronger was over 35 when he signed the extension so the Flyers are on the hook regardless. But either way, the NHL has handled this situation horribly. Say what you will about these deals, there was a precedent set when the first ridiculously front loaded contract was signed. Who honestly expect Marion Hossa or Luongo to play out these deals till the end? The NHL had to have seen the sham these deals were right from the get go. To suddenly now play the bad guy is just a dumb move. You set the example with the rejection of the first deal. One could argue the Devils were punished with that move, by now having a higher cap hit, and consequently having to make tougher roster decisions.
Regardless of team affiliations and/or prejudices, this is just the NHL being pompous assholes about this whole thing. If they really wanted to stick it to the Devils, why did they work with them on the terms of the 2nd deal? The head honchos in charge of the league have once again made it look ridiculous, by handling this situation in the most idiotic way possible. I know there are cries from fans all over the league about favoritism and bias coming from the front office, and this does nothing to sway anyone's decisions. Bottom line is, it's a shitty thing to do. The Devils have been a class act as far as an organization goes, and all they did was play by the rules everyone else has. So why are they punished and the others allowed to go around unmolested? Two words. Bull. Shit. I hope you're happy Bettman.
By the way, Bettman's cap hit is 7million a year. think about that.
Now on a personal level I am not a fan of the Devils, but this is ridiculous. Where was the disciplinary action against the Red Wings, Canucks, Blackhawks or even the Bruins and Flyers? Although I have issues this one being suspect since Pronger was over 35 when he signed the extension so the Flyers are on the hook regardless. But either way, the NHL has handled this situation horribly. Say what you will about these deals, there was a precedent set when the first ridiculously front loaded contract was signed. Who honestly expect Marion Hossa or Luongo to play out these deals till the end? The NHL had to have seen the sham these deals were right from the get go. To suddenly now play the bad guy is just a dumb move. You set the example with the rejection of the first deal. One could argue the Devils were punished with that move, by now having a higher cap hit, and consequently having to make tougher roster decisions.
Regardless of team affiliations and/or prejudices, this is just the NHL being pompous assholes about this whole thing. If they really wanted to stick it to the Devils, why did they work with them on the terms of the 2nd deal? The head honchos in charge of the league have once again made it look ridiculous, by handling this situation in the most idiotic way possible. I know there are cries from fans all over the league about favoritism and bias coming from the front office, and this does nothing to sway anyone's decisions. Bottom line is, it's a shitty thing to do. The Devils have been a class act as far as an organization goes, and all they did was play by the rules everyone else has. So why are they punished and the others allowed to go around unmolested? Two words. Bull. Shit. I hope you're happy Bettman.
By the way, Bettman's cap hit is 7million a year. think about that.
Friday, September 10, 2010
The public funding debate
I'm not sure how aware you may be, but there seems to be a great debate in the great white north about $400 million dollars of public funds to build a new arena in Quebec City.
If any location in Canada can support two teams, it would be Quebec (Ottawa already has two), but should taxpayer money go towards paying for a new building when there's no clear evidence that a second team will actually come back to the province? I am not familiar with the landscape of Canadian politics, so I cannot even begin to speculate what side of the aisle is saying what. I'm just throwing this topic out for debate. I don't see why there wouldn't be enough private capital raised to do this without government interference. Also, when to government funded jobs go according to schedule?
My biggest concern with all this, aside from the money issue which i will leave to the locals up there, is what team(s) would move north? Commissioner Bettman has been very pro expansion into non traditional hockey markets, and still holds on to this idea, despite the fact that most of these teams have failed. Looking at list of struggling hockey teams, notably the florida franchises and phoenix, I think all franchises could stand to benefit from a change of scenery and a wealthier owner. With that said, apparently Winnipeg has a building ready to go, so why not move back the Coyotes? It clearly has not worked in the desert with consistently low attendance and, last season as an exception, poor performances.
Florida has been out of the playoffs since 2000, and has also suffered from poor attendance. Only Tampa Bay has had some success, with a cup win and multiple playoff appearances. They have also had more than their fare share of mediocre to dismal seasons and are seemingly in a perpetual state of flux as far as ownership and direction goes. Although that may be subject to change with current owner, and Steve Yzerman as GM.
We could also argue that Columbus and Nashville could be moved, but Nashville has had some type of success despite a smaller payroll and problematic ownership. Although from what I've read, it appears that local buyers are now in control of the franchise, and hopefully that will help them go to that next level. Columbus has been a lower level franchise since it's inception. While i understand that most teams will not come out and be successful right away, but a decade in the league and only 1 playoff appearance is not what i call a prosperous franchise. They've also routinely finished in the bottom half (if not last) in their division since their inception, and that includes the season they made the playoffs.
So while I went off a on tangent there, the case is made for relocation rather than expansion, but it still all comes down to money. Should the public have to fund the building of a new arena to house one of these teams? I looked at the most recent venue i could think of, the Prudential Center in Newark home of the New Jersey Devils, and I see that it was a public/private collaboration of funding to have this built. If there is a push to completely rebuild a section of Quebec City as a commercial park that would house more than just the Nordiques pt.2, then I could agree to some public funds being put forth. However to throw $400 million to just do a new arena is a bit ridiculous.
Canadian readers (if you're out there) chime in with any information that might not be known to myself and others. Also offer your two cents on the matter. whatever works for you.
If any location in Canada can support two teams, it would be Quebec (Ottawa already has two), but should taxpayer money go towards paying for a new building when there's no clear evidence that a second team will actually come back to the province? I am not familiar with the landscape of Canadian politics, so I cannot even begin to speculate what side of the aisle is saying what. I'm just throwing this topic out for debate. I don't see why there wouldn't be enough private capital raised to do this without government interference. Also, when to government funded jobs go according to schedule?
My biggest concern with all this, aside from the money issue which i will leave to the locals up there, is what team(s) would move north? Commissioner Bettman has been very pro expansion into non traditional hockey markets, and still holds on to this idea, despite the fact that most of these teams have failed. Looking at list of struggling hockey teams, notably the florida franchises and phoenix, I think all franchises could stand to benefit from a change of scenery and a wealthier owner. With that said, apparently Winnipeg has a building ready to go, so why not move back the Coyotes? It clearly has not worked in the desert with consistently low attendance and, last season as an exception, poor performances.
Florida has been out of the playoffs since 2000, and has also suffered from poor attendance. Only Tampa Bay has had some success, with a cup win and multiple playoff appearances. They have also had more than their fare share of mediocre to dismal seasons and are seemingly in a perpetual state of flux as far as ownership and direction goes. Although that may be subject to change with current owner, and Steve Yzerman as GM.
We could also argue that Columbus and Nashville could be moved, but Nashville has had some type of success despite a smaller payroll and problematic ownership. Although from what I've read, it appears that local buyers are now in control of the franchise, and hopefully that will help them go to that next level. Columbus has been a lower level franchise since it's inception. While i understand that most teams will not come out and be successful right away, but a decade in the league and only 1 playoff appearance is not what i call a prosperous franchise. They've also routinely finished in the bottom half (if not last) in their division since their inception, and that includes the season they made the playoffs.
So while I went off a on tangent there, the case is made for relocation rather than expansion, but it still all comes down to money. Should the public have to fund the building of a new arena to house one of these teams? I looked at the most recent venue i could think of, the Prudential Center in Newark home of the New Jersey Devils, and I see that it was a public/private collaboration of funding to have this built. If there is a push to completely rebuild a section of Quebec City as a commercial park that would house more than just the Nordiques pt.2, then I could agree to some public funds being put forth. However to throw $400 million to just do a new arena is a bit ridiculous.
Canadian readers (if you're out there) chime in with any information that might not be known to myself and others. Also offer your two cents on the matter. whatever works for you.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
last but not least
Alright, let's wrap this up with the Pacific Division.
Anaheim Ducks: The once mighty ducks (ugh that joke was terrible), found themselves on the outside looking in last year from 11th place. This season should prove interesting for this team. Neidermeyer and Ward have retired, and the defense is in an interesting spot. Will Luca Sbiza be able to crack the line up and stay there? Will the draft day steal of Cam Fowler be ready to play with the big club right away? I would like to say yes to both of these questions, but honestly I can't be sure.
What will become of the whole bobby ryan situation? While publicly it's been stated that Ryan wants to remain a duck, it's painfully obvious that he wants a minimum deal to get him to unrestricted free agency in a few years and cash in. Who can blame him? He has two years in the league and has put up back to back 30 goal seasons. The kid is a big and can score on the power play, as he's averaging 20 points a year on the PP. This is the kind of winger everyone wants, but few people have. With Lupul missing the beginning of the season, Ryan will have an even bigger work load. It's Cory Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan bringing the bulk of the offense for this team. Koivu and Selanne cannot be counted on like the were earlier in their careers. Aside from Jonas Hiller in goal, I have a lot of questions about this team. If they can get ryan under contract, or make a decent trade for his rights, the ducks have a chance of making it in, but right now i don't see that happening.
Los Angeles Kings: Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. That's what i heard Dean Lombardi say after losing out on almost everyone he wanted. LA missed out on Kovalchuk and Gagne and probably every other free agent in the league it seems. well aside from Willie Mitchell, which is a great pick up. Given that opening statement, you'd think the Kings are doomed. You'd be wrong. While nothing too flashy occured for the kings this season, unless you count Willie Mitchell as a flashy signing, they did alright.
Younger Brad Richardson seemed to find his stride, posting his best season numbers since 06-07. Alexi Ponikarovski was another respectable signing after a 50 point campaign with Toronto/Pittsburgh. The real strength lies in net for the Kings. Jonathan Quick has been great for the Kings. While not getting over the hump to the "elite" goaltending level, he has shown tremendous promise. I expect him to improve this season, especially with the competition coming up in Jonathan Bernier. This season in the AHL with Manchester, he won the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy, which is the AHL equivalent of the Vezina. He went 30-21-6 with a 2.03 GAA, .936 SV% and 9 shutouts. While minor league numbers do not necessarily guarantee success, his few starts with the big club are also impressive. In three starts this year he went 3-0-0 with 1 shutout, an impressive 1.30 GAA and a staggering .957 SV%. Could be a flash in the pan, but all signs are pointing to this kid being a star. So with the Kings set in net for a long time, look for GM Lombardi to tinker with his line up as needed to get this team be a real threat in the west. The pieces are there, they just need one or two more to finally get there.
San Jose Sharks: What an offseason this has been. Well, somewhat predictable since they managed to not win the cup again. every year someone writes it's their year, only to be proven wrong. Joe Thornton and Nabokov underachieving in the playoffs? No way! Everyone scratched their heads when Antero Niittymaki was signed on the first day of free agency. While certainly a solid NHL caliber goalie, he hardly seems like an adequate replacement for Nabokov. Come to find out, they weren't really done, and signed cup winning goaltender Antii Niemi to a deal, which was less than his arbitration winnings, which lead to his release from Chicago. Conspiracy theorists can think about the offer sheet offered to Hjalmarsson simply being a ploy to force the hand of chicago to give up one player. Regardless Niemi is in net for the sharks.
Up front for the Sharks there isn't a whole lot of new faces, but that shouldn't really matter. The sharks are deep enough to make another run into the playoffs. I think this could be the year they won't be top seed in the west. That could actually work out to their advantage though. finishing lower in the standings could take some of the pressure off. Although the sharks will continue to be favorites as long as most of this line up stays intact. the real question will be come playoff time, and if the top players on this team actually perform to their abilities, rather than disappearing. Still, look for the Sharks to make some kind of run again this post season.
Dallas Stars: The youth movement is in full swing in Dallas. Gone are Jeri Lehtinen (presumably anyway), Marty Turco and long time captain and face of the stars, Mike Modano. Brad Richards remains after putting up a career best 91 points, which he also did in 05-06 with tampa. What i do not understand is the signing of Kari Lehtonen to a three year deal. He has shown glimpses of being a top goaltender, but is often injured and has modest career numbers. Although, I suppose GM Joe Nieuwendyk is hedging his bets against goaltenders coming into their prime later than other positional players, and playing longer. let's hope he's right.
I'm not a big fan of the offseason movements made by Dallas, but i'm not questioning them either. I think the big keys for this team will be the play of Lehtonen, and how the younger players will acclimate to the system. The Stars have lost a lot of what made them great a decade ago, but they might not be too far removed from getting back into the playoff picture. For now though, come april it's only going to be baseball being played in Texas.
Phoenix Coyotes: Who are you, and what have you done with the real Coyotes? Dave Tippet I blame you for this. Amidst a season long legal battle about who owns the team, who will buy the team a whole slew of other issues, the Coyotes put up fantastic numbers. Phoenix is a team who, on paper, looked like they were out of it from the get go. They've always had spurts of solid hockey, so when they got a few wins under their belt it wasn't surprising....but then they kept going.
A lot of their success has to be credited to the play of Ilya Bryzgalov. He won 42 games and had 9 shutouts, earning himself a Vezina nomination (he should've won, with all due respect to ryan miller). I was also surprised with the play of Scottie Upshall, who finally started to play to his potential before going down with the knee injury. In 49 games he set a new career high in goals, and was on pace to his first 30 goal season. Lee Stempniak was lights out since being acquired at the trade deadline putting up 18 points in 18 games. If both Stempniak and Upshall can duplicate at least some part of their successes from last season this team can roll again. The 'Yotes can also look for Wojtek Wolski to do the same, as he also was a point per game producer since coming over from the Avalanche.
The defense of Phoenix I am not overly impressed with, but there's enough seasoned veterans on there to play sound defensive hockey and help out as need be. What will really help this team is having an owner (seriously) who can afford to pay these guys, and afford to pay players to come to Phoenix...or wherever this team may end up. I'm al lfor them going back to Winnipeg, but that's whole seperate blog. Look for the Coyotes to be a middle of the pack team this year, but they'll get in again. Assuming they can repeat on some successes.
Predictions: Los Angeles - San Jose - Phoenix - Dallas - Anaheim
alright folks, that's all she wrote for the divisional previews. hope you enjoyed them. well not really. you read them either way. feel free to comment here or on the facebook page. whatever. camps open just over a week. hockey's just around the corner
Anaheim Ducks: The once mighty ducks (ugh that joke was terrible), found themselves on the outside looking in last year from 11th place. This season should prove interesting for this team. Neidermeyer and Ward have retired, and the defense is in an interesting spot. Will Luca Sbiza be able to crack the line up and stay there? Will the draft day steal of Cam Fowler be ready to play with the big club right away? I would like to say yes to both of these questions, but honestly I can't be sure.
What will become of the whole bobby ryan situation? While publicly it's been stated that Ryan wants to remain a duck, it's painfully obvious that he wants a minimum deal to get him to unrestricted free agency in a few years and cash in. Who can blame him? He has two years in the league and has put up back to back 30 goal seasons. The kid is a big and can score on the power play, as he's averaging 20 points a year on the PP. This is the kind of winger everyone wants, but few people have. With Lupul missing the beginning of the season, Ryan will have an even bigger work load. It's Cory Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan bringing the bulk of the offense for this team. Koivu and Selanne cannot be counted on like the were earlier in their careers. Aside from Jonas Hiller in goal, I have a lot of questions about this team. If they can get ryan under contract, or make a decent trade for his rights, the ducks have a chance of making it in, but right now i don't see that happening.
Los Angeles Kings: Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. That's what i heard Dean Lombardi say after losing out on almost everyone he wanted. LA missed out on Kovalchuk and Gagne and probably every other free agent in the league it seems. well aside from Willie Mitchell, which is a great pick up. Given that opening statement, you'd think the Kings are doomed. You'd be wrong. While nothing too flashy occured for the kings this season, unless you count Willie Mitchell as a flashy signing, they did alright.
Younger Brad Richardson seemed to find his stride, posting his best season numbers since 06-07. Alexi Ponikarovski was another respectable signing after a 50 point campaign with Toronto/Pittsburgh. The real strength lies in net for the Kings. Jonathan Quick has been great for the Kings. While not getting over the hump to the "elite" goaltending level, he has shown tremendous promise. I expect him to improve this season, especially with the competition coming up in Jonathan Bernier. This season in the AHL with Manchester, he won the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy, which is the AHL equivalent of the Vezina. He went 30-21-6 with a 2.03 GAA, .936 SV% and 9 shutouts. While minor league numbers do not necessarily guarantee success, his few starts with the big club are also impressive. In three starts this year he went 3-0-0 with 1 shutout, an impressive 1.30 GAA and a staggering .957 SV%. Could be a flash in the pan, but all signs are pointing to this kid being a star. So with the Kings set in net for a long time, look for GM Lombardi to tinker with his line up as needed to get this team be a real threat in the west. The pieces are there, they just need one or two more to finally get there.
San Jose Sharks: What an offseason this has been. Well, somewhat predictable since they managed to not win the cup again. every year someone writes it's their year, only to be proven wrong. Joe Thornton and Nabokov underachieving in the playoffs? No way! Everyone scratched their heads when Antero Niittymaki was signed on the first day of free agency. While certainly a solid NHL caliber goalie, he hardly seems like an adequate replacement for Nabokov. Come to find out, they weren't really done, and signed cup winning goaltender Antii Niemi to a deal, which was less than his arbitration winnings, which lead to his release from Chicago. Conspiracy theorists can think about the offer sheet offered to Hjalmarsson simply being a ploy to force the hand of chicago to give up one player. Regardless Niemi is in net for the sharks.
Up front for the Sharks there isn't a whole lot of new faces, but that shouldn't really matter. The sharks are deep enough to make another run into the playoffs. I think this could be the year they won't be top seed in the west. That could actually work out to their advantage though. finishing lower in the standings could take some of the pressure off. Although the sharks will continue to be favorites as long as most of this line up stays intact. the real question will be come playoff time, and if the top players on this team actually perform to their abilities, rather than disappearing. Still, look for the Sharks to make some kind of run again this post season.
Dallas Stars: The youth movement is in full swing in Dallas. Gone are Jeri Lehtinen (presumably anyway), Marty Turco and long time captain and face of the stars, Mike Modano. Brad Richards remains after putting up a career best 91 points, which he also did in 05-06 with tampa. What i do not understand is the signing of Kari Lehtonen to a three year deal. He has shown glimpses of being a top goaltender, but is often injured and has modest career numbers. Although, I suppose GM Joe Nieuwendyk is hedging his bets against goaltenders coming into their prime later than other positional players, and playing longer. let's hope he's right.
I'm not a big fan of the offseason movements made by Dallas, but i'm not questioning them either. I think the big keys for this team will be the play of Lehtonen, and how the younger players will acclimate to the system. The Stars have lost a lot of what made them great a decade ago, but they might not be too far removed from getting back into the playoff picture. For now though, come april it's only going to be baseball being played in Texas.
Phoenix Coyotes: Who are you, and what have you done with the real Coyotes? Dave Tippet I blame you for this. Amidst a season long legal battle about who owns the team, who will buy the team a whole slew of other issues, the Coyotes put up fantastic numbers. Phoenix is a team who, on paper, looked like they were out of it from the get go. They've always had spurts of solid hockey, so when they got a few wins under their belt it wasn't surprising....but then they kept going.
A lot of their success has to be credited to the play of Ilya Bryzgalov. He won 42 games and had 9 shutouts, earning himself a Vezina nomination (he should've won, with all due respect to ryan miller). I was also surprised with the play of Scottie Upshall, who finally started to play to his potential before going down with the knee injury. In 49 games he set a new career high in goals, and was on pace to his first 30 goal season. Lee Stempniak was lights out since being acquired at the trade deadline putting up 18 points in 18 games. If both Stempniak and Upshall can duplicate at least some part of their successes from last season this team can roll again. The 'Yotes can also look for Wojtek Wolski to do the same, as he also was a point per game producer since coming over from the Avalanche.
The defense of Phoenix I am not overly impressed with, but there's enough seasoned veterans on there to play sound defensive hockey and help out as need be. What will really help this team is having an owner (seriously) who can afford to pay these guys, and afford to pay players to come to Phoenix...or wherever this team may end up. I'm al lfor them going back to Winnipeg, but that's whole seperate blog. Look for the Coyotes to be a middle of the pack team this year, but they'll get in again. Assuming they can repeat on some successes.
Predictions: Los Angeles - San Jose - Phoenix - Dallas - Anaheim
alright folks, that's all she wrote for the divisional previews. hope you enjoyed them. well not really. you read them either way. feel free to comment here or on the facebook page. whatever. camps open just over a week. hockey's just around the corner
North by Northwest
I would apologize for the delay, but this shit's free. Off we go to the might northwest division.
Vancouver Canucks: This team will win the division. I believe the Hockey News picked the Canucks, to win the cup. I'm calling bullshit. Not that I don't think they're talented enough because looking at the roster, they're one of the deepest teams in the league. I just question the ability to perform under pressure from their "captain" Roberto Luongo. Henrik Sedin had a career year last year. He won the Art Ross and Hart trophies, so clearly the 30+ point improvement over the previous year was noticed. Brother Daniel was also on pace for a career year before his ankle/foot injury. If both of them can perform to roughly the same level, that's a scary combination. I don't see 100+ for both, but 90points is not out of the question.
Defensively, they lost Willie Mitchell, but got Dan Hamhuis. There are rumors of Bieksa getting moved, but he if does it'll most likely be towards the deadline if Vancouver needs help somewhere else. Not a bad problem to have though if you're the Canucks. This team should easily win the division, as the team that has improved the most, will probably miss the playoffs. As I said in this blog's initial post, this team will live and die by the play of Luongo. If he folds under pressure, as he often does, it'll be a disappointing season for the Canucks.
Calgary Flames: .......... Really, what can you say about the Flames? All-Star goaltender, hall of fame winger, solid defense and the most confusing front office in the league. I think 99.99% of people out there, can agree that the Olli Jokinen's play in Calgary the first go round was a bust. They trade him to the Rangers, no harm done. So what do they do July 1? The only logical thing of course, re-sign him to a two year deal! My brain melts at the thought of even attempting to understand the rationale of Mr. Sutter. So I guess Olli is the #1 to play with Iginla, but will it work this time? My gut says no. So does my brain and everything else. I hope for Iginla's sake I'm wrong.
Calgary also needs a backup goaltender, who isn't named Toskala, so Kipper can get a rest and if the Flames can actually make the playoffs, he'll be fresh enough to win a series. I still think the defense of Calgary is solid enough to compete, but the offense is lacking. I hope Sutter knows something we don't, because this team is on borrowed time as it is. Iglina and Kipper aren't getting any younger, and i don't think Lanny MacDonald's mustache is ready to unretire.
Minnesota Wild: More like the Minnesota Mild! oh i'm so pucking clever. Seriously though, what does this team have aside from Niklas Backtsrom? Go ahead, think about it. I'll give you a minute. Exactly. There's nothing on this team. I mean Havlat has been a bust, and must be better to help this team. Mikku Koivu will also have to play better, hopefully approach the 30 goal level. Draft Pick Mikael Granlund should be able to make the squad and get decent minutes, assuming he's ready for north american ice. He's spent his entire career in Finland, so he might go to down to the minors and get some seasoning. When all is said and done though, this is a team that's going to miss the playoffs again.
Colorado Avalanche: The Avs were the surprise of the year, well them and the Coyotes, coming out fast and fooling everyone. We all sat and waited for the other shoe to drop, but it didn't. The team didn't do anything remarkable this off season, but they did add some depth guys and resigned Budaj. If he and Craig Anderson can duplicate the kind of success they had last year, this team will make the playoffs again. Now this team is a far cry from the Avs of the late 90's, into 2000, but they're still a solid team. Look for Matt Duschene to improve upon his 55 point rookie campaign, and hopefully Stastny will have another solid season of almost a point per game average.
What will be working against this team is themselves. No one is going to be fooled by the avalanche this year. I think the early jump last year took everyone by surprise, but the rest of the west should be ready this year. I don't think they'll be as good, but should still sneak into the playoffs again this year.
Edmonton Oilers: Taylor Hall. I'd say more but that's all Edmonton cares about. While he should be exciting to watch, assuming he makes the squad. Alright he's pretty much a lock, but anything is possible. Honestly though I think Tyler Seguin will have a better rookie season, because there's less pressure on him to perform. The Oiler nation is banking on Taylor Hall bringing them back to glory. I can understand why, this kid has been a winner at every level.
What I'm more interested in seeing is whether or not Ales Hemsky can come back from his injury and be as consistent. he was on a point per game pace last year until he went down. he will need more goals though, as edmonton needs all the help they can get in that department. Also the Sheldon Souray debacle will be interesting to watch unfold. If he stays healthy and plays well, he will be traded, but when's the last time Souray was healthy enough to really impress anyone? And last but not least we come to Nikolai Smirnoff....I mean Khabibulin. As this DUI appeal is underway, pending the outcome, look for Edmonton to try and find a way out of his contract without having to keep him on the books. While he did play well in 08-09 to earn his contract, his play last year before he went down was less than impressive.
So once again Edmonton is a team with more questions than answers. However, I think the future looks bright for the Oilers. I also think the playoffs are still a long ways off though at the moment. They will miss this year, and will possibly be a lottery team in the 2011 draft, but it shouldn't be too much longer before they start to be competitive again. Tambellini is trying his best to right the ship, but there's still a lot of work to be done.
Predictions: Vancouver-Colorado-Calgary-Edmonton-Minnesota
Vancouver Canucks: This team will win the division. I believe the Hockey News picked the Canucks, to win the cup. I'm calling bullshit. Not that I don't think they're talented enough because looking at the roster, they're one of the deepest teams in the league. I just question the ability to perform under pressure from their "captain" Roberto Luongo. Henrik Sedin had a career year last year. He won the Art Ross and Hart trophies, so clearly the 30+ point improvement over the previous year was noticed. Brother Daniel was also on pace for a career year before his ankle/foot injury. If both of them can perform to roughly the same level, that's a scary combination. I don't see 100+ for both, but 90points is not out of the question.
Defensively, they lost Willie Mitchell, but got Dan Hamhuis. There are rumors of Bieksa getting moved, but he if does it'll most likely be towards the deadline if Vancouver needs help somewhere else. Not a bad problem to have though if you're the Canucks. This team should easily win the division, as the team that has improved the most, will probably miss the playoffs. As I said in this blog's initial post, this team will live and die by the play of Luongo. If he folds under pressure, as he often does, it'll be a disappointing season for the Canucks.
Calgary Flames: .......... Really, what can you say about the Flames? All-Star goaltender, hall of fame winger, solid defense and the most confusing front office in the league. I think 99.99% of people out there, can agree that the Olli Jokinen's play in Calgary the first go round was a bust. They trade him to the Rangers, no harm done. So what do they do July 1? The only logical thing of course, re-sign him to a two year deal! My brain melts at the thought of even attempting to understand the rationale of Mr. Sutter. So I guess Olli is the #1 to play with Iginla, but will it work this time? My gut says no. So does my brain and everything else. I hope for Iginla's sake I'm wrong.
Calgary also needs a backup goaltender, who isn't named Toskala, so Kipper can get a rest and if the Flames can actually make the playoffs, he'll be fresh enough to win a series. I still think the defense of Calgary is solid enough to compete, but the offense is lacking. I hope Sutter knows something we don't, because this team is on borrowed time as it is. Iglina and Kipper aren't getting any younger, and i don't think Lanny MacDonald's mustache is ready to unretire.
Minnesota Wild: More like the Minnesota Mild! oh i'm so pucking clever. Seriously though, what does this team have aside from Niklas Backtsrom? Go ahead, think about it. I'll give you a minute. Exactly. There's nothing on this team. I mean Havlat has been a bust, and must be better to help this team. Mikku Koivu will also have to play better, hopefully approach the 30 goal level. Draft Pick Mikael Granlund should be able to make the squad and get decent minutes, assuming he's ready for north american ice. He's spent his entire career in Finland, so he might go to down to the minors and get some seasoning. When all is said and done though, this is a team that's going to miss the playoffs again.
Colorado Avalanche: The Avs were the surprise of the year, well them and the Coyotes, coming out fast and fooling everyone. We all sat and waited for the other shoe to drop, but it didn't. The team didn't do anything remarkable this off season, but they did add some depth guys and resigned Budaj. If he and Craig Anderson can duplicate the kind of success they had last year, this team will make the playoffs again. Now this team is a far cry from the Avs of the late 90's, into 2000, but they're still a solid team. Look for Matt Duschene to improve upon his 55 point rookie campaign, and hopefully Stastny will have another solid season of almost a point per game average.
What will be working against this team is themselves. No one is going to be fooled by the avalanche this year. I think the early jump last year took everyone by surprise, but the rest of the west should be ready this year. I don't think they'll be as good, but should still sneak into the playoffs again this year.
Edmonton Oilers: Taylor Hall. I'd say more but that's all Edmonton cares about. While he should be exciting to watch, assuming he makes the squad. Alright he's pretty much a lock, but anything is possible. Honestly though I think Tyler Seguin will have a better rookie season, because there's less pressure on him to perform. The Oiler nation is banking on Taylor Hall bringing them back to glory. I can understand why, this kid has been a winner at every level.
What I'm more interested in seeing is whether or not Ales Hemsky can come back from his injury and be as consistent. he was on a point per game pace last year until he went down. he will need more goals though, as edmonton needs all the help they can get in that department. Also the Sheldon Souray debacle will be interesting to watch unfold. If he stays healthy and plays well, he will be traded, but when's the last time Souray was healthy enough to really impress anyone? And last but not least we come to Nikolai Smirnoff....I mean Khabibulin. As this DUI appeal is underway, pending the outcome, look for Edmonton to try and find a way out of his contract without having to keep him on the books. While he did play well in 08-09 to earn his contract, his play last year before he went down was less than impressive.
So once again Edmonton is a team with more questions than answers. However, I think the future looks bright for the Oilers. I also think the playoffs are still a long ways off though at the moment. They will miss this year, and will possibly be a lottery team in the 2011 draft, but it shouldn't be too much longer before they start to be competitive again. Tambellini is trying his best to right the ship, but there's still a lot of work to be done.
Predictions: Vancouver-Colorado-Calgary-Edmonton-Minnesota
Saturday, September 4, 2010
western conference here we come.
Alright left coasters, here comes our incredibly in-depth analysis of the western conference. yeah right. we're gonna start with the central division.
Chicago Blackhawks: Well now, this is certainly a team that will have a new look come the start of the season. the roster was gutted by salary cap issues. However, despite all the movement this off season, the core of Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, Hossa, Sharp and Hjalmarsson remain in tact. that's not a bad group to move forward with. They lost a lot of depth/character guys, which cannot be over looked, but i think over all this team will be OK going into next season. I don't think they'll repeat, but that's not uncommon anymore.
What is hard to believe is the Blackhawks walking away from Niemi. Niemi is a talented goaltender who guided them to a cup win in his rookie season. I understand the cap constraints they were under, but to then see him sign in San Jose for 2 million really makes you wonder what the hawks were thinking. But the arbitrator gave him a price they thought was too high, and away he goes. If and when this team can get Brian Campbell's ridiculous contract off the books, and maybe sign another top 6 forward, the hawks climb back up into the western conference elite. They will still be competitive and make the playoffs, i just cannot see them repeating again this year. I don't think that Turco's resume is that impressive to get them back to back cups. Well, here's to 2057-58.
Detroit Redwings: The Redwings are the redwings. Ken Holland has quietly built one of the strongest and most consistent teams since his arrival in 1997. They are seldom flashy with their offseason signings, but draft incredibly well and give their talent time to develop. Lidstrom is returning for another year, and they managed to sign Mike Modano to a one year deal. It's like the 1998 western conference all star team.
Jimmy Howard will surely be handed the starting job this season, with Osgood serving as backup. Howard had an impressive rookie season, and should have another solid year with the team detroit has built in front of him. While the Redwings are certainly getting older, with both Zetterberg and Datsyuk both at the dreaded 30 mark, they're still elite players who will put up decent numbers. Eventually the other shoe will have to drop, but i think people will be waiting for awhile. With players like Abdelkader and Howard on the team, the Redwings look like they'll remain a top club in the west.
Columbus Bluejackets: A new coaching staff, same mediocre roster. Rick Nash gets full marks for signing a long term deal out of "loyalty" (his words, not mine), but this club has to get him some help. He will be the next Jerome Iginla without the addition of a top center. Steve mason will also have to be better for this team to make the playoffs, if they can. His rookie campaign was terrific, and he was rewarded with the Calder trophy for that season. It also marked the Bluejackets first, and only playoff appearance. His performance last year, was respectable, but far not as good as his rookie campaign.
The Bluejackets are in desperate need of top 6 forwards and a solid 1-2 defense pairing. Of the 9 defensemen they dressed last season, only one had a plus. Kris Russell was a +3 and Grant Clitsome was even, though he only played 11 games. This team needs help on defense. badly. The jackets also need a number one center to play with nash. R.J. Umberger, while a respectable player, is a 3rd line center...maybe 2nd at best. This team needs an overhaul. badly. Expect more early april golf dates jackets fans. And another lottery pick
Nashville Predators: All hail Barry Trotz. Sure he has no neck, and the head like a bowling ball, but he gets blood from a stone out of nashville. Nashville is a team that on paper shouldn't be competitive, but every year defies expectations. Only two players scored 20 or more goals. They certainly won't put up Capital-like goal counts, but they play a solid game and continue to get tremendous goaltending. Pekka Rinne put up impressive numbers, and was rewarded with a two year extension. look for him to lead this team from the back on out, along with new captain Shea Webber.
What will be interesting to watch will be notorious badboy Sergei Kostitsyn and how he will fit in to nashville. A problem case up in Montreal along with his brother, it is possible he will thrive away from the montreal scrutiny. Or he will simply find some russian mobsters to hang with at the Grand Ole Opry. Nashville will somehow make the playoffs again despite everyone assuming they won't.
St. Louis Blues: Someone needs to call the cops, because John Davidson is a thief. The guy managed to steal Jaroslav Halak away from montreal. The loss of Kariya (post concussion syndrome) and Kieth Tkachuk will be noticed, but hopefully the rest of the team can fill in. This is another team that won't wow you with mind boggling offensive numbers, but with Halak in net, they should manage to steal a few games.
What will the story for this team, will b how the new coach gets the players to buy into the system. clearly it didn't work last year, and it showed with their abysmal home record to start the year. They managed to put a decent run in the end, but it was too little too late for the blues. If they can string together some wins earlier in the year, they could make it into the playoffs. With Halak in net, and they do make the playoffs, anything is possible. The big question mark will be how the younger players in the system play with/when they make the big squad.
Preditions: Detroit (a shock i know) - Chicago - Nashville - St. Louis - Columbus.
Chicago Blackhawks: Well now, this is certainly a team that will have a new look come the start of the season. the roster was gutted by salary cap issues. However, despite all the movement this off season, the core of Toews, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, Hossa, Sharp and Hjalmarsson remain in tact. that's not a bad group to move forward with. They lost a lot of depth/character guys, which cannot be over looked, but i think over all this team will be OK going into next season. I don't think they'll repeat, but that's not uncommon anymore.
What is hard to believe is the Blackhawks walking away from Niemi. Niemi is a talented goaltender who guided them to a cup win in his rookie season. I understand the cap constraints they were under, but to then see him sign in San Jose for 2 million really makes you wonder what the hawks were thinking. But the arbitrator gave him a price they thought was too high, and away he goes. If and when this team can get Brian Campbell's ridiculous contract off the books, and maybe sign another top 6 forward, the hawks climb back up into the western conference elite. They will still be competitive and make the playoffs, i just cannot see them repeating again this year. I don't think that Turco's resume is that impressive to get them back to back cups. Well, here's to 2057-58.
Detroit Redwings: The Redwings are the redwings. Ken Holland has quietly built one of the strongest and most consistent teams since his arrival in 1997. They are seldom flashy with their offseason signings, but draft incredibly well and give their talent time to develop. Lidstrom is returning for another year, and they managed to sign Mike Modano to a one year deal. It's like the 1998 western conference all star team.
Jimmy Howard will surely be handed the starting job this season, with Osgood serving as backup. Howard had an impressive rookie season, and should have another solid year with the team detroit has built in front of him. While the Redwings are certainly getting older, with both Zetterberg and Datsyuk both at the dreaded 30 mark, they're still elite players who will put up decent numbers. Eventually the other shoe will have to drop, but i think people will be waiting for awhile. With players like Abdelkader and Howard on the team, the Redwings look like they'll remain a top club in the west.
Columbus Bluejackets: A new coaching staff, same mediocre roster. Rick Nash gets full marks for signing a long term deal out of "loyalty" (his words, not mine), but this club has to get him some help. He will be the next Jerome Iginla without the addition of a top center. Steve mason will also have to be better for this team to make the playoffs, if they can. His rookie campaign was terrific, and he was rewarded with the Calder trophy for that season. It also marked the Bluejackets first, and only playoff appearance. His performance last year, was respectable, but far not as good as his rookie campaign.
The Bluejackets are in desperate need of top 6 forwards and a solid 1-2 defense pairing. Of the 9 defensemen they dressed last season, only one had a plus. Kris Russell was a +3 and Grant Clitsome was even, though he only played 11 games. This team needs help on defense. badly. The jackets also need a number one center to play with nash. R.J. Umberger, while a respectable player, is a 3rd line center...maybe 2nd at best. This team needs an overhaul. badly. Expect more early april golf dates jackets fans. And another lottery pick
Nashville Predators: All hail Barry Trotz. Sure he has no neck, and the head like a bowling ball, but he gets blood from a stone out of nashville. Nashville is a team that on paper shouldn't be competitive, but every year defies expectations. Only two players scored 20 or more goals. They certainly won't put up Capital-like goal counts, but they play a solid game and continue to get tremendous goaltending. Pekka Rinne put up impressive numbers, and was rewarded with a two year extension. look for him to lead this team from the back on out, along with new captain Shea Webber.
What will be interesting to watch will be notorious badboy Sergei Kostitsyn and how he will fit in to nashville. A problem case up in Montreal along with his brother, it is possible he will thrive away from the montreal scrutiny. Or he will simply find some russian mobsters to hang with at the Grand Ole Opry. Nashville will somehow make the playoffs again despite everyone assuming they won't.
St. Louis Blues: Someone needs to call the cops, because John Davidson is a thief. The guy managed to steal Jaroslav Halak away from montreal. The loss of Kariya (post concussion syndrome) and Kieth Tkachuk will be noticed, but hopefully the rest of the team can fill in. This is another team that won't wow you with mind boggling offensive numbers, but with Halak in net, they should manage to steal a few games.
What will the story for this team, will b how the new coach gets the players to buy into the system. clearly it didn't work last year, and it showed with their abysmal home record to start the year. They managed to put a decent run in the end, but it was too little too late for the blues. If they can string together some wins earlier in the year, they could make it into the playoffs. With Halak in net, and they do make the playoffs, anything is possible. The big question mark will be how the younger players in the system play with/when they make the big squad.
Preditions: Detroit (a shock i know) - Chicago - Nashville - St. Louis - Columbus.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Southeast Division
I've got nothing witty to say about this division. Let's just finish the east shall we? Thank my insomnia for this one.
Washington Capitals: Still flying fast and loose defensively. Ovechkin is the best offensive player in the league. If you don't want to say the best, as it my offend Miss Criesby in pittsburgh, you can say he's the most dynamic. But really look at his numbers, they're ridiculous. Washington will likely run up a ridiculous goal total again this season. Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom, all of whom had 80 plus points. Hell Ovie and backstrom both broke 100 points this season. Mike Green was 4th on their team with 76 points. When's the last time you saw a Dman put up those kind of points?
This is all part of the problem though. Look over the defensive roster, and you see capable names, but nothing that really stands out as a strong stay at home defenseman. At least not to me anyway. Mike Green is a fine offensive talent, and is great on the power play, but i don't see him really shutting anyone down. That being said, i'd still want him on my team. The departure of Jose Theodore (well, minus a miracle re-signing which won't happen), it's now the Varlamov show down in DC. A russian responsible for security in Washington....the cold war is truly over. Ok that awful joke aside, Varlamov has been solid for the Capitals. Michal Neuvirth looks to be the new back up, who posted respectable numbers in his limited appearances. By all accounts Bruce Boudreau has more confidence in Varlamov than he had in Theodore, so that should translate into better performances.
Despite the offensive juggernaut this team puts forth, they will still only be as effective as their defense. We all saw what the Habs did against them in the opening round of the playoffs. without some tweaking to that back end, it'll be another cupless spring in Washington.
Atlanta Thrashers: After raiding the pantry of the Chicago Blackhawks, the thrashers have a new look. This will also be the first Kovalchuk-less season in Atlanta. The team put forth a solid effort after the trade. Bergfors and Oduya will be nice additions to this line up. Bergfors showed flashes of top 6 forward, and Oduya is a decent puck moving defensemen. Evander Kane will look to improve on his rookie campaign. it wasn't bad, but the foot injury certainly didn't help. Look for him to try and avoid the sophmore slump. The addition of Chris Mason, along with the returning Ondrej Pavelec should be a respectable goaltending tandem.
What will be the real wild card for this team will be new coach Craig Ramsey. He has a losing record for his career, and doesn't seem to command a team's attention. We'll have to wait and see how long this lasts. Atlanta is due for a decent season, relatively speaking anyway. We'll have to see what Byfuglien, Ladd and Eager will bring to this team.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Steve Yzerman has wasted no time placing his stamp on this team. Trading a bag of pucks for Simon Gagne was a terrific move. This gives the team two potent lines. Stamkos is coming off a ridiculous sophomore season. 51 goals (tied for the league lead) and overall a 49 point total increase. Steve Downie was also a nice surprise, putting up numbers he hasn't since junior hockey. If Lecavalier can have a better season, which he should with Stamkos being the threat he is, the Lightning will roll out two of the best offensive units in hockey today.
Dan Ellis was a great free agent pick up. If Mike Smith doesn't turn out the way they want, Ellis is more than capable of carrying a #1 work load. Hell if not for the play of Pekka Rinne, he'd probably still be in Nashville. I'm not wowed with the blueline of Tampa, but i'm not underwhelmed either. They should be just good enough to get them through some close ones, and the offense has enough power up front to be able to hang around in a back and forth game. There's really no place for the Lightning to go but up. Will they make the playoffs? .......eh. The possibility is there for a 8th seed, but i don't see them getting far if they do. who knows though.
Carolina Hurricanes: Old guys out. Carolina is ready for the youth movement. They've signed a lot of guys to entry level, or two way deals. This shows Carolina's commitment to the future, but it doesn't say much for the present. Eric Staal and company have a long road ahead of them. They managed to stay competitive last year, but after their abysmal start, and Cam Ward's injury, it's hard to come back into the playoff picture. If Ward stays healthy, and they can actually win some games early on, they could very well be in the hunt come spring time. I still think that they'll be on the outside looking in though. Still in this division, anything is possible.
Florida Panthers: I hope Dale Tallon likes to get his hands dirty, because this is a project. Sure there's some talent on this roster like David Booth....but that's about it. Taking a look at the stats, there are three players that are plus. I don't usually put a lot of stock into +/- but you have to see that and know that this team is not putting up a lot of offense. Dale Tallon stock piled draft picks and is looking to build up, but right now Florida fans...if you still exist, tough it out. You still have Vokoun that your teammates can beat up. As long as Dale can avoid the bonus fiasco that turned the blackhawks into the NHL equivalent of the 1997 Florida Marlins after the world series win, Florida will very much have a contender. Looking at this roster now though, it's going to be another year of early golfing.
(edit: i forgot that horton was traded, and the line up sheet i was looking at was older. my bad. whatever.)
Predictions: Washington (duh) - Tampa - Atlanta - Carolina - Florida
Washington Capitals: Still flying fast and loose defensively. Ovechkin is the best offensive player in the league. If you don't want to say the best, as it my offend Miss Criesby in pittsburgh, you can say he's the most dynamic. But really look at his numbers, they're ridiculous. Washington will likely run up a ridiculous goal total again this season. Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom, all of whom had 80 plus points. Hell Ovie and backstrom both broke 100 points this season. Mike Green was 4th on their team with 76 points. When's the last time you saw a Dman put up those kind of points?
This is all part of the problem though. Look over the defensive roster, and you see capable names, but nothing that really stands out as a strong stay at home defenseman. At least not to me anyway. Mike Green is a fine offensive talent, and is great on the power play, but i don't see him really shutting anyone down. That being said, i'd still want him on my team. The departure of Jose Theodore (well, minus a miracle re-signing which won't happen), it's now the Varlamov show down in DC. A russian responsible for security in Washington....the cold war is truly over. Ok that awful joke aside, Varlamov has been solid for the Capitals. Michal Neuvirth looks to be the new back up, who posted respectable numbers in his limited appearances. By all accounts Bruce Boudreau has more confidence in Varlamov than he had in Theodore, so that should translate into better performances.
Despite the offensive juggernaut this team puts forth, they will still only be as effective as their defense. We all saw what the Habs did against them in the opening round of the playoffs. without some tweaking to that back end, it'll be another cupless spring in Washington.
Atlanta Thrashers: After raiding the pantry of the Chicago Blackhawks, the thrashers have a new look. This will also be the first Kovalchuk-less season in Atlanta. The team put forth a solid effort after the trade. Bergfors and Oduya will be nice additions to this line up. Bergfors showed flashes of top 6 forward, and Oduya is a decent puck moving defensemen. Evander Kane will look to improve on his rookie campaign. it wasn't bad, but the foot injury certainly didn't help. Look for him to try and avoid the sophmore slump. The addition of Chris Mason, along with the returning Ondrej Pavelec should be a respectable goaltending tandem.
What will be the real wild card for this team will be new coach Craig Ramsey. He has a losing record for his career, and doesn't seem to command a team's attention. We'll have to wait and see how long this lasts. Atlanta is due for a decent season, relatively speaking anyway. We'll have to see what Byfuglien, Ladd and Eager will bring to this team.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Steve Yzerman has wasted no time placing his stamp on this team. Trading a bag of pucks for Simon Gagne was a terrific move. This gives the team two potent lines. Stamkos is coming off a ridiculous sophomore season. 51 goals (tied for the league lead) and overall a 49 point total increase. Steve Downie was also a nice surprise, putting up numbers he hasn't since junior hockey. If Lecavalier can have a better season, which he should with Stamkos being the threat he is, the Lightning will roll out two of the best offensive units in hockey today.
Dan Ellis was a great free agent pick up. If Mike Smith doesn't turn out the way they want, Ellis is more than capable of carrying a #1 work load. Hell if not for the play of Pekka Rinne, he'd probably still be in Nashville. I'm not wowed with the blueline of Tampa, but i'm not underwhelmed either. They should be just good enough to get them through some close ones, and the offense has enough power up front to be able to hang around in a back and forth game. There's really no place for the Lightning to go but up. Will they make the playoffs? .......eh. The possibility is there for a 8th seed, but i don't see them getting far if they do. who knows though.
Carolina Hurricanes: Old guys out. Carolina is ready for the youth movement. They've signed a lot of guys to entry level, or two way deals. This shows Carolina's commitment to the future, but it doesn't say much for the present. Eric Staal and company have a long road ahead of them. They managed to stay competitive last year, but after their abysmal start, and Cam Ward's injury, it's hard to come back into the playoff picture. If Ward stays healthy, and they can actually win some games early on, they could very well be in the hunt come spring time. I still think that they'll be on the outside looking in though. Still in this division, anything is possible.
Florida Panthers: I hope Dale Tallon likes to get his hands dirty, because this is a project. Sure there's some talent on this roster like David Booth....but that's about it. Taking a look at the stats, there are three players that are plus. I don't usually put a lot of stock into +/- but you have to see that and know that this team is not putting up a lot of offense. Dale Tallon stock piled draft picks and is looking to build up, but right now Florida fans...if you still exist, tough it out. You still have Vokoun that your teammates can beat up. As long as Dale can avoid the bonus fiasco that turned the blackhawks into the NHL equivalent of the 1997 Florida Marlins after the world series win, Florida will very much have a contender. Looking at this roster now though, it's going to be another year of early golfing.
(edit: i forgot that horton was traded, and the line up sheet i was looking at was older. my bad. whatever.)
Predictions: Washington (duh) - Tampa - Atlanta - Carolina - Florida
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Saga Continues
Today we tackle the Northeast Division.
Buffalo Sabres: This team will always get as far as Ryan Miller can take them. Unfortunately with his work schedule, it won't be far since he'll be wiped out. This team lacked a "legitimate" 1-2 punch since Drury and Briere. One hopes that Tyler Myers builds upon his Calder trophy winning rookie season, but looking up and down this line up, there's not a lot to be excited about. Will they make the playoffs? Probably. Will they make any kind of run? Probably not. Lindy Ruff is a good coach, but you can only get so much from the roster he's had for as long as he's had. I have nothing really negative to say about the Sabres, but you're not going to get a winner from this squad either.
Boston Bruins: They really need to thank the Maple leafs. They get the 2nd overall pick in this year's entry draft, and are still looking at a top 10 pick next year. So they draft Tyler Seguin, who looks like the real deal, but time will tell with that one. They're deep down the middle now, making Savard expendable. Never thought you'd hear that. Bergeron, finally somewhat healthy, has been great for them. Denis Sidenberg was a great deadline deal, although he got hurt, he should be solid for them this season.
Then of course you have Tuuka Rask and Tim Thomas. Not everyday you have vezina winner as your backup (well unless you're chicago, or washingtEveryone is expecting Tim Thomas to bounce back and have a better year, but the job is still Rask's to lose i think. A great run down the stretch and terrific first round of the playoffs where he out battled ryan miller in a defensive battle. Sure he collapsed against, the flyers, but the same could be said for the rest of the Bruins squad. Unfortunately the blame goes on the goalies because they're the last in line. I think the B's are the most improved, at least on paper.
Ottawa Senators: seriously, what did they do? they added sergei gonchar, who hasn't played a full season in a while due to injury. lost physical presence Anton Volchenkov, and added nothing special up front. iven their goaltendin situation, Pascal Leclaire, who you assume will be healthy and win the job in camp, will have to be lights out for this team. They are still essentially a one like team with Spezza and Alfredsson. This team still needs help up front to take the pressure off these two. Let's face it, they're not getting any younger. But i can still them making the playoffs thanks to the final two teams in the division.
Toronto Maple Leafs: I want to like what the leafs are doing, but i really don't understand it. They're still lacking a true number one center to play with Kessel, and the rest of their scoring is going to come by committee. Hand it to Brian Burke for picking up some decent talent in Versteeg and Armstrong. the latter of the two i think will be a nice grit guy for the Leafs. Look to Bozak to be the teams de facto #1 alongside Kessel, but who knows if it'll be enough.
the blue line is where the leafs are the deepest, one of the deepest in the league really. They still have Kaberle (for how long...who knows), Phaneuf, Komisarek (who should be healthy this season), Exelby, Beauchemin, Shenn and Finger. yes, that's 7, but whatever. This is a deep 6 man core, and with JS Giguere providing a calming influence in the blue paint, as well as the impressive, albeit too little too late in the season, showing for Jonas Gustavsson, the Leafs appear to be set in goal and on the blue line.
The true question from this team will be scoring. If and when Kaberle agrees to waive his no trade clause, will he finally bring the top 6 forward brian burke as always wanted, or will it be more of a draft pick/prospects kind of deal that the leafs will undoubtedly need. Once this stupid kaberle drama gets wrapped up, whether it's during the season or July 1 when he will almost certainly sign somewhere else, the leafs can finally go forward.
Montreal Canadiens: Ahh Les Habitants. Or as I affectionately call them, Les Habicants. This team continues to boggle my mind. I understand the wanting to place your hope in Carey Price, as he has shown flashes of being a franchise goalie (this just in, he signed a two year deal), but when you have Jaroslav Halak, who was unbelievable in the playoffs, and trade him for a bag of pucks, you have to question the motives of the front office. Especially when Halak was an RFA to be, you could've gotten a few draft picks for him instead of just prospects. Whatever. i don't run this team.
Mike Cammalleri had a ridiculous playoff run, and one can only hope that he will continue that kind of production, well within reason, during the upcoming season. I'm not impressed with this line up, but i wasn't impressed with it last year, but they proved they can hang with the big guns in the league, and beat them. I just have to wonder what the Canadiens will do if/when Carey Price falters. It seems terribly ambitious to place the fate of your season in the hands of Alex Auld. Carey Price will be the biggest piece of this team's puzzle. If he can play up to the potential most people believe he has, then this team will make the playoffs. If he plays more along the lines of the way he has so far, expect this team to be in big trouble.
Predictions: Boston-Buffalo-Ottawa-Montreal-Toronto. Toronto has the most potential to move up this list. we'll see how it goes.
Buffalo Sabres: This team will always get as far as Ryan Miller can take them. Unfortunately with his work schedule, it won't be far since he'll be wiped out. This team lacked a "legitimate" 1-2 punch since Drury and Briere. One hopes that Tyler Myers builds upon his Calder trophy winning rookie season, but looking up and down this line up, there's not a lot to be excited about. Will they make the playoffs? Probably. Will they make any kind of run? Probably not. Lindy Ruff is a good coach, but you can only get so much from the roster he's had for as long as he's had. I have nothing really negative to say about the Sabres, but you're not going to get a winner from this squad either.
Boston Bruins: They really need to thank the Maple leafs. They get the 2nd overall pick in this year's entry draft, and are still looking at a top 10 pick next year. So they draft Tyler Seguin, who looks like the real deal, but time will tell with that one. They're deep down the middle now, making Savard expendable. Never thought you'd hear that. Bergeron, finally somewhat healthy, has been great for them. Denis Sidenberg was a great deadline deal, although he got hurt, he should be solid for them this season.
Then of course you have Tuuka Rask and Tim Thomas. Not everyday you have vezina winner as your backup (well unless you're chicago, or washingtEveryone is expecting Tim Thomas to bounce back and have a better year, but the job is still Rask's to lose i think. A great run down the stretch and terrific first round of the playoffs where he out battled ryan miller in a defensive battle. Sure he collapsed against, the flyers, but the same could be said for the rest of the Bruins squad. Unfortunately the blame goes on the goalies because they're the last in line. I think the B's are the most improved, at least on paper.
Ottawa Senators: seriously, what did they do? they added sergei gonchar, who hasn't played a full season in a while due to injury. lost physical presence Anton Volchenkov, and added nothing special up front. iven their goaltendin situation, Pascal Leclaire, who you assume will be healthy and win the job in camp, will have to be lights out for this team. They are still essentially a one like team with Spezza and Alfredsson. This team still needs help up front to take the pressure off these two. Let's face it, they're not getting any younger. But i can still them making the playoffs thanks to the final two teams in the division.
Toronto Maple Leafs: I want to like what the leafs are doing, but i really don't understand it. They're still lacking a true number one center to play with Kessel, and the rest of their scoring is going to come by committee. Hand it to Brian Burke for picking up some decent talent in Versteeg and Armstrong. the latter of the two i think will be a nice grit guy for the Leafs. Look to Bozak to be the teams de facto #1 alongside Kessel, but who knows if it'll be enough.
the blue line is where the leafs are the deepest, one of the deepest in the league really. They still have Kaberle (for how long...who knows), Phaneuf, Komisarek (who should be healthy this season), Exelby, Beauchemin, Shenn and Finger. yes, that's 7, but whatever. This is a deep 6 man core, and with JS Giguere providing a calming influence in the blue paint, as well as the impressive, albeit too little too late in the season, showing for Jonas Gustavsson, the Leafs appear to be set in goal and on the blue line.
The true question from this team will be scoring. If and when Kaberle agrees to waive his no trade clause, will he finally bring the top 6 forward brian burke as always wanted, or will it be more of a draft pick/prospects kind of deal that the leafs will undoubtedly need. Once this stupid kaberle drama gets wrapped up, whether it's during the season or July 1 when he will almost certainly sign somewhere else, the leafs can finally go forward.
Montreal Canadiens: Ahh Les Habitants. Or as I affectionately call them, Les Habicants. This team continues to boggle my mind. I understand the wanting to place your hope in Carey Price, as he has shown flashes of being a franchise goalie (this just in, he signed a two year deal), but when you have Jaroslav Halak, who was unbelievable in the playoffs, and trade him for a bag of pucks, you have to question the motives of the front office. Especially when Halak was an RFA to be, you could've gotten a few draft picks for him instead of just prospects. Whatever. i don't run this team.
Mike Cammalleri had a ridiculous playoff run, and one can only hope that he will continue that kind of production, well within reason, during the upcoming season. I'm not impressed with this line up, but i wasn't impressed with it last year, but they proved they can hang with the big guns in the league, and beat them. I just have to wonder what the Canadiens will do if/when Carey Price falters. It seems terribly ambitious to place the fate of your season in the hands of Alex Auld. Carey Price will be the biggest piece of this team's puzzle. If he can play up to the potential most people believe he has, then this team will make the playoffs. If he plays more along the lines of the way he has so far, expect this team to be in big trouble.
Predictions: Boston-Buffalo-Ottawa-Montreal-Toronto. Toronto has the most potential to move up this list. we'll see how it goes.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Divisional Preview. A Miniseries.
It's gonna be the Roots of hockey blog information. Or not. With camps opening in just two weeks I thought it would be a good time to start breaking down the divisions and see how things are shaping up. I'll start things off with arguably the most competitive division in the league: the Atlantic Division.
The New Jersey Devils: A team that hasn't missed the playoffs since 1996. If I do my math right that's 14 years. That's some consistency. Something has to be said about how this team is run. The only complaint one could make about the devils is that they haven't made it out of the first round the past three seasons. Despite putting up great regular season numbers, one has to suspect that as Brodeur gets older, he's not as durable as he once was. the days of 65-70 starts are behind him. Unfortunately the Devils haven't had a solid backup they can really count on. Credit to Scott Clemmenson for filling in during Brodeur's injury though. I think the devils have a back up now that they can actually use for more than a game at a time if need be. Johan Hedberg was one of their best off season acquisitions albeit and underrated one. A less than stellar career in Atlanta will do that to you.
The Devils have also missed the physical presence that left with Scott Stevens and Ken Daneyko. the pick up of Anton Volchenkov will add some muscle to a blue line that sorely needs it. They also picked up Henrik Tallinder, who will prove to be a solid D man. The Devils will miss Paul Martin, but it shouldn't prove to be too big of a loss.
Offensively the Devils haven't done too much aside from create the biggest soap opera the league has seen since god knows when. Ahh Ilya Kovalchuk, we thank you for the ridiculous amounts of overhyped drama and bullshit. What would this off season have been like without you? He's the 2nd leading scorer since the lockout, second only to Alexander Ovechkin. Sure they gave up a decent prospect in Nicklaus Bergfors to get him, as well as other players, but barring a ridiculous season and career from Bergfors, the trade is still worth it. The biggest issue with Kovalchuk, aside from the whole god damned contract dilemma, is whether or not he can actually be a part of a team. He was forced to carry the load in Atlanta, but in NJ he won't have to. He'll be a big part of the scheme for sure, but it's going to be all Ilya all the time. if John McLean has a more uptempo attacking coaching style, Devils fans can be in for a real treat. The question remains who will be traded to make room for Kovy's colossal contract.
New York Islanders: Oh Islanders faithful, all three of you, I salute you. I salute you for sitting through mike millbury's crippling business decisions. Zedeno Chara gets traded for Alexi Yashin. God you're still paying for Yashin and his idiotic contract. Roberto Luongo for a bag of pucks from Florida. And the perpetually injured Rick DiPietro. Now i almost understand getting DP because when healthy he's one of the better goalies in the league....but when the fuck is that?!
All credit to Garth Snow for inheriting a shit storm and actually managing to steer it clear. Well as close as he can anyway. They have an impressive crop of young talent, especially John Taveres and Kyle Okposo, who are going to be superstars shortly. Mark streit has been an excellent pick up as well. If they Islanders can get their goaltending shored up by either DiPietro finally being healthy enough to compete for a full season, or getting someone else to play with Dwayne Roloson (another great pick up), i can see this team upsetting someone and getting the last playoff spot in the east. Having said that though, this team is still a ways off from being a true contender. At least they have decent building blocks and a smart GM, which is more than our next teams.
The New York Rangers: Honestly, what can I say? This team is completely ridiculous. Glen Sather is running this team like it's 1987. Signing Derek Boogaard for 4 years and 6 million dollars. Seriously? His career stats are as follows. 255 games, 2G 12A 14 points, -12 and 544 penalty minutes. Wow, that really deserves a 1.5 mil cap hit. But i suppose you have to replace that offensive juggernaut that was jody shelley. Oh and of course you still have Wade Redden's fantastic contract. Bury him in the minors, or see if you can loan him to some european club for the rest of his life. These absurd contracts are going to bury this team.
The Rangers still need a number one center to play with Gaborik, if he can stay healthy enough. Part of me believes last year was a fluke and he will eventually blow out his knee waiting for a cab outside MSG. Or Boogaard will break his leg during practice. At least you still have Lundqvist. It's too bad he's not a government mule. I see him going the way of Brodeur, ridden hard only to falter when it counts. too bad henrik doesn't have all the hardware marty does to warrant such a comparison. Also, what on earth are they doing with Mark Staal? Kid looked solid enough on the back end, so let's take a million years to re-sign him. way to go Glen. A fucking dead dog could run this team better than you.
Philadelphia Flyers: After their miraculous cup run (in which they actually won a game!!!) that still stings if you're a flyer faithful, you have to admire their additions to the defense. Re-signing coburn, trading for Andrej Meszaros and FA signing of Jeff O'Donnell have given them a deep 1-6 pair and Oskar Bartulis still has the potential to become a top 4 d-man. in spite of it all, it wouldn't be a Philadelphia Flyers write up if goaltending wasn't mentioned. While no one could predict the Spinal Tap like shenaningans that occured in the crease last season, the lack of any acquisition this off season does lead to some head scratching. Despite the terrible goal in game six, Michael Leighton had a tremendous year for the Flyers. He came in and saved them after Emery went down and Boucher couldn't catch a cold. At the very least he deserved a chance to compete for the job for 2010-2011. It seems this was the intent all along, but after just about every goalie passed philadelphia over like fruit cake, he has become the starting goaltender by default. With the improved defense in front of him, goaltending should be OK for the orange and black.
the question marks now are on the offense. Can Giroux and JvR become the talents they're expected to be? Can Ville Leino continue his playoff dominance in the regular season? Will Zherdev be a fair replacement for Simon Gagne? Can carter make the move to wing or will he still be a selfish center with a poor back check? According to Peter Laviolette the only line remaining in tact will be Leino-Briere-Hartnell, which was phenominal in the playoffs. Apparently Bill Guerin has been working out with the flyers, and will be looking for a try out contract. this would be a nice addition of experience and veteran leadership. He can still contribute, and in a 2nd or 3rd line role would really fit in well.
Pittsburgh Penguins: they are once again three strong centers, with no wingers. Crosby, Malkin and Jordan Staal are all #1 centers, and would be on any other team, but they're 1-2-3 respectively on the penguins. something will definitely change in the next season or two. I would see Malking being traded for a top winger to play with crosby, because staal is a vital part of their PK. I could be wrong though. They increased their blue line with Paul Martin replacing Sergei Gonchar, and Zbynek Michalek, but their big forward acquisition was....Aaron Asham? this makes Asham's 4th atlantic division team, with only the Rangers left on his list.
It's not too much to write home about if you're a Pens fan, but the biggest question mark going into this season will be the play of Marc- Andre Fleury. The guy was lights out in their cup run, but last season was rather inconsistent. Look for him to have a bounce back year. If he doesn't i think the pens will be in for another early exit.
Predicted Division Standings: NJ-Philadelphia-Pittsburgh-Islanders-Rangers. 4 and 5 could change if the islanders get the injury bug or have more goaltending issues. Still look for 3-4 teams from the atlantic division to make the playoffs.
The New Jersey Devils: A team that hasn't missed the playoffs since 1996. If I do my math right that's 14 years. That's some consistency. Something has to be said about how this team is run. The only complaint one could make about the devils is that they haven't made it out of the first round the past three seasons. Despite putting up great regular season numbers, one has to suspect that as Brodeur gets older, he's not as durable as he once was. the days of 65-70 starts are behind him. Unfortunately the Devils haven't had a solid backup they can really count on. Credit to Scott Clemmenson for filling in during Brodeur's injury though. I think the devils have a back up now that they can actually use for more than a game at a time if need be. Johan Hedberg was one of their best off season acquisitions albeit and underrated one. A less than stellar career in Atlanta will do that to you.
The Devils have also missed the physical presence that left with Scott Stevens and Ken Daneyko. the pick up of Anton Volchenkov will add some muscle to a blue line that sorely needs it. They also picked up Henrik Tallinder, who will prove to be a solid D man. The Devils will miss Paul Martin, but it shouldn't prove to be too big of a loss.
Offensively the Devils haven't done too much aside from create the biggest soap opera the league has seen since god knows when. Ahh Ilya Kovalchuk, we thank you for the ridiculous amounts of overhyped drama and bullshit. What would this off season have been like without you? He's the 2nd leading scorer since the lockout, second only to Alexander Ovechkin. Sure they gave up a decent prospect in Nicklaus Bergfors to get him, as well as other players, but barring a ridiculous season and career from Bergfors, the trade is still worth it. The biggest issue with Kovalchuk, aside from the whole god damned contract dilemma, is whether or not he can actually be a part of a team. He was forced to carry the load in Atlanta, but in NJ he won't have to. He'll be a big part of the scheme for sure, but it's going to be all Ilya all the time. if John McLean has a more uptempo attacking coaching style, Devils fans can be in for a real treat. The question remains who will be traded to make room for Kovy's colossal contract.
New York Islanders: Oh Islanders faithful, all three of you, I salute you. I salute you for sitting through mike millbury's crippling business decisions. Zedeno Chara gets traded for Alexi Yashin. God you're still paying for Yashin and his idiotic contract. Roberto Luongo for a bag of pucks from Florida. And the perpetually injured Rick DiPietro. Now i almost understand getting DP because when healthy he's one of the better goalies in the league....but when the fuck is that?!
All credit to Garth Snow for inheriting a shit storm and actually managing to steer it clear. Well as close as he can anyway. They have an impressive crop of young talent, especially John Taveres and Kyle Okposo, who are going to be superstars shortly. Mark streit has been an excellent pick up as well. If they Islanders can get their goaltending shored up by either DiPietro finally being healthy enough to compete for a full season, or getting someone else to play with Dwayne Roloson (another great pick up), i can see this team upsetting someone and getting the last playoff spot in the east. Having said that though, this team is still a ways off from being a true contender. At least they have decent building blocks and a smart GM, which is more than our next teams.
The New York Rangers: Honestly, what can I say? This team is completely ridiculous. Glen Sather is running this team like it's 1987. Signing Derek Boogaard for 4 years and 6 million dollars. Seriously? His career stats are as follows. 255 games, 2G 12A 14 points, -12 and 544 penalty minutes. Wow, that really deserves a 1.5 mil cap hit. But i suppose you have to replace that offensive juggernaut that was jody shelley. Oh and of course you still have Wade Redden's fantastic contract. Bury him in the minors, or see if you can loan him to some european club for the rest of his life. These absurd contracts are going to bury this team.
The Rangers still need a number one center to play with Gaborik, if he can stay healthy enough. Part of me believes last year was a fluke and he will eventually blow out his knee waiting for a cab outside MSG. Or Boogaard will break his leg during practice. At least you still have Lundqvist. It's too bad he's not a government mule. I see him going the way of Brodeur, ridden hard only to falter when it counts. too bad henrik doesn't have all the hardware marty does to warrant such a comparison. Also, what on earth are they doing with Mark Staal? Kid looked solid enough on the back end, so let's take a million years to re-sign him. way to go Glen. A fucking dead dog could run this team better than you.
Philadelphia Flyers: After their miraculous cup run (in which they actually won a game!!!) that still stings if you're a flyer faithful, you have to admire their additions to the defense. Re-signing coburn, trading for Andrej Meszaros and FA signing of Jeff O'Donnell have given them a deep 1-6 pair and Oskar Bartulis still has the potential to become a top 4 d-man. in spite of it all, it wouldn't be a Philadelphia Flyers write up if goaltending wasn't mentioned. While no one could predict the Spinal Tap like shenaningans that occured in the crease last season, the lack of any acquisition this off season does lead to some head scratching. Despite the terrible goal in game six, Michael Leighton had a tremendous year for the Flyers. He came in and saved them after Emery went down and Boucher couldn't catch a cold. At the very least he deserved a chance to compete for the job for 2010-2011. It seems this was the intent all along, but after just about every goalie passed philadelphia over like fruit cake, he has become the starting goaltender by default. With the improved defense in front of him, goaltending should be OK for the orange and black.
the question marks now are on the offense. Can Giroux and JvR become the talents they're expected to be? Can Ville Leino continue his playoff dominance in the regular season? Will Zherdev be a fair replacement for Simon Gagne? Can carter make the move to wing or will he still be a selfish center with a poor back check? According to Peter Laviolette the only line remaining in tact will be Leino-Briere-Hartnell, which was phenominal in the playoffs. Apparently Bill Guerin has been working out with the flyers, and will be looking for a try out contract. this would be a nice addition of experience and veteran leadership. He can still contribute, and in a 2nd or 3rd line role would really fit in well.
Pittsburgh Penguins: they are once again three strong centers, with no wingers. Crosby, Malkin and Jordan Staal are all #1 centers, and would be on any other team, but they're 1-2-3 respectively on the penguins. something will definitely change in the next season or two. I would see Malking being traded for a top winger to play with crosby, because staal is a vital part of their PK. I could be wrong though. They increased their blue line with Paul Martin replacing Sergei Gonchar, and Zbynek Michalek, but their big forward acquisition was....Aaron Asham? this makes Asham's 4th atlantic division team, with only the Rangers left on his list.
It's not too much to write home about if you're a Pens fan, but the biggest question mark going into this season will be the play of Marc- Andre Fleury. The guy was lights out in their cup run, but last season was rather inconsistent. Look for him to have a bounce back year. If he doesn't i think the pens will be in for another early exit.
Predicted Division Standings: NJ-Philadelphia-Pittsburgh-Islanders-Rangers. 4 and 5 could change if the islanders get the injury bug or have more goaltending issues. Still look for 3-4 teams from the atlantic division to make the playoffs.
Khabibulin........*shakes head*
for those of you who might not have known, "current" edmonton oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin was charged in February with a DUI and speeding. apparently he was found guilty the other day and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. this is the minimum sentence under arizona law, which is where all this went down.
now apparently, he's appealing the decision. whatever. you're guilty, but you've gotta do what you can. i won't comment on this because i'm not a lawyer or anything, but you seemed fucked to me Khabi.
what i'm wondering is what the oilers are going to do with camp just a few weeks away. the appeals process can and will take some time to complete. will they keep him on the team and play him, assuming he can travel with the team at all? will they attempt to void his contract for some reason in hopes to sign a younger goalie and move forward from there? this should be an interesting drama to watch. or it could be a non issue, but i think with edmonton doing all it can to get younger and more competitive, this could be the end for khabibulin in edmonton. could it also spell the end for him in the NHL? Who knows. i'm sure the folks up in oiler county are particularly interested in it though.
now apparently, he's appealing the decision. whatever. you're guilty, but you've gotta do what you can. i won't comment on this because i'm not a lawyer or anything, but you seemed fucked to me Khabi.
what i'm wondering is what the oilers are going to do with camp just a few weeks away. the appeals process can and will take some time to complete. will they keep him on the team and play him, assuming he can travel with the team at all? will they attempt to void his contract for some reason in hopes to sign a younger goalie and move forward from there? this should be an interesting drama to watch. or it could be a non issue, but i think with edmonton doing all it can to get younger and more competitive, this could be the end for khabibulin in edmonton. could it also spell the end for him in the NHL? Who knows. i'm sure the folks up in oiler county are particularly interested in it though.
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