I am a clever motherpucker. If you have to ask why you haven't been reading this blog very long. Well that, or you don't find me funny at all. If that's the case, that's not very nice. Jerks. Anyway, the topic of discussion tonight is about the NJ Devils, if you couldn't figure it out. It'll be my last comments on them for the year, providing nothing ridiculous happens between now and 2011.
To spare everyone (especially the Devils fans that read this), I won't rehash all the shortcomings of the season. We all know what's been going on, so I'm simply going to offer up my thoughts on what the devils need to do. Although a brief quote from Patrick Elias (courtesy of the Fire and Ice Blog): I don't know if it can get any worse.
Coaching Change
In all fairness to John MacLean, this isn't his fault. He was brought aboard a team amidst one of the most controversial free agent signings ever, and thus dealing with many roster issues as a result of salary cap restraints. When coupled with the numerous injuries (most notably the absence of Zach Parise), there's not much you can do with a club. Honestly, I was of the belief that he should've had the job last year. I understand sending him to the AHL to get a season of head coaching experience under his belt, but he was practically coaching the team under Brent Sutter anyway, so what's the big deal. The players on the squad would've had more time to acclimate to his system and potentially be a more cohesive unit at this point.
As it stands he is really in a no win situation. The Devils are all but eliminated from the playoffs already. They are 18 points out of a playoff spot, and 13 games below .500. Barring the most ridiculous run ever, this team is looking at a lottery pick at the 2011 draft...and that may not be a bad thing. I think the Devils could possibly stand to benefit from a coach like Ken Hitchcock or "Iron" Mike Keenan. I'm not insinuating that the Devils need a taskmasker, but a firm hand might be what this team needs to shake things up.
Roster Shakeup
I am all for loyalty in hockey. Most other professional sports it seems all about the money for players, and "what have you done for me lately" with front offices. Hockey has always seemed to be different in that respect. Players are demanding exorbitant amounts of money, and you even see them wanting to stay with clubs, despite the possibility of a bigger payday or better chance at winning (ex: Shane Doan, Rick Nash). Uncle Lou has always been loyal to long time talent, but at this point it has been one of the teams many albatrosses this season. Unfortunately, a few front office favorites were given contracts that are too expensive and at this point seemingly unmovable, forcing the Devils to have to ride out 35+ contracts because they cannot bury players or trade bloated contracts.
Recently, Brian Rolston was waived in a strictly fiancial move, but has not been placed on re-entry waivers. No one would claim Rolston's 5 million dollar contract, but at 2.5 and closer to the deadline he can be a decent addition to a team. However, the Devils would still be stuck with a 2.5 million cap hit for next season. Still, that is 2.5 they can use to sign younger players. What further handicaps this team is that the older talent who could help a team on the playoff bubble make a run all have NTC's. Langenbrunner, Elias, Arnott and Rolston all have clauses that makes trades very difficult. I cannot imagine Lamoriello willingly asking these players to waive their clauses, but at this point there's little other option. Players like Travis Zajac and Parise are the future of this club, and although they would fetch the most on the open market, they need these young yet experienced players on their team. If they trade either of these players, New Jersey will be the elephant burial ground of the NHL, with Kovalchuk wasting away with his 100 million dollars.
Patrick Elias has long been a fan favorite and has set numerous Devils records. I'm sure no one would want to see him leave, but his veteran leadership could seriously benefit a young club who is ready to turn the corner and become a contender. There have been rumors of him going to Edmonton, and honestly that's not a bad idea. Edmonton is loaded with young talent, some of which they might be willing to part with for the expirienced and still useful Elias. his number #26 will join 3 and 4 in the rafters not long after his playing days are over, but I think it's time for Lou and Patrick to do what's right for the club. Give them a chance to load up on young talent and rebuild, not waste away.
Langenbrunner is another option that will fetch a nice return, but as a pending UFA after this season, look for him to be shopped closer to the deadline as a rental. Zubrus has also been thrown around the rumor mill this season, but in all fairness he has been one of the few bright spots on the team this year. He won't put up gaudy numbers but he works hard and competes which is the kind of player you'll need when rebuilding.
Thankfully there have been some other pleasant surprises this season, notably the play of Mattias Tedenby. The 20 year old Swede is currently 8th on the roster in scoring, despite playing in only 18 games. Another bright young player for the Devils is Alexander Vasyunov, who although currently sent back down to the AHL team, is the only player on the team aside from Mark Fraser (who is on IR) that is not a minus player on the season. The Devils will need more players like this on the team in order to start turning this thing around.
Goaltending
Ahh, the proverbial 800-pound gorilla in the room. No one wants to talk about this, but it is certainly something that needs to be addressed, and soon. no matter how you look at it Martin Brodeur is not getting any younger. He is literally the best goaltender the league has ever seen, owning every major goaltending record except for career playoffs wins, which is a ridiculous number held by Patrick Roy. He is a first ballot hall of famer, and nothing anyone can say will change what he has done in the game. With that said, he is starting to act his age. he has missed portions of the last two seasons with injuries, and is currently on pace for his worst professional season ever. With only one more year left on his contract, the writing is on the wall. No one is suggesting that the Devils run him out of town, as he as earned the right to compete for the starting job from now until the end of his contract, but certainly a younger backup to be groomed for a starting role is a must have for this team. The Devils have always managed to get buy with backup goaltenders who were adequate, but I wouldn't trust to carry a team full time, and it has never been an issue. Given Brodeur's durabilty issues the past few seasons, and his decline in play, something needs to change.
Options are trading some of the aforementioned players above for a younger goaltender, the free agency market, although that doesn't always pan out. Drafting is also an option, but I have not heard of any promising goalie prospects in the Devils system and traditionally goalies take longer to develop than the skaters in front of them. Unfortunately the devils do not have that kind of time. I can't see Brodeur getting moved seeing how he has a NTC, but with rumblings of Lou Lamoriello potentially leaving the devils sooner rather than later (I will touch on that in a second), the idea of Martin waiving his NTC is not a huge stretch.
I think trading forward talent for a goalie is a much better option because there are some young guys who are currently trapped under other talented goalies and might not get a chance until later in their careers. Mainly I'm thinking of Jonathan Bernier in LA who was picked to challenge Quick for the starting job, but Quick has been dominant between the pipes in LA. Also Anders Lindback from Nashville has garnered some attention lately with his excellent play in Pekka Rinne's absence, creating somewhat of a goalie controversy as Rinne is being activated from IR and the question is who to start? Cory Schneider up in Vancouver is also an option and honestly a bit more realistic. He is playing behind Roberto Luongo, who is signed through 2021. Barring a freak accident or catastrophic injury, Bobby Lu will be the starter for the vast majority of that time. I'm sure a depth move for Vancouver, and maybe a draft pick would be somewhat attractive.
Front Office
There is definitely tension in the Devils front office. For as long as most of us can remember, this has been the Uncle Lou show. He is the President, General Manager and CEO of the New Jersey Devils, and has usually run the team the way he wants with little interference from the owners and it yielded 3 Stanley Cups in 10 years as well as numerous playoff appearances and division titles. Not a bad run. However, there is a new owner in town who has different ideas for the club. While it's refreshing to see an owner in NJ willing to open the wallet to get marquee talent on board, is was done with a crippling effect on the rest of the team. Lou is definitely not happy.
While Lou is notoriously secretive, there have been suspicions that he is unhappy with the direction ownership wants to go. Given that it took him quite a while to sign his contract extension a while back, as well as rumors that he was going to jump ship and GM the *gulp* Rangers, it is entirely possible that he will not be back next season, if he doesn't leave sooner. Personally, I don't think that Lou is the type to simply turn and run when it gets bad, but I don't think he will stay around when it is obvious his talent and input isn't as appreciated as it once was. There is also a widespread belief that as goes Lou, so goes Brodeur. It is possible that Brodeur could play longer than his current contract, one has to think that if the previous belief is true, then Brodeur will leave if Lou is gone.
When all is said and done, the Devils have far more questions than answers at this point, and while this season is all but lost, I do think the devils have the time to start the rebuilding process and show signs of the future before the season is through. It's just going to take a lot of tough decisions from a GM who may or may not be halfway out the door. In Lou We Trust, and with good reason, but for how much longer?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
christmas is a time for giving
or so they say. so i'm gonna give out my version of the NHL awards. I'll revisit this topic after the season is over of course, to correspond with the actual NHL awards, but until then, you get this. I'm also skipping some awards because they're pucking dumb.
HART MEMORIAL TROPHY - Most Valuable Player to his team
Nominees: Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning), Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Daniel Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)
Winner: Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning)
You might be asking why I picked him over the others, simply because in the simplest of terms, he is the Tampa Bay Lightning. The same argument could be made for Crosby, but as goes Stamkos, so go the the Lightning. He is on pace for 117 points, which shatters his career high from last season. Now it is a bit ambitious to think he will keep this pace of 82 games, but it's not hard to like the kid, providing he isn't sticking it to your favorite team. He's young, he's dominant, and he's only going to get better. While I don't think anyone will approach a Crosby type level of hype, Stamkos probably is the next best thing.
runner up would be Carey Price, as he is simply carrying this team on his back. Finally living up to expectations, he's keeping the Habs, not only in the running, but at the top of their division. If he should get injured or just fall into a slump, this team will be in big trouble.
VEZINA - Best goaltender
Nominees: Jonathan Quick (LA Kings), Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins), Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens), Ondrej Pavelec (Atlanta Thrashers)
Winner - Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins)
This is probably the easiest one to pick. Vezina winner in 08-09 seemingly couldn't catch a cold in the 09-10 season. He lost his job to the impressive Tuukka Rask, and looked like he would be put on the first flight out of Boston as soon as someone agreed to take on his contract. After an offseason surgery on his hip, he has seemingly returned to his former Vezina winning form. Goals-against average of 1.65 and a Save percentage of .951 and 5 shutouts. He is on pace for 13 shutouts and 39 wins, both of which would be NHL career bests (he had 15 shutouts in Finland).
Once again, I would give runner up to Carey Price. He is on pace for 45 wins, so he could conceivably win it in real life if he pulls that off, but Thomas has put up more impressive performances in my opinion, and that's why I give it to him. So no Hab fans, I have no aversion to your players.
JACK ADAMS AWARD: Best Coach
Nominees: Craig Ramsey (Atlanta Thrashers), Guy Boucher (Tampa Bay Lightning), Barry Trotz (Nashville Predators), Peter Laviolette (Philadelphia Flyers)
Winner - Craig Ramsey (Atlanta Thrashers)
Personally I would love to see Laviolette win this, but I would also like to see Barry Trotz finally get his due for routinely getting the best of out the Nashville Predators, but the bottom line is Craig Ramsey deserves it at this point. When he was named head coach, a lot of people questioned the move. He has a career losing record as a head coach in his brief stints as the man in charge, but has consistently been an excellent and well regarded assistant coach. He is turning around an Atlanta team that has seemingly lived at the bottom of the Eastern Conference since its entrance in the league. A team that lost their biggest star last season in a deadline deal, and a team that seemed to be destined for another lottery pick. Credit to the GM for stealing top talent from Chicago in the offseason as they had a fire sale to clear cap space, but Ramsey is the one in charge of making them work. So far he's done it.
MASTERSON - Perseverance Award
No idea who would win this shit, so i can't award it. Although there's that guy on the Wild who missed almost two full seasons with a concussion who is now playing again so maybe him. Or Savard will be nominated.
HART MEMORIAL TROPHY - Most Valuable Player to his team
Nominees: Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens), Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning), Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Daniel Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)
Winner: Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning)
You might be asking why I picked him over the others, simply because in the simplest of terms, he is the Tampa Bay Lightning. The same argument could be made for Crosby, but as goes Stamkos, so go the the Lightning. He is on pace for 117 points, which shatters his career high from last season. Now it is a bit ambitious to think he will keep this pace of 82 games, but it's not hard to like the kid, providing he isn't sticking it to your favorite team. He's young, he's dominant, and he's only going to get better. While I don't think anyone will approach a Crosby type level of hype, Stamkos probably is the next best thing.
runner up would be Carey Price, as he is simply carrying this team on his back. Finally living up to expectations, he's keeping the Habs, not only in the running, but at the top of their division. If he should get injured or just fall into a slump, this team will be in big trouble.
VEZINA - Best goaltender
Nominees: Jonathan Quick (LA Kings), Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins), Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens), Ondrej Pavelec (Atlanta Thrashers)
Winner - Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins)
This is probably the easiest one to pick. Vezina winner in 08-09 seemingly couldn't catch a cold in the 09-10 season. He lost his job to the impressive Tuukka Rask, and looked like he would be put on the first flight out of Boston as soon as someone agreed to take on his contract. After an offseason surgery on his hip, he has seemingly returned to his former Vezina winning form. Goals-against average of 1.65 and a Save percentage of .951 and 5 shutouts. He is on pace for 13 shutouts and 39 wins, both of which would be NHL career bests (he had 15 shutouts in Finland).
Once again, I would give runner up to Carey Price. He is on pace for 45 wins, so he could conceivably win it in real life if he pulls that off, but Thomas has put up more impressive performances in my opinion, and that's why I give it to him. So no Hab fans, I have no aversion to your players.
NORRIS - Best Defenseman
Nominees: Dustin Byfuglien (Atlanta Thrashers), John-Michael Liles (Colorado Avalanche), Kris Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins), Andrej Mezaros (Philadelphia Flyers)
Winner - John-Michael Liles
This was an interesting one to pick, because how does one judge the best defenseman? Andrej Mezaros is leading the lead in plus-minus, indicating he is preventing a lot of goals-against. Dustin Byfuglien and Kris Letang are 1st and 3rd in total points for defensemen respectively (note: Liles is 2nd). Liles also sits in 6th for plus-minus while Letang is 2nd and Byfuglien is 16th. Sitting in the Western Conference Liles is flying under the radar of most hockey fans. If a D-man is not Lidstrom or Keith, most people don't know who they are. So let's give Liles the credit he deserves for having one of the best seasons so far.
CALDER - Rookie of the year
Nominees: Taylor Hall (Edmonton Oilers), Jeff Skinner (Carolina Hurricanes), Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks), Sergei Bobrovsky (Philadelphia Flyers)
Winner - Jeff Skinner (Carolina Hurricanes)
This is the toughest one for me to pick, just because all of these players have had excellent runs up to this point, but I think at this point the front runners are Cam Fowler or Jeff Skinner. Full marks to Hall for really starting to come out and getting acclimated to the NHL game, but Jeff Skinner and Fowler have both been consistently good since game one. It's hard to compare since they're playing different positions, but since I have to give to one player, I'd go with Jeff Skinner. He's 2nd on his team in scoring, while Fowler is 7th. Taylor Hall is currently 5th on his team in scoring. In reality any one of these three can win the trophy come the off season.
Sergei definitely deserves a nomination but his play of late has been suspect, giving up some weak goals in his last start against Montreal, and being chased early after giving up four goals tonight against the Panthers. While certainly having one of the best early season goaltending performances (he is still top 15 in wins, goals-against average and save percentage), his recent questionable play pushed him out of contention.
Nominees: Dustin Byfuglien (Atlanta Thrashers), John-Michael Liles (Colorado Avalanche), Kris Letang (Pittsburgh Penguins), Andrej Mezaros (Philadelphia Flyers)
Winner - John-Michael Liles
This was an interesting one to pick, because how does one judge the best defenseman? Andrej Mezaros is leading the lead in plus-minus, indicating he is preventing a lot of goals-against. Dustin Byfuglien and Kris Letang are 1st and 3rd in total points for defensemen respectively (note: Liles is 2nd). Liles also sits in 6th for plus-minus while Letang is 2nd and Byfuglien is 16th. Sitting in the Western Conference Liles is flying under the radar of most hockey fans. If a D-man is not Lidstrom or Keith, most people don't know who they are. So let's give Liles the credit he deserves for having one of the best seasons so far.
CALDER - Rookie of the year
Nominees: Taylor Hall (Edmonton Oilers), Jeff Skinner (Carolina Hurricanes), Cam Fowler (Anaheim Ducks), Sergei Bobrovsky (Philadelphia Flyers)
Winner - Jeff Skinner (Carolina Hurricanes)
This is the toughest one for me to pick, just because all of these players have had excellent runs up to this point, but I think at this point the front runners are Cam Fowler or Jeff Skinner. Full marks to Hall for really starting to come out and getting acclimated to the NHL game, but Jeff Skinner and Fowler have both been consistently good since game one. It's hard to compare since they're playing different positions, but since I have to give to one player, I'd go with Jeff Skinner. He's 2nd on his team in scoring, while Fowler is 7th. Taylor Hall is currently 5th on his team in scoring. In reality any one of these three can win the trophy come the off season.
Sergei definitely deserves a nomination but his play of late has been suspect, giving up some weak goals in his last start against Montreal, and being chased early after giving up four goals tonight against the Panthers. While certainly having one of the best early season goaltending performances (he is still top 15 in wins, goals-against average and save percentage), his recent questionable play pushed him out of contention.
LADY BYNG: "Gentlemanly player"
This trophy is stupid. I will not hand it out. But expect St. Louis or Datsyuk to win it. again.
This trophy is stupid. I will not hand it out. But expect St. Louis or Datsyuk to win it. again.
SELKE - Best Defensive Foward
Honestly this one is too hard to give out. Do you judge a player by his ability to back check and play a solid two-way game, or do you give it to a guy who turns defense into offense ala short handed goals? So really I'm not going to touch this one. Odds are Datsyuk will win this one again too.
Honestly this one is too hard to give out. Do you judge a player by his ability to back check and play a solid two-way game, or do you give it to a guy who turns defense into offense ala short handed goals? So really I'm not going to touch this one. Odds are Datsyuk will win this one again too.
JACK ADAMS AWARD: Best Coach
Nominees: Craig Ramsey (Atlanta Thrashers), Guy Boucher (Tampa Bay Lightning), Barry Trotz (Nashville Predators), Peter Laviolette (Philadelphia Flyers)
Winner - Craig Ramsey (Atlanta Thrashers)
Personally I would love to see Laviolette win this, but I would also like to see Barry Trotz finally get his due for routinely getting the best of out the Nashville Predators, but the bottom line is Craig Ramsey deserves it at this point. When he was named head coach, a lot of people questioned the move. He has a career losing record as a head coach in his brief stints as the man in charge, but has consistently been an excellent and well regarded assistant coach. He is turning around an Atlanta team that has seemingly lived at the bottom of the Eastern Conference since its entrance in the league. A team that lost their biggest star last season in a deadline deal, and a team that seemed to be destined for another lottery pick. Credit to the GM for stealing top talent from Chicago in the offseason as they had a fire sale to clear cap space, but Ramsey is the one in charge of making them work. So far he's done it.
MASTERSON - Perseverance Award
No idea who would win this shit, so i can't award it. Although there's that guy on the Wild who missed almost two full seasons with a concussion who is now playing again so maybe him. Or Savard will be nominated.
TED LINDSAY - MVP as voted by the players
I am not a player, but I would expect the usual suspects to get nominated. Stamkos or Crosby probably.
MESSIER - Leadership
this is the league jacking off crosby probably.
NHL FOUNDATION AWARD
No pucking idea.
So there it is. Ending on a roll with a bunch of snarky comments. Whatever. Feel free to comment on either Facebook or Twitter.
I am not a player, but I would expect the usual suspects to get nominated. Stamkos or Crosby probably.
MESSIER - Leadership
this is the league jacking off crosby probably.
NHL FOUNDATION AWARD
No pucking idea.
So there it is. Ending on a roll with a bunch of snarky comments. Whatever. Feel free to comment on either Facebook or Twitter.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
a shift in power?
So we're past the first quarter of the season with some teams already playing their 30th game, or about to, I figured it's time to look at the standings and see any surprises so far. We'll start with the East. (note, all figures will come from TSN.ca/nhl, but you can get these from any site with standings and such)
So, looking at the top 8 in the east we notice three new additions. the 6-8 spot are all occupied by teams that missed the playoffs last season. Most of us are familiar with the epic season ending home-and-home between the Flyers and the Rangers, and Tampa Bay has always had a talented team, but played inconsistent hockey at the best of times the past few years, but did anyone expect Atlanta to be where there are at this point in the season? If the playoffs started tomorrow, the Southwest Division would send three of their five teams to the playoffs. The Atlantic would also send three teams and the Northwest and two.
Give the thrashers all the credit in the world for raiding the Blackhawks cabinets, as their top two point producers are Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd, two players who were on last year's cup winning Blackhawks team. Their deadline deal with NJ was another great deal as they picked up a promising rookie in Nicklas Bergfors, who is fifth on the team in scoring and on pace for his best career season in terms of points, and Johnny Oduya, a capable puck moving defensemen. The play of Pavelec cannot be overlooked either as he has been lights out, no pun intended, since returning from that bizzare fainting episode at the beginning of the season. While it is still early in the season you can't help but like what the thrashers are doing.
I would be remiss to not talk about the lack of performance by former powerhouses, NJ (who i will spare as i have already put in my two cents on a few occasions) Buffalo and Ottawa. Buffalo seems to be getting back on track, but injuries (however minor) to Ryan Miller and the "sophomore slump" from Tyler Myers are certainly hurting this team. Myers isn't playing terrible hockey, but he's getting playing time against players he might not have before while Tallinder was still with the team. Ottawa is perpetually treading water, as they start to play well, then slip for awhile. They still need a definitive 2nd line to take the pressure off their star guys, and Gonchar has been nothing but a dissapointment so far this season.
One team worth watching who is currently on the outside looking in has been the Florida Panthers. While I still don't think they can make the playoffs, especially with the emergence of Atlanta and Tampa Bay returning to form, I do them playing spoilers come late march. They get solid goaltending from both Volkoun and Clemmenson, and are currently only a -1 in goal differential. If they can string together a couple of wins, and David Booth can get rolling (he is currently first on the team in points, but has yet to break 20 this season), they can be a tougher team to play against.
And now we do the west.
Who would've thought that at the quarter mark, San Jose would be in 6th, LA would be in 10th and Calgary is in contention for a lottery pick? Oh yeah, Dallas would be in 2nd? A definite what the puck to the west right now.
The west to me isn't AS surprising as the east, as the playoff race in the west is usually more contested anyway. Phoenix continues to build on last year's success, while Colorado has fallen out of the playoff race. Interesting to note, that 9-12 in the West are all placed above 9th in the East. While that tidbit has no effect on anything whatsoever, it's interesting to note the points discrepancy between the conferences. To me the biggest questions in the west are the recent drop off in LA's play. They came out gangbusters, but recently have slowed, as you can see by their 3-7-0 in the past 1o games. However, the biggest head shaker is the disaster that is the Calgary Flames. They've played the 3rd most games in the conference, but have the second fewest points. The roster is still questionable as they have no legit number 1 center to play with Iginla, whose name has also surfaced in trade rumors. Calgary needs to abandon all hope of being competitive and start to rebuild. They have a decent crop of veterans who can get them prospects and draft picks. Iginla would would fetch the biggest return (duhh), but is old man Sutter ready to trade the face of the franchise, for the good of the franchise? I think it's safe to say that most people respect Iginla and no one would be opposed to him being traded to a potential winner (especially if that's your personal favorite).
For me the biggest plus, is the play of Columbus. Another team that is currently on the outside looking in, but in the the tough Central Division they are being competitive and actually winning, which is somewhat of an anomaly in Columbus. What they need to do though is start winning at home as they are currently a much better road team. Garon has been a pleasant surprise, and Mason's numbers are starting to improve as well. If they can keep getting solid goaltending, and someone else to help either set up Rick Nash, or another top 6 winger to play behind him and give them a serious 1-2 punch, they can sneak their way into 8th.
I also have to give Dallas a tip of the hat too. Kari Lehtonen has been very good for the Stars, and is on pace for his best professional season to date. The key for him, and Dallas will be his health. He's missed at least half a dozen games in every season since 05. Multiple groin and back injuries are a huge cause for concern. However, if you give him the benefit of the doubt, and his injuries are really behind him, he can be solid goaltender for this team. What the Stars plan to do with Brad Richards is also something to watch. The UFA to be, is definitely one of the top prizes of the offseason, if not the biggest fish to land. Obviously the Stars want to re-sign him, but if they can't, or end up imploding and are well out of the playoff race, look for plenty of rumors about where to go, and plenty of suitors to come a-calling. His name has already been mentioned in a series of rumors, but right now the Stars are keeping their.....star.
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Give the thrashers all the credit in the world for raiding the Blackhawks cabinets, as their top two point producers are Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd, two players who were on last year's cup winning Blackhawks team. Their deadline deal with NJ was another great deal as they picked up a promising rookie in Nicklas Bergfors, who is fifth on the team in scoring and on pace for his best career season in terms of points, and Johnny Oduya, a capable puck moving defensemen. The play of Pavelec cannot be overlooked either as he has been lights out, no pun intended, since returning from that bizzare fainting episode at the beginning of the season. While it is still early in the season you can't help but like what the thrashers are doing.
I would be remiss to not talk about the lack of performance by former powerhouses, NJ (who i will spare as i have already put in my two cents on a few occasions) Buffalo and Ottawa. Buffalo seems to be getting back on track, but injuries (however minor) to Ryan Miller and the "sophomore slump" from Tyler Myers are certainly hurting this team. Myers isn't playing terrible hockey, but he's getting playing time against players he might not have before while Tallinder was still with the team. Ottawa is perpetually treading water, as they start to play well, then slip for awhile. They still need a definitive 2nd line to take the pressure off their star guys, and Gonchar has been nothing but a dissapointment so far this season.
One team worth watching who is currently on the outside looking in has been the Florida Panthers. While I still don't think they can make the playoffs, especially with the emergence of Atlanta and Tampa Bay returning to form, I do them playing spoilers come late march. They get solid goaltending from both Volkoun and Clemmenson, and are currently only a -1 in goal differential. If they can string together a couple of wins, and David Booth can get rolling (he is currently first on the team in points, but has yet to break 20 this season), they can be a tougher team to play against.
And now we do the west.
WESTERN | ||||||||||||
| Rank | Team | GP | W | L | OT | PTS | GF | GA | Home | Away | Last 10 | Streak |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detroit | 26 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 37 | 88 | 70 | 10-3-2 | 7-3-1 | 5-3-2 | Lost 2 |
| 2 | Dallas | 27 | 16 | 9 | 2 | 34 | 79 | 74 | 10-3-1 | 6-6-1 | 6-2-2 | Lost 1 |
| 3 | Vancouver | 26 | 15 | 8 | 3 | 33 | 85 | 68 | 9-3-1 | 6-5-2 | 5-4-1 | Won 1 |
| 4 | Chicago | 30 | 16 | 12 | 2 | 34 | 95 | 87 | 8-8-0 | 8-4-2 | 7-3-0 | Won 2 |
| 5 | Phoenix | 26 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 32 | 74 | 72 | 5-3-4 | 8-4-2 | 7-2-1 | Won 1 |
| 6 | San Jose | 27 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 32 | 83 | 77 | 7-4-2 | 7-5-2 | 5-4-1 | Won 2 |
| 7 | Nashville | 27 | 13 | 8 | 6 | 32 | 68 | 70 | 5-1-5 | 8-7-1 | 5-2-3 | Won 1 |
| 8 | Anaheim | 31 | 14 | 13 | 4 | 32 | 78 | 94 | 9-6-1 | 5-7-3 | 4-5-1 | |
Who would've thought that at the quarter mark, San Jose would be in 6th, LA would be in 10th and Calgary is in contention for a lottery pick? Oh yeah, Dallas would be in 2nd? A definite what the puck to the west right now.
The west to me isn't AS surprising as the east, as the playoff race in the west is usually more contested anyway. Phoenix continues to build on last year's success, while Colorado has fallen out of the playoff race. Interesting to note, that 9-12 in the West are all placed above 9th in the East. While that tidbit has no effect on anything whatsoever, it's interesting to note the points discrepancy between the conferences. To me the biggest questions in the west are the recent drop off in LA's play. They came out gangbusters, but recently have slowed, as you can see by their 3-7-0 in the past 1o games. However, the biggest head shaker is the disaster that is the Calgary Flames. They've played the 3rd most games in the conference, but have the second fewest points. The roster is still questionable as they have no legit number 1 center to play with Iginla, whose name has also surfaced in trade rumors. Calgary needs to abandon all hope of being competitive and start to rebuild. They have a decent crop of veterans who can get them prospects and draft picks. Iginla would would fetch the biggest return (duhh), but is old man Sutter ready to trade the face of the franchise, for the good of the franchise? I think it's safe to say that most people respect Iginla and no one would be opposed to him being traded to a potential winner (especially if that's your personal favorite).
For me the biggest plus, is the play of Columbus. Another team that is currently on the outside looking in, but in the the tough Central Division they are being competitive and actually winning, which is somewhat of an anomaly in Columbus. What they need to do though is start winning at home as they are currently a much better road team. Garon has been a pleasant surprise, and Mason's numbers are starting to improve as well. If they can keep getting solid goaltending, and someone else to help either set up Rick Nash, or another top 6 winger to play behind him and give them a serious 1-2 punch, they can sneak their way into 8th.
I also have to give Dallas a tip of the hat too. Kari Lehtonen has been very good for the Stars, and is on pace for his best professional season to date. The key for him, and Dallas will be his health. He's missed at least half a dozen games in every season since 05. Multiple groin and back injuries are a huge cause for concern. However, if you give him the benefit of the doubt, and his injuries are really behind him, he can be solid goaltender for this team. What the Stars plan to do with Brad Richards is also something to watch. The UFA to be, is definitely one of the top prizes of the offseason, if not the biggest fish to land. Obviously the Stars want to re-sign him, but if they can't, or end up imploding and are well out of the playoff race, look for plenty of rumors about where to go, and plenty of suitors to come a-calling. His name has already been mentioned in a series of rumors, but right now the Stars are keeping their.....star.
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