Well the NHL All-Star break is finally upon us. Over the next five days the best players the NHL has to offer will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in Raleigh, North Carolina before they resume the 2nd half of the season.
Once the 2nd half resumes teams will either be trying to solidify home ice for the playoffs, clinch a playoff berth, or start preparing for next season.
I'll have a review of the All-Star game & my list of teams to watch in the 2nd half next week but today I want to take a look at some of the surprises & disappointments in the NHL this season.
Surprises:
Dallas Stars- When the season started I thought the Stars would be the worst team in the Western Conference. Letting Mike Modano, Jere Lehtinen & Marty Turco leave signaled the team was rebuilding.
Instead of rebuilding the Stars started the season winning four of their 1st five games. Combine that with a six game winning streak around Thanksgiving, the Stars have resided in 1st place in the Pacific Division for most of the season.
Kari Lehtonen has been solid in goal this season going 22-11-5 with a save percentage of .917 and a GAA of 2.58. Compare that to Turco, who has struggled in Chicago with a save percentage of .898 and a GAA of 3.02 and is now sharing time with Corey Crawford in net, and you can justify GM Joe Nieuwendyk's decision to go with Lehtonen.
Another reason for the success of Dallas is the play of Brad Richards who is playing like he did when he won the Conn Smythe trophy with Tampa Bay in 2004. Richards is 2nd on the team in goals with 20 and leads the Stars with 57 points. Not bad for a guy thought to be the most sought after player at the trade deadline.
With the Stars in 1st place in the Pacific & the acquisition of Jamie Langenbrunner from New Jersey earlier this month the Stars are putting rebuilding on hold and making a push for the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Lightning- With the Lightning getting new ownership & Steve Yzerman taking over as GM I knew better days where ahead for Tampa. I had no idea they would have the 2nd best record in the Eastern Conference at the All-Star Break.
But there the Lightning are with a record of 31-15-5 on the season. That is good for 67 points and the lead in the Southeast, four points ahead of Washington.
Why has the Lightning been so successful? It's because it has become Steven Stamkos's team. Stamkos is the leading scorer in the NHL at the All-Star break with 38 goals & 67 points on the season. At one point this season he was being talked about being the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games since Brett Hull did it in the 91-92 season.
While that won't happen this season Stamkos looks likely to score 50 plus goals for the 2nd year in a row. Add Martin St. Louis (20 goals & 40 assists) who is playing like he did when he won the Hart Trophy in 2004 and Lightning fans are thinking about another Stanley Cup run.
What can't be lost in all of this is the job Yzerman has done as GM. He hired Guy Boucher who was the hot coaching prospect on the market this season. Boucher is one of the favorites for the Jack Adams trophy this season.
With their goaltending still less than subpar Yzerman acquired Dwayne Roloson from New York to shore up the position. While it isn't a long term solution Roloson will provide solid play in net while the Lightning are able to consider their options down the road.
I'm not sure if the Lightning are going to be able to hold off Washington and win the Southeast. What I am sure of is that Tampa should return to the playoffs for the 1st time since 2006 and the Lightning will be a tough out to whoever they face in the 1st round.
Tim Thomas- Last season Thomas was a forgotten man in Boston. He went 17-18-8 last season and lost his job in net to Tuukka Rask.
This season Thomas has rebounded to reclaim the starting job in goal with a record of 24-5-6, a save percentage of .945 & a GAA of 1.81 both of which are best in the NHL this season.
Most importantly his play has led Boston to the top of the Northeast Division with a record of 28-15-7 and a four point lead over Montreal.
Thomas right now is the odds on favorite to win the Vezina trophy for the 2nd time in his career. His play in net might be what it takes for Boston to overcome their playoff demons.
Disappointments:
New Jersey Devils- There are disappointments and there are disasters. The 2010-2011 New Jersey Devils fall into the latter category.
This is a franchise that has made the playoffs in 19 of the last 20 seasons with three Stanley Cup wins in four appearances in that time span. Yet the team this season resembles nothing similar to those great Devils teams from 1994-2004. While there has been a slow decline since the lockout the Devils have fallen off the cliff this season.
The Devils started the season 3-10-1. It took 33 games before John MacLean was mercifully shown the door. When he was let go the Devils were 9-22-2 and had the worst record in the NHL.
Things have gotten a little better since Jacques Lemaire took over. The Devils have gone 7-8-1which included a four game winning streak. However being 22 points out of the final playoff spot means the Devils will miss the post-season for the 1st time since 1996.
The signing of Ilya Kovalchuk has not worked out this season. Kovalchuk has 14 goals & 15 assists this season. He is on pace for his worst season since his rookie year with Atlanta (29 G, 22 A) in 2001-2002.
The loss of Zach Parise to a knee injury & the inability to replace Paul Martin on the blueline have derailed the season for the Devils. Lemaire stated earlier this week he would not return to coach next season. Needless to say Lou Lamoriello has a huge mess to clean up before next season.
Buffalo Sabres- Going into the season I thought the play of Ryan Miller in goal would be enough for the Sabres the win their 2nd straight Northeast Division title.
Well Miller's play has been average this season. Combine that with the Sabres inability to score and it's easy to see why Buffalo is on the outside looking in at a playoff berth.
Losing Derek Roy for the season with a torn quad does not help Buffalo at all. They are only six points out at the break so the playoffs are not out of reach. However Miller must play better in net & someone has to step up and fill the scoring void left by Roy's injury.
Los Angeles Kings- This might be the biggest disappointment of the season. Since 2006 we kept hearing how the Kings were a team on the rise and it was only a matter of time before they became the next great team in the NHL.
Last season they made the playoffs for the 1st time since 2002 losing a hard fought series to Vancouver in six games. I thought they were ready to turn the corner this season by winning the Pacific Division and make a Stanley Cup run.
Instead the Kings sit in last place in the Pacific with a record of 27-22-1, 10 points out of 1st place.
While catching the Stars looks unlikely to happen this season the playoffs are still within reach. The Kings are only one point out of the final playoff spot and only five points behind Nashville who sits at number four in the Western Conference.
The problem for Los Angeles is that there are five other teams in the same situation that they are in. Not what I expected from a team I considered a Stanley Cup contender.
The Kings are one good winning streak away from pulling away from the pack & solidifying a playoff spot. Unfortunately for them so are the other five teams around them.
Instead of taking that next step forward the Kings have taken a couple steps back. Starting on Tuesday they will have 32 games to straighten things out.
That's all for today. I'll be back next week with a review of the All-Star game & a look ahead to the 2nd half of the season. Until then, thanks for reading & enjoy the hockey.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Week 15 Power Poll
There was a big game in Chicago yesterday afternoon.
In a rematch of the Stanley cup Finals the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 4-1.
The Flyers jumped out to a 3-0 lead thanks to goals by Jeff Carter & Nikolai Zherdev. Chicago finally got on the board thanks to a penalty shot by Marian Hossa.
It wasn't enough as Scott Hartnell scored an empty netter to seal the victory for Philadelphia.
What does this mean in the scheme of things?
For the Flyers it is a small measure of revenge after falling two games short of winning the Stanley Cup last season. Yes it doesn't make up for what happened last season but it is two more points which currently gives them the best record in the NHL.
As for Chicago it is clear there has been a Stanley Cup hangover this season. The Blackhawks still have enough talent to make the post-season. Do they have enough to make another cup run? That depends on how & if the role players step up & fill the void of the players that left the team this past summer.
Yesterday's game looked like two teams passing each other. One coming down from the top while the other is still trying to get there.
Here is this week's Power Poll.
1. Philadelphia 32 12 5 69 points
Well they won Game seven against Chicago.
2. Vancouver 29 10 9 67 points
Ryan Kesler named Alternate captain for All-Star Game.
3. Tampa Bay 30 15 5 65 points
Steven Stamkos (5 goals) named 2nd star of the week.
4. Pittsburgh 30 15 4 64 points
Sidney Crosby to miss All-Star Game due to concussion.
5. Detroit 29 13 6 64 points
Nicklas Lidstrom well deserving of being named an All-Star Captain.
6. Dallas 29 14 5 63 points
Western Conference showdown tonight in Vancouver.
7. Washington 27 14 8 62 points
Ovechkin records 1st hat trick of the season in win over Toronto.
8. Boston 27 14 7 61 points
Tim Thomas (3-0 last week) named 1st star of the week.
9. Nashville 27 15 6 60 points
Predators are 10-2 in their last 12 games.
10. N.Y. Rangers 28 19 3 59 points
Rangers need a powerful shot from the blueline.
11. Montreal 27 17 5 59 points
Looking to even up season series with Philadelphia tomorrow night.
12. Anaheim 27 20 4 58 points
Ducks a 4-3 winner in Saku Koivu's return to Montreal on Saturday.
13. Phoenix 24 16 9 57 points
Ed Jovanovski looking to return to lineup Tuesday night after missing the last five games.
14. Chicago 26 19 4 56 points
Stanley Cup hangover still lingering with the Hawks.
15. San Jose 25 19 5 55 points
Sharks have won four in a row.
16. Atlanta 23 19 9 55 points
0-6 vs. Tampa this season could keep them from winning the Southeast Division.
17. Colorado 24 18 6 54 points
Peter Forsberg is skating with the Avs & teasing a comeback.
18. Minnesota 24 19 5 53 points
Finding a way to hang around the final playoff spot.
19. Carolina 23 19 6 52 points
Eric Staal named other All-Star Captain. Having the game in Raleigh helps his cause.
20. Los Angeles 25 22 1 51 points
GM Dean Lombardi says coach Terry Murray's job is safe despite Kings underachieving.
21. Columbus 23 20 5 51 points
Jackets are 3-0-2 in their last five games.
22. St. Louis 22 18 7 51 points
Blues are one of many Western Conference teams fighting for a playoff spot.
23. Calgary 22 21 6 50 points
Speaking of the playoff race look who is only five points out.
24. Buffalo 22 21 5 49 points
Power Play is getting better. (11/40 27.5 % in last 12 games.)
25. Florida 21 21 5 47 points
Bryan McCabe out 4-6 weeks with a jaw fracture.
26. Toronto 19 23 5 43 points
Leafs are consistently inconsistent.
27. Ottawa 17 25 7 41 points
Senators are 1-8-3 in their last twelve games.
28. N.Y. Islanders 15 25 7 37 points
Claimed Evgeni Nabokov off waivers. As I write this he has no plans to report to the team.
29. Edmonton 14 25 8 36 points
Looking like another last place finish.
30. New Jersey 16 29 3 35 points
A little too late but the Devils are 6-0-1 in their last seven games.
In a rematch of the Stanley cup Finals the Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 4-1.
The Flyers jumped out to a 3-0 lead thanks to goals by Jeff Carter & Nikolai Zherdev. Chicago finally got on the board thanks to a penalty shot by Marian Hossa.
It wasn't enough as Scott Hartnell scored an empty netter to seal the victory for Philadelphia.
What does this mean in the scheme of things?
For the Flyers it is a small measure of revenge after falling two games short of winning the Stanley Cup last season. Yes it doesn't make up for what happened last season but it is two more points which currently gives them the best record in the NHL.
As for Chicago it is clear there has been a Stanley Cup hangover this season. The Blackhawks still have enough talent to make the post-season. Do they have enough to make another cup run? That depends on how & if the role players step up & fill the void of the players that left the team this past summer.
Yesterday's game looked like two teams passing each other. One coming down from the top while the other is still trying to get there.
Here is this week's Power Poll.
1. Philadelphia 32 12 5 69 points
Well they won Game seven against Chicago.
2. Vancouver 29 10 9 67 points
Ryan Kesler named Alternate captain for All-Star Game.
3. Tampa Bay 30 15 5 65 points
Steven Stamkos (5 goals) named 2nd star of the week.
4. Pittsburgh 30 15 4 64 points
Sidney Crosby to miss All-Star Game due to concussion.
5. Detroit 29 13 6 64 points
Nicklas Lidstrom well deserving of being named an All-Star Captain.
6. Dallas 29 14 5 63 points
Western Conference showdown tonight in Vancouver.
7. Washington 27 14 8 62 points
Ovechkin records 1st hat trick of the season in win over Toronto.
8. Boston 27 14 7 61 points
Tim Thomas (3-0 last week) named 1st star of the week.
9. Nashville 27 15 6 60 points
Predators are 10-2 in their last 12 games.
10. N.Y. Rangers 28 19 3 59 points
Rangers need a powerful shot from the blueline.
11. Montreal 27 17 5 59 points
Looking to even up season series with Philadelphia tomorrow night.
12. Anaheim 27 20 4 58 points
Ducks a 4-3 winner in Saku Koivu's return to Montreal on Saturday.
13. Phoenix 24 16 9 57 points
Ed Jovanovski looking to return to lineup Tuesday night after missing the last five games.
14. Chicago 26 19 4 56 points
Stanley Cup hangover still lingering with the Hawks.
15. San Jose 25 19 5 55 points
Sharks have won four in a row.
16. Atlanta 23 19 9 55 points
0-6 vs. Tampa this season could keep them from winning the Southeast Division.
17. Colorado 24 18 6 54 points
Peter Forsberg is skating with the Avs & teasing a comeback.
18. Minnesota 24 19 5 53 points
Finding a way to hang around the final playoff spot.
19. Carolina 23 19 6 52 points
Eric Staal named other All-Star Captain. Having the game in Raleigh helps his cause.
20. Los Angeles 25 22 1 51 points
GM Dean Lombardi says coach Terry Murray's job is safe despite Kings underachieving.
21. Columbus 23 20 5 51 points
Jackets are 3-0-2 in their last five games.
22. St. Louis 22 18 7 51 points
Blues are one of many Western Conference teams fighting for a playoff spot.
23. Calgary 22 21 6 50 points
Speaking of the playoff race look who is only five points out.
24. Buffalo 22 21 5 49 points
Power Play is getting better. (11/40 27.5 % in last 12 games.)
25. Florida 21 21 5 47 points
Bryan McCabe out 4-6 weeks with a jaw fracture.
26. Toronto 19 23 5 43 points
Leafs are consistently inconsistent.
27. Ottawa 17 25 7 41 points
Senators are 1-8-3 in their last twelve games.
28. N.Y. Islanders 15 25 7 37 points
Claimed Evgeni Nabokov off waivers. As I write this he has no plans to report to the team.
29. Edmonton 14 25 8 36 points
Looking like another last place finish.
30. New Jersey 16 29 3 35 points
A little too late but the Devils are 6-0-1 in their last seven games.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
A Hat Trick of Hockey Notes
Hello again hockey fans,
This is the final weekend of action before the NHL takes a break for All-Star weekend & there are a few things around the league that have caught my attention.
1. All-Star captains named:
As I touched on briefly in the Power Poll on Monday the NHL revealed the list of players that would be participating in this year's All-Star game.
When the new format was announced a few months ago speculation was that Sidney Crosby & Alex Ovechkin would be named the two captains for the All-Star Game. On Tuesday the NHL chose Nicklas Lidstrom from Detroit & Eric Staal from Carolina as the two captains from the All-Star Game.
Crosby has been battling a concussion since taking a hit from David Steckel during the Winter Classic and looks likely to miss the All-Star game so I wasn't surprised when he was not chosen as a captain.
Ovechkin not being named an All Star was a decision some people found to be a little baffling. After all he is one of the two biggest stars in the NHL & one of their most marketable players. Off the top of your head it would make sense that he would be one of the captains.
However after hearing the decision I have no problem with Ovechkin not being named a captain and here's why.
Nicklas Lidstrom's credentials speak for themself. He has played in the league for 19 seasons & has made the playoffs every year. He has won four Stanley Cups including being the 1st European player to captain his team to a Stanley Cup.
He has won six Norris Trophies as the NHL's best defenceman and is the closest thing to Bobby Orr the league has seen. If it was my choice I would have chosen Lidstrom over Ovechkin as well. (And, yes I am a little biased)
Most people thought the choice of Eric Staal as the other captain was due to the fact the game is being played in Raleigh where Staal plays for the Carolina Hurricanes. While I'm sure that has something to do with it if you look closer you can make a good case for Staal.
Like Ovechkin, Staal is the face of the franchise he plays for but unlike Ovechkin he has won a Stanley Cup, a Gold Medal & he was the MVP of the 2008 All-Star game. He may not get the same exposure as Ovechkin but his credentials are just as strong.
As for Ovechkin not being a captain, it shouldn't be a big deal. He is going to be showcased whether or not he is wearing the C on shoulder. Hockey fans are going to watch regardless & the casual fan could care less who the captains are.
But for those people who are still upset about this I'll ask this question, Who were the captains of the last NHL All-Star Game?
Go on, take your time, I'll wait.
The answer is Alexei Kovalev & Joe Thornton.
I'm a big hockey fan and even I didn't know that.
My point is while it is nice to know who the captains are it not a big deal. My guess is Ovechkin will do something amazing that people will be talking about and a year from now no one will remember who the captains were.
2. Comcast merges with NBC:
So why is a deal like this being mentioned in a hockey column?
Because Comcast owns Versus which is the cable home of the NHL. NBC is the over-the-air holder of the NHL TV rights & both deals expire after the season.
Now a lot has been made about the last TV contract the NHL signed shortly after the lockout so I won't rehash that.
What I will say is that Versus has carved a nice little niche for itself & has done a decent job covering the NHL considering where they started back in 2005.
Speculation is Versus will re-brand itself once again now that the merger has been approved. The presence of NBC sports merging with Versus should only make the channel stronger & give ESPN a legit sports channel competitor they haven't seen.
The timing of this couldn't be better for the NHL with the TV rights up for negotiation. ESPN was expected to make a bid for the NHL because it possible there could be a work stoppage in the NFL & NBA next season.
ESPN would need to fill programming and let's face it, you can only show so much College Basketball & Poker on TV.
While Versus has had the rights since 2005-06 it was mainly because the NHL had nowhere else on TV to go when ESPN walked away from negotiations.
Critics will say Versus isn't a well known brand for sports programming & isn't available in as many homes as ESPN. I won't argue that but I'll also say that TNT was in the same situation when it debuted in 1988 & had the rights for the NBA.
Having NBC & Comcast merging can only help Versus in their bid to keep the NHL.
3. Donald Fehr named head of the NHLPA:
Speaking of work stoppages, Right before Christmas Donald Fehr was named the head of the NHL players association.
I find this significant for two reasons.
1. He is known for being the head of the MLB players association from 1986-2009 & led the players during the 1994 baseball strike which cancelled the World Series.
2. He is the 5th person to hold the job since Bob Goodenow resigned following the lockout in 2005.
The hiring of Fehr gives the players hope that he will provide the solid leadership the NHLPA has lacked since the lockout.
Among hearing the news of the hiring some hockey fans were worried that we may be headed for another lockout when the current CBA expires after next season.
While Fehr made a name for himself by using hardline tactics in MLB I'm not convinced he will be able to do the same in the NHL.
The owners seem to be more unified in the NHL than they were in MLB. Plus after surviving one lockout I can't imagine the NHL would put themselves through that once again.
My guess some tweaks will be made to the next CBA and there won't be a work stoppage. Things are going well on the ice with the NHL right now. I can't see one man stopping that.
That's all for today. The Game of the Week returns on NBC this Sunday with the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the Chicago Blackhawks in their 1st meeting since the Stanley Cup Finals last year. Puck drop is at 11:30 AM.
Thanks for reading & enjoy the hockey.
This is the final weekend of action before the NHL takes a break for All-Star weekend & there are a few things around the league that have caught my attention.
1. All-Star captains named:
As I touched on briefly in the Power Poll on Monday the NHL revealed the list of players that would be participating in this year's All-Star game.
When the new format was announced a few months ago speculation was that Sidney Crosby & Alex Ovechkin would be named the two captains for the All-Star Game. On Tuesday the NHL chose Nicklas Lidstrom from Detroit & Eric Staal from Carolina as the two captains from the All-Star Game.
Crosby has been battling a concussion since taking a hit from David Steckel during the Winter Classic and looks likely to miss the All-Star game so I wasn't surprised when he was not chosen as a captain.
Ovechkin not being named an All Star was a decision some people found to be a little baffling. After all he is one of the two biggest stars in the NHL & one of their most marketable players. Off the top of your head it would make sense that he would be one of the captains.
However after hearing the decision I have no problem with Ovechkin not being named a captain and here's why.
Nicklas Lidstrom's credentials speak for themself. He has played in the league for 19 seasons & has made the playoffs every year. He has won four Stanley Cups including being the 1st European player to captain his team to a Stanley Cup.
He has won six Norris Trophies as the NHL's best defenceman and is the closest thing to Bobby Orr the league has seen. If it was my choice I would have chosen Lidstrom over Ovechkin as well. (And, yes I am a little biased)
Most people thought the choice of Eric Staal as the other captain was due to the fact the game is being played in Raleigh where Staal plays for the Carolina Hurricanes. While I'm sure that has something to do with it if you look closer you can make a good case for Staal.
Like Ovechkin, Staal is the face of the franchise he plays for but unlike Ovechkin he has won a Stanley Cup, a Gold Medal & he was the MVP of the 2008 All-Star game. He may not get the same exposure as Ovechkin but his credentials are just as strong.
As for Ovechkin not being a captain, it shouldn't be a big deal. He is going to be showcased whether or not he is wearing the C on shoulder. Hockey fans are going to watch regardless & the casual fan could care less who the captains are.
But for those people who are still upset about this I'll ask this question, Who were the captains of the last NHL All-Star Game?
Go on, take your time, I'll wait.
The answer is Alexei Kovalev & Joe Thornton.
I'm a big hockey fan and even I didn't know that.
My point is while it is nice to know who the captains are it not a big deal. My guess is Ovechkin will do something amazing that people will be talking about and a year from now no one will remember who the captains were.
2. Comcast merges with NBC:
So why is a deal like this being mentioned in a hockey column?
Because Comcast owns Versus which is the cable home of the NHL. NBC is the over-the-air holder of the NHL TV rights & both deals expire after the season.
Now a lot has been made about the last TV contract the NHL signed shortly after the lockout so I won't rehash that.
What I will say is that Versus has carved a nice little niche for itself & has done a decent job covering the NHL considering where they started back in 2005.
Speculation is Versus will re-brand itself once again now that the merger has been approved. The presence of NBC sports merging with Versus should only make the channel stronger & give ESPN a legit sports channel competitor they haven't seen.
The timing of this couldn't be better for the NHL with the TV rights up for negotiation. ESPN was expected to make a bid for the NHL because it possible there could be a work stoppage in the NFL & NBA next season.
ESPN would need to fill programming and let's face it, you can only show so much College Basketball & Poker on TV.
While Versus has had the rights since 2005-06 it was mainly because the NHL had nowhere else on TV to go when ESPN walked away from negotiations.
Critics will say Versus isn't a well known brand for sports programming & isn't available in as many homes as ESPN. I won't argue that but I'll also say that TNT was in the same situation when it debuted in 1988 & had the rights for the NBA.
Having NBC & Comcast merging can only help Versus in their bid to keep the NHL.
3. Donald Fehr named head of the NHLPA:
Speaking of work stoppages, Right before Christmas Donald Fehr was named the head of the NHL players association.
I find this significant for two reasons.
1. He is known for being the head of the MLB players association from 1986-2009 & led the players during the 1994 baseball strike which cancelled the World Series.
2. He is the 5th person to hold the job since Bob Goodenow resigned following the lockout in 2005.
The hiring of Fehr gives the players hope that he will provide the solid leadership the NHLPA has lacked since the lockout.
Among hearing the news of the hiring some hockey fans were worried that we may be headed for another lockout when the current CBA expires after next season.
While Fehr made a name for himself by using hardline tactics in MLB I'm not convinced he will be able to do the same in the NHL.
The owners seem to be more unified in the NHL than they were in MLB. Plus after surviving one lockout I can't imagine the NHL would put themselves through that once again.
My guess some tweaks will be made to the next CBA and there won't be a work stoppage. Things are going well on the ice with the NHL right now. I can't see one man stopping that.
That's all for today. The Game of the Week returns on NBC this Sunday with the Philadelphia Flyers taking on the Chicago Blackhawks in their 1st meeting since the Stanley Cup Finals last year. Puck drop is at 11:30 AM.
Thanks for reading & enjoy the hockey.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Week 14 Power Poll
Well we are coming up on the NHL All-Star Break next weekend. The players have been selected but in a different twist there will be a fantasy draft to pick rosters.
Instead of doing East vs. West or North America vs. The World Two captains will be selected & they will select who they want to play on their team.
That means we could Crosby vs. Malkin or The Sedin twins on different teams for the All-Star Game.
The one question is who will the captains be. On the surface you would think it would be Crosby & Ovechkin but I'm not convinced that will be the case. You don't need Crosby & Ovechkin to sell the All Star game. A guy like Nick Lidstrom, who is the closest thing this generation has seen to Bobby Orr would make a great choice as a captain.
Jonathan Toews is a young player who looks like the next great captain in the NHL. He would also be a popular choice. If Crosby is still out with a concussion then that is a whole new conversation.
One thing is for sure, the curiosity of this is going to open up a lot of debate about the All-Star game among hockey fans and that is good for the league.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 14.
1. Vancouver 29 10 6 64 points
Loss to Minnesota was their 1st in regulation since December 5th.
2. Philadelphia 29 11 5 63 points
Huge match-up with Washington tomorrow night.
3. Detroit 28 11 6 62 points
They keep losing players to injury & yet they keep winning.
4. Pittsburgh 28 14 4 60 points
Rematch of the 08 & 09 Finals with Detroit tomorrow night.
5. Dallas 27 13 5 59 points
Stars are 21-2-1 when scoring 1st this season.
6. Tampa Bay 26 15 5 57 points
Gave up four Power Play goals in loss to Carolina.
7. Washington 25 14 7 57 points
Big test against Philadelphia tomorrow night.
8. N.Y. Rangers 26 18 3 55 points
John Tortorella benches Marian Gaborik due to performance not injuries.
9. Boston 25 13 7 57 points
Tim Thomas gets his 7th shutout of the season in win over Carolina.
10. Phoenix 23 13 9 55 points
Looking for 5th straight win today against San Jose.
11. Nashville 24 15 6 54 points
Split two games with Chicago over the weekend.
12. Chicago 25 18 4 54 points
And yet the Blackhawks still get three points.
13. Anaheim 25 19 4 54 points
Ducks have won four straight at home.
14. Montreal 25 17 3 53 points
Host Calgary tomorrow night in what is a preview of the Heritage Classic.
15. Colorado 23 16 6 52 points
Ryan O'Reilly out with a shoulder injury that looked a lot worse on Friday.
16. Atlanta 22 18 7 51 points
Looking for 1st win since they played in Florida 12 days ago.
17. Carolina 22 17 6 50 points
Jussi Jokinen named 1st star of the week. (4G, 3A)
18. Los Angeles 24 19 1 49 points
Need a win over Dallas tonight if they want to have a chance at the Pacific Division.
19. San Jose 22 19 5 49 points
Patrick Marleau playing in his 1,000th game today in Phoenix.
20. Minnesota 22 18 5 49 points
Loss to Colorado on Friday is two points the Wild will wish they had come April.
21. St. Louis 21 17 6 48 points
Forward Kyle Wellword signed to provide depth up front due to injuries.
22. Columbus 21 20 4 46 points
Rick Nash (The best player no one is aware of) is an All Star once again.
23. Calgary 20 20 5 45 points
Has gotten points in last four games.
24. Florida 21 20 2 44 points
Only seven points out of the final playoff spot.
25. Buffalo 19 20 5 43 points
Sabres are riding Ryan Miller who has played in 21 straight games.
26. Toronto 18 21 5 41 points
Acquisition of Fabian Brunnstrom from Dallas should help scoring woes for the Leafs.
27. Ottawa 17 23 6 40 points
As of right now Cory Clouston still has a job.
28. Edmonton 14 23 7 35 points
Have failed to score on 37 straight Power Plays.
29. N.Y. Islanders 14 22 7 35 points
Lost to New Jersey in battle of the two worst teams in the NHL on Monday.
30. New Jersey 13 29 3 29 points
One win over the Islanders does not get you out of the basement.
Instead of doing East vs. West or North America vs. The World Two captains will be selected & they will select who they want to play on their team.
That means we could Crosby vs. Malkin or The Sedin twins on different teams for the All-Star Game.
The one question is who will the captains be. On the surface you would think it would be Crosby & Ovechkin but I'm not convinced that will be the case. You don't need Crosby & Ovechkin to sell the All Star game. A guy like Nick Lidstrom, who is the closest thing this generation has seen to Bobby Orr would make a great choice as a captain.
Jonathan Toews is a young player who looks like the next great captain in the NHL. He would also be a popular choice. If Crosby is still out with a concussion then that is a whole new conversation.
One thing is for sure, the curiosity of this is going to open up a lot of debate about the All-Star game among hockey fans and that is good for the league.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 14.
1. Vancouver 29 10 6 64 points
Loss to Minnesota was their 1st in regulation since December 5th.
2. Philadelphia 29 11 5 63 points
Huge match-up with Washington tomorrow night.
3. Detroit 28 11 6 62 points
They keep losing players to injury & yet they keep winning.
4. Pittsburgh 28 14 4 60 points
Rematch of the 08 & 09 Finals with Detroit tomorrow night.
5. Dallas 27 13 5 59 points
Stars are 21-2-1 when scoring 1st this season.
6. Tampa Bay 26 15 5 57 points
Gave up four Power Play goals in loss to Carolina.
7. Washington 25 14 7 57 points
Big test against Philadelphia tomorrow night.
8. N.Y. Rangers 26 18 3 55 points
John Tortorella benches Marian Gaborik due to performance not injuries.
9. Boston 25 13 7 57 points
Tim Thomas gets his 7th shutout of the season in win over Carolina.
10. Phoenix 23 13 9 55 points
Looking for 5th straight win today against San Jose.
11. Nashville 24 15 6 54 points
Split two games with Chicago over the weekend.
12. Chicago 25 18 4 54 points
And yet the Blackhawks still get three points.
13. Anaheim 25 19 4 54 points
Ducks have won four straight at home.
14. Montreal 25 17 3 53 points
Host Calgary tomorrow night in what is a preview of the Heritage Classic.
15. Colorado 23 16 6 52 points
Ryan O'Reilly out with a shoulder injury that looked a lot worse on Friday.
16. Atlanta 22 18 7 51 points
Looking for 1st win since they played in Florida 12 days ago.
17. Carolina 22 17 6 50 points
Jussi Jokinen named 1st star of the week. (4G, 3A)
18. Los Angeles 24 19 1 49 points
Need a win over Dallas tonight if they want to have a chance at the Pacific Division.
19. San Jose 22 19 5 49 points
Patrick Marleau playing in his 1,000th game today in Phoenix.
20. Minnesota 22 18 5 49 points
Loss to Colorado on Friday is two points the Wild will wish they had come April.
21. St. Louis 21 17 6 48 points
Forward Kyle Wellword signed to provide depth up front due to injuries.
22. Columbus 21 20 4 46 points
Rick Nash (The best player no one is aware of) is an All Star once again.
23. Calgary 20 20 5 45 points
Has gotten points in last four games.
24. Florida 21 20 2 44 points
Only seven points out of the final playoff spot.
25. Buffalo 19 20 5 43 points
Sabres are riding Ryan Miller who has played in 21 straight games.
26. Toronto 18 21 5 41 points
Acquisition of Fabian Brunnstrom from Dallas should help scoring woes for the Leafs.
27. Ottawa 17 23 6 40 points
As of right now Cory Clouston still has a job.
28. Edmonton 14 23 7 35 points
Have failed to score on 37 straight Power Plays.
29. N.Y. Islanders 14 22 7 35 points
Lost to New Jersey in battle of the two worst teams in the NHL on Monday.
30. New Jersey 13 29 3 29 points
One win over the Islanders does not get you out of the basement.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Is it time for the Devils to trade Martin Brodeur
The New Jersey Devils are having their worst season since they moved to the Garden State from Colorado back in 1982.
They are 11-29-2 on the season and have the worst record in the NHL. They are 27 points behind Atlanta for the final playoff spot with 40 games to go. Mathematically they may still be alive but the reality of the situation is they will miss the playoffs for the 1st time since the 95-96 season.
The job of fixing the Devils falls into the hands of GM Lou Lamoriello. He has already placed Brian Rolston on waivers (as of this time he is still with the Devils) and he has traded Jamie Langenbrunner to Dallas for a 3rd round pick.
While I believe that Lamoriello is just getting started in reshaping the roster there is one question he has to ask himself as he rebuilds for next season.
Is it time to trade Martin Brodeur?
Brodeur has been with the Devils for nearly 20 years and has not only become the face of the franchise but the last link the the three Stanley Cups the franchise has one.
The thought of him finishing his career with any other team but New Jersey is something Devils fans don't want to consider. But they need to look at the facts.
He is 38 years old.
He is signed through next season.
He plays the most important position in hockey, one that usually is the difference in who wins & loses the cup.
Now I have no idea if Lamoriello is considering trading Brodeur but if he is this is the time to do it. I can think of five teams that would becomes instant Stanley Cup contenders if they acquire Brodeur.
5. San Jose:
Goaltending has been their achilles heel for the last few seasons. With Evgeni Nabokov the Sharks only advanced to the conference finals twice losing both times.
While they are currently on the outside looking in a trade for Brodeur could energize the Sharks and give them a boost as they make a push for the number four seed in the West.
With Antti Niemi & Antero Nittymaki sharing the duties in net the Sharks don't have a true number one in net. Brodeur would change that. The Sharks are on the outside looking in & as long as that is the case it has to be considered.
4. Los Angeles:
They are in the same place as the Sharks are in the standings. The difference is the Kings have more cap space & a good young goaltender in either Jonathan Quick or Jonathan Bernier they could send to New Jersey in a potential deal.
Putting Brodeur on the Kings with Jack Johnson & Drew Doughty playing defense in front of him would make it very tough to score on Los Angeles.
The Kings are only three points out of the final playoff spot & five points away from the number four seed. A Kings team with Brodeur would make them the team nobody wants to play in the post-season.
3. Nashville:
I know a team like the Predators are normally not on a list like this. I also know the Predators currently are holding on to the number four seed in a very tight Western Conference.
Acquiring a goalie like Brodeur could not only lock down home ice for Nashville in the 1st round but make them a stronger challenger to Detroit who currently leads the Central Division.
They have over 8 million dollars in cap space to work with & they have two young goalies in Pekka Rinne & Anders Linebeck that could be part of any Brodeur deal.
2. Philadelphia:
The thought of Brodeur being a Flyer makes me ill. The chances of division rivals trading with each other isn't likely but it has to be considered.
Right now the Flyers have the best team in the Eastern Conference and this is their best chance to win the cup since the 2004 playoffs. Their window is not going to be open for very long.
A proposed deal of Braydon Coburn, James Van Riemsdyk, Sergei Bobrovsky & a draft pick would be something Lamariello would have to seriously consider.
However there is one team out there that makes the most sense if the Devils are to trade Brodeur.
1. Washington:
They had the best team in the league last season. They score in bunches & have the most exciting player in the league in Alex Ovechkin.
Yet for all their success they have made it out of the 1st round once since returning to the playoffs in 2008. One of the problems has been the inability to settle on a goaltender once the playoffs start.
Acquiring Brodeur would solve that problem. The Capitals have two good young goaltenders in Semyon Varlamov & Michael Neuvirth they could send to New Jersey to help facilitate a deal.
Plus the Capitals AHL club in Hershey has won three of the last five Calder Cup championships. Washington has enough young talent to make a potential trade for Brodeur.
Now I have no idea if the Devils are even considering trading Brodeur at this point. What I do know is that the glory days the Devils experienced from 1994-2004 are over and they are looking at a long rebuilding process if they stand pat.
Trading Brodeur could get them back to the level of excellence they have been accustomed to.
They are 11-29-2 on the season and have the worst record in the NHL. They are 27 points behind Atlanta for the final playoff spot with 40 games to go. Mathematically they may still be alive but the reality of the situation is they will miss the playoffs for the 1st time since the 95-96 season.
The job of fixing the Devils falls into the hands of GM Lou Lamoriello. He has already placed Brian Rolston on waivers (as of this time he is still with the Devils) and he has traded Jamie Langenbrunner to Dallas for a 3rd round pick.
While I believe that Lamoriello is just getting started in reshaping the roster there is one question he has to ask himself as he rebuilds for next season.
Is it time to trade Martin Brodeur?
Brodeur has been with the Devils for nearly 20 years and has not only become the face of the franchise but the last link the the three Stanley Cups the franchise has one.
The thought of him finishing his career with any other team but New Jersey is something Devils fans don't want to consider. But they need to look at the facts.
He is 38 years old.
He is signed through next season.
He plays the most important position in hockey, one that usually is the difference in who wins & loses the cup.
Now I have no idea if Lamoriello is considering trading Brodeur but if he is this is the time to do it. I can think of five teams that would becomes instant Stanley Cup contenders if they acquire Brodeur.
5. San Jose:
Goaltending has been their achilles heel for the last few seasons. With Evgeni Nabokov the Sharks only advanced to the conference finals twice losing both times.
While they are currently on the outside looking in a trade for Brodeur could energize the Sharks and give them a boost as they make a push for the number four seed in the West.
With Antti Niemi & Antero Nittymaki sharing the duties in net the Sharks don't have a true number one in net. Brodeur would change that. The Sharks are on the outside looking in & as long as that is the case it has to be considered.
4. Los Angeles:
They are in the same place as the Sharks are in the standings. The difference is the Kings have more cap space & a good young goaltender in either Jonathan Quick or Jonathan Bernier they could send to New Jersey in a potential deal.
Putting Brodeur on the Kings with Jack Johnson & Drew Doughty playing defense in front of him would make it very tough to score on Los Angeles.
The Kings are only three points out of the final playoff spot & five points away from the number four seed. A Kings team with Brodeur would make them the team nobody wants to play in the post-season.
3. Nashville:
I know a team like the Predators are normally not on a list like this. I also know the Predators currently are holding on to the number four seed in a very tight Western Conference.
Acquiring a goalie like Brodeur could not only lock down home ice for Nashville in the 1st round but make them a stronger challenger to Detroit who currently leads the Central Division.
They have over 8 million dollars in cap space to work with & they have two young goalies in Pekka Rinne & Anders Linebeck that could be part of any Brodeur deal.
2. Philadelphia:
The thought of Brodeur being a Flyer makes me ill. The chances of division rivals trading with each other isn't likely but it has to be considered.
Right now the Flyers have the best team in the Eastern Conference and this is their best chance to win the cup since the 2004 playoffs. Their window is not going to be open for very long.
A proposed deal of Braydon Coburn, James Van Riemsdyk, Sergei Bobrovsky & a draft pick would be something Lamariello would have to seriously consider.
However there is one team out there that makes the most sense if the Devils are to trade Brodeur.
1. Washington:
They had the best team in the league last season. They score in bunches & have the most exciting player in the league in Alex Ovechkin.
Yet for all their success they have made it out of the 1st round once since returning to the playoffs in 2008. One of the problems has been the inability to settle on a goaltender once the playoffs start.
Acquiring Brodeur would solve that problem. The Capitals have two good young goaltenders in Semyon Varlamov & Michael Neuvirth they could send to New Jersey to help facilitate a deal.
Plus the Capitals AHL club in Hershey has won three of the last five Calder Cup championships. Washington has enough young talent to make a potential trade for Brodeur.
Now I have no idea if the Devils are even considering trading Brodeur at this point. What I do know is that the glory days the Devils experienced from 1994-2004 are over and they are looking at a long rebuilding process if they stand pat.
Trading Brodeur could get them back to the level of excellence they have been accustomed to.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Week 13 Power Poll
This past Friday the New Jersey Devils traded Jamie Langenbruner to the Dallas Stars for a draft choice. I found this trade interesting for two reasons.
The first reason is it shows the Stars are ready to make a playoff push. There was a lot of speculation as to whether center Brad Richards would finish the season with Dallas or be traded at the deadline.
Well the Stars are on top of the Pacific Division as I write this & they have an excellent chance to make a playoff appearance. GM Joe Nieuwendyk is gambling that a playoff push by Dallas will keep Richards around. At this point you owe it to your fans to see how far you can go.
The other thing that caught my attention is that the Devils are throwing in the towel on the 2010-2011 season. Langenbrunner was the 1st to go & I'm sure he won't be the last. Even though they are the worst team in the NHL there are good hockey players on their roster. It's up to Lou Lamierello to see who stays & who goes.
I'll go more in depth on this later int he week but for now here is the Power Poll for Week 13.
1. Vancouver 27 8 6 60 points
Canada's best chance to win the cup since Montreal in 93.
2. Detroit 27 10 5 59 points
Bounce back nicely from loss to Philly by sweeping Western Canada road trip.
3. Philadelphia 26 10 5 57 points
Their coach Peter Laviolette will be one of the head coaches in the All-Star Game.
4. Pittsburgh 26 13 4 56 points
Sidney Crosby expected to miss a week with a mild concussion.
5. Tampa Bay 25 13 5 55 points
Halfway through the season the rebuilding process is ahead of schedule.
6. Dallas 25 13 5 55 points
They now have three good scoring lines with the addition of Langenbruner.
7. Washington 24 12 6 54 points
Alex Ovechkin does it again.
8. N.Y. Rangers 25 15 3 53 points
Trade for Wotjek Wolski should help Rangers scoring depth at forward.
9. Atlanta 22 16 7 51 points
Dustin Byfuglien is a candidate for the Norris Trophy.
10.Nashville 22 13 6 50 points
Has won five in a row since New Year's Eve.
11. Anaheim 23 18 4 50 points
Jonas Hiller named 2nd star of the week after back to back shutouts.
12. Chicago 23 18 3 49 points
Three wins this past week puts the Hawks back in the playoff picture.
13. Montreal 23 16 3 49 points
Tough task with the Rangers & Penguins lurking this week.
14. Boston 21 12 7 49 points
There is bad blood when Boston plays Pittsburgh. (6:30 PM tonight on Versus)
15. Colorado 21 15 6 48 points
Struggles since NYE has Avs holding on for dear life in playoff race.
16. Los Angeles 23 17 1 47 points
Contract extension for Jack Johnson means the Kings will have one of the best bluelines for the next few years.
17. San Jose 21 17 5 47 points
The Sharks being in last place shows how tough the Pacific Division is.
18. Minnesota 21 16 5 47 points.
It's amazing how a four game win streak can put you back in the playoff chase.
19. Phoenix 19 13 9 47 points
Acquisition of Michal Rozival from the Rangers will help their blueline.
20. St. Louis 20 14 6 46 points
Looking to end three game losing streak & get back in playoff hunt.
21. Carolina 20 15 6 46 points
Jussi Jokinen & Cam ward expected to return to lineup Tuesday night.
22. Columbus 20 19 3 43 points
Mike Commadore sent down to minors while he awaits a trade.
23. Buffalo 18 18 5 41 points
Eight points out of final playoff berth might be too much to overcome.
24. Calgary 18 20 4 40 points
Tom Kostopoulos suspended six games for hit on Brad Stuart.
25. Florida 18 20 2 38 points
I can't think of anything to say about this team.
26. Ottawa 16 20 6 38 points
Rumor has it that Cory Clouston might be the next coach fired.
27. Toronto 16 20 4 36 points
Nine goal outburst against Atlanta came out of nowhere.
28. Edmonton 13 20 7 33 points
At this point you might as well start ranking players for 2011 Entry draft.
29. N.Y. Islanders 13 21 6 32 points
See Above.
30. New Jersey 11 29 2 24 points
With the Langenbruner trade who is the next to go?
The first reason is it shows the Stars are ready to make a playoff push. There was a lot of speculation as to whether center Brad Richards would finish the season with Dallas or be traded at the deadline.
Well the Stars are on top of the Pacific Division as I write this & they have an excellent chance to make a playoff appearance. GM Joe Nieuwendyk is gambling that a playoff push by Dallas will keep Richards around. At this point you owe it to your fans to see how far you can go.
The other thing that caught my attention is that the Devils are throwing in the towel on the 2010-2011 season. Langenbrunner was the 1st to go & I'm sure he won't be the last. Even though they are the worst team in the NHL there are good hockey players on their roster. It's up to Lou Lamierello to see who stays & who goes.
I'll go more in depth on this later int he week but for now here is the Power Poll for Week 13.
1. Vancouver 27 8 6 60 points
Canada's best chance to win the cup since Montreal in 93.
2. Detroit 27 10 5 59 points
Bounce back nicely from loss to Philly by sweeping Western Canada road trip.
3. Philadelphia 26 10 5 57 points
Their coach Peter Laviolette will be one of the head coaches in the All-Star Game.
4. Pittsburgh 26 13 4 56 points
Sidney Crosby expected to miss a week with a mild concussion.
5. Tampa Bay 25 13 5 55 points
Halfway through the season the rebuilding process is ahead of schedule.
6. Dallas 25 13 5 55 points
They now have three good scoring lines with the addition of Langenbruner.
7. Washington 24 12 6 54 points
Alex Ovechkin does it again.
8. N.Y. Rangers 25 15 3 53 points
Trade for Wotjek Wolski should help Rangers scoring depth at forward.
9. Atlanta 22 16 7 51 points
Dustin Byfuglien is a candidate for the Norris Trophy.
10.Nashville 22 13 6 50 points
Has won five in a row since New Year's Eve.
11. Anaheim 23 18 4 50 points
Jonas Hiller named 2nd star of the week after back to back shutouts.
12. Chicago 23 18 3 49 points
Three wins this past week puts the Hawks back in the playoff picture.
13. Montreal 23 16 3 49 points
Tough task with the Rangers & Penguins lurking this week.
14. Boston 21 12 7 49 points
There is bad blood when Boston plays Pittsburgh. (6:30 PM tonight on Versus)
15. Colorado 21 15 6 48 points
Struggles since NYE has Avs holding on for dear life in playoff race.
16. Los Angeles 23 17 1 47 points
Contract extension for Jack Johnson means the Kings will have one of the best bluelines for the next few years.
17. San Jose 21 17 5 47 points
The Sharks being in last place shows how tough the Pacific Division is.
18. Minnesota 21 16 5 47 points.
It's amazing how a four game win streak can put you back in the playoff chase.
19. Phoenix 19 13 9 47 points
Acquisition of Michal Rozival from the Rangers will help their blueline.
20. St. Louis 20 14 6 46 points
Looking to end three game losing streak & get back in playoff hunt.
21. Carolina 20 15 6 46 points
Jussi Jokinen & Cam ward expected to return to lineup Tuesday night.
22. Columbus 20 19 3 43 points
Mike Commadore sent down to minors while he awaits a trade.
23. Buffalo 18 18 5 41 points
Eight points out of final playoff berth might be too much to overcome.
24. Calgary 18 20 4 40 points
Tom Kostopoulos suspended six games for hit on Brad Stuart.
25. Florida 18 20 2 38 points
I can't think of anything to say about this team.
26. Ottawa 16 20 6 38 points
Rumor has it that Cory Clouston might be the next coach fired.
27. Toronto 16 20 4 36 points
Nine goal outburst against Atlanta came out of nowhere.
28. Edmonton 13 20 7 33 points
At this point you might as well start ranking players for 2011 Entry draft.
29. N.Y. Islanders 13 21 6 32 points
See Above.
30. New Jersey 11 29 2 24 points
With the Langenbruner trade who is the next to go?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Winter Classic
For a league that has a tendency to take two steps back every time they take a step forward the NHL got a nice break on Saturday night.
The 4th annual Winter Classic was scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon in Pittsburgh. Mother Nature had other ideas and rain ended up pushing back the start time from Noon to 7 PM Central time.
It ended up turning out better for the NHL that anyone could have imagined. Instead of going against three different bowl games like it had in year's past the only competition was the Fiesta Bowl.
The result was the highest rated broadcast for hockey on network TV in 36 years.
Washington ended up defeating Pittsburgh 3-1 thanks to two goals by Eric Fehr.
Yes, the conditions were not ideal but there was something magical about watching these two teams playing outdoor under the lights. Playing in the rain is no different than playing in the snow which I'm guessing these players probably did a few times when growing up.
The big question now is does the NHL keep it in Primetime or do they go back to playing in the afternoon?
While the rating is nice the fact that Crosby was playing Ovechkin was a big factor in how many people watched. I'm not sure the rating would have been much different if the game would have been played in the afternoon instead of at night.
Another question is where do you play next season? According to Pierre LeBrun from ESPN.com Philadelphia is the front-runner for the 2012 Winter Classic. I don't have a problem with this as the Flyers have a strong fan base and is a good hockey market however I have a suggestion that is a little outside the box.
Next year New Year's Day falls on a Sunday. That usually is when the NFL plays Week 17 of the regular season. I can't imagine the NHL would want to go head to head with the NFL (if there is a season next year) so the obvious choice would be to play the Classic on January 2nd.
However January 2nd just is another day to most people. Unless it is your birthday or wedding anniversary there just isn't a lot of things special about it.
My suggestion is to make the 2012 All-Star Game the Winter Classic & hold it the week after the Super Bowl on either February 11th or 12th and I have the perfect venue for it.
Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
I know it's a little outrageous but you can make a case for it & I'll give you the following reasons why.
1. It's an iconic venue:
Look at how well the Winter Classic was received when it was held at Wrigley Field & Fenway Park.
With the old Yankee Stadium being torn down there aren't many iconic stadiums left standing in the United States. Lambeau Field fills that void.
2. It's the best choice for a Neutral site:
Wisconsin doesn't have an NHL team. The closest teams are in Detroit, Chicago & St. Paul. In theory I guess you could have any one of those teams play in Lambeau as the host but I think any home team would prefer to play the Classic in their city.
By holding the All-Star game there no team gets left out from hosting a Winter Classic down the road.
3. It's a great place to showcase the NHL best players:
One thing the NHL has failed to do in the past is market their stars. When Gretzky retired in 99 they didn't have anyone to pick up the torch & carry the league forward.
They have done a good job marketing Crosby & Ovechkin since they came in the league after the lockout but there are other great players that may never play in a Winter Classic because of where they play.
Steven Stamkos may be the 3rd best player in the league but Tampa Bay is not going to be a good TV draw for the Winter Classic.
Last year's MVP Henrik Sedin plays in Vancouver. Canadian teams aren't going to be showcased in the Winter Classic because the Canadian Markets don't factor in TV Ratings in the US.
By holding the All-Star Game at Lambeau Field the NHL can showcase & promote all the great players the league has to offer. Plus by holding it outdoors I think more players would be willing to play in the game instead of skipping it to get some rest which happens in other All-Star games (NBA, Pro Bowl).
4. The Timing is perfect for the event:
The last possible date for the NFC Championship would be on January 22nd. By holding the All-Star Game after the Super Bowl would give the NHL plenty of time to build an outdoor rink at Lambeau.
It wouldn't be the 1st time the All-Star game was held in February. Before the lockout the NHL regularly held their All-Star Game after the Super Bowl.
There usually is a void in sports between Super Bowl Sunday & March Madness. By holding an All-Star game after the Super Bowl the NHL would be the focus of the sports world for at least one weekend.
5. Lambeau has hosted an outdoor game before:
Back on February 11, 2006 Wisconsin hosted Ohio State at Lambeau Field in the Frozen Tundra Classic. The Badgers won by a score of 4-2 in front of 40,000 fans. I'm guessing an NHL All-Star game would sell out Lambeau Field.
I bet there would be plenty of fans that would travel not only to check out the game but to check out the Stadium for the 1st time as well.
Now is any of this going to happen? Probably not but I think it is worth looking into.
The main purpose of the Winter Classic is to help promote hockey & the NHL. If you can find a better time & place to showcase the best players in the NHL than an All-Star game I would love to hear it.
The 4th annual Winter Classic was scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon in Pittsburgh. Mother Nature had other ideas and rain ended up pushing back the start time from Noon to 7 PM Central time.
It ended up turning out better for the NHL that anyone could have imagined. Instead of going against three different bowl games like it had in year's past the only competition was the Fiesta Bowl.
The result was the highest rated broadcast for hockey on network TV in 36 years.
Washington ended up defeating Pittsburgh 3-1 thanks to two goals by Eric Fehr.
Yes, the conditions were not ideal but there was something magical about watching these two teams playing outdoor under the lights. Playing in the rain is no different than playing in the snow which I'm guessing these players probably did a few times when growing up.
The big question now is does the NHL keep it in Primetime or do they go back to playing in the afternoon?
While the rating is nice the fact that Crosby was playing Ovechkin was a big factor in how many people watched. I'm not sure the rating would have been much different if the game would have been played in the afternoon instead of at night.
Another question is where do you play next season? According to Pierre LeBrun from ESPN.com Philadelphia is the front-runner for the 2012 Winter Classic. I don't have a problem with this as the Flyers have a strong fan base and is a good hockey market however I have a suggestion that is a little outside the box.
Next year New Year's Day falls on a Sunday. That usually is when the NFL plays Week 17 of the regular season. I can't imagine the NHL would want to go head to head with the NFL (if there is a season next year) so the obvious choice would be to play the Classic on January 2nd.
However January 2nd just is another day to most people. Unless it is your birthday or wedding anniversary there just isn't a lot of things special about it.
My suggestion is to make the 2012 All-Star Game the Winter Classic & hold it the week after the Super Bowl on either February 11th or 12th and I have the perfect venue for it.
Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
I know it's a little outrageous but you can make a case for it & I'll give you the following reasons why.
1. It's an iconic venue:
Look at how well the Winter Classic was received when it was held at Wrigley Field & Fenway Park.
With the old Yankee Stadium being torn down there aren't many iconic stadiums left standing in the United States. Lambeau Field fills that void.
2. It's the best choice for a Neutral site:
Wisconsin doesn't have an NHL team. The closest teams are in Detroit, Chicago & St. Paul. In theory I guess you could have any one of those teams play in Lambeau as the host but I think any home team would prefer to play the Classic in their city.
By holding the All-Star game there no team gets left out from hosting a Winter Classic down the road.
3. It's a great place to showcase the NHL best players:
One thing the NHL has failed to do in the past is market their stars. When Gretzky retired in 99 they didn't have anyone to pick up the torch & carry the league forward.
They have done a good job marketing Crosby & Ovechkin since they came in the league after the lockout but there are other great players that may never play in a Winter Classic because of where they play.
Steven Stamkos may be the 3rd best player in the league but Tampa Bay is not going to be a good TV draw for the Winter Classic.
Last year's MVP Henrik Sedin plays in Vancouver. Canadian teams aren't going to be showcased in the Winter Classic because the Canadian Markets don't factor in TV Ratings in the US.
By holding the All-Star Game at Lambeau Field the NHL can showcase & promote all the great players the league has to offer. Plus by holding it outdoors I think more players would be willing to play in the game instead of skipping it to get some rest which happens in other All-Star games (NBA, Pro Bowl).
4. The Timing is perfect for the event:
The last possible date for the NFC Championship would be on January 22nd. By holding the All-Star Game after the Super Bowl would give the NHL plenty of time to build an outdoor rink at Lambeau.
It wouldn't be the 1st time the All-Star game was held in February. Before the lockout the NHL regularly held their All-Star Game after the Super Bowl.
There usually is a void in sports between Super Bowl Sunday & March Madness. By holding an All-Star game after the Super Bowl the NHL would be the focus of the sports world for at least one weekend.
5. Lambeau has hosted an outdoor game before:
Back on February 11, 2006 Wisconsin hosted Ohio State at Lambeau Field in the Frozen Tundra Classic. The Badgers won by a score of 4-2 in front of 40,000 fans. I'm guessing an NHL All-Star game would sell out Lambeau Field.
I bet there would be plenty of fans that would travel not only to check out the game but to check out the Stadium for the 1st time as well.
Now is any of this going to happen? Probably not but I think it is worth looking into.
The main purpose of the Winter Classic is to help promote hockey & the NHL. If you can find a better time & place to showcase the best players in the NHL than an All-Star game I would love to hear it.
Monday, January 3, 2011
1st Power Poll of the new Year
Happy New Year hockey fans. I took a week off last week because of the holidays but I'm back and we have a lot to cover. Expect a news & notes column later this week but for now it's the return of the Power Poll.
1. Pittsburgh 25 12 3 53 points
Despite loss in Winter Classic still playing better hockey than anyone else.
2. Vancouver 24 8 5 53 points
These are the Canucks I was expecting.
3. Philadelphia 24 10 5 53 points
Won in Detroit for the 1st time since 1989.
4. Detroit 24 10 5 53 points
I don't even want to talk about it.
5. Washington 23 12 5 51 points
Got an important two points in the Winter Classic.
6. Tampa Bay 23 11 5 51 points
All of a sudden Atlanta isn't the only team Washington has to worry about.
7. Dallas 23 13 4 50 points
Brendan Morrow has seven goals in his last eleven games.
8. Atlanta 21 15 6 48 points
Has scored five overtime goals this season. Only had two last season.
9. San Jose 21 13 5 47 points
Won three of their last four with Antti Niemi in goal.
10. N.Y. Rangers 22 15 3 47 points
Starts the new year with back-to-back losses to Tampa Bay & Florida.
11. Boston 20 11 6 46 points
Looking to get eight out of ten points on road trip when they visit Toronto tonight.
12. Anaheim 21 17 4 46 points
Ducks are 8-4-1 in their last thirteen games.
13. Montreal 21 16 3 45 points
Returned home after going 2-5 on their final road trip of 2010.
14. Los Angeles 22 15 1 45 points
Game against Chicago tonight is a good benchmark for the Kings.
15. St. Louis 20 13 5 45 points
Recent five game win streak gets the Blues back in the playoff hunt.
16. Colorado 20 14 5 45 points
Avs not panicking despite going 1-4-1 in their last six games.
17. Nashville 19 13 6 44 points
Hoping that Marek Svatos can come over from the KHL and help the Predators on offense.
18. Chicago 20 17 3 43 points
Jonathan Toews can't come back soon enough.
19. Columbus 20 16 3 43 points
Rick Nash once again leading the Blue Jackets in points with 31.
(18 G, 13 A)
20. Phoenix 17 13 8 42 points
Shane Doan named #2 Star of the week. (5 G, 3 A)
21. Minnesota 18 15 5 41 points
Watching this team is like being on a roller coaster.
22. Carolina 18 15 4 40 points
Started off the year right with a win in New Jersey
23. Calgary 18 18 3 39 points
The Darryl Sutter era is finally over
24. Ottawa 16 19 5 37 points
Senators believe they can play better. I don't
25. Florida 17 17 2 36 points
Stephen Weiss leading the Panthers in Goals & points. (12 G 12 P)
26. Buffalo 16 18 4 36 points
The loss of Derek Roy ends any chance of Buffalo making the playoffs.
27. Toronto 14 19 4 32 points
Leafs has lost five of their last seven games.
28. Edmonton 12 18 7 31 points
Winless in their last six games.
29. N.Y. Islanders 11 19 6 28 points
Well they aren't the worst team in the league right now.
30. New Jersey 10 26 2 22 points
Jacques Lemaire came back for this?
1. Pittsburgh 25 12 3 53 points
Despite loss in Winter Classic still playing better hockey than anyone else.
2. Vancouver 24 8 5 53 points
These are the Canucks I was expecting.
3. Philadelphia 24 10 5 53 points
Won in Detroit for the 1st time since 1989.
4. Detroit 24 10 5 53 points
I don't even want to talk about it.
5. Washington 23 12 5 51 points
Got an important two points in the Winter Classic.
6. Tampa Bay 23 11 5 51 points
All of a sudden Atlanta isn't the only team Washington has to worry about.
7. Dallas 23 13 4 50 points
Brendan Morrow has seven goals in his last eleven games.
8. Atlanta 21 15 6 48 points
Has scored five overtime goals this season. Only had two last season.
9. San Jose 21 13 5 47 points
Won three of their last four with Antti Niemi in goal.
10. N.Y. Rangers 22 15 3 47 points
Starts the new year with back-to-back losses to Tampa Bay & Florida.
11. Boston 20 11 6 46 points
Looking to get eight out of ten points on road trip when they visit Toronto tonight.
12. Anaheim 21 17 4 46 points
Ducks are 8-4-1 in their last thirteen games.
13. Montreal 21 16 3 45 points
Returned home after going 2-5 on their final road trip of 2010.
14. Los Angeles 22 15 1 45 points
Game against Chicago tonight is a good benchmark for the Kings.
15. St. Louis 20 13 5 45 points
Recent five game win streak gets the Blues back in the playoff hunt.
16. Colorado 20 14 5 45 points
Avs not panicking despite going 1-4-1 in their last six games.
17. Nashville 19 13 6 44 points
Hoping that Marek Svatos can come over from the KHL and help the Predators on offense.
18. Chicago 20 17 3 43 points
Jonathan Toews can't come back soon enough.
19. Columbus 20 16 3 43 points
Rick Nash once again leading the Blue Jackets in points with 31.
(18 G, 13 A)
20. Phoenix 17 13 8 42 points
Shane Doan named #2 Star of the week. (5 G, 3 A)
21. Minnesota 18 15 5 41 points
Watching this team is like being on a roller coaster.
22. Carolina 18 15 4 40 points
Started off the year right with a win in New Jersey
23. Calgary 18 18 3 39 points
The Darryl Sutter era is finally over
24. Ottawa 16 19 5 37 points
Senators believe they can play better. I don't
25. Florida 17 17 2 36 points
Stephen Weiss leading the Panthers in Goals & points. (12 G 12 P)
26. Buffalo 16 18 4 36 points
The loss of Derek Roy ends any chance of Buffalo making the playoffs.
27. Toronto 14 19 4 32 points
Leafs has lost five of their last seven games.
28. Edmonton 12 18 7 31 points
Winless in their last six games.
29. N.Y. Islanders 11 19 6 28 points
Well they aren't the worst team in the league right now.
30. New Jersey 10 26 2 22 points
Jacques Lemaire came back for this?
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