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?
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