Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Week 24 Power Poll
Before we get to this week's Power Poll The field for the NCAA Frozen Four in St. Paul was set this weekend.
Minnesota Duluth clinched the 1st Frozen Four berth on Saturday defeating the top overall seed in the tournament, Yale by a score of 5-3. It is the 1st Frozen Four berth for the Bulldogs since 2004 & the fourth in school history. Being only 151 miles away from home I'm guessing that UMD will have a great fan following in St. Paul as they try to win their first NCAA Championship.
The 2nd team to punch their ticket to St. Paul were the Michigan Wolverines thanks to a 2-1 over Colorado College. It is the 22nd all-time appearance for the Wolverines & their 1st appearance since 2008. Michigan is looking to win their 10th National Championship, 1st since 1998.
Standing in their way is the Fighting Sioux of North Dakota who defeated Denver 6-1 in Green Bay on Sunday. With Yale eliminated the Sioux are the overwhelming favorite to win their first title since 2000 when they defeated Boston College. Duluth may be closer but I'm guessing there will be more North Dakota fans in attendance than any other team as they look to win their 8th NCAA title.
The final team to reach the Frozen Four is Notre Dame after beating New Hampshire 2-1. It is the 2nd Frozen Four appearance for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame's last trip to the Frozen four was back in 2008 when they lost in the championship game to Boston College 4-1.
The Frozen Four begins on April 7th with Notre Dame playing Minnesota-Duluth followed by Michigan & North Dakota with the Championship game taking place on April 9th. While Gophers fans cringe over the thought of North Dakota & Minnesota Duluth playing for the national championship all they need to do is think back to what happened nine years ago when the Frozen Four was last held in St. Paul.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 24:
1. Vancouver 50 17 9 109 Points
Another key injury: Canucks lose defenseman Dan Hamhuis with a concussion.
2. Philadelphia 45 20 10 100 Points
Flyers battle the Penguins tonight with 1st place at stake in the Atlantic Division.
3. Washington 44 22 10 98 Points
4-2 record on six game road trip clinches 4th straight playoff berth for the Capitals.
4. Pittsburgh 45 23 8 98 Points
Crosby still skating, closer to returning to Penguins.
5. Detroit 44 22 10 98 Points
I have a bad feeling about this team come playoff time.
6. San Jose 44 23 9 97 Points
Win over Phoenix on Saturday gives Sharks control of Pacific Division at this moment.
7. Boston 42 23 10 94 Points
Marc Savard suffering from memory loss due to concussions. Not good.
8. Phoenix 41 25 11 93 Points
Will have two more cracks at the Sharks to win Pacific Division.
9. Los Angeles 43 26 6 92 Points
Anze Kopitar out for the season with a broken ankle. Huge loss for the Kings & their post-season chances.
10. Nashville 41 25 10 92 Points
I feel sorry for the team that draws them in the 1st round.
11. Tampa Bay 40 24 11 91 Points
Ended 4 game winless streak with win over Carolina on Saturday but still may be too late to win Southeast Division.
12. Anaheim 43 28 5 91 Points
Corey Perry leads the NHL with 44 goals, entering the discussion for the Hart Trophy.
13. Chicago 41 26 8 90 Points
Game winning goal by Marian Hossa 1st goal against Detroit since 1/15/08.
14. Montreal 40 29 7 87 Points
Habs haven't scored a goal in three games since scoring eight against Minnesota.
15. N.Y. Rangers 41 30 5 87 Points
Henrik Lundqvist allows one goal in last three games. Named 3rd star of the week.
16. Calgary 38 28 11 87 Points
Plays Anaheim on Wednesday in a game that may determine their playoff chances.
17. Dallas 38 26 10 86 Points
Stars are still optimistic about playoff chances despite currently being on the outside looking in.
18. Buffalo 38 28 9 85 Points
Ryan Miller 4-0-1 in his last five starts with a pair of shutouts.
19. Carolina 35 30 10 80 Points
Hurricanes looking to beat Capitals for the 1st time this season (0-5)
20. Toronto 34 32 10 78 Points
Need to beat Buffalo tonight to keep their playoff chances alive.
21. Minnesota 35 32 8 78 Points
I like Todd Richards but I have my doubts whether he survives the season.
22. St. Louis 34 32 9 77 Points
Outshot the Wild 47-16 in 6-3 win Saturday night.
23. Columbus 33 31 11 77 Points
R.J. Umberger has three goals in his last three games for the Blue Jackets.
24. Atlanta 32 31 12 76 Points
5 game road trip for the Thrashers should be the final nail in the coffin for their playoff hope.
25. New Jersey 34 36 5 73 Points
Nice charge to get back in the playoff race but it looks like they will miss for the 1st time since 1996.
26. N.Y. Islanders 29 35 12 70 Points
Take away their poor start to the season & the Islanders have player pretty well.
27. Florida 29 36 11 69 Points
28. Ottawa 29 37 10 68 Points
Daniel Alfredsson close to returning from a lower back ailment.
29. Colorado 28 39 8 64 Points
Joe Sakic joining the front office a bright spot in a dim season for the Avalanche.
30. Edmonton 23 41 11 57 Points
Right now the favorite to have the 1st pick overall.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Week 23 Power Poll
Late last week I wrote a column about the Minnesota Wild's playoff chances.
After going 0-4 on their recent road trip, Minnesota's playoff hopes were on life support. However returning for a four game homestand, I felt that if the Wild got off to a solid start that they could stick around in the playoff picture.
Scratch that thought.
The Wild suffered back-to-back losses this weekend to Columbus & Montreal that all but ends their playoff hopes. Yes, they still are mathematically alive but I haven't seen anything from this team in the last six games that makes me think they can turn it around before the end of the season.
The Wild were down 4-2 against Columbus before coming back to tie the game with two minutes to play. Minnesota controlled action for most of the overtime until Brent Burns made a bad pass behind his net which led to the game winning goal by Antoine Vermette.
Last night against Montreal, the Wild fell behind early & never were a factor in the game losing 8-1 to the Canadiens. The one highlight of the game was P.K. Subban getting his 1st hat trick for Montreal & Candiens fans flooding the ice with hats.
The problem with the Wild is pretty clear. They don't have that one player that is capable of putting a team on his back & carrying them to a victory. Mikko Koivu is their best all around player but he needs a winger that is always a threat to score when on the ice. Playing on a line with Andrew Brunette & Antti Miettinen is not getting the job done.
The type of player the Wild needs is a player like Rick Nash in Columbus. Nash had two goals & two assist in the win over Minnesota on Saturday. Unfortunately those players aren't easy to find. Hard work can only carry you so far. It takes a combination of hard work & talent to be a playoff team. Right now the Wild are lacking in the latter category.
The Wild return to the ice tomorrow night trying to end their six game winless streak against Toronto. Unfortunately it looks like time has run out in regards to the post season.
Here is this week's Power Poll.
1. Vancouver 47 17 9 103 points
Manny Malhotra out for the season after suffering an eye injury. Big loss for the Canucks.
2. Philadelphia 44 19 8 96 points
Shootout win over Dallas clinches playoff berth for Flyers.
3. Detroit 43 21 8 94 points
Pavel Datsyuk is out indefinitely with a lower body injury.
4. Washington 42 21 10 94 points
Capitals decide to rest Ovechkin for the next 7-10 days to get him ready for the postseason.
5. San Jose 42 23 8 92 points
Joe Pavelski (3G, 8A) named 1st star of the week.
6. Pittsburgh 41 23 8 90 points
Matt Cooke suspended for the rest of the regular season & 1st round of the playoffs after his hit on Ryan McDonagh.
7. Tampa Bay 39 22 11 89 points
Lightning earn at least one point during each game of their road trip to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference.
8. Phoenix 39 24 11 89 points
It's too bad ownership issues off the ice are overshadowing the team's play on the ice.
9. Boston 39 22 10 88 points
1st place in the Northeast could be on the line with a match up against Montreal on Thursday.
10. Montreal 40 26 7 87 points
P.K. Subban's hat trick is one of the more impressive performance's I have seen.
11. Los Angeles 40 26 6 86 points
Kings have gone nine straight games without allowing a Power Play goal.
12. Chicago 39 25 8 86 points
Jonathan Toews has a point in 19 of his last 23 games.
13. Nashville 38 25 10 86 points
Blake Geoffrion's 1st career hat trick leads Nashville to win over Sabres.
14. Anaheim 40 27 5 85 points
Ray Emery (2-0-0 0.99 GAA) named 2nd star of the week.
15. Dallas 38 25 9 85 points
Stars are 2 for 27 on the Power Play in their last eight games.
16. Calgary 37 27 10 84 points
Jarome Iginla (2G, 2A) on a three game point streak for the Flames.
17. N.Y. Rangers 39 30 4 82 points
Rangers have won four in a row & six of their last seven games.
18. Buffalo 35 28 9 79 points
Derek Roy thinks he could be back from injury for the Sabres by May. Of course the Sabres have to be playing past mid-April for that to be a possibility.
19. Minnesota 35 30 8 78 points
I said everything I needed to say about this team at the beginning.
20. Carolina 33 29 10 76 points
Eric Staal (2G, 6A) in his last 15 games. Hurricanes need more from him to make the playoffs.
21. Columbus 33 29 10 76 points
After watching Rick Nash on Saturday (2G, 2A) I still say he's the best player nobody knows of.
22. Toronto 32 31 10 74 points
Three game road trip at Minnesota, Colorado & Detroit is the latest obstacle for the Leafs to overcome in their quest to return to the postseason.
23. St. Louis 32 31 9 73 points
12 points out of a playoff spot, The Blues are reduced to playing spoiler for the 5th time in the last six years.
24. New Jersey 34 34 4 72 points
Martin Brodeur records 115th career shutout in 3-0 win over Columbus.
25. Atlanta 30 30 12 72 points
8-2 loss to the Sabres should end any playoff hopes Thrasher fans may have had.
26. Florida 29 33 10 68 points
Evgeni Davadov had his 1st multi-goal game for the Panthers on Saturday vs. The Islanders.
27. N.Y. Islanders 28 33 12 68 points
Rick DiPietro plays his 1st game in goal in 6 1/2 weeks in win over Florida.
28. Ottawa 27 36 9 63 points
Senators sign Craig Anderson to a four year contract, so they have that going for them.
29. Colorado 27 36 8 62 points
There is only one thing keeping the Avs from the bottom of this list...
30. Edmonton 23 39 10 56 points
and it's the Oilers.
After going 0-4 on their recent road trip, Minnesota's playoff hopes were on life support. However returning for a four game homestand, I felt that if the Wild got off to a solid start that they could stick around in the playoff picture.
Scratch that thought.
The Wild suffered back-to-back losses this weekend to Columbus & Montreal that all but ends their playoff hopes. Yes, they still are mathematically alive but I haven't seen anything from this team in the last six games that makes me think they can turn it around before the end of the season.
The Wild were down 4-2 against Columbus before coming back to tie the game with two minutes to play. Minnesota controlled action for most of the overtime until Brent Burns made a bad pass behind his net which led to the game winning goal by Antoine Vermette.
Last night against Montreal, the Wild fell behind early & never were a factor in the game losing 8-1 to the Canadiens. The one highlight of the game was P.K. Subban getting his 1st hat trick for Montreal & Candiens fans flooding the ice with hats.
The problem with the Wild is pretty clear. They don't have that one player that is capable of putting a team on his back & carrying them to a victory. Mikko Koivu is their best all around player but he needs a winger that is always a threat to score when on the ice. Playing on a line with Andrew Brunette & Antti Miettinen is not getting the job done.
The type of player the Wild needs is a player like Rick Nash in Columbus. Nash had two goals & two assist in the win over Minnesota on Saturday. Unfortunately those players aren't easy to find. Hard work can only carry you so far. It takes a combination of hard work & talent to be a playoff team. Right now the Wild are lacking in the latter category.
The Wild return to the ice tomorrow night trying to end their six game winless streak against Toronto. Unfortunately it looks like time has run out in regards to the post season.
Here is this week's Power Poll.
1. Vancouver 47 17 9 103 points
Manny Malhotra out for the season after suffering an eye injury. Big loss for the Canucks.
2. Philadelphia 44 19 8 96 points
Shootout win over Dallas clinches playoff berth for Flyers.
3. Detroit 43 21 8 94 points
Pavel Datsyuk is out indefinitely with a lower body injury.
4. Washington 42 21 10 94 points
Capitals decide to rest Ovechkin for the next 7-10 days to get him ready for the postseason.
5. San Jose 42 23 8 92 points
Joe Pavelski (3G, 8A) named 1st star of the week.
6. Pittsburgh 41 23 8 90 points
Matt Cooke suspended for the rest of the regular season & 1st round of the playoffs after his hit on Ryan McDonagh.
7. Tampa Bay 39 22 11 89 points
Lightning earn at least one point during each game of their road trip to stay near the top of the Eastern Conference.
8. Phoenix 39 24 11 89 points
It's too bad ownership issues off the ice are overshadowing the team's play on the ice.
9. Boston 39 22 10 88 points
1st place in the Northeast could be on the line with a match up against Montreal on Thursday.
10. Montreal 40 26 7 87 points
P.K. Subban's hat trick is one of the more impressive performance's I have seen.
11. Los Angeles 40 26 6 86 points
Kings have gone nine straight games without allowing a Power Play goal.
12. Chicago 39 25 8 86 points
Jonathan Toews has a point in 19 of his last 23 games.
13. Nashville 38 25 10 86 points
Blake Geoffrion's 1st career hat trick leads Nashville to win over Sabres.
14. Anaheim 40 27 5 85 points
Ray Emery (2-0-0 0.99 GAA) named 2nd star of the week.
15. Dallas 38 25 9 85 points
Stars are 2 for 27 on the Power Play in their last eight games.
16. Calgary 37 27 10 84 points
Jarome Iginla (2G, 2A) on a three game point streak for the Flames.
17. N.Y. Rangers 39 30 4 82 points
Rangers have won four in a row & six of their last seven games.
18. Buffalo 35 28 9 79 points
Derek Roy thinks he could be back from injury for the Sabres by May. Of course the Sabres have to be playing past mid-April for that to be a possibility.
19. Minnesota 35 30 8 78 points
I said everything I needed to say about this team at the beginning.
20. Carolina 33 29 10 76 points
Eric Staal (2G, 6A) in his last 15 games. Hurricanes need more from him to make the playoffs.
21. Columbus 33 29 10 76 points
After watching Rick Nash on Saturday (2G, 2A) I still say he's the best player nobody knows of.
22. Toronto 32 31 10 74 points
Three game road trip at Minnesota, Colorado & Detroit is the latest obstacle for the Leafs to overcome in their quest to return to the postseason.
23. St. Louis 32 31 9 73 points
12 points out of a playoff spot, The Blues are reduced to playing spoiler for the 5th time in the last six years.
24. New Jersey 34 34 4 72 points
Martin Brodeur records 115th career shutout in 3-0 win over Columbus.
25. Atlanta 30 30 12 72 points
8-2 loss to the Sabres should end any playoff hopes Thrasher fans may have had.
26. Florida 29 33 10 68 points
Evgeni Davadov had his 1st multi-goal game for the Panthers on Saturday vs. The Islanders.
27. N.Y. Islanders 28 33 12 68 points
Rick DiPietro plays his 1st game in goal in 6 1/2 weeks in win over Florida.
28. Ottawa 27 36 9 63 points
Senators sign Craig Anderson to a four year contract, so they have that going for them.
29. Colorado 27 36 8 62 points
There is only one thing keeping the Avs from the bottom of this list...
30. Edmonton 23 39 10 56 points
and it's the Oilers.
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Road to Nowhere
Last week the Minnesota Wild set out their most important road trip of the season, Four games in Nashville, Dallas, Vancouver, & San Jose.
None of these games were going to be easy for the Wild. Nashville is always tough to play against & the Wild hadn't won in Dallas since 2003. Add in the fact that Vancouver & San Jose are two of the best teams in the NHL & I felt the Wild would be lucky to get 5 out of 8 points on this road trip. The worst case scenario would be the Wild losing all four games in regulation.
Well, the Worst case scenario happened.
The Wild started out the road trip with back to back 4-0 defeats against Dallas & Nashville. They were down 3-0 against Vancouver before ending their scoring drought in a 4-2 defeat. The Wild played their best game of the road trip in San Jose but still fell short losing 3-2 too a much more talented Sharks team.
The question now is where do the Wild stand?
They are six points behind Calgary for the 8th spot in the Western Conference with 11 games left. The good news for the Wild is that Calgary has two fewer games to play than Minnesota.
I said at the start of the season that as long as Minnesota could finish 2nd in the Northwest Division they could get a playoff spot. I still think the Wild can finish ahead of Calgary in the standings.
The problem for the Wild isn't the team in the 8th spot in the West, It's the teams in the 9th & 10th spots.
Nashville is 9th in the West and they have eleven games remaining with four of those against the bottom teams in the Western Conference plus a home game with Anaheim. Of those remaining eleven games only three are on the road. Nashville does play Vancouver once & Detroit twice but those games will be in Nashville. it's a very favorable schedule for the Predators
Anaheim has twelve games left in the season with two of those against Calgary. The bad news for the Ducks is they also have two games with San Jose, two with Dallas, three with Los Angeles & one with Chicago. If the Ducks are going to get that final playoff spot they are going to have to earn it.
Right now the Wild can't worry about the three teams ahead of them. They can only worry about the team on the ice that they are playing.
The Wild start a four game homestand on Saturday against Columbus followed by visits from Montreal, Toronto, & St. Louis. I'm not expecting a sweep on this homestand but all four games are winnable. Columbus & St. Louis are out of the playoff picture while Toronto is making it's annual late season charge. Montreal seems locked in at the six seed in the East.
Can the Wild still make the playoffs? I'm not ready to write them off yet but time is running out. If a turnaround is to happen it starts tomorrow at 1 PM against Columbus.
Thanks for reading & enjoy the hockey.
None of these games were going to be easy for the Wild. Nashville is always tough to play against & the Wild hadn't won in Dallas since 2003. Add in the fact that Vancouver & San Jose are two of the best teams in the NHL & I felt the Wild would be lucky to get 5 out of 8 points on this road trip. The worst case scenario would be the Wild losing all four games in regulation.
Well, the Worst case scenario happened.
The Wild started out the road trip with back to back 4-0 defeats against Dallas & Nashville. They were down 3-0 against Vancouver before ending their scoring drought in a 4-2 defeat. The Wild played their best game of the road trip in San Jose but still fell short losing 3-2 too a much more talented Sharks team.
The question now is where do the Wild stand?
They are six points behind Calgary for the 8th spot in the Western Conference with 11 games left. The good news for the Wild is that Calgary has two fewer games to play than Minnesota.
I said at the start of the season that as long as Minnesota could finish 2nd in the Northwest Division they could get a playoff spot. I still think the Wild can finish ahead of Calgary in the standings.
The problem for the Wild isn't the team in the 8th spot in the West, It's the teams in the 9th & 10th spots.
Nashville is 9th in the West and they have eleven games remaining with four of those against the bottom teams in the Western Conference plus a home game with Anaheim. Of those remaining eleven games only three are on the road. Nashville does play Vancouver once & Detroit twice but those games will be in Nashville. it's a very favorable schedule for the Predators
Anaheim has twelve games left in the season with two of those against Calgary. The bad news for the Ducks is they also have two games with San Jose, two with Dallas, three with Los Angeles & one with Chicago. If the Ducks are going to get that final playoff spot they are going to have to earn it.
Right now the Wild can't worry about the three teams ahead of them. They can only worry about the team on the ice that they are playing.
The Wild start a four game homestand on Saturday against Columbus followed by visits from Montreal, Toronto, & St. Louis. I'm not expecting a sweep on this homestand but all four games are winnable. Columbus & St. Louis are out of the playoff picture while Toronto is making it's annual late season charge. Montreal seems locked in at the six seed in the East.
Can the Wild still make the playoffs? I'm not ready to write them off yet but time is running out. If a turnaround is to happen it starts tomorrow at 1 PM against Columbus.
Thanks for reading & enjoy the hockey.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Week 22 Power Poll:
It seems like the only time the NHL makes national headlines is when something bad happens.
That was the case this past week in a game between Boston & Montreal. During the 2nd period there was a play along the boards where Zdeno Chara checks Max Pacioretty. The only problem was Chara drives him head first into the pylon that separates the benches.
Pacioretty suffered a severe concussion, & a fracture of the fourth cervical vertebrae as a result of the hit & was carried off on a stretcher. Chara was given a five minute major for interference & a game misconduct.
The NHL decided last week that Chara would not serve a suspension for the hit on Pacioretty & Montreal police police opened up an investigation whether they should proceed with criminal charges against Chara.
I have two opinions on this.
First of all Chara should have been suspended. Watching the hit I don't believe there was an intent to injure Pacioretty but when you are on the ice you need to be aware of where you are at all times. There was no need to lay a check on Pacioretty near the boards.
Chara is the tallest player in the league and stronger that most players on the ice. He says he holds back a lot in fear of hurting another player. It looked like he didn't hold back on that hit.
If Chara was given five minute major & a game misconduct for the hit then he should serve a suspension. If the NHL is serious about protecting the health of their players events like this should not go unpunished.
As for the Montreal police getting involved I highly disagree with that.
Yes it was a vicious hit but I don't believe there was any malicious intent to injure. The NHL is a fast paced game and unfortunately violent things can happen on the ice. It is up to the NHL to police the actions of the players not the local police department.
The only way the police should ever get involved is if the player is willing to file charges against the perpetrator. Pacioretty says he doesn't want to police getting involved so that should be the end of it.
I don't think we have heard the last of this incident. Montreal & Boston play each other again next Thursday in Boston and right now they are on pace to meet each other in the post-season. My guess is there will be some carryover of emotions next Thursday in Boston.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 22.
1. Vancouver 45 16 9 99 points
Can reach 100 points tonight just by reaching overtime against Minnesota.
2. Philadelphia 42 19 7 91 points
Chris Pronger is out 3-4 weeks with a hand injury. Not good news for a team that has lost four of their last six games.
3. Detroit 41 20 8 90 points
Back to Back wins over Edmonton & St. Louis get the Red Wings back on track after four game losing streak.
4. Washington 40 20 10 90 points
Speaking of streaks, The capitals have won eight in a row.
5. Pittsburgh 40 22 8 88 points
Good news Penguins fans, Sidney Crosby is skating again.
6. San Jose 39 22 8 86 points
Sharks are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games.
7. Boston 38 21 9 85 points
Bruins have lost their last four games.
8. Tampa Bay 38 22 9 85 points
Martin St. Louis & Steven Stamkos each have points in their last four games.
9. Los Angeles 39 25 5 83 points
If you are looking for a dark horse in the Western Conference start here.
10. Montreal 38 24 7 83 points
Here's to Max Pacioretty on making a speedy recovery.
11. Phoenix 36 23 11 83 points
I'll give the Coyotes credit, they are a lot better than I thought they would be this season.
12. Chicago 37 24 8 82 points
I think Jonathan Toews deserves serious consideration for the Hart Trophy.
13. Dallas 37 24 8 82 points
Stars get a boost with Brad Richards returning to the lineup.
14. Calgary 36 26 9 81 points
I still don't trust them.
15. Nashville 35 24 10 80 points
10 of their next 13 games are at home.Keep that in mind as the Predators make their playoff push.
16. Anaheim 37 27 5 79 points
Ducks better hope Jonas Hiller returns soon.
17. Minnesota 35 27 7 77 points
Back to back 4-0 defeats to Nashville & Dallas could doom Minnesota's playoff hopes.
18. Buffalo 34 27 8 76 points
Rest in Peace Rick Martin.
19. N.Y. Rangers 36 30 4 76 points
Play four of their next five games are at home.
20. Columbus 32 27 9 73 points
Hanging around in the playoff picture but time is running out.
21. Carolina 31 28 10 72 points
Hurricanes are 3 for 61 on the Power Play in their last 15 games.
22. St. Louis 31 29 9 71 points
Chris Stewart has 12 points (9G, 3A) since coming over from Colorado.
23. Toronto 30 29 10 70 points
Maple Leafs have had 15 of their last 20 games decided by one goal.
24. Atlanta 29 28 12 70 points
Four goal 3rd period leads to 5-4 Overtime win over Philadelphia on Saturday.
25. New Jersey 32 32 4 68 points
Devils are 22-3-2 in their last 27 games and they still can't gain ground on the Rangers & Sabres.
26. Florida 28 32 9 65 points
I have nothing to say about Florida so here is an overtime winner for you.
27. N.Y. Islanders 27 32 11 65 points
Interesting article on why the Islanders rebuilding is finally working.
28. Colorado 26 34 8 60 points
Avs have lost 17 of their last 18 games.
29. Ottawa 25 35 9 59 points
Senators have scored on the Power Play in their last three games.
30. Edmonton 23 38 9 55 points
Oilers are the 1st team eliminated from post-season contention. Thanks for playing.
That was the case this past week in a game between Boston & Montreal. During the 2nd period there was a play along the boards where Zdeno Chara checks Max Pacioretty. The only problem was Chara drives him head first into the pylon that separates the benches.
Pacioretty suffered a severe concussion, & a fracture of the fourth cervical vertebrae as a result of the hit & was carried off on a stretcher. Chara was given a five minute major for interference & a game misconduct.
The NHL decided last week that Chara would not serve a suspension for the hit on Pacioretty & Montreal police police opened up an investigation whether they should proceed with criminal charges against Chara.
I have two opinions on this.
First of all Chara should have been suspended. Watching the hit I don't believe there was an intent to injure Pacioretty but when you are on the ice you need to be aware of where you are at all times. There was no need to lay a check on Pacioretty near the boards.
Chara is the tallest player in the league and stronger that most players on the ice. He says he holds back a lot in fear of hurting another player. It looked like he didn't hold back on that hit.
If Chara was given five minute major & a game misconduct for the hit then he should serve a suspension. If the NHL is serious about protecting the health of their players events like this should not go unpunished.
As for the Montreal police getting involved I highly disagree with that.
Yes it was a vicious hit but I don't believe there was any malicious intent to injure. The NHL is a fast paced game and unfortunately violent things can happen on the ice. It is up to the NHL to police the actions of the players not the local police department.
The only way the police should ever get involved is if the player is willing to file charges against the perpetrator. Pacioretty says he doesn't want to police getting involved so that should be the end of it.
I don't think we have heard the last of this incident. Montreal & Boston play each other again next Thursday in Boston and right now they are on pace to meet each other in the post-season. My guess is there will be some carryover of emotions next Thursday in Boston.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 22.
1. Vancouver 45 16 9 99 points
Can reach 100 points tonight just by reaching overtime against Minnesota.
2. Philadelphia 42 19 7 91 points
Chris Pronger is out 3-4 weeks with a hand injury. Not good news for a team that has lost four of their last six games.
3. Detroit 41 20 8 90 points
Back to Back wins over Edmonton & St. Louis get the Red Wings back on track after four game losing streak.
4. Washington 40 20 10 90 points
Speaking of streaks, The capitals have won eight in a row.
5. Pittsburgh 40 22 8 88 points
Good news Penguins fans, Sidney Crosby is skating again.
6. San Jose 39 22 8 86 points
Sharks are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games.
7. Boston 38 21 9 85 points
Bruins have lost their last four games.
8. Tampa Bay 38 22 9 85 points
Martin St. Louis & Steven Stamkos each have points in their last four games.
9. Los Angeles 39 25 5 83 points
If you are looking for a dark horse in the Western Conference start here.
10. Montreal 38 24 7 83 points
Here's to Max Pacioretty on making a speedy recovery.
11. Phoenix 36 23 11 83 points
I'll give the Coyotes credit, they are a lot better than I thought they would be this season.
12. Chicago 37 24 8 82 points
I think Jonathan Toews deserves serious consideration for the Hart Trophy.
13. Dallas 37 24 8 82 points
Stars get a boost with Brad Richards returning to the lineup.
14. Calgary 36 26 9 81 points
I still don't trust them.
15. Nashville 35 24 10 80 points
10 of their next 13 games are at home.Keep that in mind as the Predators make their playoff push.
16. Anaheim 37 27 5 79 points
Ducks better hope Jonas Hiller returns soon.
17. Minnesota 35 27 7 77 points
Back to back 4-0 defeats to Nashville & Dallas could doom Minnesota's playoff hopes.
18. Buffalo 34 27 8 76 points
Rest in Peace Rick Martin.
19. N.Y. Rangers 36 30 4 76 points
Play four of their next five games are at home.
20. Columbus 32 27 9 73 points
Hanging around in the playoff picture but time is running out.
21. Carolina 31 28 10 72 points
Hurricanes are 3 for 61 on the Power Play in their last 15 games.
22. St. Louis 31 29 9 71 points
Chris Stewart has 12 points (9G, 3A) since coming over from Colorado.
23. Toronto 30 29 10 70 points
Maple Leafs have had 15 of their last 20 games decided by one goal.
24. Atlanta 29 28 12 70 points
Four goal 3rd period leads to 5-4 Overtime win over Philadelphia on Saturday.
25. New Jersey 32 32 4 68 points
Devils are 22-3-2 in their last 27 games and they still can't gain ground on the Rangers & Sabres.
26. Florida 28 32 9 65 points
I have nothing to say about Florida so here is an overtime winner for you.
27. N.Y. Islanders 27 32 11 65 points
Interesting article on why the Islanders rebuilding is finally working.
28. Colorado 26 34 8 60 points
Avs have lost 17 of their last 18 games.
29. Ottawa 25 35 9 59 points
Senators have scored on the Power Play in their last three games.
30. Edmonton 23 38 9 55 points
Oilers are the 1st team eliminated from post-season contention. Thanks for playing.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Week 21 Power Poll
The NHL Trade Deadline was last Monday & while it wasn't as active as it has been in previous years moves were made by teams hoping that the player they acquired is the missing piece of the puzzle in pursuit of The Stanley Cup.
Now we won't know how everything shapes out until June but we can speculate in the meantime.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 21 & my thoughts on how each team did at the deadline.
1. Vancouver 42 16 9 93 points
Addition of Chris Higgins & Maxim Lapierre makes a deep squad even deeper.
2. Detroit 39 19 8 86 points
Didn't make any moves at the deadline but they have the luxury of not needing to.
3. Philadelphia 40 19 6 86 points
Didn't add a goaltender. We'll know in the spring if that was the right move.
4. Boston 38 19 8 84 points
Addition of Tomas Kaberle on defense gives them the defenseman they have been lacking the last two seasons.
5. Pittsburgh 38 21 8 84 points
Adding James Neal & Alexei Kovalev doesn't make up for Crosby & Malkin but it allows the Penguins to remain competitive while they are out of the line-up.
6. Washington 36 20 10 82 points
The additions of Jason Arnott, Dennis Widemann & Marco Sturm makes the Capitals much more dangerous than they already were.
7. San Jose 38 22 6 82 points
Addition of Ian White strengthens a blueline that was already strong.
8. Tampa Bay 37 21 7 81 points
No moves at the deadline but additions of Eric Brewer on defense & Dwayne Roloson should ensure 1st playoff berth since 2007.
9. Chicago 37 23 6 80 points
Only addition at the deadline was Chris Campoli but the way the Blackhawks have been playing during the last month a major move wasn't necessary.
10. Montreal 36 23 7 79 points
Added a Stanley Cup winner in Brent Sopel to their defense but did little else.
11. Calgary 35 24 9 79 points
Acquired Fredrik Modin who has won a Stanley Cup to help keep Flames in playoff race.
12. Phoenix 34 23 10 78 points
Acquired Rotislav Klesla from Columbus to fill the void of Zybnek Michalek on defense but did little else due to ownership situation.
13. Dallas 35 23 7 77 points
Decided to keep the most coveted player, Brad Richards, at the trade deadline not knowing if he will return next season.
14. Los Angeles 36 25 4 76 points
Acquisition of Dustin Penner from Edmonton may be the missing scorer the Kings have been looking for.
15. Minnesota 34 25 7 75 points
Made one minor deal but decided to go with what they have down the stretch.
16. Anaheim 35 26 5 75 points
Acquired Dan Ellis to play goal and fill a huge void with Jonas Hiller out of the lineup.
17. Nashville 33 24 9 75 points
Getting Mike Fisher from Ottawa was the only impact move the Predators made.
18. N.Y. Rangers 35 29 4 74 points
Bryan McCabe will make their blueline better but will have to wait until July 1st to try for Brad Richards.
19. Buffalo 32 25 8 72 points
Getting Brad Boyes from St. Louis should have a positive impact for the Sabres as far as scoring goes.
20. Carolina 31 26 9 71 points
Brought back former cup winner Cory Stillman & Bryan Allen to bolster playoff push.
21. Columbus 31 26 7 69 points
Scottie Upshall will give the Blue Jackets depth at forward but I don't think Sami Lepisto can replace Klesla on the blueline.
22. Toronto 29 28 9 67 points
No one was more active at the deadline than Brian Burke. his moves should make the Leafs better next year if not the rest of this season.
23. St. Louis 28 28 9 65 points
Underachieving roster shaken up. Getting Chris Stewart gives them a power forward in the mold of Keith Tkachuk.
24. Atlanta 27 28 11 65 points
Still building the core of the team with the addition of Blake Wheeler & Mark Stuart from Boston.
25. New Jersey 30 31 4 64 points
Tough call trading Arnott with how well Jersey has played the last two months but it was the right decision.
26. Florida 26 31 9 61 points
Has plenty of cap space to use next season after the trades they made.
27. Colorado 26 31 8 60 points
Hoping Erik Johnson can live up to standards of being a number one pick now that he plays in Denver.
28. N.Y. Islanders 25 32 10 60 points
Made no moves at the deadline but have a good young core of players to build around.
29. Edmonton 23 35 8 54 points
Traded away Dustin Penner but held on to Ales Hemsky.
30. Ottawa 22 34 9 53 points
Bryan Murray has dismantled a roster that underachieved all season. Not sure if he will be around to rebuild it.
Now we won't know how everything shapes out until June but we can speculate in the meantime.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 21 & my thoughts on how each team did at the deadline.
1. Vancouver 42 16 9 93 points
Addition of Chris Higgins & Maxim Lapierre makes a deep squad even deeper.
2. Detroit 39 19 8 86 points
Didn't make any moves at the deadline but they have the luxury of not needing to.
3. Philadelphia 40 19 6 86 points
Didn't add a goaltender. We'll know in the spring if that was the right move.
4. Boston 38 19 8 84 points
Addition of Tomas Kaberle on defense gives them the defenseman they have been lacking the last two seasons.
5. Pittsburgh 38 21 8 84 points
Adding James Neal & Alexei Kovalev doesn't make up for Crosby & Malkin but it allows the Penguins to remain competitive while they are out of the line-up.
6. Washington 36 20 10 82 points
The additions of Jason Arnott, Dennis Widemann & Marco Sturm makes the Capitals much more dangerous than they already were.
7. San Jose 38 22 6 82 points
Addition of Ian White strengthens a blueline that was already strong.
8. Tampa Bay 37 21 7 81 points
No moves at the deadline but additions of Eric Brewer on defense & Dwayne Roloson should ensure 1st playoff berth since 2007.
9. Chicago 37 23 6 80 points
Only addition at the deadline was Chris Campoli but the way the Blackhawks have been playing during the last month a major move wasn't necessary.
10. Montreal 36 23 7 79 points
Added a Stanley Cup winner in Brent Sopel to their defense but did little else.
11. Calgary 35 24 9 79 points
Acquired Fredrik Modin who has won a Stanley Cup to help keep Flames in playoff race.
12. Phoenix 34 23 10 78 points
Acquired Rotislav Klesla from Columbus to fill the void of Zybnek Michalek on defense but did little else due to ownership situation.
13. Dallas 35 23 7 77 points
Decided to keep the most coveted player, Brad Richards, at the trade deadline not knowing if he will return next season.
14. Los Angeles 36 25 4 76 points
Acquisition of Dustin Penner from Edmonton may be the missing scorer the Kings have been looking for.
15. Minnesota 34 25 7 75 points
Made one minor deal but decided to go with what they have down the stretch.
16. Anaheim 35 26 5 75 points
Acquired Dan Ellis to play goal and fill a huge void with Jonas Hiller out of the lineup.
17. Nashville 33 24 9 75 points
Getting Mike Fisher from Ottawa was the only impact move the Predators made.
18. N.Y. Rangers 35 29 4 74 points
Bryan McCabe will make their blueline better but will have to wait until July 1st to try for Brad Richards.
19. Buffalo 32 25 8 72 points
Getting Brad Boyes from St. Louis should have a positive impact for the Sabres as far as scoring goes.
20. Carolina 31 26 9 71 points
Brought back former cup winner Cory Stillman & Bryan Allen to bolster playoff push.
21. Columbus 31 26 7 69 points
Scottie Upshall will give the Blue Jackets depth at forward but I don't think Sami Lepisto can replace Klesla on the blueline.
22. Toronto 29 28 9 67 points
No one was more active at the deadline than Brian Burke. his moves should make the Leafs better next year if not the rest of this season.
23. St. Louis 28 28 9 65 points
Underachieving roster shaken up. Getting Chris Stewart gives them a power forward in the mold of Keith Tkachuk.
24. Atlanta 27 28 11 65 points
Still building the core of the team with the addition of Blake Wheeler & Mark Stuart from Boston.
25. New Jersey 30 31 4 64 points
Tough call trading Arnott with how well Jersey has played the last two months but it was the right decision.
26. Florida 26 31 9 61 points
Has plenty of cap space to use next season after the trades they made.
27. Colorado 26 31 8 60 points
Hoping Erik Johnson can live up to standards of being a number one pick now that he plays in Denver.
28. N.Y. Islanders 25 32 10 60 points
Made no moves at the deadline but have a good young core of players to build around.
29. Edmonton 23 35 8 54 points
Traded away Dustin Penner but held on to Ales Hemsky.
30. Ottawa 22 34 9 53 points
Bryan Murray has dismantled a roster that underachieved all season. Not sure if he will be around to rebuild it.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
State of the Minnesota Wild after the trade deadline.
The NHL Trade deadline was Monday afternoon and there was a lot of speculation as to what the Minnesota Wild would do.
Would the Wild add another wing that can score? Would they find a center to replace Mikko Koivu who is out with a broken finger? Who they try to get something for one of the unrestricted free agents on the roster?
When it was all said and done the Wild made only a minor trade sending Goaltender Anton Khudobin to Boston in exchange for Defenseman Jeff Penner & Forward Mikko Lehtonen.
I had a chance to read message boards & blogs in the last 24 hours & Wild fans are not happy with the lack of action at the trade deadline.
To that I say Let's calm down, it's way too early to panic.
Yeah it would have been nice if the Wild could have added a top six forward at the deadline but fans need to remember that to get something you have to give up something.
Any top six forward would have cost them an impact player from the roster & either a prospect of draft pick.
The Wild are a scrappy team with only a few impact players on their roster. There was no way they were going to trade a player like Brent Burns while they are in the middle of a playoff race.
And let's not forget that when GM Chuck Fletcher took over the cupboard wasn't filled with talent at the lower level. Fletcher doesn't have the luxury of trading prospects & draft picks when the minor league system is being restocked. Especially when most of the names rumored to be available at the deadline are upcoming free agents.
Other fans have said the Wild should have traded one of their upcoming free agents so they don't lose them for nothing.
One thing fans need to realize is that you never lose a free agent without getting anything in return. If you can't get a player or draft pick in return for a player you can always get cap space that you can use down the road to reshape your roster.
Plus look how the Wild have played so far in 2011. The Wild have gone 16-9-1 since January 1st and have put themselves back in the middle of the playoff race. A lot of that is due to the players in the room. I think the players on the roster have earned the right to finish what they have started. There is good chemistry in the locker room & there is no need to tinker with it as long as things are working.
I think fans need to remember that most people expected the Wild to miss the playoffs. While they aren't guaranteed to make the playoffs the fact they are in the playoff race should thrill people. As Philadelphia & Montreal showed us last year all you have to do is get in and then anything can happen.
I know some fans think that Minnesota would be better off losing the rest of their games to get a better draft pick. I have never agreed with that strategy.
The draft is a crapshoot. You never know how any player is going to turn out when they are picked. A perfect example is Cam Barker. Chicago picked him 3rd overall in 2004 after Alex Ovechkin & Evgeni Malkin. Looking back on that draft I'm not sure Barker would go in the 3rd round let alone 3rd overall.
All you have to do is look at Minnesota's previous draft history. The last 1st round pick to have an impact is Brent Burns who was picked in 2003.
The fans need to let Fletcher do what he was hired to do & rebuild the roster. An unexpected playoff run shouldn't change the plan.
My advice to Wild fans is to sit back, enjoy the next 19 games, & let's just see what happens.
I'll be back on Monday with the latest Power Poll & my thoughts on how each team did at the deadline.
Until then thanks for reading & enjoy the hockey.
Would the Wild add another wing that can score? Would they find a center to replace Mikko Koivu who is out with a broken finger? Who they try to get something for one of the unrestricted free agents on the roster?
When it was all said and done the Wild made only a minor trade sending Goaltender Anton Khudobin to Boston in exchange for Defenseman Jeff Penner & Forward Mikko Lehtonen.
I had a chance to read message boards & blogs in the last 24 hours & Wild fans are not happy with the lack of action at the trade deadline.
To that I say Let's calm down, it's way too early to panic.
Yeah it would have been nice if the Wild could have added a top six forward at the deadline but fans need to remember that to get something you have to give up something.
Any top six forward would have cost them an impact player from the roster & either a prospect of draft pick.
The Wild are a scrappy team with only a few impact players on their roster. There was no way they were going to trade a player like Brent Burns while they are in the middle of a playoff race.
And let's not forget that when GM Chuck Fletcher took over the cupboard wasn't filled with talent at the lower level. Fletcher doesn't have the luxury of trading prospects & draft picks when the minor league system is being restocked. Especially when most of the names rumored to be available at the deadline are upcoming free agents.
Other fans have said the Wild should have traded one of their upcoming free agents so they don't lose them for nothing.
One thing fans need to realize is that you never lose a free agent without getting anything in return. If you can't get a player or draft pick in return for a player you can always get cap space that you can use down the road to reshape your roster.
Plus look how the Wild have played so far in 2011. The Wild have gone 16-9-1 since January 1st and have put themselves back in the middle of the playoff race. A lot of that is due to the players in the room. I think the players on the roster have earned the right to finish what they have started. There is good chemistry in the locker room & there is no need to tinker with it as long as things are working.
I think fans need to remember that most people expected the Wild to miss the playoffs. While they aren't guaranteed to make the playoffs the fact they are in the playoff race should thrill people. As Philadelphia & Montreal showed us last year all you have to do is get in and then anything can happen.
I know some fans think that Minnesota would be better off losing the rest of their games to get a better draft pick. I have never agreed with that strategy.
The draft is a crapshoot. You never know how any player is going to turn out when they are picked. A perfect example is Cam Barker. Chicago picked him 3rd overall in 2004 after Alex Ovechkin & Evgeni Malkin. Looking back on that draft I'm not sure Barker would go in the 3rd round let alone 3rd overall.
All you have to do is look at Minnesota's previous draft history. The last 1st round pick to have an impact is Brent Burns who was picked in 2003.
The fans need to let Fletcher do what he was hired to do & rebuild the roster. An unexpected playoff run shouldn't change the plan.
My advice to Wild fans is to sit back, enjoy the next 19 games, & let's just see what happens.
I'll be back on Monday with the latest Power Poll & my thoughts on how each team did at the deadline.
Until then thanks for reading & enjoy the hockey.
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