The NHL trade deadline is today and if this day is like previous trade deadlines expect a lot of chaotic activity before 3 PM as teams try to improve their team depth in order to make a run at Lord Stanley's Cup.
I'll have a breakdown of the winners & losers at the deadline later this week but there is one trade I want to touch on before we move to the Power Poll.
Marek Zidlicky to New Jersey.
It's no secret that Zidlicky hasn't been happy in Minnesota for the last few months. He had his differences with Wild head coach Mike Yeo and has been a healthy scratch for numerous games during the last couple months.
Last month reports came out that Zidlicky was willing to waive his no trade clause to go to New Jersey. That became a reality on Friday when Minnesota acquired Defenseman Kurtis Foster, Forwards Stephane Veilleux & Nick Palmieri, a 2nd round pick in 2012 and a conditional 3rd round pick in 2013 in exchange for Zidlicky.
I like this deal for the Wild because you get rid of a player who was unhappy and clearly didn't want to be here. In the deal you get back two former Wild players, Foster (4G, 10A) & Veilleux who were well liked by their teammates and have proven they can play in the NHL.
I'm also intrigued by the addition of Palmieri (5G, 6A) at forward. A 3rd round pick by the Devils in the 2007 NHL draft, he has been a 20 goal scorer playing for the Erie Otters & the Belleville Bulls of the OHL.
Palmieri was given a chance to be a top six forward with New Jersey and was never able to seize the opportunity. Hopefully a change of scenery is all he will need to become a regular with the Wild.
The 2nd round pick Minnesota acquires in this year's draft will replace the one they traded away in the Brent Burns deal and the 3rd round pick in 2013 is conditional depending on how far the Devils make it in the playoffs.
As for New Jersey the trade for Zidlicky tells me that GM Lou Lamoriello is making a push for the Stanley Cup this season.
Zach Parise is an unrestricted free agent after this season and goaltender Martin Brodeur isn't getting any younger. With the Devils 9-3-1 since the Al-Star break they have a chance at home ice in the 1st round.
The addition of Zidlicky (0G, 14A) gives depth to a New Jersey blueline that is already missing Henrik Tallinder on defense.
While Zidlicky's stats are considerably down from where they usually are the Devils are hoping a change of scenery for him will help get him back on track and produce the way he has in previous years.
Right now I think this is a good deal for Minnesota. Getting two NHL players, a prospect and two draft picks for a 35 year old defenseman who was wearing out his welcome in Minnesota.
Not a bad trade for Wild GM Chuck Fletcher.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 19.
1. Vancouver 40-16-7 87 points
When you end a 23 game home winning streak (shootout or no shootout) you get the top spot in the Power Poll.
2. Detroit 41-19-3 85 points
Losing in a shootout at home to Vancouver I understand. Losing at home in regulation to Colorado I don't.
3. N.Y. Rangers 39-15-6 84 points
Congrats to Ryan Callahan on his 100th career goal. (An overtime winner no less.)
4. Boston 37-20-3 77 points
With injuries to Nathan Horton & Rich Peverly The Bruins could be in the market for a forward.
5. St. Louis 38-17-7 83 points
Blues forward David Perron has 12 points in his last 11 games.
6. Pittsburgh 36-21-5 77 points
Evgeni Malkin gives us another goal of the year candidate.
7. Nashville 36-19-7 79 points
Predators power play has scored 17 man-advantage goals in its last 22 games.
8. New Jersey 35-22-4 74 points
Back to Back losses in regulation over the weekend drop the Devils from 4th to 6th in the East.
9. Philadelphia 34-20-7 75 points
When the Flyers signed Ilya Bryzgalov to a 9 year contract worth 51 million over the summer I'm guessing they didn't plan on shopping for a goalie at the trade deadline. Funny how things change.
10. Chicago 33-24-7 73 points
No team in playoff contention needs a center as much as the Blackhawks do.
11. Ottawa 33-23-8 74 points
Acquisition of Ben Bishop from St. Louis gives the Senators the goalie they have been looking for.
12. Dallas 33-26-4 70 points
Four game winning streak has the Stars holding the final playoff spot in the West.
13. San Jose 32-22-7 71 points
Sharks finish 16 day road trip 2-6-1.
14. Phoenix 32-21-9 73 points
And because of the Sharks struggles on the road the Coyotes right now are on top of the Pacific Division.
15. Colorado 32-27-4 68 points
Forward Steve Downie is having an impact since joining the Avalanche lineup scoring two goals and three assists in three games.
16. Washington 31-26-5 67 points
What could have been an awful week with losses to Carolina (5-0) and Ottawa (5-2) ends on a positive note with back to back wins over Montreal (4-1) and Toronto (4-2)
17. Winnipeg 30-26-8 68 points
There is a very good chance the Jets could win the Southeast and have home ice in the first round of the playoffs. If that happens I feel bad for the team that has to play them.
18. Florida 29-20-12 70 points
On a night when he was honored as the longest tenured Panther, Stephen Weiss scores two goals in win over Montreal.
19. Toronto 29-26-7 65 points
Forget Rick Nash, this team needs help in goal.
20. Los Angeles 28-22-12 68 points
Kings are hoping that Jeff Carter being reunited with Mike Richards will help the team to start scoring goals. It can't hurt.
21. Tampa Bay 28-28-6 62 points
With a hat trick on Sunday Martin St. Louis reaches the 20 goal mark for the ninth consecutive season.
22. Minnesota 28-25-9 65 points
I have to think defenseman Greg Zanon and goaltender Josh Harding will be in high demand at the trade deadline.
23. Calgary 28-23-11 67 points
Flames say they will not trade Olli Jokinen. There goes their playoff hopes.
24. Anaheim 27-25-10 64 points
Ducks are a league best 17-4-4 since New Years Day.
25. Buffalo 27-27-8 62 points
With the season being a disappointment the Sabres have a lot of valuable assets if they choose to be sellers.
26. N.Y. Islanders 26-28-8 60 points
Islanders leaning towards keeping Evgeni Nabokov instead of trading him as they think they have a shot at the playoffs. (They don't)
27. Montreal 24-29-10 58 points
First trade on the day of the deadline, Canadiens send Andrei Kostitsyn to Nashville to play with brother Sergei.
28. Edmonton 24-31-6 54 points
Instead of trading Ales Hemsky, the Oilers decide to give him a two year 10 million dollar extension. That a lot of money for a guy with 5 goals on the season.
29. Carolina 23-26-13 59 points
One bright spot for the Hurricanes this season, rookie defenseman Justin Faulk who should be a candidate for the Calder trophy.
30. Columbus 18-37-7 43 points
Nice move by GM Scott Howson to get Jack Johnson and a 1st round pick from Los Angeles for Jeff Carter. Now if he can just find a goalie.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Rick Nash Saga
The NHL trade deadline is only a few days away. It is one of my favorite days on the NHL calendar. It's usually day with a flurry of transactions as every NHL team wants to give their fanbase the impression they are doing something, short-term or long-term to improve their rosters.
Most trades at the deadline center around a team acquiring role players to provide depth for their roster or there is an impact player available who is set to become a free agent next season and his current team has very little hope of resigning him.
However this year there is one impact player available at the deadline who is in the prime of his career.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash.
Nash will turn 28 later this summer. Currently on the season he has 20 goals and 22 assists. He has reached the 30 goal mark in six of the eight seasons he has played in the NHL.
In my mind Nash is the best player in the NHL that nobody knows about. So why is a player of this caliber available at the deadline?
Because the Columbus Blue Jackets are a poorly run franchise.
Whether it's bad management, bad luck, or bad karma little has gone right for Columbus since joining the NHL in 2000. They went through the normal growing pains most expansion teams do before clinching their 1st playoff berth in 2009 where they were swept by Detroit.
Since then the Blue Jackets have finished last in the Central Division. That led to GM Scott Howson trading for forward Jeff Carter in the off season and signing defenseman James Wisniewski to an eight year contract.
With those two additions along with Nash at forward Columbus had visions of being a playoff contender this season. Instead they lost their first eight games of the season and have never recovered. That has led to Howson to make everyone and anyone on his roster available as we approach the deadline. This includes Rick Nash.
Since it was reported that Nash was on the trading block there has been endless speculation as to where he will end up. He has been linked to at least eight different NHL teams. When the deadline hits on Monday there is only one place where I think Nash will be playing hockey.
Columbus, Ohio.
So why do I think Nash will be a Blue Jacket still on Monday. Three reasons.
1. The Trade Market:
Every NHL GM knows Nash is available for the right price. Every GM also knows that if Scott Howson is going to trade Nash he has to get a massive return on him.
Not every team is able to or willing to break up their core of players to add a forward who while he has been productive in his NHL career has yet to win a playoff game let alone a series.
Plus if you look at some of the teams that are linked to him, (San Jose, Vancouver, Boston, New York) Right now they are legit Stanley Cup contenders. I can't think they are anxious to break up the core of players on their roster especially with no guarantee that they are better with Nash on their team.
Plus Nash has a salary cap hit of 7.8 million for the next six years on his contract. That's a lot of money to commit to during the season. You are better off waiting until the summer where you have three months to acquire the player and organize the salaries on your roster as compared to the four day window right now before the trade deadline.
2. Jeff Carter
Since the trade was announced the day before the NHL draft it has been clear that Jeff Carter did not want to be a Blue Jacket. Even though he hasn't openly complained about it he also hasn't embraced playing in Columbus.
When that is the case and you are dead last in the NHL there is no sense in keeping a player like him around.
Carter has 10 more years left on his contract but his salary cap hit is around 5.3 million per season. He also averages 28 goals a season. That's three less than what Nash averages.
A trade for Carter instead of Nash could be more beneficial for the team acquiring him. You would get similar production and it wouldn't cost you as many players or prospects as it does right now to get Nash.
3. The No Movement Clause:
One thing to remember about all this is Nash has a no movement clause which means any deal that Howson agrees to means it has to have Nash's approval.
We have heard there is a list of teams he would approve a deal to but nobody is exactly sure what teams are on that list.
Plus it was just a couple years ago he signed an extension to stay in Columbus instead of becoming a free agent. While Howson may be exploring every avenue to improve the team I'm not convinced Nash wants to leave.
If Howson can get a decent return on Jeff Carter and Columbus can find a goaltender who can stop the puck then you have to ask yourself are they still a bad team or are they a team that could contend for a playoff spot?
Editors Note: Columbus has traded Jeff Carter to Los Angeles for defenseman Jack Johnson and a 1st round pick.
Those three reasons are why I believe Nash will still be a Blue Jacket after Monday. If Nash stays he'll probably be in play once again before the NHL draft when more teams are able to make a pitch for him.
But the decision to leave Columbus is up to Rick Nash and Rick Nash alone.
As of right now I'm not convinced he's leaving.
Most trades at the deadline center around a team acquiring role players to provide depth for their roster or there is an impact player available who is set to become a free agent next season and his current team has very little hope of resigning him.
However this year there is one impact player available at the deadline who is in the prime of his career.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash.
Nash will turn 28 later this summer. Currently on the season he has 20 goals and 22 assists. He has reached the 30 goal mark in six of the eight seasons he has played in the NHL.
In my mind Nash is the best player in the NHL that nobody knows about. So why is a player of this caliber available at the deadline?
Because the Columbus Blue Jackets are a poorly run franchise.
Whether it's bad management, bad luck, or bad karma little has gone right for Columbus since joining the NHL in 2000. They went through the normal growing pains most expansion teams do before clinching their 1st playoff berth in 2009 where they were swept by Detroit.
Since then the Blue Jackets have finished last in the Central Division. That led to GM Scott Howson trading for forward Jeff Carter in the off season and signing defenseman James Wisniewski to an eight year contract.
With those two additions along with Nash at forward Columbus had visions of being a playoff contender this season. Instead they lost their first eight games of the season and have never recovered. That has led to Howson to make everyone and anyone on his roster available as we approach the deadline. This includes Rick Nash.
Since it was reported that Nash was on the trading block there has been endless speculation as to where he will end up. He has been linked to at least eight different NHL teams. When the deadline hits on Monday there is only one place where I think Nash will be playing hockey.
Columbus, Ohio.
So why do I think Nash will be a Blue Jacket still on Monday. Three reasons.
1. The Trade Market:
Every NHL GM knows Nash is available for the right price. Every GM also knows that if Scott Howson is going to trade Nash he has to get a massive return on him.
Not every team is able to or willing to break up their core of players to add a forward who while he has been productive in his NHL career has yet to win a playoff game let alone a series.
Plus if you look at some of the teams that are linked to him, (San Jose, Vancouver, Boston, New York) Right now they are legit Stanley Cup contenders. I can't think they are anxious to break up the core of players on their roster especially with no guarantee that they are better with Nash on their team.
Plus Nash has a salary cap hit of 7.8 million for the next six years on his contract. That's a lot of money to commit to during the season. You are better off waiting until the summer where you have three months to acquire the player and organize the salaries on your roster as compared to the four day window right now before the trade deadline.
2. Jeff Carter
Since the trade was announced the day before the NHL draft it has been clear that Jeff Carter did not want to be a Blue Jacket. Even though he hasn't openly complained about it he also hasn't embraced playing in Columbus.
When that is the case and you are dead last in the NHL there is no sense in keeping a player like him around.
Carter has 10 more years left on his contract but his salary cap hit is around 5.3 million per season. He also averages 28 goals a season. That's three less than what Nash averages.
A trade for Carter instead of Nash could be more beneficial for the team acquiring him. You would get similar production and it wouldn't cost you as many players or prospects as it does right now to get Nash.
3. The No Movement Clause:
One thing to remember about all this is Nash has a no movement clause which means any deal that Howson agrees to means it has to have Nash's approval.
We have heard there is a list of teams he would approve a deal to but nobody is exactly sure what teams are on that list.
Plus it was just a couple years ago he signed an extension to stay in Columbus instead of becoming a free agent. While Howson may be exploring every avenue to improve the team I'm not convinced Nash wants to leave.
If Howson can get a decent return on Jeff Carter and Columbus can find a goaltender who can stop the puck then you have to ask yourself are they still a bad team or are they a team that could contend for a playoff spot?
Editors Note: Columbus has traded Jeff Carter to Los Angeles for defenseman Jack Johnson and a 1st round pick.
Those three reasons are why I believe Nash will still be a Blue Jacket after Monday. If Nash stays he'll probably be in play once again before the NHL draft when more teams are able to make a pitch for him.
But the decision to leave Columbus is up to Rick Nash and Rick Nash alone.
As of right now I'm not convinced he's leaving.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Week 18 Power Poll
Yesterday afternoon NBC and the NHL launched their 2nd Annual Hockey Day in America telecast in coordination with Hockey Weekend Across America.
The day started with three games being broadcast regionally with a featured game being shown later in the afternoon.
In Buffalo the Sabres got two goals and an assist from Derek Roy as they ended their four game losing streak with a 6-2 win over Pittsburgh.
In Chicago the Blackhawks rallied with three goals in the 3rd period to beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1.
And in Detroit the Red Wings won their 23rd home game in a row as they beat the San Jose Sharks 3-2.
The marquee game took place in St. Paul as the Minnesota Wild hosted the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. To say the last two months have not been kind to the Wild would be an understatement but for one game they did a lot of the things that led them to the great start they had at the beginning of the season.
Nicklas Backstrom turned away all 48 shots he faced while Chad Rau and Matt Cullen scored to give Minnesota a 2-0 win over Boston.
Now I'm not going to say that everything is back on track for the Wild has they have a bit of a hole to dig out of but they are only four points out of the final playoff spot in the West.
But of the 23 games remaining on the schedule 10 of them are against teams they are in contention with for a playoff spot. If they can take care of their business Minnesota just might play their way back into playoff contention.
If so then Sunday is a good starting point.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 18.
1. Detroit 41-17-2 84 points
Win over San Jose had to feel a little special after the last two spring meetings.
2. N.Y. Rangers 38-14-5 81 points
Rangers defeat Columbus 3-2 in overtime. No word if they are the favorite to land Rick Nash.
3. Vancouver 38-15-6 82 points
Canucks extend their point streak to 13 games with a 5-2 win over Edmonton.
4. St. Louis 36-16-7 79 points
After shutting out Minnesota on Saturday, Blues give up three goals in the 3rd period in a loss to Chicago.
5. Boston 35-20-2 72 points
Bruins are now 1-10-1 lifetime against the Minnesota Wild after Sunday's 2-0 loss.
6. Nashville 34-19-6 74 points
Acquisition of Hal Gill from Montreal makes a deep group of defenseman even stronger.
7. New Jersey 34-20-4 72 points
Devils are 8-1-1 since the All-Star break and currently hold the 4th spot in the East.
8. Pittsburgh 33-21-5 71 points
Evgeni Malkin has recorded a point in 12 of his last 16 games on the road.
9. Chicago 32-21-7 71 points
Blackhawks end nine game losing streak with win over New York on Thursday. Have now won three in a row with back to back wins over Columbus and St. Louis.
10. Philadelphia 32-19-7 71 points
Acquisitions of Nicklas Grossman and Pavel Kubina on defense does not cover up the shaky goaltending this team is dealing with right now.
11. San Jose 31-19-7 69 points
Sharks acquire Dominic Moore from Tampa Bay. He'll help on face-offs and penalty kills.
12. Ottawa 30-22-8 68 points
Senators have won three of their last four games to hold on to their playoff spot.
13. Washington 29-24-5 63 points
Four games this week could be what tells us if the Capitals are a playoff team or not.
14. Toronto 29-24-6 64 points
Maple Leafs have lost 10 in a row to Vancouver after 6-2 loss on Saturday.
15. Winnipeg 29-26-6 64 points
I have to tip my hat to all the Jets fans that came to Xcel on Thursday night. One of the best crowds I have seen in a long time.
16. Phoenix 29-21-9 67 points
Coyotes are 7-0-1 in the month of February and look to be in control of their playoff destiny.
17. Dallas 29-26-4 62 points
Trade of Nicklas Grossman doesn't necessarily mean the Stars are throwing in the towel on their playoff quest.
18. Colorado 29-27-4 62 points
Good news for the Avs as Matt Duchene returns to the lineup after missing 20 games with a knee injury.
19. Calgary 28-22-9 65 points
As of right now the Flames are in the final playoff spot in the West. I expect this to change many times before the end of the season.
20. Los Angeles 27-21-11 65 points
If there was a team that could ever use Rick Nash on the wing it's the Kings.
21. Florida 27-20-11 65 points
Panthers have lost three in a row during the current homestand.
22. Tampa Bay 26-26-6 58 points
Trades of Moore and Kubina means the Lightning are officially sellers before Monday's trade deadline.
23. Minnesota 26-24-9 61 points
They lose two games to the worst team in the NHL (Columbus) but they shut out the defending Stanley Cup Champions. (Boston) You try to figure this team out.
24. Anaheim 25-24-10 60 points
Ducks have earned a point in their last nine games.
25. Buffalo 25-27-7 57 points
Sabres defeat Pittsburgh 6-2 in their first afternoon game of the season. The way this year has gone Buffalo should petition the NHL to move the rest of their games to 2 PM starts.
26. N.Y. Islanders 25-25-8 58 points
I have to figure Evgeni Nabokov will be in demand during the next week with teams looking to upgrade their goaltending before the trade deadline.
27. Montreal 24-26-10 58 points
Blake Geofferion, grandson of Canadiens great Boom Boom Geofferion and great grandson of hockey legend Howie Morenz acquired in the deal for Hal Gill. Yeah, no pressure there kid.
28. Carolina 22-26-11 55 points
Eric Staal has 4 goals and 4 assists in his last five games.
29. Edmonton 22-30-6 50 points
Personal opinion here: I wouldn't trade Sam Gagner if I was the Oilers GM.
30. Columbus 17-35-7 41 points
In a week's span Rick Nash becomes the biggest chip available at the trade deadline.
The day started with three games being broadcast regionally with a featured game being shown later in the afternoon.
In Buffalo the Sabres got two goals and an assist from Derek Roy as they ended their four game losing streak with a 6-2 win over Pittsburgh.
In Chicago the Blackhawks rallied with three goals in the 3rd period to beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1.
And in Detroit the Red Wings won their 23rd home game in a row as they beat the San Jose Sharks 3-2.
The marquee game took place in St. Paul as the Minnesota Wild hosted the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins. To say the last two months have not been kind to the Wild would be an understatement but for one game they did a lot of the things that led them to the great start they had at the beginning of the season.
Nicklas Backstrom turned away all 48 shots he faced while Chad Rau and Matt Cullen scored to give Minnesota a 2-0 win over Boston.
Now I'm not going to say that everything is back on track for the Wild has they have a bit of a hole to dig out of but they are only four points out of the final playoff spot in the West.
But of the 23 games remaining on the schedule 10 of them are against teams they are in contention with for a playoff spot. If they can take care of their business Minnesota just might play their way back into playoff contention.
If so then Sunday is a good starting point.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 18.
1. Detroit 41-17-2 84 points
Win over San Jose had to feel a little special after the last two spring meetings.
2. N.Y. Rangers 38-14-5 81 points
Rangers defeat Columbus 3-2 in overtime. No word if they are the favorite to land Rick Nash.
3. Vancouver 38-15-6 82 points
Canucks extend their point streak to 13 games with a 5-2 win over Edmonton.
4. St. Louis 36-16-7 79 points
After shutting out Minnesota on Saturday, Blues give up three goals in the 3rd period in a loss to Chicago.
5. Boston 35-20-2 72 points
Bruins are now 1-10-1 lifetime against the Minnesota Wild after Sunday's 2-0 loss.
6. Nashville 34-19-6 74 points
Acquisition of Hal Gill from Montreal makes a deep group of defenseman even stronger.
7. New Jersey 34-20-4 72 points
Devils are 8-1-1 since the All-Star break and currently hold the 4th spot in the East.
8. Pittsburgh 33-21-5 71 points
Evgeni Malkin has recorded a point in 12 of his last 16 games on the road.
9. Chicago 32-21-7 71 points
Blackhawks end nine game losing streak with win over New York on Thursday. Have now won three in a row with back to back wins over Columbus and St. Louis.
10. Philadelphia 32-19-7 71 points
Acquisitions of Nicklas Grossman and Pavel Kubina on defense does not cover up the shaky goaltending this team is dealing with right now.
11. San Jose 31-19-7 69 points
Sharks acquire Dominic Moore from Tampa Bay. He'll help on face-offs and penalty kills.
12. Ottawa 30-22-8 68 points
Senators have won three of their last four games to hold on to their playoff spot.
13. Washington 29-24-5 63 points
Four games this week could be what tells us if the Capitals are a playoff team or not.
14. Toronto 29-24-6 64 points
Maple Leafs have lost 10 in a row to Vancouver after 6-2 loss on Saturday.
15. Winnipeg 29-26-6 64 points
I have to tip my hat to all the Jets fans that came to Xcel on Thursday night. One of the best crowds I have seen in a long time.
16. Phoenix 29-21-9 67 points
Coyotes are 7-0-1 in the month of February and look to be in control of their playoff destiny.
17. Dallas 29-26-4 62 points
Trade of Nicklas Grossman doesn't necessarily mean the Stars are throwing in the towel on their playoff quest.
18. Colorado 29-27-4 62 points
Good news for the Avs as Matt Duchene returns to the lineup after missing 20 games with a knee injury.
19. Calgary 28-22-9 65 points
As of right now the Flames are in the final playoff spot in the West. I expect this to change many times before the end of the season.
20. Los Angeles 27-21-11 65 points
If there was a team that could ever use Rick Nash on the wing it's the Kings.
21. Florida 27-20-11 65 points
Panthers have lost three in a row during the current homestand.
22. Tampa Bay 26-26-6 58 points
Trades of Moore and Kubina means the Lightning are officially sellers before Monday's trade deadline.
23. Minnesota 26-24-9 61 points
They lose two games to the worst team in the NHL (Columbus) but they shut out the defending Stanley Cup Champions. (Boston) You try to figure this team out.
24. Anaheim 25-24-10 60 points
Ducks have earned a point in their last nine games.
25. Buffalo 25-27-7 57 points
Sabres defeat Pittsburgh 6-2 in their first afternoon game of the season. The way this year has gone Buffalo should petition the NHL to move the rest of their games to 2 PM starts.
26. N.Y. Islanders 25-25-8 58 points
I have to figure Evgeni Nabokov will be in demand during the next week with teams looking to upgrade their goaltending before the trade deadline.
27. Montreal 24-26-10 58 points
Blake Geofferion, grandson of Canadiens great Boom Boom Geofferion and great grandson of hockey legend Howie Morenz acquired in the deal for Hal Gill. Yeah, no pressure there kid.
28. Carolina 22-26-11 55 points
Eric Staal has 4 goals and 4 assists in his last five games.
29. Edmonton 22-30-6 50 points
Personal opinion here: I wouldn't trade Sam Gagner if I was the Oilers GM.
30. Columbus 17-35-7 41 points
In a week's span Rick Nash becomes the biggest chip available at the trade deadline.
Friday, February 17, 2012
The Return of the Jets
December 26th, 1992.
That's the last time the Winnipeg Jets traveled to Minnesota for a NHL game. That night they lost to the North Stars 5-4 in Bloomington. When the game was done nobody at the time thought it would be nearly 20 years until Winnipeg came back to town for their next NHL contest.
But with the North Stars moving to Dallas at the end of the 92-93 season and Winnipeg leaving for Phoenix four seasons later it would be years until a Winnipeg hockey team would play an NHL game in Minnesota.
When it was announced this past summer the Atlanta Thrashers were moving to Winnipeg one of the first games I looked for on the schedule was when the Jets would come to St. Paul to play the Wild.
That game happened Thursday night and I was curious to see what the fan turnout would be like. With Winnipeg only eight hours north of the Twin Cities I expected some Jets fans to make the trip.
What I ended up seeing was one of the best NHL crowds I have seen in years.
As I walked into Xcel Energy Center there was a sea of blue and white as Jets fans were walking around, getting settled in waiting for the game to start. The arena had a buzz that is usually reserved for a playoff game or when an original six team comes to town.
At 6:15 P.M. the first "Go Jets Go" chant started throughout the arena. It would be 15 more minutes before either NHL team took the ice for the pregame skate.
During warmups I went behind the Winnipeg bench to not only watch the pregame skate but talk to some Jets fans who made the trip down south. As I talked to them the word I kept hearing was vindication. How a wrong was finally made right after 15 years.
One couple I talked to, Vic & Marianne Davis, traveled from Northwest Ontario to Minnesota for the game only because they couldn't get any tickets in Winnipeg.
They met in college at the University of Winnipeg and were fans before the team left for Phoenix. They say the return of the Jets has brought a buzz & energy to the city of Winnipeg that it hasn't seen since 1996.
It hasn't taken long for Winnipeg fans to become attached to players on the Jets roster. Judging by the jerseys the fans were wearing the most popular players on the Jets roster are Dustin Byfuglien, Zach Bogosian & Blake Wheeler.
While those three players may have been the most popular jerseys being worn there were a good amount of old Winnipeg Jets jerseys with the names Selanne, Tkachuk & Steen on the backs.
Once the game started the intensity in the building was similar to what one would experience to a Stanley Cup playoff game. Chants of "Let's Go Wild" by Minnesota fans were constantly answered by Winnipeg fans chanting "Go Jets Go."
Both teams traded goals throughout the game and if you went by the crowd reaction after someone scored you would not have been able to tell which team was the home team.
In the 3rd period tempers started to flare and a fight broke out between Winnipeg's Tanner Glass & Minnesota's Darroll Powe. After the fight was done Minnesota fans started chanting "USA, USA." That's something I never heard at an NHL game.
The game would go to a shootout with the Jets eventually winning 4-3. After the game I was able to talk to a couple of the Jets players about the crowd support they received on the road.
"It was awesome" said Jets forward Blake Wheeler. "Not only were they there but they were noisy and you knew they were there. It's always fun to come on the road and know your fans travel well and not make it easy for the home crowd."
"Before warmups we were sitting in the locker room hear chants of Go Jets Go." said Jets forward Jim Slater. "Our fans are unbelievable and it's great seeing all the Jets jerseys in the stands. Being from Atlanta it isn't something you see pretty often and to have it on our side is definitely a big plus."
Goaltender Chris Mason added "We came out in warmups and they were all by the entrance on the ice chanting Go Jets Go and it was great. We've had unbelievable support on the road all year so it was nice to get a win for the fans."
As I was leaving Xcel there were Jets fans walking around the arena cheering and celebrating the victory over Minnesota. You would have thought they had just won the Stanley Cup instead of a shootout.
That's a scene I guarantee you never saw when the franchise was based in Atlanta.
That's the last time the Winnipeg Jets traveled to Minnesota for a NHL game. That night they lost to the North Stars 5-4 in Bloomington. When the game was done nobody at the time thought it would be nearly 20 years until Winnipeg came back to town for their next NHL contest.
But with the North Stars moving to Dallas at the end of the 92-93 season and Winnipeg leaving for Phoenix four seasons later it would be years until a Winnipeg hockey team would play an NHL game in Minnesota.
When it was announced this past summer the Atlanta Thrashers were moving to Winnipeg one of the first games I looked for on the schedule was when the Jets would come to St. Paul to play the Wild.
That game happened Thursday night and I was curious to see what the fan turnout would be like. With Winnipeg only eight hours north of the Twin Cities I expected some Jets fans to make the trip.
What I ended up seeing was one of the best NHL crowds I have seen in years.
As I walked into Xcel Energy Center there was a sea of blue and white as Jets fans were walking around, getting settled in waiting for the game to start. The arena had a buzz that is usually reserved for a playoff game or when an original six team comes to town.
At 6:15 P.M. the first "Go Jets Go" chant started throughout the arena. It would be 15 more minutes before either NHL team took the ice for the pregame skate.
During warmups I went behind the Winnipeg bench to not only watch the pregame skate but talk to some Jets fans who made the trip down south. As I talked to them the word I kept hearing was vindication. How a wrong was finally made right after 15 years.
One couple I talked to, Vic & Marianne Davis, traveled from Northwest Ontario to Minnesota for the game only because they couldn't get any tickets in Winnipeg.
They met in college at the University of Winnipeg and were fans before the team left for Phoenix. They say the return of the Jets has brought a buzz & energy to the city of Winnipeg that it hasn't seen since 1996.
It hasn't taken long for Winnipeg fans to become attached to players on the Jets roster. Judging by the jerseys the fans were wearing the most popular players on the Jets roster are Dustin Byfuglien, Zach Bogosian & Blake Wheeler.
While those three players may have been the most popular jerseys being worn there were a good amount of old Winnipeg Jets jerseys with the names Selanne, Tkachuk & Steen on the backs.
Once the game started the intensity in the building was similar to what one would experience to a Stanley Cup playoff game. Chants of "Let's Go Wild" by Minnesota fans were constantly answered by Winnipeg fans chanting "Go Jets Go."
Both teams traded goals throughout the game and if you went by the crowd reaction after someone scored you would not have been able to tell which team was the home team.
In the 3rd period tempers started to flare and a fight broke out between Winnipeg's Tanner Glass & Minnesota's Darroll Powe. After the fight was done Minnesota fans started chanting "USA, USA." That's something I never heard at an NHL game.
The game would go to a shootout with the Jets eventually winning 4-3. After the game I was able to talk to a couple of the Jets players about the crowd support they received on the road.
"It was awesome" said Jets forward Blake Wheeler. "Not only were they there but they were noisy and you knew they were there. It's always fun to come on the road and know your fans travel well and not make it easy for the home crowd."
"Before warmups we were sitting in the locker room hear chants of Go Jets Go." said Jets forward Jim Slater. "Our fans are unbelievable and it's great seeing all the Jets jerseys in the stands. Being from Atlanta it isn't something you see pretty often and to have it on our side is definitely a big plus."
Goaltender Chris Mason added "We came out in warmups and they were all by the entrance on the ice chanting Go Jets Go and it was great. We've had unbelievable support on the road all year so it was nice to get a win for the fans."
As I was leaving Xcel there were Jets fans walking around the arena cheering and celebrating the victory over Minnesota. You would have thought they had just won the Stanley Cup instead of a shootout.
That's a scene I guarantee you never saw when the franchise was based in Atlanta.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Week 17 Power Poll
One of the best things about sports is when your favorite team plays a team you just can't stand.
It may be a division rival, a conference foe you just can't beat in the playoffs or a team whose players and personnel just manage to rub you the wrong way. No matter who it is or what the circumstances are you want to beat that team and you want to beat them bad.
That was the case for my favorite NHL team as the Detroit Red Wings hosted the Philadelphia Flyers last night in the Motor City.
While these two teams aren't traditional rivals they are constantly in the mix for the Stanley Cup each season and they do share a bit of playoff history as Detroit swept Philadelphia in 1997 to win their first Stanley Cup in 42 years.
But last night's contest took on another historical meaning as the Red Wings were trying to tie the NHL record for consecutive home wins, going for their 20th straight win at Joe Louis Arena.
It was a back and forth contest for the entire game before Detroit took the lead for good on a Johan Franzen tip-in.
With the win Detroit ties the record for most home victories that is currently shared by the 1929-30 Boston Bruins & the 1975-76 Philadelphia Flyers. They can set a new record with a win over Dallas on Tuesday night.
With the way they have been playing you have to like the Red Wings chances to set the record. And if they don't, at least they beat Philadelphia.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 17:
1. Detroit 38-17-2 78 points
Anytime the Red Wings beat the Flyers they are deserving of the top ranking in the Power Poll.
2. N.Y. Rangers 36-13-5 77 points
Nice weekend for the Rangers as they win three games in four days.
3. Boston 34-17-2 70 points
Eastern Conference showdown looming with the Rangers on Tuesday night.
4. Vancouver 34-15-6 74 points
After watching him on Thursday night it looks like the ankle injury isn't bothering Henrik Sedin.
5. St. Louis 34-14-7 75 points
The return of Andy McDonald from a concussion should make a good Blues team even better.
6. Pittsburgh 32-19-5 69 points
Evgeni Malkin has scored a goal in eight straight games for the Penguins. Named 2nd star of the week.
7. Nashville 32-18-6 70 points
Predators have allowed 17 goals in it's last 5 games.
8. Philadelphia 31-18-7 69 points
Flyers have only won once in Detroit since 1988.
9. New Jersey 31-20-4 66 points
Good news for the Devils as Travis Zajac may resume skating within the next week.
10. San Jose 30-17-6 66 points
Congrats to Owen Nolan on a wonderful NHL career.
11. Chicago 29-20-7 65 points
3-0 loss to Phoenix on Saturday was the 6th time this season the Blackhawks have been shut out.
12. Washington 28-22-5 61 points
One reason for the Capitals struggles, they have won seven of their last twenty-five road games. (7-15-3)
13. Toronto 28-22-6 62 points
With the Maple Leafs honoring Mats Sundin last Saturday here is what I think of when I hear his name.
14. Ottawa 28-22-8 64 points
Chris Phillips played in his 1,000 NHL on Thursday and scored two goals in the process.
15. Dallas 28-24-3 59 points
Alex Goligoski has points in each of his last three games, and seven of the last nine.
16. Colorado 28-25-4 60 points
The Avalanche lead the NHL with 18 one goal wins on the season.
17. Los Angeles 27-19-11 65 points
Congrats to Dwight King & Jordan Nolan on their first NHL goals both of which help the Kings with a big victory over Dallas on Saturday.
18. Florida 27-17-11 65 points
Panthers have won three straight since being shut out by Washington last Tuesday.
19. Phoenix 27-21-8 62 points
Mike Smith (4-0, 0.74 GAA & .975 save percentage) named 1st star of the week.
20. Winnipeg 26-25-6 58 points
Anyone who says there is no scoring in the NHL didn't see Winnipeg's game against Pittsburgh on Saturday.
21. Calgary 26-22-8 60 points
Congrats to Miikka Kiprusoff on win number 300 in net.
22. Minnesota 25-22-8 58 points
The Wild has only won five games in the last two months. That will cause any team to fall fast.
23. Tampa Bay 24-25-6 54 points
Lightning ahead of Sabres due to victory over Buffalo Saturday night.
24. Buffalo 24-25-6 54 points
See above.
25. Montreal 23-24-9 55 points
Canadiens have won four in a row and think they have a chance in the East. Win all three games this week and we'll see where you stand.
26. N.Y. Islanders 23-24-8 54 points
Islanders have alternated wins and losses over the last eight games. It's hard to make up ground when you keep doing that.
27. Anaheim 22-24-9 53 points
Ducks are 5-1-2 on the road since dropping their previous 13 contests away from Honda Center.
28. Edmonton 22-28-5 49 points
Oilers sign Andy Sutton to a one year extension thus taking him off the trade market.
29. Carolina 20-25-11 51 points
This could be the week whether we find out if Tuomo Ruutu stays or leaves Raleigh.
30. Columbus 16-34-6 38 points
And to the surprise of no one the Blue Jackets are the first team eliminated from post-season contention with loss to Anaheim on Sunday night.
Friday, February 10, 2012
WILD WILD WEST
On Monday I did a breakdown of the teams in the Eastern Conference and who had the best chance to make the playoffs. Today we take a look at the Western Conference.
At first glance things look pretty set. Detroit, Vancouver and San Jose each lead their respective divisions. Barring a collapse I expect all three teams to win their division when the season end.
Next you have the three other teams in playoff contention from the Central Division, St. Louis, Nashville & Chicago battling for the number four seed and home ice in the first round.
Out of those three teams I like Nashville's chances the best because I don't trust Chicago's goaltending and the Blues have most of their remaining games on the road where they are 10-11-3 this season.
In seventh are the Los Angeles Kings, a team with way too much talent to be where they are at. They have a goalie in Jonathan Quick who is having a Vezina like season, one of the best pair of defenseman in the NHL in Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson and two talented lines up front. So why is this team in seventh place?
Part of the problem is they can't score. Only four players (Kopitar, Richards, Brown, & Williams) have double digits in goals. The other problem is it seems like Los Angeles doesn't play with a sense of urgency. Why that is I have no idea but it seems like the Kings are content with being the seventh seed. That may be because of the teams that are behind them in the standings.
Right now the eighth spot in the West is being held by the Phoenix Coyotes with 60 points. The three teams behind them (Dallas, Minnesota, Calgary) have 58 points while Colorado has 57 points. As to which team ends up with the 8th seed is anyone's guess.
What I like about Phoenix is they are a well coached team with a shutdown defenseman (Keith Yandle) and two very skilled veterans (Shane Doan and Ray Whitney.) What I don't like about them is their goaltending. Mike Smith had numerous opportunities and failed to claim the job when he played for Tampa Bay. I'm not convinced he can come through for the Coyotes.
The other issue for Phoenix is the ownership. They won't take on any salary and add an impact player at the trade deadline. All they can do is swap out role players on their roster.
As for the teams chasing them they all have their issues as well.
Dallas has been battling injuries to a few of their top forwards this season. it seems like when one player comes back another one goes on injured reserve. The ownership issue for the Stars has been resolved and where they finish may be determined on whether they can pick up anyone at the deadline to help them out.
Minnesota has been in a similar situation the last couple months with injuries up front to Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Guillaume Latendresse and Mikko Koivu. While Koivu did return to the lineup last night the problems for the Wild go much deeper than injuries at forwards.
It seems like what was working for Minnesota early in the season isn't working now. At times they are trying to outskill teams instead of outworking them. Usually this is the point where I tell everyone it's way too early to panic. After watching Mike Yeo's postgame press conference last night I can no longer say that.
If you are a Wild fan there is cause for concern. The good news is there next four home games are against Columbus, Anaheim, Winnipeg & Boston. If they are a playoff team they should be able to get at least six points in the next four games.
Out of all the teams chasing Phoenix, Calgary may have the most talent. They have one of the NHL's top goaltenders in Miikka Kiprusoff. A future hall of famer in Jarome Iginla who is still playing at a high level and the addition of Mike Cammalleri should make them a tough team to beat during the final two months of the season.
So why don't I like the Flames? One name, Olli Jokinen.
If there was ever a poster boy for someone whose team underachieves on a consistent basis it would be Jokinen. He has been in the NHL since 1999 and only once has been on a playoff team, Calgary in 2009. If you click on the link you can see his playoff stats, all six games worth. Having Jokinen on your roster is like saying "Yeah, I'd rather be golfing in spring than playing hockey."
I mention the Colorado Avalanche because they are three points back of Phoenix thus being in the playoff mix. However after watching them drop two home games against the Minnesota Wild recently I have my doubts whether they can overtake four teams and clinch the final playoff spot in the West.
If you are a fan of Anaheim, Edmonton or Columbus I'm sorry to tell you but your season was done before the start of the new year. In the Blue Jackets case they were done before Halloween.
If I had to pick a team to clinch the final playoff spot in the West it would be between Phoenix and Minnesota. Coincidentally they play each other in the final game of the season in St. Paul on April 7th.
My best guess is the winner of that game gets the final playoff berth. Unless Calgary trades Olli Jokinen in the next couple weeks, then all bets are off.
At first glance things look pretty set. Detroit, Vancouver and San Jose each lead their respective divisions. Barring a collapse I expect all three teams to win their division when the season end.
Next you have the three other teams in playoff contention from the Central Division, St. Louis, Nashville & Chicago battling for the number four seed and home ice in the first round.
Out of those three teams I like Nashville's chances the best because I don't trust Chicago's goaltending and the Blues have most of their remaining games on the road where they are 10-11-3 this season.
In seventh are the Los Angeles Kings, a team with way too much talent to be where they are at. They have a goalie in Jonathan Quick who is having a Vezina like season, one of the best pair of defenseman in the NHL in Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson and two talented lines up front. So why is this team in seventh place?
Part of the problem is they can't score. Only four players (Kopitar, Richards, Brown, & Williams) have double digits in goals. The other problem is it seems like Los Angeles doesn't play with a sense of urgency. Why that is I have no idea but it seems like the Kings are content with being the seventh seed. That may be because of the teams that are behind them in the standings.
Right now the eighth spot in the West is being held by the Phoenix Coyotes with 60 points. The three teams behind them (Dallas, Minnesota, Calgary) have 58 points while Colorado has 57 points. As to which team ends up with the 8th seed is anyone's guess.
What I like about Phoenix is they are a well coached team with a shutdown defenseman (Keith Yandle) and two very skilled veterans (Shane Doan and Ray Whitney.) What I don't like about them is their goaltending. Mike Smith had numerous opportunities and failed to claim the job when he played for Tampa Bay. I'm not convinced he can come through for the Coyotes.
The other issue for Phoenix is the ownership. They won't take on any salary and add an impact player at the trade deadline. All they can do is swap out role players on their roster.
As for the teams chasing them they all have their issues as well.
Dallas has been battling injuries to a few of their top forwards this season. it seems like when one player comes back another one goes on injured reserve. The ownership issue for the Stars has been resolved and where they finish may be determined on whether they can pick up anyone at the deadline to help them out.
Minnesota has been in a similar situation the last couple months with injuries up front to Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Guillaume Latendresse and Mikko Koivu. While Koivu did return to the lineup last night the problems for the Wild go much deeper than injuries at forwards.
It seems like what was working for Minnesota early in the season isn't working now. At times they are trying to outskill teams instead of outworking them. Usually this is the point where I tell everyone it's way too early to panic. After watching Mike Yeo's postgame press conference last night I can no longer say that.
If you are a Wild fan there is cause for concern. The good news is there next four home games are against Columbus, Anaheim, Winnipeg & Boston. If they are a playoff team they should be able to get at least six points in the next four games.
Out of all the teams chasing Phoenix, Calgary may have the most talent. They have one of the NHL's top goaltenders in Miikka Kiprusoff. A future hall of famer in Jarome Iginla who is still playing at a high level and the addition of Mike Cammalleri should make them a tough team to beat during the final two months of the season.
So why don't I like the Flames? One name, Olli Jokinen.
If there was ever a poster boy for someone whose team underachieves on a consistent basis it would be Jokinen. He has been in the NHL since 1999 and only once has been on a playoff team, Calgary in 2009. If you click on the link you can see his playoff stats, all six games worth. Having Jokinen on your roster is like saying "Yeah, I'd rather be golfing in spring than playing hockey."
I mention the Colorado Avalanche because they are three points back of Phoenix thus being in the playoff mix. However after watching them drop two home games against the Minnesota Wild recently I have my doubts whether they can overtake four teams and clinch the final playoff spot in the West.
If you are a fan of Anaheim, Edmonton or Columbus I'm sorry to tell you but your season was done before the start of the new year. In the Blue Jackets case they were done before Halloween.
If I had to pick a team to clinch the final playoff spot in the West it would be between Phoenix and Minnesota. Coincidentally they play each other in the final game of the season in St. Paul on April 7th.
My best guess is the winner of that game gets the final playoff berth. Unless Calgary trades Olli Jokinen in the next couple weeks, then all bets are off.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Week 16 Power Poll
There are two months left in the NHL regular season.
My first reaction after reading this is where has the year gone? It seemed like yesterday we were celebrating the Boston Bruins kicking off defense of their Stanley Cup championship against Philadelphia.
Now with two months left to go I'm trying to figure who are the eight teams in each conference that will be playing hockey in the spring.
In past years you could look at the standings at the All-Star break and figure who was in and who was out. Usually one team in the top eight was vulnerable and one team on the outside was ready to make a charge.
This year that isn't exactly the case.
Of the top eight teams in the East the only ones I feel confident about clinching a playoff berth are the Rangers, Boston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
The last three teams holding playoff spots are New Jersey, Ottawa & Toronto. Of those three I think the Senators are in the most danger of losing a playoff spot.
Ottawa has played 55 games, more than any team in the East and they are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. Right now they are the most vulnerable of all the teams in the East. As to who replaces them my pick is whoever doesn't win the Southeast Division, Washington or Florida.
The Panthers currently holds the lead in the Southeast and I think that is their best chance to end a playoff drought that has lasted 10 seasons. The reason I'm not buying in on Florida is I still expect Washington to come on strong and win the division again.
The Capitals have way too much talent to miss the playoffs. While they may not be a cup favorite like they were at the start of the season I can't see them missing the playoffs. Especially when they have more talent on their roster than the Panthers or the other three teams they are chasing in the East.
The problem for the Panthers is if they don't win the Southeast Division they have to fight with Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Tampa Bay for one of those final playoff spots. I'm not convinced Florida can outlast all four of those teams.
If you are a fan of Buffalo, Montreal, Carolina or the Islanders you can find something else to do this spring, your team won't be playing hockey after April 7th.
I'll be back at the end of the week with a breakdown of the Western Conference because I'm still trying to figure out who survives and who doesn't.
In the meantime here's the Power Poll for Week 16:
1. Detroit 35-16-1 71 points
Jimmy Howard being out the next couple games with a broken finger will show how much faith GM Ken Holland has in backup Ty Conklin.
2. N.Y. Rangers 32-12-5 69 points
Rangers have a .710 winning percentage in their first 50 games. Their best start in 40 years.
3. Boston 32-16-2 66 points
Bruins are 22-0 when leading after two periods this season.
4. Vancouver 32-15-5 69 points
Hell of an effort by Kevin Bieksa to force overtime against Colorado.
5. Nashville 32-17-4 68 points
Predators have won six of their last seven and are positioning themselves as one of the elite teams in the West.
6. Pittsburgh 30-18-4 64 points
3-1 win over Boston on Saturday shows how tough Penguins will be if/when Crosby returns.
7. Philadelphia 30-15-6 66 points
Flyers have scored a Power Play goal in their last seven games.
8. St. Louis 30-14-7 67 points
Blues have lost three of their last four games.
9. San Jose 29-15-6 64 points
Milwaukee Brewers CF Nyjer Morgan lives out a dream practicing with the Sharks.
10. Chicago 29-17-7 65 points
If the Blackhawks don't figure out what to do with their goaltending they won't go far in the playoffs.
11. New Jersey 29-19-3 61 points
When people say Ilya Kovalchuk packs a punch, they aren't always referring to his scoring.
12. Washington 27-20-4 58 points
Mathieu Perreault has the hot stick for the Capitals. Five goals and three assists in his last eight games.
13. Toronto 27-19-6 60 points
Back to back shutouts for James Reimer who was named 3rd star of the week.
14. Ottawa 27-21-7 61 points
Watching the Senators over the last few games I get the feeling the bottom is about to fall out.
15. Los Angeles 25-18-10 60 points
Nice to see Dustin Penner can laugh at his misfortune.
16. Dallas 26-22-2 54 points
Just as Mike Riberio returns from injury the Stars lose Brendan Morrow with an upper body injury.
17. Minnesota 25-19-7 57 points
Acquisition of Erik Christensen from the Rangers gives the Wild a forward where they need some depth.
18. Colorado 26-25-3 55 points
Two home losses to Minnesota in a nine day span could be the reason the Avalanche miss the playoffs.
19. Florida 24-16-11 59 points
Panthers are 2-5-1 on the second half of back to back games after loss to Tampa Saturday night.
20. Winnipeg 24-23-6 54 points
Jets finish 2-4 on six game road trip.
21. Calgary 24-22-6 54 points
Olli Jokinen is the hottest player right now for Calgary with one goal and four assists in his last five games.
22. Tampa Bay 23-23-5 51 points
Lightning have won six of their last seven games. Are doing just enough to stay in the playoff race.
23. Phoenix 23-21-8 54 points
Ray Whitney is a hot commodity as the trade market heats up which means the Coyotes have a decision to make whether they are in or out of the playoff hunt.
24. Buffalo 22-24-6 50 points
Congrats to Ryan Miller on becoming the all time Sabres wins leader.
25. N.Y. Islanders 21-22-8 50 points
Former Minnesota Golden Gopher Aaron Ness recalled from Bridgeport on an emergency basis.
26. Edmonton 20-26-5 45 points
When you have an eight point game and tie a team record held by Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey well you are a lock for 1st star of the week. Congrats Sam Gagner.
27. Carolina 20-25-9 49 points
Cam Ward sets a Hurricanes record with 47 saves in a win over Boston last Thursday night.
28. Montreal 19-24-9 47 points
It has been one year since Scott Gomez has scored a goal for the Canadiens. You think you could get more from a guy making over 7 million a year.
29. Anaheim 19-24-8 46 points
Looking to end two game winless streak tonight against a Calgary team that hasn't won in Anaheim since the lockout.
30. Columbus 14-32-6 34 points
Strong rumors the either Rick Nash or Jeff Carter could be had for the right price. Carter I believe, not certain about Nash.
My first reaction after reading this is where has the year gone? It seemed like yesterday we were celebrating the Boston Bruins kicking off defense of their Stanley Cup championship against Philadelphia.
Now with two months left to go I'm trying to figure who are the eight teams in each conference that will be playing hockey in the spring.
In past years you could look at the standings at the All-Star break and figure who was in and who was out. Usually one team in the top eight was vulnerable and one team on the outside was ready to make a charge.
This year that isn't exactly the case.
Of the top eight teams in the East the only ones I feel confident about clinching a playoff berth are the Rangers, Boston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
The last three teams holding playoff spots are New Jersey, Ottawa & Toronto. Of those three I think the Senators are in the most danger of losing a playoff spot.
Ottawa has played 55 games, more than any team in the East and they are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. Right now they are the most vulnerable of all the teams in the East. As to who replaces them my pick is whoever doesn't win the Southeast Division, Washington or Florida.
The Panthers currently holds the lead in the Southeast and I think that is their best chance to end a playoff drought that has lasted 10 seasons. The reason I'm not buying in on Florida is I still expect Washington to come on strong and win the division again.
The Capitals have way too much talent to miss the playoffs. While they may not be a cup favorite like they were at the start of the season I can't see them missing the playoffs. Especially when they have more talent on their roster than the Panthers or the other three teams they are chasing in the East.
The problem for the Panthers is if they don't win the Southeast Division they have to fight with Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Tampa Bay for one of those final playoff spots. I'm not convinced Florida can outlast all four of those teams.
If you are a fan of Buffalo, Montreal, Carolina or the Islanders you can find something else to do this spring, your team won't be playing hockey after April 7th.
I'll be back at the end of the week with a breakdown of the Western Conference because I'm still trying to figure out who survives and who doesn't.
In the meantime here's the Power Poll for Week 16:
1. Detroit 35-16-1 71 points
Jimmy Howard being out the next couple games with a broken finger will show how much faith GM Ken Holland has in backup Ty Conklin.
2. N.Y. Rangers 32-12-5 69 points
Rangers have a .710 winning percentage in their first 50 games. Their best start in 40 years.
3. Boston 32-16-2 66 points
Bruins are 22-0 when leading after two periods this season.
4. Vancouver 32-15-5 69 points
Hell of an effort by Kevin Bieksa to force overtime against Colorado.
5. Nashville 32-17-4 68 points
Predators have won six of their last seven and are positioning themselves as one of the elite teams in the West.
6. Pittsburgh 30-18-4 64 points
3-1 win over Boston on Saturday shows how tough Penguins will be if/when Crosby returns.
7. Philadelphia 30-15-6 66 points
Flyers have scored a Power Play goal in their last seven games.
8. St. Louis 30-14-7 67 points
Blues have lost three of their last four games.
9. San Jose 29-15-6 64 points
Milwaukee Brewers CF Nyjer Morgan lives out a dream practicing with the Sharks.
10. Chicago 29-17-7 65 points
If the Blackhawks don't figure out what to do with their goaltending they won't go far in the playoffs.
11. New Jersey 29-19-3 61 points
When people say Ilya Kovalchuk packs a punch, they aren't always referring to his scoring.
12. Washington 27-20-4 58 points
Mathieu Perreault has the hot stick for the Capitals. Five goals and three assists in his last eight games.
13. Toronto 27-19-6 60 points
Back to back shutouts for James Reimer who was named 3rd star of the week.
14. Ottawa 27-21-7 61 points
Watching the Senators over the last few games I get the feeling the bottom is about to fall out.
15. Los Angeles 25-18-10 60 points
Nice to see Dustin Penner can laugh at his misfortune.
16. Dallas 26-22-2 54 points
Just as Mike Riberio returns from injury the Stars lose Brendan Morrow with an upper body injury.
17. Minnesota 25-19-7 57 points
Acquisition of Erik Christensen from the Rangers gives the Wild a forward where they need some depth.
18. Colorado 26-25-3 55 points
Two home losses to Minnesota in a nine day span could be the reason the Avalanche miss the playoffs.
19. Florida 24-16-11 59 points
Panthers are 2-5-1 on the second half of back to back games after loss to Tampa Saturday night.
20. Winnipeg 24-23-6 54 points
Jets finish 2-4 on six game road trip.
21. Calgary 24-22-6 54 points
Olli Jokinen is the hottest player right now for Calgary with one goal and four assists in his last five games.
22. Tampa Bay 23-23-5 51 points
Lightning have won six of their last seven games. Are doing just enough to stay in the playoff race.
23. Phoenix 23-21-8 54 points
Ray Whitney is a hot commodity as the trade market heats up which means the Coyotes have a decision to make whether they are in or out of the playoff hunt.
24. Buffalo 22-24-6 50 points
Congrats to Ryan Miller on becoming the all time Sabres wins leader.
25. N.Y. Islanders 21-22-8 50 points
Former Minnesota Golden Gopher Aaron Ness recalled from Bridgeport on an emergency basis.
26. Edmonton 20-26-5 45 points
When you have an eight point game and tie a team record held by Wayne Gretzky and Paul Coffey well you are a lock for 1st star of the week. Congrats Sam Gagner.
27. Carolina 20-25-9 49 points
Cam Ward sets a Hurricanes record with 47 saves in a win over Boston last Thursday night.
28. Montreal 19-24-9 47 points
It has been one year since Scott Gomez has scored a goal for the Canadiens. You think you could get more from a guy making over 7 million a year.
29. Anaheim 19-24-8 46 points
Looking to end two game winless streak tonight against a Calgary team that hasn't won in Anaheim since the lockout.
30. Columbus 14-32-6 34 points
Strong rumors the either Rick Nash or Jeff Carter could be had for the right price. Carter I believe, not certain about Nash.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Hockey is a 60 minute game.
That's a pretty obvious statement to anyone who watches or follows the game on a regular basis but Minnesota Wild fans received a cruel reminder of that on Tuesday night.
With a 4-1 lead in the 3rd period Minnesota gave up four goals in the final 10:38 of play losing to Nashville 5-4. More importantly the Wild lose two points they really could have used because the loss came in regulation.
At the start of the game Minnesota looked to pick up right where they left off at the All Star break as Dany Heatley scored the first two goals of the game giving the Wild a 2-0 lead.
With goals by Cal Clutterbuck 1:29 into the 2nd and Kyle Brodziak 16 seconds into the 3rd period Minnesota looked like they were well on their way to their 3rd straight win.
However Nashville showed how resilient of a hockey team they are and kept pressing away eventually pulling within one goal with 3:21 to play in the game.
Once Nashville got within one goal Minnesota tightened up trying to hold on to the lead. That lasted twenty-one seconds before Nashville tied it on a Mike Fisher goal. Fisher would also come through a little over two minutes later scoring the game winner on a puck Josh Harding admits he should have stopped.
Now most people who know me view me as an eternal optimist. This is the part where you expect me to tell you this loss wasn't that bad.
I can't do that here. This was a bad loss.
What I can give you is a silver lining and that is this, it's better a loss like this happens against a team like Nashville who looks to be a lock for the postseason than against a team like Colorado or Dallas who Minnesota is battling for the final playoff spot.
Coincidentally the next two games for the Wild are in Denver & Dallas. Right now Minnesota is holding down the 8th spot in the West by one point over both the Avalanche and Stars.
I feel you can't judge how bad a loss was just by how the team played. You also have to take in how the team responds to a bad loss in the next game as well.
After the loss to Toronto two weeks ago I felt the Wild needed to get six points in the next five games to stay in the playoff picture. They were able to get four points with wins over Dallas and Colorado before the All-Star break.
Now they face the Avalanche and Stars on back to back nights. I believe for the Wild to be playing hockey in April they need to come away with at least three points in these two games
We'll find out tonight in Denver tonight how bad Tuesday's loss really was.
That's a pretty obvious statement to anyone who watches or follows the game on a regular basis but Minnesota Wild fans received a cruel reminder of that on Tuesday night.
With a 4-1 lead in the 3rd period Minnesota gave up four goals in the final 10:38 of play losing to Nashville 5-4. More importantly the Wild lose two points they really could have used because the loss came in regulation.
At the start of the game Minnesota looked to pick up right where they left off at the All Star break as Dany Heatley scored the first two goals of the game giving the Wild a 2-0 lead.
With goals by Cal Clutterbuck 1:29 into the 2nd and Kyle Brodziak 16 seconds into the 3rd period Minnesota looked like they were well on their way to their 3rd straight win.
However Nashville showed how resilient of a hockey team they are and kept pressing away eventually pulling within one goal with 3:21 to play in the game.
Once Nashville got within one goal Minnesota tightened up trying to hold on to the lead. That lasted twenty-one seconds before Nashville tied it on a Mike Fisher goal. Fisher would also come through a little over two minutes later scoring the game winner on a puck Josh Harding admits he should have stopped.
Now most people who know me view me as an eternal optimist. This is the part where you expect me to tell you this loss wasn't that bad.
I can't do that here. This was a bad loss.
What I can give you is a silver lining and that is this, it's better a loss like this happens against a team like Nashville who looks to be a lock for the postseason than against a team like Colorado or Dallas who Minnesota is battling for the final playoff spot.
Coincidentally the next two games for the Wild are in Denver & Dallas. Right now Minnesota is holding down the 8th spot in the West by one point over both the Avalanche and Stars.
I feel you can't judge how bad a loss was just by how the team played. You also have to take in how the team responds to a bad loss in the next game as well.
After the loss to Toronto two weeks ago I felt the Wild needed to get six points in the next five games to stay in the playoff picture. They were able to get four points with wins over Dallas and Colorado before the All-Star break.
Now they face the Avalanche and Stars on back to back nights. I believe for the Wild to be playing hockey in April they need to come away with at least three points in these two games
We'll find out tonight in Denver tonight how bad Tuesday's loss really was.
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