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.
Monday, March 7, 2011
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.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Week 20 Power Poll
We are only a few hours away from the trade deadline but deals have been made around the NHL for the last couple weeks as teams try to position themselves for a possible playoff run that results in a Stanley Cup.
I plan on having a recap of the trades I think will have the most impact later on this week. I'll leave you in the meantime with this weeks Power Poll and a look back at a special hockey moment that happened one year ago today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_koQujQ8Vg
1. Vancouver 39 15 9 87 Points
2. Philadelphia 40 16 6 86 Points
3. Detroit 38 18 6 82 Points
4. Tampa Bay 37 18 7 81 Points
5. Pittsburgh 37 21 6 80 Points
6. Boston 36 19 7 79 Points
7. San Jose 36 21 6 78 Points
8. Washington 33 20 10 76 Points
9. Phoenix 33 21 10 76 Points
10. Los Angeles 35 23 4 74 Points
11. Montreal 33 23 7 73 Points
12. Calgary 32 23 9 73 Points
13. Chicago 33 23 6 72 Points
14. Dallas 33 23 6 72 Points
15. Minnesota 33 23 6 72 Points
16. Nashville 32 23 8 72 Points
17. Anaheim 33 25 5 71 Points
18. N.Y. Rangers 33 27 4 70 Points
19. Columbus 31 24 6 68 Points
20. Carolina 29 25 9 67 Points
21. Buffalo 29 25 7 65 Points
22. St. Louis 28 25 9 65 Points
23. Toronto 27 27 9 63 Points
24. Atlanta 26 26 11 63 Points
25. Colorado 26 30 7 59 Points
26. Florida 26 29 7 59 Points
27. New Jersey 27 31 4 58 Points
28. N.Y. Islanders 23 32 8 54 Points
29. Ottawa 21 32 9 51 Points
30. Edmonton 20 35 8 48 Points
I plan on having a recap of the trades I think will have the most impact later on this week. I'll leave you in the meantime with this weeks Power Poll and a look back at a special hockey moment that happened one year ago today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_koQujQ8Vg
1. Vancouver 39 15 9 87 Points
2. Philadelphia 40 16 6 86 Points
3. Detroit 38 18 6 82 Points
4. Tampa Bay 37 18 7 81 Points
5. Pittsburgh 37 21 6 80 Points
6. Boston 36 19 7 79 Points
7. San Jose 36 21 6 78 Points
8. Washington 33 20 10 76 Points
9. Phoenix 33 21 10 76 Points
10. Los Angeles 35 23 4 74 Points
11. Montreal 33 23 7 73 Points
12. Calgary 32 23 9 73 Points
13. Chicago 33 23 6 72 Points
14. Dallas 33 23 6 72 Points
15. Minnesota 33 23 6 72 Points
16. Nashville 32 23 8 72 Points
17. Anaheim 33 25 5 71 Points
18. N.Y. Rangers 33 27 4 70 Points
19. Columbus 31 24 6 68 Points
20. Carolina 29 25 9 67 Points
21. Buffalo 29 25 7 65 Points
22. St. Louis 28 25 9 65 Points
23. Toronto 27 27 9 63 Points
24. Atlanta 26 26 11 63 Points
25. Colorado 26 30 7 59 Points
26. Florida 26 29 7 59 Points
27. New Jersey 27 31 4 58 Points
28. N.Y. Islanders 23 32 8 54 Points
29. Ottawa 21 32 9 51 Points
30. Edmonton 20 35 8 48 Points
Monday, February 21, 2011
Week 19 Power Poll
Ok, I'm in the middle of moving so today's column will be brief but The Boston Bruins were busy over the weekend making a couple trades.
The Bruins were finally able to acquire Tomas Kaberle from Toronto & they sent Blake Wheeler to Atlanta in two separate deals.
Factoring in the Chris Kelly trade last week, Peter Chiarelli has been busy giving the Bruins a mini-makeover which begs the question why would a team at the top of the Northeast be so active near the trade deadline?
I think it is because of two things. One, the Bruins are being hit by the injury bug once again. After losing a 3-0 lead in a series loss to the Flyers last post-season Boston is positioning to not let history repeat itself.
Another reason could be the back to back losses last week to Detroit. For nearly 20 season the Red Wings have been the measuring stick in the NHL. After getting a close look last week Chiarelli figured some major tweaking was needed for the Bruins to compete in the playoffs.
Will these moves pay off? History says probably not but when you feel you have a chance for greatness you have to go for it. The way Tim Thomas has played this season the Bruins have just as good a chance as any team to come out of the East. Time will tell whether these deals work.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 19:
1. Vancouver 38 13 9 85 points
2. Philadelphia 39 15 5 83 points
3. Detroit 37 16 6 80 points
4. Pittsburgh 36 19 5 77 points
5. Tampa Bay 34 18 7 75 points
6. Boston 33 19 7 73 points
7. Phoenix 32 19 9 73 points
8. Washington 31 19 10 72 points
9. San Jose 33 21 6 72 points
10. Nashville 31 20 8 70 points
11. Calgary 31 22 8 70 points
12. Montreal 31 22 7 69 points
13. Los Angeles 32 23 4 68 points
14. Dallas 31 22 6 68 points
15. Minnesota 31 22 6 68 points
16. Anaheim 32 24 4 68 points
17. Chicago 30 23 6 66 points
18. N.Y. Rangers 31 26 4 66 points
19. Carolina 28 24 8 64 points
20. Columbus 29 23 6 64 points
21. St. Louis 27 21 9 63 points
22. Buffalo 27 25 6 60 points
23. Atlanta 25 25 10 60 points
24. Colorado 25 27 7 57 points
25. Toronto 25 27 7 57 points
26. Florida 25 26 7 57 points
27. New Jersey 25 30 4 54 points
28. N.Y. Islanders 22 30 7 51 points
29. Ottawa 19 31 9 47 points
30. Edmonton 19 32 8 46 points
The Bruins were finally able to acquire Tomas Kaberle from Toronto & they sent Blake Wheeler to Atlanta in two separate deals.
Factoring in the Chris Kelly trade last week, Peter Chiarelli has been busy giving the Bruins a mini-makeover which begs the question why would a team at the top of the Northeast be so active near the trade deadline?
I think it is because of two things. One, the Bruins are being hit by the injury bug once again. After losing a 3-0 lead in a series loss to the Flyers last post-season Boston is positioning to not let history repeat itself.
Another reason could be the back to back losses last week to Detroit. For nearly 20 season the Red Wings have been the measuring stick in the NHL. After getting a close look last week Chiarelli figured some major tweaking was needed for the Bruins to compete in the playoffs.
Will these moves pay off? History says probably not but when you feel you have a chance for greatness you have to go for it. The way Tim Thomas has played this season the Bruins have just as good a chance as any team to come out of the East. Time will tell whether these deals work.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 19:
1. Vancouver 38 13 9 85 points
2. Philadelphia 39 15 5 83 points
3. Detroit 37 16 6 80 points
4. Pittsburgh 36 19 5 77 points
5. Tampa Bay 34 18 7 75 points
6. Boston 33 19 7 73 points
7. Phoenix 32 19 9 73 points
8. Washington 31 19 10 72 points
9. San Jose 33 21 6 72 points
10. Nashville 31 20 8 70 points
11. Calgary 31 22 8 70 points
12. Montreal 31 22 7 69 points
13. Los Angeles 32 23 4 68 points
14. Dallas 31 22 6 68 points
15. Minnesota 31 22 6 68 points
16. Anaheim 32 24 4 68 points
17. Chicago 30 23 6 66 points
18. N.Y. Rangers 31 26 4 66 points
19. Carolina 28 24 8 64 points
20. Columbus 29 23 6 64 points
21. St. Louis 27 21 9 63 points
22. Buffalo 27 25 6 60 points
23. Atlanta 25 25 10 60 points
24. Colorado 25 27 7 57 points
25. Toronto 25 27 7 57 points
26. Florida 25 26 7 57 points
27. New Jersey 25 30 4 54 points
28. N.Y. Islanders 22 30 7 51 points
29. Ottawa 19 31 9 47 points
30. Edmonton 19 32 8 46 points
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Flyers land Versteeg, Bruins land Kelly
Two division leaders just increased the depth of their teams with trades the last couple days.
The Flyers acquired Kris Versteeg from Toronto on Monday night & the Bruins acquired Chris Kelly from Ottawa on Tuesday.
Here a quick take on how each trade affects the teams involved.
Toronto trades Kris Versteeg to Philadelphia for a 1st & 3rd round pick.
I'll admit that this trade caught me off-guard when it happened because Toronto just acquired Versteeg from Chicago this past summer & the Leafs don't have a lot of forwards that can score.
However the acquisition of Joffrey Lupul last week from Anaheim made Versteeg expendable. Leafs GM Brian Burke made this trade because Versteeg wasn't effective as a top six forward in Toronto and it was the best offer he got for Versteeg.
This is a great trade for Philadelphia. It's makes one of the deepest teams in the East even deeper. Versteeg is signed through next season which give the Flyers some security on the wing if they can't re-sign Ville Leino.
Versteeg is on pace for 20 goals for the 3rd year in a row and was a key player in Chicago's win over Philadelphia during the Stanley Cup Finals last spring.
The impression Versteeg made left a mark on Flyers GM Paul Holmgren & when he had the chance to acquire him he couldn't pass it up. With the depth the Flyers have at forward Versteeg can just blend in instead of being counted on to score goals like he did in Toronto.
For Toronto it gives them a 1st round pick that the Leafs didn't have after the Phil Kessel trade. It's a late 1st round pick but a 1st round pick none the less. The 3rd round pick also acquired has been rumored to be part of another deal that is in the works.
Ottawa trades F Chris Kelly to Boston for a 2nd Round pick.
The trade of Chris Kelly to Boston gives the Bruins some depth up front after it was announced that Marc Savard will miss the rest of the season with a concussion.
I think the price of a 2nd round pick was a little steep but Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli knows Kelly from his days in Ottawa and says that Kelly's versatility played a role in the trade.
Kelly joining the Bruins will give them more balance at forward allowing Nathan Horton to take over as the Number one center while Tyler Seguin can get some minutes on the 3rd line.
For Ottawa it is another example that the rebuilding is underway in Canada's capital.
Chris Kelly & Mike Fisher were two of the most popular players on the Senators. Both being traded in the last five days makes me wonder who is next for Ottawa.
Despite Ottawa's record they have a few players that would be great additions to NHL teams as they make a playoff push. I'm guessing GM Bryan Murray will be receiving a few calls in the next two weeks about Alexei Kovalev & Sergei Gonchar.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Week 18 Power Poll
When I heard that Peter Forsberg was making a comeback with the Colorado Avalanche I was curious to see how things would play out.
After all Forsberg was one of the best players in the 90's & if it wasn't for injuries I believe he would have grabbed the torch from Gretzky being regarded as the best player in the game.
Two games into his comeback we found out how is return would go.
Not Long.
News broke around 11 AM that Forsberg was going to announce his retirement from the NHL. No reason has been given but speculation has it tied to previous injuries on his right foot & ankle.
The news of Forsberg retirement catches a lot of NHL fans off-guard. I did not have a chance to watch either of the two games he played but from people I talked to Forsberg looked pretty good for not having played in the NHL since 2008.
I'll always have mixed feelings about Forsberg.
When he debuted with Quebec back in 1995 I was in awe of him. I felt I was watching the next great superstar and for all I know I very well could have been. Even though I am a Detroit fan I loved watching Forsberg play and was always concerned when he had possession of the puck.
Then he signed with Philadelphia in 2005 and was dead to me.
Either way, it was a good career that sadly could have been so much greater than what it was.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 18.
1. Vancouver 36 11 9 81 Points
Return of Sami Salo adds depth to a banged up blueline.
2. Philadelphia 36 14 5 77 Points
Looking to avenge 4-0 defeat to Tampa two weeks earlier in match-up tomorrow night.
3. Detroit 34 16 6 74 Points
GM Ken Holland is looking for help on defense.
4. Pittsburgh 35 19 4 74 Points
Mario Lemieux not happy with the NHL after the Penguins brawl with the Islanders.
5. Tampa Bay 34 17 5 73 Points
Lightning are 13-4 in their last 17 home games.
6. Boston 31 18 7 69 Points
Outscored 10-3 in a home & home sweep by Detroit.
7. Washington 29 17 10 68 Points
Capitals outscored 17-7 in their last six games against Western Conference teams.
8. Montreal 31 20 6 68 Points
Mike Cammalleri (separated shoulder) closer to returning.
9. Dallas 31 19 6 68 Points
Brad Richards not on Stars upcoming road trip.
10. Anaheim 32 21 4 68 Points
Return of Francois Beauchemin gives the Ducks a presence on the blueline they have missed since Pronger & Niedermeyer left.
11. Nashville 30 19 7 67 Points
Acquisition of Mike Fisher make Nashville even more difficult to play against.
12. Phoenix 29 19 9 67 Points
Ilya Bryzgalov (3-0 1.29 GAA) named 3rd star of the week.
13. San Jose 30 21 6 66 Points
Additions of Ben Eager & Kyle Wellwood seems to have given a spark to the Sharks lineup.
14. Los Angeles 31 22 3 65 Points
Back to back road wins over Washington & Philadelphia makes me think the kings have finally turned the corner.
15. Minnesota 30 20 5 65 Points
Three game winning streak keeps Wild in Playoff picture.
16. N.Y. Rangers 30 24 4 64 Points
Captain Chris Drury to miss six weeks following knee surgery.
17. Calgary 28 22 8 64 Points
Heritage Classic against Montreal now has playoff implications.
18. Chicago 28 22 6 62 Points
OK Blackhawks fans, now it's time to panic.
19. Carolina 27 22 8 62 Points
Jeff Skinner leading all rookies with 45 points. (21 G, 24 A)
20. Columbus 28 23 5 61 Points
Blue Jackets have won five straight on the road.
21. Atlanta 25 23 10 60 Points
Two straight losses to Carolina could be what keeps the Thrashers out of the playoffs.
22. Buffalo 26 22 6 58 Points
Two hat tricks for Drew Stafford make him 2nd star of the week.
23. St. Louis 24 21 9 57 Points
Back to back losses to Minnesota drop St. Louis to 13th in the Western Conference.
24. Colorado 25 25 6 56 Points
Peter Forsberg did not have the on ice impact the Avs were hoping for.
25. Florida 24 24 7 55 Points
GM Dale Tallon acquires another Blackhawks (Jack Skille) from his old club.
26. Toronto 23 27 6 52 Points
Getting D Jake Gardiner from Anaheim is a steal for the Leafs.
27. New Jersey 22 30 4 48 Points
Devils have won four in a row.
28. N.Y. Islanders 20 29 7 47 Points
Michael Grabner (8 G, 1 A) named 1st star of the week.
29. Ottawa 18 30 8 44 Points
Trade of Mike Fisher makes Carrie Underwood as popular in Ottawa as Janet Jones was in Canada after Wayne Gretzky got traded.
30. Edmonton 16 32 8 40 Points
Right now, the only team in the West that has no chance to make the playoffs.
After all Forsberg was one of the best players in the 90's & if it wasn't for injuries I believe he would have grabbed the torch from Gretzky being regarded as the best player in the game.
Two games into his comeback we found out how is return would go.
Not Long.
News broke around 11 AM that Forsberg was going to announce his retirement from the NHL. No reason has been given but speculation has it tied to previous injuries on his right foot & ankle.
The news of Forsberg retirement catches a lot of NHL fans off-guard. I did not have a chance to watch either of the two games he played but from people I talked to Forsberg looked pretty good for not having played in the NHL since 2008.
I'll always have mixed feelings about Forsberg.
When he debuted with Quebec back in 1995 I was in awe of him. I felt I was watching the next great superstar and for all I know I very well could have been. Even though I am a Detroit fan I loved watching Forsberg play and was always concerned when he had possession of the puck.
Then he signed with Philadelphia in 2005 and was dead to me.
Either way, it was a good career that sadly could have been so much greater than what it was.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 18.
1. Vancouver 36 11 9 81 Points
Return of Sami Salo adds depth to a banged up blueline.
2. Philadelphia 36 14 5 77 Points
Looking to avenge 4-0 defeat to Tampa two weeks earlier in match-up tomorrow night.
3. Detroit 34 16 6 74 Points
GM Ken Holland is looking for help on defense.
4. Pittsburgh 35 19 4 74 Points
Mario Lemieux not happy with the NHL after the Penguins brawl with the Islanders.
5. Tampa Bay 34 17 5 73 Points
Lightning are 13-4 in their last 17 home games.
6. Boston 31 18 7 69 Points
Outscored 10-3 in a home & home sweep by Detroit.
7. Washington 29 17 10 68 Points
Capitals outscored 17-7 in their last six games against Western Conference teams.
8. Montreal 31 20 6 68 Points
Mike Cammalleri (separated shoulder) closer to returning.
9. Dallas 31 19 6 68 Points
Brad Richards not on Stars upcoming road trip.
10. Anaheim 32 21 4 68 Points
Return of Francois Beauchemin gives the Ducks a presence on the blueline they have missed since Pronger & Niedermeyer left.
11. Nashville 30 19 7 67 Points
Acquisition of Mike Fisher make Nashville even more difficult to play against.
12. Phoenix 29 19 9 67 Points
Ilya Bryzgalov (3-0 1.29 GAA) named 3rd star of the week.
13. San Jose 30 21 6 66 Points
Additions of Ben Eager & Kyle Wellwood seems to have given a spark to the Sharks lineup.
14. Los Angeles 31 22 3 65 Points
Back to back road wins over Washington & Philadelphia makes me think the kings have finally turned the corner.
15. Minnesota 30 20 5 65 Points
Three game winning streak keeps Wild in Playoff picture.
16. N.Y. Rangers 30 24 4 64 Points
Captain Chris Drury to miss six weeks following knee surgery.
17. Calgary 28 22 8 64 Points
Heritage Classic against Montreal now has playoff implications.
18. Chicago 28 22 6 62 Points
OK Blackhawks fans, now it's time to panic.
19. Carolina 27 22 8 62 Points
Jeff Skinner leading all rookies with 45 points. (21 G, 24 A)
20. Columbus 28 23 5 61 Points
Blue Jackets have won five straight on the road.
21. Atlanta 25 23 10 60 Points
Two straight losses to Carolina could be what keeps the Thrashers out of the playoffs.
22. Buffalo 26 22 6 58 Points
Two hat tricks for Drew Stafford make him 2nd star of the week.
23. St. Louis 24 21 9 57 Points
Back to back losses to Minnesota drop St. Louis to 13th in the Western Conference.
24. Colorado 25 25 6 56 Points
Peter Forsberg did not have the on ice impact the Avs were hoping for.
25. Florida 24 24 7 55 Points
GM Dale Tallon acquires another Blackhawks (Jack Skille) from his old club.
26. Toronto 23 27 6 52 Points
Getting D Jake Gardiner from Anaheim is a steal for the Leafs.
27. New Jersey 22 30 4 48 Points
Devils have won four in a row.
28. N.Y. Islanders 20 29 7 47 Points
Michael Grabner (8 G, 1 A) named 1st star of the week.
29. Ottawa 18 30 8 44 Points
Trade of Mike Fisher makes Carrie Underwood as popular in Ottawa as Janet Jones was in Canada after Wayne Gretzky got traded.
30. Edmonton 16 32 8 40 Points
Right now, the only team in the West that has no chance to make the playoffs.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Trade Winds are Blowing
One of my favorite sports days of the year takes place on February 28th, The NHL Trade Deadline.
It's the one day of the year where random Canadian hockey players move from one city to another for no other reason than "Team X made a trade so I have to make one."
For most NHL teams, making a trade at the deadline doesn't guarantee a playoff berth let alone a Stanley Cup championship. But what is does do is tell your fan base where the franchise sits depending on what kind of deal is made.
For some teams it could mean acquiring a player to solidify a position that has been an achillies heel for most of the season. For other teams is could mean dealing away surplus at one position & trying to build up another position on your roster.
Then there are my favorite type of deals, the fire sale by an underachieving club trading a player to a club that thinks it is one player away from being a cup contender.
There were two trades made yesterday that caught my attention.
Toronto trades D Francois Beauchemin to Anaheim for F Joffrey Lupul, D Jake Gardiner & a conditional pick.
This is a trade that should help out both teams.
Beauchemin played for the Ducks from 2005-2009. Even though he was over-shadowed on defense by Scott Niedermeyer & Chris Pronger, Beauchemin was a key player on the Ducks team that won the 2007 Stanley Cup.
His return to Anaheim should help out a Ducks blueline that has been in transition since the departure of Pronger & the retirement of Niedermeyer.
I also like this trade from Toronto's standpoint.
The Leafs have a surplus of defenseman but very little scoring up front. The addition of Lupul will provide more scoring depth & should take some of the pressure off of Phil Kessel.
The addition of Jake Gardiner will give Toronto another young defenseman to build around. With Tomas Kaberle set to become a free agent next season, Toronto may have found his replacement if he chooses to leave after this season.
Ottawa trades F Mike Fisher to Nashville for a 1st round pick in 2011 & a 2nd/3rd round pick in 2012.
When your wife is Country Singer Carrie Underwood there is no other place than Nashville for Mike Fisher to go play hockey.
But this deal wasn't made because Fisher is married to Underwood.
Ottawa has struggled this season & Bryan Murray has been threatening to make a deal to shake up the Senators for most of the season.
The trade of Fisher to Nashville signals that no player on Ottawa is untouchable. I would expect a lot of GM's around the NHL to be in contact with Murray between now and the end of the month. Ottawa does have some good players on their roster that could help most NHL clubs this spring.
As for Nashville this deal does a couple things.
One it adds a forward up front that can score goals. Nashville is 26th in the league in goals per game this season. The addition of Fisher to Nashville already makes him the 3rd leading goal scorer on the roster.
But more importantly it tells Nashville's fan base that they are serious about making a Stanley Cup run.
The Predators have made the playoffs five times in their existence, losing in the 1st round all five times.
Right now they are 5th in the Western Conference & five points out of the top spot in the Central Division.
The Predators could use a nice playoff run to energize their fan base and solidify their place in the Nashville market, quieting rumors of moving the franchise.
Nashville has been on the verge of winning a playoff series the last few years. I'm not sure if Fisher is the missing piece but he should make a good team even better.
These were the 1st of many trades yet to come. I'll be back with the Power Poll on Monday but if a trade of note is made I'll comment on it.
Thanks for reading & enjoy the hockey.
It's the one day of the year where random Canadian hockey players move from one city to another for no other reason than "Team X made a trade so I have to make one."
For most NHL teams, making a trade at the deadline doesn't guarantee a playoff berth let alone a Stanley Cup championship. But what is does do is tell your fan base where the franchise sits depending on what kind of deal is made.
For some teams it could mean acquiring a player to solidify a position that has been an achillies heel for most of the season. For other teams is could mean dealing away surplus at one position & trying to build up another position on your roster.
Then there are my favorite type of deals, the fire sale by an underachieving club trading a player to a club that thinks it is one player away from being a cup contender.
There were two trades made yesterday that caught my attention.
Toronto trades D Francois Beauchemin to Anaheim for F Joffrey Lupul, D Jake Gardiner & a conditional pick.
This is a trade that should help out both teams.
Beauchemin played for the Ducks from 2005-2009. Even though he was over-shadowed on defense by Scott Niedermeyer & Chris Pronger, Beauchemin was a key player on the Ducks team that won the 2007 Stanley Cup.
His return to Anaheim should help out a Ducks blueline that has been in transition since the departure of Pronger & the retirement of Niedermeyer.
I also like this trade from Toronto's standpoint.
The Leafs have a surplus of defenseman but very little scoring up front. The addition of Lupul will provide more scoring depth & should take some of the pressure off of Phil Kessel.
The addition of Jake Gardiner will give Toronto another young defenseman to build around. With Tomas Kaberle set to become a free agent next season, Toronto may have found his replacement if he chooses to leave after this season.
Ottawa trades F Mike Fisher to Nashville for a 1st round pick in 2011 & a 2nd/3rd round pick in 2012.
When your wife is Country Singer Carrie Underwood there is no other place than Nashville for Mike Fisher to go play hockey.
But this deal wasn't made because Fisher is married to Underwood.
Ottawa has struggled this season & Bryan Murray has been threatening to make a deal to shake up the Senators for most of the season.
The trade of Fisher to Nashville signals that no player on Ottawa is untouchable. I would expect a lot of GM's around the NHL to be in contact with Murray between now and the end of the month. Ottawa does have some good players on their roster that could help most NHL clubs this spring.
As for Nashville this deal does a couple things.
One it adds a forward up front that can score goals. Nashville is 26th in the league in goals per game this season. The addition of Fisher to Nashville already makes him the 3rd leading goal scorer on the roster.
But more importantly it tells Nashville's fan base that they are serious about making a Stanley Cup run.
The Predators have made the playoffs five times in their existence, losing in the 1st round all five times.
Right now they are 5th in the Western Conference & five points out of the top spot in the Central Division.
The Predators could use a nice playoff run to energize their fan base and solidify their place in the Nashville market, quieting rumors of moving the franchise.
Nashville has been on the verge of winning a playoff series the last few years. I'm not sure if Fisher is the missing piece but he should make a good team even better.
These were the 1st of many trades yet to come. I'll be back with the Power Poll on Monday but if a trade of note is made I'll comment on it.
Thanks for reading & enjoy the hockey.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Week 17 Power Poll
There was a big loss in Pittsburgh over the weekend.
No, I'm not talking about the Steelers losing Super Bowl XLV. I'm referring to the Pittsburgh Penguins losing Evgeni Malkin with a Torn ACL & MCL in Friday night's game against Buffalo.
Malkin suffered the injury at the start of the 2nd period when Tyler Myers drove him into the boards and landed awkwardly along his leg.
It's bad enough that the Penguins are missing Sidney Crosby due to a concussion. Add the loss of Malkin to the list and that is a 1-2 punch that can't be replaced.
One good thing about the timing of the injury is that it happened before the trade deadline so GM Ray Shero can shop around and try to find a player to play on the 2nd line. Granted he won't find anyone as good as Malkin but finding a serviceable player should help the depth of the Penguins.
Either way with both Crosby & Malkin out of the lineup it's going to be hard for the Penguins to win the Atlantic Division and have home ice in the 1st round.
Here is this week's Power Poll.
1. Vancouver 34 10 9 77 points
Three game winning streak out of the All-Star break puts the Canucks back on top in the NHL.
2. Philadelphia 35 13 5 75 points
With the injuries to Crosby & Malkin, the Flyers should win the Atlantic Division.
3. Pittsburgh 34 16 4 72 points
Crosby not expected to return until March.
4. Tampa Bay 33 16 5 71 points
Nice Sunday for Steven Stamkos (1G, 3A) in win over St. Louis.
5. Detroit 31 15 6 68 points
Five goal game for Johan Franzen first one in the NHL since 2007.
6. Washington 29 15 10 68 points
Shuts out Pittsburgh 3-0 in 1st meeting since Winter Classic.
7. Boston 30 16 7 67 points
Marc Savard out for season with a concussion, big loss for the Bruins.
8. Dallas 30 18 5 65 points
Stars are 1-5 since January 20th.
9. Montreal 30 19 5 65 points
1st place in the Northeast on the line in boston Tuesday night.
10. Nashville 28 18 7 63 points
Predators have the best goals against average (1.91) on home ice in the NHL.
11. San Jose 28 19 6 62 points
Sharks are in position to make a move in the Pacific Division.
12. N.Y. Rangers 29 22 4 62 points
Rangers are winless in their last four games (0-3-1)
13. Anaheim 29 21 4 62 points
Ducks sign Goaltender Ray Emery to contract pending waivers.
14. Phoenix 26 19 9 61 points
Forward Taylor Pyatt tied for third in the NHL in game-winning goals with six.
15. Los Angeles 29 22 2 60 points
Next three games (Pittsburgh, Washington & Philadelphia) will be a good test for the Kings.
16. Minnesota 27 20 5 59 points
Wild are 4-18-1 when allowing the 1st goal of the game.
17. Calgary 26 21 7 59 points
Look who's back in the playoff race.
18. Chicago 27 21 4 58 points
Hawks are winning agmes but so are the teams around them.
19. Carolina 26 21 6 58 points
Five game road trip could be a factor whether or not the Hurricanes make the post-season.
20. Atlanta 24 21 10 58 points
Dustin Byfuglien hasn't scored a point since January 2nd.
21. Colorado 25 21 6 56 points
It's official: Peter Forsberg is making another comeback with the Avalanche.
22. Columbus 25 22 5 55 points
Blue Jackets are 5-3-2 in their last ten games.
23. St. Louis 23 20 8 54 points
Jaroslav Halak (Upper body injury) looks to return in net on Tuesday aginst Florida.
24. Buffalo 24 22 5 53 points
Sabres are 10-4-1 in their last 15 games.
25. Florida 23 23 6 52 points
GM Dale Tallon is willing to listen to all offers to improve the Panthers.
26. Toronto 21 26 5 47 points
When Clarke MacArthur leads the team in points (16G, 26A) you probably won't be playing in the spring.
27. New Jersey 19 30 4 42 points
I wonder how good the devils would be if Jacques Lemaire started the season as head coach.
28. Ottawa 17 28 8 42 points
Senators head out west 0-3 since All-Star break.
29. N.Y. Islanders 17 28 7 41 points
Maybe Rick Dipietro shouldn't be fighting with as fragile as he is.
30. Edmonton 15 29 8 38 points
Four game losing streak has the Oilers last in the NHL.
No, I'm not talking about the Steelers losing Super Bowl XLV. I'm referring to the Pittsburgh Penguins losing Evgeni Malkin with a Torn ACL & MCL in Friday night's game against Buffalo.
Malkin suffered the injury at the start of the 2nd period when Tyler Myers drove him into the boards and landed awkwardly along his leg.
It's bad enough that the Penguins are missing Sidney Crosby due to a concussion. Add the loss of Malkin to the list and that is a 1-2 punch that can't be replaced.
One good thing about the timing of the injury is that it happened before the trade deadline so GM Ray Shero can shop around and try to find a player to play on the 2nd line. Granted he won't find anyone as good as Malkin but finding a serviceable player should help the depth of the Penguins.
Either way with both Crosby & Malkin out of the lineup it's going to be hard for the Penguins to win the Atlantic Division and have home ice in the 1st round.
Here is this week's Power Poll.
1. Vancouver 34 10 9 77 points
Three game winning streak out of the All-Star break puts the Canucks back on top in the NHL.
2. Philadelphia 35 13 5 75 points
With the injuries to Crosby & Malkin, the Flyers should win the Atlantic Division.
3. Pittsburgh 34 16 4 72 points
Crosby not expected to return until March.
4. Tampa Bay 33 16 5 71 points
Nice Sunday for Steven Stamkos (1G, 3A) in win over St. Louis.
5. Detroit 31 15 6 68 points
Five goal game for Johan Franzen first one in the NHL since 2007.
6. Washington 29 15 10 68 points
Shuts out Pittsburgh 3-0 in 1st meeting since Winter Classic.
7. Boston 30 16 7 67 points
Marc Savard out for season with a concussion, big loss for the Bruins.
8. Dallas 30 18 5 65 points
Stars are 1-5 since January 20th.
9. Montreal 30 19 5 65 points
1st place in the Northeast on the line in boston Tuesday night.
10. Nashville 28 18 7 63 points
Predators have the best goals against average (1.91) on home ice in the NHL.
11. San Jose 28 19 6 62 points
Sharks are in position to make a move in the Pacific Division.
12. N.Y. Rangers 29 22 4 62 points
Rangers are winless in their last four games (0-3-1)
13. Anaheim 29 21 4 62 points
Ducks sign Goaltender Ray Emery to contract pending waivers.
14. Phoenix 26 19 9 61 points
Forward Taylor Pyatt tied for third in the NHL in game-winning goals with six.
15. Los Angeles 29 22 2 60 points
Next three games (Pittsburgh, Washington & Philadelphia) will be a good test for the Kings.
16. Minnesota 27 20 5 59 points
Wild are 4-18-1 when allowing the 1st goal of the game.
17. Calgary 26 21 7 59 points
Look who's back in the playoff race.
18. Chicago 27 21 4 58 points
Hawks are winning agmes but so are the teams around them.
19. Carolina 26 21 6 58 points
Five game road trip could be a factor whether or not the Hurricanes make the post-season.
20. Atlanta 24 21 10 58 points
Dustin Byfuglien hasn't scored a point since January 2nd.
21. Colorado 25 21 6 56 points
It's official: Peter Forsberg is making another comeback with the Avalanche.
22. Columbus 25 22 5 55 points
Blue Jackets are 5-3-2 in their last ten games.
23. St. Louis 23 20 8 54 points
Jaroslav Halak (Upper body injury) looks to return in net on Tuesday aginst Florida.
24. Buffalo 24 22 5 53 points
Sabres are 10-4-1 in their last 15 games.
25. Florida 23 23 6 52 points
GM Dale Tallon is willing to listen to all offers to improve the Panthers.
26. Toronto 21 26 5 47 points
When Clarke MacArthur leads the team in points (16G, 26A) you probably won't be playing in the spring.
27. New Jersey 19 30 4 42 points
I wonder how good the devils would be if Jacques Lemaire started the season as head coach.
28. Ottawa 17 28 8 42 points
Senators head out west 0-3 since All-Star break.
29. N.Y. Islanders 17 28 7 41 points
Maybe Rick Dipietro shouldn't be fighting with as fragile as he is.
30. Edmonton 15 29 8 38 points
Four game losing streak has the Oilers last in the NHL.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Teams to watch in the 2nd half.
With the Buffalo Sabres taking the ice tonight all thirty teams will have started the 2nd part of the NHL season since the All-Star Break.
Today I want to take a look at which teams sitting outside of the top eight in each conference has the best chance of making the playoffs and which teams in the top eight is most likely not to make it.
Usually if your are 10 points out of the final playoff spot at the All-Star break you can start making plans for next season. We'll start in the East.
Eastern Conference:
Carolina Hurricanes - Ok, this isn't much of a stretch since only three teams in the East are within 10 points of the final playoff spot. Buffalo & Florida are having trouble finding the back of the net so if any team on the outside from the East has a chance to make the playoffs it's the Hurricanes.
Carolina is 10th in the NHL in scoring with 151 goals on the season. Eric Staal is leading the team in goals (25) & points (52). Jeff Skinner is a Calder Trophy candidate with 18 goals & 22 assists & Tuomo Ruutu is having a career year tied for 2nd on the team with 40 points (12 G, 28 A).
The Hurricanes also have four game remaining against the team they are chasing for the final playoff spot, Atlanta. Three of those games are in Raleigh.
I picked the Hurricanes to finish 7th in the Eastern Conference at the start of the year. I'm not sure if they will but they should be good enough to finish in the top eight.
Team they will replace:
Atlanta Thrashers - I think the Thrashers have been one of the better stories this season. Dustin Byfuglien has been a wonder on defense for Atlanta, tied for the team lead in goals (16) with Andrew Ladd & points (41) with Tobias Enstrom.
However when your top scorer is a defenseman that means someone needs to pick up the scoring up front. Right now Ladd looks like the only one ready to break out & do that.
Another reason I don't think the Thrashers make the post-season is the team goal differential is -19. The teams chasing them are Carolina (-6), Buffalo (-7), & Florida (-2). I don't think Atlanta's goaltending is as good as the three teams behind them.
The team ahead of Atlanta, The New York Rangers, are currently five points ahead of the Thrashers & have a goal differential of +20.
I think the Thrashers have a nice core of players to build around. However unless they find another goal scorer & cut back on the goals they allow they won't make the post-season.
Another key is how they do head-to-head against Carolina. 1st of four meetings is Saturday night in Raleigh.
As for the Western Conference it is a little harder to predict because every team but Edmonton has a chance at the post-season although time is running out for Columbus & St. Louis.
Right now you have nine teams battling for five spots. This will flip flop many times during the next two months but if I had to pick any teams outside of the top eight to make the playoffs in the West it would be...
Chicago Blackhawks- Yes there has been a hangover for the defending Stanley Cup champions. But there is too much talent on the roster for the Hawks to miss the post-season.
Chicago is the 4th highest scoring team in the league & they have a goal differential of + 20. Corey Crawford looks to have won the job in net from Marty Turco & he has Duncan Keith & Brent Seabrook playing in front of him.The pair did a good job of making Antti Niemi look good last year they should be able to do the same thing with Crawford.
The key to making the playoffs in the West is taking care of your own business before it is too late. They have a pair of games in February against Phoenix & Minnesota both of whom they are chasing.
If Chicago can start playing like they did last spring they will make the playoffs and be a tough match up for whoever the face in the playoffs. I think they put it together & get one of the final playoff spots.
Team they will replace:
Anaheim Ducks - When I watched the Ducks play the Wild back in November they looked like a team with one good scoring line, a good goaltender & a team that looked like it had no interest in playing defense.
Well the Ducks are a -7 in goal differential this season. Plus they don't have the shutdown defenseman they had back when Chris Pronger & Scott Niedemeyer played there. Cam Fowler may be that player someday but with a team low -15 on the ice it won't be this season.
The Ducks only have two lines that are a threat to score when they are on the ice. If you can contain those lines you have an excellent chance to beat them.
Well if you look at all the teams around the Ducks you will find that all have a group of defenseman that are capable of doing that. Add in the fact that the Ducks play in the toughest division in the NHL, The Pacific, & I don't like their chances to make the playoffs.
A couple other teams to keep your eye on in the West are Phoenix, Minnesota & Los Angeles.
Phoenix is a well coached team with good goaltending & a good group of defenseman. The Coyotes play well on the road & they have three balanced lines that can score when on the ice.
Minnesota seems to have broken out of whatever funk they were in between Thanksgiving & Christmas. They are 11-3 in 2011 and have played well on the road all season. They are due to get back Marek Zidlicky & Guillame Latendresse next month which will have just as big of an impact as acquiring someone at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles is just like Chicago where they have way too much talent to miss the playoffs. They are a +20 in goal differential on the season and are very strong in goal & on defense. Plus they have the cap room to go out & get a goal scorer at the trade deadline if needed.
A lot will change in the next few months out west but in the end I expect Chicago & Los Angeles to find a way in the playoffs with Anaheim missing out.
As to who the other team that will miss out will be? Well we will just have to wait & see.
Today I want to take a look at which teams sitting outside of the top eight in each conference has the best chance of making the playoffs and which teams in the top eight is most likely not to make it.
Usually if your are 10 points out of the final playoff spot at the All-Star break you can start making plans for next season. We'll start in the East.
Eastern Conference:
Carolina Hurricanes - Ok, this isn't much of a stretch since only three teams in the East are within 10 points of the final playoff spot. Buffalo & Florida are having trouble finding the back of the net so if any team on the outside from the East has a chance to make the playoffs it's the Hurricanes.
Carolina is 10th in the NHL in scoring with 151 goals on the season. Eric Staal is leading the team in goals (25) & points (52). Jeff Skinner is a Calder Trophy candidate with 18 goals & 22 assists & Tuomo Ruutu is having a career year tied for 2nd on the team with 40 points (12 G, 28 A).
The Hurricanes also have four game remaining against the team they are chasing for the final playoff spot, Atlanta. Three of those games are in Raleigh.
I picked the Hurricanes to finish 7th in the Eastern Conference at the start of the year. I'm not sure if they will but they should be good enough to finish in the top eight.
Team they will replace:
Atlanta Thrashers - I think the Thrashers have been one of the better stories this season. Dustin Byfuglien has been a wonder on defense for Atlanta, tied for the team lead in goals (16) with Andrew Ladd & points (41) with Tobias Enstrom.
However when your top scorer is a defenseman that means someone needs to pick up the scoring up front. Right now Ladd looks like the only one ready to break out & do that.
Another reason I don't think the Thrashers make the post-season is the team goal differential is -19. The teams chasing them are Carolina (-6), Buffalo (-7), & Florida (-2). I don't think Atlanta's goaltending is as good as the three teams behind them.
The team ahead of Atlanta, The New York Rangers, are currently five points ahead of the Thrashers & have a goal differential of +20.
I think the Thrashers have a nice core of players to build around. However unless they find another goal scorer & cut back on the goals they allow they won't make the post-season.
Another key is how they do head-to-head against Carolina. 1st of four meetings is Saturday night in Raleigh.
As for the Western Conference it is a little harder to predict because every team but Edmonton has a chance at the post-season although time is running out for Columbus & St. Louis.
Right now you have nine teams battling for five spots. This will flip flop many times during the next two months but if I had to pick any teams outside of the top eight to make the playoffs in the West it would be...
Chicago Blackhawks- Yes there has been a hangover for the defending Stanley Cup champions. But there is too much talent on the roster for the Hawks to miss the post-season.
Chicago is the 4th highest scoring team in the league & they have a goal differential of + 20. Corey Crawford looks to have won the job in net from Marty Turco & he has Duncan Keith & Brent Seabrook playing in front of him.The pair did a good job of making Antti Niemi look good last year they should be able to do the same thing with Crawford.
The key to making the playoffs in the West is taking care of your own business before it is too late. They have a pair of games in February against Phoenix & Minnesota both of whom they are chasing.
If Chicago can start playing like they did last spring they will make the playoffs and be a tough match up for whoever the face in the playoffs. I think they put it together & get one of the final playoff spots.
Team they will replace:
Anaheim Ducks - When I watched the Ducks play the Wild back in November they looked like a team with one good scoring line, a good goaltender & a team that looked like it had no interest in playing defense.
Well the Ducks are a -7 in goal differential this season. Plus they don't have the shutdown defenseman they had back when Chris Pronger & Scott Niedemeyer played there. Cam Fowler may be that player someday but with a team low -15 on the ice it won't be this season.
The Ducks only have two lines that are a threat to score when they are on the ice. If you can contain those lines you have an excellent chance to beat them.
Well if you look at all the teams around the Ducks you will find that all have a group of defenseman that are capable of doing that. Add in the fact that the Ducks play in the toughest division in the NHL, The Pacific, & I don't like their chances to make the playoffs.
A couple other teams to keep your eye on in the West are Phoenix, Minnesota & Los Angeles.
Phoenix is a well coached team with good goaltending & a good group of defenseman. The Coyotes play well on the road & they have three balanced lines that can score when on the ice.
Minnesota seems to have broken out of whatever funk they were in between Thanksgiving & Christmas. They are 11-3 in 2011 and have played well on the road all season. They are due to get back Marek Zidlicky & Guillame Latendresse next month which will have just as big of an impact as acquiring someone at the trade deadline.
Los Angeles is just like Chicago where they have way too much talent to miss the playoffs. They are a +20 in goal differential on the season and are very strong in goal & on defense. Plus they have the cap room to go out & get a goal scorer at the trade deadline if needed.
A lot will change in the next few months out west but in the end I expect Chicago & Los Angeles to find a way in the playoffs with Anaheim missing out.
As to who the other team that will miss out will be? Well we will just have to wait & see.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Week 16 Power Poll
The NHL held their 58th All-Star game yesterday in Raleigh, North Carolina and this years game had a different twist.
Instead of doing Eastern vs. Western Conference or North America vs. the World like the NHL has done in years past the players were chosen via fantasy draft by two captains.
I said I would reserve comment until I watched the game. Well I watched the game yesterday and I still have no idea how I feel about it.
On one hand it was nice to see teammates on both sides of the ice. The Sedin Twins split up for the 1st time that I can recall. You had Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks on one team while teammates Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith & Jonathan Toews were playing against him.
While it was an interesting gimmick to try out the fact is it still was your typical All-Star game. Lots of scoring, little to no defense & goalies constantly getting peppered by shots.
The players seemed to like the method of choosing teams so I would expect the NHL to keep this format for at least next season. But no matter how many ways the league tries to change the way they choose teams the results are going to stay the same.
I'm not saying it is a bad thing it's just that All-Star Game is what it is and that no matter how the NHL tries to dress it up the results are going to be the same.
With The All-Star Game done teams can now focus on their push toward the playoffs. I'll give you my list of teams to keep your eye on in the 2nd half. In the meantime here is the Power Poll for Week 16.
1. Philadelphia 33 12 5 71 points
Face Tampa on Tuesday in a match-up of the two best teams in the Eastern Conference.
2. Vancouver 31 10 9 71 points
Start the 2nd half of the season tonight against Dallas.
3. Tampa Bay 31 15 5 67 points
Steven Stamkos leads the NHL in Goals (37) & points (68)
4. Pittsburgh 31 15 4 66 points
Evgeni Malkin is practicing with the team & should return later this week.
5. Detroit 30 13 6 66 points
Wings are playing well despite the injuries they have dealt with.
6. Dallas 30 15 5 65 points
Looking to avenge 7-1 defeat the last time they played Vancouver.
7. Boston 28 15 7 63 points
Zdeno Chara breaks his record for hardest slapshot (105.9) in skills competition.
8. Washington 27 15 9 63 points
Alex Ovechkin did provide an All-Star moment, just not the way we thought.
9. N.Y. Rangers 29 20 3 61 points
Ryan Callahan returns to the lineup after missing 19 games witha broken hand.
10. Nashville 27 17 6 60 points
Goaltender Pekka rinne named 3rd star of the month with 8 wins, a GAA of 1.71 & a save percentage of .947.
11. Anaheim 28 20 4 60 points
Captain Ryan Getzlaf returns to practice, Looking to return next week against Vancouver.
12. Montreal 27 18 5 59 points
Starts the 2nd part of the season on a four game road trip tonight in Washington.
13. Phoenix 25 17 9 59 points
Keith Yandle is named 2nd star of the month for January (17 points in 14 games)
14. Atlanta 24 19 9 57 points
Dustin Byfuglien made an impact in the All-Star game by scoring a goal.
15. Chicago 26 20 4 56 points
Patrick Sharp (1G, 2A0 named All-Star Game MVP.
16. Colorado 25 19 6 56 points
Matt Duchene attempts, misses 1st Penalty Shot in All-Star history.
17. San Jose 25 19 6 56 points
Patrick Marleau is playing in his 1,000th NHL Game tonight against Phoenix.
18. Carolina 25 19 6 56 points
Eric Staal proved worthy of being named captain at All-Star game in Raleigh.
19. Minnesota 25 19 5 55 points
Andrew Brunette plays in his 1,000th NHL game tonight against Los Angeles.
20. Los Angeles 27 22 1 55 points
Kings quest for a playoff spot starts on a 10 game road trip tonight in Minnesota.
21. Calgary 24 21 6 54 points
Four game win streak puts calgary back in the playoff picture.
22. Columbus 23 21 5 51 points
Rick Nash had a goal & an assist at the All-Star Game. I still think he is the best player no one knows about.
23. St. Louis 22 20 7 51 points
Looking to end four game losing streak tonight against Colorado.
24. Buffalo 23 21 5 51 points
Sabres have to wait until Friday to resume their season against Pittsburgh.
25. Florida 22 22 5 49 points
Panthers dropped five of six games going into the All-Star Break.
26. Toronto 19 25 5 43 points
With the emergence of James Reimer in net could J.S. Giguere be on the move.
27. Ottawa 17 25 8 42 points
Forward Colin Greening set to make NHL debut tonight against New Jersey.
28. Edmonton 15 26 8 38 points
Taylor Hall loses fastest skater at the All-Star skills competition to...
29. N.Y. Islanders 15 27 7 37 points
Michael Grabner with a time of 14.061.
30. New Jersey 16 30 3 35 points
The season from hell resumes tonight against Ottawa.
Instead of doing Eastern vs. Western Conference or North America vs. the World like the NHL has done in years past the players were chosen via fantasy draft by two captains.
I said I would reserve comment until I watched the game. Well I watched the game yesterday and I still have no idea how I feel about it.
On one hand it was nice to see teammates on both sides of the ice. The Sedin Twins split up for the 1st time that I can recall. You had Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks on one team while teammates Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith & Jonathan Toews were playing against him.
While it was an interesting gimmick to try out the fact is it still was your typical All-Star game. Lots of scoring, little to no defense & goalies constantly getting peppered by shots.
The players seemed to like the method of choosing teams so I would expect the NHL to keep this format for at least next season. But no matter how many ways the league tries to change the way they choose teams the results are going to stay the same.
I'm not saying it is a bad thing it's just that All-Star Game is what it is and that no matter how the NHL tries to dress it up the results are going to be the same.
With The All-Star Game done teams can now focus on their push toward the playoffs. I'll give you my list of teams to keep your eye on in the 2nd half. In the meantime here is the Power Poll for Week 16.
1. Philadelphia 33 12 5 71 points
Face Tampa on Tuesday in a match-up of the two best teams in the Eastern Conference.
2. Vancouver 31 10 9 71 points
Start the 2nd half of the season tonight against Dallas.
3. Tampa Bay 31 15 5 67 points
Steven Stamkos leads the NHL in Goals (37) & points (68)
4. Pittsburgh 31 15 4 66 points
Evgeni Malkin is practicing with the team & should return later this week.
5. Detroit 30 13 6 66 points
Wings are playing well despite the injuries they have dealt with.
6. Dallas 30 15 5 65 points
Looking to avenge 7-1 defeat the last time they played Vancouver.
7. Boston 28 15 7 63 points
Zdeno Chara breaks his record for hardest slapshot (105.9) in skills competition.
8. Washington 27 15 9 63 points
Alex Ovechkin did provide an All-Star moment, just not the way we thought.
9. N.Y. Rangers 29 20 3 61 points
Ryan Callahan returns to the lineup after missing 19 games witha broken hand.
10. Nashville 27 17 6 60 points
Goaltender Pekka rinne named 3rd star of the month with 8 wins, a GAA of 1.71 & a save percentage of .947.
11. Anaheim 28 20 4 60 points
Captain Ryan Getzlaf returns to practice, Looking to return next week against Vancouver.
12. Montreal 27 18 5 59 points
Starts the 2nd part of the season on a four game road trip tonight in Washington.
13. Phoenix 25 17 9 59 points
Keith Yandle is named 2nd star of the month for January (17 points in 14 games)
14. Atlanta 24 19 9 57 points
Dustin Byfuglien made an impact in the All-Star game by scoring a goal.
15. Chicago 26 20 4 56 points
Patrick Sharp (1G, 2A0 named All-Star Game MVP.
16. Colorado 25 19 6 56 points
Matt Duchene attempts, misses 1st Penalty Shot in All-Star history.
17. San Jose 25 19 6 56 points
Patrick Marleau is playing in his 1,000th NHL Game tonight against Phoenix.
18. Carolina 25 19 6 56 points
Eric Staal proved worthy of being named captain at All-Star game in Raleigh.
19. Minnesota 25 19 5 55 points
Andrew Brunette plays in his 1,000th NHL game tonight against Los Angeles.
20. Los Angeles 27 22 1 55 points
Kings quest for a playoff spot starts on a 10 game road trip tonight in Minnesota.
21. Calgary 24 21 6 54 points
Four game win streak puts calgary back in the playoff picture.
22. Columbus 23 21 5 51 points
Rick Nash had a goal & an assist at the All-Star Game. I still think he is the best player no one knows about.
23. St. Louis 22 20 7 51 points
Looking to end four game losing streak tonight against Colorado.
24. Buffalo 23 21 5 51 points
Sabres have to wait until Friday to resume their season against Pittsburgh.
25. Florida 22 22 5 49 points
Panthers dropped five of six games going into the All-Star Break.
26. Toronto 19 25 5 43 points
With the emergence of James Reimer in net could J.S. Giguere be on the move.
27. Ottawa 17 25 8 42 points
Forward Colin Greening set to make NHL debut tonight against New Jersey.
28. Edmonton 15 26 8 38 points
Taylor Hall loses fastest skater at the All-Star skills competition to...
29. N.Y. Islanders 15 27 7 37 points
Michael Grabner with a time of 14.061.
30. New Jersey 16 30 3 35 points
The season from hell resumes tonight against Ottawa.
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