Another weekend that was anything but dull in the NHL.
In Tampa Bay the Lightning dropped a 5-3 decision to Ottawa on Saturday then fired head coach Guy Boucher on Sunday before losing 3-2 to the Winnipeg Jets. The Lightning have underperformed this year and Steve Yzerman felt a change was necessary. The players said the right things but in watching the interviews didn't seem overly broken up about it. In fairness Boucher never had the kind of goaltending it takes to win in this league but the team was a mess defensively and should be better with the talent they have.
The Pittsburgh Penguins added another depth piece to their roster acquiring Dallas Stars captain Brendan Morrow and a third round pick for prospect, defneceman Joe Morrow and a fifth round pick. The trade will add some veteran presence and grit to the Pens line up. He is an unrestricted free agent at seasons end so may well end up being a rental. This is the kind of move Penguins GM Ray Shiero has made in the past for guys like Bill Guerin, or Hal Gill so it will be interesting to see how it plays out. Morrow is familiar with several players on the team and should help the Penguins defensively as well.
The Jerome Iginla trade talks are heating up with the Flames doing just enough not to be in the basement but still a ways out of a playoff spot and in need of a rebuild. He has apparently provided the team with a short list of teams that he would accept a trade to including Chicago, Detroit and Pittsburgh. His contract is up at the end of the season so there is again speculation he could even return after being traded as a rental ala Keith Tkachuk several years back in St. Louis. Whatever he or the team decides Calgary needs to make some move for the future and could likely get some valuable assets for him.
Cory Schneider is looking like a man who wants to stay in net after leading the Canucks to another victory in Colorado last night. The team has won four straight and Schneider's play has looked sharp. They are tied with the Wild for first in the North West thought the Wild have two games at hand, but are trending in the right direction after struggling the last few weeks.
What stood out to you?
Monday, March 25, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
California Dreamin'
The Anaheim Ducks have signed their two biggest pending free agents in Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf in the past few weeks for roughly $17 a year combined. Speaking after he signed his deal Perry said he had talked to Getzlaf shortly after he had signed his and his desire for Perry to stick around was a big reason he chose to stay in California. There were a lot of rumors that he would test free agency since he had gone this long without signing as well as the fact that he may want to play closer to home in Ontario. The Ducks franchise had to step up and spend a lot of money on their stars but moving forward could they afford not to? The team has an impressive crop of young talent coming along and look to be a contender for the next few years at least. Money is obviously always a huge consideration when moving forward but you need cornerstone players like this to anchor your franchise, provide leadership as well as interest perspective free agents to your team.
Perry is from the Peterborough area and there was a lot of talk that he would possibly sign with the Leafs, or if the wishes of one crazy blogger (not saying, just saying) came true perhaps Ottawa to be closer to family and friends. This is noble sentiment and I'm sure few people would blame him for doing so. You need only look at the example of Ryan Suter and Zack Parise signing with the Minnesota Wild to see that it does happen. But in the bigger picture, would this have been a good move? Ottawa is certainly a team with a lot of talent and moving forward with a player like Perry they would likely be a contender in a year or two. There is also the previous relationship with Bryan Murray the GM who drafter him. Toronto is on the other end of the scale. Sure he knew Randy Carlyle and won a Stanley Cup with him but after his exodus from Anaheim last year who knows how Perry feels and the Leafs are certainly a ways away from being a contender. It was said that sometimes that grass isn't always greener and if you look at what Anaheim is doing this year and has the potential to do moving forward it is little wonder he'd want to stay where he is.
Perry is from the Peterborough area and there was a lot of talk that he would possibly sign with the Leafs, or if the wishes of one crazy blogger (not saying, just saying) came true perhaps Ottawa to be closer to family and friends. This is noble sentiment and I'm sure few people would blame him for doing so. You need only look at the example of Ryan Suter and Zack Parise signing with the Minnesota Wild to see that it does happen. But in the bigger picture, would this have been a good move? Ottawa is certainly a team with a lot of talent and moving forward with a player like Perry they would likely be a contender in a year or two. There is also the previous relationship with Bryan Murray the GM who drafter him. Toronto is on the other end of the scale. Sure he knew Randy Carlyle and won a Stanley Cup with him but after his exodus from Anaheim last year who knows how Perry feels and the Leafs are certainly a ways away from being a contender. It was said that sometimes that grass isn't always greener and if you look at what Anaheim is doing this year and has the potential to do moving forward it is little wonder he'd want to stay where he is.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Devil's Due
The New Jersey Devil's have long been one of the most consistent franchises in the NHL. They have missed the playoffs only twice since Martin Brodeur has been their backstop and the future hall of famer is still performing at a very high level, leading them to the finals last year. However, with his nagging injuries and the undefeated record of father time, the Devils will have a well, devil of a time without him moving forward. Johan Hedberg his back up is also nearing the end of the line and with his recent play that time may well be very soon indeed. This then begs the question where do they go moving forward. Lou Lamirillo has managed to keep the franchise competitive even after losing players like Scott Stevens, Scott Neidermayer and Petr Sykora to retirement or free agency. This was in large part because he still had Brodeur. No matter what the situation he seemed to keep them in games and drag them into the playoffs almost by himself . They are now at a point where they need to start thinking about their future so why not make a move now?
The LA Kings are coming off a Stanley Cup win and have two solid goaltenders one of who would like to get more playing time. That is of course back up Jonathan Bernier. Earlier in the season when Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick struggled Bernier stepped in and played very well. However, Quick has got his game back on track and the Kings are playing much better hockey of late so it's only natural that Bernier would like to prove himself as a full time starter. He has a cup ring so why not move on and be the man elsewhere. They only issue is that LA has nobody in the system behind these to and would need a young goalie or to sign a backup before getting rid of Bernier. He was a highly touted prospect out of junior and is showing he can play at a high level in the NHL. The Devils need to move a head and he could well be the goalie of the future. They ought to be proactive and lock down a young goalie who is proving himself before long because if their current play is any indication they need the help.
The LA Kings are coming off a Stanley Cup win and have two solid goaltenders one of who would like to get more playing time. That is of course back up Jonathan Bernier. Earlier in the season when Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick struggled Bernier stepped in and played very well. However, Quick has got his game back on track and the Kings are playing much better hockey of late so it's only natural that Bernier would like to prove himself as a full time starter. He has a cup ring so why not move on and be the man elsewhere. They only issue is that LA has nobody in the system behind these to and would need a young goalie or to sign a backup before getting rid of Bernier. He was a highly touted prospect out of junior and is showing he can play at a high level in the NHL. The Devils need to move a head and he could well be the goalie of the future. They ought to be proactive and lock down a young goalie who is proving himself before long because if their current play is any indication they need the help.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Coaches Corner
The NHL season is now just past the half way point and with several teams exceeding expectations we'll take a look at some of the men behind the bench who are responsible.
Paul MacLean. Ottawa Senators: The Sens surprised many last year by making the playoffs and then nearly knocking off the top seeded New York Rangers in the first round. The Sens have a young, hard working team and have responded well to their coach. they started the year off well and things looked great moving forward until the injuries began to pile up. all Stars Jason Spezza, and Erik Karlsson both out for most of the year with injuries, Milan Michalek continues to miss time with a bad knee, Jard Cowan has been out all year and Craig Anderson who still leads the league in save percentage and goals against average have all missed significant time. No one would be surprised if the team dropped off severely and they may yet stumble, but to this point they are sitting in a playoff spot because of the hard work and structured nature of their game. they are not flashy or offensively gifted but they play hard and play together and this has put MacLean on the list of candidates for the Jack Adams award.
Michel Therrien, Montreal Canadiens: Therrien returned to Montreal at a time where they was much change in the organization. New GM Marc Bergevian had to try to improve their fortunes quickly and so far the results have been great. The Habs were coming off a disappointing season finishing dead last in the east a year ago. They had injury problems and didn't seem to be playing up to their potential. A healthy Brian Gionta and Andre Markov combined with impressive rookies Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher have helped them improve greatly. Therrien has them playing hard and with Carey Price in goal they have a lot of people in Montreal talking about a playoff run.
Bruce Boudreau, Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks had won a cup in 2007 under Randy Carlyle but whether his message wore thin or the players just lost focus, the Ducks underperformed in a big way last year. Boudreau was brought in and since that time they have been one of the best teams in the league. He has a lot of high end talent to work with, as he did in Washington, and has they Ducks looking like a contender in the west. Ryan Getzlaf, armed with a hefty new contract, and Corey Perry are having bounce back years and they continue to get production from veterans Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne.
Randy Carlyle, Toronto Maple Leafs: Many, myself included, thought the Leafs would once again hover around a playoff spot but ultimately fall short. While that still may happen don't tell Randy Carlyle. The Leafs are becoming a much harder team to play against and have exceeded the expectations most had for them heading into this season. They have had injuries to players like Matt Fratin, Joffrey Lupul and James Reimer but other like Nazim Kadri and James Van Riemsdyk have stepped up and Phil Kessel is finally starting to get a few goals. The Leafs may not be cup contenders but they have improved their style and structure of play greatly under Carlyle.
Joel Quenville, Chicago Blackhawks: Chicago is a talented team who play hard, play well together and they are a reflection of their coaches work ethic. Quneville has guided this team to a record point streak to start the year and while he has a lot of high end talent they are also some of the hardest working two way players in the game. Hossa, Sharp and Toews all play a 200 foot game and Patrick Kane has been lighting it up offensively. The Hawks will be a contender and if Cory Crawford and Ray Emery can shoulder the load Quneville may hoist his second cup with this group.
Paul MacLean. Ottawa Senators: The Sens surprised many last year by making the playoffs and then nearly knocking off the top seeded New York Rangers in the first round. The Sens have a young, hard working team and have responded well to their coach. they started the year off well and things looked great moving forward until the injuries began to pile up. all Stars Jason Spezza, and Erik Karlsson both out for most of the year with injuries, Milan Michalek continues to miss time with a bad knee, Jard Cowan has been out all year and Craig Anderson who still leads the league in save percentage and goals against average have all missed significant time. No one would be surprised if the team dropped off severely and they may yet stumble, but to this point they are sitting in a playoff spot because of the hard work and structured nature of their game. they are not flashy or offensively gifted but they play hard and play together and this has put MacLean on the list of candidates for the Jack Adams award.
Michel Therrien, Montreal Canadiens: Therrien returned to Montreal at a time where they was much change in the organization. New GM Marc Bergevian had to try to improve their fortunes quickly and so far the results have been great. The Habs were coming off a disappointing season finishing dead last in the east a year ago. They had injury problems and didn't seem to be playing up to their potential. A healthy Brian Gionta and Andre Markov combined with impressive rookies Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher have helped them improve greatly. Therrien has them playing hard and with Carey Price in goal they have a lot of people in Montreal talking about a playoff run.
Bruce Boudreau, Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks had won a cup in 2007 under Randy Carlyle but whether his message wore thin or the players just lost focus, the Ducks underperformed in a big way last year. Boudreau was brought in and since that time they have been one of the best teams in the league. He has a lot of high end talent to work with, as he did in Washington, and has they Ducks looking like a contender in the west. Ryan Getzlaf, armed with a hefty new contract, and Corey Perry are having bounce back years and they continue to get production from veterans Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne.
Randy Carlyle, Toronto Maple Leafs: Many, myself included, thought the Leafs would once again hover around a playoff spot but ultimately fall short. While that still may happen don't tell Randy Carlyle. The Leafs are becoming a much harder team to play against and have exceeded the expectations most had for them heading into this season. They have had injuries to players like Matt Fratin, Joffrey Lupul and James Reimer but other like Nazim Kadri and James Van Riemsdyk have stepped up and Phil Kessel is finally starting to get a few goals. The Leafs may not be cup contenders but they have improved their style and structure of play greatly under Carlyle.
Joel Quenville, Chicago Blackhawks: Chicago is a talented team who play hard, play well together and they are a reflection of their coaches work ethic. Quneville has guided this team to a record point streak to start the year and while he has a lot of high end talent they are also some of the hardest working two way players in the game. Hossa, Sharp and Toews all play a 200 foot game and Patrick Kane has been lighting it up offensively. The Hawks will be a contender and if Cory Crawford and Ray Emery can shoulder the load Quneville may hoist his second cup with this group.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
We're Going Streaking!
Few things capture the attention of the sporting world than a great streak. Joe Dimaggio's 56 game hitting steak, Wayne Gretzky's 51 game point streak are the stuff of legends. Right now the Chicago Blackhawks and the Miami Heat are trying to write a bit of history of their own.
The Blackhawks are undefeated in regulation in their first 24 games of the season, an NHL record, and are inching closer to the 35 game record of Pat Quinn's 1979-80 Philadelphia Flyers. This is impressive territory to say the least and the Hawks ought to be commended especially coming out of a lockout. And, contrary to the beliefs of talking head, empty as it is, Stephen A Smith the NHL does NOT have ties and thus the undefeated streak is in tack. They have lost three games after regulation but have picked up at least a point in every game so far this season. What this means going forward is anyone's guess but many of the other teams to start the start the season on elongated hot steaks have gone on to hoist Lord Stanley's mug. Chicago has a lot of depth and balance across all their lines as well as a stellar blue line and solid goaltending which many, myself included, thought could be a problem. If they can keep it up in the post season there is no reason they won't be celebrating in June.
In the NBA the Heat have won 16 in a row and while they have a long way to go to get the the record 33 of the 71-72 Lakers they have been impressive nonetheless. The funny thing is that they have played to the level of their opponents during this run. They have stepped up and won big games against the likes of Oklahoma City, Houston, Chicago, the Clippers, the Lakers (maybe not so big) and narrowly beaten the lesser light of the East in Charlotte, Cleveland and Orlando. Much like the Blackhawks streak this is all well and good but LeBron James and co will only be satisfied with playoff success. They have pretty well assured they will get home court through out the eastern conference playoffs and are poised to repeat.
Which is the more impressive streak? Let me know.
The Blackhawks are undefeated in regulation in their first 24 games of the season, an NHL record, and are inching closer to the 35 game record of Pat Quinn's 1979-80 Philadelphia Flyers. This is impressive territory to say the least and the Hawks ought to be commended especially coming out of a lockout. And, contrary to the beliefs of talking head, empty as it is, Stephen A Smith the NHL does NOT have ties and thus the undefeated streak is in tack. They have lost three games after regulation but have picked up at least a point in every game so far this season. What this means going forward is anyone's guess but many of the other teams to start the start the season on elongated hot steaks have gone on to hoist Lord Stanley's mug. Chicago has a lot of depth and balance across all their lines as well as a stellar blue line and solid goaltending which many, myself included, thought could be a problem. If they can keep it up in the post season there is no reason they won't be celebrating in June.
In the NBA the Heat have won 16 in a row and while they have a long way to go to get the the record 33 of the 71-72 Lakers they have been impressive nonetheless. The funny thing is that they have played to the level of their opponents during this run. They have stepped up and won big games against the likes of Oklahoma City, Houston, Chicago, the Clippers, the Lakers (maybe not so big) and narrowly beaten the lesser light of the East in Charlotte, Cleveland and Orlando. Much like the Blackhawks streak this is all well and good but LeBron James and co will only be satisfied with playoff success. They have pretty well assured they will get home court through out the eastern conference playoffs and are poised to repeat.
Which is the more impressive streak? Let me know.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Enough is Enough...Time the NHL Cracked Down
Once again we find the NHL having to dole out discipline, and once again we find ourselves scratching our heads at just how they got there. Seriously, trying to guess what Brendan Shannahan will decide is like deciphering an episode of Lost. Patrick Kaleta a serial repeat offender crossed checked Brad Richards into the boards from behind last week and was thrown from the game and given a five game suspension. This is only one game more than is last suspension for head butting. He has been on the receiving end of suspensions three previous times and is a know @&#^ disturber across the league. With all that, Shannan added a whopping one game to the last suspension he was given. I like Brendan Shannahan as a player. He was tough and skilled and played the game hard. But now he's more like a puppet for the league. If the league wants to take player safety seriously, send a message. I like the decision to ban Zolnerchuck from Philly four games for his high hit to Ottawa's Mike Lundin a lot better, and it could have been more. Lundin was hurt and Richards was able to return but didn't play last night against Philly. I know injury is part of the equation but sometimes guys are just luck not to get hurt. It doesn't make the offending play any less egregious.
Take for example last Wednesday when the Leafs played the Habs and Mike Brown was tossed for hitting Josh Georges from behind. It was one of those plays that could have been two minutes, I didn't mind the major as this is the kind of hit the league needs to get out, but this was a case where the name on the back of the jersey was likely the reason. You think Kessel or Grabovski would have been tossed? There was outraged from the Leafs bench, understandably, but the bigger question here is, why put the referee in that situation? Hockey is a fast paced games and with the benefit of replay we can often look back and see reasons to mitigate punishment but at full speed they don't have that luxury so why risk it? I like the idea of being able to sort of grab a guy and hold him up a bit if you want to pin him to the boards as it is safer than running a guy which we've seen a lot of lately.
We can also look at the bizarre ruling in the Ryan Clowe case as an example of how the league needs to protect players from themselves. As I said before is Shaw was given a penalty none of that nonsense afterwards would have happened. It's up to the league, players and officials to get this thing under control for the sake of everyone involved and clean up the game and more strictly punish those who cross the line if only to get others thinking twice before they follow suit.
Take for example last Wednesday when the Leafs played the Habs and Mike Brown was tossed for hitting Josh Georges from behind. It was one of those plays that could have been two minutes, I didn't mind the major as this is the kind of hit the league needs to get out, but this was a case where the name on the back of the jersey was likely the reason. You think Kessel or Grabovski would have been tossed? There was outraged from the Leafs bench, understandably, but the bigger question here is, why put the referee in that situation? Hockey is a fast paced games and with the benefit of replay we can often look back and see reasons to mitigate punishment but at full speed they don't have that luxury so why risk it? I like the idea of being able to sort of grab a guy and hold him up a bit if you want to pin him to the boards as it is safer than running a guy which we've seen a lot of lately.
We can also look at the bizarre ruling in the Ryan Clowe case as an example of how the league needs to protect players from themselves. As I said before is Shaw was given a penalty none of that nonsense afterwards would have happened. It's up to the league, players and officials to get this thing under control for the sake of everyone involved and clean up the game and more strictly punish those who cross the line if only to get others thinking twice before they follow suit.
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