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Edmonton Oilers Blogger •
Hello friends, and welcome to Month 2 of the NHL regular season. Enjoying it so far? I am, but wow, it's been a strange season already. In the spirit of giving all teams a little bit of love and attention, I present to you 30 Random Thoughts for 30 Random NHL Teams.
Anaheim Ducks - I wouldn't get excited, Ducks fans as this team is just getting use to each other. They are way better than their record, and could put up a decent fight come playoff time. Am I the only won who looks at the West standings and wonders if the chart is upside down? However, Scott Niedermayer is looking like his best before date is expired. Take my advice, Team Canada: Forget about Neidermayer, and look at players like Brent Burns or Shea Weber. The only chance Canada has to beat Russia is to have big D that hit everything in sight.
Atlanta Thrashers - How will this team do while Ilya Kovalchuck recovers from his broken foot? 9 goals in 10 games played? Put him on the right team, and a healthy Kovy would put up Ovechkin-like numbers. Malkin, Ovechkin and Kovalchuck on the same team in the Olympics? If Russia doesn't win the gold, the event is rigged.
Boston Bruins - I have new appreciation for what Zdeno Chara brings to the Bruins after watching him man-handle 6' 4" 240 pound Dustin Penner on Saturday. If the B's stand a chance staying in the playoff race this season with all the serious injuries they have, it will need to be Chara that carries the team.
Buffalo Sabers - I've watched a couple of Sabers games this season, and allow me to say the following: This is the type of team I would pick in a hockey pool to win the cup. They have balance at every position, and play a solid two-way game. This could be the year of the Sabers, surprising everyone. Just watch.
Calgary Flames - I still think Calgary will be the team to beat in the West come playoff time. Why? No one has a bigger, faster, stronger, scarier defense. Three D-men on Team Canada at the Olympics, for starters. Oh, and who is leading the team in scoring? Lac La Biche's own Rene Bourque, whom I predicted would have a great year. Thanks dude; you make me look smart.
Carolina Hurricanes - The 'Canes are going to perhaps be the team that makes the most deals by the trade deadline this season. Why? They have players other teams would want for a cup run, and they need to get younger. Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, Sergei Samsonov, Stephane Yelle, Joe Corvo and Aaron Ward will all be dealt to bring in young talent, prospects and picks.
Chicago Blackhawks - Speaking of deals, the idea at the beginning of the season was to unload Patrick Sharp in anticipation of the cap situation that will occur at the end of the year with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Problem is, Sharp has been the Hawks best player so far, and moving what's working usually hurts a team more than it helps. The silver lining in this is that Sharp should bring a decent return, and with Hossa injured, there is no rush to deal him. Look for Sharp to remain in Chicago and for his trade to occur during the NHL draft instead.
Colorado Avalanche - Ummm...I have no idea what to say about this situation. A look at the roster reveals a young team that should be getting clobbered every game. Nope. They are a league leader. Not sure how. Not sure why. I'd say they are set to tank at any minute, but I am not sure how they are winning games now, so I can't say when they are going to tank. Enjoy the ride, Avs fans, and here's to hoping they play this way all season. You've got to love the underdog. What was Vegas giving for Colorado to win the cup this year before the season began?
Columbus Blue Jackets - Columbus is the Buffalo of the Western Conference. A team that has depth at all positions and could pull off some upsets come playoff time. Does anyone out there still not consider Rick Nash a Top 5 player in the NHL? Put him with someone like Malkin and he'd score 60 goals per year, and be a top two-way player while doing it. The man is a terror on the PK.
Dallas Stars - Yet another team that is over-achieving, although it is nice to see Brad Richards finally play to a level consistant with his contract. Who is James Neal and why does he have 16 points? And Marty Turco is looking like the Turk of Old. While my crystal ball predicts the 'Lanche to surprise all season, the Dallas success story will be short lived. On a positive note, they are winning right now mostly on the strong play of their young players, so the future looks bright.
Detroit Red Wings - And now, the end is near...I didn't want to believe this would happen going into the season, but it's finally happened: The Wings stink. The defense looks old, the forwards look tired, and the goaltending...the goaltending...I thought just entered my mind; something to do with Montreal having Price and Halak, and the Wings having some great talent that could be moved for a building-block goalie.
Edmonton Oilers - Who's the fan favorite right now in Edmonton? Dustin Penner. Who is the team MVP? Dustin Penner. Who is making Craig MacTavish look like the village idiot? Dustin Penner. But before anyone gets too carried away, here's a little food for thought: The Oilers have been shut out three times already this season. Penner can't do it alone, and the rest of the team needs to wake up quick or this year is going to be a disaster.
Florida Panthers - Flordia is a team going no-where fast, and they should consider clearing out the line-up, tanking intentionally, and starting over beginning at this year's NHL draft. When Nathan Horton is mentioned as being your most valuable asset, it's time to re-evaluate. The hit on David Booth looked like a career-ender to me, poor guy.
Los Angeles Kings - Lemme start by saying Ryan Smyth has played his way onto the Team Canada roster. The former Face of the Edmonton Oilers has become the Face of the LA Kings, and the dressing room seems to have found their champion. I put the Kings in the playoff hunt this season, while others had them figured to finish 12th - 14th. I laugh at your feeble predictions (I also picked the Wings to win the West...Oops). I wouldn't want to play LA in the first round of the playoffs, as this team can fly. Defensive zone transition passes: Watch a Kings game and see what I'm sayin'.
Minnesota Wild - You can't talk Minnie without mentioning the injuries they have faced. It doesn't matter if they had a shot at the playoffs or not going into the year: If you lose a third of your starters, you're done. If I was the Wild, I would look at this as an opportunity to begin the rebuild, as a number of 30-something players would be welcomed by other teams, with youth and potential being given in return. Look for the Wild to be major sellers at the Trade Deadline.
Montreal Canadiens - Carey Price is going to be traded, but not during the season. Jaroslav Halak looks like the better goalie right now, but send Price to a city that isn't the pressure cooker Montreal is, and Price could be a top goalie in the NHL. Montreal knows it, and will hold out for a big return, which, unfortunately, their salary cap number can not survive right now.
Nashville Predators - It makes me mad to hear about the NHL talking about expanding to 32 teams, when there are teams like the Preds that can't make money, and have to operate at the basement of the cap because of it. It doesn't matter if Nashville has a decent team or players of value; everyone good will be eventually traded away. The Preds of 2009 are the Edmonton Oilers of the mid-1990's, and I'd rather see the league move Nashville to Quebec City than add teams. Ditto Phoenix, and a handful of other franchises. I suppose I should mention how they are doing this year. Why on a broke team is $9mil of salary going to Martin Erat and David Legwand, who have combined this year for no goals and only four assists?
New Jersey Devils - Zac Parise...you know, at one time I said this guy was overrated. Well, I've been watching the Devils play this season, and I was completely wrong. Parise is one of the best players in the league, and is underpaid. Sorry dude for giving you a hard time. So far, the Devils are 7 - 0 on the road. What team goes 7 - 0 on the road? Amazing performance so far, and by far the best New York-area team.
New York Islanders - I am glad for Islander fans that John Tavares is playing well. I'd be pretty depressed if I had to watch that team play nightly, but the good news is, the core of the team is extremely young and gifted. Be patient Islander fans; your time is coming. Oh, and sorry about Roloson. As an Oiler fan, I tried to warn you about his one-bad-goal-a-game thing. There's a reason he was a back-up most of his career.
New York Rangers - I can't believe Marian Gaborik is not out for the season yet. Enjoy the settler play of your team while you can, Ranger fans, because when...not if but when...Gabby goes down, so will the Rangers. Prospal with 18 points? Gabby with 19? Kotalik looking like a first-line player? It's an illusion. Although I will say Michael Del Zotto is the real deal, and has been the best player on the team aside from Gaborik and perhaps Henrik Lundqvist.
Ottawa Senators - Now imagine if they got Penner, Andrew Cogliano and Ladislav Smid for Dany Heatley instead of the bundle from San Jose. The Sens would be the top team in the East, the way Penner and Smid are playing. The real irony is that main player in the deal for Ottawa was Cogliano, and he's had a tough year so far.
Philadelphia Flyers - They have been a disappointment this season. The Mike Richards hit was vicious, and I can't believe he wasn't suspended for 20 games. The injuries to the groins of Daniel Briere and Simon Gagne makes me wonder about the coaching methods of the Flyers (do what I want, or you get a good crotch kicking!). Ray Emery has looked better than I expected. I suspect the lukewarm start this year will wear off, and the Flyers will make me look brilliant come playoff time (I picked Philly to win the cup this year, as you may recall).
Phoenix Coyotes - Yet another team that is over-achieving. How exactly are the 'Yotes winning so many games? I mean, aside from the awesome defensive play and amazing goaltending? Remember in the old days...well, a few seasons ago...when teams like New Jersey won games and cups while playing a really boring to watch neutral ice trap that the league should outlaw because it turns the game into a ridiculously boring sport? Aw, I suppose I shouldn't pick on the Coyotes for winning; they are getting balanced scoring and Ed Jovanovski is playing his best hockey in years. Wait, if Phoenix wins the cup, and if the NHL owns the team, could that be like insider trading or something? For the first time ever, something is beginning to smell with the Phoenix franchise.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Sidney Crosby? Bah. Evgeni Malkin? Meh. Would you believe the MVP, heart and soul of this team is Marc-Andre Fleury? He is their best player, and is the reason the Pens will at least be in the Eastern Final come playoff time. I hope the Canadian Olympic Team puts the best goalie possible in net during the Olympics...that would be Fleury. Who is Alex Goligoski and why does he have 12 points in 15 games?
San Jose Sharks - After a tough first few games, the Sharks are coming into their own. They are still gonna be a first-round exit come playoff time, but the Regular season should be a fun ride. Dany Heatley has been good, but so far, Patrick Marleau has been team MVP. And just by co-wink-e-dink, it is the last year of his contract before he becomes a UFA. Imagine that? Look for Marleau to light it up all year, and to sign with whatever team can shell $7.5mil per season come July 1, 2010.
St. Louis Blues - I love watching Paul Kariya play because he is like the Bionic Man. Are any of his limbs not metal? If this guy didn't have an injury-plagued career, imagine the numbers he would have put up. Sorry Blues fans, but I remember Ty Conklin in Edmonton, and the thought that he even plays for any NHL team amuses me. I am not sure if I'd call the Blues place in the standings a disappointment, as last season they exceeded expectations. They just don't have the offense to be considered a serious playoff threat.
Tampa Bay Lightning - Steven Stamkos for the Hart Trophy? Maybe not this season, but watch this guy play and tell me he won't win the Hart and Art Ross sooner or later. The kid is electric. Stamkos might be the best playing in the league right now.
Toronto Maple Leafs - Turn four OT losses into wins, and TO wouldn't be the laughing stock of the league. Trust me folks, this team is better than the start it had, and will improve during the season. They are still gonna miss the playoffs though. I picked them to finish 26th in the league at the beginning of the year, and I am sticking with that number. Which in itself is too much to pay for the oft-injured Phil Kessel.
Vancouver Canucks - I am going to resist the urge to make a Sedin joke. The 'Nucks are 7 - 7 and they play like a team bad enough to miss the playoffs, but good enough not to get a Top 10 draft pick. Which, in my estimation, is the worst place to be. If you're gonna suck, you should be the King of Suckness. It goes without saying that the fortunes of the Canucks would be much different if they didn't have all the injuries they do. Word is Luongo is only out for about another week, which means there is hope this season.
Washington Capitals - Russia could save money in airfare by just sending the Capitals to represent them at the Olympics. Alexander Ovechkin is on about a 85 goal clip so far this season; of course it won't last, but he could seriously score 70. Mike Green must have played his way on to Team Canada by now. Not much else to say about Washington, other than they are just as good as last year, and will be every bit as much in the hunt as the Penguins and Flyers will be.
Anaheim Ducks - I wouldn't get excited, Ducks fans as this team is just getting use to each other. They are way better than their record, and could put up a decent fight come playoff time. Am I the only won who looks at the West standings and wonders if the chart is upside down? However, Scott Niedermayer is looking like his best before date is expired. Take my advice, Team Canada: Forget about Neidermayer, and look at players like Brent Burns or Shea Weber. The only chance Canada has to beat Russia is to have big D that hit everything in sight.
Atlanta Thrashers - How will this team do while Ilya Kovalchuck recovers from his broken foot? 9 goals in 10 games played? Put him on the right team, and a healthy Kovy would put up Ovechkin-like numbers. Malkin, Ovechkin and Kovalchuck on the same team in the Olympics? If Russia doesn't win the gold, the event is rigged.
Boston Bruins - I have new appreciation for what Zdeno Chara brings to the Bruins after watching him man-handle 6' 4" 240 pound Dustin Penner on Saturday. If the B's stand a chance staying in the playoff race this season with all the serious injuries they have, it will need to be Chara that carries the team.
Buffalo Sabers - I've watched a couple of Sabers games this season, and allow me to say the following: This is the type of team I would pick in a hockey pool to win the cup. They have balance at every position, and play a solid two-way game. This could be the year of the Sabers, surprising everyone. Just watch.
Calgary Flames - I still think Calgary will be the team to beat in the West come playoff time. Why? No one has a bigger, faster, stronger, scarier defense. Three D-men on Team Canada at the Olympics, for starters. Oh, and who is leading the team in scoring? Lac La Biche's own Rene Bourque, whom I predicted would have a great year. Thanks dude; you make me look smart.
Carolina Hurricanes - The 'Canes are going to perhaps be the team that makes the most deals by the trade deadline this season. Why? They have players other teams would want for a cup run, and they need to get younger. Ray Whitney, Matt Cullen, Sergei Samsonov, Stephane Yelle, Joe Corvo and Aaron Ward will all be dealt to bring in young talent, prospects and picks.
Chicago Blackhawks - Speaking of deals, the idea at the beginning of the season was to unload Patrick Sharp in anticipation of the cap situation that will occur at the end of the year with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Problem is, Sharp has been the Hawks best player so far, and moving what's working usually hurts a team more than it helps. The silver lining in this is that Sharp should bring a decent return, and with Hossa injured, there is no rush to deal him. Look for Sharp to remain in Chicago and for his trade to occur during the NHL draft instead.
Colorado Avalanche - Ummm...I have no idea what to say about this situation. A look at the roster reveals a young team that should be getting clobbered every game. Nope. They are a league leader. Not sure how. Not sure why. I'd say they are set to tank at any minute, but I am not sure how they are winning games now, so I can't say when they are going to tank. Enjoy the ride, Avs fans, and here's to hoping they play this way all season. You've got to love the underdog. What was Vegas giving for Colorado to win the cup this year before the season began?
Columbus Blue Jackets - Columbus is the Buffalo of the Western Conference. A team that has depth at all positions and could pull off some upsets come playoff time. Does anyone out there still not consider Rick Nash a Top 5 player in the NHL? Put him with someone like Malkin and he'd score 60 goals per year, and be a top two-way player while doing it. The man is a terror on the PK.
Dallas Stars - Yet another team that is over-achieving, although it is nice to see Brad Richards finally play to a level consistant with his contract. Who is James Neal and why does he have 16 points? And Marty Turco is looking like the Turk of Old. While my crystal ball predicts the 'Lanche to surprise all season, the Dallas success story will be short lived. On a positive note, they are winning right now mostly on the strong play of their young players, so the future looks bright.
Detroit Red Wings - And now, the end is near...I didn't want to believe this would happen going into the season, but it's finally happened: The Wings stink. The defense looks old, the forwards look tired, and the goaltending...the goaltending...I thought just entered my mind; something to do with Montreal having Price and Halak, and the Wings having some great talent that could be moved for a building-block goalie.
Edmonton Oilers - Who's the fan favorite right now in Edmonton? Dustin Penner. Who is the team MVP? Dustin Penner. Who is making Craig MacTavish look like the village idiot? Dustin Penner. But before anyone gets too carried away, here's a little food for thought: The Oilers have been shut out three times already this season. Penner can't do it alone, and the rest of the team needs to wake up quick or this year is going to be a disaster.
Florida Panthers - Flordia is a team going no-where fast, and they should consider clearing out the line-up, tanking intentionally, and starting over beginning at this year's NHL draft. When Nathan Horton is mentioned as being your most valuable asset, it's time to re-evaluate. The hit on David Booth looked like a career-ender to me, poor guy.
Los Angeles Kings - Lemme start by saying Ryan Smyth has played his way onto the Team Canada roster. The former Face of the Edmonton Oilers has become the Face of the LA Kings, and the dressing room seems to have found their champion. I put the Kings in the playoff hunt this season, while others had them figured to finish 12th - 14th. I laugh at your feeble predictions (I also picked the Wings to win the West...Oops). I wouldn't want to play LA in the first round of the playoffs, as this team can fly. Defensive zone transition passes: Watch a Kings game and see what I'm sayin'.
Minnesota Wild - You can't talk Minnie without mentioning the injuries they have faced. It doesn't matter if they had a shot at the playoffs or not going into the year: If you lose a third of your starters, you're done. If I was the Wild, I would look at this as an opportunity to begin the rebuild, as a number of 30-something players would be welcomed by other teams, with youth and potential being given in return. Look for the Wild to be major sellers at the Trade Deadline.
Montreal Canadiens - Carey Price is going to be traded, but not during the season. Jaroslav Halak looks like the better goalie right now, but send Price to a city that isn't the pressure cooker Montreal is, and Price could be a top goalie in the NHL. Montreal knows it, and will hold out for a big return, which, unfortunately, their salary cap number can not survive right now.
Nashville Predators - It makes me mad to hear about the NHL talking about expanding to 32 teams, when there are teams like the Preds that can't make money, and have to operate at the basement of the cap because of it. It doesn't matter if Nashville has a decent team or players of value; everyone good will be eventually traded away. The Preds of 2009 are the Edmonton Oilers of the mid-1990's, and I'd rather see the league move Nashville to Quebec City than add teams. Ditto Phoenix, and a handful of other franchises. I suppose I should mention how they are doing this year. Why on a broke team is $9mil of salary going to Martin Erat and David Legwand, who have combined this year for no goals and only four assists?
New Jersey Devils - Zac Parise...you know, at one time I said this guy was overrated. Well, I've been watching the Devils play this season, and I was completely wrong. Parise is one of the best players in the league, and is underpaid. Sorry dude for giving you a hard time. So far, the Devils are 7 - 0 on the road. What team goes 7 - 0 on the road? Amazing performance so far, and by far the best New York-area team.
New York Islanders - I am glad for Islander fans that John Tavares is playing well. I'd be pretty depressed if I had to watch that team play nightly, but the good news is, the core of the team is extremely young and gifted. Be patient Islander fans; your time is coming. Oh, and sorry about Roloson. As an Oiler fan, I tried to warn you about his one-bad-goal-a-game thing. There's a reason he was a back-up most of his career.
New York Rangers - I can't believe Marian Gaborik is not out for the season yet. Enjoy the settler play of your team while you can, Ranger fans, because when...not if but when...Gabby goes down, so will the Rangers. Prospal with 18 points? Gabby with 19? Kotalik looking like a first-line player? It's an illusion. Although I will say Michael Del Zotto is the real deal, and has been the best player on the team aside from Gaborik and perhaps Henrik Lundqvist.
Ottawa Senators - Now imagine if they got Penner, Andrew Cogliano and Ladislav Smid for Dany Heatley instead of the bundle from San Jose. The Sens would be the top team in the East, the way Penner and Smid are playing. The real irony is that main player in the deal for Ottawa was Cogliano, and he's had a tough year so far.
Philadelphia Flyers - They have been a disappointment this season. The Mike Richards hit was vicious, and I can't believe he wasn't suspended for 20 games. The injuries to the groins of Daniel Briere and Simon Gagne makes me wonder about the coaching methods of the Flyers (do what I want, or you get a good crotch kicking!). Ray Emery has looked better than I expected. I suspect the lukewarm start this year will wear off, and the Flyers will make me look brilliant come playoff time (I picked Philly to win the cup this year, as you may recall).
Phoenix Coyotes - Yet another team that is over-achieving. How exactly are the 'Yotes winning so many games? I mean, aside from the awesome defensive play and amazing goaltending? Remember in the old days...well, a few seasons ago...when teams like New Jersey won games and cups while playing a really boring to watch neutral ice trap that the league should outlaw because it turns the game into a ridiculously boring sport? Aw, I suppose I shouldn't pick on the Coyotes for winning; they are getting balanced scoring and Ed Jovanovski is playing his best hockey in years. Wait, if Phoenix wins the cup, and if the NHL owns the team, could that be like insider trading or something? For the first time ever, something is beginning to smell with the Phoenix franchise.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Sidney Crosby? Bah. Evgeni Malkin? Meh. Would you believe the MVP, heart and soul of this team is Marc-Andre Fleury? He is their best player, and is the reason the Pens will at least be in the Eastern Final come playoff time. I hope the Canadian Olympic Team puts the best goalie possible in net during the Olympics...that would be Fleury. Who is Alex Goligoski and why does he have 12 points in 15 games?
San Jose Sharks - After a tough first few games, the Sharks are coming into their own. They are still gonna be a first-round exit come playoff time, but the Regular season should be a fun ride. Dany Heatley has been good, but so far, Patrick Marleau has been team MVP. And just by co-wink-e-dink, it is the last year of his contract before he becomes a UFA. Imagine that? Look for Marleau to light it up all year, and to sign with whatever team can shell $7.5mil per season come July 1, 2010.
St. Louis Blues - I love watching Paul Kariya play because he is like the Bionic Man. Are any of his limbs not metal? If this guy didn't have an injury-plagued career, imagine the numbers he would have put up. Sorry Blues fans, but I remember Ty Conklin in Edmonton, and the thought that he even plays for any NHL team amuses me. I am not sure if I'd call the Blues place in the standings a disappointment, as last season they exceeded expectations. They just don't have the offense to be considered a serious playoff threat.
Tampa Bay Lightning - Steven Stamkos for the Hart Trophy? Maybe not this season, but watch this guy play and tell me he won't win the Hart and Art Ross sooner or later. The kid is electric. Stamkos might be the best playing in the league right now.
Toronto Maple Leafs - Turn four OT losses into wins, and TO wouldn't be the laughing stock of the league. Trust me folks, this team is better than the start it had, and will improve during the season. They are still gonna miss the playoffs though. I picked them to finish 26th in the league at the beginning of the year, and I am sticking with that number. Which in itself is too much to pay for the oft-injured Phil Kessel.
Vancouver Canucks - I am going to resist the urge to make a Sedin joke. The 'Nucks are 7 - 7 and they play like a team bad enough to miss the playoffs, but good enough not to get a Top 10 draft pick. Which, in my estimation, is the worst place to be. If you're gonna suck, you should be the King of Suckness. It goes without saying that the fortunes of the Canucks would be much different if they didn't have all the injuries they do. Word is Luongo is only out for about another week, which means there is hope this season.
Washington Capitals - Russia could save money in airfare by just sending the Capitals to represent them at the Olympics. Alexander Ovechkin is on about a 85 goal clip so far this season; of course it won't last, but he could seriously score 70. Mike Green must have played his way on to Team Canada by now. Not much else to say about Washington, other than they are just as good as last year, and will be every bit as much in the hunt as the Penguins and Flyers will be.
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