Yesterday I wrote about how there will be some trades that would come from left field and catch us off guard, and “to most”, that trade was the Hossa to Penguins deal. I said “to most” because yours truly along with some Pens fans with big dreams saw this as a golden opportunity over month ago. Yes, we all got blasted when we made the bold statement on our blogs, message boards and rumor sites where we were laughed at and called silly. For my thoughts back in January just scroll a few posts down to CROSBY NEEDS HIS OWN KURRI and you will see how silly I was.
Now, in no way am I saying that the Pens didn’t give up a lot to get Hossa, but keep in mind when a chance to give the best playmaker in hockey a true sniper with speed riding shotgun, you do what ever it takes to do it. Sure there is no saying that Hossa will re-sign with the Pens and he may become a really expensive playoff rental, but they have the rest of the year figure it out and I just have the feeling that once Hossa and Crosby connect Hossa wouldn’t think of going anywhere else. Why would he? This is a win-win for both players and their production could easily hit the roof.
When you are talking about one of the most gifted players to ever play the game you have to surround them with the best possible players in order to get the best out of them. Remember how important Kurri was to Gretzky? Remember after Wayne went to the Kings how imperative it was for them to acquire Kurri? Remember the names involved in the 3-way trade between the Oilers, Flyers and Kings? Okay, I know you remember how important it was for the Rangers to get Kurri when they got Gretz and the names involved in getting that one done, right? Well then, what makes the Hossa deal any different? There is no questioning the dynamic that Kurri brought to Gretzky’s game and Hossa and Crosby are on the cusp of bringing us that same kind of brilliance.
I openly applaud the Penguins management for making this bold move and bringing the city of Pittsburgh a team that fans haven’t seen since the days of Mario, Francis and Jagr. If anyone is worried about screwing up the chemistry of the team, think about it. You are talking about a couple of truly gifted players who can play with anyone and now have a chance to take chemistry to a whole new level. They have some time left to click and when it happens, look out; this could be the best thing we’ve ever seen and the best thing for the game in decades.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
THE HYPE IS BETTER THAN THE TRADES THEMSELVES
Psst……I heard a rumor……
Well, today is the day hockey fans perk up and play GM in anticipation that their team will pick up the missing piece of the puzzle to put them over the top. The excitement and buzz on Trade Deadline Day is traditionally better than the deals themselves. The speculation of big names involved in movement chew up a ton of time while big media places “name” analysts to hype it up for hours until trades slowly start to trickle in. Granted some big names do move on Deadline Day but for the most part it is the minor acquisitions that ultimately have the most impact. There are always one or two trades that seem to come from left field and catch us all off guard, but predicting where players will go is the fun part. And that is the part that makes us all pay attention and listen intently to the big media hype while wiping the drool as they mention our favorite team.
Will Hossa practice today? Will the Leafs move anyone? Will the Habs swing for the fences? Will the Bruins stand pat even though they need a scoring winger? Will Dallas find help for the Modano line? Will the Panthers actually move Jokinen? Do the Ducks tinker at all? Will the Wings get tougher? Will the Rangers move anyone to get defensive help? Where in the world will Brad Richards land this afternoon? The buzz engulfs us all – and the buzz itself is better for the game than the answers to the questions. Anytime hockey talk takes center stage it’s a good thing all around. I guess what I’m driving at here is enjoy the day, get fooled by the hype and dream big my friends, because today is the day for hockey talk.
As for myself, I’m not expecting too much as the months leading up have been anemic as far as trades are concerned. And to me that is a telling sign that too many teams are on the fence and reluctant to trade away the future for rental help. Parity is what the league wanted and is just what they have accomplished. Because of that and cap space, major trades have diminished drastically. Of course there will still be headline moves and that is why I’ll be here at the computer all day, as will most of you.
Well, today is the day hockey fans perk up and play GM in anticipation that their team will pick up the missing piece of the puzzle to put them over the top. The excitement and buzz on Trade Deadline Day is traditionally better than the deals themselves. The speculation of big names involved in movement chew up a ton of time while big media places “name” analysts to hype it up for hours until trades slowly start to trickle in. Granted some big names do move on Deadline Day but for the most part it is the minor acquisitions that ultimately have the most impact. There are always one or two trades that seem to come from left field and catch us all off guard, but predicting where players will go is the fun part. And that is the part that makes us all pay attention and listen intently to the big media hype while wiping the drool as they mention our favorite team.
Will Hossa practice today? Will the Leafs move anyone? Will the Habs swing for the fences? Will the Bruins stand pat even though they need a scoring winger? Will Dallas find help for the Modano line? Will the Panthers actually move Jokinen? Do the Ducks tinker at all? Will the Wings get tougher? Will the Rangers move anyone to get defensive help? Where in the world will Brad Richards land this afternoon? The buzz engulfs us all – and the buzz itself is better for the game than the answers to the questions. Anytime hockey talk takes center stage it’s a good thing all around. I guess what I’m driving at here is enjoy the day, get fooled by the hype and dream big my friends, because today is the day for hockey talk.
As for myself, I’m not expecting too much as the months leading up have been anemic as far as trades are concerned. And to me that is a telling sign that too many teams are on the fence and reluctant to trade away the future for rental help. Parity is what the league wanted and is just what they have accomplished. Because of that and cap space, major trades have diminished drastically. Of course there will still be headline moves and that is why I’ll be here at the computer all day, as will most of you.
Friday, February 15, 2008
10 THINGS THAT BUG ME ABOUT THE NHL
I think we are all in agreement that hockey is the greatest sport known to man. I think it is safe to say that we will never see such scandals in our sport as the steroids mess in baseball and the spy-gate fiasco in football. We will never hear about club shootings or as many sex, sexual harassment or gambling scandals as basketball. It is true that hockey is not exempt from scandal, but the level and frequency of such scandals is minimal in comparison to these other sports. I mean really, can anyone picture Congress getting involved in wanting answers for why the brothers Staal party hard or why Ed Belfour is known in every bar in North America? Could you imagine Ovechkin trying to persuade Congress that he really is that good and has no need for illegal enhancements? Sure we had a minor gambling issue that was found to be surrounding other sports, we had an ice girl treated distastefully and a strange purse-snatching incident. We had a poor decision made by a rookie where some odd pictures were taken, but none of that really stacks up to the incident rates of the other sports.
With that said, hockey clearly doesn’t have to worry about such things dragging it’s name through the mud as the other sports have to contend with. Instead, we deal with on ice issues more than off ice. We deal with questionable decision-making and rule interpretations. Borderline brutal hits and a lack of respect among players seem to top the list of issues hockey faces. Are there any reasons as to why hockey seems to stay clear of the types of scandals other sports contend with? Well, I’m sure we can all draw some conclusion to that question and our answers most likely won’t differ too much. Hockey may not get the exposure, air time or respect the other sports get every day, but we can hold our heads high in knowing that we won’t have to go through as much crap as fans of other sports seem to face on a continuous basis.
With that said, there are some things that are bothering me. These things are minute compared to scandals, but bug me nonetheless, so I have to spout off about them due to the fact that I seem to have nothing else to complain about. So enough with the extensive lead in… here are my TOP 10 THINGS THAT BUG ME ABOUT THE NHL…
10. Arbitration – This is an issue that needs to be addressed in the next CBA. It usually ends in a lose – lose situation for both parties
9. No Trade Clauses – I understand the purpose for it, I just hate that it puts the kibosh on what would be interesting trades.
8. Distinct Kicking Motion – Come on, either it’s a goal or it isn’t. The interpretation is too broad and the decisions are mostly poor.
7. Stick Checks Being Called For Slashing – If the stick makes contact with the body then call it slashing, if it makes contact with the opponents stick (even if the stick breaks) let it go already.
6. Four Sets Of Eyes Missing Calls – Just how many officials do we need on the ice and in the way to not even notice cheap shots behind the play?
5. Inept Marketing – The league flat out strikes out when it comes to promoting itself and its stars to the American audience. This needs to improve. Continuous missed opportunities and self inflicted wounds hasn’t worked yet and never will.
4. Unbalanced Schedule – Yes this will be changing, but until it does it will continue to bug me.
3. Not Enough Canadian Teams – Expand in the North not the South. What is so hard to understand about that?
2. The Hideous RBX Jerseys – No one likes them. Admit failure and realize some things don’t need to change.
1. Peter Forsberg, Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer – If you want to retire then retire. If you want to play then play. If you can’t make up your mind or physically can’t get back to form then just sit down and stop wasting everyone’s time. There should be a rule that states that if you are not on an active roster by December 15th then you sit out the rest of the season. Or a rule that states that if you are not on an active roster by the 15th of December than you lose your right to pick and choose what team(s) you want to play for whenever you decide you want to come back. On top of that you have to clear waivers in order to do so. Maybe then your decision will come faster when faced with the prospect of going to a bottom dweller and not a contender.
With that said, hockey clearly doesn’t have to worry about such things dragging it’s name through the mud as the other sports have to contend with. Instead, we deal with on ice issues more than off ice. We deal with questionable decision-making and rule interpretations. Borderline brutal hits and a lack of respect among players seem to top the list of issues hockey faces. Are there any reasons as to why hockey seems to stay clear of the types of scandals other sports contend with? Well, I’m sure we can all draw some conclusion to that question and our answers most likely won’t differ too much. Hockey may not get the exposure, air time or respect the other sports get every day, but we can hold our heads high in knowing that we won’t have to go through as much crap as fans of other sports seem to face on a continuous basis.
With that said, there are some things that are bothering me. These things are minute compared to scandals, but bug me nonetheless, so I have to spout off about them due to the fact that I seem to have nothing else to complain about. So enough with the extensive lead in… here are my TOP 10 THINGS THAT BUG ME ABOUT THE NHL…
10. Arbitration – This is an issue that needs to be addressed in the next CBA. It usually ends in a lose – lose situation for both parties
9. No Trade Clauses – I understand the purpose for it, I just hate that it puts the kibosh on what would be interesting trades.
8. Distinct Kicking Motion – Come on, either it’s a goal or it isn’t. The interpretation is too broad and the decisions are mostly poor.
7. Stick Checks Being Called For Slashing – If the stick makes contact with the body then call it slashing, if it makes contact with the opponents stick (even if the stick breaks) let it go already.
6. Four Sets Of Eyes Missing Calls – Just how many officials do we need on the ice and in the way to not even notice cheap shots behind the play?
5. Inept Marketing – The league flat out strikes out when it comes to promoting itself and its stars to the American audience. This needs to improve. Continuous missed opportunities and self inflicted wounds hasn’t worked yet and never will.
4. Unbalanced Schedule – Yes this will be changing, but until it does it will continue to bug me.
3. Not Enough Canadian Teams – Expand in the North not the South. What is so hard to understand about that?
2. The Hideous RBX Jerseys – No one likes them. Admit failure and realize some things don’t need to change.
1. Peter Forsberg, Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer – If you want to retire then retire. If you want to play then play. If you can’t make up your mind or physically can’t get back to form then just sit down and stop wasting everyone’s time. There should be a rule that states that if you are not on an active roster by December 15th then you sit out the rest of the season. Or a rule that states that if you are not on an active roster by the 15th of December than you lose your right to pick and choose what team(s) you want to play for whenever you decide you want to come back. On top of that you have to clear waivers in order to do so. Maybe then your decision will come faster when faced with the prospect of going to a bottom dweller and not a contender.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
MISER'S WESTERN ROUNDUP
Hello, again! I hope everyone is doing well. It’s been a while since stopped by, so let’s get going right away. Today, along with a quick look at the West overall, let us look at the West from a health standpoint. With the trade deadline looming, it would do well to look at who is hurting, and where.
DETROIT (40-10-4, 84PTS): The Red Machine keeps rolling. It doesn’t seem to matter who is hurt, Detroit pushes ever forward. Tomas Holmstrom missed eight games, Kirk Maltby missed 19, even all-world forward Henrik Zetterberg missed a couple. No matter. The Wings continue to run away with from the conference. The only current injury is to D Nik Kronwall. He is day to day with a shoulder problem. I’ve said it elsewhere, and I’ll say it here: it appears at this time that the only club that can stop Detroit is Detroit.
DALLAS (31-20-5, 67): Dallas recently got Jere Lehtinen back into the lineup after an extended absence due to hernia surgery. The blueline, however, continues to miss the services of Philippe Boucher (shoulder surgery), and Sergei Zubov (foot). The Stars have gotten contributions from rookie Matt Niskanen (5-14-19, +14), and Trevor Daley (2-11-13). Even Stephane Robidas has chipped in with four goals, after going all of last season without a goal. C Mike Ribeiro was inked to a five-year extension on Jan 7th. There is that seemingly ever-present rumor of G Marty Turco going to Tampa Bay for Martin St. Louis, but both teams have denied the rumor again and again.
MINNESOTA (30-19-3, 63): Right now, the only injury being reported by the Wild is to LW Derek Boogard (back). Minnesota is one of the hottest teams in the West, with 15 points in their last 10 games (7-2-1).
SAN JOSE (29-16-7, 65): The Sharks trail Dallas by two points with four games in hand in the Pacific. The D-corps, however, is being held together with staples and duct tape. Injuries to Kyle Mclaren (knee), Alexei Semenov (viral infection), and Douglas Murray (hip, day to day) have decimated San Jose. Add injuries to C Curtis Brown (hand), and LW Ryan Clowe (knee), and it is amazing that San Jose is still in the thick of it, even with Joe Thornton.
ANAHEIM (27-22-7, 61): The Ducks are very happy to have Scott Niedermayer back on defense. With Samuel Pahlsson on IR (abdominal), and Mathieu Schneider nursing a wrist injury, Niedermayer provides loads of skill and leadership on the back end. With Teemu Selanne returning as well, Anaheim will not give up their crown as easily as one might have thought.
CALGARY (26-18-8, 60): The Flames currently report no injuries. Calgary had a four game win streak stopped this past Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Dallas at the Saddledome. Jarome Iginla has a point in 5 of his last 7 games (0-5-5).
COLORADO (28-21-4, 60): The Avs are in dire straits, indeed. When a team loses Joe Sakic (hernia), Ryan Smyth (fractured ankle), and superkid Paul Stastny (appendectomy), goals are going to be difficult to find, at best. Add in a groin injury to Marek Svatos (day to day), and the defense and goaltending are going to be pressured to be near perfect every night. The Avs will have to fight and scratch for points just to keep their current 7th seed. Do they have the depth to do so?
NASHVILLE (27-21-5, 59): Aside from a groin injury to pest Jordin Tootoo, the Preds are healthy. Forward Jason Arnott did leave the game against Columbus on Jan. 31 with a leg injury, and sat out their next match, a 3-2 win over the visiting Coyotes. Reports today indicate that Arnott will play tomorrow night against Carolina.
VANCOUVER (26-21-6, 58): The Canucks are another club swamped with injuries to the defense. Kevin Bieksa remains on IR with a calf laceration. Lukas Krajicek (shoulder), Willie Mitchell (vertebrae), and Sami Salo (groin) are listed as day to day. Up front, Vancouver is without the services of Brenden Morrison (wrist surgery, IR). Roberto Luongo will have to be even better than he was in last year’s playoffs… is that possible?
PHOENIX (27-22-3, 57): No injuries reported.
COLUMBUS (25-23-6, 56): Sergei Fedorov is currently on IR with a concussion.
ST. LOUIS (24-20-7, 55): D Christian Backman (foot) and LW Martin Rucinsky (separated shoulder) are on IR, as is RW Mike Johnson (shoulder surgery). I think the Blues have the best shot of still making the playoffs. Why? I don’t know…
CHICAGO (23-24-5, 51): After a great start, the ‘Hawks have suffered some setbacks. With Kevyn Adams (ACL), Jonathan Toews (knee), and Jason Williams (groin) on IR, Chicago’s offense has slumped. They have only the slightest chance of making up ground and getting to the postseason.
EDMONTON (23-26-5, 51): The Oilers are without the services of Sheldon Souray (shoulder), and Raffi Torres (ACL). A very keen observer of the Oil is Anaheim GM Brian Burke. Why? The Ducks own Edmonton’s first round pick in the 2008 Entry Draft; compensation for the Oilers’ signing of Dustin Penner last summer. That pick could be a very high one in what is supposed to be a draft deep in talent. Do the Ducks hold on to the pick, or use it in a package to land more scoring depth at the trade deadline? Stay tuned.
LOS ANGELES (21-30-3, 45): Rob Blake is day to day with an ankle injury. Mike Cammalleri (ribs) and Ladislav Nagy (neck) are on IR.
Next time: Who won and who lost at the trade deadline?
Peace.
DETROIT (40-10-4, 84PTS): The Red Machine keeps rolling. It doesn’t seem to matter who is hurt, Detroit pushes ever forward. Tomas Holmstrom missed eight games, Kirk Maltby missed 19, even all-world forward Henrik Zetterberg missed a couple. No matter. The Wings continue to run away with from the conference. The only current injury is to D Nik Kronwall. He is day to day with a shoulder problem. I’ve said it elsewhere, and I’ll say it here: it appears at this time that the only club that can stop Detroit is Detroit.
DALLAS (31-20-5, 67): Dallas recently got Jere Lehtinen back into the lineup after an extended absence due to hernia surgery. The blueline, however, continues to miss the services of Philippe Boucher (shoulder surgery), and Sergei Zubov (foot). The Stars have gotten contributions from rookie Matt Niskanen (5-14-19, +14), and Trevor Daley (2-11-13). Even Stephane Robidas has chipped in with four goals, after going all of last season without a goal. C Mike Ribeiro was inked to a five-year extension on Jan 7th. There is that seemingly ever-present rumor of G Marty Turco going to Tampa Bay for Martin St. Louis, but both teams have denied the rumor again and again.
MINNESOTA (30-19-3, 63): Right now, the only injury being reported by the Wild is to LW Derek Boogard (back). Minnesota is one of the hottest teams in the West, with 15 points in their last 10 games (7-2-1).
SAN JOSE (29-16-7, 65): The Sharks trail Dallas by two points with four games in hand in the Pacific. The D-corps, however, is being held together with staples and duct tape. Injuries to Kyle Mclaren (knee), Alexei Semenov (viral infection), and Douglas Murray (hip, day to day) have decimated San Jose. Add injuries to C Curtis Brown (hand), and LW Ryan Clowe (knee), and it is amazing that San Jose is still in the thick of it, even with Joe Thornton.
ANAHEIM (27-22-7, 61): The Ducks are very happy to have Scott Niedermayer back on defense. With Samuel Pahlsson on IR (abdominal), and Mathieu Schneider nursing a wrist injury, Niedermayer provides loads of skill and leadership on the back end. With Teemu Selanne returning as well, Anaheim will not give up their crown as easily as one might have thought.
CALGARY (26-18-8, 60): The Flames currently report no injuries. Calgary had a four game win streak stopped this past Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Dallas at the Saddledome. Jarome Iginla has a point in 5 of his last 7 games (0-5-5).
COLORADO (28-21-4, 60): The Avs are in dire straits, indeed. When a team loses Joe Sakic (hernia), Ryan Smyth (fractured ankle), and superkid Paul Stastny (appendectomy), goals are going to be difficult to find, at best. Add in a groin injury to Marek Svatos (day to day), and the defense and goaltending are going to be pressured to be near perfect every night. The Avs will have to fight and scratch for points just to keep their current 7th seed. Do they have the depth to do so?
NASHVILLE (27-21-5, 59): Aside from a groin injury to pest Jordin Tootoo, the Preds are healthy. Forward Jason Arnott did leave the game against Columbus on Jan. 31 with a leg injury, and sat out their next match, a 3-2 win over the visiting Coyotes. Reports today indicate that Arnott will play tomorrow night against Carolina.
VANCOUVER (26-21-6, 58): The Canucks are another club swamped with injuries to the defense. Kevin Bieksa remains on IR with a calf laceration. Lukas Krajicek (shoulder), Willie Mitchell (vertebrae), and Sami Salo (groin) are listed as day to day. Up front, Vancouver is without the services of Brenden Morrison (wrist surgery, IR). Roberto Luongo will have to be even better than he was in last year’s playoffs… is that possible?
PHOENIX (27-22-3, 57): No injuries reported.
COLUMBUS (25-23-6, 56): Sergei Fedorov is currently on IR with a concussion.
ST. LOUIS (24-20-7, 55): D Christian Backman (foot) and LW Martin Rucinsky (separated shoulder) are on IR, as is RW Mike Johnson (shoulder surgery). I think the Blues have the best shot of still making the playoffs. Why? I don’t know…
CHICAGO (23-24-5, 51): After a great start, the ‘Hawks have suffered some setbacks. With Kevyn Adams (ACL), Jonathan Toews (knee), and Jason Williams (groin) on IR, Chicago’s offense has slumped. They have only the slightest chance of making up ground and getting to the postseason.
EDMONTON (23-26-5, 51): The Oilers are without the services of Sheldon Souray (shoulder), and Raffi Torres (ACL). A very keen observer of the Oil is Anaheim GM Brian Burke. Why? The Ducks own Edmonton’s first round pick in the 2008 Entry Draft; compensation for the Oilers’ signing of Dustin Penner last summer. That pick could be a very high one in what is supposed to be a draft deep in talent. Do the Ducks hold on to the pick, or use it in a package to land more scoring depth at the trade deadline? Stay tuned.
LOS ANGELES (21-30-3, 45): Rob Blake is day to day with an ankle injury. Mike Cammalleri (ribs) and Ladislav Nagy (neck) are on IR.
Next time: Who won and who lost at the trade deadline?
Peace.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
CROSBY NEEDS HIS OWN KURRI
Watching Sidney Crosby play this year makes me think he is missing something. Not anything in his own game (he already possesses more than his fair share), but if you think about what made Wayne Gretzky “The Great One” a case can be made that it was the luxury of having Jari Kurri. Sid the kid needs his own Jari Kurri. That missing piece to the puzzle for the Pens could be the key to lofting Crosby to heights we haven’t seen in decades.
Imagine for a moment Sid playing along side a fast gifted scoring winger who seems to be in the right places at the right times (not that Sid couldn’t get him the puck no matter where he was). Imagine how Crosby’s creative genius could expand if he new he had someone riding shotgun who can put the puck in the net more often than not. Now picture in your mind a player who could bring that kind of dynamic, speed and talent to help Sid reach the outer limits. Who did you see? Is he reasonably available? Does he have a no trade clause?
I’ll tell you who I saw, Marian Hossa. He could possibly be available if the Thrashers fail to resign him and he has the speed dynamic and talent that would compliment Crosby’s and make them a lethal combination. Now imagine how much production the two of them could generate playing together and how dangerous the power play would be adding Malkin on the left side. Yes folks Sidney Crosby needs his own Jari Kurri and the planets are aligning to where there could be a chance for the Pens to get one for next year or even by the deadline this year.
Yes this is all imaginary and the Pens could have no interest in picking up Hossa and have someone else in mind or no one at all, but I can’t help but think this is a golden opportunity for them and one they should seriously consider. Hossa could be Crosby’s Kurri and just what he needs to actually reach the bar Gretzky set (or at least get within a sniff). If the Pens pass on Hossa, the need for a player of his caliber remains and the help Crosby needs becomes more apparent.
Well, I imagined Hossa. Who did you see? Let me know who you think should be riding shotgun to “The Kid” and what you would give up to get them.
Imagine for a moment Sid playing along side a fast gifted scoring winger who seems to be in the right places at the right times (not that Sid couldn’t get him the puck no matter where he was). Imagine how Crosby’s creative genius could expand if he new he had someone riding shotgun who can put the puck in the net more often than not. Now picture in your mind a player who could bring that kind of dynamic, speed and talent to help Sid reach the outer limits. Who did you see? Is he reasonably available? Does he have a no trade clause?
I’ll tell you who I saw, Marian Hossa. He could possibly be available if the Thrashers fail to resign him and he has the speed dynamic and talent that would compliment Crosby’s and make them a lethal combination. Now imagine how much production the two of them could generate playing together and how dangerous the power play would be adding Malkin on the left side. Yes folks Sidney Crosby needs his own Jari Kurri and the planets are aligning to where there could be a chance for the Pens to get one for next year or even by the deadline this year.
Yes this is all imaginary and the Pens could have no interest in picking up Hossa and have someone else in mind or no one at all, but I can’t help but think this is a golden opportunity for them and one they should seriously consider. Hossa could be Crosby’s Kurri and just what he needs to actually reach the bar Gretzky set (or at least get within a sniff). If the Pens pass on Hossa, the need for a player of his caliber remains and the help Crosby needs becomes more apparent.
Well, I imagined Hossa. Who did you see? Let me know who you think should be riding shotgun to “The Kid” and what you would give up to get them.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
WHO'S GOT THE BEST HOCKEY - EAST OR WEST?
I’m back from my winter break feeling refreshed, recharged and ready for the 2nd half of the season. Usually at this point of the season I take a look back at the first half to get an overall feeling of how we got here, but because this is also the point of the season when the age old argument of “ who’s got the best hockey East or West?” starts to show up, I’ll detour that way when I look back.
I’ve taken on this subject before and it usually turns into Western fans calling the East a “cupcake league” and whining about Eastern media bias or easy travel and Eastern fans calling the West irrelevant or “too much euro flash not enough North American smash”.
Year after year I hear the same old jabs going back and forth and I always come to the same conclusion. Having lived both in the West and in the East the answer to the question simply lies with where you live. Naturally you chose to watch the games in your area or the ones that affect your favorite team(s). So it is no great mystery that if you live in the East you tend to favor the East and the same for Western fans. We all know that you can’t judge the two conferences from the joke they call the All-Star game, so I did some looking into the 1st half of the season and came up with some numbers to fuel the fire for this years version of the debate (cue creepy organ music and an evil laugh).
Who’s got the best hockey? East or West? Before you decide, chew on this….
…As of today…
The conference with the most total points goes to the West with 706 (East 667)
The conference with the most overtime points goes to the East with 63 (West 58)
The total number of points in East vs. West games goes to the West with 98 (East 66)
The number of players in the top 50 in scoring goes to the East with 29 (West 21)
The number of forwards in the top 50 in scoring goes to the East with 30 (West 20)
The number of defensemen in the top 50 in scoring goes to the East with 28 (West 22)
The number of defensemen in the top 50 +/- rating goes to the West with 30 (East 20)
The number of goaltenders in the top 30 in GAA goes to the West with 19 (East 11)
The number of goaltenders in the top 30 in save % goes to the East with 16 (West 14)
The number of teams in the top 15 in goals per game goes to the East with 9 (West 6)
The number of teams in the top 15 in goals against per game goes to the West with 9 (East 6)
The number of total goals scored goes to the East with 1761 (West 1742)
The number of goals surrendered goes to the West with 1697 (East 1806)
I still say it all depends on where you live for where your alliances lie, but after looking at some of these numbers I get the feeling that if you want to see offence head East and if you want to see defense head West. Just remember on average there really is only 2 points that separate the two conferences with the West holding the slight edge so they are quite even overall. Happy debating!
I’ve taken on this subject before and it usually turns into Western fans calling the East a “cupcake league” and whining about Eastern media bias or easy travel and Eastern fans calling the West irrelevant or “too much euro flash not enough North American smash”.
Year after year I hear the same old jabs going back and forth and I always come to the same conclusion. Having lived both in the West and in the East the answer to the question simply lies with where you live. Naturally you chose to watch the games in your area or the ones that affect your favorite team(s). So it is no great mystery that if you live in the East you tend to favor the East and the same for Western fans. We all know that you can’t judge the two conferences from the joke they call the All-Star game, so I did some looking into the 1st half of the season and came up with some numbers to fuel the fire for this years version of the debate (cue creepy organ music and an evil laugh).
Who’s got the best hockey? East or West? Before you decide, chew on this….
…As of today…
The conference with the most total points goes to the West with 706 (East 667)
The conference with the most overtime points goes to the East with 63 (West 58)
The total number of points in East vs. West games goes to the West with 98 (East 66)
The number of players in the top 50 in scoring goes to the East with 29 (West 21)
The number of forwards in the top 50 in scoring goes to the East with 30 (West 20)
The number of defensemen in the top 50 in scoring goes to the East with 28 (West 22)
The number of defensemen in the top 50 +/- rating goes to the West with 30 (East 20)
The number of goaltenders in the top 30 in GAA goes to the West with 19 (East 11)
The number of goaltenders in the top 30 in save % goes to the East with 16 (West 14)
The number of teams in the top 15 in goals per game goes to the East with 9 (West 6)
The number of teams in the top 15 in goals against per game goes to the West with 9 (East 6)
The number of total goals scored goes to the East with 1761 (West 1742)
The number of goals surrendered goes to the West with 1697 (East 1806)
I still say it all depends on where you live for where your alliances lie, but after looking at some of these numbers I get the feeling that if you want to see offence head East and if you want to see defense head West. Just remember on average there really is only 2 points that separate the two conferences with the West holding the slight edge so they are quite even overall. Happy debating!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
NHL's CHRISTMAS WISH LIST
The Holidays are upon us so it is time for my annual “NHL’s Christmas Wish List”. Sit back, relax and take a moment to lighten the load in this busy time of year. I wish all of you a safe and happy Holiday season. Enjoy!
Dear Santa,
In lieu of presents under my tree, this year I would like for you to give gifts to those who are in need. Please do the best you can to fulfill the following wishes listed here.
Thank you,
Gregsky
Please bring more power to the power play in Toronto, Nashville, St.Louis and Edmonton.
For the Caps just enough legs to actually skate for 60 minutes.
For Chris Simon a job in Ultimate Fighting so he can use all of his “talents” and not get suspended for them.
For Gary Bettman a visit from the ghosts of hockey past, present and future in the hopes that he will see the light and do some good for the league before it is too late. (I know, but it’s worth a shot)
More of whatever it is in the water in Detroit that makes the Red Wings so good.
Less of whatever it is in the water in Phoenix that makes them so bad.
A ton of consistency for the Lightning and Penguins so their stars can shine.
A rear view mirror for Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews so they can see Nicklas Backstrom coming. (Remember objects are closer than they appear)
Better judgment for Jiri Tlusty the next time someone wants to take his picture.
For the Rangers a chemistry set so they can find a formula to feel comfortable playing together.
Just one moment of peace away from the media for Saku Koivu.
Someone who is willing to step up for the Sabres in the 2nd half.
Enough gas for Kovalchuk and Zetterberg to score 50+ goals by seasons end.
A new muskrat pelt mullet for Brian Engblom his current one is looking a bit shabby these days.
For the Flames 10 more games just like the last 10 they played.
For the Devils more goals for than against in the 2nd half.
Some defensive help for the Canes so they can win those close ones.
Some road wins for the Lightning and Kings.
And finally for the League to dump the failed experiment of those hideous RBX jerseys that everyone hates and to remember that some things don’t need to be fixed.
Dear Santa,
In lieu of presents under my tree, this year I would like for you to give gifts to those who are in need. Please do the best you can to fulfill the following wishes listed here.
Thank you,
Gregsky
Please bring more power to the power play in Toronto, Nashville, St.Louis and Edmonton.
For the Caps just enough legs to actually skate for 60 minutes.
For Chris Simon a job in Ultimate Fighting so he can use all of his “talents” and not get suspended for them.
For Gary Bettman a visit from the ghosts of hockey past, present and future in the hopes that he will see the light and do some good for the league before it is too late. (I know, but it’s worth a shot)
More of whatever it is in the water in Detroit that makes the Red Wings so good.
Less of whatever it is in the water in Phoenix that makes them so bad.
A ton of consistency for the Lightning and Penguins so their stars can shine.
A rear view mirror for Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews so they can see Nicklas Backstrom coming. (Remember objects are closer than they appear)
Better judgment for Jiri Tlusty the next time someone wants to take his picture.
For the Rangers a chemistry set so they can find a formula to feel comfortable playing together.
Just one moment of peace away from the media for Saku Koivu.
Someone who is willing to step up for the Sabres in the 2nd half.
Enough gas for Kovalchuk and Zetterberg to score 50+ goals by seasons end.
A new muskrat pelt mullet for Brian Engblom his current one is looking a bit shabby these days.
For the Flames 10 more games just like the last 10 they played.
For the Devils more goals for than against in the 2nd half.
Some defensive help for the Canes so they can win those close ones.
Some road wins for the Lightning and Kings.
And finally for the League to dump the failed experiment of those hideous RBX jerseys that everyone hates and to remember that some things don’t need to be fixed.
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