love the puck

Sunday, October 09, 2005

The first five days of NHL hockey are under way, and it's a whole new world out there. As teams get used to the new rules, and new rosters, there are lots of interesting story lines developing.

First of all, the teams that were so optimistic a week ago are now finding it hard to get wins. Pittsburgh, as forecasted, isn't having trouble scoring, but it hurts to blow a 6-4 lead in the third period, and lose in overtime. They'll have to learn how to keep pucks out of the net. Crosby has been stellar, as expected, with 5 points in 3 games. And he's just gettting settled, when he feels comfortable, look out.

Calgary has stumbled out of the gate, and it seems they are having a hard time adjusting to the new rules. Guys like Andrew Ference and Rhett Warrener are truly going to have their hands full figuring out how to stop players without using their bodies as human blockages. Mikka hasn't settled in yet either, and so far the Flames are finding out how hard it is when teams are gunning for you. I think they'll figure it out soon, but for now they're scratching their heads.

The Montreal Canadiens enjoyed their first three games, showing the league that speed and puck control can dominate games. Three games, three road wins, and the Habs are looking strong. Saku Koivu is flying out there, as players can no longer slow him down away from the puck, and without obstruction the puck doesn't leave Alexei Kovalev's stick unless he sends it. On top of that, Micheal Ryder has scored huge goals, and even rookies like Chris Higgins and Alexander Perezhogin are scoring big goals for the Habs. Things are looking up in Montreal.

The Leafs lost Sundin and O'Neill in the first game, and they're hoping that's not a sign of things to come. On the positive side, Eric Lindros has been a force thus far, and if he keeps this going, he'll be hard to handle every single night. The defense was the Leafs question mark going into the season, and it was the direct result of their loss to Montreal on Saturday night. They'll have to find out what it's going to take, even if it's getting some of those young guys from the Marlies, like Coliacovo.

Roberto Luongo has gone on record saying he likes the smaller goalie equipment, thus eliminating any excuses that other goalies would have had. Overall, scoring is way up, with only three shutouts posted so far, Luongo's two, and a donut from Dominek Hasek.

Ilya Kovalchuk has signed in Atlanta, and it's not even about the money. Forget the debate, he's worth it. He was dangerous before, he's going to be even more dangerous now. Peter Bondra seems to be having no trouble finding the net, and Marc Savard is out to show last season was no fluke. When they get Kari Lehtonen back, they will push Tampa Bay in that Southeast division.

There's lots to be excited about in the new NHL, and we're not even a week in.

Posted by Jon at 10:31 PM | | e-mail me

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Northwest Divsion

Colorado Avalanche- The big story in Denver is departure. Adam Foote, Peter Forsberg, Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne. But all is not lost. Rob Blake is still manning the blue line. Milan Hejduk, Alex Tanguay and Joe Sakic know a thing or two about scoring, and David Aebischer is promising, despite having Patrick Roy's impossible shoes to fill. John Michael Liles is a promising defenseman, and the Avs got tougher by signing Brad May. There is still work to be done though. Pierre Turgeon and Patrice Brisebois are not getting any younger, and they certainly won't be expected to fill the holes left by Foote and Foppa. There is no bonafide NHL back-up for Aebischer, and the defense is depleted. Colorado, if healthy could still make the playoffs, but they are certainly lacking that greatness that the city has been accustomed to.

Calgary Flames- There are high expectations in Calgary this year. Many are hailing them to be the champions, but I don't think it's fair to give them the cup just yet. Jarome Iginla will be dominant, durable and dependable, and Calgary's defense is second to none in the league. I believe Mikka Kiprusoff is not a fluke and will have a great year in front of that defense core. However beyond their first two lines, Calgary doesn't have a tonne of scoring, and deeper teams might give them trouble. On top of that the new schedule means Calgary, and every team in the Northwest will play a much tougher schedule than the other teams in the Western Conference. When it's all said and done Calgary will be close to the top of the NHL, but I don't think the cup is coming to the Red Mile this season.

Vancouver Canucks- It's hard not to be excited about the Canucks this season. Naslund, Bertuzzi and Morrison make up what might be the best top three of the league. They will score and score some more as Vancouver buries people with their exciting brand of hockey. It seems that Dave Nonis has finally found someone to complement the Sedin's, as Anson Carter looks rejuvanated beside the big Swedish twins. Marek Malik and Brent Sopel left town, but the Canucks replace them with Steve McCarthy and Nolan Baumgartner, who probably should have been in the NHL for the past two seasons, as he is a solid, yet not spectacular defenseman. Cloutier's regular season play is not in question, but this may be his last chance to prove he can get it done in the post season. The Canucks look great on paper all the way through their line-up, and at this point the Northwest division is their's to take.

Minnesota Wild- It is unfortunate for the Wild that they play in this division, because it means 32 games against very good hockey teams. The strength of the Wild begins in goal, with Roloson and Fernandez, who will likely split time between the pipes this season. On defense, more will be asked of Nick Schultz and Willie Mitchell, two players who should play a more prominent role with inreased minutes this season. Marian Gaborik is back, and will be the major thrust of Minnesota's offense, and the club is hoping for another strong campaign from Alexander Daigle. Minnesota won't make the post season this year, but by drafting Benoit Pouliot this year, and giving Patrick O'Sullivan another year to develop, they'll come back stronger offensively under this new system next season.

Edmonton Oilers- This is the season to welcome the Oilers back to competive status. In the past 15 years the Oilers have gone from Stanley Cup champs to the one team that is always scrapping for that final playoff spot. The salary cap system has changed the dynamic in Edmonton. Players like Chris Pronger and Mike Peca have come to the city for it's atmosphere and history. Ryan Smyth, Jason Smith and Ethan Moreau are the heart and soul of this team, which has a calling card of hard work and fast skaters. Pronger and Peca instantly strenghten this team, and Ales Hemsky is expected to break out. Kevin Lowe is one of the best GM's in the NHL, and the Oilers will reap the benefits this season. The only question mark is with the goaltending, as Ty Conklin and Jussi Maarkenen will split time until a definite number one is revealed. The Oil should strike the playoffs this season, as a late seed, but a late seed that could make some noise.

Posted by Jon at 2:01 PM | | e-mail me