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