love the puck

Monday, December 12, 2005

ODDS AND ENDS

The Toronto Maple Leafs have hit a slump, and they are having some difficulties on the power play. Other teams have caught on to Bryan McCabe's hot start, and now opposing coaches cover his point on the penalty kill at all costs. Toronto really doesn't move the puck that well down low, and most teams are content to let them cycle, while leaving the big shooting to Tomas Kaberle. Last Saturday against Dallas, this strategy worked well, as McCabe was unable to shoot his big one-timer ever once, in seven power-play chances.

Patrick Lalime has been placed on waivers, marking one of the fastest plummets from grace in recent history. St. Louis was hoping he'd show consistency for them, naming him the saviour to their goaltending problems in recent years. Instead, Lalime has been horrible, playing poorly on a poor team. Lalime was an all-star in 2002-2003.
I can't think of too many teams fighting for his rights, especially since paying him anything more than a million dollars would be ridiculous.

The San Jose Sharks have started a frenzy of trade rumours, as big names are getting tossed around all over the league. The latest has Todd Bertuzzi supposedly sick of playing in Vancouver and demanding a trade, though he vehemently denies it.
Roberto Luongo is another colossal name that is being wafted into the trade winds, as he looks tired of Florida's lack of achievement. If he thinks he's frustrated, he should talk to Martin Gelinas, Gary Roberts and Joe Nieuwendyk-- they all came from playoff calibre teams. Luongo has only known life in the basement of the Southeast division.

The deadline for Wayne Gretzky to name his Olympic roster is fast approaching, and the buzz around this years squad is taking some attention from the World Junior camp that is taking place this week in Vancouver. Canada is not favoured to win the Gold medal, but they will contend, as they do every year. Some notable players not in camp: First round draft picks Wojtek Wolski and Alex Bourret. Some notable players that are: 16-year-old Angelo Esposito, 17-year-old Jonathan Toews and Montreal second round pick Guillame Latendresse. Defenseman Cam Barker is the only returning player from last years Gold medal winning team.

Posted by Jon at 1:59 PM | | e-mail me