The OFFICIAL 2008-09 NHL Thread

[JPhillips]

A Redskins blog asked Leonsis for his thoughts on building a team and he sent them these ten points. It's clear that the organization has stuck to the plan since Jagr was cast aside.

What I have learned about a rebuild to date: A 10 point plan. A Washington Capitals perspective:

1. Ask yourself the big question: "Can this team--as constructed--ever win a championship?" If the answer is yes -- stay the course and try to find the right formula -- if the answer is no, then plan to rebuild. Don't fake it--really do the analytics and be brutally honest. Once you have your answer, develop the game plan to try to REALLY win a championship. Always run away from experts that say, "We are just one player away." Recognize there is no easy and fast systemic fix. It will be a bumpy ride--have confidence in the plan--"trust and verify: the progress -- but don't deviate from the plan."

2. Once you make the decision to rebuild--be transparent. Articulate the plan and sell it loudly and proudly to all constituencies, the media, the organization, the fans, your partners, family and anyone who will listen. Agree to what makes for a successful rebuild--in our case it is "a great young team with upside that can make the playoffs for a decade and win a Stanley Cup or two."

3. Once you decide to rebuild--bring the house down to the foundation--be consistent with your plan--and with your asks--we always sought to get "a pick and a prospect" in all of our trades. We believed that volume would yield better results than precision. We decided to trade multiple stars at their prime or peak to get a large volume of young players. Young players will get better as they age, so you have built in upside. Youngsters push vets to play better to keep their jobs, and they stay healthier, and they are more fun--less jaded by pro sports.

4. Commit to building around the draft. Invest in scouting, development, and a system. Articulate that system and stay with it so that all players feel comfortable-- know the language-- know what is expected of them-- read the Oriole Way*. It worked and it is a great tutorial. Draft players that fit the system, not the best player. Draft the best player for the system. Don't deviate or get seduced by agents, media demands, or by just stats or hype. Envision how this player will slide into your system.

5. Be patient with young players-- throw them in the pool to see if they can swim. Believe in them. Show them loyalty. Re-sign the best young players to long term high priced deals. Show the players you are very loyal to them as compared to free agents who achieved highly for another team. Teach them. Celebrate their successes. Use failures as a way to teach and improve. Coaches must be tough but kind to build confidence.

6. Make sure the GM, coach, owner and business folks are on the EXACT same page as to deliverables, metrics of success, ultimate goal, process and measured outcomes. Always meet to discuss analytics and don't be afraid of the truth that the numbers reveal. Manage to outcomes. Manage to let the GM and coach NOT be afraid of taking risks, and make sure there are no surprises. Over communicate. Act like an ethnic family--battle around the dinner table--never in public. Be tight as a team. Protect and enhance each other. Let the right people do their jobs.

7. No jerks allowed. Implement a no jerk policy. Draft and develop and keep high character people. Team chemistry is vital to success. Make sure the best and highest paid players are coachable, show respect to the system, want to be in the city, love to welcome new, young players to the team, have respect for the fan base, show joy in their occupation, get the system, believe in the coaches, have fun in practice, and want to be gym rats. Dump quickly distractions. Life is too short to drink bad wine.

8. Add veterans to the team via shorter term deals as free agents. Signing long-term, expensive deals for vets is very risky. We try to add vets to the mix for two year or three year deals. They fill in around our young core. They are very important for leadership, but they must complement the young core (NOT try to overtake them or be paid more than them). Identify and protect the core. Add veterans to complement them, not visa versa.

9. Measure and improve. Have shared metrics--know what the progress is--and where it ranks on the timeline-- be honest in all appraisals; don't be afraid to trade young assets for other draft picks to build back end backlog-- know the aging of contracts-- protect "optionality" to make trades at deadlines or in off season; never get in cap jail. Having dry powder is very important to make needed moves.

10. Never settle--never rest--keep on improving. Around the edges to the plan, have monthly, quarterly and annual check ups. Refresh the plan when needed but for the right reasons-- "how are we doing against our metrics of success and where are we on our path to a championship." Never listen to bloggers, media, so called experts--to thine own self be true. Enjoy the ride.

[Pyser]

everyone else reads this as absolute lunacy, too....right??

If you believe what you hear from various NHL sources, you can bet the Bruins had many sets of eyes trained last night on Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger. And the Ducks were sizing up talent on the Bruins side, as well. It's believed the Ducks will deal away the multi-talented 34-year-old Pronger, and that the Bruins could be interested shoppers. That was certainly a hot topic at the Garden last night, site of the B's 6-0 victory. The obvious speculation is that the B's end of the deal would be young speedster Phil Kessel, their top goalscorer and one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the game.

Boston Herald

[Dr. Sak]

Please do it Boston!

[Fidatelo]

Chara + Pronger would be a pretty amazing 1-2 punch on the blueline...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Chara + Pronger would be a pretty amazing 1-2 punch on the blueline...

I had the same thought. If you're looking to win it this year, I think you might make that trade. I don't know much about Boston's depth up front.

[samifan24]

I really hope the Bruins don't deal Kessel for a year and a playoffs of Pronger.

[DeToxRox]

Pronger + Chara is great, but this deal would be awful for Boston, and honestly doesn't put them ahead of SJ or Detroit imo.

Are you really going to go into the playoffs relying on Ryder, Krejci, Wheeler and Kobasew as your goal scorers?

Obviously Sarvard is a great playmaker, but Kessel is a guy who is dynamic and can turn a game around in an instant. None of those guys are. I think without Kessel teams will just key in even more on Savard and that in turn is going to kill a lot of those guys above.

[samifan24]

Are you really going to go into the playoffs relying on Ryder, Krejci, Wheeler and Kobasew as your goal scorers?

I think the Bruins will add at least one veteran forward, maybe Erik Cole or someone like Slava Kozlov. All those guys can score but you need more for the playoffs. Krejci is more of a setup man, too.

[bhlloy]

If we turn Kunitz and Pronger into Kessel and Whitney, I'd be ecstatic. That's a pretty clear upgrade in terms of age, salary and manageable contract across the board.

[Chief Rum]

everyone else reads this as absolute lunacy, too....right??

If you believe what you hear from various NHL sources, you can bet the Bruins had many sets of eyes trained last night on Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger. And the Ducks were sizing up talent on the Bruins side, as well. It's believed the Ducks will deal away the multi-talented 34-year-old Pronger, and that the Bruins could be interested shoppers. That was certainly a hot topic at the Garden last night, site of the B's 6-0 victory. The obvious speculation is that the B's end of the deal would be young speedster Phil Kessel, their top goalscorer and one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the game.

Boston Herald

As a Ducks fan, I would likely approve of that deal. Only question is whether the Ducks should get more, based on what they gave up in getting Pronger, but then Pronger is also older than he was.

[Dr. Sak]

As a Ducks fan, I would likely approve of that deal. Only question is whether the Ducks should get more, based on what they gave up in getting Pronger, but then Pronger is also older than he was.

I think you should be happy with just Kessel.

[Chief Rum]

I think you should be happy with just Kessel.

Can't a fan be greedy? We'll take Wheeler, too. ;)

Seriously, though, I am still more than a little annoyed at the Ducks losing Tangredi in the Whitney deal. Just dumb. No reason to include a top six talent in that deal. So I am looking for whatever we can get (and obviously, Kessel would be a fantastic get by any standard).

[JPhillips]

Bruins writer James Murphy thinks the Ducks want much more than Kessel.

Bruins forward Phil Kessel is apparently the coveted centerpiece of a return from Boston if they were to acquire Pronger. There would also be a top prospect, and first or second round pick in this June’s NHL Entry Draft.

[Pyser]

and i thought the trade would be ludicrous straight up. jeez.

[Logan]

Yeah what the hell is going on with this potential return?

[Chief Rum]

Bruins writer James Murphy thinks the Ducks want much more than Kessel.

Well, apparently I am not off my rocker at least for thinking that more might be needed, or at least in at least one team's estimation. ;)

[Draft Dodger]

and i thought the trade would be ludicrous straight up. jeez.

ditto

[samifan24]

No way the Bruins trade Kessel for Pronger. No way.

[Logan]

It reminds me of when the rumor came out prior to the MLB trade deadline a few years back where the Mets were seriously considering trading Kazmir for Victor Zambrano. It made no sense to any of us so we blew it off...and then it got done.

It's almost the same...except Pronger is actually good.

Yes, 4 years and I'm still pissed.

[JPhillips]

It could be worse, you could have picked Chris Gruler instead of Kazmir.

Yeah, almost seven years and I'm still bitter. At least picking Lincecum instead of Drew Stubbs makes it better.

Oh, wait...

[Fidatelo]

I think people are forgetting how good Pronger is, and how much of an impact he makes on the game. Yes, he's 34, but his game isn't built on speed or quickness, so he should age pretty well.

Any team that can consider having either Chara or Pronger on the ice for every minute of every playoff game should consider trying to put something together. Is it worth Kessel? I don't think it's that outlandish. Now, Kessel plus a bunch of other stuff? That gets a little harder to swallow.

[Sublime 2]

I think people are forgetting how good Pronger is, and how much of an impact he makes on the game. Yes, he's 34, but his game isn't built on speed or quickness, so he should age pretty well.

Any team that can consider having either Chara or Pronger on the ice for every minute of every playoff game should consider trying to put something together. Is it worth Kessel? I don't think it's that outlandish. Now, Kessel plus a bunch of other stuff? That gets a little harder to swallow.

I haven't seen a ton of Pronger to judge him, but I've seen a lot of Kessel here with the B's, and I truly believe the B's front office are not as enamored with him as a lot of fans are. Sure he provides a unique offensive spark that not many other B's do, but it's HARDLY consistent. And I love the kid, I'm just trying to put out there why the front office would be willing to part with him. Plus, despite what someone else said, they do have some good young depth at the forward spot with Krejci, Lucic, Bergergon (Concussions aside), Wheeler, Sobatka, Bitz...that I think upgrading the blueline is really the primary concern heading for the playoffs.

But, I see it like Fidatelo does, if your talking Kessel and something like a 2nd...I can see it. If you start adding any one of those forwards I listed or a 1st then it may be time to hang up.

[bhlloy]

Pronger when motivated is an absolute beast. One of the more skilled defensemen in the game despite his size and when he wants to play physical, he's absolutely dominant. Problem is he hasn't really done that in Anaheim since the cup. That's why I would be pretty happy with Kessel in return.

Will he be motivated in Boston? At least for the playoff run I think so, and Chara and Pronger on seperate pairings (or together in crunch time) is a crazy proposition. Right now as good as the B's have been in the regular season, they clearly aren't a postseason team (young, not great depth on defense, not going to shutdown many teams). I think this is (or something like it) is a must for Boston if they want to seriously look at getting past Detroit or SJ in the finals.

[bbor]

If i was a forward on the ice and i look up to see Pronger and Chara on the ice at the same time.....i am making my way to the bench:D

[samifan24]

Right now as good as the B's have been in the regular season, they clearly aren't a postseason team (young, not great depth on defense, not going to shutdown many teams). I think this is (or something like it) is a must for Boston if they want to seriously look at getting past Detroit or SJ in the finals.

I agree that the Bruins have work to do and need to make improvements to the roster by Wednesday's deadline but to say that the Boston Bruins aren't a postseason team in terms of quality this season is a severe underestimation of the team's talent.

[Draft Dodger]

Will he be motivated in Boston?

they do have some attractive reporters...

[bhlloy]

I agree that the Bruins have work to do and need to make improvements to the roster by Wednesday's deadline but to say that the Boston Bruins aren't a postseason team in terms of quality this season is a severe underestimation of the team's talent.

There is a huge difference in postseason and regular season hockey. I don't see the B's winning the Cup the way they are currently made up. In fact, with Brodeur back I doubt they even get past the Devils in the East. They need to add another defenseman and a veteran defensive minded forward (maybe two) at the very least.

FWIW I think the Capitals are going to have the same problem.

[samifan24]

There is a huge difference in postseason and regular season hockey. I don't see the B's winning the Cup the way they are currently made up. In fact, with Brodeur back I doubt they even get past the Devils in the East. They need to add another defenseman and a veteran defensive minded forward (maybe two) at the very least.

FWIW I think the Capitals are going to have the same problem.

We agree on the difference between the regular season and the postseason. I just don't see how any NHL fan looks at the way the Bruins have played this season, with the current roster, and says that the current roster is not playoff quality. Do they need to make improvements? Sure, everyone does. Are they playing playoff quality hockey now? Yes and they have for most of the season.

[Draft Dodger]

some non-Kessel rumors floating around as well:

Trade Deadline Update w/ James Murphy: B's and Ducks "apparently agreed in principle" to Pronger*deal - Stanley Cup of Chowder (http://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2009/2/28/775525/trade-deadline-update-w-ja)

[Chief Rum]

We agree on the difference between the regular season and the postseason. I just don't see how any NHL fan looks at the way the Bruins have played this season, with the current roster, and says that the current roster is not playoff quality. Do they need to make improvements? Sure, everyone does. Are they playing playoff quality hockey now? Yes and they have for most of the season.

Heh, come on dude, you know what he's talking about, quit being obtuse on purpose. He's not saying the Bruins aren't a playoff quality team. They have some extremely good talent, and entirely deserve where they are in the East, and have the talent to improve even more.

But the roster makeup is not currently conducive to a long run in the playoffs. And not because of talent or ability, which they have in droves, but the type of ability they have. They are an exciting, young team with lots of offensive talent, some depth issues on defense, and gritty and tough aren't the first words used to describe them (although I don't think they are much below average in that respect). In the playoffs, the teams with great bluelines, playoff-tested goaltending, tons of experience, and tough, two-way forwards are the teams that tend to have success in the brand of hockey played in the second season. You could argue the Bruins lack all of that (although Thomas has been flat amazing).

That's what bhlloy is saying. The Bruins don't need an injection of more talent to be "playoff quality". They need an injection of defense and toughness and experience.

[DeToxRox]

If that deal is done, Boston fleeced Anaheim.

I have a very hard time believing Anaheim couldn't have gotten more from another team out there, like the Caps.

That first will be high, and Anaheim doesn't get any immediate help (especially dealing Kuny and their best prospect)

Just don't get it.

[JPhillips]

If that deal is done, Boston fleeced Anaheim.

I have a very hard time believing Anaheim couldn't have gotten more from another team out there, like the Caps.

That first will be high, and Anaheim doesn't get any immediate help (especially dealing Kuny and their best prospect)

Just don't get it.

I think the unnamed roster player is going to have to be a young, top six forward.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think the unnamed roster player is going to have to be a young, top six forward.

Agree. If that unnamed roster player is not Krejci, terrible for Anaheim.

Only other possible answer is Bergeron, but too many health questions as well as salary situation (samifan, correct me if wrong, but PB is at like $5M while Krejci will be an RFA coming off his rookie deal).

[bhlloy]

I have pretty much zero faith in Murray's ability to get anything good in return. I hope it's not Bergeron even more if his salary is 5 mil but I bet it is. I would love Lucic, Kessel or Krejci in return but I just don't think we have a good enough GM to hold out for the right deal.

Anyone catch the end of the Stars/Ducks game today? I absolutely LOVE Giguere sticking up for Niedermayer when Ott was trying to cheap shot after the horn and then Moen coming in and beating the crap out of him. Shows me maybe the players haven't given up on this season yet and it's the way we were playing during the Stanley Cup run. Obviously the team isn't going anywhere but it's nice to see they still care... Plus Ott is a bitch, it's nice to see him bleeding when he was the one trying to hurt the Ducks star player.

[samifan24]

Heh, come on dude, you know what he's talking about, quit being obtuse on purpose. He's not saying the Bruins aren't a playoff quality team. They have some extremely good talent, and entirely deserve where they are in the East, and have the talent to improve even more.

But the roster makeup is not currently conducive to a long run in the playoffs. And not because of talent or ability, which they have in droves, but the type of ability they have.

We're talking about the same thing. It's not being "obtuse on purpose." I said all along that I agree that the Bruins need to make some changes to the roster. I just didn't see how he could say what he said. With some clarification, his point was the same as mine but he worded it differently.

[Chief Rum]

We're talking about the same thing. It's not being "obtuse on purpose." I said all along that I agree that the Bruins need to make some changes to the roster. I just didn't see how he could say what he said. With some clarification, his point was the same as mine but he worded it differently.

What he said was exactly what I said in the post you quoted. That the Bruins as currently made up are not built the way a successful NHL playoff team is traditionally built.

You called what he said a "severe underestimation" of their talent. Clearly there is a disconnect there, because he wasn't talking about their talent, and it was plain as day to me. It seemed to me you were the one who didn't get it.

[samifan24]

TSN is reporting that Bill Guerin will be traded to an Eastern Conference team this morning after he was pulled from the Isles' pre-game skate last night. TSN's source also says that team is not Boston.

[Suburban Rhythm]

http://www.star-telegram.com/stars/story/1231596.html


Avery on waivers
The Stars will place Sean Avery on recall waivers Monday with the hope that a team will pick him up, co-GM Les Jackson said Saturday.
Avery, who was suspended for six games by the NHL in December and sent home by the Stars, has been playing for Hartford in the AHL. Hartford is the affiliate of the New York Rangers, and it is believed the Rangers will claim Avery.
The Stars signed Avery as a free agent for four years and $15.5 million in the summer. If a team picks up Avery on recall waivers, the Stars will split the cost of the contract and the salary cap hit.
The Stars need to make the move before the March 4 trade deadline.

[Galaxy]

TSN is reporting that Bill Guerin will be traded to an Eastern Conference team this morning after he was pulled from the Isles' pre-game skate last night. TSN's source also says that team is not Boston.

A source close to Guerin, who recently agreed to waive his no-trade clause for a deal sending him to an Eastern Conference playoff contender, said the Islanders had a deal in place that awaited only his approval. The source called his no-show a "precautionary scratch" and indicated he will make his decision this morning. Another source with ties to Guerin indicated only that the team is not Boston or the Devils.

Among the remaining contenders, Carolina and Buffalo have plenty of cap room to accommodate the remaining $1.025 million on Guerin's salary, and Montreal is in that approximate ballpark, as are the Rangers. An Islanders spokesman said the team will issue a statement today.

Guerin expected to be traded to contender today -- Newsday.com (http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-spigame016054027mar01,0,5555628.story)

[samifan24]

In his column yesterday, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reports that the Bruins are "no longer in the running" for Pronger but adds that the Blues may pursue their former blueliner. LeBrun adds that Boston "had their sights set on another blueliner" and speculates that player could be Derek Morris or Tomas Kaberle.

LeBrun also reports that Alexei Yashin would like to return to the NHL next season. It's worth noting that Yashin will receive $2.2 million annually for the next six years as part of his buyout deal from the Islanders.

[bhlloy]

Turns out Ott is suspended indefinitely for eye gouging which is what the intent to injure penalty was for. Didn't see that on the video. He's also bitching about being jumped when he has a broken hand - funny that his hand wasn't hurting when he was crosschecking Niedermayer in the back after the final horn. You reap what you sow.

Guys like Ott should get down on their knees and thank Bettman for the instigator penalty. He wouldn't have survived 10 minutes in the 80's.

[samifan24]

Guys like Ott should get down on their knees and thank Bettman for the instigator penalty. He wouldn't have survived 10 minutes in the 80's.

:+1:

Guys like Ott have no place in the league. And you can add Steve Downie to that list after he slashed an AHL official in a game over the weekend.

[Dr. Sak]

Pronger might be going to the Flyers for Lupul, Carle, and a pick.

[Maple Leafs]

NESN and the Boston Globe now reporting the Bruins have offered Colborne, a 1st and a 3rd for Kaberle.

http://community.nesn.com/blogs/nhl_lowdown/archive/2009/03/01/3711275.aspx

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pronger might be going to the Flyers for Lupul, Carle, and a pick.

Does that work cap-wise? Pronger is over $6M. Carle is $3.4M, and Lupul is around $2M I thought-- only next year does his salary jump up over $4M.

[samifan24]

NESN and the Boston Globe now reporting the Bruins have offered Colborne, a 1st and a 3rd for Kaberle.

NHL Lowdown - NESN.com : Bruins make monster offer for Kaberle (http://community.nesn.com/blogs/nhl_lowdown/archive/2009/03/01/3711275.aspx)

I like Kaberle but man that's a steep price. I wonder what it would take to get Derek Morris.

[Maple Leafs]

I like Kaberle but man that's a steep price. I wonder what it would take to get Derek Morris.
My guess would be a lot less since, you know, he's bad.

He does come $300K cheaper than Kaberle, though, so that's something.

[samifan24]

My guess would be a lot less since, you know, he's bad.

He does come $300K cheaper than Kaberle, though, so that's something.

I wasn't really comparing Morris to the four time All-Star Kaberle. The good news is that the team that acquires Kaberle has him for two more years, too.

[Pyser]

2 shutouts in 3 games back for brodeur. thats 4 on the season, in only 13 games

and hes well rested for the stretch run.

ping: pumpy. you watching this?? i have a serious man-crush on parise at this point

[Pumpy Tudors]

2 shutouts in 3 games back for brodeur. thats 4 on the season, in only 13 games

and hes well rested for the stretch run.

ping: pumpy. you watching this?? i have a serious man-crush on parise at this point
Yep, I watched the game today against the Flyers. Just total domination from start to finish. Parise is the kind of player the Devils haven't had since ... well, ever, I guess.

I just wonder how Brodeur will look when somebody actually tests him. Colorado, Florida, and Philly didn't really make him work. I'm sure somebody will, and then we'll see. With the way the team is playing right now, though, I'm not worried one bit.

[samifan24]

Burke calls the Kaberle to Boston rumors a "total fabrication."

[Dr. Sak]

So that means it is going to happen.

[samifan24]

Gotta give props to my boy Matt Hunwick who's family I've known since I was like 15.

Hunwick was all over the place while playing wing with Savard and Kessel last game. He scored the first goal and added an assist. He may not go back to the blueline at this rate.

[Galaxy]

So what's the deal with Guerin?

[Pyser]

devils trade salmella (minor league dman) to atl for havelid and a prospect.

[Dr. Sak]

Do the Bruins' coaches teach their players to turn their back when taking a hit so they get boarding calls?

[bbor]

Leafs sit out Antropov and Moore from tonights game VS the Devs.Look for them to be dealt tommorrow.

[samifan24]

Do the Bruins' coaches teach their players to turn their back when taking a hit so they get boarding calls?

I think Scott Hartnell sees someone's back to him at the boards and sees a green light.

[Dr. Sak]

I think Scott Hartnell sees someone's back to him at the boards and sees a green light.

Yeah I guess he should be able to stop a foot from him on a dime. Burgeron did it twice too in the corner.

[samifan24]

Yeah I guess he should be able to stop a foot from him on a dime.

Ryder was just protecting the puck. It was a routine play until Hartnell hit him from behind.

[Dr. Sak]

Ryder was just protecting the puck. It was a routine play until Hartnell hit him from behind.

I understand that...but how is a player suppose to stop when the guy he is going to hit turns his back (even if he is protecting the puck) at the end?

Btw...I don't understand how you can listen to Jack Edwards.

Hossa taken off on a stretcher. Elbow to the head.

Also, why isn't Thomas playing tonight?

[samifan24]

I understand that...but how is a player suppose to stop when the guy he is going to hit turns his back (even if he is protecting the puck) at the end?

Btw...I don't understand how you can listen to Jack Edwards.

Hossa taken off on a stretcher. Elbow to the head.

I agree that it was a borderline call made more on reputation but it was still a hit from behind. It didn't help that Ryder was bent over and the hit happened right at the bench boards.

You're right that Edwards is a homer but I love him for it. He gets so excited sometimes that Brickley has to talk him down sometimes.

[Dr. Sak]

I think this would be a good playoff series...all 3 games thus far have been close.

[bbor]

Kaberle does'nt show up on the Leaf bench for the start of the 3rd....perhaps dealt between periods?

[Dr. Sak]

That Hossa spill was nasty. I hope he is ok.

[Chief Rum]

Niedermayer being off the market following a meeting with Murray on Monday is pretty interesting, actually.

It suggests he is likely to play again next year (and I would guess consider signing an extension with the Ducks).

[Honolulu_Blue]

That Hossa spill was nasty. I hope he is ok.

So far all the tests have been negative, which is good.

[Chief Rum]

Haven't seen the Hossa thing yet. Hope he's okay.

[Chief Rum]

BTW, just a thrilling third period between the Hawks and Ducks. Back and forth, lots of great chances on both sides, the refs have swallowed their whistles, but neither side is playing dirty and hitting tons. Just speed hockey up and down. Just got to the end of the third, 2-2, and going to OT.

[Chief Rum]

Great score by Havlat in overtime. Got a breakaway. Outraced the Ducks to the other end, switched to his left just short of the crease and Jiggy crowding him and popped it into the right corner. Great shot.

Hawks are a good team, so I don't feel too bad about just taking a point out of here. Would have been nice to get two, though.

[DeToxRox]

Aaron Downey and Cam Janssen had a tremendous tilt.

[MizzouRah]

yes they did.. and then we got our asses handed to us...

[Dr. Sak]

Maple Leafs has a live NHL Deadline blog going over at DGB....let's all go over and mock him as the Leafs make no deals and continue to suck for the next 10 years...

Down Goes Brown: Trade Deadline 2009 Liveblog - Toronto Maple Leafs Blog - Humor. Commentary. Despair. (http://www.downgoesbrown.com/2009/03/trade-deadline-2009-liveblog.html)

[Galaxy]

Pretty quite so far.

[bbor]

Leclaire to Ottawa for Vermette and a 2nd rounder

[samifan24]

Leclaire to Ottawa for Vermette and a 2nd rounder

Makes sense. Is Leclaire really the answer to Ottawa's goaltending problems? I do not follow Columbus but did Leclaire lose his starting job to Mason or through his own doing with his play last season?

[TurnerONU22]

Makes sense. Is Leclaire really the answer to Ottawa's goaltending problems? I do not follow Columbus but did Leclaire lose his starting job to Mason or through his own doing with his play last season?

Combination of being injured and then Mason coming up from 3 games in Syracuse to play excellent and steal the starting job away from Pascal.

Leclaire is a good 'tender, WHEN HEALTHY. That's obviously why the 2nd was thrown in from the Jacket side.

I think Vermette is a Hitch player and will fit in nicely with this group. While he's not a true playmaking center, I think he might fit well between Nash and Huselius (who is more of a playmaker).

Also, this deal keeps Vermette away from CHI or NSH, two rivals rumored to be wanting to acquire him, and it saves the Jackets some salary and gives them a chance to make another deal today.

[Galaxy]

The Calgary Flames welcomed a familiar face back to the fold on Tuesday, acquiring defenceman Jordan Leopold from the Colorado Avalanche for a prospect and a draft pick.

[johnnyshaka]

Tellqvist to Buffalo for a 4th.

[johnnyshaka]

Leafs nab Gerber from waivers.

[Dr. Sak]

Tellqvist to Buffalo for a 4th.

Welp...Biron is staying put.

[duff88]

Apparently Jokinen goes to Calgary for Lombardi, Prust and a 1st.

[bbor]

Leafs grabbed Gerber???


Hmm..Wonder if this means a goalie trade...perhaps Vesa to Detroit?

[bbor]

Anaheim Acquires Boston Acquires
F Petteri Nokelainen D Steve Montador

[bbor]

Pittsburgh Acquires St. Louis Acquires
D Andy Wozniewski D Danny Richmond

[johnnyshaka]

Apparently Jokinen goes to Calgary for Lombardi, Prust and a 1st.

Fuck me.

[Dr. Sak]

Leafs grabbed Gerber???


Hmm..Wonder if this means a goalie trade...perhaps Vesa to Detroit?

Toskala is going on the IR

[samifan24]

I hope the Bruins do more than just Steve Montador.

[Travis]

Fuck me.

I believe what you meant to say is, "fuck Hemsky".

But hey, he's still got #10 in the center lane, what more could you want?

[samifan24]

Stars claim C Brendan Morrison off waivers.

[Galaxy]

Tim Connolly is off the market (likely) after the Sabres signed him to a 2-year, $9 million deal. Fricken nuts.

[Dr. Sak]

Tim Connolly is off the market (likely) after the Sabres signed him to a 2-year, $9 million deal. Fricken nuts.

That's about 100k per game for 2 years?

[Galaxy]

Biggest trade so far:

The Calgary Flames have made the biggest splash prior to the trade deadline so far, acquiring centre Olli Jokinen from the Phoenix Coyotes for centre Matthew Lombardi, forward Brandon Prust and a first-round pick. Click on this story for all the deals, and follow TSN.ca and TSN Mobile as more follow.

[Galaxy]

That's about 100k per game for 2 years?

Pretty much.

[Dr. Sak]

Recchi to Boston.

[samifan24]

Recchi to Boston.

Yes.

[bbor]

Toskala is going on the IR


whafor?

[bbor]

Boston Acquires Tampa Bay Acquires
F Mark Recchi
2nd Round draft pick in 2010 F Matt LashoffF Martins Karsums

[Dr. Sak]

whafor?

Per TSN

The move is likely insurance for the Leafs as they have shut down starting goaltender Vesa Toskala for the remainder of the season. Toskala will undergo surgery on his ailing groin and will need at least four months of rehabillitation.

[samifan24]

Boston gets Recchi and a Tampa's 2nd round pick in 2010 for D Matt Lashoff and F Martins Karsums. (easier to read this way)

[Dr. Sak]

Forsburg is in Denver to announce his retirement.

[Dr. Sak]

Pens get Billy Guerin

[bbor]

Forsburg is in Denver to announce his retirement.

Retirement from the NHL or from hockey all together?

[Dr. Sak]

Retirement from the NHL or from hockey all together?

Not sure exactly...I caught the tail end of it on XM radio.

[bbor]

This could be quite a funny day if the Leafs don't make any deals....Toronto and the Toronto media may commit hari Kari.

[Draft Dodger]

false alarm on the Forsberg thing.

[duff88]

RDS: Chris Neil traded to Florida

[Dr. Sak]

The conditions for the Guerin trade...

5th round pick if the Pens don’t make the playoffs
4th round pick if they do
3rd round pick if they get out of the first round

Good deal for the Pens.

[Maple Leafs]

Maple Leafs has a live NHL Deadline blog going over at DGB....let's all go over and mock him as the Leafs make no deals and continue to suck for the next 10 years...

I hate you.

[Sublime 2]

Boston gets Recchi and a Tampa's 2nd round pick in 2010 for D Matt Lashoff and F Martins Karsums. (easier to read this way)

So far today for the Bruins:

Outgoing:
Nokie
Lashoff
Karsums

Incoming:
Recchi
Montadori
TB's 2nd rounder ('10)

This is definitely showing the more "Win Now" approach a lot of fans wanted to see. As far as who we let go, it hurts to see Lashoff leave based on potential, but he just hasn't had it click for him yet. I wouldn't be surprised if the B's FO thinks more of Hunwick than Lashoff at this point. Nokie and Karsums are kind of mehhh for me. The 2nd rounder could be pretty good as well, TB probably won't be all that hot next year. Overall, I'm happy with what we got so far.

Did I really want Pronger? Yes! But there was just no way we could send Kess/Patrice, picks, Cobourn...the price was just getting too high.

[Honolulu_Blue]

RDS: Chris Neil traded to Florida

I hope this is true. It will mean the end of the Neil to the Wings rumor that was circulating around.

[Dr. Sak]

I hate you.

Now you see how I can predict the future :)

[samifan24]

So far today for the Bruins:

Outgoing:
Nokie
Lashoff
Karsums

Incoming:
Recchi
Montadori
TB's 2nd rounder ('10)

This is definitely showing the more "Win Now" approach a lot of fans wanted to see. As far as who we let go, it hurts to see Lashoff leave based on potential, but he just hasn't had it click for him yet. I wouldn't be surprised if the B's FO thinks more of Hunwick than Lashoff at this point. Nokie and Karsums are kind of mehhh for me. The 2nd rounder could be pretty good as well, TB probably won't be all that hot next year. Overall, I'm happy with what we got so far.

Agreed. I realize that Lashoff didn't have an extended opportunity to show his stuff but I think Hunwick has passed him on the immediate depth chart anyway. I didn't see much of Karsums since he only played six games but I'm ok with trading him and Nokelainen since neither offer much upside. Montador gives Boston another hybrid player like Hunwick (now) and that's never a bad thing from a depth perspective. I like Recchi on a scoring line and the PP, his presence will surely help.

[Dr. Sak]

The Flyers deal with Phoenix makes no sense...

Upshall and a 2nd to the Coyotes for Daniel Carcillo

[bbor]

Antropov to the Rangers???Where are they getting the cap space?Leafs get a 2nd and a conditional.

[Pyser]

gotta be a salary dump. morris or j.bo?

[bbor]

The Flyers deal with Phoenix makes no sense...

Upshall and a 2nd to the Coyotes for Daniel Carcillo

Ya i was kinda baffled by that on emyself.

[Logan]

I hate you.

Have we even gotten a FOFC shout-out on there?

[Dr. Sak]

Morris to the Rags for Nigel Dawes, Petr Prucha, and Kalinin

[duff88]

Neil to Florida was RDS jumping the gun.

Neil stays in Ottawa

[Travis]

Okay, so which player snuck in and reset Lowe's alarm clock this morning? I mean, what other reason could there be behind them not doing something at this point. I mean with the scorching power play (hasn't scored in 6), impending UFA's (Cole/Roli) and obvious need for a top line scorer, they should have at least become sellers or buyers right? Maybe even a bit of both? Tried to move Horcoff before his extension and NTC kicks in?

Really Lowe? How about you Tambellini? Nothing huh.

Fantastic.

[Galaxy]

Sabres get Moore from Leafs?

[Logan]

I like the Rangers moves...fairly low cost. Guess Tortorella was no more a fan of Prucha than Renney.

[Dr. Sak]

Eminger just got move to Florida for Noah Welch.

[Galaxy]

Dominic Moore goes from Leafs to Sabres for a 2nd round pick.

[samifan24]

The Flyers deal with Phoenix makes no sense...

Upshall and a 2nd to the Coyotes for Daniel Carcillo

I guess the Flyers thought they needed to get tougher? What a stupid trade.

[Pyser]

pretty low key day

[Dr. Sak]

I guess the Flyers thought they needed to get tougher? What a stupid trade.

Yep

[Dr. Sak]

Flyers get Kyle McLaren from the Sharks for a 6th rounder.

[Travis]

Supposedly the Oilers have made a deal.

$20 says Marty Reasoner is back on the Oilers once all the trades are confirmed.

Put it on the board.

Championship.

[Dr. Sak]

The Oilers got Patrick O' Sullivan

[johnnyshaka]

Supposedly the Oilers have made a deal.

$20 says Marty Reasoner is back on the Oilers once all the trades are confirmed.

Put it on the board.

Championship.

Somebody needs to play on the first line with Hemsky...why not a guy just like Sakic?

[duff88]

WTF? LA trades O'Sullivan to Carolina who trades him to Edmonton? :confused:

[Dr. Sak]

Oilers trade Cole to Carolina for O'Sullivan

[gstelmack]

Erik Cole is back! Woohoo!

[Travis]

Oilers depth chart

First line forwards: Hemsky
Second/third line forwards: Cogliano/Gagner/Nilsson/Penner/Horcoff/O'Sullivan/Moreau/Pisani/Schremp/Brule/Pouliot/Brodziak

Way to clean up that mess TambelLoweini

[Galaxy]

Ok...This is like a 5-team trade between the Kings, Oilers, Sabres, Hurricanes, Leafs.

The Sabres trade Ales Kotalik to Edmonton for a second-round pick, who then trade that pick to Toronto for Moore.

[sabotai]

The Flyers deal with Phoenix makes no sense...

Upshall and a 2nd to the Coyotes for Daniel Carcillo

Upshall and his really hot wife are gone? That makes me a sad panda...

[SackAttack]

Bouwmeester didn't get traded? Huzzah!

[watravaler]

I know the Blackhawks needed an excellent face-off man, but I liked the potential of Wiz. Nevertheless, the team is set for an excellent 5-10 year run, no need to make any desperation moves for quite a while.

[Galaxy]

So, is this basically what happened (copied from Sabres forum)?


LA <-> Carolina
LA gets Williams
CAR gets 2nd rounder, O'Sullivan

Carolina <-> Edmonton
EDM gets 2nd rounder, O'Sullivan
CAR gets Cole

Edmonton <-> Buffalo
EDM gets Kotalik
BUF gets 2nd rounder

Buffalo <-> Toronto
TOR gets 2nd rounder
BUF gets Moore

[Travis]

I believe so, be a bit easier to read if you tag the 2nd as LA's pick throughout, but I believe that pick is the common one all the way through.

[bhlloy]

I don't understand the Ducks dealings at this deadline. Seems they have moved some decent prospects, got some decent prospects back, moved some vets to get some vets back. I don't really see a direction in all of it, plus they didn't get anything for Pronger. Also didn't get nearly enough for Montador who I would have liked to see us at least take a run at resigning next year.

I like the defenseman from Chicago whose name I can't pronounce and the rest of it is just very blah. The two prospects we traded away seem better than anything we got back. Is the German goalie from SJ any good? Is he better than Hiller potentially? I doubt it somehow.

Maybe CR can shed some light on it when he gets online later. For now I'm just very uninspired and unimpressed with the way things went down.

[samifan24]

Also didn't get nearly enough for Montador who I would have liked to see us at least take a run at resigning next year.

While I can't speak confidently about the rest of the players Anaheim received, I would say that Petteri Nokelainen for Steve Montador is probably an even swap.

Nokelainen is a checking forward in every sense of the word. He has almost no offensive game to speak of--amongst Bruins forwards that played at least 30 games this season, Nokelainen took a team-low 30 shots on goal. While I realize he isn't supposed to score tons of goals he just never seemed to have much offensive instincts in Boston. He could still improve his game in the next couple of years but I think he's a role player with limited upside, which is how I view Montador, too.

[bhlloy]

Thanks, appreciate the insight. He's clearly a replacement for Pahlsson and your assessment makes me feel a little bit better about that trade. I have heard nothing but disappointing things about him however - heard the word "bust" in at least 3 different places. Not sure if you would agree with that or not.

Montador actually has been very impressive this year. He's got a bit of an offensive game, solid defensively and is a great teammate. I'd have loved to see him back next season.

[johnnyshaka]

I believe so, be a bit easier to read if you tag the 2nd as LA's pick throughout, but I believe that pick is the common one all the way through.

Have you warmed up to the deal a little more knowing that we still have a 2nd round pick next year?

I was fine with the deals when I thought they were two separate deals...Cole for O'Sullivan...2nd round pick for Kotalik...now I think Tambie did a decent job adding more talent than he moved.

Are we Cup contenders...fuck no, but at least they did something to shake things up a little bit.

[Wolfpack]

Interesting and calculated gamble on Carolina's part bringing back Cole. The obvious motivation was that Williams has become injury-prone and his salary's been dead weight the last couple of years as a result. He wasn't due to return from his latest problem, a broken hand for a couple more weeks yet. Carolina's somewhat desperate to make the playoffs this year as they need the bottom line help from playoff ticket sales, so they felt compelled to make a move that would be generally popular (Cole was and still is a big fan favorite here) while giving them a healthy body in place of the injured Williams.

I'm sure in the longer term, Carolina also sees a benefit in having not only Williams come off their books ($3.5 mill/yr for next two years), but potentially Cole as well with the anticipated decrease in the salary cap coming next year. While I'm sure they'll make an attempt to re-sign Cole, I would not be surprised if they don't make a very large effort to do so and in fact would be somewhat surprised if he does sign a new deal to stay in Carolina.

From what I've read in various places, fan reaction has been somewhat mixed as while they like Cole a lot, they are concerned about his injury status and his age and many have voiced that they should have just kept O'Sullivan and stopped there. However, that doesn't take into account that Carolina is very much a bottom-line-driven organization and I'm sure a key factor in Cole being traded for O'Sullivan was that O'Sullivan was going to be on the hook for a couple of years while Cole was a UFA regardless of which player would be better suited on the ice for Carolina long-term.

Having said all that, I still don't think this move makes Carolina a viable playoff team. They're too maddeningly inconsistent to be one (how else to explain a 5-3 loss to Atlanta followed by a 5-2 win over Washington) and it just seems like they're the team most likely to be left out if you had to choose between the Rangers, Buffalo, Florida, Pittsburgh, and Carolina for those final Eastern spots.

[Travis]

Have you warmed up to the deal a little more knowing that we still have a 2nd round pick next year?

I was fine with the deals when I thought they were two separate deals...Cole for O'Sullivan...2nd round pick for Kotalik...now I think Tambie did a decent job adding more talent than he moved.

Are we Cup contenders...fuck no, but at least they did something to shake things up a little bit.

That is a bonus, but that said, let's see if MacT can do to these two 20 goal scorers what he's done to Lupul, Penner and Cole.

Other benefit is that I'd assume Tambellini had to be leading the way in the trade talks as hadn't Buffalo said they wouldn't deal with Lowe?

And I never questioned their talent, just why we don't utilize the talent already under contract more effectively and find ways to shed some of the bad contracts so they could afford to make the big splash move sometime during Hemsky's career. Fingers crossed that one of them (preferably O'Sullivan) is a natural fit with Hemsky.

[samifan24]

Thanks, appreciate the insight. He's clearly a replacement for Pahlsson and your assessment makes me feel a little bit better about that trade. I have heard nothing but disappointing things about him however - heard the word "bust" in at least 3 different places. Not sure if you would agree with that or not.

Yes, I would say Nokelainen is a bust but only because of his draft history not because his playing style hasn't translated from the minors to the NHL. He was taken 16th overall back in 2004. While it's still too early to say definitively that he's a out-and-out bust, teams don't draft checking forwards in the first round so it's safe to say that the Islanders were hoping he would blossom when they picked him. Still, he's younger and under the Ducks' control for another year.

[johnnyshaka]

That is a bonus, but that said, let's see if MacT can do to these two 20 goal scorers what he's done to Lupul, Penner and Cole.

Other benefit is that I'd assume Tambellini had to be leading the way in the trade talks as hadn't Buffalo said they wouldn't deal with Lowe?

And I never questioned their talent, just why we don't utilize the talent already under contract more effectively and find ways to shed some of the bad contracts so they could afford to make the big splash move sometime during Hemsky's career. Fingers crossed that one of them (preferably O'Sullivan) is a natural fit with Hemsky.

O'Sullivan, IMO, is a guy similar to Horcoff...except with a little more offensive upside and a little less defensive prowess. He's not as good on the dot but he can hold his own if he has to. He plays a lot of minutes and I think he'll take some of the pressure off of Horc and hopefully playing 3-4 minutes less a night either makes Horc more effective or at the very least, gets him off the ice 3-4 minutes more per game.

Again with the current "talent"...huh? Schremp can't score in the AHL...no thanks. Brule couldn't cut it in Columbus...a team that has been worse than us...how is he considered "talent" that we need to utilize? Pouliot has similar stats to Brule...he doesn't create offense and doesn't play a physical game...no thanks.

You're right, we need to cut bait on these guys so we have some cap room to make a big splash this summer.

[Chief Rum]

I don't understand the Ducks dealings at this deadline. Seems they have moved some decent prospects, got some decent prospects back, moved some vets to get some vets back. I don't really see a direction in all of it, plus they didn't get anything for Pronger. Also didn't get nearly enough for Montador who I would have liked to see us at least take a run at resigning next year.

I like the defenseman from Chicago whose name I can't pronounce and the rest of it is just very blah. The two prospects we traded away seem better than anything we got back. Is the German goalie from SJ any good? Is he better than Hiller potentially? I doubt it somehow.

Maybe CR can shed some light on it when he gets online later. For now I'm just very uninspired and unimpressed with the way things went down.

Wish I had some light to shed, but not sure I do. Really, just seems like an indecisive front office, although I like that no one they got back is old.

Glad to see the responses on Nokie. Does sound like a checking forward replacement for Pahlsson. I didn't know what to make of that one, because I like Montador, too. I am hoping we bring him back this offseason, assuming we move Pronger.

Wisniewski and Christensen are decent younger pickups, too. No one over 24 picked up today, I believe. We traded some prospects, but not our top ones (although I liked O'Dell's upside, much like Tangredi last week).

I have no idea about the prospects we have received. Can anyone enlighten me on the San Jose prospects we got, or the Chicago guy we got (not Wis, the other one).

I think Pronger came down to the team feeling they could get more for him in the offseason. I tend to agree, although I really would have liked to sneak Kessel out of Boston.

Ducks are probably a little worse right now because of the vet talent moved, but it's not like they're devoid of tested talent, still with several players who hoisted the Cup two years ago on the team. And they added somw decent young talent (although Whitney looks like the best of them, and that was a deal I didn't like).

[duff88]

So there are times where I'm annoyed by Guy Carbonneau's coaching decisions with the Montreal Canadiens.

One of the problems is the handling of Andrei Kostitsyn. The Kostitsyn-Plekanec-Kovalev hasn't worked at all through the year. Two weeks ago, Kovalev was given a two-games pause. During that time, Kostitsyn and Plekanec played with rookie Max Pacioretty. In those two games, Kostitsyn scored twice and added three assists for five points. When Kovalev came back, he was put back with Plekanec and Kostitsyn; Andrei has since then went scoreless for five games.

Andrei Kostitsyn thrives when he's the go-to-guy on his line. He needs to have the confidence that he is the guy who will carry the puck into the zone and not think twice before firing his shot. Furthermore, he makes the most of his chances coming off the right wing even though he plays on the left. When he's with Kovalev, he rarely crosses to that right wing, making him that much more inneffective.

Not convinced? Here's a stat that should:

9 points in 31 games on a line with Alex Kovalev
29 points in 29 games on a line without Alex Kovalev

:rant:

[NoSkillz]

So there are times where I'm annoyed by Guy Carbonneau's coaching decisions with the Montreal Canadiens.

One of the problems is the handling of Andrei Kostitsyn. The Kostitsyn-Plekanec-Kovalev hasn't worked at all through the year. Two weeks ago, Kovalev was given a two-games pause. During that time, Kostitsyn and Plekanec played with rookie Max Pacioretty. In those two games, Kostitsyn scored twice and added three assists for five points. When Kovalev came back, he was put back with Plekanec and Kostitsyn; Andrei has since then went scoreless for five games.

Andrei Kostitsyn thrives when he's the go-to-guy on his line. He needs to have the confidence that he is the guy who will carry the puck into the zone and not think twice before firing his shot. Furthermore, he makes the most of his chances coming off the right wing even though he plays on the left. When he's with Kovalev, he rarely crosses to that right wing, making him that much more inneffective.

Not convinced? Here's a stat that should:

9 points in 31 games on a line with Alex Kovalev
29 points in 29 games on a line without Alex Kovalev

:rant:

As a Sabres fan, I really enjoyed Carbonneau's coaching decisions yesterday! :P

[NoSkillz]

That is a bonus, but that said, let's see if MacT can do to these two 20 goal scorers what he's done to Lupul, Penner and Cole.

Other benefit is that I'd assume Tambellini had to be leading the way in the trade talks as hadn't Buffalo said they wouldn't deal with Lowe?

I'm definitely surprised that Buffalo made a deal with Edmonton after the whole Vanek fiasco a couple years back. You're right...Tambellini must have spearheaded the trade talks for the Oilers.

I have a feeling you're ultimately going to be disappointed with Kotalik. I actually like the guy, as he wears his heart on his sleeve but he's practically useless in a 5 on 5 capacity. He doesn't play like a guy who is over six feet tall and weighs over 220 lbs - he just goes up and down his wing and you'll never see him within five feet of the net, unless it's a shootout.

That said, he's a tremendous asset on the point on the powerplay and has one of, if not the best slapshot in the entire league. He's also one of the best shootout performers in the game, equally adept at roofing a backhander as he is with beating the goalie on a straight wrist shot. He can win games for you there.

But you'll come away wanting more 5 on 5.

[Dr. Sak]

I understand why the Flyers made the trades they did, but at the same time I'm not too thrilled with them. They traded Upshall for Carcillo as a cap move. Carcillo makes about 400k less than Upshall...now if a defenseman gets hurt they do not have to keep sending Giroux down for cap reasons. I just don't get why they had to throw in the 2nd rounder.

Upshall most likely wouldn't have been with them next year because he's an RFA with a 1.2 million dollar salary right now. He'll probably get some sort of raise. McLaren was just for defensive depth. They lost Vaanenen on the waiver wire so they needed some depth incase someone got hurt. McLaren will just stay in the AHL and maybe come up for the playoffs since there is no cap in the playoffs.

I wanted them to get JBow...but not for what Florida was asking. Two offers i have heard were...

Matt Carle, Joffrey Lupul, JVR (2007 #2 overall pick)and a pick,
Brayden Coburn, Claude Giroux, salary filler, and a pick

[johnnyshaka]

I'm definitely surprised that Buffalo made a deal with Edmonton after the whole Vanek fiasco a couple years back. You're right...Tambellini must have spearheaded the trade talks for the Oilers.

I have a feeling you're ultimately going to be disappointed with Kotalik. I actually like the guy, as he wears his heart on his sleeve but he's practically useless in a 5 on 5 capacity. He doesn't play like a guy who is over six feet tall and weighs over 220 lbs - he just goes up and down his wing and you'll never see him within five feet of the net, unless it's a shootout.

That said, he's a tremendous asset on the point on the powerplay and has one of, if not the best slapshot in the entire league. He's also one of the best shootout performers in the game, equally adept at roofing a backhander as he is with beating the goalie on a straight wrist shot. He can win games for you there.

But you'll come away wanting more 5 on 5.

Thanks for the insight. I wonder if playing with Hemsky, sounds like they're buddies as Hemsky was actually the one who called him to let him know the deal was done, could motivate him a little bit? I do think he'll help on the PP giving Hemsky another viable pass target to go along with Souray.

Can't wait to see the "new" team tonight.

[watravaler]

While I can't speak confidently about the rest of the players Anaheim received, I would say that Petteri Nokelainen for Steve Montador is probably an even swap.

Nokelainen is a checking forward in every sense of the word. He has almost no offensive game to speak of--amongst Bruins forwards that played at least 30 games this season, Nokelainen took a team-low 30 shots on goal. While I realize he isn't supposed to score tons of goals he just never seemed to have much offensive instincts in Boston. He could still improve his game in the next couple of years but I think he's a role player with limited upside, which is how I view Montador, too.

I think the Ducks will "win" the James Wisniewski deal, assuming he recovers fully from the knee injury. I always enjoyed watching him play due to the 110% effort he seemed to give, even this season when he was relegated to the #5/6 role on D because of last year's injury. It's obvious he isn't that close to 100% yet, but if anyone is going to put in the work to get healthy, it will be Wiz-new-ski.

I understand the Hawks needed to cut some salary, but I was hoping they would give JW a year or so to recover. Oh well, they needed someone tough for the playoffs I guess...

[Suburban Rhythm]

Wisniewski and Christensen are decent younger pickups, too. No one over 24 picked up today, I believe. We traded some prospects, but not our top ones (although I liked O'Dell's upside, much like Tangredi last week).


Enjoy Crusher driving you nuts. The guy has tons of skill, very smooth and never panics with the puck (he's money in the shootout).

But, he just has never put it together. The thought was he was miscast in Pittsburgh, behind Sid and Geno, playing on the bottom 2 lines, or being bounced between wing and center.

I hate to give any player the 'no heart' tag, but sometimes you just wonder if he's in the game. All the tools, but no toolbox to carry them in.

[Wolfpack]

Carolina's results the past five games: L at Ottawa, 4-2, SOW vs Buffalo, 2-1, L at Atlanta, 5-3 (after leading 3-1 with 10 minutes to go, no less), W at Washington, 5-2, W vs Calgary 6-1.

Makes a ton of sense to me.

[Chief Rum]

We may not make the playoffs. We may be headed for a retooling/short rebuild (at most, one hopes). But at least we have this guy, and he should end up with the Calder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsFAkCQypSU

[samifan24]

Bobby Ryan is sick. If he's this good now, how much better will he be two seasons from now?

[bhlloy]

Ryan is sick. He's really the one bright spot to come out of this season. He's Getzlaf with a better scoring touch. I think I've said it before but he turned into a completely different player than I thought he would be - I thought he would be more of a power forward in the NHL, but he's actually a great skater as you can see from that clip.

I also like the Wisniewski trade a lot after seeing him play last night. I think we got a steal right there. Very solid and someone who should fit right into to the team mentality.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Not sure if this would be some sort of record, but 12 players with multi-goal games today (with SJ and VAN still to go)

Recchi 2G for Boston
Sean Bergenheim hat trick for the Isles
Alfredsson and Nick Foligno 2G apiece for OTT
Nash HT and Umberger 2G for Columbus (Did Osgood vow to never play for DET again after being left on the ice for 7 GA??)
Kyle Brodziak 2 for EDM
Lupul 2 for Philly
David Backes 2 for STL
David Booth HT for Florida
Eric Staal with 4 (and 6 pts total) and Tuomo Ruutu with 2 (and 5 pts total) for the Canes

[Wolfpack]

Eric Staal with 4 (and 6 pts total) and Tuomo Ruutu with 2 (and 5 pts total) for the Canes

It's remarkable what an impact Cole has had in just the two games since being traded back. He was immediately placed on the first line with Staal and Ruutu and that line was on fire in both games (yes, Tampa is drivel, but nine goals in a game is still a big feat in the modern NHL). Cole's assist to Staal on the second goal tonight was a thing of beauty.

On back-to-back nights, Carolina has outscored Calgary and Tampa Bay 15-4. Throw in the Washington game before the trade deadline and it's 20-6 over three games. Amazingly enough, in spite of this eruption of offense, Carolina still has given up more goals than it has scored this season (189-192).

[Chief Rum]

Hey Suburban Rhythm,

How you liking Kuni so far? I can't imagine him going to a team and that team's fans not immediately start liking him, but then, Kuni's only ever been on my team, so what do I know?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Hey Suburban Rhythm,

How you liking Kuni so far? I can't imagine him going to a team and that team's fans not immediately start liking him, but then, Kuni's only ever been on my team, so what do I know?

3 goals in 6 games doesn't hurt his chances either.

Thursday was the first game he played with Crosby, and they didn't really click, but it's one game.

He's exactly what this team was missing when Malone, Ruutu, Roberts and, I guess, Adam Hall, left in the offseason. There are a couple guys like Cooke and Tyler Kennedy who are bitches to play against, but not enough.

Kunitz should be that guy to replace Malone in the top 6-- skilled enough to play in the top 6, but play a 3rd line style game.

I think today will give him a big chance to endear himself to Pittsburgh fans even further. Last season, when Ovechking was doing his running around etc, Malone or Roberts would have knocked him on his ass, even if it was after the whistle. Nobody has done it yet this season. Today is Kunitz chance.

But yeah, he's already there. I work in town near the arena, and once in awhile will take a walk to the team shop. I get we are in the age of warp speed, but there was a stack of black and god #14 t-shirts, another stack of powder blue t-shirts, and a few jerseys on the rack early last week.

Side note-- Didn't Kunitz play a handful of games (under 5 I am guessing) in Atlanta his rookie year? I though it was one of those things were they tried to send him to the A, Atlanta picked him up, tried the same thing, and Anaheim picked him off of waivers again.

Has Crusher Christensen broken your heart yet?

[DeToxRox]

Rick Nash pretty much owns the Red Wings. He is disgusting. Columbus is the one team I really don't want to face in the playoffs. Never been to the post season, play a great defensive game, and have the hottest goalie in the NHL right now, all going along with the biggest freak on skates, Rick Nash.

Christ they're scary.

[TurnerONU22]

Rick Nash pretty much owns the Red Wings. He is disgusting. Columbus is the one team I really don't want to face in the playoffs. Never been to the post season, play a great defensive game, and have the hottest goalie in the NHL right now, all going along with the biggest freak on skates, Rick Nash.

Christ they're scary.

The Jackets are a strange brew right now. I can't quite figure out if they have enough to make it into the playoffs, as it seems that Hitch is doing what he usually does, run his #1 goalie into the ground. On top of that, they get away from their game, which is get pucks deep and 'check the puck back'. Thursday night, Nashville dominated the Jackets and beat them 4-2.

However, they come back last night, put some pressure on Detroit's D and force turnovers and put the pucks past Osgood. Nash was a force, Mason played his best game in a couple of weeks (great toe save on Franzen was huge, kept the game at 2-0) and Vermette has been a great fit so far, playing PP and PK.

All that said, especially with how tight the West is, I'm not sure they get in. Maybe its because they've never made the playoffs, but I just don't know.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Side note-- Didn't Kunitz play a handful of games (under 5 I am guessing) in Atlanta his rookie year? I though it was one of those things were they tried to send him to the A, Atlanta picked him up, tried the same thing, and Anaheim picked him off of waivers again.

Damned good memory, two games it was, although it was 05-06, his second season in the league after playing in 21 games for the Ducks in 03-04.
Chris Kunitz's hockey statistics profile at hockeydb.com (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=49486)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Damned good memory, two games it was, although it was 05-06, his second season in the league after playing in 21 games for the Ducks in 03-04.
Chris Kunitz's hockey statistics profile at hockeydb.com (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=49486)

I'm full of useless info

[Dr. Sak]

samifan...why don't the Bruins play Thomas. I've seen Manny twice this week and he hasn't looked that good.

[samifan24]

samifan...why don't the Bruins play Thomas. I've seen Manny twice this week and he hasn't looked that good.

Terrible game from Fernandez today...he cost the Bruins that game. What was he doing? Two incredibly soft goals. I guess Thomas sat because he played yesterday. As far as I'm concerned, I don't care that Fernandez was great in November and December, he's a liability now and can't be counted on.

[Chief Rum]

I'm full of useless info

Yeah, that is quite the memory. I in fact had thought he didn't even play in any games with the Thrashers, so JIMG looking it up shows me he actually did. I remember being really annoyed when the Ducks waived Kuni and lost him. At the time he was relatively unknown, but I thought he had good upside and had showed some good things in the season before the strike. So I was pretty stoked the Thrashers did the same thing and the Ducks got him back.

In any case, I doubt any Thrashers fans besides JIMG remember him there. ;)

As for Christensen, it's still TBD. I went to go see the Watchmen Friday night and forgot to DVR the game, so I didn't see Christensen's first game. But I did see that he got a penalty 30 seconds in that Dallas scored on, and took a lead they never gave up (which is a shame, because the Ducks apparently just flat dominated the Stars all game everywhere except in the score). He was pointless Friday night. We'll see--I plan on catching more of today's game.

You didn't bring it up, but Wiz did get a goal Friday night, and I am liking that acquisition a good deal right now. Surprised the Hawks would let a young Dman with that sort of mental makeup and ability go, even as high an opinion as I have of Pahlsson as a checking line center.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Yeah, that is quite the memory. I in fact had thought he didn't even play in any games with the Thrashers, so JIMG looking it up shows me he actually did. I remember being really annoyed when the Ducks waived Kuni and lost him. At the time he was relatively unknown, but I thought he had good upside and had showed some good things in the season before the strike. So I was pretty stoked the Thrashers did the same thing and the Ducks got him back.

In any case, I doubt any Thrashers fans besides JIMG remember him there. ;)

As for Christensen, it's still TBD. I went to go see the Watchmen Friday night and forgot to DVR the game, so I didn't see Christensen's first game. But I did see that he got a penalty 30 seconds in that Dallas scored on, and took a lead they never gave up (which is a shame, because the Ducks apparently just flat dominated the Stars all game everywhere except in the score). He was pointless Friday night. We'll see--I plan on catching more of today's game.

You didn't bring it up, but Wiz did get a goal Friday night, and I am liking that acquisition a good deal right now. Surprised the Hawks would let a young Dman with that sort of mental makeup and ability go, even as high an opinion as I have of Pahlsson as a checking line center.

How has Whitney been so far? He's makes a great first pass, so that should help transition up to Getzlaf and company. But he's probably average, at best, in every other aspect of the game. He was viewed as Gonchar's eventual replacement on the PP, but I don't see him ever being a PP QB.

[Chief Rum]

How has Whitney been so far? He's makes a great first pass, so that should help transition up to Getzlaf and company. But he's probably average, at best, in every other aspect of the game. He was viewed as Gonchar's eventual replacement on the PP, but I don't see him ever being a PP QB.

I would say he has been "okay", from what I have seen, but it says something that I haven't really focused on him too much. That means he's not really standing out. Of course, he's playing less, since he's behind Niedermayer and Prongs on the blueline here, but I would have expected to see more "nice" plays stand out to me, and that hasn't really happened yet. I would say the jury is still out on him as well.

I know the team feels they were really able to do something good there in bringing in Whitney, as the organization as a whole was pretty slim in Dman, Nieds and Prongs aren't getting any younger and Beauchemain has the double hit of being out for the season by injury and an UIR this summer. But I don't think we know enough yet to say just what we have in Whitney. I am hopeful that a move to a team that concentrates more effort in forechecking and in their own end will bring out a better game from Whitney. In PIT, you guys have such amazing offensive talent (which should rightfully be emphasized) that I think Whitney's skills and the fact he is a DMan kinda got lost in the shuffle at times. Or at least that's what I hope.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I would say he has been "okay", from what I have seen, but it says something that I haven't really focused on him too much. That means he's not really standing out. Of course, he's playing less, since he's behind Niedermayer and Prongs on the blueline here, but I would have expected to see more "nice" plays stand out to me, and that hasn't really happened yet. I would say the jury is still out on him as well.

I know the team feels they were really able to do something good there in bringing in Whitney, as the organization as a whole was pretty slim in Dman, Nieds and Prongs aren't getting any younger and Beauchemain has the double hit of being out for the season by injury and an UIR this summer. But I don't think we know enough yet to say just what we have in Whitney. I am hopeful that a move to a team that concentrates more effort in forechecking and in their own end will bring out a better game from Whitney. In PIT, you guys have such amazing offensive talent (which should rightfully be emphasized) that I think Whitney's skills and the fact he is a DMan kinda got lost in the shuffle at times. Or at least that's what I hope.

He is probably not a top pairing guy. But he's a solid 2nd pairing guy.

He's not going to run a PP, but he's not bad as the offside D. He doesn't have a huge shot, but he's accurate.

He's a big body (6'4" 215) but rarely uses it. He showed flashes during the playoff run last year (although, really, beating the shit out of Redden shouldn't count for THAT much).

He can log some minutes-- the triple OT, game 5 of the finals, Gonchar got hurt in the 3rd period, Whitney played like 52 mins or some asinine amount.

His breakout pass is a thing of beauty though. His 59 point season in 06-07 was built mainly two ways: On the PP (Crosby found him alot going backdoor to the net) and 2nd assists wear he made fanastic passes across center to Crosby and Malkin, leading to odd man rushes.

You guys have enough talent at forward where he should be a helpful addition in the transition game. He played his best here when paired with Orpik or Scuderi-- that is, guys who will let him do his thing from your blueline OUT, and cover his ass from the blue line in.

[johnnyshaka]

It's remarkable what an impact Cole has had in just the two games since being traded back. He was immediately placed on the first line with Staal and Ruutu and that line was on fire in both games (yes, Tampa is drivel, but nine goals in a game is still a big feat in the modern NHL). Cole's assist to Staal on the second goal tonight was a thing of beauty.

On back-to-back nights, Carolina has outscored Calgary and Tampa Bay 15-4. Throw in the Washington game before the trade deadline and it's 20-6 over three games. Amazingly enough, in spite of this eruption of offense, Carolina still has given up more goals than it has scored this season (189-192).

Glad to see Cole playing well. I was really excited when he rolled into town but things obviously didn't click here, it's really too bad. And, hey, they beat the crap out of Calgary...that's always a bonus in my books!!

[Wolfpack]

Glad to see Cole playing well. I was really excited when he rolled into town but things obviously didn't click here, it's really too bad. And, hey, they beat the crap out of Calgary...that's always a bonus in my books!!

In the Calgary game, Staal assisted on a Cole goal which was the only time they combined on the statsheet that night, but generally, they were all over the place in the game and had one or two other chances to score that didn't pan.

The game against Tampa last night was absurd on so many levels, though. Staal with four goals and two assists, Ruutu with two and three and Cole had helpers on four goals though he didn't net one himself. By the time it was 7-1 or 8-1, I was really starting to feel sorry for Tampa Bay, knowing that there still was another period and change to get through. Also hoped that Carolina wouldn't pick up some crap injury to a star player in some sort of retributive karma or something like that.

Carolina's problem right now is that just as they've finally caught fire (7-3 in the last 10), everyone else they're battling for a playoff spot also seems to have gotten things going, especially the Rangers and Penguins. Even with the three-game winning streak, Carolina is back out of the playoffs by a point right now with Pittsburgh and the Rangers both winning today.

Big tilt tomorrow night at home against the Rangers. Hope we can catch them coming down a bit from beating Boston on the back end of a back-to-back. Not quite win or go home, but with nearly everyone having games-in-hand on Carolina except Pittsburgh, a loss really would be quite bad to take right now.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Ok. You get blown out 8-0 on the road on the back-end of a games on consecutive nights. That's a not a good thing. Losing 8-0 is never a good thing, but, at least, you can try to rationalize it away. The team was tired. Things snowballed. It was a fluke. Let's re-group and right the ship.

But then you come back and lose 8-2 at home after three days off. There's really no excuse for that at all, other than the team has some issues. The Wings out shot Columbus something like 45 to 26 or something and still lost 8-2. The goaltending was awful. The giveaways were simply atrocious. The Wings have been plagued with sloppy defensive play for much of the season and some very, very soft goaltending. That's not going to win you anything come the playoffs. There were times last year, long stretches, where I just felt like there was no way the team could lose a playoff series. They were just playing too well. From goaltending on out, everything was clicking. Even during some of the longer winning streaks this year, I haven't felt that way. Too many one goal games, too many games where the team had to play catch up, too many defensive meltdowns, too much reliance on the power play.

I'm not in panic mode and I know it's hard to feel sorry for the Wings, but, at the moment, I don't see how this team will make it out of the West. They could, in fact, be prime for another first or second round playoff collapse similar to what we've seen many times before. They have all the hallmarks for it, weak goaltending and sloppy defensive play.

[Maple Leafs]

As best as I can tell, fake Brian Burke is now the sixth most popular hockey feed on twitter. Suck it, NHL Director of Communications Michael DiLorenzo!

Still behind Ovechkin, but ahead of Patrick Elias. Still behind the Hawks and Wings, but ahead of the Rangers, Thrashers, Oilers and Senators.

You're next, @behindthejersey!

[Dr. Sak]

As best as I can tell, fake Brian Burke is now the sixth most popular hockey feed on twitter. Suck it, NHL Director of Communications Michael DiLorenzo!

Still behind Ovechkin, but ahead of Patrick Elias. Still behind the Hawks and Wings, but ahead of the Rangers, Thrashers, Oilers and Senators.

You're next, @behindthejersey!

Still no Crosby....hmmmm

[Suburban Rhythm]

Carbonneau out in MTL.

BRING IN THERRIEN!!

[johnnyshaka]

Carbonneau out in MTL.

BRING IN THERRIEN!!

Gainey behind the bench...very interesting.

[TurnerONU22]

So the Jackets have beat Detroit, Boston and Pittsburgh in consecutive games. I'm not used to watching meaningful games in March, and having the Jackets come out on top.

19,167 in attendance last night, setting a new Nationwide record.

Should I believe in this team?

[Honolulu_Blue]

So the Jackets have beat Detroit, Boston and Pittsburgh in consecutive games. I'm not used to watching meaningful games in March, and having the Jackets come out on top.

19,167 in attendance last night, setting a new Nationwide record.

Should I believe in this team?

Why not? They have a great goalie. A veteran head coach. They have Rick Nash. Assuming Mason can keep it up come playoff time (it's always a bit of a wildcard going into the playoffs with an untested goalie, even one who has been as stellar as Mason (see, e.g., Carey, Jim)), Columbus could be a very dangerous team.

At the moment, if I was a team seeded between 6-8 in the West, I would definitely want to play Detroit.

The Wings are playing pretty bad right now. Up 4-1 going into the 3rd. Give up 3 goals in 2 minutes. Get out shout 12-0. Unbelievable. Conklin's shaky. Osgood is shaky. Defense is soft and runs around. They beat St. Louis, Colorado, and Phoenix. Three worst teams in the West. Get blown out by Columbus and Nashville and now this. This team will be lucky to get out of the first round.

The Wings have relied too much on the power play. Both goalies are playing poorly and defensively they've been a mess. They get caught running around in their own end a lot and have difficulty with bigger, stronger forwards, even those that aren't particularly skilled. Raflaski and Stuart, both, have been particularly bad the last few games.

I've seen this story played out many times before and, unless something dramatic happens, the Wings are currently ripe for another first round "upset".

[DeToxRox]

Why not? They have a great goalie. A veteran head coach. They have Rick Nash. Assuming Mason can keep it up come playoff time (it's always a bit of a wildcard going into the playoffs with an untested goalie, even one who has been as stellar as Mason (see, e.g., Carey, Jim)), Columbus could be a very dangerous team.

At the moment, if I was a team seeded between 6-8 in the West, I would definitely want to play Detroit.

The Wings are playing pretty bad right now. Up 4-1 going into the 3rd. Give up 3 goals in 2 minutes. Get out shout 12-0. Unbelievable. Conklin's shaky. Osgood is shaky. Defense is soft and runs around. They beat St. Louis, Colorado, and Phoenix. Three worst teams in the West. Get blown out by Columbus and Nashville and now this. This team will be lucky to get out of the first round.

The Wings have relied too much on the power play. Both goalies are playing poorly and defensively they've been a mess. They get caught running around in their own end a lot and have difficulty with bigger, stronger forwards, even those that aren't particularly skilled. Raflaski and Stuart, both, have been particularly bad the last few games.

I've seen this story played out many times before and, unless something dramatic happens, the Wings are currently ripe for another first round "upset".

As weird as it is to say, especially after 5 goals, but without Hossa, we're just not that good. His presence gives us two elite lines, and he is a tremendous two way forward. There just seems to be a lot more confidence with Hossa out there. I do think thought that drastic changes on D have to be made. Lebda has to be done, and Big Rig needs to become a fixture in the top 6 from here on out. Let him get comfortable because we just seem to be pushed around lately. Let the big rookie go out and play with fire and move guys around.

[samifan24]

The Wings are playing pretty bad right now. Up 4-1 going into the 3rd. Give up 3 goals in 2 minutes. Get out shot 12-0. Unbelievable. Conklin's shaky. Osgood is shaky. Defense is soft and runs around.

Oh, hey, sounds like the Boston Bruins lately, too. Ugh.

[Suburban Rhythm]

So the Jackets have beat Detroit, Boston and Pittsburgh in consecutive games. I'm not used to watching meaningful games in March, and having the Jackets come out on top.

19,167 in attendance last night, setting a new Nationwide record.

Should I believe in this team?

Any idea how many might have been Pens fans? It seemed a little loud in the building for that 5 minute stretch when they blew up.

[Maple Leafs]

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/117991/3353655822_27089a5381.jpg

[Sublime 2]

Oh, hey, sounds like the Boston Bruins lately, too. Ugh.

Pretty uninspiring of late...I'd like to see a dominating game this afternoon.

[MizzouRah]

Detroit, we are coming for yo ass today baby!

[samifan24]

Pretty uninspiring of late...I'd like to see a dominating game this afternoon.

I sure hope so seeing as how it's the Islanders.

[TurnerONU22]

Any idea how many might have been Pens fans? It seemed a little loud in the building for that 5 minute stretch when they blew up.

There were a large amount, probably about 3,000 or so, I'd say. Only a 3 hr drive, and lots of fans in Columbus and eastern OH that were/are fans of Pittsburgh. I'm a Steeler fan (dad's originally from WV), but I have to root for the Jackets.

90% of the fans were great, but the other 10% gave the whole group a bad name. The team honored Hitch for 500 wins before the game, and during the presentation and when Pat Burns came out, those 10% decided to chant 'Let's Go Pens!'. Totally classless, probably too many Iron City's before they got into the arena :)

[Suburban Rhythm]

There were a large amount, probably about 3,000 or so, I'd say. Only a 3 hr drive, and lots of fans in Columbus and eastern OH that were/are fans of Pittsburgh. I'm a Steeler fan (dad's originally from WV), but I have to root for the Jackets.

90% of the fans were great, but the other 10% gave the whole group a bad name. The team honored Hitch for 500 wins before the game, and during the presentation and when Pat Burns came out, those 10% decided to chant 'Let's Go Pens!'. Totally classless, probably too many Iron City's before they got into the arena :)

Those would be theme 10% who booed Jagr every time he touched the puck while in a Caps or Rangers uniform.

And that would all be related to Hitchcock making the assertion that Crosby dives, during his rookie season, after feasting on the Flyers for 3-4 points probably.

[Logan]

So Brodeur will try to break Roy's record at home tomorrow night, and you can still get dead center ice seats through Ticketmaster. It's amazing how shitty that arena is doing.

[Dr. Sak]

And that would all be related to Hitchcock making the assertion that Crosby dives, during his rookie season, after feasting on the Flyers for 3-4 points probably.

He does dive...Bob Errey even admitted it.

[Pumpy Tudors]

So Brodeur will try to break Roy's record at home tomorrow night, and you can still get dead center ice seats through Ticketmaster. It's amazing how shitty that arena is doing.
That sucks. I wish I could be there. Great seats still available. Ugh.

[Suburban Rhythm]

He does dive...Bob Errey even admitted it.

But he learned it from watching Forsberg. Don't forget to give him credit.

[BlackJack]

So Brodeur will try to break Roy's record at home tomorrow night, and you can still get dead center ice seats through Ticketmaster. It's amazing how unpopular that team is.


Thats more like it.

[Dr. Sak]

But he learned it from watching Forsberg. Don't forget to give him credit.

Way to pick on a guy with a gimp ankle.

[DeToxRox]

A great little write up on the Wings AHL affiliate:

With 24 points still up for grabs, the Griffins are 38-18-6-6 with 88 points, fifth in the 29-team American Hockey League, despite icing one of the youngest rosters since affiliating with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002. They're on pace for more than 100 points, and that's only happened twice in six seasons.

In past years, the Red Wings loaded up the Griffins with minor-league veterans. But this season, with a huge crop of rookies in the first years of entry-level contracts, the Red Wings rolled the dice with youth, and it's working.

Even former Griffins forward Carl Corazzini, one of the veterans the Red Wings signed last season, came away impressed after visiting with the Peoria Rivermen this week.

"I'm kind of jealous that I'm not on this team," Corazzini, the Griffins' leading scorer last season, told the Grand Rapids Press. "It's definitely the fastest, most skilled team I've played against this year, even more so than (first-place) Manitoba. I think it's a team I would have liked to play for."

The Red Wings have placed 10 first- and second-year prospects on the Griffins, and that's not counting hot-shot Griffins signee Francis Pare. Former AHL MVP Darren Haydar was the only true veteran the Red Wings brought in.

The Griffins boast the league's best penalty-killing unit (86.8 per cent), the No. 3 power play (20.6 per cent), the third best offence (225 goals) and the ninth best goals against total (186). They also have a league-low penalty-minute total by a wide margin with 837. Only one other team has fewer than 1,037.

[DeToxRox]

10 guys on the Wings AHL team have a shot to play on the big club eventually and they're playing amazing in the A. Gotta love it.

[Pyser]

Thats more like it.

who the fuck are you

[MikeVic]

Go AHL team Manitoba!

[BlackJack]

who the fuck are you

I'm 4,000 empty seats a night just crying out to be sat in.

[Pyser]

I'm 4,000 empty seats a night just crying out to be sat in.

oh, cool. an islanders fan. welcome!

[Pumpy Tudors]

oh, cool. an islanders fan. welcome!
LOL

[BlackJack]

oh, cool. an islanders fan. welcome!

The Devils actually deserve better. If they were someplace that gave a shit about them, Brodeur would be revered. Not to mention Stevens, et al. As it is, they get FAR more publicity and respect in places like Montreal than they do at home. I hear Toronto's looking for a second team.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I hear Toronto's looking for a second team.
Really? You mean one to go with the Marlies?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Really? You mean one to go with the Marlies?

BOOM! Roasted.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Way to pick on a guy with a gimp ankle.

Downie probably slashed him on his way out of town.

[Dr. Sak]

Downie probably slashed him on his way out of town.

He only slashes officials

[DeToxRox]

Pavel Datsyuk is the best all around forward in the NHL.

That is all.

[Suburban Rhythm]

But this guy is the MVP

http://sportchitchat.com/wp-content/plugins/hot-linked-image-cacher/upload/i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/writers/michael_farber/04/15/penguins.malkin/T1_0415_malkin.jpg

[Wolfpack]

Congrats on Brodeur getting the record. Now that the pressure's off, can the Devils pretty-please sit him tomorrow? Carolina needs the points. kthx

[JPhillips]

But this guy will win the Hart.

http://flamesfan77.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/aagz063_8x10-2005-2006awayactionalexander-ovechkin-posters.jpg

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think that is the largest picture on the internet.

[Lathum]

Congrats on Brodeur getting the record. Now that the pressure's off, can the Devils pretty-please sit him tomorrow? Carolina needs the points. kthx

I ahve been a Devils fan since they moved to the state and I am really excited for Marty.

Best goalie in the history of the sport. Period.

[Pyser]

Congrats on Brodeur getting the record. Now that the pressure's off, can the Devils pretty-please sit him tomorrow? Carolina needs the points. kthx

weekes is starting against carolina.

[Suburban Rhythm]

But this guy will win the Hart.

http://flamesfan77.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/aagz063_8x10-2005-2006awayactionalexander-ovechkin-posters.jpg

Last time a forward won the Hart while finishing 3rd or more in the scoring race was 1991-92, Mark Messier, and his team won the President's trophy.

[JPhillips]

If Ovechkin stays at 20% more goals than anyone else he's at least even money to win the Hart. As long as Crosby doesn't win it's fine. :p

[DeToxRox]

I wonder if this is the year somone (Chara .. maybe Boyle) unseats Lidstrom.

[Wolfpack]

weekes is starting against carolina.

Muchas gracias. A 4-2 Carolina win is just what the doctor ordered. :D

[samifan24]

What an incredibly disappointing collapse for the Bruins. They were up 2-0 on LA after two periods and lost 3-2 in overtime. The Bruins team of November and December is long gone.

[Draft Dodger]

Sean, you've created a not-very-funny monster

Twitter / AdamFoote (http://twitter.com/AdamFoote)

[TurnerONU22]

Sean, you've created a not-very-funny monster

Twitter / AdamFoote (http://twitter.com/AdamFoote)

Hitting the links then meeting Jay Cutler for dinner. Wants advice on forcing a trade and abandoning your team. I think I can help him out.

Classic. :)

[MizzouRah]

I love hockey!

NSFW.. watch at your own risk! ;)

hxxp://www.nhlsnipers.com/florida-panthers-fans-are-nicensfw/

[johnnyshaka]

I love hockey!

NSFW.. watch at your own risk! ;)

hxxp://www.nhlsnipers.com/florida-panthers-fans-are-nicensfw/

Nice!!

[Wolfpack]

I swear, this Hurricanes team is dangerously close to making me believe in them again. Swept a three game homestand by beating the Caps 4-1 last night, giving them a five-point lead on Florida, who lost last night in Columbus. It also nullified FLA's games-in-hand advantage. With Buffalo and Montreal also falling apart, the odds are more favorable now than they have been all year. However, after last year I am not now, not ever saying this team is going to make the playoffs until they actually clinch the berth. The last eight games are going to be a real tough stretch. The only "easy" games left are next Wednesday against an Ottawa team that's decided they'd rather play than fold the tent and an early April game against an Islanders team that very nearly gave them a damaging loss two nights ago. Otherwise, the remainder are against teams already playoff-bound (NJ twice, Pittsburgh) or are fighting for their playoff lives (Rangers, Florida, Buffalo). It starts Monday at Florida. Oddly enough, that'll be the last division game of the year for Carolina, which is in contrast to last year's finishing kick where we played nothing but division opponents for a couple of weeks to finish out.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Flyers dives: 1
Penguins dives: 0

;)

[samifan24]

Good win for the Bruins today to lock up home ice advantage in the first round.

[Dr. Sak]

Flyers dives: 1
Penguins dives: 0

;)

That wasn't a dive...but whatever. Anyway how about this...

PITTSBURGH – Once upon a time, the Flyers’ Chris Therien used to turn Jaromir Jagr inside out and simply harass and frustrate one the greatest players in the game.

Ryan Parent wasn’t around for that, but Sunday afternoon at Mellon Arena, the 22-year-old, third-year defenseman did a remarkable job while head-to-head mostly on Sidney Crosby, and even on Evgeni Malkin, neither of whom got a single shot on goal during a 3-1 loss to the Flyers.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Parent said, when asked if he enjoyed making life miserable for Crosby and Malkin. “I’ll play wherever the coaches tell me to play. And if it’s in a shutdown position against a top line, I’ll go out there and try to keep them off the scoreboard.”

That’s only the second time both those players were held without a shot in a game (April 14, 2007 at New Jersey).

[Suburban Rhythm]

That wasn't a dive...but whatever. Anyway how about this...

PITTSBURGH – Once upon a time, the Flyers’ Chris Therien used to turn Jaromir Jagr inside out and simply harass and frustrate one the greatest players in the game.

Ryan Parent wasn’t around for that, but Sunday afternoon at Mellon Arena, the 22-year-old, third-year defenseman did a remarkable job while head-to-head mostly on Sidney Crosby, and even on Evgeni Malkin, neither of whom got a single shot on goal during a 3-1 loss to the Flyers.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Parent said, when asked if he enjoyed making life miserable for Crosby and Malkin. “I’ll play wherever the coaches tell me to play. And if it’s in a shutdown position against a top line, I’ll go out there and try to keep them off the scoreboard.”

That’s only the second time both those players were held without a shot in a game (April 14, 2007 at New Jersey).

Hal Gill regularly harrassed Jagr. Hell, when he first was in Washington, Rick Kehoe matched Andy Ference against Jagr. Doesn't make guys who do it one game stars.

Besides, when Crosby can pin Timonen against the boards and come out of the corner to set up Letang, Parent can't cover for both of them.

Not sure if you caught it, end of the 1st, Pierre McGuire said Hartnell and Cooke yapping to each other. Hartnell to Cooke "You see they had to make moves at the deadline (Kunitz and Guerin) to get those guys some real wingers to play with"

What a joke. Why not throw your glove at him next time?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

Forgot to mention, got the THN Future Watch issue a few weeks back. Anyone interested, I'll try and post your team.

[Logan]

Rangers please.

[samifan24]

Dola

Forgot to mention, got the THN Future Watch issue a few weeks back. Anyone interested, I'll try and post your team.

Bruins please.

[Travis]

Oilers would be appreciated, thanks.

[Dr. Sak]

Not sure if you caught it, end of the 1st, Pierre McGuire said Hartnell and Cooke yapping to each other. Hartnell to Cooke "You see they had to make moves at the deadline (Kunitz and Guerin) to get those guys some real wingers to play with"

What a joke. Why not throw your glove at him next time?

Right because Scott Hartnell has 27 goals and 55 points while Matt Cooke has a whopping 9 goals and 27 points. Hartnell speaks the truth, Cooke hardly plays now. Make fun of him all you want about throwing the glove (hell I do), but you'd love to have him on your team instead of Matt Cooke.

Parent is only a 2nd year player. He's going to be a good defenseman, him and Timonen are going to be the top pairing heading into the playoffs. Just thank Nashville (again) for send Parent over. I wont even start to talk about Giroux, that guy is going to be a stud.

Now if they can only get Matt Carle to stop turning the damn puck over so much, that would be a start.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Right because Scott Hartnell has 27 goals and 55 points while Matt Cooke has a whopping 9 goals and 27 points. Hartnell speaks the truth, Cooke hardly plays now. Make fun of him all you want about throwing the glove (hell I do), but you'd love to have him on your team instead of Matt Cooke.

Parent is only a 2nd year player. He's going to be a good defenseman, him and Timonen are going to be the top pairing heading into the playoffs. Just thank Nashville (again) for send Parent over. I wont even start to talk about Giroux, that guy is going to be a stud.

Now if they can only get Matt Carle to stop turning the damn puck over so much, that would be a start.

I didn't realize Cooke was brought in to be a 30 goal winger. Cooke-Staal-Kennedy has been the Pens best like from game 1 - to this point.

And we had "him" here. His name is Ryan Malone. Neither is worth $4M.

And what happened to Coburn? In the game vs Pittsburgh and the few other Flyers game I've watched, he's been pretty below avg.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Similar to past years, teams are given a letter grade, rank 1-30 (this include NHLers age 21 and under) and drafting "grade" based on their rank vs. average draft position over the past 4 seasons. [Example, Chicago's avg draft position (ADP) over the past 4 seasons was 6th, #1 in the league. Their prospects are ranked 7th. ADP rank - prospect rank = -6]

Rangers

Grade: C+ 16th/30
ADP: 18th pick (ranked 11th) - prospect rank 16 = -5

[rank, player, ageposition, 08-09 team, acquired] (ranking in top 75 if applicable)

1) Evgeny Grachev, 18, (19th overall), C, Brampton (OHL) 75th pick 2005
2) Michael Del Zotto, 18, (32nd), D, London (OHL), 20th pick 2008
3) Artem Anisimov 20, (48th), C, Hartford (AHL), 54th in 2006
4) Bobby Sanguinetti, 20, (52nd), D, Hartford (AHL), 21st in 2006
5) Derek Stepan, 18,C, Wisconson (CCHA), 51st in 2008
6) Dane Byers, 22, LW, Hartford (AHL), 48th in 2004
7) Ivan Baranka, 23, D, Hartford (AHL), 50th 2003
8) Corey Potter, 25, D, Hartford (AHL), 122nd 2003
9) Michael Sauer, 21, D, Hartford (AHL), 40th 2005
10) David Kveton, 21, RW, Trinec (Czech) 104th 2006

[Suburban Rhythm]

Boston

Grade: A- (6th/30) (includes under 21 NHLers Kessel, Lucic and Sobotka)
ADP: 13th pick (7th) - prospect rank 6th = +1

1) Tuukk Rask, 21, (11th overall), G, Providence (AHL), Trade with TOR
2) Joe Colborne, 19, (34th overall), C, Denver (WCHA), 18th in 2008
3) Brad Marchand, 20, (67th overall), C, Providence (AHL), 71st 2006
4) Matt Lashoff 22, D, Providence (AHL), 22nd 2005
5) Zach Hamill, 20, C, Providence (AHL), 8th 2007
6) Carl Soderberg, 23, C, Malmo (Sweden), Trade with STL
7) Adam McQuaid, 22, D, Providence (AHL), Trade with COL
8) Tommy Cross, 19, D, Boston College (Hockey East), 35th 2007
9) Martins Karsums, 22, RW, Providence (AHL), 64th 2004
10) Maxime Sauve, 19, C, Val-d'Or (QMJHL) 47th 2008

Obviously, Lashoff and Karsums no longer there. I believe these are complied around December/January.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Edmonton

Grade: B (11th/30) (includes Cogliano and Gagner)
ADP: 25th pick (rank 21) - prospect rank (11th) = +10

1) Jordan Eberle, 18, (17th overall), C, Regina (WHL), 22nd 2008
2) Jeff Petry, 21, (63rd overall), D, Mich St (CCHA), 45th 2006
3) Taylor Chorney, 21, D, Springfield (AHL), 36th 2005
4) Jeff Deslauriers, 24, G, Springfield (AHL), 31st 2002
5) JF Jacques, 23, LW, Springfield (AHL), 68th 2003
6) Riley Nash, 19, C, Cornell (ECAC), 21st 2007
7) Devan Dubnyk, 22, G, Springfield (AHL), 14th 2004
8) Linus Omark, 21, LW, Lulea (Sweden), 97th 2007
9) Theo Peckham, 21, D, Springfield (AHL), 75th 2006
10) Rob Schremp, 22, C, Springfield (AHL), 25th 2004

[Travis]

Interesting to see that they have Deslauriers with Springfield when he's been with the Oilers all season (signed a one way contract prior to this season but did spend 2 weeks with Springfield on a conditioning stint).

Thanks for putting that up, was hoping Omark would be getting a bit more love, but given that Peckham has looked pretty good in his limited time with the big club maybe there is some hope for the kid yet.

[DeToxRox]

SR my man, Wings if you'd be so kind.

[Suburban Rhythm]

One thing I've noticed after subscribing for a few years now, invariably, the most recent drafts #1 pick is nearly always the #1 prospect for all teams.

Riley Nash is a great example of this. Last year, he was Edmonton's #1 prospect. Now he's 6th? I can believe a few guys passing him by, but he dropped that much? He's having a pretty similar year this year as last, so was he over-valued last season?

Cody Franson in Nashville is another example. He was Nashville's #1 last season, now #4, passed by Jonathan Blum (#2 last season, #3 this season) and both 1st rounders in 2008 (Wilson and Pickard). Why? I guess because he's a 21 year old D who didn't make it to the NHL this season.

In alot of cases, I think it's alot like what Tavares has gone through. If you spend that extra year or 2 in the AHL, more flaws are perceived. Scouts did it with Tavares, trying to find something to not like.

[Logan]

Similar to past years, teams are given a letter grade, rank 1-30 (this include NHLers age 21 and under) and drafting "grade" based on their rank vs. average draft position over the past 4 seasons. [Example, Chicago's avg draft position (ADP) over the past 4 seasons was 6th, #1 in the league. Their prospects are ranked 7th. ADP rank - prospect rank = -6]

Rangers

Grade: C+ 16th/30
ADP: 18th pick (ranked 11th) - prospect rank 16 = -5

[rank, player, ageposition, 08-09 team, acquired] (ranking in top 75 if applicable)

1) Evgeny Grachev, 18, (19th overall), C, Brampton (OHL) 75th pick 2005
2) Michael Del Zotto, 18, (32nd), D, London (OHL), 20th pick 2008
3) Artem Anisimov 20, (48th), C, Hartford (AHL), 54th in 2006
4) Bobby Sanguinetti, 20, (52nd), D, Hartford (AHL), 21st in 2006
5) Derek Stepan, 18,C, Wisconson (CCHA), 51st in 2008
6) Dane Byers, 22, LW, Hartford (AHL), 48th in 2004
7) Ivan Baranka, 23, D, Hartford (AHL), 50th 2003
8) Corey Potter, 25, D, Hartford (AHL), 122nd 2003
9) Michael Sauer, 21, D, Hartford (AHL), 40th 2005
10) David Kveton, 21, RW, Trinec (Czech) 104th 2006

Thanks. Couple things:

1. I wonder where the overall rank would be if Cherepanov hadn't passed away.

2. I think the organization thinks more highly of Sauer, unless his play has dropped off recently.

3. While the rank isn't great, it looks like it's because of a lack of depth, with 4 of the top 52.

[DeToxRox]

Detroit's will be interesting. I assume McCollum and Kindl are 1-2 but after that it's what defines a prospect.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Detroit

Grade: B- (13th/30)
ADP: 29th pick (rank 27) - prospect rank 13 = +14

Detroit has 6 players ranked in the top 75!

1) Darren Helm, 22, (25th overall), C, Grand Rapids (AHL), 132nd 2005
2) Jonathan Ericsson, 24, (38th overall), D, Grand Rapids (AHL), 291st '02
3) Jakub Kindl, 21, (47th overall), D, Grand Rapids (AHL), 19th 2005
4) Justin Abdelkader, 21, (55th overall), LW, Grand Rapids (AHL), 42nd '05
5) Thomas McCollum, 19, (57th overall), G, Brampton (OHL), 30th 2008
6) Brendan Smith, 19, (73rd overall) D, Wisconson (WCHA), 27th 2007
7) Jimmy Howard, 24, G, Grand Rapids (AHL), 64th 2003
8) Cory Emmerton, 20, C, Grand Rapids (AHL), 41st 2006
9) Joakim Andersson, 19, C, Frolunda (Sweden), 88th 2007
10) Mattias Ritola, 21, LW, Grand Rapids (AHL), 103rd 2005

IMO, the whole McCollum/Howard this is another example of what I'm talking about above. Howard has been in Detroit's top 5 probably the last 3 seasons. But because he didn't make it to the NHL, and McCollum's a 1st rounder, he's obviously better.

[DeToxRox]

Detroit

Grade: B- (13th/30)
ADP: 29th pick (rank 27) - prospect rank 13 = +14

Detroit has 6 players ranked in the top 75!

1) Darren Helm, 22, (25th overall), C, Grand Rapids (AHL), 132nd 2005
2) Jonathan Ericsson, 24, (38th overall), D, Grand Rapids (AHL), 291st '02
3) Jakub Kindl, 21, (47th overall), D, Grand Rapids (AHL), 19th 2005
4) Justin Abdelkader, 21, (55th overall), LW, Grand Rapids (AHL), 42nd '05
5) Thomas McCollum, 19, (57th overall), G, Brampton (OHL), 30th 2008
6) Brendan Smith, 19, (73rd overall) D, Wisconson (WCHA), 27th 2007
7) Jimmy Howard, 24, G, Grand Rapids (AHL), 64th 2003
8) Cory Emmerton, 20, C, Grand Rapids (AHL), 41st 2006
9) Joakim Andersson, 19, C, Frolunda (Sweden), 88th 2007
10) Mattias Ritola, 21, LW, Grand Rapids (AHL), 103rd 2005

IMO, the whole McCollum/Howard this is another example of what I'm talking about above. Howard has been in Detroit's top 5 probably the last 3 seasons. But because he didn't make it to the NHL, and McCollum's a 1st rounder, he's obviously better.

Thanks, SR!

I am shocked Helm is #1 mainly because Kindl always gets so much praise. I do agree with that list though as Helm is probably going to be on the 4th line come playoff time, and Ericcson might just be our 7th defensemen from here on out (assuming Lilja stays #6 when back)

The top 4 will all be in the NHL within 2 years, though I suspect Howard gets first crack at the backup job next year. His time in the A is a mixed bag but he has the talent.

Brendan Smith is a monster offensive defensemen but he's hurt all the fucking time. If he can stay healthy he is a perfect fit for the puck control game.

All in all its a solid list.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Thanks. Couple things:

1. I wonder where the overall rank would be if Cherepanov hadn't passed away.

2. I think the organization thinks more highly of Sauer, unless his play has dropped off recently.

3. While the rank isn't great, it looks like it's because of a lack of depth, with 4 of the top 52.

They do mention Cherepanov, but not mention on how it effected their ranking.

They do discuss them putting together a string of solid drafts, after they mention back to 2003, when Hugh Jessiman was taken while Parise, Richards, Getzlaf and more were still on the board.