"Old time" hockey tonight in Boston?

   It will be a busy tonight in Boston for the two referee’s and the two linesman. Why you ask? The Sabres come into Bean Town for the first time this season; seeking maybe not revenge but vow to keep their best players safe, something they did very little of last year. In the off-season they made it a goal to get bigger and tougher; by the additions of John Scott and Steve Ott; one can say that has been done.

   Ott’s last two visits to the TD Gardens featured three fights in the first three seconds, two years before Ott was in the middle of everything that featured well over 100 PIM’s.

Not convinced tonight will be different compared to most “revenge games”? The Bruins for the first time all season have announced that rookie enforcer Lane Macdermid will suit up for tonights contest. With Buffalo missing Patrick Kaleta, do they recall Rochester enforcer Nick Tarnasky tonight or is Cody Mccormick healthy enough? I’d be shocked if the Sabres don’t come with more ammo.

This reminds me of a game a few seasons back where the Islanders recalled Michael Haley before a game against the Penguins; which led to 18 majors and well over 200 PIM’s throughout the contest.

Sabres @ Bruins “toughness scorecard”

J Scott       S Thornton

S Ott         L Macdermid

M Folingo G Campbell

M Weber  A Macquaid

Tarnasky? M Lucic

Mcormick? Z Chara

 

Don’t forget the Bruins have others as well that are willing to “get involved”. Other Bruins not named above have had 17 fighting majors compared to 3 by the Sabres.

Here come the Hawks

    Are the Hawks destined for another lengthy playoff run? The original six hockey club is off to the best start in decades at 4-0. For the first time since their Stanley Cup Championship a few years ago, the Hawks appear to be loads of depth not just up front but for the first time in years also on the backend.

    They've got the speed, skill, size and toughness more so this year than in years past. The good news if anything, is they wouldn't need to offload salaries like they did back in 2010. The only question mark regarding the Hawks, is the same one they had when they won the Cup; that of course is goaltending. But the good news if anything is that starting netminder Corey Crawford has only allowed 6 goals in three games, and has yet to allow that weak goal per game. Backup Ray Emery maybe the only unstable part of the team, he looked rather horrible Sunday against Phoenix.

    The other advantage is they've got the same core that won the Cup, so they know the work involved in order to get back to the final.

Expect minor tweaks come trade deadline

    Chicago has got shockingly lots of cap space, estimated at 3.2 (cap space), but if you don’t count Steve Montador (long term injured reserved 2.5 million cap hit) & Rostislav Olesz (3.5) not with the team, they have much more space available than other contending teams. The Hawks have allot of prospects who could be with the big team, I would suggest the Markus Kruger’s or Jimmy Hayes could be movable at the trade deadline to get some an insurance third line center, another depth defenseman and/or a better quality backup goalie.

Scarier than in years past

    Three reasons why teams should pay attention to the Hawks compared to years past. Reason one & two; are Patrick Kane & Marian Hossa. Kane is having thus far a outstanding bounce back season. Seven points in four games; compared to his 67 points last season, good for him. Hossa has now recovered 100% from the cheap shot from Raffi Torres. Both Hossa & Kane appear to be in midseason form; what’s more unreal is how both are on separate lines when playing 5 on 5.

    The third reason why Chicago is looking so good; is the emergence of Nick Leddy, and the consistency of Johhny Oduya, Nik Hjalmarrsson, Michael Roszival. The backend 1 through 6 have very little if no flaws at all. On top of that; they've got a seventh de-man in Sheldon Brookbank who provides the nastiness when needed.

Worst goalies in Winnipeg Jets history

   The first go around for the Winnipeg Jets was one that some fans want to forget. Mainly because of some of the poor netminding they had. We’re about to review seven of the worst goalies in Jets history. These seven have a combined 55-159-25 record, one of the goalies played one game letting in 10 goals against.The first go around for the Winnipeg Jets was one that some fans want to forget. Mainly because of some of the poor netminding they had. We’re about to review seven of the worst goalies in Jets history. These seven have a combined 55-159-25 record, one of the goalies played one game letting in 10 goals against.

Markus Mattsson

    Markus Mattsson was  originally drafted in 1977 by the New York Islanders in the 5th round. In 43 games with the Jets, the Finnish netminder went 8-32-3. In 1979 Mattsson allowed Wayne Gretzky to score his first goal as an Edmonton Oiler.

Pierre Hamel

    Pierre Hamel was a diminutive French Canadian netminder. In 64 career games with the Jets, Hamel went 12-39-7 with a 4.34 g.a.a. His second season (80-81) was the worst, going 3-20-4 with a 4.73 g.a.a.

Mike O’Neill

   Mike O’Neill went win less during his 20 games with the Jets. He was one of the worst draft picks in Jets history, being drafted 15th overall in 1988.

Marc Behrend

   There is two reasons why Marc Behrend was one of the worst goalies ever in Jets history. It’s not his 12-19-3 record, instead it’s his 4.82 g.a.a and a .844%. His best season was 84-85 when he went 8-10 with a 4.29 g.a.a, his other two seasons, he had a 5.47 and a 5.83 g.a.a.

Ron Loustel

    If one were to ask a trivia question about the worst one game performance ever, not even just in Jets history but in the NHL, the answer would be Ron Loustel. It was so awful, that it was the sixth round pick only game in the NHL, allowing 10 goals.

Lindsey Middlebrooke

   Lindsay Middlebrooke’s first season with the Jets was average. What earns him the right to the worst ever was his second season (80-81), where he went 0-9-4 with a 5.97 g.a.a Anytime you play 24 games and have a goals against of over 5, you are a horrible goalie. The most shocking stat is this, the Jets eventually traded him to Minnesota for cash, that in itself is a miracle.

Flyers sign veteran, awful officiating in Edmonton; lineup news

Veteran signing; not good news for Laughton

    Late last night when the Philadelphia Flyers signed veteran Mike Knuble to a 1 year contract, one knows it’s not a short term patch-up job while the team struggles with injuries. The signings would lead one to assume it means rookie centerman Scott Laughton wouldn’t be with the team all year long. The Flyers have one more game before they reach their 5 game limit with the rookie. If Laughton plays more than 6 games, it counts as the first year of his contract. The first rounder hasn't looked out of place, but hasn't stood out either. With Knuble on board, Hartnell & Briere coming back with a few weeks; they need to free up a roster spot. If they decide to keep Laughton; that would indicate they might finally waive tough guy Jody Shelley; who is in final year of his three year contract.

Kimberly & Kowal struggle in Edmonton

    Greg Kimberly & Tom Kowal are normally very dependable officials. But last night in Edmonton they struggled throughout the contest with calls that were not penalties & non-calls late in the game that should have been penalties. Earlier in the night; the two refs made a few questionable calls where LA Kings Dustin Brown & Anze Kopitar went down easier than they should have lets say. But half way through the third period, Kings forward Trevor Lewis was called for high sticking; when on the same play Oilers de-man Mark Fistric should have been nailed for slu-footing Lewis. But without question the

biggest missed call all night; is when Sam Gagner cross checked a Kings de-man right in front of the crease with less than 2 minutes left. The Oilers of course went onto to score with 5 seconds left; then won it in overtime on a powerplay after a questionable to many men on the ice penalty against the Kings.

Lineup changes for Ottawa tonight in Tampa

    Backup goalie Ben Bishop makes his first start of the season in Tampa Bay. Often injured forward Guillaume Latendresse misses his first game of the year due to a lower body injury. Kaspars Daugavins makes his season debut in for Latendresse. The third and final change for the Sens will see Mark Borowiecki in for Patrick Weinroch; the American born de-man makes his season debut and is in known for his rough and tumble style like departed veteran Matt Carkner. With Borowiecki being inserted into the lineup tonight; look for the Lightning to insert tough guy Pierre-Cedric Labrie as well

Helm & Bertuzzi back in motown

    Darren Helm & Todd Bertuzzi make their season debuts tonight for the struggling Detroit Red Wings. Helm on the third line, Bertuzzi on the second line, look to bring some stability. They will be already this season (fourth game tonight) the 17th & 18th forward to play so far this year.

NHL's worst starting goalies (2005 to present)

Vesa Toskala

   On June 22, 2007 then Toronto Maple Leaf general manager thought he finally acquired a number one goaltender in Vesa Toskala. They also acquired power forward Mark Bell, from San Jose for three draft picks (1^st, 2^nd & 4^th).  The only issue is Toskala’s number gradually got worse each and every year;  as an example, his first season in Toronto he sported an average g.a.a. of 2.66 and a .907 SP%. By year 3 he had a ballooned g.a.a of 3.66 and a save percentage of .874. His time is widely remembered by a shot let in from the other teams blueline (vs NYI scored by Rob Davidson); likely the softest goal in NHL history.

Rick Dipetro

   There has been a fair share of NHL first overall busts. From the likes of Greg Joly and Alexander Daigle; but when one thinks of the enormous gaff made by the New York Islanders in 2000; it still to this day hinders the hockey club. At the 2000 NHL entry draft; Isles general manager Mike Milbury traded Roberto Luongo; and drafted American goalie Rick Dipetro; skipping over Dany Heatley & Marian Gaborik. Dipetro’s first season with the team was his best ever, going 23-18-5 (2.36 g.a.a & a .911 SP) Desipte a 3.02 g.a.a in the 2005-06 season; Milbury gave the goalie a 15 year extension worth 67.5 million. In his first four seasons he started 238 games, in his last four season he’s only played 47 games. Can you say injuries, injuries and more injuries. The sad fact is this, he was a great goaltender at one time, had to be if he was drafted first overall. His problem over the last four years is more mental; but nowadays he’s a goalie with a ballooned g.a.a (3.50) with a .875 save percentage.

Andrew Raycroft

   Flash in the pan #1. Andrew Raycroft won the Calder Trophy in 2003-04; in that season he went 29-18-9, 2.05 g.a.a & .926 save percentage. The very next season, he went 8-19-2 with a 3.79 g.a.a & .879 SP. Over the next four seasons he’ had a g.a.a of 2.83 or over 5 times. Four times he’s had a save percentage lower than .900. In his rookie season was it a great defense & good goaltending, or a combination of both. More than fair to say after the first season other teams had a book on his. But again, the common thing is mentally he was never the same goalie. If you have any doubt as a goaltender, you’re destined for failure.

Steve Mason

   Flash in the pan #2. Steve Mason like Raycroft won the rookie of the year on 2008-09. He was the only reason why the Columbus Blue Jackets made the playoffs that year. Since that season, the Jackets have been a very lousy team defensively, but again like Raycroft, teams got a book on Mason and he has not found a way to reinvent himself. Three straight seasons with a g.a.a of 3 or higher, almost guarantees Mason to be fighting for a two way contract going forward, the days of a guaranteed one way contract are over, unless he recovers this year and soon. And in his first game of the 2013 season, Mason let in 5 goals on 37 shots.

Marc Denis

   From a flash in a pan to being put into an impossible spot. Marc Denis was drafted 25th overall in 1995; was never going to be the “man” in Colorado, as Patrick Roy was the mainstay number one goalie. Then unfortunately for Denis, he got traded to the first year expansion team Columbus Blue Jackets. For the next five season, he performed well but not great, and his numbers reflected it. Having losing seasons all five seasons, and having a goals against over three four times, despite having a save percentage over .900 three times. In 2006 he was traded to Tampa Bay, and things only got worse, his first year he was one game under .500; 3.19 g.a.a; .883 SP%. The next season he went 1-5 with a 4.05 g.a.a and a .859%. By the time he was traded it was to late to save his career.

    

Is Gillis all talk or will Luongo actually be moved

by Brandt Corbin

 

    Here we go again.

    Remember back in November and even December the deal that would see the Toronto Maple Leafs for Tyler Bozak; plus extras in return for all star goaltender Roberto Luongo was a done deal. It wasn’t a maybe it was suppose to be a completed deal, signed sealed and delivered the minute the lockout ended. How in the middle of a NHL lockout, does this information get leaked to select members of the media; main reason being, no transactions or signings can be done during this time.

    Then the lockout ended; the talks were not even close to being done between the Leafs & Canucks; with Vancouver not happy with the rate of return. And again select reports via the media come out of new teams (Philadelphia Flyers) “are kicking the tires” on Luongo. Within 24 hours Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said “That made me chuckle," he told the Daily News.

   Now late Monday night, magically out of the blue yet again; according to Canucks general manager Mike Gillis, there is a yet another pending deal for Roberto Luongo? But there’s a catch..."We have a potential deal in place with one team that has to do something with another player that they have — and it's not who anybody thinks it is — and so we have to wait. (But) we've been offered packages that don't fit what our plan is, what we need," Gillis told the Vancouver Sun. But wait there is more. "(Teams would offer) excess salary coming back with a [throw-in] player who can't play in our lineup. They say, 'OK, we'll do this, but you've got to take this.' Well, we're not taking it. We've had lots of proposals like that with good pieces that can help us but the other part doesn't help us, and oftentimes they have term attached to them, so we'd just be turning around and buying out a guy,” finished Gillis.

     Fool me once, fool me twice; but a third time I think not. For me it’s quite plain and simple. Gillis is trying to create himself a market that just isn’t there. He refuses to recognize that teams do not want a 33 year old goaltender, with 10 years left on his contract, and has a 5,333,333 contract hit each year.  The fact is this, he will either need to take less back then expected and/or yes take back another bad contract. As an example; Bozak & Mike Komisarek; or Matt Read & Niklas Grossman from the Flyers; or RJ Umberger & Steve Mason.  Until Gillis accepted this, he’s stuck with a “goalie controversy” that he’s created himself.

Worst trades #3; Mike Milbury style

   Have you ever wondered how or why the New York Islanders could be so bad for so long? One man is mainly responsible for it, and his name is Mike Milbury. From 1995-2006, the former Boston Bruin player & coach tormented Islander fans with dozens of awful trades; that still hurts the team today.
   In the middle of the 1997-98 seasons, Milbury thought it would be wise to move top prospects Bryan Mccabe, Todd Bertuzzi and a 3rd rounder. In return he got Trevor Linden, whose best years were behind him. Over the next 9 seasons, Linden would not score more than 19 goals & 47 points. Bertuzzi went on to become a point a game player all-star; McCabe went onto get 50 points or more three seasons.
   One of the worst trade ever in NHL history, and I was at the Saddledome when it was announced was the following. Isles dealt Roberto Luongo, still today one of the top ten goalies in the NHL. Along with Olli Jokinen (4 time 30 goal scorer, 4 time 20 goal scorer); in return Mark Parrish (3 time 20 goal scorer, 1 time 30 goal scorer) & Oleg Kvasha, (15 goal career high, 51 points). The worst part is at the same time they drafted Rick Dipetro; compared to Luongo it’s not even close. Obviously Jokinen & Luongo are still above NHLers compared to Parrish who struggles to find work in the AHL; or Kvasha who has been in the KHL for the past 7 years.
   Longtime Islander Derek King (30 goal scorer twice, 40 goals 1 time) traded to Hartford for a 5th round pick. King went onto score 20 goals the next two seasons.
   Another bad deal was acquiring Alexei Yashin for Zdeno Chara, 2nd overall pick (Jason Spezza) and Bill Muckalt. I’m not going sit here and bash Yashin; he for the most part went onto be a very productive member of the New York Islanders, (other than his lack of defensive ability). It’s not his fault ownership signed him to a 10 contact worth 8.75 per year. But the fact is Spezza & Chara have been much more effective NHLers than ever envisioned.  Spezza has been one of the premier centerman’s & Chara gone onto win the Norris Trophy for NHL’s best defenseman.
Decent trades made by Milbury
    Not many, but Milbury made a couple of shrewd moves; one of which was getting veteran Michael Peca for then prospects Tim Connolly and Taylor Pyatt. Neither Connolly nor Pyatt developed into a topline NHLER. Peca led the Isles into the playoffs all 3 years with New York.
    Another smart move was Darby Hendrickson,  Kenny Jonsson,  Sean Haggerty and TOR 1st round choice in 1997 Entry Draft(4th overall: G Roberto Luongo) from TOR to NYI for Wendel Clark, Mathieu Schneider and D.J. Smith.  Jonsson went onto to play 9 consistent years for the Isles.

Five unsung goalies from the 80s & 90s

   I’m sitting here bored waiting for the season to start. I thought I’d troll through the 1994-95 NHL Guide & Record book.
   In the mid 1980’s and into the 1990’s goalies such as Grant Fuhr, Tom Barrasso, Andy Moog’s were not the absolute best goaltenders, but got more appreciation than others that deserved some of the lime light. We’re about to go over some of the unsung heroes & underrated goalies from that era.
Jon Casey
   Jon Casey didn't play in the Big Apple, Toronto or Edmonton. For most of this career he was the number one netminder for the Minnesota North Stars. The Grand Rapids native struggled from 1983-1988; but starting 88-89 season, he was the main man in the net for the next 5 seasons.  He had only one losing season in the five years, despite never playing in front of a less than stellar team.
   He was the sole reason the Stars went to the Cup final in 90-91. Going 14-7 with a 3.04 gaa; during the four round marathon.  In the year of the cup run; the undrafted free agent sported a 2.98 gaa.
Bob Essensa
   The longtime Winnipeg Jet starter had a good run with the team during his six year stint. Like Casey, Essensa never got to play in front a great team; more time than not he’d face 40 or more shots a night. He started 45 games are more four years in a row; including 67 in 91-92.
Kirk Mclean
   After 6 games over two seasons with New Jersey; Kirk Mclean started 40 or more games eight years in a row. Mclean really started to step up his game in the 91-92 season, in that season he was named a 2nd team all star. In 63 games that season he went 38-17-9 with a 2.74 gaa; that started a four year stretch where he won a round or more each year.  Like Casey; Mclean led the Canucks to a Stanley Cup final appearance in 93-94 going 15-9.
Darren Puppa
   Puppa took over in Buffalo for longtime starter Tom Barrasso. In the 89-90 season he went 31-16-6 with a 2.89 gaa;  earning him a place as a second team all star. After his seven year stint in Buffalo; Puppa went onto to be the starting goalie for the expansion Tampa Bay Lightning where he had a career low 2.71 gaa.
Chris Terreri
   The last New Jersey Devil starter before the legendary Martin Brodeur; Terreri had shockingly good numbers. It would be fair to say he had the least amount of spotlight compared to the other four. He was consistent year in year out; often sporting a gaa below 3.

PHI-PIT-OTT-WPG-CHI-LAK; lineups & scratches

Pens vs Flyers  

    After some late season nastiness between the Flyers & Penguins in mid 2013; Flyers coach Peter Lavliolette is taking a liberal approach for todays game. It appears Tom Sestito & Jody Shelley; both know for their size and toughness will be healthy scratches headed into the opener. Same can be said for defenseman Bruno Gervais. The Penguins plan on sitting out center Dustin Jeffrey & Ben Lovejoy.

    Sorry for you non-lovers of violence; but there is so much hatred here; it`s only a matter not if but when something happens. One would have assumed Laviolette be prepare for that type of game and inserting Shelley or Sestito.

 

Forward line Combos

Hartnell – Giroux – B. Schenn             Dupuis-Crobsy-Kunitz

Voracek- Couturier - Talbot -             Neal – Malkin – Tangradi

Read – Laughton – Simmonds           Cooke – Sutter – Kennedy

Fedotenko – Wellwood – Rinaldo      Glass – Vitale – Adams

 

Sens vs Jets

    Both of these two Canadian teams seek to get off to a quick start. No matter what the experts say; these two teams will go neck & neck; so these head to head match ups are large.

    Expect no surprises in the Ottawa lineup; at this time Kaspars Daugavins & Mark Boroweicki will be the healthy scratches; with Ben Bishop also being avl. as the third goalie.

    The Jets lineup is almost set; Nik Antropov is probable, if he`s not good to go look for Anthony Peluso to make his NHL debut. Zack Redmond & James Wright will be out as healthy scratches.

Forward line Combos

Ladd- Little- Wheeler                            Michalek – Spezza - Sifverberg

Kane- Jokinen- Wellwood                     Latendresse – Turris – Alferdson

Ponikarovsky – Antropov- Burmistrov   Greening – Smith – Neil

Thorburn - Slater – Scheifele                Regin – O`Brien – Condra

Hawks vs Kings

    Jonathan Toews is a question mark because of the Flu; the Hawks captain did not skate Friday. The Kings will be without Anze Kopitar & Willie Mitchell both with knee injuries. Healthy scratches for LA will be Anthony Stewart, Brad Richarson & Jake Muzzin. The Hawks line-up is not known at this time; but it is safe to assume Sheldon Brookbank will be the 7th de-man & a scratch for the Hawks.

Forward line Combos

Penner – Carter – Williams

Gagne – Richards – Brown

King – Stoll – Lewis

Clifford – Fraser – Nolan

Not all of Brian Burke's worst went to waste

 

    All we heard during Brian Burke four years in Toronto are those who bitched and complained on how bad of a job he did. The last thing his critics would admit is when Burke’s took a gamble and it paid off. 

   Back on July 3, 2011; the Leafs and Nashville Predators pulled off a surprising four player trade. The Leafs acquired center Matthew Lombardi (who played 2 games during the 2010-11 season) & a very solid defensive prospect Cody Franson. In return the Preds obtained a fourth rounder (only because Lombardi played 60 games + last year, seldom used defenseman Brett Lebda (who played no games with Nashville or the organization) & forward Robert Slaney an ECHL player at best; 3 goals in 72 AHL games.

    Yesterday the Leafs moved Lombardi to Phoenix for a conditional draft pick. Worst case they get a fourth rounder; if he re-signs in Phoenix it then turns into a third rounder. So when its all said and done.... the Leafs get a top six, maybe a top four de-man who at a minimum scores 8 goals and 25 points, for years to come; for two nobodies who served no purpose at all. One of Burke’s shrewdest moves as the Leafs GM.

    One of the other better transactions was getting rid of Jason Blake & Vesa Toskala to the Ducks for JS Giguere. Now I’m not claiming he did job he was brought into do; but getting rid of Blake & Toskala was a miracle to say the least

Lineup news for season opener #1

    Minnesota Wild coach stated earlier today that tough guy Matt Kassian will not dress unless Colorado dresses forward Patrick Bourdleau. As it stands it’s 50/50 whether the Av’s dress Bourdleau or Mark Oliver as the 12th forward for the season opener. If Kassian comes into the line-up look for either Darrell Powe or Torey Mitchell to sit out. It would be a forgone conclusion Kassian will not dress against Dallas.

    Todd Bertuzzi (FLU) did not travel with the Detroit Red Wings on their two game road trip.

    Newly signed defenseman Wade Redden will not be ready in the opener for the St.Louis Blues against the Wings for Saturday.

    All signs point towards David Steckel being the 13th forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs vs the Habs on Saturday. Montreal is scheduled to sit out Brendan Gallagher & Michael Blunden.

    The Ottawa Senators will have three goaltenders with them when they travel to Winnipeg. How long they do this remains to be seen, very likely Robin Lehner will be sent to the AHL. Kaspars Daugavins will be a healthy scratch for the Sens.

    Danny Briere will be out of the opening night roster for the Flyers; meaning either Jody Shelley or Tom Sestito will be in against the Penguins.

    

Bigger & Tougher; Habs & Leafs meet in opener

    I’m not going to hide the fact I am a Toronto Maple Leaf fan. I also will not hide the fact my disgust for Brian Gionta after what I think was a cheap shot knee to the head of James Reimer last season. And anyone that knows me well; knows that I prefer a rough and tumble style of game.

    So one can imagine how much I’m looking forward to the season opener on Saturday night.  I’m looking forward to a playoff type atmosphere. It is after all an original six match-up  both teams have nothing to lose and allot to gain. For the first time in a long time; both teams have bulked up and gotten tougher; more so to go up against the Sabres & Bruins. And no I’m not predicting a gong show to start off the season; but one thing is for certain, liberties on either side will not be tolerated. Especially with both clubs having star players whom are very fragile.

    Use the Leafs as an example, unlike the previous four seasons under Ron Wilson; the club will be held accountable to themselves and their teammates. The days of it being acceptable to run the goalies or the team’s best player will be over. Now I’m not claiming the Leafs will lead the league in fighting majors; but a change in the direction is obvious.

    From the Habs view point, tell me the last time they could go into Boston or Phili and not be ran out of the building? Again I won’t claim they’ll top the chart’s for majors; but the days of Milan Lucic slugging Carey Price are over. From Brandon Prust, Travis Moen, Ryan White or Colby Armstrong; the folks in Montreal will have to get a custom to a different style; compared to the smurflike speed & skill game over the past decade.

    Let the puck drop!

Rosters being finalized; minor deals to be made

    Look for some minor moves to be made today. Some of the moves will be made to tweak rosters, but others will be made out of necessity. Use the Calgary Flames as an example. The team is wanting to sign veteran Steve Begin who has performed well in their training camp. But the only issue for the Flames; they’re running out of contracts (50 max allowed in the NHL). Currently they sit at 49; after Leland Irving & Henrik Karlsson (backup goalies) cleared waivers. One possibility would be the Flames buying out Karlsson; as they also having Danny Taylor & Barry Brust waiting in the wings in Abbotsford of the AHL.

    Two players could also be moved today or soon that today cleared waivers. The Toronto Maple Leafs could move center Tim Connolly if they’d bite the bullet on 2 million or more of his salary. The Leafs in he meantime have sent him to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) to become their new number one center. Same could be said for Mark Santorelli who was put on waivers by the Florida Panthers yesterday. Like the Flames, the Panthers are running out of contracts they can offer; so their preference would be getting a draft pick for him.

    Others moves today could be are defenseman, teams have de-man to offer up; while other teams are thin on the back end.

Smaller markets pay price for Zajac extension

 

    Say it ain’t so uncle Lou. Of all the presidents/general managers but Lou Lamoriello to set the bar for what players are to get paid during the next 8-10 years of the newest NHL CBA. Yesterday Lamoriello and his New Jersey Devils signed number one center Travis Zajac to a eight year, 46 million dollar contract. That contract over the length will  be an average of 5.75 million per year.  The Winnipeg Manitoba native, whom is a glorified 2nd line center, who missed 67 games last season due to injury.  During the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs,  he had seven goals and 14 points in 24 games. In 2011-12 Zajac played all 82 games scoring 13 goals and 44 points. Is it just me or is this the second coming of Scott Gomez. Zajac in 52 playoff games has 10 goals and 26 points; but let’s sign him to an eight year extension.

What Next?

    If Zajac is worth 5.75 million a year, what is Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn worth? Benn will be entering his 4th season, and has scored 22 goals or more each season. Slowly but surely his numbers has gotten better every season. Before Zajac got signed, Dallas a very small market team could have signed their most important asset moving forward to a 3-4 year contract worth 4-4.5 million per season. Arguably now it could be said he’s worth 5 million or more comparable to Zajac’s salary. That hurts the Stars now and moving forward; and what pisses us all off, is we just had a 113 day lockout and it has accomplished nothing; all because of one signing.

   

 

Reasons why Canucks-Penguins will NOT contend for Cup

    Years ago it was the San Jose Sharks & the Ottawa Senators who were the darlings of the experts; everyone picked both teams of those teams win the east & west hands down. And how many Stanley Cups did they win? Over the past three-four years, both TSN & Sportsnet have turned their attention to the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vancouver Canucks. I know Sidney Crosby is the new Mario Lemieux of this decade; but to me it’s like the Pens are Canada’s 8th team. I've never been sold on either team and especially more nowadays. Here are a few reasons why neither team will contend for a Stanley Cup for this upcoming season.

 

Penguins

    TSN before training camp started made the Pens the top ranked team. Their making Brandon Sutter out like he’s the 2nd coming Jordan Staal. Despite playing one less season than Staal; Sutter has only had one 20 goal season; unlike Staal’s 3 (20 goal) seasons.

    Despite having Crosby & Malkin; the Penguins are not loaded with scoring depth up front. One can say Chris Kunitz & James Neal are the only other top six forwards. The Pens as per usual will depend on the Tyler Kennedy’s & Pascal Dupuis to help out up front top six.

    The biggest problem I see with the Penguins are #4-#6 on their back end. Matt Niskanen, Derryk Engelland & Ben Lovejoy, are ok but should not be playing more than 15 minutes a night. Marc-Andre Fleury was not the only major issues the Penguins had vs the Flyers in the first round last year. The defensive coverage as a whole was shoddy at best; at times it was mind blowing with how poor they were as a whole.

    The other concern they should have is Brooks Orpik. The nasty defenseman is only getting older; eventually time will catch up to him. He’s been prone to injuries and with no Zbeynek Michalek this year, the Pens cannot afford an injury on the back end   

Canucks

    Vancouver has never been known for having the best 2nd line in the NHL. More so this year more than ever; with Ryan Kesler & David Booth going to miss more than half the season who do they have left? A second line of Mason Raymond (25 goals in last 2 years), Jordan Schroeder & Andrew Ebbett are going to win you the Northwest? Not anytime this century. With all due respect Max Lapierre (9 goals 10 assists) is more of a fourth liner than he his third line material. They do have Chris Higgins & Janik Hansen;  but again they are more third liners compared to that of a top six.

    The Canucks had a bargaining chip in Roberto Luongo; but waited to long to move him. Newsflash they will not be getting Tyler Bozak or Nazim Kadri from the Leafs anytime soon. General Manager Mike Gillis faked himself into thinking more team wanted Luongo.  The only chance they have of getting something in return for him; is if Columbus falters early and is willing to give the Canucks RJ Umberger for Luongo.

    The Canucks will be a boring team to watch this year; I see allot of 2-1; 1-0 specials.

When it’a all said & done

    The Penguins quite easily could be the third best team in the Atlantic Division. You know at sometime; they’ll buck up and make a bold move at the deadline; by the looks of it they need help upfront & on the back end.

    Again with the Canucks; they will not contend for a Cup with the 2nd-3rd-4th line as it stands. When Kesler comes back will he be @ 100%; that is unlikely; just like the chances of Booth being a 40 goal scorer again.

Is Rafalski a sure-fire Hall of Famer?

        Undersized and overlooked, it never stopped American born de-man Brian Rafalski. Undrafted, he to this day was one of the greatest finds; one of the main reasons a team employs pro scouts are in hopes of turning it into a goldmine. 

Always played second fiddle

        Rafalski was originally signed by the New Jersey Devils after he dominated the Finnish Elite League. Throughout his entire career, Rafalski never was the number one defenseman per say but only because of who he was playing in front of. In his first five years in New Jersey with the Devils, his defensive partner was the great Scott Stevens. His last four years with the Red Wings, he played with arguably the best defenseman of all time Nicklas Lindstorm. The 5’10, 197 pound re-guard was a shifty puck mover, quarterbacking the number one power play. His defensive game was under appreciated, but people started to take notice of that when he got to Detroit.

Hall of Fame career?

        During his 11 year career, no one can argue that he was the best American born defenseman. He represented the US in the last three Olympics (2002, 2006, 2010), in 02 & 10, he led them a silver medal. In the Vancouver Olympic games, Rafalski was 3rd in tournament scoring with 4 goals and 4 assists. He also participated in the 2004 World Cup.

        His offensive numbers are impressive, in 833 NHL regular season games he accumulated 515 points, including 436 assists. During the playoffs he played in 165 playoff games getting 100 points in the post season. Only twice in his time in  the NHL did he get less than 40 points, four times he had over 53 points, on top of that he was never a minus player his 11 years. But the most convincing statistic is that he played in five Stanley Cup finals, winning three Stanley Cups.

        You put all of the points, Olympic games, Stanley Cup rings and final appearances, how is Dearborn Michigan’s Brian Rafalski not a Hall of Famer?

Have the Senator fans had enough?

    Were some Ottawa Senator fans sending a message to the team & ownership this past Monday? A dismal turnout at the teams first practice; some say around 500 fans turned out. Other places like St. Louis & Columbus had 10 times the amount of fans come out for the first practice. 

    Why would they be so pissed? It turns out there would be three main reasons in my opinion.

1> For a team that sells out most nights, and whose tickets are not overly cheap; the team as it stands has the 2nd lowest payroll @ 52 million committed thus far. They have more than 18 million in cap space as it currently stands.

2> Maybe the fans are not sold on the off-season acquisitions. Guillaume Latendresse is a walking band aid. You can look at him, and he’d get a concussion. Or maybe it’s the fact that the teams 5-6 defensive pairing to open the season will be Patrick Wiercioch & Andre Beniot. Even the hard-core fans are saying who?

3> They’re growing tired of the owners arrogance & bold predictions? "My message to the fans to come out and support the team, you're going to want to be part of this because this is going to be a great, great team for the coming years if not immediately and you don't want to be left out in the cold,” said team owner Eugene Melnyk.

    The only good things the Sens have going for them are Erik Karlsson, Jason Spezza and the most depth in net in the NHL. Maybe Melynk needs to put his own money were his mouth is; buck up and get one or two NHL caliber defenseman. If the roster doesn't change much within the first month; they’ll be golfing come April 30.

June 24, 2000; the day Roberto Luongo should have been a Calgary Flame

                I felt like a kid in a candy store. It was June 23, 2000, Calgary Alberta for the NHL expansion draft & entry draft. I was a 23-year-old sports writer, mixed in with the who’s who of hockey. Whether I was sitting behind the great Bryan Kilrea, or conducting an interview with Calgary Flames GM Craig Button with Bruce Dowbiggin.

            I was in cowtown covering a local hockey product by the name of Jarret Stoll, at the time Stoll was projected to go in the middle-late 1rst rounder. I used Stoll being drafted as an excuse to go, and imagine my surprise when the NHL accepted my application for media access.  Stoll was eventually drafted by the Calgary Flames 46^th overall, but 2 years later re-entered the draft after not being signed by the Flames.

                Day 1 of the draft was the expansion draft where the Minnesota Wild & Columbus Blue Jackets picked their unclaimed players. Got my nervousness out of the way that day and got me primed and ready to go for day 2 and oh what a day it would be.

Isles GM Mike Milbury stole the show on 24^th.

It was day 2 when business picked up. Mike Milbury (then Islanders GM) made it known to anyone and everyone that former first rounder Roberto Luongo was available, mainly because he was going to draft Rick Dipetro first overall. Rumors were going around of several teams were in the mix to grab Luongo only 21-years-old then. The big rumor going around was the Calgary Flames were going to step and finally grab their “franchise goalie”.

                Nobody was surprised as the draft starts that commissioner Gary Betman “has a trade to announce”.  He then said the New York Islanders trade Roberto Luongo & with forward Olli Jokinen to the Florida Panthers in exchange for wingers Mark Parrish and Oleg Kvasha. Everyone was shocked first that he got back as little as he did, and that the Panthers stepped up and managed to pull this trade off. Can you imagine how bad Florida would have been if they did not make this trade. Luongo was rock solid for six seasons in Florida, Jokinen scored 188 goals in 7 seasons including (4 – 30 goal season).  On the other hand Kvasha was a bust, scoring 51 goals in 4 seasons with the Islanders; Parrish was more productive scoring 118 goals in 5 seasons. Dipetro was taken first, in front of Dany Heatley & Marian Gaborik.

                When I spoke with Button after draft, he did say he was involved in trade discussions with Milbury. He then said he would not move 1 player that Milbury insisted be a part of the deal. The player that Button would not part with was rumored to be Valeri Bure. Can one imagine what could have happened if the Luongo had been dealt to the Flames, unreal. One year later to the day, Button traded Bure & Jason Wiemer to Florida for Rob Niedermayer and a 2^nd round draft pick (Andrei Medvedev).

                On June 24^th, 2000 Milbury made two other moves, in hopes to reshape his struggling team. He traded former first round picks Eric Brewer, Josh Green & 2^nd rounder (Brad Winchester) for Roman Hamirlik. He then traded Kevin Weekes, Kristian Kudroc & another 2^nd rounder for Tampa Bay’s 5^th overall pick (Raffi Torres). Neither of these moves proved to make a difference, if anything set them back a year or two.

                Those moves are the very reason how one general managers poor decisions can stall the growth of an organization.  What could have occurred if the Islanders kept Luongo, Jokinen and Brewer, might they be a steady team making the playoffs more frequently?  Subsequently neither Milbury nor Button has been hired for a GM’s job since then.

Which blueliner will be moved first?

    All we keep hearing about is how Roberto Luongo is to be dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs as soon as the NHL CBA is ratified. They say that Tyler Bozak is a certainty to be a part of the package, but who else could included? I would suggest Cody Franson (a local BC product), possibly Joe Colbourne or Carter Ashton.... the Leafs might pony up Nazem Kadri if they feel desperate enough to make the deal. But yesterday on Sportsnet Hockey Central, Dave Nonis said the only way he’d trade a Jake Gardiner is if he got a young top level prospect back in return.

First of two trade deadlines?

    One hockey expert expects Saturday January 12th to be a “trade deadline type day” in regards to how many moved will be made. Now that the salary cap floor is 44 million, will some of the lower budget teams make moves to save some money? Allot of the higher salary teams, Penguins, Rangers & Redwings have 9-12 million in cap space.

   The key thing is the following teams like Ottawa, NY Islanders, are in desperate need of some defenseman, mainly anyone from a 4-7 (depth d-man). Other teams like Columbus, Carolina could use a depth de-man or two.

Four de-man to be moved?

    John Erskine is almost a certainty to be moved. Washington has 9 de-man on the roster; with 8 one-way contracts, the 9th being Dmintry Orlov. Erskine is a low cap hit @ 1.5 million, an above average penalty killer and loads of toughness to offer. Another de-man possibly up for grabs is Buffalo Sabres re-guard Adam Pardy. The Sabres have as many as 9 de-man on the roster, with Pardy being expendable making 2 million per year; too much for being #6 on the depth chart.

    If a team is looking for a top four de-man, Nicklas Hjalmarsson is always bantered about. Maybe this week will be the time; for the only fact that the Hawks need to trim down for next years $64 million cap. Despite working hard during the NHL lockout on behalf of the NHLPA, Hawks blueliner Steve Montador could be expendable. With 8 de-man on the roster, his 2.5 million salary a big on the high side.

 

NBC-CBC primed for season openers

   The official 2013 NHL schedule will be released sometime Saturday morning. One week from the actual puck drop; anticipation is mounting already. There is some talk that NBC could have as many as three games next Saturday, some are even saying a double header is not out of the question.
   We all know the main focus will be the Penguins vs Flyers (only playing four times not five). Appears as if they'll have the Stanley Cup Banner Raising, as the Kings host the Blackhawks. The third game could be the Rangers versus the Bruins; but this is yet to be confirmed.
   Completely unconfirmed, but I have a hunch CBC will have a triple header for HNIC. Allot of talk saying the Senators vs Jets will start @1:30 (2:30 est) that followed by the Leafs-Habs, then likely Ducks vs Canucks.
    The only team confirmed thus far not to be playing on Jan.19th (thus far) is the Buffalo Sabres who open Sunday the 20th on NBC versus the Flyers.
    Here are the confirmed games for opening night.....

• Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers
• Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks 
• Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens
• Detroit Red Wings at St. Louis Blues
• New York Rangers at Boston Bruins
• Colorado Avalanche at Minnesota Wild
• Washington Capitals vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
• Ottawa Senators at Winnipeg Jets
• Columbus Blue Jackets at Nashville Predators
• Chicago Blackhawks at Los Angeles Kings
• New Jersey Devils at New York Islanders

See the link below; the Detroit Red Wings season schedule. They play the Blues four times in 13 games.

http://www.detroithockey.net/history/schedule/2013.php