Injury Bug

It happens every year, a key injury on a team which tests the roster
and resolve. The Penguins were already dealing with Gonchar being out,
but on top of that Malkin is out for 2-3 weeks. Why am I mentioning
the Penguins? Because both guys happen to be on my fantasy hockey
team. I think it's going to kill my chances. Damn.

The Senators lost Anton Volchenkov to a shoulder injury last night.
Huge loss. A-Train is the main checking and shot blocking threat for
this team. Thank God the Sens have Carkner for some toughness. Anton
is injury prone, but with his willingness to throw his body around at
high speeds and in front of pucks, it's not exactly unexpected. The
team may or may not struggle without him. But they will definitely
allow more shots and get pushed around more.

For the Kings, Justin Williams has been out with a mystery "lower body
soreness-injury". It's been 3-4 games. Also, some rookie defenseman
Alec Martinez has been on the IR this whole season. I didn't see him
in the pre-season so I don't know what the Kings are missing. My guess
is that he ain't coming back soon, as the Kings just got Randy Jones
off of waivers from Philly. I think it's a good addition. The Kings
are looking pretty deep with their young, mobile defensemen.

1/8 mark

Well, the round ball season starts tonight. I'm only the most casual
of fans, but it should help to open up tickets for the Kings games, as
most people around here would rather see the Lakers/Clippers.
Advantage - me.

Just after talking about the Kings incredible start, they lost two
games. I'm fine with further jinxing the team, since they are on
another streak, but this time with 4-wins. When was the last time a
Kings' player led the league in scoring? Gretzky? Kopitar is the
hottest player in the league right now. It's definitely a stuation
where a lot of things have come together. Key free agent signings,
core draft picks, and coaching are all looking real good. While GM
Lombardi has taken quite a bit of heat the last 3 years by overanxious
fans, I figured the real proving time was starting this season. Not a
whole lot to complain about now...

Senators are a bit of surprise team this season as well. Karlsson got
sent down to Birmingham today. I see his potential, but he needs time
to develop (& maybe some steroids). Being a some-what normal sized
19-year old kid, 5-11 & 165. He's just way too small and relatively
weak compared to grown men. Also, Kuba should be back in the lineup
soon. So, it was a bit of a blessing that Karlsson got a lot of
quality minutes to display his skills. He got an overly fair shot if
you ask me.

Not surprising is that a solid, physical defenseman looks like a
savior on this team; even if it is a 7-year journeyman. Carkner is a
stud. He makes simple plays, checks hard, and will fight if necessary.
A team full of these guys is not ideal, but having him back there
makes the team respectable. I love it.

Not surprising is the play of Kovalev and Cheechoo. But, this is not a
good thing. As both have been rather flat. Cheechoo has had hands of
stone. Kovalev plays like he's made of glass. But it was a bit much to
expect miracles of either guy. Kovalev has a history for this type of
play, Cheechoo has seen better days. As a fan, I was just hoping that
they could turn things around. Realistically, probably not going to
happen.

OT

Some pretty crazy games yesterday involving my two teams, the Kings
and Senators. I expected the Sens/Predators game to be a yawner. Preds
are on a 6-game losing streak. They quickly took a 3-0 lead off Ottawa
turnowvers, and pucks going in off Senator defensemen. Most of the
first two periods was horrible, slow play with lots of offsides and
icing. Sens came back courtesy of a 5-on-3 powerplay. Eventually tied
it 4-4. Preds pulled ahead 5-4 with a powerplay goal, one minute left
in the 3rd. Sens scored shorthanded with 4 seconds left in the third!
Carkner took an interference penalty 2 minutes into the OT, Preds
scored. 6-5 OT loss. Seeing as how the Sens really only played 20
minutes and had no business in that game it was a lucky point to get.

Kings blew a 4-0 lead to still win 5-4, in OT. I didn't watch this
game yet, still TIVO'd. Saw the score on the local news this AM. The
NHL is pretty wide open due to the salary cap. Makes for crazy games.
Also, a lack of goaltending, which is nearly league wide, has opened
things up.

1/16 mark

It's barely 5 games into the NHL season, but I'm ready to give status
reports. Kings are off to a good start going 4-1-0.
Smyth-Kopitar-Williams are playing well. Making the GM look like a
genius for picking-up those guys up in the off-season. Quick has
looked OK, but given-up a ton of powerplay goals. I'm not sold on him
being a NHL caliber goalie just yet. Kings have simply outscored thier
opponent, but allowed too many goals in my opinion. Not sure they can
keep up that pace. But here's to a strong start.

Senators are 3-2-0. I think they are playing well. They are still
working out the lines, but seem to have a more balanced attack than
before. A different line seems to show-up on any given night. But all
four lines seem able to get some kind of offensive pressure. That
said, the shots are not going in. Fortunately, the defense has looked
pretty good. I see close games being the norm this season; with a lot
less margin for error. This is probably not a team that's top 5 in
goals scored, as in years past. So turnovers have resulted directly to
the two losses. Goaltending is unpredictable. Leclaire can make the
impossible save, then get beat cleanly on a rush up ice. I still have
my doubts about him.

Red Wings are 3-4-0. I honestly haven't seen too many of their games.
They just lost Franzen for 3-4 months with an ACL injury. For a team
that lost quite a few forwards over the summer, this is a big blow to
the offense. It will be quite a test to see how the Wings respond.

When do you call it quits?

So I've heard that Chelios skated with the Chicago Wolves today. Why,
you might ask? This is the same Chris Chelios that was not re-signed
by the Red Wings and not picked-up over the summer. A 47-year old that
had no takers. One would argue that his slowed speed is nearing
"liability" status in today's NHL.

But there are many teams forced to start rookie defensemen, and
getting burned in the process. Chelios is a veteran that's seen it all
and can still battle, if not, at least mentor younger players. If he
signs with Chicago, I don't doubt that some team will pick him up this
year, whether it is a key injury or playoff push. But it's a way for
Chelios to stay in game shape, for when a NHL team needs him. The
bottom line, is that the guy simply wants to keep playing hockey.

The Senators have a 27-year old rookie defenseman on the roster. Matt
Carkner is an AHL lifer. 7-years in the minors and called-up by the
Sharks to play in the Big Show, twice. He's played in every Sens game
this season and not looked out of place. He plays a solid and very
physical game. He got his first NHL goal recently. He may be the first
guy demoted, once Filip Kuba comes back; but what a great time for
this guy while it lasts. In my opinon, the Sens really need his
physical play and having this guy around has made a big difference
this year. Plus, he's not afraid to drop the gloves and sticks up for
his teammates. In the salary cap era, this guy is giving you
tremendous value. I hope he sticks around.

Fish

So, I missed the Sens game last night, since I was in the car heading
to Staples Center. But I did hear it on XM Radio. The Sens blew their
lead and headed into OT. My boy Mike Fisher scored early in the OT
frame to get the Sens their second win of the early season. The guy
has a laser of a snapshot, but doesn't use it enough. I wish he
produced more offense, but I still love to watch him play. He's gotta
be one of the strongest pound for pound guys in the NHL. You will see
him win battles against the biggest guys in the NHL. I challenge you
to watch any Sens game and not be impressed with his effort. He brings
it every game. So, when Fisher is the OT hero, more power to him.

Kings Game

Went to the Kings vs. Wild game last night. Had the whole family there
again. My son loves going to the games, but he hates the foghorn after
the Kings score. I will admit that, sitting in the cheap seats, it is
especially loud. And young ears are extra sensitive. So, right after a
goal I would cover his ears. Which made everything that much more fun
for him. My daughter complained about our seats. Apparently, we
weren't sitting up quite as high as last time. She liked sitting
higher. What a nice problem to have, but I insistent we stay in the
low nose bleed section. Kings won 6-3.

Opening Weekend

Well, it was quite the hockeyfest on Saturday. All 30 teams were in
action. I taped 3 different games and watched them throughout the
weekend. None of my teams won. 0-3. What are the chances of that?
Kings and Sens had similar bad outings. They got out-goalied when they
did press the offense, got scored on the rush a few too many times
(goaltending?!), and had their wonder-kid defensemen not play so hot.

Otherwise, it was cool to just have the NHL back on TV. I'm getting
the Center Ice package for free the next two weeks. So far, none of
the Sens games have been in HD. Not good. I guess I've turned into
quite the HD snob.

It's On!

Welcome back hockey! Yeah, it's only been a few months since we last
saw you. But it was a long off-season for the Sens with all the
Heatley drama. So, naturally I wanted to see Dany's debut in a Sharks
uniform. I looked and just couldn't find the game. Well, it was on
Versus. Yeah, the channel that DirecTV has dropped; claiming extortion
by Comcast to continue offering it. I'm not happy. There goes my WEC
fights and NHL coverage. At least the WEC hockey coverage was so
sparse that it won't matter too much. But did they have to cover the
one game I was looking for?

The Kings know how to do things right. 65 games in HD. Some analysts
have them in the playoffs this year. I hope so. I like what Dean
Lombardi has done, by building from within. That takes time, for sure.
But I expect some results from this team, starting this year.

Senators Preview

I've been putting this one off for months. Mostly because I had no
idea when or if Heatley was going to be traded. But that deal is done
and we are left with the roster that we have to live with this year.
Time to take a look...

I think there are many uncertainties at forward. How will Heatley's 50
goals be replaced? Alfredsson is not getting any younger and the drama
this team has lived through the last two years would prematurely age
anyone. This group could bonk as much as any, but I do see bright
spots. I see Alfie returning to form along with Spezza, who had an off
year along with the rest of the team. Between Michalek and Kovalev,
you have a replacement for Heatley's one timer on the powerplay. And
if anything, Michalek is probably more willing to use his large frame,
but that's to be proven. 5-on-5 is another story. I think it's asking
too much for Cheechoo to return to his Richard Trophy winning self.
But the sum of the parts: Michalek, Kovalev, and Cheechoo could be
more than what Heatley brought; at least I'm hopeful for the scoring
depth this team has wanted for years. There's a chance.

Defensively I'm concerned. Phillips and Volchenkov went from world
beaters to bums. I can only expect more than last season. However, the
remaining spots are shaky. If you aren't a defensive stalwart or a
offensive wonder, you get the remaining Senators defensmen. Tweeners.
Some offensive upside, but not defensive studs. They have prospects: a
big defenseman in Cowen and an offensive wonder in Karlsson, but I
think these guys need a few years of grooming. Until then, you make
due. But it may be tough making the playoffs this way.

Goaltending. Broken record here. Most teams ultimately blame their
lack of success on the goalie. This team is a classic example, along
with Philadelphia. These franchises have been borderline desperate to
get a goaltender, but just as quick to give up on them. So, that
problem was solved with... Pascal Leclaire! Oh damn. Just as many
question marks here. First off, I'm not a Leclaire fan. I don't like
injury prone goalies. I don't think he's proven himself. He played
under a very defensive system in Columbus (when he wasn't injured).
His numbers may be misleading. I think it was a gamble in signing this
guy. I hope to be proven wrong.

So, we have a team with question marks at forward, after losing a
50-goal scorer. A timid defense, beyond the shutdown pair that were
horrible last year, that's seeking a dynamic playmaker. Goaltending
hope. That seems like a lot of things that have to come together. I
want to be realistic, but that's depressing.

Here's my best case scenario. Clouston in a full season as head coach,
has command of this team. The locker room cancer is gone. They employ
that effective, dynamic, forechecking system, like the last half of
last season. Spezza and Alfie get back to form. Kovalev, Cheechoo and
Michalek get their 30+ goals. Regin and Fisher are a new dynamic duo
(per the pre-season so far). Karlsson makes the team this year and is
the Drew Doughty of 2009-10. Leclaire blows out his repaired ankle in
the opener, and Lehner jumps Elliott as starting goalie. Cowen makes
the team mid-year. Sens go deep in the playoffs.

Yeah, I don't think so either but that's why this time of year is
great. My team is undefeated and anything can happen.

NHL pre-season

There are several things I expect when watching NHL pre-season games:
small crowds, seeing 4 different goalies, and several fights. So,
being in attendance at the Kings/Coyotes game last night I was a bit
disappointed. The teams didn't split the goaltending duties halfway
through the game. I knew that Jason LaBarbara was in town (he's on the
Coyotes now) and was hoping to see him play against his former team.
It didn't happen, but the fights did. Some of these guys know either
"job" and have only a few pre-season games to showcase it. So the
pugilists within each organizations system go to work. Nothing too
exciting though.

I guess it was a split squad game. So, half of the Kings went to
Arizona and played on the same night. It was weird hearing that the
Kings lost, while I watched a game that they won. Same day split, but
in two different cities. Wild, but very cool for more players to see
ice time.

The biggest attraction was having the whole family there. I've taken
my kids to games for years, but kinda forget that toddlers don't
remember much about a game they slept through as an infant. So my
3-year old son was wide eyed and taking the whole thing in. I never
realized what a visual and audio overload all the scoreboard and
lighting can be. There are video billboards that surround the rink,
the main scoreboard, spotlights, lasers, and loud music. He normally
loves the Zambonis at the local ice rinks, but he was amazed at how
small they looked from the cheap seats. Meanwhile my daughter was
really into rooting. "We're cheering for the black team, right?" She
was clapping and cheering at random times, but her enthusiasm couldn't
be contained. I think it was a sugar rush from the kettle corn.

Sports Weakend

Pretty busy sports weekend. The NFL season kicked-off. I've found my interest in the NFL dropping a little each year for the past ten years or so. Not sure why, but I just accept it. Tiger won, to take a serious lead in the FedEx Cup standings. He scorched the course with a 62 and didn't look back, but it just proves that you can't win if you don't putt well. (Yes, even Tiger) NHL training camps opened. Dany Heatley was traded to the Sharks for Cheechoo, Michalek and a 2nd round pick in 2010.

 

Heatley is an All-star sniper and an All-star douchebag. A crossover athlete talented in multiple areas like a Bo Jackson or Deon Sanders of sorts. Anyone who knows or plays hockey can respect the uncanny skill a sniper has. The ability to finish. It's hard to explain, but some guys have it and most don't. Being a douchebag is also something you know when you see it. Kinda like Kanye West at the VMA's last night. The story goes that everyone who talked to Heater at training camp could tell he should be traded ASAP. And he was. The positive is that the Senators can move on, and start the season without a lingering drama.

 

Let this be a cautionary tale to any and all GM's. Don't sign players to long term contracts, with no-trade clauses, and up front bonuses. Not everyone will reciprocate your loyalty. And when they don't it's not pretty.

NHL Offseason

Typically quiet this time of year.

 

It was announced that Jeremy Roenick is calling for a press conference tomorrow. Sounds like JR is retiring. This is a good thing. I don't like seeing one of my heros play at 75% (and that's probably being generous). Time is a bitch, especially for JR. The guy played the game hard and that's why he is one of my favorite players. He's played with numerous concussions in the playoffs, but the topper was coming back from a broken jaw. Not just playing hurt, but being a stud while playing hurt when it mattered most. Knee surgeries, broken bones, separated shoulder, and 11+ concussions; it's safe to say he's permanently retired.

A very colorful personality. JR is rivaled by only Brett Hull in the speaking your mind department. I think this is why he will be in the broadcast booth sooner than later. He's already done a few post-seasons and is a natural in front of the camera. Between that and golfing, Roenick will stay busy.

 

Also, it's "Hello Numminen." Or rather good-bye. As Teppo is also anging up the skates. He has also made it around 20 years, like JR. And injuries have plagued the later years of Teppo's career too. I solid guy off and on the ice.

 

Shanny is not calling it a career yet. I just heard he's signed on for another year with the Devils. It's a farwell tour of sorts, as I believe that he started his career with New Jersey; way back in the Christmas-themed green and red jersey days. I don't see him playing beyond this year.

 

Word on the street is that Heatley could be going to San Jose via some three team deal. I'll believe it when I see it. Speaking of the Senators, a former player, Patrick Eaves, was signed by Detroit. Good for him. I hope he makes the most of it and has a breakout year.

 

Artest

Just kidding. I don't follow the NBA that closely. But plenty of NHL free agents have found new deals and new homes. I was mostly interested in Kings/Senators/Red Wings deals.

 

The Senators did make a move and signed Alexei Kovalev to a two-year, $10MM deal. I guess this is the secondary scoring they've always wanted. I'm not saying that Kovalev isn't a talented guy. But his inconsistency is legendary. After having to deal with Emery & Heatley, you would have thought the Sens to be sensitive about player character? I think they are doomed to have these problems, much like the Flyers with goaltenders.

 

The Kings traded for Ryan Smyth. They gave away two pretty good puck moving defensemen and a 4th rounder. I thought they paid a lot for an older, character guy that isn't a premiere scorer. But no question what the Kings are getting. Locker room leadership, hardwork and 50-60 points. A pretty safe and smart deal for a younger team. They also got Rob Scuderi. I think he's a solid defender. A good move. Otherwise, a bit quiet for the Kings organization.

 

The Red Wings lost Hossa to the Hawks. He went all-in this time around and signed a 12-year deal or something ridiculous like that. Good for the Hawks. They have a nice, young and dynamic team. Samuelsson left for more money to Vancouver. I'm not sure where the Wings will replace this offense, but they usually find a way.

 

 

 

 

 

Trading Day

I was watching for NHL trade news all day. Basically to see if the Senators had moved Heatley. Nothing. The artificial deadline was today, and he gets his $4-million bonus tomorrow. But I can't see how they could have Dany in the dressing room all season after him asking out, or would he even report to training camp?

 

To make things more interesting, the Rangers moved Scott Gomez today. This is the same Rangers team I thought would look past Heatley's apparent character flaws. So, now that they cleared a bit of salary, is a Heatley trade in the works? Maybe. But I don't really care for any of the players on the Rangers except, Drury, Staal and Lundqvist. Their goalie isn't going anywhere. Drury is the anti-Heatley as far as character is concerned, but those 50-goals are a lot to make-up and Drury ain't that guy.

 

What would you do as GM? The bottom line is that your hands are tied. Do you take whatever you can get, just to move on, clear the locker room and be able to start fresh next season? Or do you stick to your guns and expect a fair return, waiting it out as long as necessary, despite the poisoned locker room and media circus that will ensue? Time to earn your keep Mr. Murray.

Draft

The Draft is today. I am only semi-interested as usual. Why? I'm as hardcore a hockey fan as they come, but the NFL doesn't draft kids out of high school and that's basically what the NHL does. There is so much growth and maturity that needs to take place for NHL draftees, that it really is a crapshoot to draft kids at this age. That being said the Red Wings are sure to grab some 7th rounder from Sweden/Finland that turns into a superstar.

 

I'm not sure if Murray is just playing games, but the word is that the Senators are not getting offers on Heatley. So much for a big draft day deal, but I'm still hopeful it's a smokescreen. A team like the Rangers would normally jump at the chance to snag a top flight sniper and look beyond any character issues, but apparently not in the salary cap era. You can be a lot of things in the NHL, just not soft and selfish. Case in point? Sean Avery. Teams have continually given him yet another chance. He's brash and mouthy. But at the end of the day, you can't deny that the guy plays hard. Of course his price tag is no where near Heatley's and this is a bad recession effecting everyone. I just can't help but think that a player who demands a trade due to selfish reasons comes with a BIG warning sign. I just hope that there's another side to this story and Heatley himself has yet spoken-up. But right now the court of public opinion has all but assassinated his character.