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.

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.

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.

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.

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.