A7, despite constant disappearances, you continue to show why you are among my favorite people on the forum.
2 weeks into the season, I had every single Ranger fan I knew on Facebook taking about how the Devils run is over, and the Rangers were riding the young kids - notably Marion Gaborik - right to the Stanley Cup. I cordially reminded them that an NHL season is 82 games long. Well, just a month later, the Devils are indeed one of the hottest teams in the NHL and the Rangers are treading water. And guess what? IT'S STILL EARLY...
My concern is the Devils blowing their load early and having nothing for the stretch run / playoffs. They are a pretty young team, except for their best player in Marty Brodeur. The offense can sustain with guys like Parise, Langenbrunner, Zajac, and other younger players in the lineup, but can Marty sustain another 70 start season?
I just love knowing that, once again, the NJ Devils is making ESPN's John Buccigross eat his words on a NJ Bagel with some Taylor Ham. That's Pork Roll for those of you not from North Jersey.
Wait, so IC25...posted on the NHL season?!?! YES!!!!! I know he is a fan so I am more than happy to see the NHL getting love from an admin.
Anywho, last night the Blackhawks played the Sharks, and it was also Jeremy Roenick Heritage Night. For those that don't know, Jeremy Roenick started his career with the Blackhawks, playing 8 great seasons and recording back to back 50 goal seasons. Then when he was up for free agency, he wanted top player money (which he deserved) but Bill Wirtz was his same old cheap self, and let Roenick go. Then he made his way to Phoenix, Philly, L.A., and finally San Jose, where he retired at the end of last year. He wants his #27 retired some time by the Blackhawks, and wants to be inducted into the Hall of Fame (when he is eligible) as a Blackhawk.
So last night the Blackhawks went toe to toe with last year's President Trophy winning Sharks, and came out on top in the overtime period. Toews set up Brent Seabrook for the game winning goal to beat Nabokov. The Hawks had to come back from 2 goals down in the 2nd period, and as per usual, are never out of games when they are down.
Hossa Alert: Hossa has been practicing with the team, taking battling drills, and has been looking good according to reports. His shoulder isn't 100%, but it is better than last year in the playoffs. He couldn't lift weights at all during the playoffs, and he now has the strength to do so.
Also, there are reports that both Captain Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are close to signing deals to stay in Chicago. Both of these young kids are instrumental to the Blackhawks future, and the sooner they are able to sign long term contracts, the better. And when those signings get out of the way (hopefully soon) then the Blackhawks can turn their attention to resigning Duncan Keith, who is one of the more underrated defenseman in the NHL.