NHL Thread - 2009-10

[simpsons_fanatic742]

The Leafs won on Saturday with the help of an offensive explosion against the Oilers. The offense was on fire and clicking on all cylinders. I'm telling you this team's future looks very bright and if they keep developing the playoffs are not going to be far off. The goaltending is still shaky, but I think in the off season both Giguere and Gustavsson will be comfortable and ready for the new season. There is an adjustment for both goalies in this situation, but I think they'll come together and be a solid tandem next year.

As for today, however, the Leafs looked flat against the Islanders and lost 4-1. Granted they played last night and had to fly to New York for a 5pm game doesn't help their chances, but you have to get your team ready for every game and the Leafs were not ready tonight. Hopefully they keep up a strong pace to end the season and climb up the standings.

 

[Mr. TM]

Canucks also were provided a bit of an offensive explosion against the hot Flames. The Flames area really on the edge of either making the playoffs, or not. The biggest game in the NHL is tonight so far as the Flames face Detroit, two teams that are 8 and 9 in the standings.

Canucks were helped out by their topline last night, as Daniel set up Henrik, anjd then Henrik set up Daniel for two points each early, as the Canucks took a 3-0 lead in the first. They did sit back, but only allowed one goal against in the third.

They moved to six wins in seven now. With San Jose losing, and Chicago falling viciously in OT to the Ovechkinless Caps, a game they led 3-0, there are a lot of questions regarding those two teams. If the playoffs started today, out of the three division leaders, I would have my money on the Canucks winning.

Back to Ovechkin, he had a pretty rough on Campbell. It will be interesting if he is suspended, as he got the Game Misconduct. That is his third now, but will the NHL suspend their leading scorer? I hope they do, or its just another questionable play by the league. Campbell might be out for the season which is just gonig to hurt that young team, also a playoff contender.

 

[Mr. TM]

Well for the second time this year, the NHL's leading scorer and best player on the ice will not be on the ice because of disciplinary reasons. Alexander Ovechkin has indeed been suspended for two games. Not much of a punishment, maybe just on his stats as Henrik Sedin will get two games to move up on him in points.

But the Capitals can win without him. They are 6-2 without him, after he missed time because of injuries and an early suspension. They are always assured first in their division, so fighting for a playoffs isnt such a big deal for them.

I am just upset that one of the guys the NHL is trying to build around has been such a controversial man. knee on knees, Boarding penalties, now he injured Campbell. And this is after crying and complaining in IIHF play.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

The Leafs won last night, beating the Senators 4-1. I tell you I never tire of seeing the Leafs beat the Sens. Of course, it was a very physical game with a lot of after whistle festivities. Alfredsson made a scary play when he hit Beauchemin from behind, but luckily he wasn't seriously hurt because it was a scary looking hit. This was the last game between the two clubs this season and Toronto won the Battle of Ontario this year. If the Leafs keep playing this well for the rest of the season, hopefully they climb out of the bottom five, here's hoping!

 

[Mr. TM]

If I were the leafs, I would continue to play great, just to spite the Bruins, who have TO's first draft pick. Heck, they also sent them the second round draft pick as well. Luckily, the 2010 draft doesn't look great so far. I am sur ethe Bruins will get someone like Hall with the pick, who is having a good year, and we all got to see him eplay at the JRs. He is my pick for first draft choice, who is yours S_F, and anyone else?

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

To me, Taylor Hall looks like the #1 pick, but the mid-season prospect report just came out and the scouts have Seguin ranked #1 right now, so honestly I think it can go either way. Hall playing in the World Juniors certainly helped his draft status and he did have a good tournament too so that helps as well. I still think Hall is going #1 and if I were choosing first I would go with Hall too. Seguin looks like a great prospect as well and he'll be a great choice, but I just think Hall has a little more than Seguin right now.

 

[Mr. TM]

Tyler Seguin is probably the one guy gonig against Hall that can be outdrafted. So the question remains. Oilers are probably going to end up last, and they need that first round pick. whether they pick Hall or Seguin, it doesn't matter too much, as that team has more holes than Anna Kournikova. So that leaves two teams who will be the odds on favourites probably to get the next pick, Toronto (Boston) and Carolina, with still chances it goes to a string of teams. Toronto has to pass Carolina I think here, to cause the Bruins, their division mate to get a poor draft pick here. So it is really a toss up. Carolina can get that draft pick of either Hall or Seguin just by playing poor.

Then again Boston could trade that pick away. So what do you think, Carolina and TO make a secret phone call?

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

I really don't know to be honest. I don't think Carolina would be willing to trade their first round draft pick, if that's what you mean. Toronto can't really offer much to Carolina plus they won't want to mortgage their future for a first round pick. Burke said that the Leafs will build through free agency and I believe him. Don't expect Carolina and Toronto to swing a deal involving Carolina's first round pick. I just hope that Toronto can climb out of the bottom five and make the Bruins pick outside of the top 5.

 

[Mr. TM]

Nah, what I was speculating as is have Carolina try and dip down in standings. There isn't much point in having Carolina try to win much more in their next 12 games. Toronto needs to win in order to have the Bruins get a shit pick.

 

[a7xoff]

Leave it to me to have so many things come up right as the season got started. In a nutshell... The Devils are having a very good season. They're just coming out of a very tough 2 months though. They for literally two months played like crap, and evidence still exists with the next to non existent powerplay. Yes we got Kovy which is amazing, but as far as I'm concerned, I don't think he should be playing the point of the powerplay, but that's a different story all together. Tonight the Devils finished a clean sweep of the division rival Pittsburgh Penguins! The Devils will finish the season 6-0 against the defending Stanley Cup Champs. Not a single one of the games, score wise, can be considered close. The Devils literally kicked the Penguins around all season long. At the same time though we've lost to the Oilers and the Islanders on more than one occasion.

Tonight the Devils wore their original red, white, and green jerseys. They have not worn them since 1991-1992. It was pretty awesome to see it live and the crowd was beyond insane. Devils took home a 5-2 victory over the Penguins completing the season sweep and in doing so retook (though tied) the Atlantic Division lead.

The east is a mess for sure. Unless you are the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh Penguins, or Buffalo Sabers?... There is still a very real chance that you could miss the playoffs. From the 5th place Senators to the 8th place Bruins there are just 5 points. Just three points behind them is the New York Rangers in 9th. 5 points back is the Atlanta Thrashers. I know in today's game 3 points can be a lot of ground to make up, but all it takes is one of the teams in the top 8 to go on a cold streak and boom even with like 10-12 games left things can change quickly.... Except the Caps. I think they got the East pretty much wrapped up. Why not when your division consists of Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Florida, and Carolina. That's a whole lot of points that the Caps had a pretty easy time nabbing. I'm interested to see how they do in the playoffs. I know against the Devils this year they have not had the easiest of times.

 

[Mr. TM]

Well I got thinking, with about 12 games left in the season, questions are going to be asked to rank this season's teams and players. So I thought I would do it first.

The Vezina Trophy- Leagues Best Goalie

Well this is the easiest to decide, I already know who has won it. It will go well with that Silver medal he has around his neck, and that is because its Ryan Miller. The Vezina is hardly ever won by a West goalie, just because thats the way the closeknit East vote, usually giving at least 10 to the same goalie, while the West spreads votes around from the GMs.

Miller probably deserves it, he has the best GAA of starters, but his low wins hurt the for sure. But really, when you play on Boston, can you blame the guy? The GMs might. His Save Percentage is tops in the NHL, and after stopping as many shots as he has, he deserves it. Of course his trek for USA doesnt come into play, neither would what happens after the start of the playoffs, but if he can get his team into the playoffs, and especially if he can get above 8th place in the conference he will help himself.

Brodeur will get a few votes for his play, which he shouldnt. But you know how the GMs can be in the NHL. He has had a mediocre season, but has more wins than Miller. But the reason for New Jersey's success isn't he, it is what stands in front of him, a talented group of young, but solid defensemen.

In the West, there is a long list of names. Nabokov, Bryzgalov, Luongo are all earning 40 wins. All are near the tops of the statistics. Nabokov is probably the best of the bunch, but hes on the best team of the bunch. Bryzgalov has done a great job with a team that was in trouble for a few years, making them a contendor. Luongo has guided his Canucks through one of the hardest NHL schedules of all time to probably another Division win. Then you have guys like Anderson and Kiprusoff who always get good numbers. Really, the West is stacked with goalies, and it will kill all of their chances of picking a Western goalie for the Vezina.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

I think Ryan Miller has the Vezina in the bag. He's had a great season so far and is the biggest reason Buffalo is even sniffing the playoffs. I've seen him a lot this season and he has been a Leafs killer. This trophy is his to lose and I don't think he will.

Ilya Bryzgalov is going to be another finalist for the trophy. He's had a great campaign and has back stopped the Coyotes to one of the best records in the NHL. He has great numbers and his team is winning, no better combination than that. I think he'll be close to Miller in the final voting.

The third finalist is a toss up. It could be Vokoun, Luongo, or Nabokov. I don't think Brodeur will be there, but you just never know with him. The third finalist is just a filler anyway as the Vezina is going to fought between Miller and Bryzgalov, with Miller winning.

 

[Mr. TM]

Ahh Vokoun is someone I didnt think of for a potential finalist. It shows how deep that position is in the NHL, when there are so many potential Vezina trophy winners out there. But what you said is pretty much right, Bryzgalov is going to be a finalist, but I am also pretty sure Nabokov will be on the edge of his seat during the awards.

 

[Mr. TM]

Fourth place in points in the West, but would be second in the East. Yes, the Canucks picked up more points tonight, which they have done in all but two of the games since the Olympic Break. but this time they sure helped their cause. They beat the first place in the West, the San Jose Sharks, costing them first in the West. This also means that the Canucks are just 5 points out of the first place seed in the West, with 1 less game, but more games at home. If Canucks can get on a winning streak, they can do it.

Canucks played well, they dominated the first period, make San Jose look like crap, drew penalties, scored on the power plays. Canucks got goals from unlikely places, Wellwood opened the scoring, something he is slowly improving on. Johnson scored for the first time this year. Kesler had another. It was great, proves the Canucks are not just a one line team, as they really have 5 great forwards, and a high scoring defense.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

Well the Leafs won again last night, this time against the Devils in a shootout. Giguere and Danis both played a great game and stopped both offenses from getting much going. Surprisingly, the Leafs scored all 3 of their shootout attempts with some great moves by Kessel, Kulemin, and Mitchell. I don't want to praise the young guys too much because I've eaten my words before, but this team seems like it has that special something. I'm extremely excited for the future I don't think the future is very far off at all.

Hey TM, some interesting games last night with regards to our Vezina talk. Vokoun and Bryzgalov played each other, with the Coyotes coming out on top. Vokoun gave up a really soft goal and that helped spark the 3 goal comeback for Phoenix. They both let in 3 goals, but Bryzgalov got the last laugh with the shootout win. Also, Luongo and Nabokov played each other last night, with Luongo and Canucks winning 3-2. Luongo made some great saves to help the Canucks keep the lead in the game. Nabokov had a solid game, but Luongo was one shot better. Miller had a good game as well only giving up a goal.

 

[Mr. TM]

Yeah, Miller did good again last night, and really. Buffalo is in a division where there are four teams that can win it, but the only difference is his play. His goaltending is going to win over Halak, better than Bostons two goalies, easily outplaying Ottawas. How can you not be focusing on the guy in a high media area like the NorthEast?

 

[Mr. TM]

Big, important news breaking for the Vancouver Canucks. They have signed a potential summer problem to a six year deal. Ryan Keslers contract was going to run out, and the Canucks needed their 2nd line to remain. That means that they now have Samuelsson, Kesler, and the Sedins for a while, with Luongo backing that core up.

Kesler deserved to be signed for a long term deal. He has been consistent, yet continued to rise to the top of his game. He is having a career year this year, at the same time many other Canucks are, and even though Canucks are loaded with top scorers in the NHL, Kesler is overlooked much of the time.

 

[Mr. TM]

As a Canuck fan, I kept looking at the two teams ahead of us in points (San Jose and Chicago), kept looking how many games remain (about 10), and figured we had a great chance of catching one of them for a better spot in the playoffs (San Jose). But the thing about those standings is, other teams want to move up as well, and that is what the 9-1 Phoenix Coyotes have done, jumping over the Canucks and forcing the San Jose Sharks down to fourth. Phoenix since the trade deadline have been unbeatable, and I wouldn't be surprised if they took the top spot in the West. For a team that has only ever made the playoffs once, they look to win the Cup this year for the west. They follow in line of Pittsburgh and Ottawa as teams on the edge of collapse, just to come back, and make the finals. I wish the Canucks would almost go under

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

The Leafs stopped another winning streak, this time beating the Canadiens on Saturday. These games are always heated and seeing the Leafs beat the Canadiens is a great feeling. The Leafs are playing some good hockey right now and are actually winning the games too. They are making ground in the standings and if they keep up the pace, hopefully they climb out of the bottom 5, like I have been saying all the time.

Man is Phoenix ever playing some great hockey right now. I'm not surprised that they are in the playoffs because I thought they were good enough last year to make it, but I'm damn surprised they are as good as they are. I never thought they would pass the Sharks, but with San Jose in a slump and Phoenix ripping it up it finally happened. And talk about a great trade deadline. Stempniak is absolutely tearing it up with the Coyotes. He has found new life there and he's looking like a top sniper in the league. Bryzgalov has been the big factor though as he's been playing fantastic the whole season. The Coyotes are looking really good right now and if they can ride the hot streak into the playoffs then anything can happen, because we all know what can happen when a team hits a hot streak in the playoffs.

 

[Mr. TM]

Hart Trophy

The race for the most prized individual trophy will be heating up in the last ten games of the season. I see three players out front of everyone for the Most Valuable Player for their team award this year.

Alexander Ovechkin: Leading the NHL in points, goals, points per games, and all that, he has to be a leader for the Hart Trophy. But there is one major reason why he does not deserve it. Yes his team is first in points in the NHL, his they are Stanley Cup threats, Yes he pulled the team up to a playoff contender. But as I write this, his team actually has a better winning percent when he isn’t in the line-up, after he was injured and suspended. How is he so valuable to the team if they still win without him? That team has a lot of great players, such as Backstrom who is always there to help out his team.

Sidney Crosby: The man I predict to win the Hart Trophy this year. He is second in goals, and will either finish there or in first at the end of the season. He is third in points this season, but the man is valuable to his team. We saw him win Gold this year at the Olympics, but when he is on the Pittsburgh team, a team that used to have a two player threat, it didn’t for a lot of the season. Malkin struggled, and who was their to pick up the pace? Sidney Crosby. Gonchard went down with an injury, and who was there to pick up the team? Crosby. Crosby is the reason that team wins, and that team does win often.

Henrik Sedin: My third finalist is also on my team. Funny how that happens? Am I bias? Maybe not so much. Sedin is having a career season this year, and sits third in points, and is the top non Capital is plus and minus. He also has picked up his team during an incredibly long road trip, where he scored many multiple point games. He was also without his brother Daniel Sedin for a large portion of the year. What happened? He played better than he ever has before. He has made two linesmen look great, Andrew Burrows and Michael Samuelsson are both having carer numbers splitting time on his line. Luongo has struggle, allowing a lot of goals at times this year, but the Come Back Canucks have Henrik Sedin to thank for getting helpers, and also scoring a lot of goals this year. The Assist leader for Hart Trophy isn’t a bad idea in my books.

Two other players I believe should have some people talking are Martin St Louis, who has really led his Tampa Bay Lightning to a better season than most thought they could have. Also one must mention Ryan Miller. Although he is a goalie, he has been his heart of his team, so I think he should be mentioned.

 

[The_Crosby_Show]

When it comes to the Hart trophy Ovechkin won't win it and neither will Crosby. I honestly believe that Miller will also win the Hart along with the Vezina. The reason why OV won't get it is because of his 3 game misconducts and he's put a black eye on the league. Crosby won't get it because his assits total is down and he might win the Rocket Richard but the last couple of games he's been flat.

 

[Mr. TM]

Id give Miller a shot, if the Hart Trophy wasn't so off limits to goalies. Only two goalies have won the trophy since Jacques Plante won it nearly 40 years ago. And although he is the best goalie in the league this year, I still put Ovechkin (even though he has been suspended twice), Crosby 45-43, hoping to hit 100 points, and the assist leader himself Henrik Sedin all have a better chance than he does.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

I think the 3 finalists will be Ovechkin, Crosby, and Miller. Sorry TM, but I don't see Sedin getting into the final 3 spots, not because he's not deserving, but I just don't think he'll be ahead of those 3 players. I believe Ovechkin is in the running for the Hart with Miller second and Crosby third. If Buffalo ends up winning the division I won't be surprised if Miller did win, but with how Washington has dominated the East I think it's Ovechkin's trophy to lose.

Other news, the Leafs play an important game tonight against the Panthers, whom they are 5 points behind in the standings. The Leafs have been playing well so hopefully they can ride that momentum and gain more ground in the Eastern Conference.

 

[People's Champ]

I haven't posted here for a while and for good reason. My Sharks haven't done well at all. Well we won our last game but still we seemed to be in a funk. However, after looking at the standings, I like where we are. Being 2nd in points behind the Blackhawks helps us avoid the Red Wings in the first round. And we here in SJ know what they have done to us in the last few years. Now I don't think being first in points is all that important anymore. We've been there, done that and still no trophy. We need to concentrate on playing our best hockey when it really counts, and that's in the postseason.

Going to the Sharks game tonight against the Stars. They aren't out of it yet so I know we will get a fight from them. I'm ready for more posting here so ill be back with my postgame review.

 

[Mr. TM]

So Sedin, now FIRST in points, FIRST in assists, THIRD in plus and minus, on a team that is in the top five in the NHL has no shot? Typical east coasters.

Canucks got the win two nights ago against the Ducks, who are now without Getzlaf for the season. Henrik Sedin managed only three points to move to to first in points. Daniel Sedin also had three, as he reached 200 goals.

Chicago was destroyed tonight, 8-3, but because of Calgary's loss, they clinch a playoff spot. Still a bit to go for the Canucks to get one, but they will.