Monthly Archives: March 2008
That special time of year is coming around. The time where you find yourself watching hockey and drinking beer while there is still sunshine outside. This time of year always holds a great deal of excitement for hockey fans everywhere. Some are sulking over their non-playoff bound favorite team, probably waiting to find solace in the world championships where they will root for their home country. Others are suffering self-induced migraines for over-cheering (I’ve been there) a team that is on the verge, or not, of a playoff spot. Finally there are those who are waiting in anticipation the drop of the puck in the second week of April, marking the beginning of “the dance”, to arguably the most difficult trophy to win in professional sports, the Stanley Cup.
I believe we may have a way to improve this team and be able to do it in a couple of years.
First what we need to do is trade Toskala, Kubina and our 1st (probably 8-10 overall) to LA (assuming they win the lottery) for 1st overall (stamkos), Cammalleri, and a second.
I think this works for both teams and here is why
What with the general lack of NHL news lately I though it would be fun to simulate the results of the playoffs if they started today, let’s see how things would unfold.
With 7 divisional games left in their regular season, with the most wins in the Eastern Conference (43), and with one point behind the Montreal Canadiens, with a vital game-in-hand, the Pittsburgh Penguins have the ability to control their own fate in the Eastern Conference (and Atlantic Division) standings.
By going 6-0-1, the Penguins will guarantee first place, regardless of what Montreal or NJ does. It would also give them 106 points, one more than last year’s amazing season.
With 7 goals scored in 3 of their last 4 home games, including 7 against the Devils (who previously had allowed only 5 in a game this season) with five in the third period, all without Sidney Crosby (who is due to return shortly), the Penguins are now looking like the favorites to win the East and that all-important home-ice throughout the Eastern playoffs.
Let’s break down the games left, and how the team has played of late.
Also, a few comparisons with the Habs to keep Habs fans’ interest.
Are They Still A Suprise?
As a previouse post on HTR.com said, “Its great to be a Habs fan” and as a Montreal fan myself I agree, Its great!
Breakdown of Montreal’s success this season…
Kesler or Burrows For Selke!
In my opinion, players such as Alexander Burrows and Ryan Kesler should not be overlooked in this years selke candidates.
Can The Leafs Do The Improbable?
After their big win in Buffalo last night, the Toronto Maple Leafs have moved within 5 points of the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With wins in 4 of their last 5 games, the team refuses to give up and still remains mathematically in the race.
Upcoming Leaf Superstar?
I Believe there is a prospect in the Leaf system that is under rated big time. He was the Maple Leafs 2nd round pick 44th overall in the 2006 draft. His name is Nikolai Kulemin. In my opinion Kulemin has the potential to be superstar in the NHL like other Russian forwards such as, Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk, Kovalev, Semin and Frolov. Dont believe he compares to these players?.. Well in my opinion i think he does. Check out these stats.
WARNING: Hurricane storm will hit the POSTSEASON!
Okay, so HTR hears alot of opinions about how great Montreal has been this year and how poorly the Leafs have been, but what about the team that has been the most dangerous team in the NHL as of late. I’m talking about the Carolina Hurricanes. Yes, you have all heard me right, the Carolina Hurricanes.
As alot of fans wondered about how New Jersey, Montreal, Ottawa, Pittstburg and New York have been doing in the East, Carolina has quietly been climbing the standings with now 87 points and 5 behind tops in the East. Not to mention barely behind Ottawa in points as well.
First and foremost I feel it is important for me to point out that I am a hockey fan – I don’t really have a favourite team but I tend to pull for Vancouver a lot because of Luongo – he is more better then any goalie in the league right now – and the Senators because Heatley is more better at the grit game then anyone else in the league – but I have to say this.
Olympic Teams??
for the past few days ive been wondering who will be on the teams for the main contenders come 2010 for the olympics and in my opinion these will be the teams for 7 contenders:
Who should win the Selke this year? Easy enough question but there are plenty of worthy candidates for this award this season but the one that stands out for me is Pavel Datsyuk.
I know some won’t think of him for this award and being a Wings fan i might be a little bias since i see all the Wings games but this guy is among the best two way players in the league. Most people that don’t watch him much might think of him only as an offensive wizard with slick stick handling moves and head scratching passing but he has become much much more then that.
Future Is Uncertain For Penguins
Pittsburgh is having another excellent season surprisingly without their franchise player Sidney Crosby. Their success can be broken down to coaching, chemistry and the one important ingredient to a successful team….Depth!
The CBA/Salary Cap will it’s affect on the Pittsburgh Penguins…