NHL Eastern Confrence

Finally the end of the first month of action in the NHL, most specificly in the Northeastern division. Surprises and deceptions reign over this division. A detailed analysis of each team will give you a better look at what's happening in this part of the league.

Montreal:

The Habs start off the season strong with 6 wins in 8 games. Tanguay has shown Carbonneau and the fans what he is capable of, with 6 goals. Koivu has also surprised everybody with an incredible start with 10 points. Laraque brings a well needed physical boost to the team. The Habs are ready to rock n' roll.

Buffalo:

The Sabres surprise all by leading the division with 14 points. Vanek tops the league with 8 goals, and Miller with the best GAA in the league (1.60). Buffalo is looking hot and this might continue like this, if their key players stay consistent.

Toronto:

Toronto starts off the season with a pretty regular record (3-3-3), with an organization that is still fragile. In a positive note, Nick Antropov ends the month with a +6 rating, and leads in the Toronto scoring leaders. The future is still uncertain for the leafs, but if their rookies step up their game, they could surprise.

Ottawa:

With new coach, Craig Hartsburg, most thought that the problems would end. Not at all, Senators start off with a disappointing record (3-5-1 -7pts-). The key for the Sens is consistency; if Spezza, Heatley and Alfredsson continue regular results, this team could shine. But, until then, they'll stay at the bottom of the standings.

Boston:

If Claude Julien looks at the stats, a smile will come on his face. Bruins start the season off with a good record (5-2-3 -13pts-), and with a stronger roster. With the return of Bergeron, and (maybe) the revival of Michael Ryder; the Bruins will thrive, with their 'commander', Marc Savard. 

NHL Power Rankings

October 19th Edition

1. Detroit Red Wings (15 pts, 7-1-1)
2. San Jose Sharks (16 pts, 8-2-0)
3. Montreal Canadiens (13 pts, 6-1-1)
4. Minnesota Wild (13 pts, 6-0-1)
5. Pittsburgh Penguins (13 pts, 5-3-2)
6. New York Rangers (19 pts, 9-2-1)
7. Buffalo Sabres (14 pts, 6-1-2)
8. Calgary Flames (11 pts, 5-3-1)
9. Washington Capitals (11 pts, 5-3-1)
10. Boston Bruins (13 pts, 5-2-3)
11. New Jersey Devils (11 pts, 5-2-1)
12. Carolina Hurricanes (10 pts, 4-2-2)
13. Anaheim Ducks (10 pts, 5-5-0)
14. Colorado Avalanche (10 pts, 5-4-0)
15. Dallas Stars (8 pts, 3-4-2)
16. Philadelphia Flyers (9 pts, 3-3-3)
17. Chicago Blackhawks (9 pts, 3-3-3)
18. Toronto Maple Leafs (9 pts, 3-3-3)
19. St. Louis Blues(10 pts, 5-3-0)
20. Florida Panthers (8 pts, 4-4-0)
21. Nashville Predators (9 pts, 4-4-1)
22. Ottawa Senators (7 pts, 3-5-1)
23. Edmonton Oilers (9 pts, 4-3-1)
24. Vancouver Canucks (8 pts, 4-5-0)
25. Phoenix Coyotes (6 pts, 3-4-0)
26. Tampa Bay Lightning (7 pts, 2-3-3)
27. New York Islanders (4 pts, 2-6-0)
28. Columbus Blue Jackets (6 pts, 3-6-0)
29. Los Angeles Kings (7 pts, 3-4-1)
30. Atlanta Thrashers (6 pts, 2-5-2)

This week has been settling for the National Hockey League (NHL) and many of its teams.

The Flyers, after a horrific start, have gotten back to the efficient style of play that got them to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. The Blues, Canucks, and Oilers all settled back down to their mediocre selves after impressive starts. The Flames, Bruins, Ducks, and Avalanche have all started winning games after slow starts. The Thrashers, after a decent start, looked like they were back at their usual level of play: awful.

There are also some others who haven't settled and look like they might be our surprise teams of the year. The Sabres, Blues, and Wild are looking great, while the Islanders and Senators aren't having the best opening four weeks.

All of the first seven teams in the above power rankings are having excellent starts, some of which were expected, and a few others not. The Sharks, Red Wings, Canadiens, and Penguins are continuing to live up to preseason expectations and look like the elite teams in their conference.

Spots eight to twelve are all teams that look like they have potential, and have had fairly good starts, but haven't shown us any supremacy yet this year.

The middle eleven, from ranks 13 to 23, have done fine so far, but we are still looking for them to show the NHL that they are playoff-caliber teams.

Lastly, the bottom bunch, spots No. 24 to the bottom, are not doing very well this year. A combined record of 19-33-6 certainly isn't going to make you look like hockey powerhouses. It must be noted that the Thrashers started a fair 2-2-2, but since then they have gone back to looking like the ol' Trashers we've known.

If you question your team's placement, want to show me your own rankings, would like to receive more insight on something in these power rankings, or would just like to post your opinion on these rankings, feel free to comment openly on this article.

The NHL was meeting this week to discuss many things as they do every year.  The discussed bringing in a second team to Toronto, and of course what changes to the rules they could amend, delete, or create for the 2009-2010 campaign.  This got me to thinking myself about what could be changed next year, and I am going to share with you a few of my ideas that may help the NHL out next year.

Rule #1: Penalties in Overtime
Now this rule would probably not be implemented a lot, because referees tend to put the whistles away for the five minute overtime unless it is a blatantly obvious penalty.  However, I think that if a player has committed a penalty with less than two minutes left in a game, and it carries over to the overtime he should not be allowed to participate in the shoot-out. 

This goes for overtime penalties as well.  The player can finish the period, but can not be used in the shoot-out if it were to go that far.  This goes for goalies as well.  If they take any penalties as well they are not allowed to participate either, and their backup must come in for the shoot-out.
I think that this would really let the overtime period open up, and let players skate a lot more freely than what 4-on-4 hockey allows for.

Rule #2: Touch Up After Leaving Penalty Box
I really like this rule, because it does not penalize a team that has just been on a power-play for two minutes.  The player that has just come out of the box has to tag up to his defensive blue line before he can break up the ice.  I have seen way too many times when a player comes out of the box right when his team gets the puck, and he is long gone on a break-away. 

I just do not think that it is really fair for that to happen considering that a team could have been just dominating a power-play for two minutes, and then one second after it is over the person that committed the penalty is off to the races the other way.  That is why I like this rule, because it just makes that guy come back to the zone touch the blue line with his skates, and then he can turn back up ice.

Rule #3: Allowance Of Physical Play On Goaltenders
Now I was a goalie, and it was always nice to be able to give a player a shot in the back when he was in front of me, and then when he turned and gave me a shot he got called for interference (I know you offensive players out there probably hated me but hey rules are rules).  I think that goalies should be allowed to be hit. I mean first of all they have so much padding on I think they could probably take a few rounds from an AK-47 and be alright. 

Now I am not saying that a player can come around behind the net and just dump-truck a goalie into the boards.  What I am saying though is that players should be allowed to give the goalie a good bump if he is behind the net to try to get the puck out of his control.  This also means though that goalies can hit right back if you are coming at them, and word to the wise hitting a big target with a lot of mass can have its repercussions.

Rule #4: Automatic Icing
They use this rule in youth hockey, and even at higher levels of play.  This rule would just call icing as soon as the puck crosses the goal-line, and play would stop.  This would be a good rule change, because it would protect the player that is trying to touch the puck up for icing. 

Even when that player gets to the puck first the majority of the time the player behind him is coming full speed and pretty much gets a free hit on the guy.  This rule should be implemented to help protect any player that is going for a free puck on icing.

Rule #5: Point System
Me personally I hate the idea that even when a team loses in Overtime or a shoot-out they still receive one point.  Now if the NHL wants to keep giving points to a team that loses in the extra time then they need to reward teams more for winning in the regular time, or overtime.  You can give a team 3 points for winning in regulation, 2 for overtime, and 1 if they lose in overtime or shootout, and 0 for losing in regulation.

What I like though is just the 2 points for a win, and 0 for anything else.  Yes a team worked hard to get to the extra time, but still you should not reward a team for not pulling out a victory.  This is not youth hockey where everybody should be treated equally and each kid gets a trophy at the end of the season.  This is the NHL, and teams that lose a game should not be deserving of a point, unless the NHL brings back ties.

Well those are my five rules that I would change, or implement for the 2009-2010 NHL season.  If you agree or disagree with what I wrote let me know, and if you have any changes that you would want to see happen let me know as well.

Training camp is starting and that means speculation begins.  Without further ado, I give you what I think the end of the season will look like in the Eastern Conference.

The time has come for my official NHL Eastern Conference preview and predictions, which will be located in this article. I was originally going to wait until Mats Sundin signed somewhere but since it looks as if hell will freeze over before then, I figure I'll get busy with this.

Final Standings

1. Montreal Canadiens*

2. New York Rangers*

3. Washington Capitals*

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

5. Philadelphia Flyers

6. Boston Bruins

7. New Jersey Devils

8. Carolina Hurricanes

-----------------------

9. Tampa Bay Lightning

10. Ottawa Senators

11. Buffalo Sabres

12. Toronto Maple Leafs

13. Florida Panthers

14. Atlanta Thrashers

15. New York Islanders

Team Analysis

1. Montreal Canadiens

For the second straight season, the Montreal Canadiens will win the Eastern Conference. This team established themselves as one of the fastest and most exciting teams in the league last season and they are virtually unchanged coming into this season.

The only difference in the lineup will be winger and former thirty goal scorer Alex Tanguay, who will only strengthen the offense. The team also got tougher and they now have a bonafide enforcer in the lineup with Georges Laraque.

The only question with this team will be the goaltending and I wonder how well Carey Price will hold up in what will be his first full season in the NHL. The offense should be enough to carry the team through the regular season but it will be up to goaltending and defense when the playoffs roll around.

2. New York Rangers

Two months ago I boldly predicted that the New York Rangers would win the Atlantic division and I'm sticking by that. The team went in the right direction by letting Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka go, and acknowledging that it will be Scott Gomez and Chris Drury who will be the future of this offense.

The additions of Nikolai Zherdev and Markus Naslund will only improve the team as Zherdev is incredibly skilled and exciting, while a change of scenery will do Naslund good.

Also, look for big free agent acquisition defenseman Wade Redden to turn into a Brian Leetch-type figure for this team, as they have lacked a power play quarterback since his departure.

Their defensive core is young and solid; combine that with goaltender "King" Henrik Lundqvist, and this team can go deep into the playoffs.

3. Washington Capitals

In what is a very weak Southeast division, the Washington Capitals will once again come away the victors.

Their offense will rank among the best in the league with young players like Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, and Niklas Backstrom leading the way. Add to that the veteran presence of Sergei Federov and Viktor Kozlov, and there are no worries on offense.

However, their defense and goaltending are questionable as the only D-man worth noting is sniper Mike Green. To say that Jose Theodore is an upgrade over Olaf Kolzig is a bit of an over-statement, but Theodore played well with the Avalanche last season and the offense of this team should keep the pressure off on most nights.

This is yet another team that will be carried by offense and not go deep into the playoffs.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins stormed all the way to Stanley Cup Finals and even won the Atlantic Division last season. However, Marian Hossa was a big part of that and he is no longer with the team. He won't be missed too badly, but losing a perennial 40 goal scorer can't help in any way.

Still, the team is strong on offense with guys like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin leading the way. Miroslav Satan, Ruslan Fedetenko, and Matt Cooke were all nice additions and will definitely add skill to the offense.

The defense is also virtually unchanged but the loss of Ryan Whitney for what could be the first month of the season will hurt the team. However, Brooks Oprik, Sergei Gonchar, and Darryl Sydor should keep them strong.

5. Philadelphia Flyers

If there is one team that may be a surprise to finish this high in the standings, it's the Philadelphia Flyers. They have the same team as last season and didn't make one major addition in the offseason.

Daniel Briere, Mike Richards, and Jeff Carter will keep the offense strong along with a supposedly healthy Simon Gagne. Their defense is once again strong with players such as Kimmo Timmonen, Braydon Coburn, and Derian Hatcher.

Their goaltending may be shaky, as Martin Biron has yet to impress anyone, even though he played well in the playoffs. Look for backup goalie Antero Niittimaki to challenge for the job as No. 1 goaltender.

6. Boston Bruins

Last season, the Boston Bruins barely snuck into the playoffs and almost upset the No. 1 seeded Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs. This season though, they will be featured a little more prominently in the standings.

The offense stayed the same except for the addition of Michael Ryder who will experience a renaissance with his new team. But with coach Claude Julien's defense style, the team will not have to rely on offense to win games. Add to that their solid defense of Zdeno Chara, Dennis Wideman, and Aaron Ward, and they will have a nice combination of offense and defense.

As for goaltending, Manny Fernandez should be healthy and will challenge the very reliable starting goalie Tim Thomas for the starting role.

7. New Jersey Devils

The one team that surprised me this offseason was the New Jersey Devils, as they went out and signed the players they absolutely needed: a speedy winger with offensive talent and a grinding center.

Those players, respectively, are Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik (who will be playing in his second stint with the Devils). Add those players to a decent offensive top six that includes Patrik Elias, Zach Parise, and Jamie Langenbrunner, and they have a chance to improve on offense from last season.

Also, look for Brian Gionta to be on the move before the deadline as his offensive ability has declined. This team also has what you would call a "no-name" defense. The only person who is known around the league is Colin White.

However, the system Head Coach Brett Sutter implements will allow them to win games. Additionally, Martin Broduer is still the last line of defense, as he continues his assault on the record books. However, the only way the Devils go far in the playoffs is if Broduer doesn't play in more than 75 games.

8. Carolina Hurricanes

The final team to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference will be the Carolina Hurricanes. They have a solid offense led by Eric Stall, Rod Brind'Amour, and Sergei Samsonov, while their defense is equally capable of putting up some numbers.

Joe Corvo is a solid offensive defenseman, and so is Joni Pitkanen. Goaltender Cam Ward is also strong and this team has a good chance of upsetting the Montreal Canadiens when the playoffs come around.

-----------------------------

9. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lighting finished dead last a season ago and they will see a vast improvement, finishing over .500 and coming close to making the playoffs.

They added offense in Ryan Malone and Radin Vrbata, and grit with Gary Roberts. Combine them with Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis, and this team will have a great offense.

Even with all of that, the main reason they will not make the playoffs is defense and goaltending. On defense, the most experienced player is Andrew Hutchinson, and at 28 he is virtually a career minor leaguer. In goal, Mike Smith has skill but is untested and Olaf Kolzig is on the downhill turn of his career.

10. Ottawa Senators

When you hear the phrase "one-line team," the Ottawa Senators have to come to mind. Other then Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, and Dany Heatley, this team's offense on the bottom nine forwards is incredibly thin.

On defense, they lost Wade Redden, and even though he had been struggling, I would still rather have him over Filip Kuba, who they just added in a trade with Tampa Bay.

If they made one good signing is was the rugged and tough defenseman Jason Smith who will shore up the defense. The goaltending is a question mark with Martin Gerber and Alex Auld between the pipes.

11. Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are now a far cry from the team that won the Eastern Conference just two seasons ago. The only player on offense worth noting is Thomas Vanek, who never lived up to the gigantic contract he signed last year.

Their defense is steady, even with the loss of Brian Campbell. Craig Rivet and Jaroslav Spacek add experience to the blue line. Combine that with Ryan Miller, and they are the only reasons why this team will be competitive throughout the season.

12. Florida Panthers

If there is another team in the East that didn't make major changes, it was the Florida Panthers. They will sorely miss Olli Jokinen, but can look forward to the likes of Nathan Horton, Stephen Weiss, and new addition Cory Stillman.

On defense, they added Bryan McCabe, who desperately needed a change of scenery and he will help their power play.

Nick Boynton and Karlis Skrastins will also add experience to a young team. There is a bright spot on goaltending though, as Tomas Vokoun has proven himself to be more than adequate in the job he's done. Craig Anderson is also a solid and reliable backup.

13. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a period that fans dread to hear, a period of rebuilding. It appears as they will not bring back Mats Sundin and have turned things over to Alexei Ponikarovsky, Matt Stajan, and Nik Antropov.

Their offense will enjoy moderate success but the defense and goaltending will struggle. Pavel Kubina and Tomas Kaberle will be strong, but other than them, the defense is extremely weak.

Say what you want about Bryan McCabe, but I would much rather have him then Jeff Finger. In goal, the Leafs will ride out Vesa Toskala and Curtis Joseph, and when the team is out of contention, look for them to call up Justin Pogge. The only reason they will not finish last in the league is because of the two teams worse off than them.

14. Atlanta Thrashers

The team that will finish second to last in the East will be the Atlanta Thrashers. They used to be a team with a ton of offense and no defense. Well, now they don't have much of either.

Losing Marian Hossa last year hurt superstar Ilya Kovalchuk, who will still manage to score more than forty goals. Other than him, this team will struggle to score.

They are also weak on defense, with the exception of Ron Hainsey and Tobias Enstrom, who will provide much needed help to their power play. Goaltending is also very shaky as Kari Lehtonen has yet to prove himself as a reliable number one goalie.

15. New York Islanders

Finally, the worst team in the Eastern conference will be the New York Islanders. Their leading scorer will come from one of these three guys: Doug Weight, Bill Guerin, or Mike Comrie. If that's the case, it is a huge problem.

They lost Miroslav Satan and Ruslan Fedetenko during the offseason and even though they struggled, I would rather have the two of them instead of Frans Nielsen and Blake Comeau.

One would think their goalie position is strong because of Rick DiPietro, but he has been injured in each of the last two seasons. If that continues, one must ponder how bad the contract Garth Snow gave him really is.

Player Point Predictions

1. Alex Ovechkin: 72 goals, 53 assists, 125 points

2. Vincent Lecavalier: 45 goals, 54 assists, 99 points

3. Sidney Crosby: 30 goals, 64 assists, 94 points

4. Evgeni Malkin: 50 goals, 38 assists, 88 points

5. Jason Spezza: 40 goals, 47 assists, 87 points

Son-of-a Canuck!  

Okay, this Leaf fan is admittedly a little perturbed at Montreal’s early lead in the race to see who the greatest Canadian NHL franchise is. 

As some of you may recall, Montreal jumped out to a dominant first-round victory with an impressive 30 percent score in the Stanley Cup category of analysis.

I hate ‘em.

For those of you who missed it, you can check out the article, or just take my word that the first round rankings looked something like this:

1.       Montreal – with a score of 6.24

2.       Edmonton – with a score of 3.70

3.       Toronto – with a score of 2.82

4.       Calgary – with a score of 0.74

5.       Ottawa – with a score of 0.00

6.       Vancouver – with a score of 0.00

There was some excellent feedback to the piece, I must say.  I was especially interested in those comments that referenced suggestions that I design a formula to take mathematical account for the impact of league expansion on Cup chances.

Touché.

Counterpoint: As the league has continued to grow, winning a Cup has not gotten easier per se.  Expansion has watered down talent to where a good team can dominate a mediocre league as opposed to a great team fighting to compete among other great teams.

In a sea of mediocrity, sometimes motivation and passion can overcome skill.

Just ask the 2006 Oilers.

If I should have accounted for anything, it would have been the inclusion of some equation that factors in the difficulties of establishing a dynasty-style championship run in the salary cap era.  Well that, and maybe Ottawa’s 23-point season.

I just thought I’d throw that one out there.  Come on, ten wins all year?  That must deserve a one-point deduction.

But this is why we have more than one category of analysis folks.

So here we go again—the second category for you hockey fans to froth over is playoff appearances in the modern era relative to the number of years in the league.

Enjoy.

Playoff Appearances (VALUE = 10 of 55)

Did I mention that I hate Montreal?  It could be a touch of envy for the league leader in playoff appearances that has put a bad taste in my mouth.

Then again, it could be they began the career that was Claude Lemieux's.

Without further ado, with Montreal leading the way, and Vancouver pulling up the rear—bookends of the country itself—here it is:

*The ratio is multiplied by the value of this category to arrive at a score:

                Calgary: 19/27 = 0.704 = 7.04

                Edmonton: 20/27 = 0.741 = 7.41

                Montreal: 58/64 = 0.906 = 9.06

                Ottawa: 11/15 = 0.733 = 7.33

                Toronto: 48/64 = 0.750 = 7.50

                Vancouver: 21/36 = 0.583 = 5.83

Well, Ottawa did better on paper then they did in my memory.  I guess it’s probably because I’m still bitter that Sens fans actually think they’re not "band-wagoners." 

The Scotiabank Place was a morgue until Ottawa broke 100 points—but I guess that makes sense because their win column was, in fact, dead.

Okay, okay, I’ll stop picking on Ottawa. I have a Senator fan brother who used to cheer for the Leafs, so it's a sore spot I will admit prompts additional barbs. There, I said it. I kinda feel like I’m back at “AA”. That’s right, I said back—I am a Leaf fan you know.

“Hello everyone, my name is Andrew and I have a relative who cheers for the Sens”

Vancouver continues to be a standout at the bottom, making the playoffs a dismal 60 percent of the time, while Toronto and Edmonton are once again locked in a battle for second.

I refuse to comment on “the team” boasting a near 91-percent appearance rate. That’s just sick.

Disgusting.

Montreal will hereafter be referred to as “those guys”—and those guys sure do a good job of winning.

No wonder Canadien fans tend to riot. They’re bored. 

I intercepted a letter from Fletch to the North Pole this week:

Dear Santa,

I know it’s been awhile since I called or wrote,

But Mats has stopped taking my offers and Blake is broke,

If you could find the time for me this year for what it’s worth,

All I want for Christmas is one of Montreal’s playoff berths.

Love Cliffy

I’m not a player—I just crush a lot.

Next up, season play. Stay tuned.

Did somebody say controversy? 

This article will surely piss off five-sixths of all Canadian hockey fans.  If you’re willing to bet that you may be the one sixth who ends up as happy as Cujo was to find another job, or you just enjoy the opportunity to complain, read on.

I will now break most of your hearts.

Stats, skates, and sweat, herein come together to finally answer the question that burns inside each hockey fan and player alike—what is the greatest Canadian hockey franchise of all time?

In six parts this series will examine how each of the active Canadian NHL franchises size up relative to one another in each of five categories, before finally declaring a winner. 

The battle lines will be drawn around Stanley Cup Championships, Playoff Appearances, Season Play, Franchise “Greats,” and Fan Base.

I know what you’re thinking and no, the Nordiques didn't rank.

So once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more. Onwards to study those things that divide us all, yet simultaneously unite us as hockey fans.

It begins:

Stanley Cup Championships (VALUE = 20 of 55)

Okay, okay, let's just go ahead and say it before the analysis even begins—of course Montreal takes this category, leaving the rest of us jealously wallowing in self-pity like Nick Lachey. 

I guess I just tipped my hand.  I am not a fan of Les Habitants, although I am a fan of Jessica Simpson—on mute of course.  Despite this, I have a lot of respect for the accomplishments of the Canadians but alas, my heart is in Toronto. I'll do my best to shake my bias and stick to the facts.

Let’s see how everyone else sizes up to Montreal. 

The following is a breakdown of Stanley Cups won in the modern era (that’d be from the '42-43 season on) divided by the number of years each team participated in the modern era NHL.

This ‘win percentage’ is then multiplied by 20 to get the final score for this section.

                Calgary – 1/27 = Win Percentage of 0.037 = 0.74/20

                Edmonton – 5/27 = Win Percentage of 0.185 = 3.7/20

                Montreal – 20/64 = Win Percentage of 0.312 = 6.24/20

                Ottawa – 0/15 = Win Percentage of 0.00 = 0.00/20

      Toronto – 9/64 = Win Percentage of 0.141 = 2.82/20

                Vancouver – 0/36 = Win Percentage of 0.00 = 0.00/20

Thank God I’m not a Vancouver fan.  Ouch.  They may not have the longest-running drought, but they’re certainly a team who thirsts to sip expensive champagne from hockey’s Holy Grail.

Representing almost half of all points available, the Championship category has significant weight, and Montreal pulls out to a strong early lead.  Kinda reminds you of most of their playoff runs.

The Canadiens boast an impressive winning percentage, averaging a Cup every three seasons—a championship ratio unheard of in modern sports.  To put it in perspective, the Habs have won at least four in a row twice and four in five years three times.

I believe the word is “dominant.”

Ottawa and Vancouver pull up the rear with a big fat zero, but if we were giving out Cups for effort—okay, they still wouldn’t have one. But Ottawa came close that one time, remember? 

I know you do - Ottawa fans hold onto that run like Wacko Jacko dangling a baby over a railing.  Dear Sen-nuts, keep a tight grip, 'cause I got bad news—it ain’t happening again anytime soon.

The dark horse of this category is definitely Edmonton, who wins respect with a strong average of almost one in five.  I was a little surprised, actually—I guess the Gretzky years were better than I remember. 

Montreal turns in a strong victory, and everyone else is left to wonder how in the world to catch-up.  Damn you bleu, blanc, et rouge.  J'admire vos victoires.

And that’s about as much praise the Habs will ever get from this Leaf fan.

So there we have it.  Part One complete.  Stay tuned—it only gets better as the competition heats up.

Until next time.  TML forever (sorry, I couldn’t help it).

ASR

            The words “free agency” send chills down the spine of any Buffalo Sabres’ fan within hearing distance, but the Sabres are beginning to learn how the off-season works.

            In the first 12 hours of free agency last year, the Sabres lost both Daniel Briere and Chris Drury to the highest bidder, and also lost a combined 164 points.

            This year was much different for the free agency-torn Sabres. The day before the free-agent market opened, the Sabres resigned Paul Gaustad to a four-year deal. At a total of $9.2 million, the tough center is well-worth the money and a good leader to have in the clubhouse.

            Buffalo made very little noise on the first day of free agency, but did much better than the previous year’s disaster. The Sabres inked goalie Patrick Lalime to a two-year deal, $4 million contract. Lalime has solid career numbers and will be expected to play more games as a backup than Jocelyn Thibault did last season for the Sabres.

            Buffalo has only parted ways with two players thus far – the first was defenseman Dmitri Kalinin, who was signed by the New York Rangers in an attempt to strengthen their defense. Kalinin had spent his entire career with Buffalo, but was coming off of his worst season, producing only eight points and finishing with a -7 +/- rating.

            The second player to leave Buffalo was winger Steve Bernier, who was acquired by the Vancouver Canucks for two draft picks. Bernier had just nine points in 17 games with Buffalo.

            Later on that day the Sabres acquired 33-year-old defenseman Craig Rivet and a seventh round pick from the San Jose Sharks for two second round picks. Rivet had 35 points for the Sharks this past season and GM Darcy Reiger confirmed that Rivet will play an important role on the ice.

            Even though the free agent market wasn’t overpowering this year, the Sabres made out very well. They have strengthened their defense and they have a reliable backup goalie which should earn them a couple of more wins than last season.

            The starting six this year for Buffalo on defense will most likely be Rivet, Jaroslav Spacek, Henrik Tallinder, Toni Lydman, Nathan Paetsch, and Andrej Sekera. Sekera showed a tremendous amount of potential toward the end of the season last year and will probably make a run at one of the top spots if given the ice-time.

            It must be remembered that Buffalo wasn’t going into the signing period with the idea of signing any big names. They are keeping space free to re-sign winger Jason Pominville and goalie Ryan Miller.

            Overall, Buffalo looks a lot better going into the upcoming season than they did last year. But the Sabres better re-sign their two priorities or it will create quite a bit of tension in the locker room, which is the last thing they need.

It took me a few days to think and reflect on all the movement that's occurred in Manhattan in the past week. 

Some things made sense, and others did not.  However, what can't be denied is this—there is a lot of change, a lot of questions, and a lot to forward to.

I've read articles by people who were upset about the departures of Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery, Marty Straka, and, in all likelihood, Brendan Shanahan. 

I'm torn.  I personally was done with Jagr and Straka.  They both helped the Rangers change their culture.  Were they a product of the NHL rule changes, or was it just their undeniable skill?  I want to think the first. 

However, things would have been different without them, for sure—and that credit cannot be denied. 

Like most things, though, their time with the team was up, and Jagr was coming off his worst season as a pro.  Time to move on.  I feel similar about Shanny—he wasn't around as long, but I'm sure player development wouldn't have been what it was without his leadership abilities.  He spent a solid two years on Broadway. 

Like Jagr, however, when output dries up, so does your value.  Sorry Brendan, but it's over. 

Sean Avery, however, I would have liked to keep.  When he was there, players gushed over having him in the locker room, with Henrik calling him the funniest of all teammates. 

All of a sudden, upon his departure, there are rumblings of his conflicts with people like Chris Drury.  If it's true and he's having problems with our soon to be named captain, then he had to go.  However, if it's overblown, then he should have been kept. 

The ten games or so he played at Dubinsky's wing I thought was the best the both of those players played all season.  Chemistry like that can't be just found or created.  Solid chemistry's worth $4 million a year—especially with the competitiveness that exists in the East.

On defense, I have always personally liked Michal Rozsival.  People talked continuously about his inconsistencies—however, he's almost always been a plus player. 

Except for this year (when he was at zero), his two years previous in a Ranger uni he was a combined +45!  That's near the top of the league.  He's also put up 108 points in three seasons.  Not bad numbers whatsoever. 

Inconsistent?  I'd argue that he's been our best defender.  If he wasn't taking that primary role, I highly doubt we'd be seeing the production we are out of the other young defenseman. 

Now, keeping that in mind—was Wade Redden necessary?  I'm not sure if I can justify adding Rozsival AND Redden. They both play a similar game, with Redden maybe having a bit more grit and a little better of a shot. 

However, with Jagr not being there, I think we'll see a very solid offensive year out of Rozsival.  If he would have shot at times instead of making the ridiculous impossible pass to his Czech friend, I guarantee his goal totals would have been higher. 

Having him and Redden together seems like a glut to me—too much offense and finesse for a defense corps that needs more grit and strength. 

Staying with defense, thank GOD both Marek Malik and Christian Backman are gone.  How many giveaways in your own zone before you become unforgivable?  If Dmitri Kalinin can come in and be nothing more than steady, we'll be just fine.  

Kalinin is 6'4" and can throw the body at times.  Aside from last year, he was a solid defender in Buffalo, averaging 20 points and +16.  I'll take that from a second- or third-pair man anytime.  He was injured throughout all of last season and couldn't find his form.  Again, if he can only be STEADY, I'll be happy.  

Kalinin should be paired with Paul Mara, whom I truly enjoy watching.  He does a little bit of everything, and does it quietly.  If Kalinin can follow that role, we'll be set. 

We will miss Fedor Tyutin, but I'm assuming that the continued progression of Dan Girardi and Marc Staal will make that gap less obvious.

Looking back to offense, there are tons of question marks for the Rangers this year.  I'm curious to what Nik Zherdev can do for us.  I've looked at highlight reels, and the kid looks like Pavel Bure.  Not in regard to his speed or explosiveness, but in regard to being in the right place at the right time. 

If Scott Gomez can't find him the puck, probably no one can.  That's the potential for an explosive combination. 

It's also the potential for a huge bust (see Jagr, Jaromir).  He is only 23, though, and you have to keep in mind that his entire career is in front of him.  At that young an age, chemistry and skill sets can still be created, formed, and intertwined. 

I've said in previous columns that Zherdev will be a bust in New York.  Personally, I can't see him being a major success in his first year.  I'm pencilling him in for 20 goals.  A casual Ranger fan will probably look at him and assume 40 to 50 goals.  Not happening.  Maybe in a few years—but in 2008-09, he'll be pedestrian.  It's going to take awhile to go from Columbus anonymity to Manhattan spotlight. 

On the first day of free agency, the Rangers signed Aaron Voros and Patrick Rissmiller.  Both of these guys are giants, and that can't ever hurt.  As soon as I heard about them, I knew two things—Avery wouldn't be resigned, and Hollweg's going to be sitting in the press box.  Orr will almost certainly join him. 

Rissmiller—along with Dan Fritsche, who was acquired with Zherdev—is a very hard working center/winger, probably in the mold of Blair Betts, Jed Ortmeyer, and Dominic Moore.  That type of player is always welcome. 

Zherdev, Voros, and Rissmiller could truly make a sharp impact on our team. The Rangers are definitely tougher to play against with them in the lineup. 

Now the real wild card is, of course, Markus Naslund.  This is a guy who was a bona fide offensive superstar the last few years.  As we all know, he's slowed.  I'm curious if he slowed due to age, or Alain Vigneault's system.  We'll soon find out. 

Sean Avery, Brendan Shanahan, Jaromir Jagr and Marty Straka combined for 77 Ranger goals last year.  Can Zherdev, Fritsche, Naslund, Voros, and Rissmiller fill that void?   Well, last year they scored 76 for their respective teams.  They seem like reasonable replacements—if you don't take chemistry into mind, of course. 

The Rangers' offense was horrible last year. They need to change that, while keeping a strong defensive mindset.  It won't be easy to do, but if there is one thing that I have, it's confidence in Tom Renney. 

Redden should help ignite some offensive rushes, and we all believe that Drury's going to have a bounce-back offensive year.  Other young favorites of mine, like Dawes and Dubinsky are only going to get better. Speaking of future captains, how can you not look at Dubinsky for that role in a few years? 

That's without discussing how Petr Prucha plays this year, and what Freddy Sjostrom can do in a full season here.  A lot of question marks—but as I said before, a lot to look forward to.

As every other Ranger fan does, here are the lines to me that make sense:

Naslund - Drury - Callahan

Dawes - Gomez - Zherdev

Prucha - Dubinsky - Sjostrom

Voros - Betts - Fritsche

Redden - Girardi

Rozsival - Staal

Kalinin - Mara

Last, but not least:

Where does Lauri Korpikoski fit?  Or Dane Byers, or Artem Anisimov?  Or Bobby Sanguinetti, Corey Potter, Pierre Parenteau, and Greg Moore? 

Our team has been successful due to an infusion of youth.  Players like Naslund and Kalinin, although they might help in terms of leadership, may make it impossible for new kids to crack the lineup. 

As a Ranger fan—not for just this year, but for all years—I feel that some of these moves have impeded forward progress.  There is no place for rookies to maje th team this year, and that can only hurt us in the long run.  Sather made some wise and interesting moves no doubt—but he also stunted the growth of some of our potentially top prospects. 

Will the gamble pay off?  That's the part that'll have some of us diehards losing sleep until October.

Before you jump out of you chairs and scream for joy, relax, it's not for the head coaching job, but rather as an assistant coach.

Think about it...

Unfortunately, Tom Renney's job is safe for now, because his three consecutive playoff births, has fans thinking that he is the best person to ever stand behind the bench in New York. But Tom Renney will never get the team into the Stanley Cup Finals, much less win a Stanley Cup.

So why is Renney's job safe?

Well for one thing, the aforementioned three straight playoff berths combined with the fact that he is best friends with Glen Sather suggest that he may have the job until he either finishes in dead last or dies, which ever comes first.

So why bring in John Tortorella then?

It is a well known rumor that current Rangers' assistant coach Perry Pearn is persuing a head coaching job in both Ottawa and Florida. Personally, if this is true, and he gets the job, I will get the biggest, gas guzzling car known to man and drive him to his new assignment myself. Pearn was in charge of the Power Play for the Rangers this season, a special teams unit that was horrendous, even with the super stars he was given.

So I'll ask again, why hire John Tortorella?

The answer is simple, he fixes three problems right off the bat, maybe even more. First, he is a more then adequate replacement of Perry Pearn. Second, he knows how to coach offense. Lastly, has Stanley Cup winning experience. Top it off with the fact that if Renney were to ever get fired, the replacement is right there on the bench, who became familiar with the players and the system as he assisted the head man.

Now it's your turn to ask a question, and you're probably thinking, "Now why would a top notch head coach want to become a lowly assistant coach in an organization he was already with years earlier?"

Well, when you think of the embarrassing season he had this year with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he may want to be out of the spotlight for a while and lay low with a less important job.

Yes my friends, John Tortorella is the answer, and you know what? He actually has a heart rate above five beats a minute; unlike the current Rangers' coach. The man has fire and absolutely hates to lose. He knows how to treat players when the team loses, and knows how to reward them when the team wins.

And that is why John Tortorella may be Broadway bound...