A Fleeting Interest in Hockey

Posted on June 5, 2012 by wcornblatt

About a month ago, the NHL playoffs were exceeding any sort of popularity expectations they had. People weren’t only watching, they were talking about it. Liking the NHL became cool for a little while, and that’s all it was… for a little while.

Maybe it was the big market teams like the Rangers, Bruins and Capitals that kept viewers hanging around, but you could feel the air deflate from the playoffs the second that the Rangers were eliminated. Maybe it was the constant and rotating Ferris Wheel of games, giving a viewer a thriller to watch at almost any time of the night. It was a great couple of weeks, but here we are, watching a dominant Kings team barrel through the playoffs like we’ve never seen, and nobody could care less. I’m sorry for the loyal fans out there that have stuck with their league through last night’s 4-0 Ambien-like game that put me to sleep faster than watching Tiago Splitter.

Last year’s Stanley Cup felt like the climax of the playoffs, opposed to this year, where the opening round was the most thrilling of all.

In the end, it will be like every other hockey season. The playoff games are enormously entertaining, and no other sport’s postseason can compete with the intensity and unpredictability of the NHL, but after Americans got their hipster fix of liking a sport they weren’t accustomed too, they’ve moved on. All that’s left standing is the Kings’ faithful and those stubborn traditionalists that are so charmingly obsessed with the sport they’ve grew up with and fed off of for as long as they can remember. It’s the cruel cycle of the hockey playoffs. Every year, it feels more watchable, exhilarating and authentic than the paralleling NBA playoffs, which falls around two weeks after the start of the NHL postseason. Everybody finds him or herself making declarations that hockey has the best playoffs of any sport. Yet by the end of the Stanley Cup, us bandwagon hockey fans are exposed while the loyal crowd that truly loves the sport remains intrigued. America is a fickle sports nation, and it’s never more obvious than mid-June.

NHL Playoff Preview: Eastern Conference

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Glen G

The First round matchups are finally set and the playoffs are officially upon us. It was a wild finish to the regular season that saw Washington earn the 7^th seed on the very last day, thus avoiding a matchup with the powerful Rangers. We also saw Sniper Steven Stamkos join an elite group of scorers when he potted his 60^th goal of the season while only further solidifying himself as the games top pure goal scorer (it also doesn’t hurt to have the gifted Martin St. Louis dishing the puck to you). Now that the regular season is over, let’s wipe the slates clean and take a look at each matchup and try to determine a favorite for each.

#1 NY Rangers vs. #8 Ottawa Senators

No team benefited more through the seeding change that took place on the last day of the season than New York. With Washington finishing seventh the Rangers truly dodged a bullet. Although the Rangers are considered to be one of the top 3 teams league wide, having to play against a skilled team like the Capitals is always dangerous and I’m sure the Blue shirts are happy their getting Ottawa. However, that’s not to say Ottawa will be a pushover, because this team can score goals. Their 249 goals puts them just above that threshold of 3 goals per game, making them an offensively capable bunch. The key to this series will be Henrik Lundqvist, and that should come as no surprise. The Vezina Trophy favorite has been stellar all season and this could be his time to carry his team to that next level. A dominant series by King Henrik could set the tone for these playoffs and make New York the favorites for the cup.

Prediction: Rangers 4 Senators 1

#2 Boston Bruins vs. #7 Washington Capitals

The defending champs may be in for an early test as they face the Capitals. The veteran Bruins are a team that wins games because of two things; their physicality and their depth. No other team in the NHL gets as much out of every line as this team, and come playoff time that makes a huge difference. Also having a former Vezina Trophy winner in net (Tim Thomas) doesn’t hurt. I look for Washington to come out with passion, because just a few weeks back they looked destined to be on the golf course by now. I also look for Alexander Ovechkin to really take over and play his type of hockey. If he can set the tone for his team by scoring goals and laying some big checks he can be the X-factor. That being said the Capitals as a whole may lack the depth and firepower to beat the sturdy Bruins, but this series should bring a lot of excitement for fans.

Prediction: Bruins 4 Capitals 2

#3 Florida Panthers vs. # 6 New Jersey Devils

The story of two teams going in opposite directions is evident here and the upset alert is on. Florida stumbled to the finish and needed a win in their last game, which they got, to cling to the #3 seed. That win got them a matchup with the red hot Devils. Riding a 6 game win streak the Devils have looked strong down the stretch and are showing that they may have a team ready to make a deep playoff run. The two teams split the season series 2 a piece, but I think all the momentum here lies with the Devils. However as I said before, playoff hockey is like a fresh start, records don’t matter anymore. The key in this series will be Ilya Kovalchuk and his ability to create as well as score. Kovalchuk was a point per game player this season and if he can continue that pace he will be pacing the Devils to a route of the Panthers in this series.

Prediction: Devils 4 Panthers 1

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers

And here lies the gem of all the matchups in the Eastern conference. Put quite frankly, these are 2 of the top 5 teams in the NHL and this series will be a heavily contested bloodbath. The last time these teams met over 100 penalty minutes were served up, as well as some key injuries to both teams. I look for that aggression and snarl to be key parts of this series, in addition to the enormous skill that both teams have in abundance. The key in this series, to the surprise of some, will be goaltending play. We know guys like Claude Giroux, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby are going to score, but what we don’t know is how much. If Pittsburgh’s Marc-Andre Fleury or Philadelphia’s Ilya Bryzgalov can step up and be dominant they will win their team the series. The team that does win this series has a great chance at winning the cup, because I believe this matchup is comparable to a great semifinal where the winner gains that confidence needed to go all the way. I give the slightest of edges to The Flyers because I believe their Goalie Bryzgalov will earn his keep through a dominant performance in a big series.

Prediction: Flyers 4 Penguins 3

Agree? Disagree? Let me hear what you’re thinking!

The Fab 5: Top NHL Fantasy Players

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Glen G

With the trade deadline passing just days ago the chase for Lord Stanley’s Cup is heating up. The Rick Nash sweepstakes fell short of its hype as the Columbus Blue Jackets kept their star sniper for the time being, with much speculation over where he’ll be come next season.

The deadline saw a handful of minor deals that contenders hope can get them over the hump. The Nashville Predators acquired Hal Gill and Andrei Kostitsyn, two veterans who should add experience and toughness to the team. The New Jersey Devils got Marek Zidlicky, a finesse defensemen who they hope can quarterback their power play, and the New York Rangers stayed put, something we did not expect, especially after they dumped Wojtek Wolski to Florida in a move that seemed to point to the fact that Rick Nash was on his way. Nevertheless one sort of blockbuster trade did occur with Jeff Carter of the Columbus Blue Jackets being moved to the Los Angeles Kings for young defensemen Jack Johnson and a first round pick. Carter was acquired to help the Kings score goals, and that’s something he proved he can do in his time with Philadelphia in the past. However, Columbus got a good return in landing both a top young player in Johnson and getting a very valuable first round pick; this trade was a rarity in the sense that both sides came out getting something they needed.

Now that the rosters will be set for the rest of this season, and the majority of the season is already in the books, let’s take a look at who will be the top 5 Fantasy Hockey contributors when the year comes to a close. Basically, pick these guys every single night they are available as they are the elite when it comes to Fantasy.

5.) Erik Karlsson, D, Ottawa Senators: Karlsson has emerged as one of the best offensive defensemen in the league today with his uncanny playmaking and his speed. This season Karlsson, as a Defenseman mind you, has 66 points (15 Goals, and 51 Assists) in 64 games. That’s better than a point per game from a defenseman, which is quite impressive to say the least. Karlsson has also shown he’s not just offensive minded in going +15 so far this season, and in doing so making himself a very viable candidate (if not unanimous) for the Norris Trophy (NHL’s Top Defensemen).

4.) Claude Giroux, RW, Philadelphia Flyers: Giroux has emerged as the Flyers most potent offensive weapon this season and its come just at the right time. After gutting their roster this off-season by trading away Captain Mike Richards and lethal sniper Jeff Carter, the team chose a new path that would make Chris Pronger Captain (he’s out for the season now with concussion issues) and would see the signing of former Vezina Trophy runner up Ilya Bryzgalov to strengthen up the teams defense and ultimately fill their goal tending void. The play of Claude Giroux has erased all thoughts that Philadelphia would struggle this season and the line of Scott Hartnell – Jaromir Jagr – Claude Giroux has been one of the elite Fantasy lines in all of hockey. When you see the Flyers playing you be sure to take Giroux as his 5.38 Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG) rank him in the top 5 and his 49 Assists rank third in the NHL, Giroux is the real deal!

3.) Steven Stamkos, C, Tampa Bay Lightning: Despite the awful season the Lightning are enduring, Stamkos has still been a man on a mission. The goal scoring machine has been just that this season, a machine. His 44 Goals is tops in the NHL by 7 goals, and the next closest guy after that is 12 behind (Phil Kessel-32 Goals). What I’m saying is that Stamkos is the best goal scorer in the league right now, and there’s little doubt that he won’t win his second Rocket Richard Trophy this season as the NHL’s top goal scorer. Stamkos is also averaging a nice 5.66 FPPG (2^nd amongst eligible skaters) and has put up 76 points in just 63 games which means 100 points is not out of the works. When you want points for your team, and you want them in bunches, Stamkos is your man.

2.) Henrik Lundqvist, G, New York Rangers: It’s not often that mid-season we already know who our best goalie of the season is, but that’s definitely the case this year. “King Henrik” has emerged as the best goalie in the NHL, and the statistics really don’t lie. In 46 starts Lundqvist is 30-12-1 with a .94 Save Percentage (which if it stands would be the best of all-time), 8 shutouts (tops in the NHL) and an impressive 6.47 FPPG (tops among eligible NHL goalies). All in all Henrik is the most consistent goalie in the NHL night in and night out and his play is the main reason the Rangers are in first place in the Eastern Conference. When Lundqvist is in net he’s a must pick every night, no matter who the Rangers are playing, because believe me…he’s just that great.

1.) Evgeni Malkin, C, Pittsburgh Penguins: How do you deal with losing the face of the NHL and your best player for over a season to concussion problems? Well it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a guy like Evgeni Malkin to step up for you. “Geno” has been unreal this season for the Penguins, that’s really the only way to put it. In just 56 games Malkin already has 79 Points (37 Goals and 42 Assists), that’s an incredible 1.41 Points per game which makes him by far the most productive player in the whole NHL. If MVP voting were held today nobody except Malkin should even receive a vote, that’s how stellar he has been. His 6.93 FPPG is more than a point better than any other skater in the NHL, and his leadership for a Pittsburgh team plagued by injuries only adds to his value. Malkin is this season’s MVP and he’s also this season’s Fantasy MVP, so you know what to do. If you want an all around player that contributes in every category (his 50 Penalty Minutes is also not bad for a scorer) then pick Evgeni Malkin every single night he skates because he is currently the best player in the NHL and will be for the rest of the season.

Who’s Your MVP This Year? How Ridiculous Is Evgeni Malkin? Thoughts? Let Me Hear ‘Em!

The Calder Kid: The NHL’s Rookie of The (Half) Year

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Glen G

The first half of the season is just wrapping up and what an exciting half it’s been. The Ranger’s have emerged as a team to watch out for, Evgeni Malkin has looked like… well Evgeni Malkin, the Bruins have looked invincible at times (like during that 10 game win streak) and a number of rookies have looked pretty darn impressive (Gabriel Landeskog, Jhonas Enroth and Adam Larsson to name a few). It’s a great time to be a hockey fan as the league has never been so competitive with new teams rising into contention nearly every season. This year features the new look Ottawa Senators and the feisty St. Louis Blues, two teams that have just started finding success because of their drafting and development of talented young players. Many teams are discovering now that this is the key to winning, drafting well. Haven’t you ever wondered why some teams never improve (while factoring in financial barriers) despite getting top picks year after year? It’s because they lack a good scouting team, which is something that can destroy a franchise. I’m a firm believer that one good draft selection can save a franchise, and many teams have found some stars this year.

Let’s take a look at this year’s Calder Trophy (awarded to the top NHL rookie) Race and establish ourselves a top rookie for the first half of the 2011-12 NHL Season.

Bronze: Matt Read, RW, Philadelphia Flyers: Read has been a bright spot for a Flyer’s squad jam packed with talent and looking to make a cup chase. Read has put up respectable fantasy hockey numbers while giving Philly 15 goals (1^st amongst rookies) and 16 assists while showing that he belongs in the NHL. Philadelphia is one of the best teams at finding players that come in and make an immediate impact, and it looks like they’ve picked themselves a winner again. Read is going to be a big part of his team’s success this year and in years to come.

Silver: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Edmonton Oilers: RNH has been unbelievable this fantasy hockey season for the Oilers, operating at a nearly point-per-game pace while having many fans linking him to The Great One (Wayne Gretzky). His 35 Points (22 assists – 1^st among rookies) are the most out of any rookie, and he’s played in only 38 games; he’s just that good. Hopkins has shown good chemistry playing on a line featuring fellow young stars Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall (a former #1 pick himself). Its been fun to watch that line grow and mature together, but as a whole Edmonton has been having a rough season in the standings. That is why Ryan Nugent Hopkins is not my pick for top rookie.

Gold: Adam Henrique, C, New Jersey Devils: Talk about coming out of nowhere and making a huge impact, Henrique stormed into this season and hasn’t slowed down yet. His 34 points (2nd amongst rookies) and four shorthanded goals (1st in NHL) don’t tell the full story. Henrique has added stability to a line featuring two of the game’s premier talents in Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, which is why I give Henrique the edge over any other rookie. Henrique has played at their level and even taken their games to a new level with his superb speed and understanding of the game. Henrique has a knack for making smart passes and reads passing lanes very well (which explains his four SHGs). If you haven’t gotten a chance to see him play yet don’t be so quick to judge that Hopkins is by far the best rookie, because New Jersey may have found themselves a star as well.

Do you like these Rookies? Think they stink? Let Me Know!

Staring at A Champion: The Boston Bruins

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Glen G

Nothing beats the excitement of seeing something live. I don’t know what it is about being in an arena that just gets you amped, but it’s a special feeling. Last Thursday I took a trip out to The Prudential Center in New Jersey to see my team the Devils take on the defending cup champions, the Bruins. It was a hell of a trip and a really fun night out despite the fact that Boston came away with a 4-1 Victory. I left from the game knowing what it takes to put a winning team together, and furthermore what it takes to win a championship. Boston came out of the gates pretty slow, letting the Devils berate them with shots in the first period and early into the second. The Bruins were not having their best night, but after a period and a half they were still down only one goal. That’s what really good teams can do to you on some nights, they simply hang with you for most of the game only to strike late and take care of business. It wasn’t until the third period that the Bruins turned on the jets striking for three goals in under five minutes while at the same time sealing another victory.

What impressed me though was the blitz that the Bruins put on; every player was skating hard and attacking the puck trying to make a play while sustaining constant pressure on New Jersey (the puck hardly ever left the offensive zone). The Devils, who had been in control throughout the night, looked shocked and helpless in trying to stop the impending onslaught. But that’s what I found to be truly special about this Boston team, that they wouldn’t walk out of that arena without securing another 2 points in the standings and in doing so let the visiting squad know that they’re still the team to beat. In that third period, lines one through four all contributed solid minutes, something almost no other team in the league can say happens for them. Most elite hockey teams are lucky to have two good lines, and possibly a third line that can give them something but the Boston Bruins have four lines that can all hurt you. Their depth is what makes them such a hard team to beat. Even if you can match up with their star studded first two lines, they’ll simply match you then dominate when the third and fourth lines come out on the ice. Against the Devils alone, Chris Kelly (3rd Liner) and Greg Campbell (4th Liner), both fantasy hockey sleepers, scored goals that really gave Boston a huge edge. The fact that Boston has two genuine number one starters and quality fantasy hockey goalies in Tuuka Rask and Tim Thomas only adds to their incredible depth and shows why they are the class of the NHL right now. I also found the effort level impressive from the Bruins side, as they wouldn’t give up; they never let a rough patch in the game get the best of them, and they certainly never let the game get away from them. Whether it was a great save by Goalie Tim Thomas or a savvy defensive play, Boston seemed to always find a way to stop the Devils from taking charge. After watching them play live I think at this point they’re my favorites to win The Stanley Cup again this year.

The Bruins developed a team from top to bottom that fights hard every night, has tremendous chemistry and is physically dominant. That’s probably what stood out the most about this team seeing them skate in person, their aggression. When you have guys like Zdeno Chara (The Giant) or the nasty Milan Lucic (I hate that guy), teams tend to fear taking the body on anyone because they know the enforcers are lurking around and may retaliate. Because of this, Boston can bully teams and gain a huge edge in doing so. This makes it even harder to score against their stout defense. If your a big time hockey fan and you want to see a great hockey team (not a very flashy team, but one extremely dedicated to smart play) play buy a ticket to see the Bruins, grab a few brew’s (it may be a long night) and you’ll understand everything I just said.

Who’s Your Pick To Win The Cup This Year? Despise The Bruins Like I Do? Let Me Know!