The bomb dropped a few days ago, Peter Forsberg is joining Team Sweden to play in Karjala Cup. The reason he is doing this is because he wants to make a comeback in the NHL this season. Had he instead chosen to test his foot playing in the Elite League with MoDo, he would not have been eligible to play for any NHL team.
The Ottawa Senators are held as favorites by many sports writers, at least Swedish ones, to ink the former Hart Trophy winner. I can't really see why. To me the Colorado Avalanche must be considered first in line for his signature. His history with the club must surely weigh heavy in his decision.
Some, including The Hockey News, have expressed the opinion that Peter Forsberg should retire. To me this is just plain dumb. Peter Forsberg is perhaps the most complete two-way player ever and, although his career has been plagued by numerous injuries, we should consider ourselves lucky if he can once again display some of that magic I am sure he still has in him. Anyone who knows anything about hockey and has seen Forsberg play knows what I am talking about.
10/31/2007
10/30/2007
The Blues is back in St. Louis
It is interesting how little is heard about the St. Louis Blues considering the comeback they have made. Under the new ownership and management the team has made a more than solid recovery, from posting their worst record in 27 years in the 2005-06 season to once again be a contender for a playoff spot.
In 1999-2000 the Blues finished the season with a franchise record 114 points, also earning the President's Trophy. The team consisted of, to name a few, Chris Pronger, Pavol Demitra, Al MacInnis, Roman Turek, and Pierre Turgeon. In 2001 the team went all the way to the Western Conference Finals where the eventual Champions Colorado Avalanche proved to be too much to handle for the Blues. Due mostely to a series of bad trades, including sending Pronger to Edmonton, the team's success slowly but surely faded.
For years the St. Louis Blues had been considered a contender, while never able to go all the way. In 2004 they missed the playoffs, ending a 25 season long playoff streak - the third longest in North American pro sports.
After a few years of steady decline in home-game attendance, something had to be done. To bring back the fans hockey had to be made appealing again, and the best way to do that is to put a quality hockey team on the ice.
At the end of last season Andy Murray arrived as the new head coach and in the offseason a few key acquisitions were made. Forward Keith Tkachuk was brought back and star-winger Paul Kariya was signed to a three-year $18 million deal. The team is younger than in resent years, but also well balanced. Andy Murray has a good mix of veterans and young talent, like Brad Boyes, Lee Stempniak, and Erik Johnson, to work with, and waiting for their turn is also a bunch of promising prospects ready to bring the St. Louis Blues even further.
* * *
Not only did the New York Rangers score three goals, they did it in one single game, beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-1 at Madison Square Garden. What is even more astonishing, both Jaromir Jagr and Brendan Shanahan (both members of the 600 goals club) contributed with one tally each.
* * *
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their roller-coaster ride this season with a 1-7 loss to the Washington Capitals on home ice. "If we're going to be a playoff team we need to win at home," said Leaf captain Mats Sundin. That would be a start, Mats.
In 1999-2000 the Blues finished the season with a franchise record 114 points, also earning the President's Trophy. The team consisted of, to name a few, Chris Pronger, Pavol Demitra, Al MacInnis, Roman Turek, and Pierre Turgeon. In 2001 the team went all the way to the Western Conference Finals where the eventual Champions Colorado Avalanche proved to be too much to handle for the Blues. Due mostely to a series of bad trades, including sending Pronger to Edmonton, the team's success slowly but surely faded.
For years the St. Louis Blues had been considered a contender, while never able to go all the way. In 2004 they missed the playoffs, ending a 25 season long playoff streak - the third longest in North American pro sports.
After a few years of steady decline in home-game attendance, something had to be done. To bring back the fans hockey had to be made appealing again, and the best way to do that is to put a quality hockey team on the ice.
At the end of last season Andy Murray arrived as the new head coach and in the offseason a few key acquisitions were made. Forward Keith Tkachuk was brought back and star-winger Paul Kariya was signed to a three-year $18 million deal. The team is younger than in resent years, but also well balanced. Andy Murray has a good mix of veterans and young talent, like Brad Boyes, Lee Stempniak, and Erik Johnson, to work with, and waiting for their turn is also a bunch of promising prospects ready to bring the St. Louis Blues even further.
* * *
Not only did the New York Rangers score three goals, they did it in one single game, beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-1 at Madison Square Garden. What is even more astonishing, both Jaromir Jagr and Brendan Shanahan (both members of the 600 goals club) contributed with one tally each.
* * *
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their roller-coaster ride this season with a 1-7 loss to the Washington Capitals on home ice. "If we're going to be a playoff team we need to win at home," said Leaf captain Mats Sundin. That would be a start, Mats.
10/29/2007
Worst Devils ever
The New Jersey Devil's season thus far has been nothing short of catastrophic. Some even claim that this years Devils are the worst in team history. I am not sure I agree with that assessment, but sure, they have been awful. Of course it can't be easy to live up to the expectations that comes with winning three Stanley Cups in nine seasons. But that is the unfortunate situation for these new Devils.
Scott Gomez left and so did Brian Rafalski. Martin Brodeur and Patrik Elias both stayed, and are both shadows of what they used to be. I know you should never write off Brodeur (and I'm not saying he's finished), but his six losses in eight games so far suggest he is far from his best game. The Devils rely a lot on him to win those games they can't dominate. They also rely heavily on the skills and leadership of Elias, and right now he seems to bring none of that. Unless he can regain some of the form he showed late in the 2005-06 season, the next playoffs will be without the New Jersey Devils.
Another thing to point at is the fact that New Jersey have played all but one game so far on the road. Only after nine though away games did they make their home debut at the new Prudential Center, which they of course lost to the Ottawa Senators.
On the other hand, nothing inspires a team like being called the worst bunch in franchise history. Perhaps this will spark this group of Devils to perform way beyond expectations. Is it likely? No, not very.
Scott Gomez left and so did Brian Rafalski. Martin Brodeur and Patrik Elias both stayed, and are both shadows of what they used to be. I know you should never write off Brodeur (and I'm not saying he's finished), but his six losses in eight games so far suggest he is far from his best game. The Devils rely a lot on him to win those games they can't dominate. They also rely heavily on the skills and leadership of Elias, and right now he seems to bring none of that. Unless he can regain some of the form he showed late in the 2005-06 season, the next playoffs will be without the New Jersey Devils.
Another thing to point at is the fact that New Jersey have played all but one game so far on the road. Only after nine though away games did they make their home debut at the new Prudential Center, which they of course lost to the Ottawa Senators.
On the other hand, nothing inspires a team like being called the worst bunch in franchise history. Perhaps this will spark this group of Devils to perform way beyond expectations. Is it likely? No, not very.
Wild find more trouble in Denver
It seems the problems are piling up for the Minnesota Wild. The team that not long ago looked like the best in the league, beating one top team after another, suddenly find themselves in what could be a injury nightmare. First they lost goalie Niklas Backstrom (groin) and last night, against Colorado, they played without top offensive duo Pavol Demitra and Marian Gaborik (both groin). Being without these three key players is obviously a big problem for the Wild, they are now 0-2-1 after that promising seven wins start.
The Colorado Avalanche had no trouble beating the limping Wild 3-1 and they improved to 5-0 at home, the best opening since the move to Denver. There is less and less doubt (none at all to be honest) in my mind that this team will go far in the playoffs. Guys like Joe Sakic (2 assist last night) and Ryan Smyth (1 goal and 1 assist) will only get better the closer we get to crunch time.
* * *
It must be so frustrating to score and then see the momentum snatched away because the other team replies instantly with a goal. This is what happened the Vancouver Canucks who faced the Detroit Red Wings at home. Granted these Red Wings are red hot right now with five straight wins, but the Canucks are in serious trouble early in the season. They are 1-5-0 at home, tied with Phoenix for last place (not counting New Jersey, who are 0-1-0). Even though several players up front, like captain Markus Naslund, is underachieving, it seems the biggest problem lies at the other end. Four other teams out west have scored more goals than Vancouver, while only two (Los Angeles and Edmonton) have given up more than the 37 allowed by the Canucks.
I predict there will be no playoffs at the end of the tunnel for the Vancouver Canucks. They did virtually nothing during the UFA race, and now they are paying for it.
* * *
Henrik Zetterberg increased his point streak to 12 games. It seems nothing can stop this guy right now. Now he only has 39 more games to reach Wayne Gretzky's point-streak record of 51 games set during the 1983-84 season.
The Colorado Avalanche had no trouble beating the limping Wild 3-1 and they improved to 5-0 at home, the best opening since the move to Denver. There is less and less doubt (none at all to be honest) in my mind that this team will go far in the playoffs. Guys like Joe Sakic (2 assist last night) and Ryan Smyth (1 goal and 1 assist) will only get better the closer we get to crunch time.
* * *
It must be so frustrating to score and then see the momentum snatched away because the other team replies instantly with a goal. This is what happened the Vancouver Canucks who faced the Detroit Red Wings at home. Granted these Red Wings are red hot right now with five straight wins, but the Canucks are in serious trouble early in the season. They are 1-5-0 at home, tied with Phoenix for last place (not counting New Jersey, who are 0-1-0). Even though several players up front, like captain Markus Naslund, is underachieving, it seems the biggest problem lies at the other end. Four other teams out west have scored more goals than Vancouver, while only two (Los Angeles and Edmonton) have given up more than the 37 allowed by the Canucks.
I predict there will be no playoffs at the end of the tunnel for the Vancouver Canucks. They did virtually nothing during the UFA race, and now they are paying for it.
* * *
Henrik Zetterberg increased his point streak to 12 games. It seems nothing can stop this guy right now. Now he only has 39 more games to reach Wayne Gretzky's point-streak record of 51 games set during the 1983-84 season.
10/27/2007
Sharks roll over in Hockeytown
A measly 11 shots, a new low for a road game, is all the San Jose Sharks managed against the Detroit Red Wings. And although one of them went in past Chris Osgood during a power-play late in the game, the Sharks were no match for the solid Red Wings.
Henrik Zetterberg scored one of Detroit's five goals and has points in all 11 games this season. If he keeps it up he is on pace for 57 goals and 90 assists for 148 points. In my opinion he is the best player in the league right now and I am sure he can give Sidney Crosby a good run for his money. The Kid is on the move and has 10 points in the last 6 games.
* * *
Joe Sakic is 38, but you wouldn't know it the way he's playing right now. He has 7 points in the last 5 games and last night, against the Calgary Flames, he scored his 1,600 career point. I wouldn't be surprised if he racks up yet another 100 point season (he has six of them so far). Sakic is truly one of the greatest to ever play the game and he has a lot to show for it too, a Hart Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, Lester B. Person Award, Lady Byng Trophy, Bud Light Plus/Minus Award (he shared it with Patrik Elias), and to top it off, 2 Stanley Cups. As if that isn't enough, he also has a Olympic Gold Medal for Canada from 2002, a tournament where he was voted MVP.
Earlier this year the Colorado Avalanche signed him to a one year deal, however, should the Avs not win the cup this season (which they probably won't) I am sure he will give it another go next year. I hope so.
Henrik Zetterberg scored one of Detroit's five goals and has points in all 11 games this season. If he keeps it up he is on pace for 57 goals and 90 assists for 148 points. In my opinion he is the best player in the league right now and I am sure he can give Sidney Crosby a good run for his money. The Kid is on the move and has 10 points in the last 6 games.
* * *
Joe Sakic is 38, but you wouldn't know it the way he's playing right now. He has 7 points in the last 5 games and last night, against the Calgary Flames, he scored his 1,600 career point. I wouldn't be surprised if he racks up yet another 100 point season (he has six of them so far). Sakic is truly one of the greatest to ever play the game and he has a lot to show for it too, a Hart Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, Lester B. Person Award, Lady Byng Trophy, Bud Light Plus/Minus Award (he shared it with Patrik Elias), and to top it off, 2 Stanley Cups. As if that isn't enough, he also has a Olympic Gold Medal for Canada from 2002, a tournament where he was voted MVP.
Earlier this year the Colorado Avalanche signed him to a one year deal, however, should the Avs not win the cup this season (which they probably won't) I am sure he will give it another go next year. I hope so.
10/23/2007
Coming home
It will be very interesting to see how the Edmonton crowd will greet their lost son Ryan Smyth when he returns to town with his Colorado Avalanche tonight. This marks the first time he plays at the Rexall Place since being traded to the New York Islanders earlier this year. Anything less than a standing ovation would be surprising. Ryan Smyth is one of the most players to ever wear the Oiler shirt and he was widely appreciated for his actions both on and off the ice. Having played 12 seasons for Edmonton, this is sure to be a very emotional return for Smyth, who fought back the tears when delivering the news of his trade on Feb. 28. I guess he, like all the rest of us, found it hard to believe .
And tonight's game? It will certainly be an interesting battle between two teams in trouble. The Oilers have dropped five of their last six games after opening the season with two wins. They will be looking to take advantage of Colorados bad road form to get back in the winners seat. Last season Colorado had 22 wins on the road, but the opening of this season has shown a very different Avs. One of their biggest problems is the goalie situation. Number one puck stopper Peter Budaj has three wins in four games but a lousy 3.33 goals-against average. Pricy backup Jose Theodore, who remains a total mystery, isn't much of an alternative with his .879 save percentage. Their hope is that Edmonton continues to be one of the league's worst offensive teams.
* * *
Tonight's best game, depending how you look at it and what you like, could be the Penguins taking on the Rangers in the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. The Rangers' offense so far has been awful and they boast a measly 13 goals all together. To make matters worse, Martin Straka is out with a broken thumb after being hit by a puck playing Boston the other night. The Blueshirts, and especially the guys up front, need to start delivering soon or the playoff ship is going to sail. And don't tell me it's too early in the season, because with the other teams racing away in front of you that hill keeps getting steeper. The Colorado Avalanche made a valiant attempt last season after falling behind, but even with a 15-2-2 finish it wasn't enough to make it to the post season.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, are looking for their third straight win. Unless Henrik Lundqvist puts on a magic show, I can't really see why they won't earn it against the hopeless Rangers.
* * *
Rumor has it, three days on, Marc Savard is still shaking his head in disbelief after being robbed by Lundqvist at the wide open net. Man that was crazy!
And tonight's game? It will certainly be an interesting battle between two teams in trouble. The Oilers have dropped five of their last six games after opening the season with two wins. They will be looking to take advantage of Colorados bad road form to get back in the winners seat. Last season Colorado had 22 wins on the road, but the opening of this season has shown a very different Avs. One of their biggest problems is the goalie situation. Number one puck stopper Peter Budaj has three wins in four games but a lousy 3.33 goals-against average. Pricy backup Jose Theodore, who remains a total mystery, isn't much of an alternative with his .879 save percentage. Their hope is that Edmonton continues to be one of the league's worst offensive teams.
* * *
Tonight's best game, depending how you look at it and what you like, could be the Penguins taking on the Rangers in the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh. The Rangers' offense so far has been awful and they boast a measly 13 goals all together. To make matters worse, Martin Straka is out with a broken thumb after being hit by a puck playing Boston the other night. The Blueshirts, and especially the guys up front, need to start delivering soon or the playoff ship is going to sail. And don't tell me it's too early in the season, because with the other teams racing away in front of you that hill keeps getting steeper. The Colorado Avalanche made a valiant attempt last season after falling behind, but even with a 15-2-2 finish it wasn't enough to make it to the post season.
Pittsburgh, on the other hand, are looking for their third straight win. Unless Henrik Lundqvist puts on a magic show, I can't really see why they won't earn it against the hopeless Rangers.
* * *
Rumor has it, three days on, Marc Savard is still shaking his head in disbelief after being robbed by Lundqvist at the wide open net. Man that was crazy!
10/21/2007
Low scoring Rangers a no score in Boston
When the New York Rangers acquired free agents Scott Gomez and Chris Drury they sure didn't expect scoring would be their biggest problem. But, seven games into the season the Blueshirts have mustered a league low 13 goals and last night they failed to score at all against the resurging Boston Bruins, who won in a shootout. So what's the problem?
Scott Gomez put it this way, "Henrik's been great all year. There's no question about it. That's not the area we have to worry about."
And he is right. Henrik Lundqvist has been great so far, playing in all seven games. The bottom line is the big names, like Jagr, Drury, Straka, and Gomez himself, aren't performing at the level expected of them. Compared to last years Rangers, where the Jagr-Nylander-Straka line actually made some sense, this team seems to be more toward the Rangers of recent years, where they just went out and bought the biggest names available on the free market. Well, at least a couple more forwards got to earn huge money playing in Manhattan.
***
They were down 3-1, but the Chicago Blackhawks rallied back to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-4 at the Air Canada Center. I can understand why coach Denis Savard is thrilled, the way the team is playing it looks like they could give Detroit a run for the money for the division title. The difference between this team and the Rangers is that the Blackhawks went and got the right players for the job, not the most expensive names money could buy.
***
I think it is awesome to youngsters like Kane, Toews, and Stastny dominating the game so early in their career. Sidney Crosby led the way, and they are following in numbers. One day soon, maybe sooner than I can imagine, the Chicago Blackhawks will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in a, will be, classic Stanley Cup final. Who will win it? I don't know, but it will be series that will redefine the game of hockey.
Now I have to check out Manhattan-based, Swedish sportswriter Per Bjurman's blog to see if he has a different take on the sinking Rangers.
Scott Gomez put it this way, "Henrik's been great all year. There's no question about it. That's not the area we have to worry about."
And he is right. Henrik Lundqvist has been great so far, playing in all seven games. The bottom line is the big names, like Jagr, Drury, Straka, and Gomez himself, aren't performing at the level expected of them. Compared to last years Rangers, where the Jagr-Nylander-Straka line actually made some sense, this team seems to be more toward the Rangers of recent years, where they just went out and bought the biggest names available on the free market. Well, at least a couple more forwards got to earn huge money playing in Manhattan.
***
They were down 3-1, but the Chicago Blackhawks rallied back to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-4 at the Air Canada Center. I can understand why coach Denis Savard is thrilled, the way the team is playing it looks like they could give Detroit a run for the money for the division title. The difference between this team and the Rangers is that the Blackhawks went and got the right players for the job, not the most expensive names money could buy.
***
I think it is awesome to youngsters like Kane, Toews, and Stastny dominating the game so early in their career. Sidney Crosby led the way, and they are following in numbers. One day soon, maybe sooner than I can imagine, the Chicago Blackhawks will face the Pittsburgh Penguins in a, will be, classic Stanley Cup final. Who will win it? I don't know, but it will be series that will redefine the game of hockey.
Now I have to check out Manhattan-based, Swedish sportswriter Per Bjurman's blog to see if he has a different take on the sinking Rangers.
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