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At the quarterpole, we take a look at our top 5
surprises this NHL season.
#5 – The New York Rangers
Attempting to figure out what is wrong with the Rangers would fill an arena.
But, let’s look at the obvious. GM
Glen Sather spent huge dollars on two mid-level, non-impact free agents
and did not address the real issue for this team – playing like a team. Yes
they are packed with talent -
Pavel Bure,
Eric Lindros,
Petr Nedved,
Brian Leetch,
Bobby Holik,
Tom Poti - the list is impressive. However, they have looked more like a
team of guys playing shinny on more nights than not this season, and as a
result – it shows in the standing. Slowly, there appears to be a some signs
of life on Broadway – Bure has actually stopped floating, Lindros has found
the net, and
Dan Blackburn has played very well in replacing the injured
Mike Richter. That said, much more improvement is needed to ensure that
the Rangers play to their potential. As it is right now, their lacklustre
play and poor results is our #5 surprise so far this season.
#4 –
Mario Lemieux
At times it looks like the ‘Magnificent One’ is playing slow-motion as he
fends of a checker with one hand and uses his great reach and uncanny vision
to spot either
Alexei Kovalev,
Jan Hrdina or
Alexei Morozov wide open for an excellent scoring chance. Given the
leagues crack-down on obstruction penalties, Mario has looked like a man
amongst boys and again leads the NHL in scoring. His play has been solid,
and then border-line unbelievable on the power-play where the Pens punish
their opponents. The addition of
Martin Straka (although out day-to-day with a hammy strain) will only
help to preserve the health and stamina of Mario, and as fans and poolies we
are truly grateful. All this said, there may still be a few hiccups along
the way for Mario this season, but as it is now – the fact that he is
playing regularly is indeed a surprise and comes in at #4.
#3 –
Olli Jokinen
If you knew that this was
Olli Jokinen’s year and drafted him as high as his current point total
would warrant, then you should hurry out an buy a lotto ticket as your luck
is pure gold. Inexplicably, Jokinen looks to have channeled the next coming
of
Phil Esposito as he has been more than the Panthers, and coach
Mike Keenan thought they we going to get from the traditionally
under-achieving Finn. But, like many NHL young players, there is a danger in
giving up on some too soon, as no player develops at the same rate. But
really, Jokinen playing for his third organization in his brief 6 year
career has finally turned into the player
Dave Taylor thought the Kings were drafting at #2 overall back a few
years now. Jokinen gets a ton of minutes, as Keenan’s style is to ride his
hot hands like no other coach. As a result, and perhaps a bit by default at
the beginning of the season, Jokinen is the Panthers' big man down the
middle supplanting the even greater under-achiever
Viktor Kozlov. Jokinen looks to be the real deal, and his play along
with great goaltending from the tandem of
Roberto Luongo and
Jani Hurme are the biggest reasons with the Panthers are flirting with
.500.
#2 – Tampa Bay Lightning
Well, flirting with the best record in their division has made us firm
believers – the 'Ning are no longer the doormats of the NHL. For what seems
like an eternity, visiting the Ice Palace was a sure two points for the
opposition. But ever since last year’s All-Star break, Tampa has played
quite well.
Vincent LeCavalier has been exceptional – leading by example, and
focusing his energies on his on-ice play rather than in the GM’s office
requesting a trade.
Martin St. Louis and
Fredrik Modin have formed a significant one-two punch, and St, Louis’s
15 goals so far put right near the top of the NHL pursuit of the Rocket
Richard trophy. But perhaps the greatest contributor has been the Bhulin
Wall – Nikholai Khabibulin. He has simply been one of the top three tenders
out of the gate this season, and has won games Tampa would normally have
lost, and kept his team close in games the Bolts would have normally been
blown out of in the past. If they ever get
Brad Richards and
Pavel Kubina rolling, the Lightning will be looking to make an impact
come playoff time.
#1 – The NHL’s crackdown on obstruction
It’s not that we are surprised that the NHL has cracked down on obstruction,
because they seem to do it every year. We ARE surprised that the crackdown
has kept going. What this has meant for NHL games, and for smart poolies as
well, is that there is a premium laid on special teams. As such, unless you
have stocked your squad with players that see lots of PP time – you are
likely not even close to the top of your league’s standings. Further, the
crackdown has meant that the exceptional PP’s (i.e., the Penguins, the Kings
- before Jason Allison’s injury - and the Stars) have resulted in some
inflated numbers for some surprising players (i.e.,
Ulf Dahlen, Morozov,
Dick Tarnstrom,
Philippe Boucher come to mind). Knowing that the special rules committee
has given the crackdown a big thumbs up means that you need to be
concentrating on stacking your team with players that will play on the PP.
Eventually, the players will adjust, but we think it will be some time,
likely at least the All-Star break, before the players finally get it. In a
league that continually seems to shoot itself in the foot, the crackdown is
the short term pain for long term gain…and is our #1 surprise of the season. |
