Hockey Jabber Blog: Overtime: October

The first month of the NHL is now behind us, which means we can look back at what has transpired and look forward to what we think will happen. “Overtime” is a series of questions – and – answers fielded by a few of SJ’s hockey minds. In this months edition of Overtime we talk to ShipHockey7, BruinsBoss (Boston), and WestCoastExpress. If you have any questions (for Novembers post) feel free to PM me (westcoastexpress) and we will try to get it answered for you (comments are always welcomed.)

Q.*I think we can all agree that Colorado has been Octobers biggest surprise team. What do you contribute to their success (or do you believe they are just that good?)

[Boston] They are just that good.

[ShipHockey] I think its based off the goaltending, they’ve gotten exceptional net play out of*Craig Anderson, he’s been a drastic improvement from what they had last year. Along with some great play from a few rookies, they’ve played some great hockey. I’m not sold that they’ll keep it up for the entire season yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them make the playoffs from their fast start.

[WestCoast] I have to agree with you Ship, their goaltending has been great.*Craig Anderson has been very good, perhaps good enough to get a few looks before the Olympics. Their young guns (Stastny,*Wolski,O’Reilly,*Duchene) have all stepped up, especially on the road where its harder for teams for finds wins.

Q.*Is there a team (excluding Colorado) that surprised you? (good or bad)

[Boston] I wasn’t that surprised by Colorado, actually, but I am very surprised and impressed with LA.

[ShipHockey] Buffalo, sure they were good last year, only really missed the playoffs because*Ryan Miller got hurt, but they started the season 7-1-1, and if they keep that up they’ll run away with their division and be a big time contender in the Eastern Conference.

[WestCoast] I’m going to say the Anaheim Ducks. After making a good run in the playoffs last season I thought they would come out of the gate strong. But the Ducks only won two games at home in October (dropped four in a row at home) and other then*Corey Perry no one has stepped up infront of*Jonas Hiller.

Q.Phil Kessel is cleared to make his start with the Leafs. Realistically what type of stats can we expect from Kessel & the Leafs this month?*

[Boston] The Leafs will benefit GREATLY from Phil.

[ShipHockey] Kessel will shoot the puck, a lot. That being said, I don’t think the Leafs get much better with him. The way to build a franchise is from the net out. The Monster in net is a good start, but their defense isn’t anything to write home about, and even their offence isn’t too scary. I think Kessel will put in 8-10 goals in November, just because they’re going to feed him the puck on every power play.

[WestCoast] Lets be realistic. Kessel hasn’t played in about six months. He missed the pre-season and while everyone is getting closer to that level where they left off last year, Kessel is just begging to get into that grove. I think he might win them 3 – 5 games this month while netting 5 – 7 goals and half a dozen assists.

Q.Toronto went 1 – 7 – 4 in the month of October. If they were to repeat these type of numbers for November what is the most likely scenario;*Ron Wilson gets axed,*Brian Burke gets axed,*Tomas Kaberle gets traded, or none of the above/something else.

[Boston] Kaberle is traded

[ShipHockey] Burke won’t get axed, thats not gonna happen. I’ll go with Wilson gets axed.

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