Ritter's Rant: News And Notes from Around NHL Rinks

There are more than a few players that will be retiring after the conclusion of this season, amongst them will be Keith Tkachuk of the St. Louis Blues and, perhaps even Mike Modano of the Dallas Stars.

Modano is still a serviceable third/fourth line player who, in the right situation, could be a very effective player and leader. Through 56 games Modano has amassed a total of 13 goals and 28 points, while putting up a very respectable minus-five rating.

While Tkachuk looks to be done, he too has had a decent season, registering 13 goals and 30 points through 66 games. Like Modano, Tkachuk could fill a role for a young contending team and can still contribute on the power play (five goals this season).

Whatever the case may be, both players should be commended for what they have contributed to the NHL and for their contributions to USA Hockey.

Special teams win playoff games, for that reason, I’d be weary of both the Coyotes and Predators.

The Phoenix Coyotes are likely to get a lot of attention as a playoff favorite in many hockey pools. One thing to consider is their power play, or lack thereof, which, through 79 games is ranked 28th in the NHL, limping in at a horrific 15.1 percent.

The worst penalty kill amongst NHL playoff teams belongs to the Nashville Predators. Through 80 games the Preds own the 29th-ranked penalty kill, limping in at a paltry 76.6 percent.

Despite having an impressive 22-13-4 record on the road this season (tied for fourth overall in road wins) the St. Louis Blues look as if they will miss the playoffs this season. It’s one of those strange stats that makes you wonder how the Blues could possibly be under .500 at home?

The Boston Bruins look as if they will squeak into the playoffs this year. It should be noted that, through 79 games, the Bruins have amassed a horrible 16-17-6 record at home, which represents the second fewest wins at home amongst all NHL teams.

As it stands through 79 games, the Ottawa Senators will enter the postseason with the worst goal differential at minus-12. Comparatively, the Washington Capitals will enter the postseason with the Leagues best differential at plus-80.

Quick playoff prediction: The Eastern Conference one, two, three, and four seeds will all get through to the second round. If that’s the case, Washington will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round…I can’t wait!

The Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings look to be headed for a first-round clash once the playoffs roll around. The Canucks have made a total of 22 playoff appearances, winning a total of 12 playoff series over their 40-year history.

The first and last time these two teams met in the playoffs was 2002. The Red Wings bested the Canucks by a margin of four games to two that year; expect the same to happen this time around.

If Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke does trade veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle this summer, tonight’s tilt against the Philadelphia Flyers may be the last time Leaf fans can say goodbye to one of the classiest players to ever don the Blue and White. It says here Leaf fans should give him a standing ovation.

For more NHL news and notes check out my website at www.theslapshot.com.

Until next time,

Peace!