NHL Quarterly Round Table

Biggest Surprise: New Jersey Devils. I only pick this team because after Martin Brodeur went down, many people felt the season was lost. Who expected that the tandem of Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmensen could be propelling this team to where they are right now?

They both have played well when called upon, especially Clemmensen who has shown flashes of Brodeur. The offense has also gotten stronger with Elias and Parise coming through big. With Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik coming back from injury, they will only get stronger.

Biggest Disappointment: Dallas Stars. Who would have thought that virtually the same Dallas team from last season, a team that reached the conference finals, would be sitting in last place in the western conference? Marty Turco hasn't played well at all and offensive catalyst Mike Ribeiro has struggled. The Avery fiasco didn't help matters either as his gigantic contract will come back to bite the Stars. I'm just counting the days until Brett Hull is fired.

MVP: Evgeni Malkin. He continues to be Pittsburgh's dominant force while also outshining Sidney Crosby. The guy is intimidating and his shot is one of the deadliest in the league. Why doesn't he get more attention?

Vezina: Henrik Lundqvist. He leads the NHL in wins and is the sole reason why the Rangers are in first in the Atlantic division. The team plays awful in front of him on a nightly basis and he continues to keep them in the game.

Stanley Cup: Detroit Red Wings. Despite San Jose's phenomenal start, I believe the mighty Wings will win their second straight Cup victory. They have the same team as last year only with the addition of Marian Hossa who has played very well. As long as Osgood can stay healthy, the Cup is theirs. 

Me

Biggest Surprise: Some may be thinking I am going with the Bruins, but I am not surprised by their run right now. Last year I saw this team as a serious threat for the Eastern Conference crown. My biggest surprise so far has been the San Jose Sharks. While I did expect them to be a force in the Western Conference like they always are, to get off to the start they have is unpredictable. 

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