Bleacher Report - Articles by Puckpassion

Puckpassion's NHL Power Rankings Week Three

Puckpassion — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:38:51 -0400

The formula for this power ranking system involves total team points, total goals scored, total goals allowed, as well as additional points for away wins within the week. Tie-breaking ranking totals are decided on total wins first, then total goals scored (if tied then away team wins/goals scored within the week gets the advantage).

1. N.Y. Rangers (7-1-0) +32
Last week: 1

The Rangers have not lost since opening night in Pittsburgh. They are also the highest scoring team in the NHL. Will their high-paced play have them burnt out sooner rather than later?

2. Colorado Avalanche (6-1-1) +27
Last week: 9

Colorado went 4-0-0 on the road this week behind the hot goaltending of Craig Anderson.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins (7-1-0) +26
Last week: 2

Pittsburgh dropped a spot at the expense of Colorado’s surge even though they didn’t drop any points this week.

4. Phoenix Coyotes (5-2-0) +19
Last week: 13

Even if no one in Arizona cares, it’s not looking like it is bothering the Yotes.

5. Chicago Blackhawks (5-2-1) +18
Last week: 11

Jonathan Toews finally got his first goal this week. However, Patrick Kane is still in a slump (three points in last six games).

6. Ottawa Senators (5-2-0) +17
Last week: 14

Ottawa finished the week with two strong wins. One in Montreal where former Canadiens player Alexei Kovalev scored a goal en route to victory.

7. Edmonton Oilers (4-2-1) +17
Last week: 17

The Oilers this season are the team they were supposed to be last season. Fast, entertaining and high scoring.

8. Atlanta Thrashers (4-1-0) +17
Last week: 12

Three out of Atlanta’s first four wins were earned on the road. I’m glad I picked this team to make the playoffs because they look legit.

9. Columbus Blue Jackets (5-1-0) +16
Last week: 7

Columbus is another team that dropped spots despite going 2-0-0 this week (at home).

10. Washington Capitals (4-2-2) +15
Last week: 10

Alex Ovechkin has four goals in three games playing with the likes of Brendan Morrison and Mike Knuble.

11. Buffalo Sabres (4-1-1) +15
Last week: 15

A couple six goal efforts this past week proves Buffalo can still put the puck in the net.

12. Dallas Stars (3-1-3) +14
Last week: 16

Dallas’ only one regulation loss this season came at the hands of the visiting Bruins.

13. San Jose Sharks (4-3-1) +12
Last week: 5

Only five goals in three games this past week.

14. St. Louis Blues (3-2-1) +12
Last week: 19

St. Louis finished the week strong with a 5-0 victory in Anaheim after losing three straight games.

15. Calgary Flames (5-2-1) +11
Last week: 3

With the defense and goaltending Calgary has, they shouldn’t be allowing 3.5 goals per game.

16. Philadelphia Flyers (3-2-1) +9
Last week: 4

Philly played once this week, which was a 4-2 loss in Florida.

17. N.J. Devils (4-3-0) +8
Last week: 20

New Jersey has only scored more than three goals once this season.

18. L.A. Kings (4-4-0) +5
Last week: 6

L.A. finished the week 0-3-0 after their hot start. All games were on the road against quality opponents, though.

19. Vancouver Canucks (3-4-0) +5
Last week: 21

Canucks move up at the expense of other teams after going 1-1-0 this week.

20. Detroit Red Wings (3-3-1) +4
Last week: 22

The ugliest of the Wings two losses this week came in Buffalo where they lost 6-2.

21. Boston Bruins (3-4-0) +4
Last week: 23

It looked like Boston could be back on track after shutting out Dallas 3-0 on their ice. Too bad they followed that up with a 4-1 loss in Phoenix.

22. Anaheim Ducks (3-3-1) +2
Last week: 8

After Anaheim crept by lowly Minnesota with a 3-2 win mid-week, they got their butts handed to them in a 5-0 shutout loss to St. Louis.

23. Carolina Hurricanes (2-4-1) -2
Last week: 25

Like Vancouver, Carolina moves up at the expense of other teams misery despite only going 0-1-1 this week.

24. Tampa Bay Lightning (2-3-2) -4
Last week: 24

Tampa Bay will never get out of the gutter until the overrated Vinny Lecavalier becomes the franchise player he is supposed to be, or they trade him.

25. Florida Panthers (2-4-0) -4
Last week: 30

Impressive 4-2 against Philly this week after losing 3-2 to Tampa Bay.

26. Montreal Canadiens (2-5-0) -5
Last week: 27

Montreal are losers of five in a row. If you want the silver lining, Mike Cammalleri finally scored his first goal.

27. N.Y. Islanders (0-3-3) -7
Last week: 26

Who will win first, the Islanders or Maple Leafs?

28. Nashville Predators (2-4-1) -8
Last week: 18

Four goals in four games this week is well on their way to a top three draft pick in 2010.

29. Minnesota Wild (1-6-0) -8
Last week: 28

Minnesota has already three one goal loss games. Maybe the addition of Chuck Kobasew will give them more scoring up front. I doubt it.

30. Toronto Maple Leafs (0-6-1) -17
Last week: 29

Toronto can’t score goals and they can’t stop other teams from scoring. This is the basic recipe for disaster.

Biggest increase in rank: Edmonton Oilers (10 spots)

Biggest decrease in rank: Anaheim Ducks (14 spots)

NHL's 10 Best Rivalries to Watch This Season

Puckpassion — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:40:36 -0400

Rivalries in hockey are arguably more intense than in any other sport because of how untamed the sport of hockey is. In a way, many hockey rivalries are almost animalistic because of how passionate and tough the players are about their teams and the game. Fighting and brawling in hockey games will often boil over to the point where the actual game of hockey can seem secondary, but in reality winning the points is always primary to the players, and that's what makes the different layers of this sport so special.

I've been thinking to myself lately...what rivalries in the NHL am I most looking forward to this season? Their are many classics to choose from, as well as some rivalries that should be rekindled this season. I decided to filter out my 10 most anticipated this season, or ones to at least look out for. So here they are—enjoy.

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Puckpassion's NHL Power Rankings (Week Two)

Puckpassion — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:59:20 -0400

The formula for this power ranking system involves total team points, total goals scored, total goals allowed as well as additional points for away wins within the week. Tie-breaking ranking totals are decided on total wins first, then total goals scored (if tied then away team wins/goals scored within the week gets the advantage).

1. N.Y Rangers (4-1-0) +16
Last week: 12

The Rangers went 3-0-0 in week two. Two wins including road wins @ New Jersey and Washington.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (4-1-0) +13
Last week: 7

Pittsburgh went undefeated this week highlighted by a huge win in Philadelphia.

3. Calgary Flames (4-1-0) +11
Last week: 6

Losing at home to Dallas 5-2 was the first loss for the Flames this season.

4. Philadelphia Flyers (3-1-1) +11
Last week: 1

Philly had a rough week losing at home to rival Pittsburgh, then blowing a late lead and losing to Anaheim the next day.

5. San Jose Sharks (3-2-0) +10
Last week: 14

The Sharks are moving up on the strength of their deadly one-two-punch of Dany Heatley and Joe Thornton.

6. L.A. Kings (3-1-0) +10
Last week: 25

The surprise Kings have not dropped points since opening night.

7. Columbus Blue Jackets (3-1-0) +10
Last week: 15

Columbus knew it would be tough starting three of their first four games on the road, but they have weathered the storm quite nicely.

8. Anaheim Ducks (2-2-1) +9
Last week: 28

Two big road wins this week against the likes of high quality opponents Philly and Boston.

9. Colorado Avalanche (2-1-1) +9
Last week: 3

Colorado has come back down to earth a little, but they have still been highly competitive in the games they’ve played in.

10. Washington Capitals (2-2-1) +8
Last week: 2

What has happened to to the Caps? Dropping points in every game since their hot start in week one.

11. Chicago Blackhawks (2-1-1) +8
Last week: 8

Chicago have yet to find their groove, most notably Jonathan Toews who has one point in his first four games.

12. Atlanta Thrashers (2-1-0) +8
Last week: 10

After a big win in St. Louis, the Thrashers got handled pretty well in Ottawa in their following game.

13. Phoenix Coyotes (2-2-0) +8
Last week: 9

Phoenix is second in the league in goals against, but only fourth in goals scored.

14. Ottawa Senators (3-1-0) +7
Last week: 26

Ottawa has played well, but their lackluster offense will catch up with them once they play opponents of higher quality.

15. Buffalo Sabres (2-0-1) +7
Last week: 18

If you’re wondering why a team without any regulation-time losses is ranked 15th, just look at how many goals they have scored (four).

16. Dallas Stars (1-0-3) +6
Last week: 17

Dallas has already dropped a total of three points in the overtime/shootout.

17. Edmonton Oilers (2-1-1) +5
Last week: 20

The Oilers are both winning and losing close games. I’m not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing.

18. Nashville Predators (2-1-0) +5
Last week: 13

Similar to Buffalo, Nashville can’t score goals, but the good things is, they are not allowing many. Their luck won’t last forever.

19. St. Louis Blues (2-2-0) +4
Last week: 4

After St. Louis’ hot start, they have dropped two games in a row, both at home.

20. N.J. Devils (2-2-0) +4
Last week: 27

New Jersey completed a Florida sweep this week after an 0-2-0 start.

21. Vancouver Canucks (2-3-0) +3
Last week: 29

Good news is the Canucks have won two in a row after a terrible start. Bad news is Daniel Sedin will be out for at least one month.

22. Detroit Red Wings (2-2-0) +3
Last week: 23

Detroit got back on track this week, especially with a big win against Washington. How the Wings will cope from here on out without goal scoring winger Johan Franzen is a big mystery.

23. Boston Bruins (2-2-0) +2
Last week: 11

Boston is a far-cry from the team that started off like gang-busters last season.

24. Tampa Bay Lightning (1-1-2) +2
Last week: 24

Tampa finally got their first win this week with the help of Ryan Malone’s hat-trick.

25. Carolina Hurricanes (2-3-0) 0
Last week: 30

Carolina has looked either really bad or really good. They need to find more consistency.

26. N.Y Islanders (0-0-3) 0
Last week: 16

The highlight of the Isles this week was their 3-0 lead on the Bruins with only eight minutes away from the end of regulation. Their low-light was when they allowed the Bruins to storm back and win in a shootout.

27. Montreal Canadiens (2-3-0) -2
Last week: 5

Talk about hitting a wall. Montreal went o-3-0 on their Northwest road-trip this week.

28. Minnesota Wild (1-3-0) -3
Last week: 21

Minnesota has dropped three games in-a-row this week. At least now they are fun to watch while they are doing so.

29. Toronto Maple Leafs (0-3-1) -6
Last week: 22

Maybe Brian Burke should have concentrated on adding more skill instead of more toughness this off-season.

30. Florida Panthers (1-3-0) -7
Last week: 19

Outside of Florida’s opening-day win against Chicago, they have looked like an AHL team.

Biggest increase in rank: Anaheim Ducks (20 spots)

Biggest decrease in rank: Montreal Canadiens (22 spots)

Puckpassion's NHL Power Rankings (Week One)

Puckpassion — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:40:48 -0400

The formula for this power ranking system involves team points, total goals scored, total goals allowed as well as additional points for away wins. Tie-breaking ranking totals are decided on total wins first, then total goals scored (if tied then away team wins/goals scored within the week gets the advantage).

1. Philadelphia Flyers +11
Last week:

2. Washington Capitals +10
Last week:

3. Colorado Avalanche +10
Last week:

4. St. Louis Blues +9
Last week:

5. Montreal Canadiens +8
Last week:

6. Calgary Flames +8
Last week:

7. Pittsburgh Penguins +7
Last week:

8. Chicago Blackhawks +7
Last week:

9. Phoenix Coyotes +6
Last week:

10. Atlanta Thrashers +5
Last week:

11. Boston Bruins +4
Last week:

12. N.Y Rangers +4
Last week:

13. Nashville Predators +4
Last week:

14. San Jose Sharks +3
Last week:

15. Columbus Blue Jackets +3
Last week:

16. N.Y Islanders 0
Last week:

17. Dallas Stars 0
Last week:

18. Buffalo Sabres 0
Last week:

19. Florida Panthers -1
Last week:

20. Edmonton Oilers -1
Last week:

21. Minnesota Wild -1
Last week:

22. Toronto Maple Leafs -2
Last week:

23. Detroit Red Wings -3
Last week:

24. Tampa Bay Lightning -3
Last week:

25. L.A Kings -3
Last week:

26. Ottawa Senators -3
Last week:

27. N.J Devils -3
Last week:

28. Anaheim Ducks -3
Last week:

29. Vancouver Canucks -5
Last week:

30. Carolina Hurricanes -7
Last week:

Projecting the NHL's 10 Best Offensive First Lines

Puckpassion — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:53:22 -0400

One of my favorite sports debates is arguing which NHL team has or will have the most potent offensive first line going into the new season. To have a great offensive line in the NHL it takes much more than natural skill. Players have to have good chemistry together as well as take control in certain areas of the game for it all to blend together. Some of the first lines I have projected going into the 2009-10 season have players that have yet to even play with each other, so a lot of this is pure opinion based on their ability. I'm keeping honorable mentions out of this for the sake if anyone wants to debate their teams top line that did not make my rankings list.

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Vegas: 2010 Stanley Cup Odds, Playoff Seedings and Thoughts

Puckpassion — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:23:57 -0400

The Detroit Red Wings are the odds on favorite by Vegas again to win the Stanley Cup at a moneyline of +450. The moneyline of +450 dollars means that is how much you win for every one hundred dollars you bet.

Now this doesn’t mean the Red Wings are who they think will win it all, this just means it is the most popular bet, which is expected because it has been that way for about five years now.

The Penguins come in second with a moneyline of +555. Again, this is expected because they are the Stanley Cup Champs, and I'm sure a very popular bet as well.

To round out the top five they have the Sharks and Blackhawks tied in third place with a moneyline set at +800. The Bruins are in fourth at +900, and then the Capitals are in fifth at +1100. Not much of a surprise to anyone who follows the NHL.

According to the Vegas odds, this is how the seedings in the playoffs would turn out.

Eastern Conference

1. Pittsburgh Penguins (+555) 2. Boston Bruins (+900) 3. Washington Capitals (+1100) 4. Philadelphia Flyers (+1500) 5. New Jersey Devils (+2000) 6. Carolina Hurricanes (+2600) T6-7. NY Rangers (+2600) 8. Montreal Canadiens (+3000)

Western Conference

1. Detroit Red Wings (+450) 2. San Jose Sharks (+800) 3. Vancouver Canucks (+1800) 4. Chicago Blackhawks (+800) 5. Anaheim Ducks (+1600) 6. Calgary Flames (+2000) 7. St. Louis Blues (+3400) 8. Dallas Stars (+4000)

Click here for complete money lines all teams.

I personally think the best bang for your buck bet outside of the top five is the Hurricanes at +2600. Followed by the Stars at +4000 and then the Blues at +3400. Inside the top five I like the Bruins at +900. I have the Bruins winning it all, so there is no surprise there.

I also think the Flyers at +1500 is a nice line. If I place three bets I'm going with the Bruins, Flyers, and Stars.

Who would you take?

NHL's 10 Best Shootout Artists (with Videos)

Puckpassion — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:22:39 -0400

The shootout was instituted in the NHL at the start of the 2005-06 season. Over the years it has taken on a mind of it's own, and in a way has become hockey art, even though it has nothing to do with the actual game of hockey. The shootout is one of those things fans either love or hate. However, I think it's impossible to hate great shootout goals or attempts, because at the end of the day we all want to be entertained. Now that is out of the way, I can talk about my 10 favorite shootout artists. This ranking list is not based on players with the best shootout stats, although that plays a part. It's more about my opinion of the best shootout artists in the NHL today.

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NHL Top 10 Candidates: First-Time 100-Point Players

Puckpassion — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:31:52 -0400

Which players this season in the NHL will have the best shot to reach 100 points for the first time in their career's? There are several great candidates, so I tried my best to give you the 10 best in order based on their numbers over the last few seasons, their potential and their opportunity to do so. Honorable mentions will be at end of the slide-show.

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Video: Was Dion Phaneuf's Hit on Kyle Okposo Dirty or Just Uncalled for?

Puckpassion — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:28:59 -0400

Last night in a preseason NHL game between the Calgary Flames and the New York Islanders, Calgary defenseman Dion Phaneuf, who is known for crushing hits, laid one of his patended side-swiping blows on young Islanders winger Kyle Okposo, which then led to a semi-brawl on the ice between the two teams.

Kyle was moving around after the hit, as you can see on the video, but he had to be taken out on a stretcher, which is obviously not a good sign.

I have been reading around the Internet all morning to see what others feel on the situation. The majority seem to feel the hit was clean but uncalled for because it is preseason hockey. Others feel Kyle should always be skating with his head up through the neutral zone, regardless of preseason or regular season, or expect the worst to happen.

There is no word yet on the situation of Okposo's health and Phaneuf's consequences, if there will be any, but expect something to come out by the end of the day.

Now I ask you: Did Phaneuf leave his feet before the hit or use his elbow during the collision? Or was this hit clean and just uncalled for?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WooGFHLZoVE

NHL Top 10 Candidates: First-Time 40 Goal Scorers

Puckpassion — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:21:25 -0400

There are many great goal scorers in the NHL who have yet to reach the 40 goal plateau, and many that have come real close. I look at the 40 goal plateau as the mark where a player can finally call themselves a true goal scorer. It's almost like the 50 goal mark in the 80's. I made up a list of 10 candidates I believe are the best choices to be the ones who will break the 40 goal barrier for the first time in their careers. Honorable mentions will be at the end.

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Ranking The NHL's Best Third Jerseys

Puckpassion — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:20:56 -0400

Here is a list of NHL teams that do not qualify because they do not officially have a third jersey...yet. Montreal Canadiens New York Rangers New Jersey Devils Pittsburgh Penguins Washington Capitals Florida Panthers Columbus Blue Jackets Chicago Blackhawks Detroit Red Wings Colorado Avalanche Dallas Stars Anaheim Ducks

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The NHL's 10 Most Important Players To Their Franchise

Puckpassion — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:41:29 -0400

10. Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Rick began his NHL career with Columbus in 2002 and was nominated for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year. In his second NHL season, Nash scored a career-high 41 goals to tie with Jarome Iginla and Ilya Kovalchuk for the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league's goal-scoring champion. Nash is also a four-time NHL All-Star and has been awarded the NHL foundation player award in 2009 for his work in the community.

Few would disagree that Rick is one of the 10 best players in the world. He has already established himself as a prototypical power forward. He reads the ice well at both ends, and doesn’t hesitate to make the sacrifices it takes to play winning hockey. He has velvety hands, a long reach, and a swift and accurate shot—all of which come in handy when he plants himself in front of the net.

Why he’s so important:

He is the face of the Columbus Blue Jackets, as well as the Blue Jackets first drafted star. He is Columbus’ only legitimate goal scorer and game changer. He is signed through the 2017-2018 season with an annual income of 7.8 million which will take effect in 2010-2011. This is by far the longest and highest paying contract on the Blue Jackets' roster, making Rick their most valuable player when it comes to play on the ice as well as when it comes to Columbus' book keeping.

9. John Tavares (New York Islanders)

Considered by many to be the most talented player in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, John Tavares has been touted as a future superstar now since his early teen years.

Tavares began his major junior career during the 2005-06 season with the Oshawa Generals. Over the next several years Tavares would take the OHL and the hockey world by storm. Showing he could play in the OHL immediately, even at his young age, Tavares scored 10 goals in his first nine games. He finished his rookie season with 45 goals and 77 points in 65 games. He was named to the OHL All-Rookie Team, was named the OHL’s Rookie of the Year as well as the CHL Rookie of the Year.

As a 16 year-old the following season, Tavares broke Wayne Gretzky’s goal scoring record when he tallied 72 goals. He finished his OHL career with 215 goals, 433 points in 247 games.

His playing style has been compared to Mike Bossy, Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky—some pretty good company. He doesn't have blinding speed, but he compensates for that with great hands, tremendous vision and a desire to always improve. While he won’t skate through too many people at 6' and 195 ibs, he is not afraid to fight through the checking.

Why he’s so important:

Tavares is projected to be a superstar, and the Islanders are in need of one more than any other franchise in the NHL. He will help bring in more fans for a team usually in the bottom three of NHL attendance figures every year. He helps the franchise gain back respect and attention they have lost over the years. He will instantly make the Islanders better.

8. Jarome Iginla (Calgary Flames)

Iginla was selected 11th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 1995 NHL entry draft, but was later traded to Calgary and has played his entire professional career with the Flames. He led the NHL in goals and points in 2001-02, and won the Lester B. Pearson award as its most valuable player as voted by the players. In 2003-04, Iginla led the league in goals for the second time and captained the Flames to the Stanley Cup Finals, leading the league in playoff scoring. Iginla scored 50 goals in a season for a second time in 2007-08. Known for his polite and generous nature, Iginla participates in numerous community events, and donates $2,000 to charity for each goal he scores.

Jarome is a five-time NHL All-Star, he is the Flames’ all-time leader in goals, points, and games played. Named the Flames captain at the start of the 2003-04 season, Iginla has been called the first black captain in NHL history.

Why he’s so important:

Jarome is the engine and key to the Calgary Flame success, and it has been that way for years now. He is a iron man who rarely misses games. He scores about 15-20 percent of the Flames goals each season. He is one of the best leaders in the NHL, and without him, the Flames may have fallen apart and hit rock bottom several years ago like many had predicted. The team has remained strong under Iginla's leadership after their Stanley Cup run in 2004.

7. Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers)

Joining the Rangers as a starter in the 2005-06 season, Lundqvist became the first Rangers rookie to post 20 wins in a season since Mike Richter recorded 21 in 1990-91. Finishing the season with 30 wins, Lundqvist broke the Rangers rookie goal tending record of 29 wins, previously held by Jim Henry (1941-42) and Johnny Bower (1953-54). Lundqvist was among the league leaders in several categories: fifth in goals against average (2.24), fourth in save percentage (.922), 11th in wins (30), and tied for 16th in shutouts with two.

Henrik had been nominated for the Vezina Trophy in his first three seasons in the NHL with the Rangers, finishing third all three times. His dominating play during his rookie season resulted in the New York media and Rangers fans giving him the nickname “King Henrik”.

Why he’s so important:

For the most part, Henrik is the reason the Rangers make the playoffs year in and year out. He plays at least 70 games a season, and keeps the Rangers in games they have no business being in. He is arguably the most reliable and consistent goaltender in the NHL, and considered by some to be the best overall. I’m positive the Rangers would be average at best if they did not have King Henrik in net.

6. Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)

Luongo was drafted in the first round, fourth overall in the 1997 NHL-Entry draft by the New York Islanders. Before being traded to the Canucks, Luongo spent most of his career in Florida after being traded from the Islanders.

In 2002-03 with the Panthers, Luongo faced over 2,000 shots while maintaining a .918 save percentage. The following year in 2003-04 he placed second in voting for the Vezina Trophy after facing the most shots in a single season by an NHL goaltender (2,475). Despite seeing unprecedented amounts of rubber, Luongo posted a 2.43 GAA and a .931 save percentage, which was first among goalies with 50-plus starts (Luongo had 72). Not surprisingly, Luongo also set an NHL record for most saves in a single season with 2,303 while picking up seven shutouts—good enough for fifth in the league. Ultimately, Luongo lost out to Martin Brodeur for the league’s top goalie.

Due to his solid play with the Vancouver Canucks in the 2006-07 regular season, Luongo made the NHL All-Star team and was voted by the fans to be the Western Conference’s starter in net. Luongo was named best goaltender of the All-Star Skills Competition in Dallas. It was his second All-Star appearance, and first as a starter. He led the Canucks to their first playoff appearance since the 2003-04 campaign, and the first postseason of his own career.

In 2008, Roberto Luongo was named the Vancouver Canucks Captain. He would become the first goalie as Captain since Bill Durnan in 1947-48.

Why he’s so important:

Similar in a way to Henrik Lundqvist, a lot of the Canucks success rides on the back of Luongo because he is so dominant in net. He has much more responsibility than your average goaltender now that he is captain of the team. A few days ago, the Canucks committed a 12-year contract to Roberto that will keep him in Vancouver until he is 42 years old. Roberto Luongo is the Canucks. Bottom line.

5. Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings)

Nicklas Lidström is considered the top NHL defenceman of his era, having won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenceman three consecutive seasons (first since Bobby Orr) from 2001-02 to 2002-03 and again from 2005-06 to 2007-08. He has been nominated for the award a total of nine times in the past ten seasons, the first three times finishing as the runner-up, and has won it in six of the last seven (2004-05 had no winner due to the NHL lockout).

Never a big and bruising defender, many experts say that the secret behind Lidström’s consistent game is his ability to read the game; this, combined with his excellent skating ability, allows him to be at the correct spot of the ice at the correct time.

In his seventeen NHL seasons all with the Detroit Red wings, Lidström has won four Stanley Cups, various NHL trophies and has been voted into ten NHL All-Star games. To date, he is the only European-born and trained NHL captain to win the Stanley Cup.

Why he’s so important:

He is the backbone to the Detroit Red Wings success over the last 15+ years which includes four Stanley Cups. He is still considered one of the best, if not the best defenseman in the NHL today. He broke the European Stanley Cup winning Captain curse after the Yzerman era, which goes to show how good and important he really is and was to this Detroit franchise. It’s only because of his older age and projected years remaining that does not earn him a higher spot. Nick is in my opinion the difference between Detroit winning another Cup or just being a playoff team.

4. Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Chosen second overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Penguins, Malkin’s career in the NHL was delayed because of an international transfer dispute until 2006-07, in which he captured the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s best rookie. In his second season, he helped carry Pittsburgh to the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals and was a runner-up for the Hart Memorial Trophy. The following season, Malkin totaled 113 points and won the Art Ross Trophy, awarded annually to the top-scorer in the NHL. He then led all players in playoff scoring, en route to a Conn Smythe Trophy and the Stanley Cup championship.

To begin his NHL career, Malkin set a modern-day record as the first player to score at least one goal in each of his first six games. No player had achieved this feat since the league’s inaugural season in 1917-18 , when Joe Malone scored at least one goal in 14 consecutive games to start his NHL career.

Why he’s so important:

When Sidney Crosby went down with a bad knee injury halfway through the year two seasons ago, Malkin carried the Penguins team to the playoffs which at the time looked like an impossible feat, and this showed everyone Malkin is just as important to the Penguins success on the ice as Crosby is, maybe even more depending on who you ask. He is a playoff performer and he proved that by winning the Conn Smythe Trophy last season. He scores the most timely goals for his team. He is an automatic 100 point player.

3. Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils)

In the 1993-94 season , Brodeur gained recognition when he won the Calder Trophy, an annual award for the best rookie in the NHL, after leading the Devils to the second best record in the league and the Eastern Conference Finals in the playoffs.

Brodeur won at least 35 games in every season between 1996-97 and 2007-08 with the New Jersey Devils, and is the only goalie in NHL history with seven 40-win seasons. He is a four-time Vezina Trophy winner, a four-time Jennings Trophy winner, a ten-time NHL All-Star, a Calder Memorial winner, and one of only two NHL goaltenders to have scored goals in both the regular season and the playoffs.

In Brodeur’s 15-year tenure, he has led the New Jersey Devils to three Stanley Cup championships and has taken them to the playoffs all but once. Brodeur is the NHL’s all-time leader in regular season wins by a goaltender, and ranks second in all-time regular season shutouts. He also holds numerous other league and franchise records.

Why he’s so important:

Brodeur is basically the Devils history. Without him, the Devils would most likely still be known today as an average team like they were before Brodeur arrived, and that’s if the New Jersey franchise would have lasted this long. Still to this day he keeps the Devils team competitive and an annual playoff team when they probably have no business being there. He gets better with age, so as long as he wants to go for, expect the Devils to be competitive.

2. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Crosby made his NHL debut with the Penguins on October 5, 2005 against the New Jersey Devils, and registered an assist on the team’s first goal of the season, scored by Mark Recchi in a 5–1 loss. He scored his first NHL goal in the Penguins’ home opener on October 8 against the Boston Bruins.

In Crosb’y first season, he finished sixth in scoring with 102 points (39 goals, 63 assists). By his second season, he led the NHL with 120 points (36 goals, 84 assists) to capture the Art Ross Trophy, becoming the youngest player and the only teenager to win a scoring title in any major North American sports league.That same season, Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the most valuable player as determined by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, and the Lester B. Pearson Award as the most valuable player as determined by the NHL players association. He is the seventh player in NHL history to haved earned all three awards.After losing to the Detroit Red Wings in the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals, Crosby won his first Stanley Cup in 2009, becoming the youngest captain in NHL history to win the championship.

Why he’s so important:

He is a generational talent that not only possesses world class skill, but he also makes average players good, and an average looking team great. Because of his star power, he is one of the reasons the Penguins are getting a new arena built which looked bleak just a few years back. He is a fan favorite who has resurrected hockey back into Pittsburgh to a point where they sellout every night. He is a class act off the ice who personally connects with fans.

1. Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)

Alexander Ovechkin had been projected as the first overall pick for nearly two years before he was drafted, and had earned comparisons to Mario Lemieux and Mike Bossy.

Ovechkin was the first overall selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals. Due to the 2004-05 NHL lockout, he began play in the 2005-06 NHL season, in which he won the Calder Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year. During the 2007-08 season, he led the NHL with 65 goals and 112 points to capture the Rocket Richard and Art Ross trophies. That season he also won the Lester B. Pearson Award as the top player voted by the NHL players association and the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP. In 2009, he again won the Hart, Pearson, and Richard awards. He is the only player to win all four awards since the Rocket Richard Trophy’s inception in 1999.

Why he’s so important:

He is a pure game changer that can carry his team on his back. He has one of the best personalities for a player in the NHL making him not only a fan favorite, but a player favorite. He has turned Washington into a hockey town with near sellouts upwards of 19,000 fans decked out in red every night, when just a few years ago the team had trouble attracting 11,000 fans. He is signed with the Capitals for the next 12 years making him in my opinion the most valubale player to his team when you add in his talent and star power as well.

Stats courtesy of Wikipedia.

Puckpassion's 10 Ways To Change The NHL

Puckpassion — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:02:36 -0400

Every fan has their own ideas of how they would change their favorite league or sport in a way they think would make it better. I have 10 ideas on my mind in which I think would make the NHL a more unique and attractive league. Not every idea but mostly all of them. A lot of NHL fans agree the NHL lacks in the marketing department because the commissioner does not know about the game, therefore he does not know about the fan and what type of sports fan he should try to reach out too in trying to attract new ones. If the game can't be marketed the right way, I thought why not switch up some things and make it unique and standout from other sports leagues, then maybe it will sell itself. Here are my 10 minor and major ideas to help promote the game of hockey and the NHL.

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2009-2010 NHL Trophy Predictions

Puckpassion — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:13:48 -0400

With the beginning of the NHL season just about a month away, and the opening of training camps about 10 days away, it's time for me to predict who will be taking home hardware by the end of the season. I find these predictions always to be harder than they seem. Almost every year only a couple of the actual trophy winners are the ones I predicted (the real obvious ones that everyone guesses), so this time around I'm going out on a limb with some of my predictions in hopes I can nail some of the not so obvious ones. Keep in mind that I did not predict all the player awards. Only the more popular ones.

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2009-2010 NHL Western Conference Standings Predictions

Puckpassion — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:30:05 -0400

Part two of my NHL standing predictions which predicts the teams from the Western Conference are finally done. I think the West was a bit easier to predict because it has more dominant teams compared to the East, so it's easier to pick them out. I think most can agree on that. Grading them to sort them out within the top eight was the harder part. Enjoy. Part one of my Eastern Conference predictions can be found here.

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2009-2010 NHL Eastern Conference Standings Predictions

Puckpassion — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:38:59 -0400

This time of the year is when I start to break out of my depression from hockey deprivation. It is the final stretch of the long, hot summer dog days, and on the horizon are those crisp fall days and hockey training camp, my favorite time of the year. NHL training camp will open about a week earlier this year because of the Olympics. Most camps will start opening September 10th, less than a month away. The official NHL season will open up in Europe late September. I personally like to get my standings predictions in before training camp and preseason starts because for some reason it clouds my judgment if I try to make my predictions in the midst of preseason or thereafter. Most impact free agents are settled in with their clubs, and most teams look ready to rock, so that means I'm ready to go. Up first are my Eastern Conference standings predictions.

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2010 Olympic Team USA Mock Lineup

Puckpassion — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:13:55 -0400

USA Olympic men's hockey camp will take place Aug. 17-19, at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, Ill, a suburb of Chicago. The roster includes three goaltenders, 12 defencemen and 19 forwards and leaves off many of the older, long-time Team USA stars.

Invitees are listed below.

Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas

Defencemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney

Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny.

In Turin, Italy 2006, the USA Olympic hockey team was full of old timers, and the team failed to do anything noteworthy because of it.

Now with an emergence of young American talent in hockey, The U.S team can finally display some of it in Vancouver come February. And who knows, maybe even make some noise in the process.

Out of all the available invitees, I present you my lineup.

Left Wing: Zach Parise (age: 25)

Zach has recorded 10 points in 11 games representing Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give Zach to make the team: 99 percent (arguably the best all around American player. A sure shot to make the team)

Center: Paul Stastny (age: 23)

Paul has recorded eight points in seven games representing Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give Paul to make the team: 90 percent (in my opinion, the best all around center out of the invitees)

Right Wing: Dustin Brown (age: 24)

Dustin has recorded 20 points in 23 games representing Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give Dustin to make the team: 95 percent (great leader and good goal scorer. Potential Captain)

Left Wing: Patrick Kane (age: 20)

Patrick has recorded 10 points in seven games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give Patrick to make the team: 95 percent (too skilled with too much future Olympic potential for Team USA to pass on)

Center: David Backes (age: 25)

David has recorded four points in 13 games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give David to make the team: 75 percent (because of inexperience and little success at the international level, David will need to prove himself through the first half of the NHL season if he wants to make this team)

Right Wing: Phil Kessel (age: 21)

Phil has recorded 19 points in 21 games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give Phil to make the team: 85 percent (one of the best American goal scorers, as well as one of the fastest)

Left Wing: David Booth (age: 24)

David has one point in seven games played for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give David to make the team: 60 percent (With only one good NHL season to his resume, and barely any international experience, David will have some impressing to do)

Center: Joe Pavelski (age: 25)

Joe has two points in five games played for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give Joe to make the team: 75 percent (Joe is getting better and should crack the roster because of the average depth at the center position)

Right Wing: Bobby Ryan (age: 22)

Bobby Ryan has yet to play for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give Bobby to make the team: 85 percent (one of the top three skilled American players, as well as one of the main pieces for the future of Team USA hockey)

Left Wing: Kyle Okposo (age: 21)

Kyle has recorded five points in nine games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give him to make the team: 40 percent (a solid showing at the 2009 World Championships gives Kyle a leg up to make the team)

Center: Ryan Kesler: (age: 24)

Ryan has recorded one point in seven games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give him to make the team: 30 percent (solid two way player who needs to prove himself more. His chances also drop due to the threat of a vet taking the last center spot)

Right Wing: T.J. Oshie (age: 22)

T.J. has recorded three points in nine games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give him to make the roster: 50 percent (lots of potential, he just needs to prove himself more)

Defender: Brian Rafalski (age: 35)

Brian has recorded 12 points in 37 games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give him to make the roster: 99 percent (best all around American defender. Great leader with experience)

Defender: Ryan Suter (age: 24)

Ryan has recorded eight points in 24 games for team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give him to make the team: 95 percent (one of the top up and coming American defenders, with more experience than the other youngsters)

Defender: Mike Komisarek (age: 27)

Mike has recorded one point in seven games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give him to make the team: 80 percent (gritty shut down defender that every team needs)

Defender: Ron Hainsey (age: 28)

Ron has recorded six points in nine games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give him to make the team: 75 percent (great puck mover with good wheels. Good showing last spring at the Worlds boosts his chances.)

Defender: Erik Johnson (age: 21)

Erik has recorded two points in seven games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give him to make the team: 50 percent (most upside of all young American defenders. Needs to show he is ready and put past injuries behind him)

Defender: Jack Johnson (age: 22)

Jack has recorded eight points in 16 games for Team USA at the senior level.

Chance I give him to make the team: 75 percet (second most upside of all young American defenders. Has more experience and success than most of them)

Goaltender: Tim Thomas (age: 35)

Tim has played for Team USA seven times at the senior level and has recorded one win.

Chance I give him to make the team: 90 percent (should make the team because of little competition. He will fight for the starting spot, though)

Goaltender: Ryan Miller (age: 29)

Ryan has played for Team USA eight times at the senior level and has recorded no wins.

Chance I give him to make team: 90 percent (should have no problems making the team, but he will fight with Timmy for the starting spot)

Average team age: 24

Reserves: (RW) Dustin Byfuglien and (D) Tom Gilbert

Beyond Crosby and Ovechkin: The Next 10 Most Exciting NHL Players

Puckpassion — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:35:47 -0400

Almost every single hockey fan agrees Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin are probably the top two most exciting players to watch in the NHL. They do it all. Score highlight goal after highlight goal. Play with extreme passion night in and night out. They are special players, and you know it as soon as you see them hit the ice. But that doesn't mean that is all the NHL has to offer. Even if it seems like they are all you ever hear or have heard about in the NHL ( it seems that way sometimes), it's not even close to what the league has to offer. So let's go beyond these two. Here are 10 great candidates that are well worth your money on any given night in the NHL .

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My NHL Proposal: "Rivalry Weekend"

Puckpassion — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:37:14 -0400

In my opinion, one of the best and most underrated things going in sports is "rivalry week" in college football and basketball (i'm not sure if other college sports do it). Every big college basketball and football program face their rival all in the same week, and it often draws some of the best games as well as the most media and fan buildup all season.

I think something like this is fairly easy for the NHL to pull off, as long as it is done over the weekend with each team facing their two main rivals.

Games can start around 1:00 pm EST time on Saturday and go all the way through 10:00 pm EST time on Sunday (not including overnight).

If you're an NHL fan you will already know the NHL is doing something similar to this with every team playing on the same weeknight, which started last season.

I find that idea to be bad because it's too many games going on at once (what is really the point?). I'd much rather have a choice of 60 rivalry games spread out over 20 hours on a weekend then 30 average games spread out over five hours on a weeknight, wouldn't you?

I think this is something the NHL should really look into because no other pro sports league in North America does a rivalry week or weekend, but all sports fans know of it and love it, so it can be one more appealing thing the NHL can add to its list on how to attract the casual sports fan, like the Winter Classic does.

Positives—Unique. Fan and media buildup. Intense games. Something to look forward to during a dead hockey month like November or December if done during that time.

Negatives—Could potentially be an injury filled weekend.

How the matchups could be done—rough copy (not thought out to the best of my ability).

Canadiens vs Bruins
Senators vs Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs vs Canadiens
Sabres vs Senators
Bruins vs Sabres

Rangers vs Islanders
Devils vs Rangers
Islanders vs Devils

Penguins vs Flyers
Flyers vs Capitals
Capitals vs Penguins

Panthers vs Lightning
Thrashers vs Hurricanes
Lightning vs Thrashers
Hurricanes vs Panthers

Blue Jackets vs Predators
Blues vs Blue Jackets
Blackhawks vs Blues
Red Wings vs Blackhawks

Avalanche vs Red Wings

Stars vs Wild

Coyotes vs Stars

Wild vs Avalanche

Predators vs Coyotes (odd game out—should be canceled to one game each)

Oilers vs Flames
Flames vs Canucks
Canucks vs Oilers

San Jose vs Anaheim
Anaheim vs Los Angeles
Los Angeles vs San Jose

No Puckin' Way: 10 Nearly-Unbreakable NHL Records

Puckpassion — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:55:28 -0400

The NHL has been around since 1917, and through the 90 some odd years, many eye popping records have been set. Which records are the toughest to break, and will they ever be broken? Many NHL fans or analysts have their own opinions on which NHL records are the toughest to break, while certain records are simply known as unbreakable by the majority. With a little research and a lot of judgment, I figured out which I think are the 10 toughest records to break in NHL history. Let's hope I didn't disappoint.

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NHL Power Rankings: July Edition

Puckpassion — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:11:47 -0400

Time to get into some offseason NHL power rankings. It still may be early for full NHL team evaluations, but with most of the big time free agents locked up, I think we can get a good look with what direction teams are heading in. I break down my top 10, then list in order teams 11 through 30. Enjoy.

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10 Best NHL Draft Steals Since 1990

Puckpassion — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:21:57 -0400

Over the last week and a half, I have been studying the NHL drafts of the past, starting from the year 1990. I have come to a conclusion that every first round in the NHL draft produces as many stars as all the other rounds after it combined, so there are many steals to be had in every draft. If I had to give an exact number, I'd say every NHL draft since 1990 up until 2005 produced about 13 to 15 stars on average. Six or seven would come in the first round, the other Six or Seven would come in all the other rounds. Although those first rounds in past NHL drafts usually produce the best players in quantity, they sometimes do not in quality. Now, let's take a look at some of those quality draft steals since 1990.

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NHL Rookies On The Horizon

Puckpassion — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:46:24 -0400

Excluding the rookies who will be drafted in 2009, I want to highlight some other prospects from prior draft years or recent FA signings that could be ready to make the jump up to the NHL, and possibly make an impact right away. To be considered a rookie, a player must not have played in 25 or more NHL games in any preceding seasons, nor in six or more NHL games in each of any two preceding seasons. Any player at least 26 years of age (by September 15th of that season) is not considered a rookie. You may have forgotten about some of these players I'm listing, or maybe never even knew about them, so this is a good chance for you to catch up on the next wave of rookies who should be making it into the NHL. This slideshow contains my choice of the 10 best NHL ready rookies outside of the 2009 NHL draft for you to keep an eye on.

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Early Evaluation: NHL's 2009-2010 Breakout Forwards

Puckpassion — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:19:10 -0400

Every year in the NHL we see a handful of young forwards have their breakout seasons. Some expected, some unexpected. Last year we saw forwards like David Krejci of the Boston Bruins, Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks, Bryan Little of the Atlanta Thrashers and many others have their breakout years. When I project which players I choose to have breakout seasons I base it on four things. The first thing I look at is the players overall potential in skill. This is obviously the most important thing to look at because if players are to have little to no potential to be a solid player, you're just shooting in the dark on predicting a breakout season for them. The second thing I look at is how well a player finished off his last season. I've noticed through the years when younger players finish the season strong, this indicates bigger and better things for them next season. The third thing I look at is how well a player played in the playoffs (if they had the opportunity). Players proving they can step up in the playoffs early in their career gives them a huge kick start of confidence to their career. The fourth and final thing I look at is the players opportunity. Will this player I'm evaluating be playing in a big enough role to warrant his breakout year? In my opinion, those are all really important things you have to look at when evaluating a breakout season for young players. My early evaluation consists of 10 forwards I believe could be on the verge of their breakout season in 2009-2010.

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Stanley Cup Final Photoshop Tribute

Puckpassion — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:35:54 -0400

The first NHL playoff photoshop slideshow I did a couple of weeks ago seemed to be pretty popular around here, so I decided to dedicate one to the Stanley Cup Finals. Thanks to the posters at hfboards, letgowings and anonymous hockey blogs for these great photoshops. Let's hear which one you like the best. Get ready to laugh>>

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The NHL's Top 10 Free Agents of the 2009 Offseason

Puckpassion — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:33:44 -0400

With only two teams left in this NHL season competing for the Stanley Cup, that leaves fans of 28 other NHL teams looking forward to July 1st when the NHL free agency period opens up. 2009 has one of the better lists of available free agents compared to recent years. It's also anticipated to be one of the most unpredictable free agency offseasons considering the tough economic times, therefore players may choose the longer contract with the less competitive club (teams that could afford to deal a big contract because of their cap) over the more competitive/stable franchise offering less money. My top 10 list consists of free agents to potentially play for a different team than they were playing for last season.

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The 10 Best Conn Smythe Trophy-Winning Performances of All Time

Puckpassion — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:23:48 -0400

The Conn Smythe Trophy was established in the 1964-65 NHL season awarding the NHL playoffs most valuable player. Since that time we have seen many great playoff performances, ultimately leading to the Holy Grail known as the Conn Smythe Trophy. Right now we are witnessing two of the 'better' offensive playoff performances in the history of the game, that being Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins, both sitting at 28 points heading into the Stanley Cup Finals. Because of their outstanding performances so far, it has lead me to go dig up all the Great Conn Smythe playoff performances from the past to see how Sid and Malkin are stacking up, or could potentially stack up to the best when it's all said and done, if they win that trophy. I'll leave it up to you the reader to decide where Crosby or Malkin could potentially fit in. Let's take a look at the best Conn Smythe Trophy winning performances of the past.. (This is not a rankings list. It goes from earliest winner to latest)

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What Is Your Pet Peeve(s) in Hockey?

Puckpassion — Sun, 24 May 2009 21:02:33 -0400

Everyone has their pet peeves in all sports.

I have had this one pet peeve in hockey for about 10 years now. It's actually the only pet peeve I have in the sport.

For the last decade, I never told anyone about this pet peeve. It was something that didn't seem like a big enough deal to talk about so I never bought it up, but in almost every game I watch when it happens, it really bugs me inside.

I've only seen one other person mention this similar pet peeve over the Internet, which was about two years ago.

Ok, now that I have built you up to it, I'll explain what it is.

You know when a player shoots and scores and the puck comes sling-shotting back out of the net? It's almost like it bounces off a wall and comes flying back out about 10 feet away from the net? I'm sure you know what I mean because it happens almost once a game.

I CAN'T STAND THAT!

I'm sure the players don't like it either.

One of the cool things about scoring is seeing the puck in the net after you score.

It's nicer looking to the viewers, but it's also more satisfying to the scorer and the fans.

When Alex Ovechkin or Ilya Kovalchuk scores one of those top shelf snipes from 30 feet out and the puck stays in the net makes it look much more satisfying.

Remember in the '70s and '80s when they scored goals you rarely saw the puck come back out? If it did it was because of the iron, not the net.

That's what I want back.

I want those thicker and looser nets that absorb the puck like how it was in the '70s and '80s. I don't want a cage or box like it's field hockey.

It's not asking much.

There has to be someone out there that agrees with me on this?

If not, what is your pet peeve in hockey?

The NHL's Top 10 Centers Under 25

Puckpassion — Sat, 23 May 2009 23:09:32 -0400

In my opinion, the center position in hockey is arguably the most important position on a team. An old hockey cliche saying is being strong down the middle wins you Stanley Cups. Centers in hockey must occupy two wingers, try to win faceoffs and of course score goals among other things. They are the engine to a hockey team, so that is why I'm emphasizing this position as my first column in this area. I first want to look at who I think are the ten best centers in the game today under the age of 25. Why age 25? I look at the age of 25 as the beginning of a hockey players prime. It's a good indication of what teams are on the rise and what teams will be contenders when they have talented, young centers (especially more than 1), so that's why I'm focusing on the youngsters here.

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2009 NHL Playoff Photoshops

Puckpassion — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:40:29 -0400

Every year NHL fans from across all message boards on the internet dedicate at least one thread to making up hilarious photo shopped pictures of NHL players, coaches ect.. Once again, the great fans of our sport did not disappoint one bit this year. I've made a nice little collection over the weeks of some of the better ones, so get ready to laugh your you know what off.

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