Bleacher Report - Articles by Dan Noon

Team Canada 2010: My Outlook

Dan Noon — Sun, 31 May 2009 09:27:58 -0400

Team Canada 2010 has to be one of the toughest teams to choose in all of sports.

I mean, seriously, Canada has enough players to put two teams out there.

The following is my preliminary lists of possible candidates.

CENTRE Right Wing Left Wing

1. Sidney Crosby 1. Jarome Iginla 1.Dany Heatley

2. Vincent Lecavalier 2. Corey Perry 2. Rick Nash

3.Ryan Getzlaf 3. Martin St. Louis 3. Simone Gagne

4. Joe Thornton 4. Shane Doan 4. Ryan Smyth

5.Marc Savard 5. Brendan Morrow

6. Eric Staal

7.Mike Richards Defense

8. Jason Spezza 1.Chris Pronger 7.Drew Doughty

9. Jeff Carter 2. Shea Weber 8. Robyn Regehr

10. Jonathan Toews 3. Dan Boyle 9. Marc Vlasic

11. Joe Sakic 4. Dion Phaneuf 10. Rob Blake

12. Daniel Briere 5. Mike Green 11. Marc Staal

13. Derek Roy 6. Brian Campbell 12. Scott Niedermayer

14. Steve Stamkos

15. Jordan Staal

16. Mike Cammalleri

Goalie

1. Martin Brodeur 5. Cam Ward

2. Roberto Luongo 6. Marty Turco

3. Marc Andre Fleury 7. Carey Price

4. Steve Mason 8. Dwayne Roloson

There is probably a bunch of players that all of you might think should be on this list. Well, in that case, write your own Team Canada.

Now, here is the line-up combinations I have came up with.

LINE 1

LW C RW

Dany Heatley Sidney Crosby Jarome Iginla

LINE 2

LW C RW

Rick Nash Vincent Lecavalier Martin St. Louis

LINE 3

LW C RW

Simon Gagne Ryan Getzlaf Corey Perry

LINE 4

LW C RW

Ryan Smyth Eric Staal Shane Doan

Defense

Line 1 Line 2 Line 3

Chris Pronger Dan Boyle Mike Green

Shea Weber Dion Phaneuf Drew Doughty

Goalie

Martin Brodeur

Roberto Luongo

Marc-Andre Fleury

There it is.

The Team Canada I would put together if my name was Yzerman. Good luck boys, don't take any crap from the Russian's this time! CHEERS

How To Make the NHL Playoffs Better for Everybody

Dan Noon — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:45:32 -0500

There are many things about the NHL today that bug me.

The aspect of the game that bugs me the most is the way the playoff system is set up. Everything from the amount of teams that make it, to the way the teams are ranked, even the way each series is set up for home ice advantage. Each series I believe has too many breaks between games and take too long to complete. All of these reasons are why the NHL playoff format bugs me.

The main reason is how a team with fewer points than another can be ranked higher only because they won an inferior division. The amount of teams that qualify is more than half the teams in the league, and I think that is a joke. Home-ice advantage is too easy to overcome in a series. That is why I think the breakdown of games in the series should be different.

The playoffs, I believe, carry on too long, and this is because there are too many breaks between games. Teams hardly ever play games on consecutive nights in the playoffs, and I see no reason for this.

I have never understood how a team with 85 points at the end of the season can finish third, while a different team with more points finishes behind just because the third-place team won their division. Historically, the team that finishes third has been from the Southeast Division. That team usually always has fewer points than a few teams beneath them but still gets rewarded with home ice because they were the best team in a bad division.

I also feel that when it comes time for the playoffs to start, the top teams should not be divided into conferences. This meaning, if the ninth- and 10th-ranked teams in the West have more points than the seventh- and eighth-ranked teams in the East, then the teams from the West should be in. Home ice should be given to the top teams in the league, not in each conference.

The playoffs are supposed to be a showcase of the best teams in the league after 82 games, and right now I don’t believe this to be the case. A team does not deserve to miss the playoffs because they are in a certain conference. Until this happens, the best teams in the NHL will not always be playing in the playoffs, and to me that’s not right.

Having 16 out of 30 teams in any league qualify for the playoffs makes no sense to me. The 16th-ranked team is in the lower half of the league standings and has no right playing for the Stanley Cup.

My solution to this problem is simple. The playoff system that is implemented today does work, but could be improved with just four simple changes that would save the league time, money, and headaches.

Don’t reward the division winners with the top three rankings from each conference. In fact, don’t even separate the league into conferences when it comes to the playoffs. I also think that the top 10 teams from the league only get to qualify, with the top two teams receiving first-round byes with home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

This solution would not only make the playoff season shorter, but it would also most definitely single out the elite and therefore most deserving teams of a playoff spot. I also believe that this system would create more parity around the league and set up some classic playoff matchups that haven’t been seen in a long time. (Toronto vs. Detroit, Chicago vs. Boston, etc.)

Another big problem I have with the NHL playoff system is the way that home-ice advantage is structured. Right now, the way it is structured is 2-2-1-1-1 with the home team receiving the first two games. With this system, the “home ice” can be taken away within the first two games, putting all the pressure on the higher ranked team. I agree with the pressure aspect, but I feel it could be evened out a little and put some pressure on the lower ranked team as well.

I have found a solution to this, and I found it in the NBA. The league should use the 2-3-2 format with the home team getting the first two and last two games. This way, if the road team wins in the first five games of the series, the last two games are rightfully at the rink of the higher ranked team. This format works not only for building more suspense (just look at the Lakers vs. Celtics 2008 NBA Finals) but also for logistical reasons: There would be far less travel.

One other thing about the NHL playoffs that bugs me is the actual length of each individual series. It makes no sense to me why a series that ends in six games takes almost two weeks to complete. Why does a team play on back-to-back nights all the time during the regular season, but come playoff time, a team hardly ever plays on consecutive nights? This makes no sense to me at all.

Each series should only break on days needed to travel. Under my proposed solution, the 2-3-2 format would only require two travel days, making it possible to complete a seven-game series in nine days.

I understand it is a long season, and especially in the playoffs players need all the rest they can get. But these guys are professionals in tip-top shape and have, in my opinion, NO excuse for getting tired to the point that they need a day off. Not only would this approach to a series save time, it would also save lots of money on travel and hotel expenses.

Also, the Stanley Cup is already the hardest trophy in sports to win, so what’s the problem in making it a little more challenging? The series would be completed quicker, making it possible for the Stanley Cup to be awarded before we are all thinking about golfing and the beach.

In closing, if the NHL playoffs were a tournament of just 10 teams (instead of 16), with the top two teams rewarded first round byes, if the way teams were ranked was changed, and if they followed the NBA model of a playoff series, I think that the NHL playoffs would truly be the best, most exciting tournament in North America. Not to mention the toughest to win.

Long live hockey!

Buffalo Sabres Look to Make Moves at the Trade Deadline

Dan Noon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:36:16 -0500

Much talk lately has been about whether or not the Sabres should trade Tim Connolly.

My answer to this? No way!

The Sabres would be foolish to trade their best player (besides Miller) away right before the playoffs.

What the Sabres need to do is stock up for the draft.

The Sabres have always had a good draft, and with more picks come more guys like Stafford, Paille, Vanek and McCarthur.

If anything, the Sabres need in the worst way, a backup goalie. With a record of 2-7-1, Buffalo's backups have failed this season. In fact, they have failed ever since the departure of Martin Biron.

I suggest the Sabres do what the can to acquire Scott Clemmensen from the Devils. A good offer would be Afinogenov and Lalime.

Another need I feel the Sabres should fill is a solid third-line winger. I feel Kaleta is not quite ready for the NHL, especially the third line of a playoff team. I suggest going out for a player like Trent Hunter or David Backes. It might be difficult to woo these guys from their teams, but I feel could be done with an offer of a prospect and draft pick.

The Sabres are a legitimate playoff team, but still need a few more pieces to the puzzle if they are to make a run at the cup. An outrageous idea would be to trade Miller for the more defense and offense—but like I said that, is outrageous.

Looking Forward To the 2009 NHL Draft

Dan Noon — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:01:58 -0500

A lot of people are wondering who will rank No. 1 in the 2009 NHL Draft.

I don't think that question can be answered until the lottery is finished. Different teams need different players at different times. With John Tavares and Victor Hedman leading the way, who goes first depends on what team picks first.

The five teams in the running for the first overall pick as of today come from the Eastern Conference—the New York Islanders, the Atlanta Thrashers, the Ottawa Senators, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

I feel that the Islanders will end up last overall and have the best chance at landing the No. 1 spot. If this were to happen, there is no doubt in my mind that they will take Tavares with the first pick overall. The Isles are hungry for scoring and a future.

With their top scorer being a young All-Star defenseman in Mark Streit, selecting Hedman makes no sense considering their top two forwards are Doug Weight and Bill Guerin. Both of these players are aging and not getting any better. Because of this, I think Tavares would be the spark this team badly needs to have in order to even think about the playoffs again.

If Atlanta wins the lottery, I feel that they would select Hedman. Odds are that Mathieu Schneider will be shipped out at the deadline, leaving the back end in trouble. With players like Ilya Kovalchuk, Bryan Little, and Vyacheslav Kozlov up front, the Thrashers can have a solid line-up with Hedman on the blue line.

The Senators would select Tavares if they won the lottery. Although I feel they would be better off trading their pick for a solid No. 1 goalie in Ryan Miller or Marty Turco, the Sens should not select Tavares, even though it would be a nice to have another superstar forward. The only thing that I think can save Ottawa is a true No. 1 goalie.

Tampa Bay completely ruined the rookie season of Steve Stamkos this year. Even before he was drafted, the city was buzzing with anticipation. If they do get lucky enough to select first again, the Bolts would be wise to select Hedman. They have more than enough playmakers up front, but hardly much of a defense corps. I don't think this team will select first or second. Look for a guy like Evander Kane or Brayden Schenn to get chosen.

Last, but not least, we have the Toronto Maple Leafs. It seems that they are destined to screw themselves out of the lottery just like last season.

Let's humour ourselves and pretend that they actually do get the No. 1 pick.

This would be a no brainer—Tavares would be home. For starters, the Leafs need a superstar in the lineup. Secondly, Tavares was born in Mississauga, an extension of Toronto. Thirdly, just ask the kid.

Who do you think he would pick to play for if he had a choice?

Another crazy look for the Leafs would be similar to Ottawa's dilemma if they would trade for a goalie. Vesa Toskala is not playing well and Justin Pogge has done nothing to prove he is ready for the NHL.

My overall thought is that the Thrashers will finish dead last, win the lottery and select Victor Hedman first overall in the 2009 NHL Draft in Montreal.

NHL Western Conference Midseason Report Card

Dan Noon — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:03:10 -0500

Here is the other half of my report card in regards to the Western Conference.

My grades are based on overall performance and whether the team has lived up to, exceeded, or failed to meet preseason expectations.

Anaheim Ducks:

This just might be the toughest team to grade so far in the entire NHL. Sure, they are sitting fifth in the conference, but who thinks they should be higher?

It's hard to say, considering how well the Sharks are playing. Fourth or fifth is as high as the Ducks are going to finish. Ryan Getzlaf is having a stellar season, and the emergence of Bobby Ryan is just what the Ducks thought he would do.

The special teams are not great, but the goaltending is solid as usual in Anaheim. They are above .500 on the road so that helps their grade to this point.

Grade: B

Calgary Flames:

This hockey team knows how to win and win mean. Everyone in the organization, from the G.M. to the coach, to the players always seem to have a chip on their shoulders and enjoy beating up on other teams.

Finally, the Flames have found secondary scoring in the form of Mike Cammelleri. Jarome Iginla is one of, if not, the best leaders in the NHL, and everyone around him is better with him on the team. Kipper is solid between the pipes, and the defense is rock solid.

In my mind, this team should be mentioned in the same breath as San Jose and Detroit, and I don't think any team can defeat them in a seven-game playoff series.

Grade: A

Chicago Blackhawks:

Who expected this team to excel with the way they have been doing? One of the best home teams in the entire league, the 'Hawks look very similar to the Penguins of 2007-08—middle of the pack in special teams and nobody in the top 30 scoring in the NHL.

This team wins as a team and loses as a team. They have proved that with good coaching, anything is possible.

I can't see the Hawks do too much damage in the playoffs, but just making it to the second season is a great improvement for this club. The 'Hawks should be a top team in the West for many years to come.

Grade: A

Colorado Avalanche:

The Avs didn't have high expectations for this season, but even with that said, they still have had a season to forget.

With two goalies who are nothing more than backups and an aging captain who is often injured, the Avalanche have had to rely on their young stars to carry the team. They have also failed at this however.

With Ryan Smyth at 40th overall in points, that is the highest ranking player they have.

Less than stellar special teams, I'm not surprised that this team is 14th in the conference.

Grade: D

Columbus Blue Jackets:

Last on the power play and middle of the pack on the penalty kill, this team should be better.

Great goaltending in the form of super rookie Steve Mason has kept this team in the running for the final playoff spot in the West.

Rick Nash has lived up to the pressure of being a star player, but as long as they continue to allow more goals than they score, it will be yet another long summer for the Jackets.

Grade: C-

Dallas Stars:

2008-09 has been two different seasons for the Stars. The season with and without Sean Avery.

This team is 16-7-4 since the "sloppy seconds" incident, and this team looks like they just keep getting stronger. Marty Turco is starting to play like an elite goalie finally, and Riberio, Richards, and Modano have been shouldering the load up front.

25th on the PP and 26th on the PK, Dallas will have to improve their special teams if they want to make a run at the playoffs. I'm giving this grade on the team's performance since Avery has left.

Grade: B-

Detroit Red Wings:

Well, here they are again. Near the top of the standings, this team only knows one thing—winning. Not much else to say.

Detroit is the model of excellence in the NHL and are poised to seriously try to defend their title.

Grade: A+

Edmonton Oilers:

Playing in oil country has had its ups and downs this season. Sitting in eighth right now, the Oilers look like a team on the brink. Their young stars are not playing to their potential, and the Dustin Penner experiment seems to be over amidst trade rumours.

Terrible special teams and a three-goalie rotation will be the reasons why the Oilers don't make the playoffs. They give up more than three goals a game and can't even win 50 percent of their faceoffs.

Unless they get on a serious roll, Edmonton will continue to be near the bottom of the class. But so far, I think they are over-achieving.

Grade: C

Los Angeles Kings:

Only four points behind eighth place—who saw this coming?

With decent special teams and surprisingly decent goaltending, the Kings are no longer a laughing stock. This team is stellar in the faceoff circle and own one of the most exciting young players in the game in Anzi Kopitar.

Look for the Kings to battle for eighth but fall short, make a couple moves in the summer, and earn a berth into the second season next year.

Grade: C+

Minnesota Wild:

The Wild are where they are right now for one reason—Backstrom. This guy is phenomenal.

Gaborik was a bust this year and his days in Minnesota are over.

Eighth on the PP and second on the PK, the coach gets full marks.

The Wild score by committee, much like the Blackhawks.

Nothing bad to say about the Wild, a solid team with the best fan-base and a good home record.

Grade: B

Nashville Predators:

The Preds are not a surprise team anymore. I find that odd, because as soon as we all think they will again somehow make the playoffs, they have laid out a dud of a season so far.

One of the worst road teams, Nashville has suffered because of it. I think Barry Trotz's time is running thin, and unless the power play improves, the Preds could be in the Hedman-Tavares sweepstakes.

Grade D

Phoenix Coyotes:

I am surprised at the success of this team so far considering all the front office problems that they are having. Playing in front of scarce crowds every home game, the Coyotes have kept themselves in a position to have a run at the playoffs.

Full marks to Mr. Gretzky and his staff for getting this young team to play up to their potential. Shane Doan is having a career season, and Bryzgalov is making Anaheim regret moving him with every game he plays.

This team will make the playoffs if they can improve the power play, but for now, that part of the game has hurt their grade. However, their overall success to this point has surprised everyone and vastly improves their midseason mark.

Grade: C

San Jose Sharks:

There is nothing to say about the Sharks that we all didn't expect. The Sharks are a deadly hockey team with a great coach, amazing goalie, stellar defence, and great offence. Full marks to the Sharks.

Grade: A+

St. Louis Blues:

The Blues are in last place, but I think it has something to do with playing Detroit and Chicago a lot. The Blues are right where everyone expected them to be, and with the exception of Brad Boyes (trade bait), the Blues have nothing going for them.

Arguably their best D-man is playing in Niagara in the OHL right now, and I have a strong feeling the Blues will be back in the postseason in a couple of years. This is the team I expect Victor Hedman to end up playing for.

Grade: D-

Vancouver Canucks:

Once again the 'Nucks are struggling for offense. What a surprise.

They have failed to meet everybody's expectations and have actually gotten worse since the arrival of Mats Sundin. Losing eight in a row on home ice does not help their chances of going anywhere this season.

Possibly the biggest failure of the West, the Canucks have let down a lot of people. Only Luongo can save them now.

Grade: F

NHL Eastern Conference Midseason Report Card

Dan Noon — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:27:21 -0500

This is my rendition of how the fifteen teams in the Eastern Conference fared in the first half of the 2008-09 NHL season.

I measure my grade based on overall performance and weather or not the team has failed, met, or gone beyond expectations put on them at the start of the season.

1. Atlanta Thrashers

Well, what can you say about the Thrashers? Have they failed to meet expectations, or have they done exactly what we all thought they would do?

They are doing what I thought they would do, simply blamed on Kari Lehtonen.

This "starting" goalie has allowed four or more goals nine times this season. Nine times! The Sharks haven't even lost nine games, neither have the Bruins.

Simply put, without a goalie, you're not going to win in this league. Maybe Atlanta should move to the KHL.

Grade: D-

2. Boston Bruins

This team's first half can be summed up by one word: Wow!

Who in the world predicted this start for the Bruins? I know I sure didn't.

The B's have benefited from the emergence of players like Lucic, Wheeler, Kreiji, Kessler, and Thomas. Put these players along side guys like Chara, Savard and Bregeron, then the result is wins—and a whole bunch of them at that.

Grade: A+

3. Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are quite a hard hockey team to figure out. On one hand, they can put together a string of brutal outings and lose three or four games in a row. On the other, they look like the team that won the Presidents trophy two years ago.

They have a top-five penalty kill, and a top-five goalie. With Derek Roy and Tim Connolly starting to heat up look for the Sabres to solidify a playoff spot and challenge for home-ice advantage.

Grade: B

4. Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes are a team playing up to their potential. Sitting right around eighth in the conference, Carolina will battle the rest of the season for the final spot. Cam Ward is having a better season than last, but players like Stall and Brind'amour are not.

The biggest reason for the Hurricanes struggles this season is their power play, which is ranked 23rd overall. And with a penalty kill like Carolina has, no team could make it to the playoffs not named the Detroit Red Wings.

Grade: C

5. Florida Panthers

When the Panthers lost Olli Jokinen in the off season, nobody gave this team a chance. Look at them now! Sitting in eighth place in the conference, and I bet there isn't a non-Florida fan out there who can name their starting goalie.

The Panthers are where they are because they play as a team—oh yeah, and David Booth. Already a 20-goal scorer this season the Panthers are looking good for a playoff run. I don't think they will make is simply because of their goaltending.

Grade: C

6. Montreal Canadiens

The Habs are doing exactly what most people thought they would do. They are sitting pretty in east, they have home ice advantage as it stands right now, and they are one of the best home teams in the league. With everyone on the team providing scoring, and Carey Price having an almost Vezina kind of year.

The only place this team needs to improve is on the power play. If they retain home ice until the playoffs, the road to the Stanley Cup will most definitely go through Montreal.

Grade: B+

7.New Jersey Devils

Who thought that when Brodeur went down at the start of the season the Devils had no chance? Well, they are the second-best team in the East without the best goalie in the world—and they have a top-five leading scorer in the NHL.

Yes, Zack Parise is having a season that no devil has had in quite sometime. With Clemenson and Weekes between the pipes getting them a record that they have, this team is scary good on D and upfront. Its frightening to think how good this team could and will be when Mr. Brodeur returns to action.

Grade: A

8. New York Islanders

I don't have too much to say about the Isles. This team is bad. they are last place in the NHL by six points behind the KHL-worthy Thrashers. The goalie sucks, they have no defense and hardly any scoring up front. Simply put, this team fails.

Grade: F

9. New York Rangers

Steady as she goes on Broadway. Fourth in the East, King Henrik playing as usual, their defense is getting better every week and scoring upfront is balanced. A brutal powerplay is offset by the number-one penalty kill.

This team is doing what everyone thought they would do and haven't really surprised anybody. The power play woes affect the grade slightly, but not too much. Grade: C+

10. Ottawa Senators

It almost hurts watching this team. I think that the on-ice product is a direct reflection of the front-office business. Something doesn't seem right in Ottawa and a big shake up seems to be in order. Until then this team will not improve.

Grade: F

11. Philadelphia Flyers

The number-two power play and number-seven penalty kill are the reasons why the Flyers are where they are. Sitting in sixth place in the East is a slight disappointment for this team, who had high expectations this season.

They are doing it for the most part without the services of Daniel Briere. Martin Biron is having an okay season, but is in general proving why he is the best back-up goalie in the NHL, I say this because I don't believe he has proven otherwise.

The Flyers will be playing in the playoffs, but for how long is anybody's guess.

Grade: C

12. Pittsburgh Penguins

Wow! What has happened to the Pens? They own the top-two point getter's in the NHL, and yet are sitting out of the playoffs. I think that its the fact the special teams have let them down all season—23rd on the power play and 22nd on the penalty kill.

Crosby's injuries can not be used as an excuse simply because Malkin plays better when Sid is not in the line-up. A big reason why they are slacking is the goaltending, almost letting in on average three goals a game.

Grade: D+

13. Tampa Bay Lightning

With the Bolts, it all depends weather you thought the offseason moves would improve the team or not. I had a feeling it wouldn't—and for once I was right. This is because bringing in a whole bunch of new players, a new coach, and having un-realistic expectations on a rookie is a recipe for disaster. Disaster is what has happened in Tampa. Steve Stamkos is over rated, and I know this from watching him in the OHL (go ice dogs). All the Vinny trade talk doesn't really help the cause either.

Grade: D

14. Toronto Maple Leafs

Now here is a team that is doing exactly what everyone knew they would do. SUCK. The leafs are bad, the goalie is bad, their D is bad, the offense is bad, heck even the farm team is bad.

Thank god for Leaf fans there is a light at the end of the tunnel. His name is Tavares.

Grade: D-

15. Washington Capitals

The Capitals have somewhat surprised me this year, simply because I didn't think their goaltending would hold up. Well it has, and the Caps are thriving. They are fifth in the entire league and have a neat 2.84 goals-against average. Ovechkin is staying healthy and scoring goals to nobody surprise.

The power play is good, but the penalty killing is bad. They are getting lots of secondary scoring from Semin, Backstrom Green, and to a lesser extent, Kozlov. The Caps are dangerous and one of the best teams at home in the NHL.

Grade B+

Don't Change a Thing: The Best NHL Tradititons

Dan Noon — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:43:29 -0400

Here is what I think are the 10 best traditions to ever live in the NHL:

10. Fighting

Fights have been a part of hockey since the first games in NHL history. Why change anything now?

9. The Chicago Organ

This was built into Chicago Stadium in the 1920s. It since has been recorded onto the sound system at the United Center.

8. Maple Leafs Failing to Win the Cup

1967. Everyone knows it happened then and hasn't happened since. Not even close. Don't get your hopes up, Leafs fans—it's still gonna be a long time.

7. Playoff Beards

Starting in the late '70s, teams with the most beards have won 83 percent of all Stanley Cups. Okay, I don't know that for a fact, but these beards are timeless classics.

6. Throwing Octopi

If I was on the opposing team, I would not want to get hit by one of those. I find it great that 20 000 people don't mind waiting a few minutes while a man cleans octopus ooze off the ice.

5. Three Stars

Started in the mid '30s, and hasn't missed a game since. And you thought Cal Ripken had an impressive streak.

4. Tapping the Pads

The most common way to tell your goalie to have a good game, or great save, without actually having to talk to him. Let's face it—you goalies are nice guys, but definitely a breed of your own.

3. Hockey Night In Canada

Ever since 1952, more Canadians have watched hockey on Saturday then have attended church on Sunday. God bless the North.

2. Tossing Hats for a Hat Trick

Starting in Toronto in the early '40s, hat tricks were originally supposed to be a reward—score three goals, you get a free hat! Let's just say this idea caught on.

1. Drinking Out of the Cup

I don't care how warm the champagne is, nothing will ever taste better than drinking out of the Stanley Cup. Mmmmm...victory!

2008-09 NHL Western Conference Predictions

Dan Noon — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:40:50 -0400

This is the third and final part of my three-part predictions. First I did the Eastern Conference, then the awards, and now the powerhouse Western Conference. So read, enjoy, and discuss...here come some disagreements for sure.

1. Detroit Red Wings

With the addition of Hossa (like they need him) look for the wings to not only lead the league in defense but also in offense. I think they will repeat. There is no reason why they shouldn't. They are just too damn good.

2. Calgary Flames

When critics say that the Northwest is the toughest division in the NHL, I think that they are talking about the Flames. This is by far the meanest, toughest, most disciplined team in the NHL. Bertuzzi will fit in nicely alongside Iginla. Look for young Dustin Boyd to have a breakout season, and expect Kiprusoff to bounce back after a shaky '07-'08 season.

3. Dallas Stars

This one is simple: If Sean Avery stays healthy and doesn't get suspended, Dallas wins the division. If not, watch for San Jose. Turco is still one of the best, and having a line of Avery, Richards, and Modano (or Riberio), is lethal at any part of the game.

4. San Jose Sharks

Look for Marleau to bounce back in a big way. If Joe Thornton can stay healthy he might challenge Ovechkin for the Hart trophy (see awards prediction article). The only question I have with this team is behind the bench. Nabokov should win the Vezina playing behind a defense group like the one he has in front of him.

5. Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers just might be the most exciting team in hockey. Once again they are young, fast, and hungry. Bringing in Erik Cole was a great move by GM Kevin Lowe, and with some solid coaching from MacTavish, they might even push Calgary for the division title.

Edmonton is one of few teams in the league that can roll four lines like clock-work, and they have one of the best looking 4th lines in the game.

6. Chicago Blackhawks

Yes, the youth movement has arrived in the West, and the Hawks have one of the best young players in the game. No wait, two of the best young players in the game. Look for Huet to overtake Khabibulin for the No. 1 job.

This team will be fast, and ultra dangerous. They really remind me of the Penguins three years ago.

7. Anaheim Ducks

Not going to be so "Mighty" this year. The Ducks will scrap their way into the postseason on defense, and defense only. Mind you goaltending is a part of defense. The Ducks are getting old, slow, and worn out. Look for the Flames to pick apart the Ducks in round one.

8. Colorado Avalanche

Tucker will add even more leadership to this great blend of veterans and young guns. The only question I have with Colorado is in net. Budaj proved himself last year, but I'm still not convinced. Forsberg will be back after Christmas, but get injured again before the playoffs.

9. Phoenix Coyotes

One more season, and they will be in.

10. Minnesota Wild

Where are the goals going to come from?

11. Vancouver Canucks

See No. 10.

12. Columbus Blue Jackets

More leadership needed.

13. Nashville Predators

Victims of Detroit and Chicago.

14. St. Louis Blues

See No. 13.

15. Los Angeles Kings

No offense + no defense + no goalie + tough division = 1st overall pick.

2008-09 NHL Awards Predictions

Dan Noon — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:02:58 -0400

Along with my Eastern Conference predictions, let me offer my '08-09 award predictions...

Hart Trophy

The Hart Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team.

Alex Ovechkin. What a suprise. Expect another 60-goal, 100-point season for Alex the Great. But he won't be the only reason the Caps succeed this season.

Art Ross Trophy

The Art Ross Trophy is awarded annually to the player who leads the league in points at the end of the regular season.

Sidney Crosby. This prediction is only based on the assumption that the kid stays healthy. If so, look for over 130 points from Sid.

Calder Memorial Trophy

The Calder Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the rookie of the year.

Steven Stamkos. Although an obvious selection, this kid will live up to the hype. If he's playing with LeCavalier, look for 25 goals and 80 points from the wonder boy.

Norris Trophy

The James Norris Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the best defensive player.

Dion Phaneuf. BA-BA-DA-DA-DA!!! Its only a matter of time before this freak of nature becomes the elite D-man in the league. Playing in a system run by Iron Mike, Dion is playing the way he was meant to—"git-er-done".

Maurice Richard Trophy

The Maurice Richard Trophy is awarded annually to the player with the most goals at the end of the regular season.

Alex Ovechkin. Enough said.

Lester B. Pearson Award

The Lester B. Pearson Award is an annual award presented to the National Hockey League's outstanding player, as selected by the members of the NHL Players' Association.

Sidney Crosby. Well, Alex can't win 'em all, can he? Sid seems like the next best pick.

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy

The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player judged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, combined with a high standard of playing ability.

Pavel Datsyuk. He always wins this one.

Frank J. Selke Trophy

The Frank J. Selke Trophy is an annual award given to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.

Eric Staal. Im suprised he hasn't won this award already. Eric keeps maturing into a more complete hockey player every year—and this time around, it will be recognized.

Vezina Trophy

The Vezina Trophy is an annual award given to the goalie judged to be the best at this position as voted by the general managers of all NHL clubs.

Martin Brodeur. He's not getting old, he's getting better. The last three seasons have been the best of his career. This guy is a machine, and still the best goalie on earth.

Jack Adams Award

The Jack Adams Award is an annual award presented by the National Hockey League Broadcasters' Association to the NHL coach judged to have contributed the most to his team's success.

Ken Hitchcock. Look for the Blue Jackets to finally enter postseason play this season. With an underrated goalie, and a hell of a captain in Rick Nash, the credit will be given to the coach—and rightfully so.

Well there is my list. Now, let the disagreements begin!

Cheers.

NHL: 2008-09 Eastern Conference Predictions

Dan Noon — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:33:45 -0400

As always, every summer I put out my predictions for the upcoming NHL season.

This is my first edition on bleacher report.

Part two will be my awards thoughts for '09, but here is my 1-15 eastern conference prediction.

1. Washington Capitals

I have chosen the 'Caps to be first mainly on the fact that the southeast division pretty much is the NL west of the NHL.

Yes Tampa Bay has improved, but Mike Smith is not a No. 1 goalie.

Carolina is getting old, and well, Florida and Atlanta should be in the AHL.

Oh yeah, there is also a guy named Alexander who I hear can carry a team on his back to a great season.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

Big surprise eh?

Yes the youth movement has arrived in full force in the NHL, and these two top teams will battle for eastern supremacy all season long.

The only reason why Pittsburgh will not finish first, is because, well, they don't play in the southeast.

They play in arguably, the toughest division in hockey.

This means that Crosby needs to fill out more before he can get through a season injury free.

3. Montreal Canadiens

Nothing in the Northeast has changed enough for someone to overtake the 10-point lead the Habs has at the end of last season.

Ottawa, Boston and Toronto all got worse.

Buffalo has improved, but only slightly, and possibly not enough to make the top eight this season.

Montreal will again be one of the top home teams in the league, and with some much needed experience, look for Carey Price to push for a Vezina nomination.

4. New Jersey Devils

Business as usual for the Devils.

Expect another 45+ wins for Mr. Brodeur.

Really, does this surprise anybody?

It seems every year New Jersey just strolls along un-noticed, and at the end of the season, there they are.

Just a few points behind first and bound for the playoffs.

Sure the scoring talent isn't the best in the NHL, but who needs it when you have the best goalie on earth between the pipes?

5. New York Rangers

Yes the blue-shirts will ease into the second season on the strengths of King Lundqvist, Gomez, and Drury.

Oh yeah, and a new guy named Naslund.

Markus will have a bounce back season after being the odd man out in a tight Canucks system.

Look for Marc Stall to emerge as the No. 1 “d-man” and Zherdev to put up a 30-30 season.

6. Buffalo Sabres

If we can all remember for a minute: The Sabres had two losing streaks last season of eight games, and 10 games.

If they could have won four out of those 18 games they would have been playing hockey in May last season.

Nothing has changed in Sabre-land.

Look for Roy and Pominville to continue to put up numbers.

As usual the Sabres will do their scoring by committee, which they have proven time and again, works.

7. Toronto Maple Leafs

Not too sure why I put the Leafs in the top eight.

Lets just say it's a feeling.

For the first time in three years the leafs will play game one of the season knowing who their No. 1 goalie will be.

Cujo is only there to help make Toskala better, and he knows his role.

Look for Antropov to put up career numbers playing on a line with guys who can keep up and the defense to get back to where they were three years ago.

Lets call this my dark horse pick, and even if it works out, watching what Pittsburgh would do to them in the playoffs would be a treat for every hockey fan.

8. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers will beat and punch their way into the playoffs.

Berube is a new assistant coach.

Looking at their roster, it looks like a who's who of Canadian world juniors.

Briere, Carter, Upshall, Downie, Richards, Hartnall, Cobrun and Biron— enough said.

This team has heart and will not accept finishing outside the playoffs.

9. Ottawa Senators

10. Tampa Bay Lightning

11. Boston Bruins

12. Carolina Hurricanes

13. New York Islanders

14. Florida Panthers

15. Atlanta Thrashers

Open Mic: All Time Blue Jays Line-Up

Dan Noon — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:23:41 -0400

Here is my position-by-position all time Toronto Blue Jays line-up.

Outfield: George Bell

Devon White

Lloyd Moseby

Third Base: Kelly Gruber

Shortstop: Tony Fernandez

Second Base: Roberto Alomar

First Base: Carlos Delgado

Catcher: Pat Borders

Pitchers: Roy Halladay

Dave Steib

Jimmy Key

Closer: Tom Henke

Bonds in Pinstripes: The first steps

Dan Noon — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:40:48 -0400

Just 10 days after Barry Bonds’ agent Jeff Borris said that he was not optimistic about his client finding employment during the 2008 season, the Yankees brass spoke about signing baseball’s home run king during meetings at their spring training facility.

Bonds is 43 years old and hasn’t played a game since the end of the 2007 season for San Francisco. Amidst the allegations, indictments, and record-chasing of last year Bonds managed to make the All-Star team while hitting .276 with 28 home runs and an MLB-leading .480 OBP in 126 games.

Barry Bonds fits in New York. The Yankees are universally hated. So is Bonds.

Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada have an injured knee and shoulder, respectively, and both are mulling the possibility of season-ending surgery. Yeah, they already brought on Richie Sexson. But if Matsui and Posada are both gone for the year, they will need the extra bat.

The Yanks are three games back of the Rays and Red Sox for the lead in the AL East, once again very much in the mix after getting off to a sluggish first half.

Borris has stated that Bonds is willing to sign a pro-rated contract at the league minimum of $390,000. With 61 games to go in the season for the Bronx Bombers, that would mean Barry would be collecting about $150,000.

For the high-rolling Yankees, why not? They’re used to the boo-birds everywhere they go, anyway.

Geroy Simon among CFL's Greatest Receivers of all Time?

Dan Noon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:30:55 -0400

It might be the most frequently used name in the CFL, but only one player has it and defensive backs around the league have grown tired of it.

That name is Geroy Simon.

The veteran slotback for the B.C. Lions is already within striking distance of Jim Young's all-time team record of 65 touchdown receptions and is three yards shy of his team record for receiving yards.

With his consistency and productivity over the last decade with the Lions and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Simon is already drawing league-wide consideration as the best receiver of his era. That's certainly news to Simon, who is currently 13th on the CFL's all-time receiving list.

"This is a league with a bunch of guys who have come before me and did some special things," he told TSN this week. "I don't know if I can put myself in the same category as those guys."

With 630 receptions, 10,291 yards, and 71 touchdowns in 10 CFL seasons, Simon currently sits in sixth place among receivers over the past 20 years. And "those guys" that Simon respectfully refers to are the two men at the top of the list—Allen Pitts and Milt Stegall.

Even if Simon won't compare himself to the two Canadian football legends, those close to both players say that he's right up there with them.

"Well, definitely of his generation," explained Lions head coach Wally Buono, who coached Pitts in Calgary. "He's an outstanding player, and as all those kind of players are, they're marked men and are still very productive.

"I think Allen's physical stature had a lot to do with his success. Geroy is a very intelligent player and probably has a lot more speed than people give him credit for."

But is he as good as Pitts was?

"I don't want to say that he's as good as (Allen)," said Buono. "They're both very good football players and have both been very productive—and Geroy still has productive years ahead of him."

Once he's healthy, Stegall—second on the all-time receiving list—will quickly pass Pitts as the leader. He mentored Simon during their days in Winnipeg and certainly sees the similarities.

"He's been consistent," Stegall told TSN. "To talk about great receivers you have to be consistent and since 2002 and 2003 he's been consistent. So you definitely have to put him in that argument about the greatest receivers.

"And the way he's going, he's going to continue doing that, so he's definitely with the greatest receivers of all time."

And at just 32 years of age, Simon is showing no signs of slowing down. His past five seasons are as dominant a stretch as the CFL has ever seen, as he's averaging close to 1,600 yards a season. If he stays healthy, it puts Simon on pace to threaten the all-time receiving mark in 2010.

Courtesy, tsn.ca.

MLB: Trio Gives All-Star Festivities a Canadian Feel

Dan Noon — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:15:40 -0400

NEW YORK—Ryan Dempster can envision the ultimate Canadian convergence in Tuesday's All-Star Game: him on the mound, Russell Martin behind the plate and Justin Morneau in the batter's box.

"I'd just dot him right in the back with a fastball and see if he's got enough guts to come out to the mound," the noted jokester from Gibsons, B.C., said with a smirk. "That would be awesome. I want to jersey him."

While that scenario is unlikely to play out, the trio represent a record dose of Canadian content at the All-Star Game. Several midsummer classics have featured two Canucks, most recently last season when both Martin and Morneau went, and their national pride was obvious during Monday's media day in New York.

"The Canadians, we're taking over," said Martin, the outstanding Los Angeles Dodgers catcher from Chelsea, Que. "You better watch out."

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay could have made it four Canadians, as the native of Trail, B.C., is also enjoying a strong season. But the two-time All-Star was hurt by the numbers game, leaving the others to represent the Maple Leaf at Yankee Stadium.

"When the rosters got announced, I texted Russ and Demps and told them it was pretty exciting," said Morneau, the Minnesota Twins first baseman from New Westminster, B.C. "I didn't know how many guys had made it before, and Bay could have made it another guy.

"(The record) is pretty cool, that's something that definitely we're proud of."

Morneau, Martin and Dempster, the Chicago Cubs right-hander, were each named to their second All-Star Game, although it means different things to all three.

Morneau and Martin are still young stars on the rise and their selection only affirms their status among the game's elite.

For Dempster, it's his first time back since he was a member of the Florida Marlins in 2000, and his return comes after his career path has wound through several detours.

Dempster's numbers in Florida took a dip after that All-Star season and he was traded to Cincinnati in 2002. He blew out his elbow the next year, the Reds cut ties with him after the season, and he eventually signed with the Cubs with the aim of becoming a closer.

He excelled in that role, saving 87 games from 2004-07 before converting back to a starter this season. Good idea. He's 10-4 with a 3.25 ERA in 20 outings.

"Going through injury, having Tommy John (surgery) and coming back from that, closing then back starting, and just going through everything this year, it's been a fun journey," he said. "Hopefully, now I can keep it going and just be as consistent as possible."

Dempster says he doesn't spend too much time thinking about what might have been, the lost time, or take any extra satisfaction from making it back to the NL squad. He plans to make the most of every moment, however, knowing such opportunities can be fleeting.

"When I went that year (2000), I thought I'd go the next year and the next year. That's how you feel; you feel confident in yourself and your ability. It didn't work out that way," he said. "You can't control injuries, all you can control is rehab and trying to come back as strong as possible.

"I'm just glad to get back to where I was before, hopefully a bit better."

Morneau is having a lot more fun this time around.

Last year, earning a spot on the AL All-Star team was a way to silence the many critics of his selection as league MVP in 2006. Posting numbers good enough to get to San Francisco was his way of showing his big year was no fluke.

This year's All-Star appearance just further legitimizes his place among baseball's best thumpers, and the consistency of his production is what he's most satisfied with.

"You want to be playing well enough at the break to be named an All-Star; you want to be there with the best players in the game," said Morneau, batting .323 with 14 homers and 68 RBIs. "Sitting in a room with Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, David Ortiz, guys that everybody knows, is an honour, it's pretty cool to think of."

The same goes for Martin, who knows not to take the experience for granted.

The catching field in the NL is as deep as ever, with Cubs rookie Geovany Soto supplanting him as the starter. Atlanta's Brian McCann is also on the team, while the Molina brothers, Bengie in San Francisco and Yadier in St. Louis have strong numbers, too.

"Consistent's good, but I've always liked to improve," said Martin, batting .294 with 10 homers, 45 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. "There's always certain things you can get better at, a lot of guys here are probably perfectionists. They want to keep getting better, and that's a reason why you're good, you don't really accept staying the same. That's my main thing."

What does he want to improve on?

"Everything," he said. "Calling a game, defence, blocking, learning how to get a better step, an extra jump. I want to steal bases, there's so much about the game of baseball that you're never going to stop learning. I just want to make sure I'm not letting anything go by."

That's a quality Morneau and Dempster also share and why this isn't likely to be the last time the all-star game has three Canadians in it. But until it happens again, they all planned to make the most of it.

"It's really special," said Dempster. "There aren't a lot of us in the big-leagues from Canada and to have three of us go to the All-Star Game is good for the young guys of Canada that grow up playing baseball, that there's not only a chance to make it to pro ball, but also to make it to the big-leagues and to be an all-star.

"We'll be out there not only representing our teams but also Canada, so it will be a big moment for all of us."

Courtesy of TSN.CA

A.J. Burnett Pitches Gem on Three Days Rest

Dan Noon — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 05:16:39 -0400

Whether the Blue Jays were showcasing AJ Burnett or not, their decision to start him on three days rest was a pretty good choice.

As AJ's name has been swirling in trade rumors, it seems as though there is no distraction that can rock this guy.

With his record for this year (10-8) already matching his total win total from the previous two years, the Jays might be thinking twice about trading their No. 2 pitcher. Especially with Litsch struggling, and Marcum and McGowan on the DL, AJ Burnett might just be what the doctor ordered.

AJ pitched 8 and 1/3 innings, fanning eight and walking one. Doing this to a line-up like the Yankees, is a great day, but doing it on three days rest is quite the accomplishment. AJ is now 3-0 on three days rest in his career and his stock just jumped a whole lot after Sunday afternoon.

If this writer could play GM for the Jays, I would not consider trading Burnett. Sure the Jays are nine games out of first place in the east, but like Rod Barajas said in a post game interview, "With pitching like we got, you're never out of a race". I agree. Pitching wins, and if the Jays can get healthy, and Halladay keeps up his CY Young season, the Blue Jays will seriously contend for a wild card.

John Tavares: The Next "Next One"

Dan Noon — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 03:10:49 -0400

There's a new kid on the block in the hockey world and his name is John Tavares.

Tavares made his Ontario Hockey League debut in September of 2005, just days before his 15th birthday. He had 45 goals and 77 points in his first year with the Oshawa Generals and raised plenty of eyebrows when he broke Wayne Gretzky's league record for goals by a 16-year-old last season.

On top of that, he's won the 2006 CHL Rookie of the Year Award, the OHL Rookie of the Year award, and the 2007 CHL and OHL Player of the Year in his second season.

He was not even eligible for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft—he's projected to go No. 1 in 2009.