Ritter's Rant: News from Around the NHL

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

Dion Phaneuf has played three games for the Toronto Maple Leafs and in each and every one of those games Phaneuf and, more importantly—outside of that third period meltdown in New Jersey, his entire team, has played extremely well.

Phaneuf seems to have given sophomore defenseman Luke Schenn (who scored twice last night) a huge boost of confidence and, by all accounts, will be asked to teach the youngster “the ropes.” Schenn, who has been compared to Phaneuf in the past, may not have Phaneuf’s offensive upside, but, he sure as heck has a better shot than most people thought.

Speaking of the Maple Leafs, with all the attention squarely on Phaneuf, goaltender J.S. Giguere has quietly gone out and posted two shutouts in his first two starts in the Blue and White—a Leafs record. Like Phaneuf, Giguere will give the Leafs more confidence both up front and on defense, especially if he keeps making those timely saves.

It’s time the Flyers made a bold statement and acquired a legitimate aggressive forward that can cure what ails the Flyers disappointing penalty kill. My Bleacher Report counterpart Daniel Sallows thinks Atlanta Thrashers forward Colby Armstrong may be on the move. It says here, if that’s the case, the Flyers should pull the trigger on a deal.

For the record, Armstrong is signed for $2.4 million this season and is a unrestricted free agent this summer. Through 56 games Armstrong has registered nine goals and 18 points and brings a tremendous compete level each and every night.

Another side note for Leaf fans: Lost in all the trade hoop-la is the fact that Phaneuf will get two more shots at New York Rangers big mouth Sean Avery. The Leafs play host to the Rangers March 27th, followed by a tilt in New York on Apr. 6. You might even call Phaneuf’s good fortune a “sloppy second chance”...Avery better keep his head up...

If I am the Calgary Flames' general manager, there are three players I am targeting this summer: Patrick Marleau (centre), Willie Mitchell (Defenseman) and current Flame, soon to be free agent, Matt Stajan (Centre).

To think the Flames can land all three may be a touch optimistic. That said, an argument can be made to add all three to the Flames fold.

There was a lot of talk earlier this season about Phil Kessel and his “lack” of scoring. Well, the 22 year-old Kessel has notched five goals and eight points over the past five games and, by all accounts, looks to have finally found his groove in Toronto—any questions?

News hit the airwaves yesterday that Brendan Burke, son of Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, was killed in a car accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Burke family during this difficult time. God Bless...

Until next time,

Peace!