The Best and Worst From This Young NHL Season
As we approach the quarter pole for this young National Hockey League season, I thought that I would take the time to write a slideshow talking about the best and worst stories thus far.
In this compilation, I will highlight ten of the best stories and ten of the worst stories to try and give you readers a quick snap shot of the season. While I can't include everything, I'll try to include the stories that meant the most to the league this season.
I'll start out with the ten worst stories and then make my way onto the best.
I hope that you enjoy my slideshow, and I look forward to hearing what you have to say!
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Worst No. 10: Attendance Is Down
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Okay, so maybe it's not as drastic as the picture I've picked here. The goalies are still showing up for games. However, fans really are not.
If you read one of my previous articles ranking the NHL fan bases, you would have seen the attendance numbers for last season. I'm not going to go into much detail as far as numbers, but I will tell you that attendance is way down once again.
Some arenas are announcing crowds of under 10,000. Is the NHL going to stay afloat in these markets? Probably not. It's really quite unfortunate when you look at it. It's not like the teams that are drawing small crowds aren't producing either. Both Columbus and Phoenix are in the playoff bracket at present, yet they draw crowds smaller than some schools.
Worst No. 9: The Chicago Blackhawks Look Tired
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Typically after a long playoff run there is a little bit of hangover. However, not to the extent that the Blackhawks are suffering from right now.
In recent memory, I can't remember a team that has looked so tired for so long. What's most alarming is that most of this team's star players are sitting way down the minus list. They are out there for far more goals against than last season.
There really isn't a lot more to say about the Blackhawks. Those cries of "can they repeat?" are being turned into "can they make the playoffs?"
Last night's performance in Vancouver could serve as the catalyst for great things to come.
Worst No. 8: Canucks Defense Crumbles
3 of 20
After an offseason in which General Manager Mike Gillis took it upon himself to improve the Canucks' defense, the team doesn't look any better.
The Canucks' defensive roster and system appear to have been greatly overrated (by myself and many others). Looking back at my previous articles, you would see that I had the Canucks pegged as the number one defense in the league. They really don't look like that now.
The addition of Keith Ballard appears to have confused a lot of people. He was a healthy scratch, injured and now he has the flu. Doe anyone really know what's going on?
Dan Hamhuis has been solid and everything I expected. The big problem there is that many people hyped him up so high that he became a god-like figure.
On paper, the Vancouver defense should be good. On the ice, they have been far from it.
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Worst No. 7: Edmonton Oiler Rookies Flounder
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The season is still young and there is no doubting that Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi are all going to be great NHLers one day.
Over the summer, many hockey minds had these three talented rookies taking the Oilers right out of the basement in the Western Conference. Nobody was really expecting the Oilers to make the playoffs, but I think it's safe to say that everyone was expecting more than we have seen.
That's not to say that these three guys aren't going to get it going in the latter half of the season, but right now things aren't looking good for Edmonton.
We do have to remember that many young rookies take a while before they develop into dominant NHLers. Hopefully with a few more games under their belts, this trio will do the same.
Worst No. 6: Calgary Flames In Shambles
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Oh how I would hate to be a Flames' fan right now. It's unfortunate to see this team make so many bad decisions both on and off the ice.
This team looks like it is a sinking ship that can't wait to hit the bottom of the ocean.
With rumors of their heart and soul, Jarome Iginla, being unhappy, a coach who doesn't appear to be getting the best out of his players and a manager who has made some of the most peculiar decisions in history, the Calgary Flames don't appear to be heading anywhere fast.
Unless things get turned around in a hurry, the Calgary Flames will be playing golf a lot earlier than expected once again.
Worst No. 5: Dirty Play and Suspensions
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Need I say more than the title?
This season has seen everything from obscene gestures (Thank you Mr. Wisniewski) to sucker punches. It's been bad, ugly and it may only get worse unless the NHL starts cracking down on this sort of thing.
I'm sorry, a two game suspension or a small fine really doesn't cut it. Something has to be done to stop the high hitting, butt ending, sucker punching and whatever else goes on.
This has been ridiculous and if I were part of the front office staff I would be embarrassed.
Worst No. 4: Antti Niemi Returns To Earth
7 of 20
Stanley Cup ring on his hand, confidence and skill. What more did Antti Niemi need to bring to San Jose after departing the Cup winning Blackhawks? Oh right, his ability to stop pucks.
Now I know that seems a little bit harsh, but you have to think that Shark fans and management alike were hoping for more from this guy.
His stats are near the bottom of the pack, he can't seem to win any games and he looks like a goalie with little confidence.
I'm not sure that anyone was expecting this when the Blackhawks didn't sign him and San Jose did. Then again, with that all-star Chicago defense, anybody could look good.
Worst No. 3: Colin Campbell's E-Mail Scandal
8 of 20
I just couldn't leave this off my list.
If I were in any sort of position of power within the National Hockey League, I most certainly would not have sent e-mails like Mr. Campbell did. I was honestly surprised that he didn't step down after they came to the forefront in the media.
To call out players with derogatory names and to show undeniable bias towards your son is really inappropriate. I for one, believe that this is one of the dirtiest internal stories to come out of the NHL in awhile.
I'm willing to bet that Colin in hoping that this blows over, but do we really know how many more of these e-mails could be out there? No.
My bet is that there's lots.
Worst No. 2: Islanders Losing 12 In A Row
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At the start of the season, things were looking up on Long Island. The Islanders' young stars were a year older and more experienced and the veteran core was staying the same.
Unfortunately, things just went from bad to worse. After losing Streit to injury for essentially the whole season, the Isles are reeling.
They have lost 12 in a row and are trying to avoid their 13th straight in the coming days. The effort was there last night against Atlanta, but there needs to be more. The players, coaches and management team are not getting the job done. If the Islanders are to make anything of themselves, changes must be made.
This losing streak led to the firing of coach Scott Gordon and it could be the sign of many more changes to come. Hockey isn't working on Long Island. How do they expect to get it going again with a team that simply can't win a hockey game?
Worst No. 1: Ilya Kovalchuk and The New Jersey Devils
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Fresh off signing Ilya Kovalchuk to a lifetime contract, the New Jersey Devils look as though they made a horrible decision.
Kovalchuk has shown that he is far from the player he was in Atlanta and he really doesn't seem to be fitting in with the Devils' style.
New Jersey can't win at home and they can't win on the road. Things are looking really bad right now for the Devils.
Kovalchuk hasn't been the only problem in New Jersey. For the first time in his historical career, Martin Brodeur is showing signs that he is slowing down. When he hasn't been injured, his play has been far from inspiring.
There is a lot of pressure on John MacLean to make the best out of this terrible situation. My bet is that he will be fired before the season ends. When you look at it, not all of the blame can be put on him. Dressing 15 skaters, losing Zach Parise and having a self-centered star player are all problems MacLean has had to deal with in the first two months of his NHL coaching career. Welcome to the big leagues buddy!
The Devils look as though they may miss the playoffs for the first time in awhile. Unless their star players wake up, it could be a long spring and summer for anyone related to that organization.
Best No. 10: Jonathan Quick Showing He Is Kings' Number One Guy
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Before this season started, there was a lot of speculation that Jon Bernier would eventually take over the number one goaltending job in Los Angeles.
Jon Quick must have listened to those rumors and taken them as inspiration. His play has been incredible this season. He has shed his problem in which he would let in one bad goal per game, he looks bigger in net and the team is playing with confidence in front of him.
Quick has proven to be the Kings goalie of the future for the better part of the season now. There really is no doubt as to who the number one guy is in Los Angeles.
Congratulations Jonathan Quick for your great play and stellar will, drive and work ethic.
Best No. 9: Tim Thomas Rebounds in Boston
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As I start writing this "best" section on this slideshow, I'm noticing that there is a great emphasis on goaltending. Tim Thomas has been one of the great goaltenders this season.
After last season in which he was thrown out of his job as starter in favour of Rask, Thomas has rebounded in a big way. His stats in every category are through the roof.
Thomas looks like a different goaltender this season. The entire team is playing so well in front of him and he looks as though he is having fun.
Rumours were spreading like wild fire about Thomas wanting out of Boston and Boston wanting to rid themselves of Thomas' large contract. Well I think that those rumors have been put to rest after the incredible start to the season that Mr. Thomas has put together.
He is really showing why Team USA picked him to represent their country.
Best No. 8: Teemu Selanne Scoring a Point Per Game at 40
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Wow! Even at 40 years of age, Teemu Selanne is showing no signs of slowing down. How many 40-year-old guys are scoring at a point per game pace, let alone even playing? Not many.
What can I say about this guy? Every year hockey fans think that he will finally start showing signs of slowing down, but no. He just keeps getting better and better. His incredible speed is still very evident and his shot hasn't faded one bit.
In my opinion, he is one of the most feared players in the game because everyone knows his history and what he can do with the puck. He's not the best, fastest or most skilled player anymore, but I think he is in the head's of a lot of opposing players.
It will be interesting to see whether or not Mr. Selanne can keep this pace up. As of right now, it's something special to watch. As a Kings fan, I can only hope that he will cool down soon! I don't want to see my Kings get burned.
Best No. 7: Colorado Avalanche Continued Success
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All summer long I heard people talking about how last year's Avalanche team was just a one time thing. People didn't actually believe that this incredibly young and underwhelming roster could get things done.
Well not only are the Avalanche proving that they can get things done, they are proving that they are some of the best young players in the league. If you didn't know Chris Stewart prior to this season, you know him now.
The Avalanche are a team that scores and performs by committee. It's great to see a group of young players grow up on the ice in a community-like situation. I would compare this team to Los Angeles and Chicago. You have a young core just waiting to reach stardom.
This team could become one of the most feared in the league. If I was in charge of the Avalanche's front office, my first order of business would be to get Craig Anderson re-signed. He is just a wonderful goalie. With Anderson in net and a great group of young players all working together, there is no reason why the Avalanche can't get back to the top of the conference.
It's really great to see this team succeed. You just can't hate them.
Best No. 6: Sidney Crosby On Pace For A Career Year
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I'm not sure that there is a player in the league who takes himself as seriously as Sidney Crosby. I mean that in the best of ways as I truly do appreciate his work ethic and dedication. Sidney takes every bit of criticism to heart to make him a better hockey player.
A few years ago Sid was told that he wasn't good enough in the faceoff circle. Next, he was told he didn't light the lamp often enough. What's next for Sid? Who knows. The critics always manage to come up with something. Nevertheless, Sidney didn't just listen to this criticism, he went out and proved it wrong. Look at him now. He is one of the best scorers in the league and he wins more faceoffs than most centers.
Now after last season I thought that we had seen the ceiling. I should have never doubted Sidney Crosby and his incredible talent. I know it's only been about a quarter of a season, but wow! This kid is on pace for his best season in the league.
Let's put that into perspective. After scoring 51 goals last year, he is on pace to better his point totals? Is this guy ever good! Sidney is not only one of the most talented players in the game but he is also the face of the game.
For kids out there growing up playing the game, is there a better role model? If only the league had more players like Sidney.
Best No. 5: Jaroslav Halak Shuts The Door
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What a summer it must have been for Jaroslav Halak. After an incredible playoff run in Montreal he was sent out of town. How often do you see a playoff hero sent out of town? Not often.
While many wondered whether or not this guy was the real deal, I never doubted that he was. The second he arrived in St. Louis he made a huge difference. The team is sitting comfortably in the top eight in the west and they look as though they can be competitive against just about anyone in the league.
Jaroslav Halak looks big and confident in the net. I think that he is just loving life as a true number one goalie. Perhaps having no competition for the starting job has actually helped Jaroslav (it's certainly helped Carey Price in Montreal).
If the Blues can get back to the playoffs after missing out last season, count on Jaroslav Halak to play a major role. His play has been one of the great stories this season and I am looking forward to seeing where he can lead this very young team.
Best No. 4: Ex-Blackhawks Thrive In Atlanta
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I'm not sure that many people knew just how valuable Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd were to the cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. These guys have just taken off in Atlanta and they look as though they are having a lot of fun playing hockey.
Not only are both statistically on pace for great seasons, they have taken on leadership roles. Andrew Ladd recently played his first game as Atlanta's captain. What does that say about his presence? Do you think Chicago misses him?
Dustin Byfuglien looks as though he has wanted to play off the blue line for awhile. After being flip-flopped around for the past few seasons, Dustin is finally looking comfortable on the back-end.
I really hope that these guys continue to have success in Atlanta. I know most Canucks' fans are incredibly happy that they aren't having this sort of success in Chicago right now. But hey, can't we be happy for them right now?
Best No. 3: Nick Lidstrom Is Back
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Another 40-year-old has just made this list. After a year that the Detroit Red Wings would like to forget, Nicklas Lidstrom looks as though he is re-gaining his Norris Trophy form.
People were really thinking that his career may be on the downhill slide after a truly mediocre season last year. However, right now Lidstrom is showing all of his doubters wrong.
It seems as though he is the one guy who indicates how the Red Wings are playing. When he is going, they win. When he has an off night, they struggle. This team is so deep and so good, but it all comes back to Lidstrom.
Nicklas is ultimately the most dominant defenseman of the last decade. There hasn't been a player like him for a long time. It's going to be a shame, not just for Red Wing fans, when he retires.
Hopefully this season can be capped off with a Norris Trophy. At this point, Lidstrom surely deserves it.
Best No. 2: Carey Price Proves Doubters Wrong
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How many times has Carey Price been booed off the ice in his young career as the goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens? I can answer it for you; too many.
Everybody knew that Carey had all of the talent when he was drafted. The media seemed to think that there was a big problem between his ears. What's interesting now is that Carey finally seems comfortable in Montreal despite the immense amount of pressure on him to perform.
I'm not sure that there is a hockey fan out there who thought that the Montreal Canadiens made the right choice when they traded Jaro Halak to the St. Louis Blues after last year's playoff run. Well, Carey Price has proved everyone wrong.
He is playing with confidence and more importantly, incredible skill. He has four shutouts on the young season and is right near the top of the league in most statistical categories.
It's really great to see Carey finally fitting into his surroundings after a fair amount of time in which it looked as though he was going to be run out of town.
This is one of the greatest stories this season as I think everyone is pulling for Carey Price to prove to the Montreal fans and media that he can be a dominant goalie in the National Hockey League.
Best No. 1: Stamkos 50 In 50?
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It's been a while in the game of hockey since we have been really excited about a pure goal scorer. The possibility of Steven Stamkos scoring 50 goals in 50 games seems so special to just about everyone who follows hockey.
Not even Alexander Ovechkin has received the attention that Stamkos is getting right now. Stamkos is playing some of the best hockey we've seen out of a forward in the last few years. What's really special about his play is that he seems to make the players around him better.
Martin St. Louis looks as though he is having more fun playing hockey right now than ever before.
If Stamkos can reach the 50 in 50 mark, it will be something to remember for all hockey fans. Not only is Stamkos keeping fans intrigued as he tries to reach this mark, he is also attracting new fans to the game.
When you have a player who plays with incredible excitement, everyone wants to take a look.
I'll be watching this story very closely! Steven Stamkos is a very special player and I would love to see him reach this historic mark. Below is the count!
Games: 21 Goals: 20
It's so close!
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