When Montreal began the series with Washington, it was obvious that the number one seed in the league just didn’t have what it takes to beat the Canadiens. The Capitals, with the number one powerplay and the most goals scored in the league really had nothing on the team who’s penalty kill clicked at exactly 83%, good for 12^th in the league and who had scored on average, 2.56 goals/game, ONLY 1.26 goals/game less on average than the Caps.

Furthermore, it was to be expected that goaltending should be absolutely spectacular for a team who, for most of the first six month of the season, had an ongoing media-fed goaltender dilemma that seemed never ending. Habs in seven was a given.

Not.

Entering the series, the Habs were more than the underdogs. Most people considered Montreal nothing more than a speed bump on a German autobahn (no speed limit highway). Even I had predicted Habs in three, meaning unless the Habs crushed the Caps so badly in the first three games that the league would let them advance out of pity for their opponents, there was no way that Canadiens could possibly win. Yet here were are, at the end of game seven, where the Habs pulled off one of the greatest series upsets of the decade, and even in the history of the NHL. But how?

The first two reasons why the Canadiens were able to pull off three consecutive wins when down three-one in the series are: 1) Jaroslav and 2) Halak. In his last three games, Halak has faced 134 pucks, stopping 131 of them. Halak came on as the surprise of the year, since his performances last year were less than outstanding, sporting a .915 SV% and 2.86 GAA, but only 18 wins in 34 games played.

In Montreal, he was the complete opposite of a fan favourite, often receiving the blame for every loss that he played in. Yet now, Halak has turned it around completely, keeping Montreal in every game by never giving up an inch of his crease. I would like to say that he stood on his head during the whole series, but honestly, he was too busy making those huge saves to have time to get on his head.

As mentioned in my previous writing, another important factor for the Habs was their solid PK game. The Habs were able to go 32/33 on the PK, reducing the league’s regular season PP% leader to a nasty 3% on the man advantage. Furthermore, the Habs killed off one big five on three in the first frame of game six, without allowing Washington to register one shot on goal in 75 seconds. Montreal’s movement during the PK, and also their perfect positioning, reduced to a minimum the amount of shots that the Caps could take, all the while cutting off their passing lanes.

Another factor that worked for the Canadiens in their series was their ability of many of their forwards to fire quick, precise shots from the wings on the Washington goalies. Considering their lack of size and grit up front, the Habs had to compensate for their inability to crash the net and stay in the crease by firing accurate and quick shots from the circle. Although it can be debated that this tactic may only work against “weaker”  goaltenders such as Jose Theodore and Semyon Varlamov (during this series, at least), I believe that the early goals scored from quick shots from around the point/circles allowed Montreal’s forwards to shatter the opposition’s goaltender’s confidence quickly.

A noteworthy factor towards the Canadiens win was also the defensive corps’ willingness to block shots with the body. Just in game seven, the Habs blocked 36 shots, Hal Gill once again leading the charge with six blocks of his own. I believe that shot blocking is an excellent way of demonstrating your will to win no matter the costs, and the Canadiens definitely showed us in this series that, no matter the costs, they would do everything and anything to keep the other team from scoring.

A final factor that helped the Habs win? The fact that Alexander Semin, Mike Green, and often Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, seem to have forgotten to get off the place and get on the ice. I do not want to remove any credit from the Canadiens players for their win, but I do believe that Washington not having its four top players show up on a consistent basis severely undermined their chances of winning. This was especially noteworthy in the last game, where Mike Green not only was completely invisible on defence, but his only offensive contribution was by providing the Habs with a couple powerplays that they could then capitalize on.

Of course, these are only a few of plethora of factors, in and out of the game that the Habs play, that led them to defeating Washington.

If you think that I missed an important one, just shoot me a comment!

Christopher Nardi
NHLHS Montreal Canadiens Correspondent
cnardi@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @dragonlancehuma

Keith’s point per dollar averages out to be $27,830.20 per point. As a defenseman, and a possible Norris Trophy candidate this season, Keith’s cost efficiency should not surprise many.

Keith developed into an offensive threat, while still defending his zone (often playing against the league’s best players every game).

The sturdy reliable defenseman broke his career (goals) high in January. He now has eleven goals; however, his real ability remains setting up his teammates for goals.

Although the Blackhawks resigned Keith to a 13-year ($72 million) contract this past December, his cap hit this year remains $1,475,000. The young defenseman will (most likely) finish his career with the Blackhawks, but his cost per point will become more expensive next season. For now, Keith sits among the league’s best producing players.

Even though Alexander Ovechkin, Henrik Sedin, and Sidney Crosby are the top three in the league in points, two of them (Crosby and Ovechkin) are in the bottom ten for points per dollar.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks appear very cost-efficient (Patrick Kane ranks 11^th for points per dollar, while Jonathan Toews sits behind Kane at 12^th and Patrick Sharp comes in 19^th). Overall, at least up until this point in the season, Chicago reins supreme.

Back in November, Rich Peverley of Atlanta ranked as the best cost effective player in the league. His cap hit of 487,500 (even though he signed a new contract this season) caused his points per dollar to be $21,195.65. Now, his points per dollar status is $11,079.50, but he sits in the 66^th spot in points in the league.

As this article focuses on the top fifty scorers, Keith remains the most cost-efficient scorer.

Katlyn Gambill

NHLHS Featured Writer
kgambill@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @freezethepuck

Atlantic Division

• The Devils’ postgame dressing room was empty. Just like the net behind Senators goalie Brian Elliott. Even when they were missing some of their key players because of injuries early in the season, the Devils did not get shut out in their first 46 games. It’s been a struggle to score goals ever since. “I think you can obviously see that,” captain Jamie Langenbrunner said. “We haven’t scored a lot of goals of late. It is a problem. You have to score some goals to win in this league and we haven’t done that.”
• There is no cool, new statistic that can revolutionize the game of hockey. There’s no OPS or WHIP, like in baseball. So for Scott Gordon, the most insider-ish stat he consults is the very self-explanatory scoring chance. You get more scoring chances than the opponent, you’re probably going to win. You let them get more chances, and you get what the Islanders got last night.
• Re-assignments to the AHL of forwards Chris Conner and Nick Johnson on Tuesday were certainly not a reflection of their work while with the Penguins. And the moves might not indicate injured wingers Max Talbot and Bill Guerin will play Thursday against Ottawa at Mellon Arena.
• One day after they fell to Pittsburgh, 2-1, with all three goals scored on the power play, the Flyers worked on just special teams yesterday in a 40-minute workout at the Skate Zone in Voorhees. In a unique drill that coach Peter Laviolette introduced to the Flyers, the penalty killers strapped on special shinpads to protect against injury when getting in the way of slap shots and used sticks that had a blade half the regular length.
• There’s more to the Rangers’ paltry offensive numbers than meets the eye -- they’re even worse than they seem. The Rangers have lost three games in a row, scoring just 17 goals in their past eight games. But the numbers are inflated by an eight-goal and a six-goal game during the stretch — the Rangers were shut out in four of them. Of the 17 total goals, only three were scored on the power play, which explains why the team spent the hour-long practice yesterday practicing the man advantage.

Northeast Division

• All Ron Wilson needs now is a blindfold and a cigarette. More and more, the Maple Leafs coach has the look of a condemned man. His team is in another free fall. Tuesday night’s 5-3 loss to the big, young and fast Los Angeles Kings was Toronto’s fourth in a row, and the dream of making the playoffs has become one of those lottery deals, with the huge odds against. Toronto remains in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, with the last-place Carolina Hurricanes nipping at their heels.
• When the Bruins are playing their game, there’s a healthy dose of aggression and intimidation that complements their skill and proves fruitful. You belt an opponent’s defensemen enough, and it’s amazing how many more scoring opportunities materialize. Usually leading the way in that department is Milan Lucic.
• Game after game, the Ottawa Senators chip away at their nemeses. They couldn’t win on the road, then won four straight between Jan. 14-23. They couldn’t beat Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins, then beat them twice last week. They couldn’t find consistency in their goaltending, then Brian Elliott emerged to become last week’s No. 1 star in the NHL. What is left to conquer besides continuing to secure a solid playoff position?
• Jaroslav Halak did everything he could to steal a point, but he didn’t get much help from his teammates as the Florida Panthers posted a well-deserved 2-1 victory over the Canadiens on Tuesday night. Shawn Matthias scored twice in the third period to spark the come-from-behind win by the Panthers who dominated the game from start to finish. Matthias scored the game-winner on a goalmouth scramble at 12:29. Wonder if the Habs have figured out who the #1 is the rest of the season?
• The Buffalo Sabres had an unwelcome addition to their charter flight home Tuesday. It was as annoying as rubber-gloved patdowns at the airport, as deflating as the nonstop rain they encountered on their Western swing. Losing is not easy nor fun for teams but the way Buffalo has lost its last four is purely frustrating.

Southeast Division

• Alexander Semin tallied twice in the first period, and the Capitals got goals from five others, including John Erskine’s first in 109 games, as they humbled the Islanders, 7-2, and extended their winning streak to a season-best seven games.
• Think of this for a moment: If the Lightning beats the Canadiens tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum, the team will have its first three-game winning streak of the season. Now think of this: Tampa Bay has not won more than two straight in exactly a year. Whom did it beat Jan. 27, 2009 at the Times Forum to win its third in a row?
• Here we are again. The night starts with the team ranked 25^th of 30 in the standings, the stands are half-empty and the talk leading to another trade deadline is not about the potential inbox but the likely outbox. This is not what the NHL banked on (pun absolutely intended) when it brought Atlanta back into the league. It is not what former owner Ted Turner intended when he spent $80 million for an expansion franchise that in 2009 was ranked 29^th in total value ($143 million), ahead of only the Phoenix Coyotes, who were in bankruptcy. It’s certainly not what the shrinking base of hockey fans in Atlanta deserves.
• Shawn Matthias scored two goals in his second NHL game ever. They pale in comparison to the pair he put up Tuesday night. The 21-year-old center beat Montreal goalie Jaroslav Halak on a penalty shot three minutes into the third period and then stuck in a rebound in traffic in front of the net.
• Jussi Jokinen is the kind of player who seems to be overlooked and at times underappreciated. The Carolina Hurricanes forward was overlooked when Finland’s Olympic team was chosen for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. The past few games, he has been generally overlooked as Eric Staal took over the team captaincy – and scored a hat trick against Atlanta in his first game wearing the “C” – and goaltender Cam Ward became the franchise leader in career wins.

Hat tip to the now defunct Illegal Curve for their permission in taking over this daily series.

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

Central

• Antti Niemi got the hook just twelve shots into the game.  Of course, the score was already 3-0.  ”Lot of (tough) bounces,” Niemi said.
• Speaking of bad bounces, Steve Mason delivered another mediocre performance giving up an early and soft goal as the Jackets lost 4-2.  Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch notes Mason has not won consecutive starts since October 17th.
• The Wings squandered a two goal lead eventually falling to the Kings 3-2.  ”We stopped skating; we got outworked,” said captain Nicklas Lidstrom.  Good to see that type of honesty from the veteran.
• Coach Barry Trotz would like to stop rotating his goaltenders and use Pekka Rinne as his starter.  Makes sense as Dan Ellis makes more than the young Finnish netminder.  However, Trotz would not rule out Ellis winning the job. “They dictate who plays, not me. A lot of decisions that coaches make are based on players’ performance. If someone starts taking the ball and running with it, then we’ll go with them.”
• For the third time this year the Blues lost a 3-0 lead on home ice.  ”It’s a terrible third period,” said goalie Chris Mason. “We got caught without a third guy high against the Getzlaf-Perry unit, they scored a goal to get back in the game and had the momentum for the rest of the game.”

Northwest

• Darryl Sutter will not shake up his team despite the outcry from fans and the media.  ”The last 10 we haven’t played very well, and we need to play better,” Sutter explained.
• Ryan Stoa continues to ride the shuttle from Lake Erie to Colorado.  The former University of Minnesota player knows this transition comes with making the team.  ”It’s still my first year. Hopefully, there are many more to come. But I realize the situation I’m in,” said Stoa.
• The Oilers demoted Taylor Chorney after one game.  All signs point to Steve Staios and Ladislav Smid recovering from head trauma, Joanne Ireland of The Edmonton Journal reports.
• The troika of Antti Miettinen, Mikko Koivu and Andrew Brunette regained their scoring touch as the Wild defeated the Blue Jackets 4-2. “When you’re struggling, you look to those guys,” coach Todd Richards said.
• Roberto Luongo stole in the show in the Canucks 5-1 victory over the Blackhawks.  ”You can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have to keep winning,” said the Canucks captain.

Pacific

• James Wisniewski used baby powder to loosen his hands and eventually deliver the shootout winner last night.  ”My gloves get real sticky when they start getting wet so they don’t slide on my stick,” Wisniewski said.
• Mike Heika of The Dallas Morning News analyzes impending UFA Marty Turco.
• The PA at Joe Louis Arena mistakenly called Brad Richardson a different but similar name: Brad Richards.  ”They’re both good players,” linemate Anze Kopitar offered. “Richie’s been huge for us with his intensity and his energy every night. He’s been playing a really solid game.”
• Alexander Semin led the Capitals past his Olympic teammate Ilya Bryzgalov with a 4-2 victory. “He’s got some of the best vision in the league,” said teammate Eric Fehr.
• The Sharks win streak grew to five games as Russian starter Evgeni Nabokov defeated United States starter Ryan Miller.  ”He’s a good goalie,” said Joe Pavelski about his future netminder.

Hat tip to the now defunct Illegal Curve for their permission in taking over this daily series.

Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Editor
amonaghan@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @NHLHotStove

The Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets officially make a deal in which Columbus sends solid left wing Jason Chimera in exchange for depth defenseman Milan Jurcina and surprisingly team captain Chris Clark

The Capitals receive probably the best player of the bunch in Chimera, who last year would have posted career highs had he stayed healthy.  The 30-year-old veteran carries a reasonable 1.875 cap hit, a fair price for a grinding wing who shows the ability to put up points.

Clark, now the former captain of the Caps, admits to being shocked he was traded.  This trade may mark the first time a first-place team traded away their captain, however it was the smart move.  The 33-year-old sported a hefty 2.633 million cap hit this year and next, something a contending team simply should not pay for considering he posted two less points than Chimera.

In Jurcina the Jackets get a warm body on the blue line, something they needed since Rostislav Klesla went down at the beginning of the month.  More importantly the Blue Jackets shake the team up, as they promised they would do.  Used mainly as a depth defenseman, Jurcina posted four helpers in 27 games while carrying a 1.375 cap hit.

Not only do the Caps get probably the best player in the bunch but they save around 2.4 million in cap space. Combine that with the amount saved when Michael Nylander left for Grand Rapids and GM George McPhee looks like a very smart man.

Over the last week, tons of news surrounded the Capitals.  We saw Alexander Semin resign in the midst of trade rumors.  Then a flash flood of rumors surrounding Karl Alzner. Now that the dust settled, the Ilya Kovalchuk to Washington rumors remain abundant.  Not to mention the speculation over Scott Niedermayer’s destination keeps the Capitals in the loop.

The moves made today do nothing to expunge either Kovalchuk or Niedermayer coming to the nation’s capital.  It should be very exciting in DC as we get closer and closer to the trade deadline.  As always we hope you enjoyed latest our Trade Rumor articles. You can help NHLHS stay alive by visiting our sponsors to the left or donating at the tab at the top of the page.

Follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates

-Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Founder
thehotstove@gmail.com

As Tarik El-Bashir of The Washington Post reports left wing turned right wing Alexander Semin signed a one year extension worth six million dollars.  Definitely a smart move to lock up a player the caliber of this young man.

Semin receives a slight raise from his reasonable five million dollar salary while avoiding either an arbitration hearing or offer sheet temptation.  The 25-year-old certainly put the production up to deserve a raise, arguably even into the 7 million dollar range.  In his last 91 games the native of Krasjonarsk posted 111 points, well over a PPG range.

What does this mean for Semin?

Earlier in the week there was speculation on Semin, amongst others, moving to Atlanta in a swap for Ilya Kovalchuk.  Although this deal seems incredibly far-fetched and unlikely, signing Semin to an extension would make him more attractive to a team receiving him.

Still this deal feels like one that covers the proverbial butt of GM George McPhee.  By locking up one of the team’s better players he now can move on bolstering this team for the postseason stretch.  With numerous players coming off the books at season’s end and players like Nicklas Backstrom, Eric Fehr and Tomas Fleischmann gaining restricted free agent status this move probably topped the crafty general manager’s to-do list.

If Semin is to put up another successful season and hopefully play 82 games in 2010-2011 he should be more than ready to join the 7 million dollar man club at the very least.  However, with his questionable medical history and lack of playoff experience should the Caps give him a long-term deal?

Well, I seem to remember another special player who missed a significant amount of time due to injury going UFA last year.  That player was Marian Gaborik.  Say Semin finishes this year on a strong note but misses a significant portion of next year.  Essentially he will be in the same boat as Gaborik was this past postseason with plenty of question marks surrounding him.

Only time will tell, but the outcome of this will be incredibly interesting.  Keep checking in here at NHLHS as we continue to monitor this situation. As always thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed our latest feature. You can help NHLHS stay alive by visiting our sponsors to the left or donating at the donate tab at the top.

Follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates

-Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Founder
thehotstove@gmail.com

Some players around the League find themselves at a career crossroad.  A crossroad with tough decisions to make regarding ongoing speculation of their final season.  Speculation whether to stay on a sinking ship and finish at the bottom of the sea or leaving one’s comfort zone in an attempt to stay on top.  Certainly no easy decision for any player

While Scott Niedermayer ponders his future in hockey he continues another solid year in his famed career.  The same cannot be said for the Anaheim Ducks, who sit 13th in the Western Conference despite coming off a come from behind victory against the Colorado Avalanche.  The team finds themselves as of this writing a mere five points behind the eighth seed.

The asking price for the captain should be reasonable, as he would strictly be a playoff rental.  However, GM Brian Murray can  acquire a potential piece or pieces to build for a brighter future in sunny Anaheim.

A quick look around the league shows there are a few teams in need of Niedermayer’s services. At 37, he still is one of the best defensemen in the game and a huge piece for a few teams looking for that extra push into serious cup contention.

Lets take a closer look at which teams could trade for Niedermayer in order to bring home Lord Stanley’s Cup.  Even though he already carries four Stanley Cup rings to his credit, every player in this league starts the season with one goal in mind.

That goal will not happen in Anaheim, however there are teams with the ability to give Scotty one last crack at putting his name on the cup for the fifth time.

Here are our list of possible suitors:

Washington Capitals – The Caps possess quite the offensive threat when looking at the roster.  Outside of Alexander Ovechkin, names like Alexander Semin, Mike Knuble, Tomas Fleischmann, Niklas Backstrom and Mike Green make the team very scary to play against.  On the other hand,  when looking at the blue line, fear certainly is not the word I would use.  When Tom Poti slots into your shut down pairing, the defense can be labeled questionable at best.

Similarly, with the knowledge of Niedermayer not returning, the veteran could be acquired without requiring a hefty price tag.  A clever GM George McPhee should package a suitable enough offer to bring Scott to Washington.  Looking at the aforementioned names with Niedermayer added into the mix will strike fear in the rest of the Eastern Conference.

New Jersey Devils – Chris Daughtry said it best in his song home, “I’m going home, to the place where I belong, where your love has always been enough for me.”  Uncle Lou knows he has a team capable of topping the Eastern Conference. Martin Brodeur can carry the workload on his own, but down the stretch there is a certain comfort level teams will be looking to get to.

With brother Rob Niedermayer already signed with the Devils would Scott move to once again play with him?  Rob convinced his brother in the past to sign with Anaheim. Although Paul Martin, Andy Greene, Johnny Oduya and Bryce Salvador provide serviceable defense for the Devils back end, this writer does not foresee a problem with roles.  By adding the veteran and leader into the mix the outcome appears SCARY.  The Devils have the pieces and Lou Lamoriello knows how to make the magic happen. Do not be surprised if Scott comes back home, where he belongs.

Los Angeles Kings – Although a massive stretch considering their division rivalry, stranger things have happened.  Veterans Matt Greene, Rob Scuderi and Sean O’Donnell currently provide a veteran presence amont a very solid blue line.  The Kings find amazing chemistry up and down the line up as the team plays as a whole.

Knowing that the Ducks will not play Niedermayer six times next season, GM Dean Lombardi possesses the pieces to acquire the veteran’s services.  An instant upgrade over most of the names considered this trade would turn the team into an instant contender. How does the saying go? Oh that’s right, ‘If Wayne Gretzky could be traded anything is possible.’

Chicago Blackhawks – The young nucleus of Chicago ranks up there with the Pittsburgh Penguins due to some great drafting following a few bad seasons.  These bad seasons proved invaluable for the young, growing team.

Last year’s learning experience in the playoffs helped the Hawks turn this season into one where they are being taken as a serious cup contender. Sure there are the question marks surrounding the goaltending but to this point the two netminders held the fort allowing the fewest goals in the league to date.  With a plethora of young, talented blue liners, Niedermayer should enhance this great team.  Still due to cap restrictions, GM Stan Bowman could have trouble fitting Niedermayer under the cap making this acquisition more trouble than he is worth.

Philadelphia Flyers - The team in the middle of all the rumors.  GM Paul Holmgren assembled this Flyers roster to contend for the Cup, not a losing season.  Although there is plenty of turmoil surrounding the team the talent and skill can not be denied until they officially fall out of contention.   Until this team announces a rebuild, the team remains a strong candidate to improve via trade.

With former teammate Chris Pronger already on board, and signed for the rest of his career, this rumor could become reality for  Philadelphia.  If the team slips back into the playoff hunt, Holmgren will attempt bringing in Niedermayer to close out the season and make a run for the Cup.

However, the Flyers are another team with cap problems.

Moves could clear some cap in order to bring in another piece.  Once Ray Emery returns from injury, subsequently putting all goaltending rumors to rest, defense will be the biggest issue in Philadelphia.  This reporter would not be surprised at all if the Niedermayer to Philly rumors run wild in 2010.

At the end of December, there is a ton of hockey left to play with nothing set in stone.  Come February and the trade deadline, be prepared to see that every thing I have mentioned will have more of a solid backing.  This season marks the last for Niedermayer.

Does anyone really think he will not want to still be skating in April?  I beg to differ.

All a gamble, sure.

Your final destination is a wealthy one with the free keno articles to help you understand keno and play with winning keno strategy and succeed at card games too like the Pai Gow poker players at CasinoBonus.org!

We hope you enjoyed our latest feature here at the NHL Hot Stove.  You can help NHLHS stay alive by visiting our sponsors to the left.

Follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Contributor
achockeyguys@gmail.com

If you listened to the Team 1040 AM stream like I did, you would know new rumors around Ilya Kovalchuk continue to spread like wildfire.

The newest and latest rumors discussed are the Washington Capitals as front runners in the Kovalchuk sweepstakes.  Interestingly enough, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period says as much as Kovalchuk loves Atlanta, there are bigger issues there in hindsight.

Kovalchuk rumors begin to Fly (again) Inbox X Reply | Anthony Curatolo to me show details 2:58 PM (2 minutes ago) As this reporter does on a daily basis, the Team 1040 AM stream via the Internet has brought forth a new thought to the Ilya Kovalchuk rumors that are starting to run rapid throughout the NHL. The newest and latest has them discussing that the Washington Capitals are the front runners in the Kovalchuk sweepstakes.  Interesting enough, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period says that as much as Kovalchuk loves Atlanta, there are bigger issues there in hindsight. Let’s start with what 1040 AM has discussed.  As they stated, the assets are there for Washington to move. Aside from the Nylander demotion, permanently, to the AHL giving a fair amount of open cap space for the club, the team has enough names to ship out to Atlanta in order to acquire the services of Ilya Kovalchuk. Alexander Semin or Niklas Backstrom along with Eric Fehr would be the main pieces to a package that GM George McPhee could put together to pry the sniper out of the Thrashers organization.  Of course, other pieces would be needed, but this could turn into one of the biggest blockbusters of the season. In the CBA, there is no out clause for a team that might possibly re-locate.  Yes, Ilya loves Atlanta.  However, if he signs on for 10 years or more, and the team was to be relocated, there is no breach in the clause – there is no option to opt out of it due to these circumstances. This could be one of the biggest issues surrounding the “snag” in the contract talks. The other issue is if the owners seriously want to spend that much money on their franchise player.  I know that I would not have an problem giving the money wanted by one of the best goal scorers in the entire league.  He is the Captain, the goto guy and the franchise.  GM Don Waddell has brought in a fine supporting cast to play around Kovalchuk and the team’s youth at every position makes for a scary future from Atlanta. The pieces are in place to get a deal done, but the unavoidable situations from the brass and the threats of relocation make Kovlachuk one of the most enticing names that could possibly hit the market in either March or July of 2010. How scary would it be for Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Ovechkin to play on the same team, and possible, the same line? I for one would not want to be a South East Division team, or an Eastern Conference team for that matter.  The Power Play alone would be pure insanity.  Backstrom, Ovechkin, Knuble, Kovalchuk, Green.  Need I say more? “Backstrom to Ovechkin, over to Kovalchuk who one times a shot and SCORES!”  That would be a phrase that would sound like a broken record from the mouths of announcers league wide. – Anthony Curatolo Hockey Writer www.crashthecrease.com www.hockeyindependent.com www.insidehockey.com www.puckdrop.ca Reply Forward Reply by chat to Anthony

With Atlanta playing their 20th game last night, the first quarter of the 2009-2010 season is officially over.  Seeing as this is a milestone within the season we thought it would be a good idea to discuss the trends emerging around the NHL.

The article’s intent is to show who would win the NHL awards if the season finished today.  Of course these players will most likely NOT win the awards, NHLHS just likes having fun with small sample sizes and hot streaks.

Whether it be injury or inability there are plenty of surprises when compared to preseason predictions.  Teams such as the Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings and the Buffalo Sabres find themselves at the top of the standings, surprising most pundits.

We will outline the NHL trophies and why we think these players as of right now are deserving of them.  In addition, we will include the projected nominees so you can see our train of thought.  We hope you enjoy this mini-series which should continue throughout the NHL season.

Click the link below to see our award winners and tell us what you think in the comments section!

Here are the 2009-2010 NHL Award Winners:

Hart Trophy – awarded to the player judged best in the League.

The nominees are…

1. G – Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres
2. C – Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
3. C – Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks

When looking at the Standings it is clear that the players chosen play a pivotal part in their team’s success.

Miller vaulted himself into elite status with his work this season.  Almost impossible to keep up this pace, the 29-year-old only lost three games in regulation.  His 1.97 GAA ranks first amongst his peers and his .931 SV% second to only Antero Niittymaki.  Even more impressive with star players Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek struggling at times the Sabres still find themselves at the top of their Division.

Similar to Miller, Kopitar thrived from the influx of veteran forwards on his line.  Lining up with Justin Williams and Ryan Smyth the 22-year-old leads the NHL in points putting the Kings tied for fourth in the Conference.  Time will tell if the Yugoslavian native can keep up his pace but for now he is a legitimate MVP candidate.

Former winner Joe Thornton rounds out the list.  Teaming with Dany Heatley and more recently Patrick Marleau would boost anyones statistics, but Big Joe is right in the middle of things.  Trailing only Kopitar in points, the former first overall pick should keep the scoring lead tight.

Miller, see above.

NHLHS Pick: Ryan Miller

The supporting cast on the Sabres simply does not match up with the Sharks or even the Kings.  Miller is the antithesis of a MVP, a player that would be irreplaceable to his team.

Vezina Trophy – awarded to the top goalie in the League.

The nominees are…

1. Ilya Bryzgalov, Phoenix Coyotes
2. Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose Sharks
3. Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

Bryzgalov plays a huge part in his teams turnaround.  Boasting a 12-6-1 record with three shutouts, the Russian is amongst the league leaders with a 2.04 GAA and .922 SV% in his 19 games.  The quick turnaround in Phoenix could falter throughout the year removing the former Duck from contention, however for now he is right in the mix.

Nabokov makes a strong case for the trophy with his impressive work.  He has been an absolute workhorse for his new coach starting all but three games.  Often working in back-to-back appearances the 34-year-old leads the league in wins at the quarter mark with 14.

NHLHS Pick:  Ryan Miller

Miller’s GAA and SV% give him a slight edge on his peers. His accolades are documented above, only time will tell if he can keep up this pace but as of now he is the NHL MVP and a shoe-in for the Vezina.

Norris Trophy – awarded to the top defenseman in the League.

The nominees are…

1. Mike Green, Washington Capitals
2. Chris Pronger, Philadelphia Flyers
3. Dan Boyle, San Jose Sharks

Green follows his 30 goal season with only 3 so far.  Despite this drop in production he still finds himself the league leader in defensive scoring.  Playing on the powerplay with Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom would keep anyone’s point totals up but Green is just as dangerous of a threat.  He has solidified himself as a Norris candidate for years to come with his lethal shot from the point and excellent offensive instincts.

The Flyers get what they paid for in Pronger.  In what most predicted would be a match made in heaven, the well-known physical defenseman is likely to clear the crease by any means possible.  The veteran is on pace for 72 points a career-high.  More importantly he has solidified an already impressive defensive core bringing Matt Carle back to respectability.  His role as a bonafide number one allowed Philly to create the best second pairing in hockey with Kimmo Timmonen and Braydon Coburn making his case even stronger.

Boyle is another worthy candidate continuing his dominance with San Jose.  An excellent veteran presence on the ice and off, the former Stanley Cup winner is one pace for career highs.  If he can keep up this pace and the Sharks maintain their place in the Standings he makes a legitimate case for a Norris.

NHLHS Pick:  Chris Pronger

The difference he has made for the Philly blue-line is simply incredible.  Green’s defensive lapses keep him a notch below while Boyle’s supporting cast is too strong to single him out.

Calder Trophy – given to the rookie judged top in the League.

The nominees are…

1. C – John Tavares, New York Islanders
2. LW – James van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia Flyers
3. C – Ryan O’Reilly, Colorado Avalanche

The lead candidate coming into the year, the first overall pick has not disappointed.  With 19 points in 23 games, the 19-year-old is on pace for 68 points an impressive total for any rookie.  Playing first line minutes for one of the worst teams in the NHL he should have plenty of opportunities to improve at the major league level.

JVR started the season off slowly but actually has a higher point-per-game ratio than Tavares.  The former 2nd overall pick took advantage of the injury to Simon Gagne and could eventually render him replaceable.  Playing large minutes on the left side should continue his torrid pace.

File O’Reilly in the suprise folder, as nobody expected the kid to make the team let alone play responsible and productive minutes.  The 33rd overall pick in this past draft has 15 points in his first 23 games putting him on pace for a respectable 50 point pace.  The younger O’Reilly brother figures to be a cornerstone on a newer, younger Avalanche team led by coach Joe Sacco.

NHLHS Pick: John Tavares

I give it to Tavares by a hair.  He produces more offense on his own unlike van Riemsdyk playing with elite centers.  Regardless, both players figure to be excellent for years to come.

Lady Byng Trophy – Given to the Leagues most gentlemanly player.

The nominees are…

1. C – Brad Richards, Dallas Stars
2. RW – Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks
3. C – Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

All three players are knotted at a whopping 2 PIMs the lone indicator I will be using are their average TOI.

NHLHS Pick: Pavel Datsyuk

Datsyuk edges Richards by 12 seconds a night.  No stranger to the Byng, Datsyuk continues to be an excellent defensive player with remarkable discipline.

Frank Selke Trophy – awarded to the top defensive forward.

The nominees are…

1. LW – Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils
2. LW – Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
3. LW – Dustin Penner, Edmonton Oilers

Parise leads the league in plus minus with 15 through the quarter mark.  Assuming an even bigger role on a successful Devils team the first-line left wing ranks tied for fifth in the league in points.  Not only is he a legitimate threat every time he steps on the ice he averages over 20 minutes of ice-time providing valuable minutes for his team.  He is a qualified candidate for the Selke at this point in the year and injury withstanding at the end of the year.

Interesting that Ovy would be in this category opposed to Hart Trophy consideration but his current injury has held him out of the scoring race.  Still the talented Russian ranks ninth in points and third in the league with a plus 10.  Not known for his defensive prowess, I feel it is an incredibly underrated part of his game and would not be surprised if he ever walked away with this award.

Penner has been an absolute monster this year.  Putting up 19 points in his first 14 games, the offer sheet signee vaulted himself into Selke contention.  Although not as solid a defender as his nominees his early season merits deserve some mention.

NHLHS Pick:  Zach Parise

Jack Adams Award – presented to the League’s best coach.

The nominees are…

1. Dave Tippett, Buffalo Sabres
2. Todd McLellan, San Jose Sharks
3. Joe Sacco, Colorado Avalanche

Tippett really transformed a mediocre Coyotes team into what seems a legitimate contender.  Coming in for Wayne Gretzky in the preseason, the former Stars coach is making something out of nothing.  Sending down several top prospects to the AHL puts this team on a long-term plan, something they haven’t had in years.  When combining the shrewd moves of GM Don Maloney with the focused system of Tippett the Coyotes are much better than the past few years.

It came as a bit of a surprise when Red Wings assistant coach Todd McLellan was announced head coach of the Sharks.  Quickly implementing his system, the former Islander draft pick is enjoying a successful first year.  He has a talented team so the Sharks appearance on top of the Standings is not a surprise.  Will McLellan be the coach to finally lead this team deep into the playoffs?

Sacco is clearly the biggest surprise of the bunch.  Completely written off to start the season the Avalanche sit at the top of their Division as of this writing.  Regardless if they are the team most likely to drop out of the race, their efforts should be rewarded.  Nobody saw this team anywhere near contending giving Sacco well deserving mention in this column.

NHLHS Pick:  Dave Tippett

What he has done for the team on such short notice is simply amazing.  The Avalanche are fading after their fast start while the Sharks are expected to be in contention for the President’s Trophy.

Finally the awards decided by the numbers…

Presidents’ Trophy – San Jose Sharks
Art Ross Trophy – C – Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings
Maurice Richard Trophy – LW – Dany Heatley, San Jose Sharks
William J. Jennings Trophy – Antero Niittymaki, Tampa Bay Lightning

As always, we hope you enjoyed the articles.  Please take the time to visit our sponsors to the left and keep NHLHS alive.

Follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

-Alexander Monaghan
NHLHS Founder
thehotstove@gmail.com