Luke Schenn’s rights will not be dealt, and there will be no offer sheet tendered from a rival club.  Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a 5-year extension with the young defenseman on a deal that will pay him $3.6 million/season.

With this deal, Burke has strayed from his conventional wisdom of signing free agents to short term deals.  The pact constitutes a long term commitment to Schenn and a statement to the Leafs’ faithful that the 21-year-old will be the anchor of the blue line in the future.  The interesting piece of the contract is that the cap hit correlates to a 21% raise from what he earned on his entry level deal.  That is a fairly modest raise when considering what other players have received in their second NHL contracts (case in point, James van Riemsdyk of the Philadelphia Flyers, whose current contract reflects a 157% increase from his entry level cap hit).  (Note: Both players met bonus incentives which count against the cap.)  Thus far, Schenn has done a nice job using his 6’ 2”, 229-pound frame to keep attackers at bay, but the Leafs are looking for Schenn to develop more offensive prowess.  His career high in points came last season (22).  He will be encouraged to shoot more and to look for streaking forwards.

The core of the current Maple Leafs’ roster will be intact (barring trades or other movement) through the 2013 campaign.  They have a 22-man active roster, and approximately $4.5 million in salary cap space.  They are hoping that Schenn, goaltender James Reimer, defensemen Carl Gunnarsson and Cody Franson (formerly of the Nashville Predators), along with forwards Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, and Tyler Bozak can make strides in their development in the 2011-2012 season.  These young players, along with goal scorer Phil Kessel, recent acquisition Tim Connolly, and captain Dion Phaneuf will be under the microscope in TO as the team competes to make the playoffs for the first time since the lockout.  If the youngsters excel, the additional $4.55 million in cap space could come in handy for Burke at the trade deadline if he wishes to upgrade.

You can contact the author for cross-checks, high sticks, and other shenanigans on Twitter @Gordsie.

By Brandon Macdonald
NHL Hot Stove Editor

On paper it seems that the Toronto Maple Leafs should have an impenetrable back end. Boasting the likes of Dion Phaneuf, Luke Schenn, John-Michael Liles and with up and comer Keith Aulie, they are a force to be reckon with for the forseeable future. There were, however, some question marks when it came to veterans like Mike Komisarek, Brett Lebda and Jeff Finger.

Many Leaf fans will tell you Finger is the first Leaf that needs to be traded, but Lebda wasn’t far behind on the list. GM Brian Burke came through on that today, dealing the rear guard to the the Nashville Predators, along with forward Robert Slaney. In return the Leafs received highly touted defenceman Cody Franson and speedy center Matthew Lombardi. Although Lombardi is currently suffering with a concussion, the real gem in this deal is the 23-year-old Franson.

Cody Franson (BridgetDS/Flickr)

In his first two seasons in the NHL, Franson has put up 14 goals for 50 points and is a plus-25. Franson is known for being reliable in his own zone, but also possesses the skills to jump in the rush and provide that much needed outlet pass. Since it’s so early, there is no telling where Franson will fit on the depth chart, especially with newly acquired Liles. But it’s expected for him to be a top-four on the depth chart and will likely see time playing along side Schenn.

Also in the deal the Leafs picked up Lombardi, who is known for his blazing speed. After only playing in two games this past season, it’s unclear whether or not he will be ready for opening night. Lombardi was injured in the second game of the season against the Chicago Blackhawks and did not see any ice time after the concussion. If and when Lombardi is able to make his debut to the Leafs lineup, it’s yet to be seen where he fits with the club. With the recent signing of Tim Connolly, along with Mikhail Grabovski, Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri the Leafs are pretty set up the middle.

Another trade could be in the works for Burke, as he tries to find someone to play on the right wing.

After signing Lebda in the 2010 offseason it provided a lot of questions as to what exactly Burke was doing. Aside from his $2.9 million dollar contract, Lebda brought experience and that highly sought after Cup ring from 2008 with the Detroit Red Wings. He was never known for his offensive prowess — he scored a career high 18 points in 2007 — and he did not impress Leaf fans in his first campaign in the blue and white sweater only posting four points in 41 games.

On paper, it seems the Leafs fleeced the Predators. Nabbing one of their strong, young defenceman. It’s the contract of Lombardi that Preds GM David Poile was looking to rid the team of, needing all the cap room to sign Norris trophy finalist and all around beast, Shea Weber. Luckily for the Preds, they have fantastic scouts who have stock piled their defensive core with prospects Ryan Ellis, Jonathon Blum and Teemu Laakso who are nearly ready for full time NHL duties.

The Leafs back end is strong and it should help second year net minder James Reimer avoid the infamous sophomore slump. Being able to roll out six solid defensive lines will help when the team is having problems scoring on any given night. It’s just a question now of whether or not they can gel as a team.

Brandon Macdonald
NHLHS Editor
bmacdonald@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter @bMacdonald8

By Brandon Macdonald
NHL Hot Stove Editor

It’s almost that time of year again, hockey fans. The spot on everyone’s calendar that reads “Free Agent Frenzy” also known as July 1st. It’s the time when teams assess their needs and attempt to replenish via free agency. There are always one or two headliners every year, but the depth of the 2011 free agent class is not quite comparable to past years. There is only one current superstar and a ton of depth players available for negotiations come Friday.

Here at NHLhotstove.com, we have many writers covering various teams around the League so for more in-depth analysis on your favorite team, continue to check the site for up-to-date news. Just for fun, let’s look over a list of what I believe are the Top-10 most coveted free agents of the 2011 free agent season. Feel free to leave your own top 10 list in the comment section or send me an email with your thoughts.

Honorable mentions: Tyler Kennedy, Fredrik Sjostrom, Shane O’Brien, Chris Higgins, Ray Emery and Mike Smith

Photo Credit: lindsay_rockstar.

#10 – Maxime Talbot, 27, Pittsburgh Penguins, 2010-11 cap hit $2.6 million

Last season statistics: 82 GP/8G/13A/60PIM/-3

Although Talbot is not going to wow you with his offensive prowess, he brings the kind of grit and hustle to the table that every team would welcome with open arms. Throughout the years he became a solid third line centre who has the ability to get under the opposing team’s skin and who has shown an ability to score some important goals (Don’t click Red Wing fans). Talbot would be a good fit with teams that are looking to round out their bottom six with role players.

Where he will land: Detroit Red Wings

#9 – Ville Leino, 27, Philadelphia Flyers, 2010-11 cap hit $800k

Last season statistics: 81GP/19G/34A/22PIM/+14

After being acquired by the Flyers for Ole-Kristian Tollefsen in 2009, Leino proved his worth with a fantastic post season and continued the solid play in 2010-11. He was an intricate part of the Flyers offence during both the regular season and post season. With dynamic speed and puck handling ability Leino will undoubtedly receive a large raise from his $800 k cap hit and a multi-year deal is in his future.

With the massive overhaul on the Philadelphia front line, one would assume it would be in GM Paul Holmgren‘s best interests to retain the 27-year-old Finn as he enters the prime of his career.

Where he will land: Philadelphia Flyers

Photo Credit: bridgetds.

#8 – Erik Cole, 32, Carolina Hurricanes, 2010-11 cap hit $2.9 million

Last season statistics: 82GP/26G/26A/49PIM/-1

The curious case of Erik Cole –the man that only seems to find his top game in Carolina. Even during the lockout season while playing with Berlin Polar Bears in Germany, Cole managed to score only six goals in 39 games. He was welcomed back to Carolina via a trade after signing with Edmonton in 2008. This past season was Cole’s best since 2007, he scored 26 times and played in all 82 games. This is a good sign for him, as it’s the first time in his NHL career he played the entire campaign.

It only makes sense that the Hurricanes keep Cole, especially considering shootout specialist Jussi Jokinen and Chad LaRose are both set to hit the open market. Cole would be a good fit with teams wanting that extra scoring depth on the wing, as he could log considerable minutes on the second line and even fill in on the top line pending injuries. The Canes are in desperate need for scoring depth as they saw what happened last year when they relied on Eric Staal and Calder trophy winner Jeff Skinner for the bulk of scoring.

Where he will land: Carolina Hurricanes

#7 – Tomas Kaberle, 33, Boston Bruins, 2010-11 cap hit $4.25 million

Last season statistics: 82GP/4G/43A/18PIM/+4

It’s yet to be seen if Kaberle will be back with the Bruins next season. After a less-than-stellar debut with the team, it seemed like he settled into his role throughout the playoffs, especially after seeing significantly less minutes than he was used to getting in Toronto. Fitting in on the second defensive pair with Adam McQuaid, his role changed. He wasn’t the power play saviour that the team expected, yet he did lead Bruins defenceman in scoring in the playoffs with 11 assists.

It all comes down to the numbers in regards to GM Peter Chiarelli‘s decision to pursue the Czech native. If he can get Kaberle at his previous cap hit, it seems like he will remain in Boston. However, there are cheaper options for the Bruins out there— albeit not many — and they have a young puck moving defenceman in Steven Kampfer waiting in the wings for his chance. Some have speculated that Kaberle could end up back in Toronto, but that seems like a long shot.

Where he will end up: Boston Bruins

Now the next three picks are, in my opinion, interchangeable.

#6 – Simon Gagne, 31, Tampa Bay Lightning, 2010-11 cap hit $2.5 million

Last season statistics: 63GP/17G/23A/20PIM/-12

One of the biggest question marks when it comes to free agency is: What do you offer Gagne? He is an aging veteran with a history of injury issues, but managed to play in 63 games this past season. For the second straight year Gagne chipped in with 17 goals and there is nothing saying he isn’t capable of hitting the 20-25 mark again in his career. If he can stay healthy and play with a playmaking centre, that is almost a given.

The problem when it comes to Gagne is how much money would he accept. Nobody wants to lowball a veteran with success at the NHL level, but take into account his past. Gagne has nothing to prove except for playing 60-plus games per season. It’s likely that he will want to play with a Stanley Cup contender and there is a chance he could get that chance. A team like the Los Angeles Kings stick out to me as they could use a goal-scoring winger to compliment newly acquired — and former teammate — Mike Richards on the second line. The question for the Kings is whether or not they will have the cap space after locking up pending RFA Drew Doughty.

Where he will land: Los Angeles Kings

Photo Credit: bridgetds.

#5 - Michael Ryder, 31, Boston Bruins, 2010-11 cap hit $4 million

Last season statistics: 79GP/18G/23A/26PIM/-1

Entering the Stanley Cup playoffs anyone connected to Boston would have told you Ryder would be donning a new sweater come next season. However, times have changed and it’s likely that opinions have as well. Ryder stepped up his game in the Bruins’ quest for Lord Stanley scoring eight goals and finishing with 17 points, which likely has other teams chomping at the bit to acquire the Newfoundland native.

The oft-criticized 31-year-old has a game changing shot, but is often found floating while wearing his invisibility cloak. When he feels like it, Ryder can be a very dangerous player. The Bruins have four skaters headed to free agency (five if you count Mark Recchi) and the cap space to retain all of their services. Chiarelli has not made any public statements on the team’s intentions to re-up Ryder, so only time will tell if he is back with the Bruins on their quest for back-to-back titles.

Eclipsing 25 goals in six of his NHL seasons should have teams looking to sign Ryder. After winning a Cup, it’s likely he will continue to ask for $4 million per season and lengthy contract that will see him continue to be paid. It’s yet to be seen if the Bruins will continue to pay that salary to a guy playing on their third line.

Where he will land: Florida Panthers

#4 – Tim Connolly, 30, Buffalo Sabres, 2010-11 cap hit $4.5 million

Last season statistics: 68GP/13G/29/20PIM/-10

Always a question as to whether or not he can stay healthy, Connolly could see a plethora of contracts tossed his way come July 1st. Having played 65-plus games the past two seasons, he could almost argue for his ability to stay healthy as he would make any team he joins better. If need be, he could serve as a number one centre, but likely would serve better as a number two. With great hands and a quick shot, Connolly would serve well on a young team looking for depth.

It seems like Connolly could stay in Buffalo, as their options at centre appear sparse, but they may have injury concerns and Connolly is likely looking for long-term contract. Nevertheless, new Sabres owner Terry Pegula proves himself as willing to spend the money to make the team better and losing Connolly does not make them a better team. With shooters like Drew Stafford, Thomas Vanek, Tyler Ennis and Brad Boyes the team will need someone to pass them the puck.

Where he will land: Buffalo Sabres

Photo Credit: bridgetds.

#3 – Tomas Vokoun, 34, Florida Panthers, 2010-11 cap hit $5.7 million

Last season statistics: 22W/28L/.922SV%/2.55GAA

In recent years the market for goaltenders has not been busy, but then again, there hasn’t been many goaltenders available like Vokoun. On an unfortunate Florida Panthers team, Vokoun has managed to maintain respectable numbers and has the title of the “best goalie on a bad team” label. Vokoun’s high cap hit may scare some teams away from taking a chance on this guy, but if put in a good situation Vokoun could flourish.

It’s not likely that the Panthers will re-sign the Czech puck stopper, nor is it likely he plans on re-signing. Testing the free agent market seems like the best idea for the aging goalie and latching onto a Cup contending team missing that extra piece could be a match made in heaven. There are a few teams that come to mind like Washington, but the Capitals have had opportunities to snag veteran goalies before and seem keen on maintaining the youthful approach in goal. Colorado seems like another choice — a young team that seems to be a few pieces away from contending in the tough West. Vokoun could be just the guy they need.

Where he will land: Colorado Avalanche

#2 – Christian Ehrhoff, 28, New York Islanders, 2010-11 cap hit $3.1 million

Last season statistics: 79GP/14G/36A/52PIM/+19

With one of the deepest defensive units in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks will have some decisions to make come July 1st. They have the likes of Andrew Alberts, Sami Salo and Ehrhoff to re-sign, as well as a handful of forwards. With youngsters Chris Tanev and Yann Sauve in the system, they also possess some youth that can fill holes. Clearly the Canucks have some options on the back end, but Ehrhoff is a dependable asset who provides both offensive and defensive stability.

It’s not too often that teams have the chance to acquire a puck-moving defenceman who can also play in his own zone. If Ehrhoff’s camp decides to test the open market, it’s likely he will not be there for too long. His defensive mate Kevin Bieksa recently signed a five-year contract that has him at a $4.6 million cap hit per season. Ehrhoff should receive a similar contract, but the fact that Bieksa had a better postseason likely had something to do with his raise. Regardless, expect Ehrhoff to earn at least $5 million per season as the best d-man available.

After their recent acquisition of Robyn Regehr the Buffalo Sabres are closer to having a solid blue line, but adding Ehrhoff would continue to solidify their spot in the tough North East division. Say what you like about his numbers getting inflated due to a high-powered offence. Ehrhoff can get it done when leaned on.

(Editor’s note: Ehrhoff has been traded to the New York Islanders in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft)

Where he will land: Buffalo Sabres

Photo Credit: Resolute

#1 – Brad Richards, 31, Dallas Stars, 2010-11 cap hit $7.8 million

Although this years free agent class is a weak one, Richards would have reigned tall no matter who else was available. He is a legitimate number one centre and a superstar in the NHL. With soft hands and a nose for the net, Richards is the cover boy for playmaking centre any Cup contending team wants — see 2004 Lightning. He comes with the hardware, having the coveted Stanley Cup ring, as well as the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP.

What he brings to the table is the ability to make the players around him better with his passing although he can also score the big goal. There are going to be many suitors for his talent come July 1st and it’s expect that he will make the league maximum, or close to it, with a long-term contract. Most teams in the NHL will likely put in an offer for the Price Edward Island native, but he has made it known he wants to have a chance to contend. It seems that Richards has the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning on top of his list, but with the amount of money the Lightning have locked up — without a contract for Steven Stamkos — it doesn’t seem likely for a return to Tampa.

No matter what team Richards winds up with, he will be the focal point of the team and instantly make them better. It’s going to take big money to bring him in, but in today’s NHL there are no surprises.

Where he will land: New York Rangers

This article is pure speculation from Brandon Macdonald. No sources have been used to determine potential landing zones for free agents.

Brandon Macdonald
NHLHS Editor
bmacdonald@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter @bMacdonald8

By David Strehle
NHL Hot Stove NHL / Philadelphia Flyers Correspondent

It doesn’t seem that long ago that Patrick Kane somehow squeezed a bad angle shot through Philadelphia Flyers’ goaltender Michael Leighton in overtime of game six at the Wells Fargo Center last June.  Kane’s goal gave the Chicago Blackhawks their first Stanley Cup championship in 49 years, and kept the Flyers drought going at 35 seasons.

The two clubs have had their problems at different times during the current season.

Chicago struggled through much of the regular season, possibly due to a combination of ”Stanley Cup hangover” and the fact that the team had a completely different look after being dismantled because of salary cap issues over the summer.  There tends to be a certain lack of chemistry when nine players are stripped from a club’s winning makeup, including an impact defenseman (Dustin Byfuglien) and the Cup-winning goaltender (Antti Niemi).

Despite their up-and-down year, the Blackhawks backed into a spot in the postseason on the last day of the regular season, courtesy of a loss by the Dallas Stars to the Minnesota Wild.

Philadelphia was breezing through their 2010-11 schedule, battling the Vancouver Canucks in a see-saw joust for the overall NHL lead in points.  But their play fell off significantly as the calendar flipped to February, and the Flyers saw the Eastern Conference crown slip away in the last weekend of the campaign.  As a matter of fact, the team limped badly down the stretch and had to pull out a 7-4 victory over the New York Islanders on the final day of the season just to take the Atlantic Division title away from a bruised-and-battered Pittsburgh Penguins squad.

Even though it was two very different paths taken by the 2010 finalists to this season’s playoff dance, both found themselves in a very similar predicament on Easter Sunday, as Chicago and Philadelphia each faced elimination games.

Both teams had to rally from third period deficits to send their respective contests into overtime, and both found the resiliency within to gut out a triumph in the extra period to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Blackhawks knew their series with the Vancouver Canucks would not be easy.  The Presidents’ Trophy-winning Canucks were a well-oiled machine throughout the course of the entire regular season, and despite Chicago’s history of defeating Roberto Luongo and Vancouver in past postseasons, raced to a 3-0 games lead.

Just when it looked like the champions were set to face extinction, they suddenly came back to life in game four.  The ‘Hawks blitzed the Canucks for seven goals and chased Luongo on the way to a 7-2 drubbing at United Center.

The victory just happened to coincide with the return to the lineup of center David Bolland – who has helped to confound the Sedin twins in the past – and the resurgence of defenseman Duncan Keith, who had a rough start to the series.  Keith has three goals and five points in the last three contests.

A last hurrah for the home crowd, perhaps, or was there a detectable heartbeat coming from Joel Quenneville’s team?

Game five back in Vancouver provided a resounding answer to those questions.  The Blackhawks stormed out to a 3-0 first period lead and chased Luongo in the second period again, on their way to a 5-0 white-washing of the Canucks.  The champs were not only pulling themselves up off of the mat, they also looked ready and willing to defend their title.

Yesterday’s game six was a thriller.  After defenseman Kevin Bieksa had given Vancouver a 3-2 lead in the first minute of the third period, Chicago once again found themselves on the brink of elimination.  But less than a minute and a half later, Michael Frolik was tripped on a breakaway by Dan Hamhuis and awarded a penalty shot.  Cory Schneider,  who received the start after it was reported that Luongo suffered an ”injury” in game four, was injured in an attempt to stop the subsequent penalty shot goal by Frolik.  It appeared that he either pulled something in his right leg or groin area, and into the game came Luongo with a 3-3 score.

Reuters / Frank Polich

With the chance to redeem himself Luongo stopped the first 12 shots he faced, but surrendered the game-winner to Ben Smith at 15:30 of overtime to take the loss.

In addition to Bolland’s defensive play, he has also contributed two goals, six points, and a +6 rating in the three games since his re-insertion into the Hawks’ lineup.

A year after Philadelphia pulled off the unthinkable by coming back from an 0-3 series deficit to beat the Boston Bruins – the first time that feat had been accomplished since 1975 – the Blackhawks are poised to make history in game seven on Tuesday night in Vancouver.

Speaking of Tuesday, there will also be a game seven played on that night in the Flyers – Buffalo Sabres series.

After Buffalo took a 3-2 series lead with an overtime win Friday night in Philadelphia, things looked very bleak for the Orange-and-Black yesterday.

And there was some history that didn’t bode well for Philly.  The Flyers had lost their previous two meetings to the Sabres in six games, and both ended with very ugly losses in the elimination contest.  In 2001, game six in Buffalo was an 8-0 pounding at the hands of the Sabres.  In 2006 the sixth game was played in Philadelphia, but had an almost-identical finish, as Buffalo trounced the Flyers in front of their home crowd, 7-1.

Game six yesterday had an early feel like the Sabres were primed to duplicate the process of annihilation in an elimination game against Philly.

Like much of this series has proven, the Philadelphia goaltending was once again in a very-giving mood.  Leighton curiously got the call to start for Peter Laviolette’s club, then proceded to yield goals on some pretty ordinary shots that staked Buffalo to an early 2-0 lead, and a 3-1 lead after one period.

It didn’t look like a “History Will Be Made” moment as much as it wreaked of history repeating itself.

Even though he would see just 4:33 of ice time – and all on the power play unit – defenseman Chris Pronger returned and provided inspiration for his teammates after missing 21 games with a broken hand.

As they had much the same way from an 0-3 hole in game five, the Flyers scratched and clawed their way back to tie the game at 3-3 midway through the second period.  But when mighty-mite Nathan Gerbe beat Brian Boucher – who had come in to replace Leighton after the first period - with a shot past his waving glove hand late in the second, it appeared Philadelphia was out of gas.

There were several factors working against the Flyers heading into the third period trailing by a goal.

The team that scored first in each of the first five games of the series had gone on to win that contest.  With Buffalo scoring the first two goals on Sunday, the Flyers would have to do a tremendous amount of work to reverse that trend.

Also in the mix was the reality that Philadelphia had lost in the first round the last three times in the year immediately following a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals (1986, 1988, 1998).

While these two statistics left nothing set in stone about Sunday’s tilt, it does seem that history has a way of repeating itself.

Ryan Miller, who had twice shutout Philadelphia by 1-0 counts earlier in the series, was still providing an amazing goaltending display for the Sabres.  Going into the third he had stopped 28 of 31 Flyers’ shots, many of the quality scoring chance variety.  Philadelphia hasn’t been able to muster much in the way of offensive firepower for the better part of the last two months, and the prospect of getting even just one past Miller in the remaining 20 minutes would prove to be a tall order.

With only 9:17 left in regulation and just four seconds after a Buffalo penalty had expired, Scott Hartnell was able to shovel a Mike Richards pass into the open Sabres’ net as Miller unsuccessfully tried to scrambled to get back in time to make the save.

The game headed to overtime.

Just 4:43 into the extra session, Ville Leino was able to knock home the game-winner on his second whack at the puck to grab the win for the Flyers and stave off elimination.

AP Photo/David Duprey

There would be no hand shakes following the Easter Sunday games involving the 2010 Stanley Cup finalists, but there will be after both game sevens on Tuesday night – in both Philadelphia and Vancouver.

Looking ahead to those games, there seems to be a tremendous amount of momentum garnered by both the Blackhawks and Flyers.

Chicago has a chance to match what Philadelphia pulled off last year against Boston, and something that has been accomplished only three times in NHL history.  Don’t think for a second that this won’t be on their minds when the puck drops Tuesday.

Add in the leadership of captain Jonathan Toews, the fact that rookie Corey Crawford has greatly outplayed Luongo in goal, the balanced postseason scoring attack (six Chicago players have five points or more; Vancouver has just two), and the determination of a proud champion, and all signs seem to point in the direction of the ‘Hawks.

Daniel Sedin leads all players in scoring in the series with five goals and seven points, but has just two goals and is a -6 in the last three games.  Twin brother Henrik has only one assist and is a -7 in those same three contests.

Call it the “Bolland affect”.

And Ryan Kesler, who tied Daniel for the Vancouver lead with 41 goals during the regular season, has just three assists in the series.

But the Canucks will not go quietly.  Having fought so hard during the season to build a strong foundation for success in the playoffs, Tuesday night will be all-out gorilla warfare.

In the City of Brotherly Love, game seven will also be a hard-fought affair.  There has been no love lost between the two clubs, and a war of words has erupted in both cities.

Richards aired his grievances to the media regarding some penalties being doled out on his club -particularly an elbowing major he received in game three when he raised his arms to protect himself from a Patrick Kaleta charge - and the lack of calls on the Sabres.

Buffalo head coach Lindy Ruff snapped back that “They’re doing a lot of whining“, and that the Richards comments was just posturing for upcoming games.  “That’s a bunch of crap,” Ruff said earlier in the series.  “That’s for the media.  That’s for the officials to read.  That’s ‘Here, let’s get the next call.’  That’s a bunch of crap.”

Things haven’t gotten any better since Richards’ push of Tim Connolly from behind that sent the head of the Sabres’ forward into the glass.  Connolly has had problems with concussions in the past and he will not play in game seven.

The injury may not even be his head at all but rather his shoulder.  But at any rate, Buffalo did a bit of posturing of their own after the game.  “That’s the kind of hit the league has been talking about is dangerous,” Miller told the Buffalo reporters after the game.  “They better seriously look at that one.  It’s unbelievable.”

“It’s something the league definitely is going to have to take a look at,” Ruff chimed in on the subject.

Seems getting the Philadelphia captain out of game seven is a priority, but the NHL evidently has decided to not take any further action against Richards for the hit, according to Rogers Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, by way of Philly.com’s Frank Seravalli.

Boucher – who has garnered all three Flyers’ wins in this series - will get the start between the pipes for Philadelphia.  Going against his usual silense on the matter, Laviolette made the surprise announcement in his post-game press conference yesterday.  “Yes, Brian Boucher will start game seven,” he said.

The Flyers’ big guns have been Claude Giroux (a goal, seven points, +4), ex-Sabre Danny Briere (five goals), Kris Versteeg (four assists, +5), and James van Riemsdyk (three goals, +2, NHL-leading 38 shots on goal).

Another key aspect has been offensive contributions from a pair of blue liners - Andrej Meszaros (a goal, five points), and Kimmo Timonen (goal, three points, team-leading +7).  The added dimension has helped Philadelphia generate more quality scoring opportunities as the series has progressed.

Buffalo has gotten the most out of Tomas Vanek (five goals, -6), Tyler Ennis (goal, four points, +1), and Tim Kennedy (goal, three points, +3).  But they are missing one of their leaders in Jason Pominville (goal, four points) after a scary incident in which he was cut along the back of his left leg by van Riemsdyk’s skate blade.

Ruff also added that Derek Roy would be taking Connolly’s spot in the Sabres’ lineup for game seven.

“He’ll (Roy) be ready, we’ll get him ready tomorrow,” the coach said.  “This team is going to battle to the bitter end.”

Depending on how game seven ends will determine just how bitter it ends up being for Ruff and the Sabres.

When the new “History Will Be Made” videos are made after tomorrow night’s contests, will they include a Blackhawks’ miracle comeback, as well as one by the Flyers?

That remains to be seen.  But for one day, at least, the 2010 Cup finalists were both able to avoid elimination and force a game seven in their respective series.

______________________________________________

If you have any comments or questions, you can email the author at dstrehle@nhlhotstove.com.  You can also follow him on Twitter – @David_Strehle

Buffalo Sabres by Brandon Augienello

Not many people in Buffalo would disagree with you, if you were to suggest Ryan Miller is the MVP of the National Hockey League in this 2009-10 season.

Simply put, he was the best goaltender in the league and carried this franchise on his narrow shoulders wire-to-wire. Most people that don’t get the chance to watch him day in, day out, saw just how locked in he truly was all season, when he proudly wore the colors of his country during the Olympics.

Out of many stars playing in the men’s ice hockey portion of these Winter Games, his star was simply the brightest, carrying Team USA to an improbable silver medal performance. No surprise here, if you watched this man play all season like many of the Buffalo faithful did. He simply has been the standard in goal and the true backbone to this team.

But as much credit is heaped upon #30, none of this would be possible if it weren’t for Lindy Ruff being the kind of coach that he has been ever since he stepped behind the Buffalo bench, almost thriteen years ago. He has overseen a team that quite simply overachieved and stunned a lot of skeptics along the way.

Even with nobody scoring at a point per game clip, the Sabres still managed to rank within the top ten in goals for. That is the truest sign of the kind of year they had. With an unexpected down season from elite goal scorer Thomas Vanek, teammates such as Tim Connolly and Derek Roy picked up the slack.

They along with Drew Stafford, Jason Pominville and newly acquired Raffi Torres will need to lift their games in the playoffs, where everyone is going to need to contribute against an extremely stingy Boston Bruins defense.

As far as the Sabres blueline is concerned, all eyes will be on rookie sensation Tyler Myers, as he will be up against, whom many are comparing him to be one day, Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. While the comparisons are drawn mainly because of their respective tremendous physical stature, Myers is ahead of Chara, as far as his development is concerned. Already blessed with agility and foot speed, Myers will look to outshine the reigning Norris trophy winner in this series.

He will have to, because the rest of Buffalo’s defense leaves a lot to be desired.

If the season series competitiveness carries over into the opening round between the two divisional rivals, we should expect a low scoring and tight checking affair. Buffalo isn’t the only team here that has an impressive netminder starting for them, as well. Finnish sensation Tuukka Rask wrestled away the starting job from last year’s Vezina trophy winner Tim Thomas. I think that is all you need to know about this youngster’s impressive play this year in Beantown.

If you want run-and-gun and high scoring contests, you better change the channel.

Boston Bruins by Dave Strehle

The 2009-10 campaign was a struggle for the Boston Bruins, one that saw the team starving for goals.

Superstar center Marc Savard missed the last 18 games because of a concussion, courtesy of a blow to the head by Pittsburgh Penguins’ instigator Matt Cooke on March 7th.  The most important piece in Boston’s offensive game is still suffering from post-concussion syndrome and experiencing headaches.  Savard says there is no timetable for his return, and he hasn’t even been able to skate since taking the hit.

Patrice Bergeron, who knows something about what Savard is going through, and David Krejci tied for the team lead in scoring.  Only one player, Marco Sturm with 22, scored more than 20 goals this season.

The Bruins finished 4-2-0 against the Sabres this year, and it was because of Boston’s defense.  Hulking defenseman Zdeno Chara led the team with a goal and seven points, and Milan Lucic was second with just three points.

When asked by a reporter a couple of weeks ago to give a reason why Boston would make the playoffs, forward Mark Recchi simply replied:  “Tuukka Rask.”

2008-09 Vezina Trophy winning goaltender, Tim Thomas, muddled his way to a sub-.500 record, but luckily for Boston, they had Rask in the fold.  He was given a chance at the number one job and responded with a record of 22-12-5, a miniscule 1.97 GAA, a .931 save percentage, and five shutouts.  Included in those numbers were a 4-1-0 record against Buffalo, 1.43 GAA, and a .954 save percentage.

The real battle will be between two of the best masked men in the NHL, Rask and Sabres’ Ryan Miller.  It should be a tight, low-scoring series, and it may come down to if one netminder can outplay the other as to which team moves on to the second round.

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