Time to go under the Christmas Tree and see what Santa Chris thinks some hockey teams are wishing for this year. So with Santa Hat and a cider….might as well take a bit of a deeper look at what some teams are really praying hard for under the chimney in the hopes that Santa will bring them what they really want this season.
The Eastern Conference
Atlanta Thrashers — Going 14-9-1 in their last 24 is nice (after that 0-6 start and firing of Hartley)…..getting Mark Recchi on waivers..even nicer. Now if Lehtonen and the defense can just play a little more consistent…defending the division title may not be that far off.
Boston Bruins — That 17-11-3 record is very deceiving. This team is in need of help. Injuries to Thomas, Fernandez, and Bergeron really hurt. Auld has been a pleasant surprise and unloading Toivonen was smart but this team has some weapons that aren’t fully used when Julien tightens his reins. Team needs some scoring depth and goalie depth if it wants to stay in tight Eastern Conference race.
Buffalo Sabres — At .500 now…this team needs to take it to the next level. They have the talent just need some consistency. Winning and losing by big numbers doesn’t get it done even in today’s NHL. Miller, Vanek, Afinogenov, and company need to learn to play all facets of the game well every night and that should suffice.
Carolina Hurricanes — Life is like lot a box of chocolates with this team, you never know what you’re gonna get. They need consistency like Buffalo but they also need a physical presence (an enforcer), scoring depth (a nice winger to complement the older guys), and a backup goaltender who can really spell Ward.
Florida Panthers — Vokoun has turned out to be very solid for Jacques Martin but Bouwmeester has not been the offensive big d-man he visioned. The team no doubt needs scoring depth as its top forwards other than Jokinen have been mostly disappointing. So 2 forwards to go would be a nice wish.
Montreal Canadiens — Slipping toward .500 they need more from their 2nd line and all not named Koivu. Guys like Streit (hey he scored twice last night) Latendresse, etc…need to step it up otherwise Carbonneau is going to have to try and get Patrick Marleau or make that big splash. The team has one of the best pp’s in the universe but needs to play better even strength so a D-man and forward who can score even strength couldn’t hurt here.
New Jersey Devils — 10-1-1 in their last 12 games…the only things this team really needs is maybe another depth defenseman to send Oduya back to Lowell and their health. Not much to wish for here really.
New York Islanders — Ted Nolan has this team playing hard every night but when you can’t score, you can’t win. DiPietro can only keep you in so many games and Dublewicz is unreliable as a backup. They need a backup goalie and a scorer (they had one in Ryan Smyth but couldn’t resign him). Will Wang open up the wallet and fill some needs on the wish list? That is a bigger question.
New York Rangers — Simply their players need to start playing….resting Lundqvist would be great every so often as he looks a bit tired lately. If Renney gets out of the way a bit and lets his stars shine…there is not reason why this team can’t do just fine. Their record is right where I thought it would be…the means to get there certainly not.
Ottawa Senators — To me, they are still the best in the NHL and really all they need is their health and consistent goaltending from Emery and Gerber. If they get that, they will go far. So a wish for some speedy recoveries would be great.
Philadelphia Flyers — Been a bit up and down since their hot start but should be able to right the ship shortly as their players are being sewn up to extensions one by one. The chemistry is solid on this team and all they need now is time to grow. That growth if it is allowed to progress will make them dangerous later.
Pittsburgh Penguins — Just when they seem to be getting out of the rut and playing like the team they are supposed to…Philly pulled them back in. The team has a young captain who is still young and needs the mentors on the team to step up and show some leadership and discipline. Shero also needs to go out and get some goaltending and scoring depth to offset injuries and poor play.
Tampa Bay Lightning — For enigmas, they are The Matrix. As great as they play at home is as poorly they play on the road. Yet this week the inverse happened with a great win at Montreal then an abysmal loss to Calgary at home. Truthfully this team needs goaltending and some defensive clue because it seems as if the coach has lost this team. So really they may just need a coach and to break up the big 3 if someone will take Richards and his contract on.
Toronto Maple Leafs — It is so hard to figure this team out that it is scary. A interpreter fluent in every language including hockey couldn’t pull it off. But one bold move needs to be made…change the entire direction of this team. That may take time but an all for nothing approach at home and an opportunistic approach on the road has this team confused completely which explains a lot. That confusion goes right to the top.
Washington Capitals — The needs are so many, you would need a book but they have won 3 in a row under Bruce Boudreau who has this team playing with intensity every night. Yes they have gotten breaks but they didn’t get those under Hanlon. They need a starting goalie so Kolzig can age a little more gracefully, 2nd line scoring help, their picks to start maturing in the NHL, and some defensemen that can put the puck in the net. A lot of needs maybe one or two get answered.
Next week we will delve into the Western Conference….so don’t forget to make sure your GM leaves the cookies and milk out for Santa.
