Everyone has their year end compilations coming over the next few weeks, ours will be completely different so stay tuned
Something missing in the middle?
This is an Aerosmith song yes I know but it still makes a good title. Okay the fact that this is a pumpkin spice doughnut does not hurt. Here is our quick look at the 16 playoff teams not in seeding order either but just what is their major malfunction err what they are missing most and a little why.
Eastern Conference……..
Boston Bruins: My kingdom for a sniper that can score. No Savard and certainly no Phil Kessel. Milan Lucic has had more things go wrong than Susan Lucci at the Emmy’s. Boston’s 191 GF is 30th in the league. Even Edmonton has scored 194 goals. The only good news is their 189 GA is good for 2nd in the NHL. Without Tuukka Rask, Boston is dead in the water and on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs.
Buffalo Sabres: Not many glaring holes but a consistent Thomas Vanek has to be the biggest one. In a season where Buffalo has rode Ryan Miller to the hilt. Oh wait I got it! What if Miller goes down? Its all over. No one in Buffalo has faith in Patrick Lalime. Hey Mr. Vanek you are off the hook at least for now.
Montreal Canadiens: Tough to pick the biggest glaring weakness. Losing Glen Metropolit hurts some but the real hole is can Michael Cammalleri return to form in time for the playoffs? Ironically Montreal is playing pretty well without his near point a game output before the injury. But they will need him and big come April 14th or 15th when their first round starts.
New Jersey Devils: I want to thank Michelle Kenneth for this. In something, we joked about came out the following true nugget. The biggest hole is not Brodeur slumping a bit or even Kovalchuk or the defense. No its Zach Parise sadly who has gone south after such a good first half. Yes he has 13 points in 15 games in March but that -6 and some bad defensive play has me more concerned. The two way game has degenerated some and that is a major HOLE come playoff time.
Ottawa Senators: This one is too obvious. No consistency is one thing but the disappearance of Alexei Kovalev is another. Kovalev finally got a goal last night for his first point since the Olympic Break. With how inconsistent every part of this team is, a little second line scoring could go a long way in helping the Senators’ fortunes. Otherwise it is a very quick 1 and done.
Philadelphia Flyers: Hmmm…goaltending? Yes. Brian Boucher is not the answer. The rest of the team is stacked and with Jeff Carter coming back sometime in Round 1, the Flyers will still be a hard out for someone. But the problem is the same as it ever was for the last 20 years for Philly and it will not change anytime soon.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Well this one is actually Evgeni Malkin. The other two centers are doing well in Pittsburgh (Crosby and Staal). The health of Malkin is actually the biggest question mark this team has. I firmly believe Malkin has been more injured that has been led on. How healthy he is going into the playoffs will help determine the Pens’ fate. That is why they are not rushing him back.
Washington Capitals: If John Carlson was a little older, I would not say defense is the biggest hole and yet I still will not despite its existence. When your fans say a goalie played well despite giving up three or more, it is just a sign of the times. No it just is not good. The Caps and their goaltending issues are well documented. It is a product of all phases not doing their jobs. The offense does not backcheck and the defense forgets players more often than I can count. Then the goaltending goes on vacation from time to time too. Just defend a little more Washington and you may be okay.
Western Conference:
Chicago Blackhawks: They were the feel good story last year but the weight of expectations has revealed that ugly situation in goal again. Antti Niemi and Cristobal Huet are just too inconsistent to ride this team to the promised land but that is what Chicago is stuck with. Injuries have hurt too on defense but goaltending is still the major hole. Chicago should be able to get by in Round 1 unless Detroit catches them…then all bets are off.
Colorado Avalanche: Electric Youth. That is the hole…youthful exuberance. They are so close to the playoffs but do not panic because Calgary is right there. Colorado has done this before with Calgary as we all know but Joe Sacco (Coach) should be able to steer them in the dance. The problem is how much will this young team have left in the tank. Will Craig Anderson have anything left at all? That is the big question.
Detroit Red Wings: Age is their hole. They have made an amazing comeback and are within shouting distance of taking the division. Six points out with a game in hand is not impossible. My only concern is how much steam is being taken out by this amazing charge? Last I checked, the Red Wings are pretty old though their goalie is young (Jimmy Howard). That could help and hurt as well but overall team age has to be a concern (top 3 annually).
Los Angeles Kings: Baby on board? This sounds laughable I know but it is really true. Jonathan Quick has hit the wall because of baby. The sleepless nights and the 68 games played has taken its toll. With Jonathan Bernier getting a clutch shutout last night, is that enough rest for Quick? Time will tell but that form that was there for Quick early on is gone for now. Will it come back? I do not have that answer.
Nashville Predators: The hole is simple here. That 2nd line of sorts. Will David Legwand ever figure it out? Its not Coach Trotz starting Ellis to torment me. I know people were expecting that. But if Legwand ever starts earning that big coin then the Predators will be very dangerous come the playoffs. If not, you know the deal in Nashville.
Phoenix Coyotes: The ominous sign of moving? It could make or break this team having to hear relocation rumors again. It is one thing to overcome during the regular season but the playoffs are a different animal. Only one team I know was able to pull it off and go all the way (NJ Devils – 1995). Could Phoenix do it? Maybe. But a deal in place would be nice for fans and team alike.
San Jose Sharks: The impending UFA goalie Evgeni Nabokov has to finally put the playoff demons behind him. It is not the offense or defense but the last couple years, Nabokov has cracked in every way imaginable. An easy Round 1 might calm his nerves and the fans of San Jose as well. The great unknown is Round 1 however.
Vancouver Canucks: Roberto Luongo. Its that blunt! If he does not regain the form, the Canucks are sunk. Andrew Raycroft can not save you in the playoffs and everyone saw how bad Luongo was last year against Chicago. There are just certain matchups that Luongo cannot hack and that has to change for Vancouver to advance.
Want to dispute it? Come and bring it in the comments!!!!!
. In the meantime, here is a classic from the end of March. Some of this is very prophetic in retrospect.
