Regular Season Wrap-Up
What a year.
The NHL needed something special coming off of the lockout year. They were very smart to introduce the rule changes (clamping down on clutching/grabbing/hooking) and even though controversial, the shootout has breathed new life into the league.
There are a few things I want to mention about this year.
1) The Outstanding Rookie Crop
TSN's Bob McKenzie basically beat me to it. He mentioned everything I was going to say plus more, so rather than rip him off, here's the article.
2) Scoring! Lots of scoring!
Are there really people out there that would prefer to see a low scoring, defensive battle? C'mon. In order to get fans back into things, the games had to be as fun as possible. Kudos to the NHL for letting the skilled players play and getting the refs to actually CALL PENALTIES. My only complaint was how frequent 5 on 3 powerplays became, since those are almost a guaranteed goal and there's no chance of a shorthanded goal, which is one the most exciting plays (especially if you're a Sens fan).
Also, what an individual scoring race! There were *5* players that scored 50 or more goals. Not long ago, there was ZERO. 7 players with 100 or more points, 2 of them rookies! This was great to see, and reminds me of the true great era in hockey of the early eighties.
3) Superstar Returns
A year off seemed to benefit many players, as some big names seemed to regain their form:
Jaromir Jagr - Honesty I thought he was done. His heart didn't seem to be in it anymore. I laughed when I heard the Rangers picked him up. Then this year he finishes 2nd in the scoring race and has his best year since leaving Pittsburgh. Good for him, I hope he keeps it up.
Joe Thornton - To be honest, I've never really liked Thornton. I didn't see the big deal in him, always struck me as oafish. Now, he had his best season ever, he won the scoring race and he's going to win MVP. It's as if he didn't want to be a Bruin anymore, since as soon as he got to San Jose he became a machine and turned Jonathan freaking Cheechoo into a 56 goal scorer. I have to respect him now.
Teemu Selanne - On the flipside, I've always liked Teemu. He was awesome in Winnepeg (remember the Jets?) and continued to do so in Anaheim with Mr. Kariya. Then things fell apart and he disappeared, did NOT look like the same player at all. Perhaps he digs California, as now that he's back with the Ducks he's quietly scored 40 goals and 90 points, his best season since 98-99. I think we'll be hearing about the Selanne/MacDonald tandem for a few years.
Dominik Hasek - Out of retirement and was putting up stellar numbers until his injury. Good for him to show he can still play at 40. He needs a new groin though.
Brendan Shanahan - Isn't he supposed to be in his twilight years or something? Best season in 9 years.
Dany Heatley - Gee, I guess a change in scenery is exactly what he needed. That and being able to play on a line with Alfredsson and Spezza. I'm glad things have worked out for him as a Senator. Congrats on becoming Ottawa's first 50 goals man. Marian who?
Surprises
- Vancouver! What the hell? Apparently they didn't get the memo that the rule changes should have benefitted this team BIG TIME. I was thinking Stanley Cup appearance for this team at the beginning of the season. They didn't even make the playoffs. Everyone disappointed this year. Shotty goaltending, missing superstars (Naslund, Morrison and Bertuzzi all basically no showed) and no desire. Sure, their defense took HUGE injuries, but you still have to put the puck in the net, boys!
- Tampa Bay. They sure don't look like defending champions. You could argue that their goaltending is suspect since Khabi moved on, but Khabi had a terrible season in Chicago and I really think he's another Lalime. Lecavalier, Richards and St. Louis are amazing players and put up *ok* numbers this year. Things just aren't working and now they're in tough against Ottawa in Round 1.
- Atlanta. It's funny that a team with 3 players in the top 11 in scoring didn't make the post-season. Problem is, that's all they have.
- Eric Stall. He just might be the real deal.
Ok, that's enough for now. Playoff predictions are next.
Anyone have anything to add?
The NHL needed something special coming off of the lockout year. They were very smart to introduce the rule changes (clamping down on clutching/grabbing/hooking) and even though controversial, the shootout has breathed new life into the league.
There are a few things I want to mention about this year.
1) The Outstanding Rookie Crop
TSN's Bob McKenzie basically beat me to it. He mentioned everything I was going to say plus more, so rather than rip him off, here's the article.
2) Scoring! Lots of scoring!
Are there really people out there that would prefer to see a low scoring, defensive battle? C'mon. In order to get fans back into things, the games had to be as fun as possible. Kudos to the NHL for letting the skilled players play and getting the refs to actually CALL PENALTIES. My only complaint was how frequent 5 on 3 powerplays became, since those are almost a guaranteed goal and there's no chance of a shorthanded goal, which is one the most exciting plays (especially if you're a Sens fan).
Also, what an individual scoring race! There were *5* players that scored 50 or more goals. Not long ago, there was ZERO. 7 players with 100 or more points, 2 of them rookies! This was great to see, and reminds me of the true great era in hockey of the early eighties.
3) Superstar Returns
A year off seemed to benefit many players, as some big names seemed to regain their form:
Jaromir Jagr - Honesty I thought he was done. His heart didn't seem to be in it anymore. I laughed when I heard the Rangers picked him up. Then this year he finishes 2nd in the scoring race and has his best year since leaving Pittsburgh. Good for him, I hope he keeps it up.
Joe Thornton - To be honest, I've never really liked Thornton. I didn't see the big deal in him, always struck me as oafish. Now, he had his best season ever, he won the scoring race and he's going to win MVP. It's as if he didn't want to be a Bruin anymore, since as soon as he got to San Jose he became a machine and turned Jonathan freaking Cheechoo into a 56 goal scorer. I have to respect him now.
Teemu Selanne - On the flipside, I've always liked Teemu. He was awesome in Winnepeg (remember the Jets?) and continued to do so in Anaheim with Mr. Kariya. Then things fell apart and he disappeared, did NOT look like the same player at all. Perhaps he digs California, as now that he's back with the Ducks he's quietly scored 40 goals and 90 points, his best season since 98-99. I think we'll be hearing about the Selanne/MacDonald tandem for a few years.
Dominik Hasek - Out of retirement and was putting up stellar numbers until his injury. Good for him to show he can still play at 40. He needs a new groin though.
Brendan Shanahan - Isn't he supposed to be in his twilight years or something? Best season in 9 years.
Dany Heatley - Gee, I guess a change in scenery is exactly what he needed. That and being able to play on a line with Alfredsson and Spezza. I'm glad things have worked out for him as a Senator. Congrats on becoming Ottawa's first 50 goals man. Marian who?
Surprises
- Vancouver! What the hell? Apparently they didn't get the memo that the rule changes should have benefitted this team BIG TIME. I was thinking Stanley Cup appearance for this team at the beginning of the season. They didn't even make the playoffs. Everyone disappointed this year. Shotty goaltending, missing superstars (Naslund, Morrison and Bertuzzi all basically no showed) and no desire. Sure, their defense took HUGE injuries, but you still have to put the puck in the net, boys!
- Tampa Bay. They sure don't look like defending champions. You could argue that their goaltending is suspect since Khabi moved on, but Khabi had a terrible season in Chicago and I really think he's another Lalime. Lecavalier, Richards and St. Louis are amazing players and put up *ok* numbers this year. Things just aren't working and now they're in tough against Ottawa in Round 1.
- Atlanta. It's funny that a team with 3 players in the top 11 in scoring didn't make the post-season. Problem is, that's all they have.
- Eric Stall. He just might be the real deal.
Ok, that's enough for now. Playoff predictions are next.
Anyone have anything to add?
1 Comments:
I'd also like to add that I found this season to be alot more fun and interesting to watch than previous seasons...especially when I got to see the games live. The crowd seemed more in to it, the food tasted better, and the high goal counts more fun. Go Sens Go!
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