MLB MVP

Its that time of year again, where the annual awards are handed out in baseball to mark the end of another long season. This year, the American League MVP race could be tight. I'm going to preview the leading candidates and ask you bloggers to vote on who should win the award and why.

SS Derek Jeter- New York Yankees

Jeter is enjoying a career year at the plate for the Yankees. The undisputed captain of the hated Yankees, Jeter has carried this team through a tough season where they were without two of their key outfielders, both with wrist injuries (Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield). Also, during that time and at different times 3rd baseman Alex Rodriguez was in a bad slump both defensively and at the plate. Slugger Jason Giambi has also struggled and been hurting. In the field, Jeter has come up with the big play time and time again, rarely making an error. What may hurt Jeter is that his power numbers aren't great (14 HR). A hindrance is that Jeter plays in a line-up stacked with All-Stars.





DH David Ortiz- Boston Red Sox

Ortiz has been Mr. Clutch for the Red Sox this season. However, his chances of winning the MVP award are harmed by the fact that he's basically a full-time DH save for a few games in Interleague play where he's forced to either take the field or be taken out of the line-up due to the NL no-DH rule. This season, Ortiz has smashed an incredible 54 home runs, second only to Philadelphia's Ryan Howard. Even more impressive is that fuve of those hits ended the game and a few more were the eventual winning runs. Another hindrance to this man is that he may not even be the MVP of the Red Sox



1b Justin Morneau- Minnesota Twins

Morneau is having a career season for the Twins with 186 hits and 34 home runs. He has a very respectful average of .325. He is the dark horse of the MVP race and faces a distinct disadvantage as he is not so known and Ortiz and Jeter are household names. In just his second full season in the majors, Morneau has really proven he belongs in the majors. He is also solid in the field, making some great plays at 1b when teammates throws have been a little off and in the dirt. Again, there is another player on the Twins who has had just as good success as Morneau this season (Joe Mauer) and that must be taken into consideration.

Cast your votes on this blog and explain why you think who you voted for should be picked as this year's American League MVP. Also, if you thinksomeone other than these three players deserves the honors say so and why.

a blatant dive

Here is yet another obvious dive in the world of soccer. Something needs to be done to prevent these calls from happening. Your thoughts.

NHL Season Preview: Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver Canucks



Last Season's standings: record- 42-32-8 for 92 points. The Canucks finishesd the 05-06 season in 9th in the Western Conference and 4th in the Northwest Division.

In: Roberto Luongo G (via trade w/ Florida Panthers); Lukas Krajicek D (via trade w/ Florida Panthers); Taylor Pyatt F (via trade w/ Buffalo Sabres); Willie Mitchell D (prev. team: Dallas Stars); Ryan Kesler F; Jan Bulis F (prev. team: Montreal Canadiens); Marc Chouinard F (prev. team: Montreal Canadiens); Lee Goren F; Tyler Bouck F; Kevin Bieska D; Rory Fitzpatrick D (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Alex Burrows F; Trevor Linden F

Out: Alex Auld G (via trade w/ Florida Panthers); Todd Bertuzzi F (via trade w/ Florida Panthers); Bryan Allen D (via trade w/ Florida Panthers); Dan Cloutier G (via trade w/ LA Kings); Ed Jovanovski D (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Anson Carter F (new team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Eric Weinrich D (retired); Nolan Baumgartner D (new team: Philadelphia Flyers); Keith Carney D (new team: Minnesota Wild); Jarkko Ruutu F (new team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Jason King F (new team: Swedish Elite League); Wade Brookbank D (new team: Boston Bruins)

Season Outlook: Fair. The Canucks underwent a major shake-up this off-season after failing to make the playoffs last year. The biggest acquisition was star 'keeper Luongo who should solve their goaltending questions provided he is consistent and doesn't suffer any significant injury(ies). Their defense is not nearly as deep as last year with six out of the nine defensemen used last year gone, either to new teams or retired (Weinrich). Up front, the Sedins are looking at yet another new linemate as Carter decided to take a higher offer. The team is also going to experience a whole new philosophy as Crawford was fired and replaced by Alain Vinneault who fired all the Assistant Coaches and hired his own coaches. No one is happier to see Willie Mitchell on his side than Captain Markus Naslund who has been hounded by the pesky defensemen up until this year when he signed on with his hometown team. Expect the Canucks to have another roller coaster year as they adjust to each other and Vinneault's style.

Season Prediction: The Canucks will make the playoffs again this year, finishing as the #6 seed and 2nd in the Northwest Division.

NHL Season Preview: Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames



Last Season's standings: record- 46-25-11 for 103 points. The Flames took 1st place in the Northwest Divsion last season and 3rd in the Western Conference.

In: Alex Tanguay F (via trade w/ Colorado Avalanche); Andrei Zyuzin D (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); Jeff Freisen F (prev. team: Anaheim Ducks); Jamie McLennan G (prev. team: Florida Panthers); Brad Ference D (prev. team: New Jersey Devils); Eric Godard F (prev. team: NY Islanders); Matthew Lombardi F

Out: Jordon Leopold D (via trade w/ Colorado Avalanche); Shean Donovan F (new team: Boston Bruins); Chris Simon F (new team: NY Islanders); Craig McDonald F

Season Outlook: good. The Flames had a pretty strong regular season last year and faltered in the playoffs. They got stronger in the off-season by acquiring Alex Tanguay who has developed into a proven scorer who should rack up a lot of points playing alongside Iginla. They also added Freisen to the mix to help w/ scoring. On the blueline, the Flames got deeper with the signings of Ference and Zyuzin. Scoring could be a challenge this year as outside the 2nd line, the Flames face a problem in depth. Kiprusoff needs to be more consistent if the Flames are to go anywhere this season.

Season Prediction: The Flames will top the Nprthwest Division and take the 3rd Playoff Spot in the Western Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers



Last Season's standings: record- 41-28-13 for 95 points. The Oilers were the Spoilers last year finishing in the 8th and final playof spot, 3rd in the Western Conference. They also went on a major play off run, coming within one game of winning Lord Stanley's Cup.

In: Joffrey Lupul F (via trade w/ Anaheim Ducks); Ladislav Smit D (via trade w/ Anaheim Ducks); Jan Hjeda D (via trade w/ Buffalo Sabres); Fernando Pisani F; Dwayne Roloson G; Marty Reasoner F (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Daniel Tjarnqvist D (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); Shawn Horcoff F; Jarret Stoll F; Ales Hemsky F

Out: Chris Pronger D (via trade w/ Anaheim Ducks); Jaroslav Spacek D (new team: Buffalo Sabres); Georges Laraque F (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Micheal Peca F (new team: Toronto Maple Leafs); Sergei Samsanov F (new team: Montreal Canadiens); Dan Smith D (new team: Detroit Red Wings); Radek Dvorak F (new team: St. Louis Blues); Ty Conklin G (new team: Columbus Blue Jackets)

Season Outlook: Poor. By far the biggest headline of the Oilers off-season was the trade demand of Chris Pronger shortly after the Oilers narrowly missed winning the Cup. A secondary headline was the continued inability of the Oilers to keep their good players. Losing Samsanov, Dvorak, Peca and Laraque, 4 players who made major contributions to last season's suprise run is really going to hurt. Luckily, their longest serving player Ryan Smyth is back to attempt to help the Oilers make the playoffs again. Raffi Torres, Jarret Stoll and Fernando Pisani are looking to repeat the fantastic play in the Playoffs. Scoring depth will be an issue the Oilers will have to deal with throughout the upcoming season.

Season Prediction: The Oilers will compete right up until the end for the final playoff spot, but they will fall short finishing 3rd in the Northwest Division, 9th in the Western Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche


Last Season standings: record- 43-30-9 for 95 points. The Avalanche finished 2nd in the Northwest Division, 7th in the Western Conference.

In: Jordin Leopold D (via trade w/ Calgary Flames); Tyler Arnason F (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Sergei Samsanov F (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Matt Murley F (prev. team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Peter Budaj G; Cody McCormick F; Ben Guite F (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Mark Rycroft F (prev. team: St. Louis Blues); Ken Klee D (prev. team: New Jersey Devils); Brett McLean F; Marek Svatos F; Kris Mayotte G;

Out: Rob Blake D (new team: LA Kings); Dan Hinote F (new team: St. Louis Blues); Alex Tanguay F (via trade w/ Calgary Flames); Bob Bougner D; Paul Healey F; Frantisek Sklandany F; Tomas Slovak D; Mikki Viitanen D

Season Outlook: Good. The Avalanche are going to be relying heavily on their longest-serving member, captain Joe Sakic. He's been their Most Valuable Player for the last 16 years. Also, Jose Theodore must bounce back from his defeat in the Playoffs and prove he's truly over his broken heel. The loss of Alex Tanguay will hurt and Milan Hejduk will have to fill the scoring void. This line-up is going to be a very veteran one being comprised mainly of players who are 30 or older. Leopold was a strong edition to the defense. Wojtek Wolski will be looking to make a stromg case for more games. He definitely needs more experience under his belt. Scoring depth and goaltending are the main issues for the Avs heading into the season.

Season Prediction: The Avs will take 3rd spot in the Northwest Division and the 8th and final Playoff Spot.

NHL Season Preview: Minnesota Wild

Minnesota Wild



Last Season's standings: record- 38-36-8 for 84 points. The Wild finished last season in 5th in the Northwest, 10th in the Western Conference.

In: Pavol Demitra F (via trade w/ LA Kings); Kim Johnsson D (prev. team: Philadelphia Flyers); Keith Carney D (prev. team: Vancouver Canucks); Mark Parrish F (prev. team: LA Kings); Marion Gaborik F; Branko Radivojevic F (prev. team: Philadelphia Flyers); Derek Boogaard F; Brent Burns D; Pascal Dupuis F; Matt Foy F; Eric Reitz D; Wyatt Smith F (prev. team: NY Islanders)

Out: Patrick O'Sullivan F (new team: LA Kings); Andrei Zyuzin D (new team: Calgary Flames); Filip Kuba D (new team: Tampa Bay Lightning); Daniel Tjarnqvist D (new team: Edmonton Oilers); Erik Westrum F (new team: Toronto Maple Leafs); Scott Ferguson D (new team: San Jose Sharks); Marc Chouinard D (new team: Vancouver Canucks); Alex Henry D (new team: Nashville Predators)

Season Outlook: Good. For the first time in franchise history, the Wild head into the new NHL season with a clear #1 goalie in Manny Fernandez. The Wild are one of the teams who are almost always at or near the bottom in terms of money spent and this team is no exception. Gaborik will have to carry this youthful team on his shoulders. He is coming off a solid season with 66 points. Scoring depth is going to be a real problem this year as the Wild only have really four or five players who are likely to make any significant contribution. Another question mark will be the effectiveness and durability of Fernandez as likely back-up Josh Harding has only had a handful of game experience in the NHL. The Wild are going to have to utilize the same strategy they used last year to have any success in waiting for the opposition to make a mistake.

Season Prediction: The Wild are going to be in 11th place in the Western Conference and in 5th in the Northwest Division.

NHL Season Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets



Last Season's standings: record- 35-43-4 for 74 points. The Blue Jackets were 3rd in the Central division and 13th in the Western Conference at the end of last season.

In: Fredrick Modin F (via trade w/ Tampa Bay Lightning); Fredrick Norrena G (via trade w/ Columbus Blue Jackets); Anson Carter F (prev. team: Vancouver Canucks); Dan Fritsche F; Duvie Westcott D; Tomas Kloucek D (prev. team: Atlanta Thrashers); Ty Conklin G (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Ron Hainsey D; Pascal Leclaire G; Jamie Pushor D; Jason Chimera F; Filip Novak D (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Eric Boguniecki F (prev. team: Pittsburgh Penguins)

Out: Andy Delmore D (new team: Tampa Bay Lightning); Trevor Letowski F (new team; Carolnia Hurricanes); Marc Denis G (via trade w/ Tampa Bay Lightning); Mike Rupp F (new team: New Jersey Devils); Andrew Penner G.

Season Outlook: Fair.. The Blue Jackets head into the season full of promise. Gilbert Brule is looking to avoid serious injury after having the summer to bulk up. They acquired Anson Carter coming off one of his better seasons last year. I have my doubts about whether Carter will be able to repeat the numbers he had with the Sedins last year. Acquiring Conklin was not a great move as he was very inconsistent and eventually lost his starting job and back-up job when the Oilers acquired Roloson. As I write this preview, star forward Federov has already gone down w/ a serious shoulder injury and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. This team lacks depth and will be hard-pressed to score and stop pucks from going into their net.

Season Prediction: The Columbus Bluejackets will take the 15th spot in the Western Conference, 5th in the Central Division

NHL Season Preview: St. Louis Blues II

St. Louis Blues


Last Season's standings: record- 21-46-15 for 57 points. The Blues had the undesireable label of being the worst team in the NHL last year (5th in the Central Division, 15th in the Western Conference, 30th in the NHL).

In: Dallas Drake F; Jay McKee D (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Doug Weight F (prev. team: Carolina Hurricanes); Dan Hinote F (prev. team: Colorado Avalanche); Petr Cajanak F; Martin Rucinsky F (prev. team: NY Rangers); Manny Legace G (prev. team: Detroit Red Wings); Christian Backman D; Jamie Rivers D (prev. team: Phoenix Coyotes); Radek Dvorak F (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers)

Out: Patrick Lalime G (new team: Chicago Blackhawks); Kevin Dallman D (new team: LA Kings); Mark Rycroft F (new team: Colorado Avalanche); Jeff Hoggan F (new team: Boston Bruins); Mike Zigomanis F (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Mike Boulerice F (new team: Carolina Hurricanes); Dean McAmmond F (new team: Ottawa Senators)

Season Outlook: Poor. The Blues are coming off a disastrous year last season where they finished dead last in the NHL. They made a big splash in the off-season, re-acquiring veteran center Doug Weight who will bring wealths of experience to this team, being fresh off a stanley cup run that resulted in a championship. They also signed key forwards Martin Rucinsky, Dan Hinote and Jay McKee. Goaltending is still a question mark, although Legace is definitely an upgrade over the departed Patrick Lalime. The Blues lack depth up the middle and on the left side. Goaltending will be the determining factor as to how far this team goes

Season Prediction: The Blues will finish the 06-07 season in 13th place in the Western Conference and 3rd in the Central Division.

NHL Season Preview: Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators


Last Season's standings: record- 45-29-8 for 106 points. The Predators finished last season 2nd in the Central Division, 4th in the Western Conference.

In: Josef Vasicek F (via trade w/ Carolina Hurricanes); Dominic Moore F (via trade w/ NY Rangers); Libor Pivko F (via trade w/ Pittsburgh Penguins); Chris Mason G; Jason Arnott F (prev. team: Dallas Stars); Jordin Tootoo F; Sheldon Brookbank D; Ramzi Abid F (prev. team: Atlanta Thrashers); David Legwand F; Martin Erat F; Scott Hartnell F; Alex Henry D (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); J.P. Dumont F (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Tomas Vukoun G

Out: Mike Sillinger F (new team: NY Islanders); Scott Walker F (via trade w/ Carolina Hurricanes); Adam Hall F (via trade w/ NY Rangers); Dominic Moore F (via trade w/ Pittsburgh Penguins); Mark Eaton D (new team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Brendan Witt D (new team: NY Islanders); Darren Haydar F (new team: Atlanta Thrashers); Danny Markov D (new team: Detroit Red Wings); Greg Johnson F (new team: Detroit Red Wings)

Season Outlook: Fair. The Predators lost a few key players from last year in Scott Walker, Adam Hall, Mark Eaton, Brendan Witt and Greg Johnson. This team looks scary fast all around with speedsters Paul Kariya and J.P. Dumont. Tomas Vukoun is looking to bounce back and prove he's over the blood clots that forced him to miss the playoffs. Jordin Tootoo is back to give opposing players headaches. Defense is going to be an adventure for this teaam as four of their defensive corps are 25 or younger and need to gain experience in the NHL. I expect this team to do well in net and offensively with several playes who can put the puck in the net on a whim.

Season Prediction: The Predators will finish the 06-07 season in 5th in the Western Conference, 2nd in the Central Division.

NHL Season Preview: Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks



Last Season's standings: record- 26-43-13 for 65 points. The 'Hawks were an abismal 4th in the Central Division, 14th in the Western Conference.

In: Tom Preissing D (via trade w/ San Jose Sharks); Josh Hennessey D (via trade w/ San Jose Sharks); Martin Havlat F (via trade w/ Ottawa Senators); Bryan Smolinski F (via trade w/ Ottawa Senators; Vaclav Pletka F (via trade w/ Philadelphia Flyers); Micheal Handzus F (via trade w/ Phildelphia Flyers); Patrick Lalime G (prev. team: St. Louis Blues); Denis Arkhipov D (prev. team: Nashville Predators); Patrick Sharp F; Lasse Kukkonen D; Rene Bourque D; Mikael Holmqvist F; Duncan Keith D; David Koci D (prev. team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Carl Corazzini F; Jordan Hendry D; Radim Vrbata F; Brandon Bouchenski F; Jim Vandermeer D; Craig McDonald F (prev. team: Calgary Flames); Sabastien Caron G (prev. team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Tuomo Ruutu F

Out: Mark Bell F (via trade w/ San Jose Sharks); Tom Preissing D (via trade w/ Ottawa Senators); Josh Hennessey D (via trade w/ Ottawa Senators); Michal Barinka D (via trade w/ Ottawa Senators); Kyle Calder F (via trade w. Philadelphia Flyers); Eric Meloche F (via trade w/ Philadelphia Flyers); Matthew Barnaby F (new team: Dallas Stars); Mark Cullen F (new team: Philadelphia Flyers)

Season Outlook: Poor. The Blackhawks traded away three key players from last season in Mark Bell, Kyle Calder and Matthew Barnaby. They will have to hope that underachieving goalie Nikolai Khabibulan and underachieving back-up Patrick Lalime are better this season. Adrian Aucoin also had a bad year as a -13 player. The Blackhawks are going to be a young team with 23 players that are 25 or younger expected to have a good shot at cracking the line-up. Tuomo Ruutu will scare opponents with his tough play and dazzling speed. Cam Barker is looking to have a successful rookie year after a successful playoff run with junior team Vancouver Giants last year. Defensemen Brent Seabrook is looking to build on a good rookie year last year.

Season Prediction: The Blackhawks will struggle to a 14th place finish in the Western Conference, 4th in the Central Division.

NHL Season Preview: Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings



Last Season's standings: record- 58-16-8 for 124 points. The Red Wings finished the season in 1st place in both the Central Division and the Western Conference. Unfortunately they bowed out in the 1st round of the playoffs.

In: Niklas Lidstrom D; Daniel Clearly F; Brett Lebda D; Matt Hussey F (prev. team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Dan Smith D (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Tomas Kopecky F; Danny Markov D (prev. team: Nashville Predators); Jason Williams F; Dominik Hasek G (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Greg Johnson F (prev. team: Nashville Predators); Johan Frazen F; Chris Osgood G

Out: Mark Mowers F (new team: Boston Bruins); Don MacLean F (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Bryan Helmer D (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Manny Legace G (new team: St. Louis Blues); Steve Yzerman F (retired)

Season Outlook: Great. The Red Wings are a team full of veterans. They took a huge risk in signing 40-year-old Dominik Hasek who's injury prone. However, they have the two best defenseman in the league in Nick Lidstrom and Chris Chelios. Up front, the Wings are explosive with Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetteberg and Kris Maltby forming a line. They added scoring depth in signing Greg Johnson to a deal. Dan Smith will provide some depth on the blueline. I think this wings team is deep on the Blueline and up front. Their goaltending and its durability is the only question mark on this squad.

Season Prediction: Look for the Wings to repeat as President Trophy Champs.

Season Preview: LA Kings

LA Kings


Last Season's standings: record- 42-35-5 for 89 points. The Kings finished last season 10th in the Western Conference, 4th in the Pacific Division.

In: Patrick O'Sullivan F (via trade w/ Minnesota Wild); Dan Cloutier G (via trade w/ Vancouver Canucks); Rob Blake D (prev. team: Colorado Avalanche); Scott Thorton F (prev. team: San Jose Sharks); Brian Willsie F (prev. team: Washington Capitals); Kevin Dallman D (prev. team: St. Louis Blues); Brendan Buckley D (prev. team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Raitis Ivanans F (prev. team: Montreal Canadiens); Mathieu Garon G; Eric Belanger F; Sean Avery F; Mike Cammalleri F; Marc Crawford HC; Mike Johnston AC

Out: Pavol Demitra F (via trade w/ Minnesota Wild); Joe Corvo D (new team: Ottawa Senators); Mark Parrish F (new team: Minnesota Wild); Jeremy Roenik F (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Nathan Dempsey D (new team: Boston Bruins)

Season Outlook: Poor. The Kings are a young team full of rookies and sophomores. They have a starting goalie who is looking to bounce back after major knee surgery in Cloutier. Brent Sopel is a defenseman with a bad reputation of throwing the puck up the middle in ill-advised situations. Their forwards are largely unproven outside of Luc Robitaille, Pavol Demitra Jeremy Roenik and Craig Conroy. Frolov is showing promise but he needs to get stronger. Thorton needs to prove he can be healthy and not take bad penalties to put his team down a man. Rob Blake and Mattius Norstrom will play the bulk of the minutes on defense, but they need other players to step up and eat up the minutes these guys aren't on the ice. This team is going to struggle this season as Crawford is going to deploy a completely different style than the previous coach at the helm (I forget his name).

Season Prediction: The Kings are going to struggle to a basement finish (5th) in the Pacific and a 12th place finish in the Western Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim Ducks



Last Season's standing: record: 38-27-12 for 98 points. The Ducks had a great run last season finishing 6th in the Western Conference, 3rd in the Pacific Division. The ducks also went to the Western Conference finals where tey were swept by the Edmonton Oilers.

In: Chris Pronger D (via trade w/ Edmonton Oilers); Karl Stewart F (via trade w/ Atlanta Thrashers); Andy McDonald F; Stanislav Chistov F; Micheal Leighton G (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Shawn Thorton F (prev. team: Chicago Blackhawks); Pierre Parenteau F; Chris Kunitz F; Shane O'Brien D; Travis Green F (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Ian Moran D (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Ilya Bryzgalov G

Out: Joffrey Lupul F (via trade w/ Edmonton Oilers); Ladislav Smid D (via trade w/ Edmonton Oilers); Vitaly Vishnevsi D (via trade w/ Atlanta Thrashers); Ruslan Salei D (new team: Florida Panthers); Jeff Friesen F (new team: Calgary Flames)

Season Outlook: Good. The Ducks are going to contend in a very tight Western Conference. They have a rejuvenated Teemu Selanne who's coming off an outstanding year. Sophomore Goalie Bruzgalov will have to equal his performance of last year or Giguere will have to bounce back after a so-so year for this team to make the playoffs. They have perhaps the best defensive pairing in Pronger and Scott Nedermeyer. Unfortunately those two can't play the entire game. Sophomores Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are out to prove their rookie years were no flukes. Scoring could be an issue if the younger players don't come through.

Season Prediction: The Ducks will finish in 7th in the Western Conference, 3rd in the Pacific Division.

Note: I couldn't find the new Anaheim Ducks logo to upload it (same goes for the Buffalo Sabres new logo). If anyone out there in blogger land knows where I can download these two images from, I'll gladly change it.

NHL Season Preview: Phoenix Coyotes

Phoenix Coyotes


Last Season's standings: record- 38-39-5 for 81 points. The Coyotes finished in the 5th and final place in the Pacific Division and 12th in the Western Conference.

In: Nick Boynton D (via trade w/ Boston Bruins); Ed Jovanovski D (prev. team: Vancouver Canucks); Mike Morrison G (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Jeremy Roenik F (prev. team: LA Kings); Georges Laraque F (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Oleg Saprykin F; Phillipe Sauve G; Matthew Spiller D; Don MacLean F (prev. team: Detroit Red Wings); Mike Zigomanis F (prev. team: St. Louis Blues); David LeNevue G; Mike Comrie F; Ladislav Nagy F; Owen Nolan F (prev. team: Toronto Maple Leafs)

Out: Paul Mara D (via trade w/ Boston Bruins); Mike Johnson F (via trade w/ Montreal Canadiens); Geoff Sanderson F (new team: Phildelphia Flyers); Jamie Rivers D (new team: St. Louis Blues)

Season Outlook: Good. The Coyotes head into the season having snagged Ed Jovanovski away from the Panthers and the Canucks with an irresistable offer. They are also taking a chance on Owen Nolan and his surgically repaired knee. Nick Boynton will add much neeed depth to the blueline, while Laraque will provide size and protection up front. In net, the Coyotes are solid with CuJo going to be starting the majority of the games this season. He will need to be sharp if the Coyotes are to go anywhere this season. Roenik is looking to rebound from an awful season last year, including missing significant time with a broken finger. At center, the Coyotes are solid w/ 4 proven players at the position. This team will challenge for one of the final playoff spots.

Season Prediction: The Coyotes will take 4th in the Pacific Division, 10th in the Western Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Dallas Stars

Dallas Stars



Last Season's standings: record- 53-23-6 for 112 points. The Stars finished the 05-06 season in 1st in the Pacific Division, 2nd in the Western Conference.

In: Darryl Sydor D (via trade w/ Tampa Bay Lightning); Patrik Stefan F (via trade w/ Atlanta Thrashers); Jaroslav Modry D (via trade w/ Atlanta Thrashers); Mike Smith G; Matthew Barnaby F (prev. team: Chicago Blackhawks); Jeff Halpern F (prev. team: Washington Capitals); Eric Lindros F (prev. team: Toronto Maple Leafs); Steve Ott F; Trevor Daley D; Junior Lessard F

Out: Niko Kapanen F (via trade w/ Atlanta Thrashers); Willie Mitchell D (new team: Vancouver Canucks); Jason Arnott F (new team: Nashville Predators); Patrick Traverse D (new team: San Jose Sharks); Dan Jancevski D (new team: Montreal Canadiens)

Season Outlook: Good. The Stars took a huge risk this off-season by signing oft-injured Eric Lindros. He is one bad hit away from ending his career due to concussion issues. In goal, the Stars are solid as Turco is coming off a solid regular season. However, he's yet to prove himself in the playoffs. This season, the team won't necessarily be judged on their regular season performance, it will be the playoffs where the Stars season success will be looked at. T hat said, up front the Stars look solid as they have exciting sophomore Jussi Jokinen who will be flanked by Barnaby and Stu Barnes. Lindros will center a capable 2nd line featuring Jere Lehtinen and Steve Ott. On defense the Stars have veterand Janne Niinima and Sergei Zubov. The rest of their defense consists of youngsters and journeymen. I believe this is where the Stars achilles heel lies.

Season Prediction: The Stars will take 1st in the Pacific Division, 3rd in the Western Conference.

NHL Season Preview: San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks



Last Season's standings: record- 44-27-11 for 99 points. The Sharks finished the 05-06 season in 2nd in the Pacific Division and 5th in the Western Conference

In: Mark Bell F (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Mike Grier F (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Matthew Darche F (prev. team: Nashville Predators); Patrick Traverse D (prev. team: Dallas Stars); Rob Davison D; Scott Parker F; Dmitri Patzoid G; Graham Mink F (prev. team: Washington Capitals); Scott Ferguson D (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); Taylor Dakers G; Jim Fahey D; Marcel Goc F; Doug Murray D; Thomas Plihal F; Craig Valette F; Garrett Stafford D; Grant Stevenson F; Mark Smith F; Christian Ehrhoff D; Mathieu Biron D (prev. team: Washington Capitals); Patrick Rissmiller F

Out: Tom Preissing D (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Josh Hennessey D (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Nils Ekman F (via trade w/ Pittsburgh Penguins); Patrick Ehelechner G (via trade w/Pittsburgh Penguins); Scott Thorton F (new team: LA Kings); Alyn McCauley F (new team: LA Kings); Tim Conboy D (new team: Carolina Hurricanes); Matt Carkner D (new team: Pittsburgh Penguins)

Season Outlook: Good. The Sharks had a really busy off-season re-signing all their group 2 restricted free agents. They also acquired key forwards Mark Bell and Mike Grier. Defense is going to be the big question mark for this team as 2 of their top four defensemen have left for different teams. They head into the season on high hopes with the best 1-2 punch at Center in Joe Thorton and Patrich Marleau. Jonathon Cheechoo and Mark Bell will combine with Thorton to form a dangerous top line. Their Goaltending will have to be at the top of their game for this team to go anywhere.

Season Prediction: San Jose will take the #4 playoff spot and 2nd place in the Pacific Division.

NHL Season Preview: Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers


Last Season's standings: record- 37-34-11 for 85 points. The Pantthers finished the season in 4th in the Southeast Division, 11th in the Eastern Conference.

In: Todd Bertuzzi F (via trade w/ Vancouver Canucks); Alex Auld G (via trade w/ Vancouver Canucks); Bryan Allen D (via trade w/ Vancouver Canucks); Ruslan Salei D (prev. team: Anaheim Ducks); Branislav Mezei D; Ed Belfour G (prev. team: Toronto Maple Leafs); Steve Montodor D; Gregory Campbell F; Stephen Weiss F; Craig Anderson G; Juraj Kolnik F; Mike Van Ryn D; Ric Jackman D

Out: Roberto Luongo G (via trade w/ Vancouver Canucks); Lukas Krajicek D (via trade w/ Vancouver Canucks); Jamie McLennan G (new team: Calgary Flames); Jon Sim F (new team: Atlanta Thrashers); Sergei Payer F (new team: Ottawa Senators); Sean Hill D (new team: NY Islanders)

Season Outlook: Fair. The Florida Panthers made a huge splash at the Draft this year w/ a Blockbuster move to acquire Todd Bertuzzi, in desparate need of a fresh start. They also got promising young d-man Allen and Auld, who played well in place of injured Starter Cloutier last year. Unfortunately, in the NHL in order to get something, you have to give up something. In this case, the Panthers were forced to part with Star goalie Roberto Luongo. Auld will once again be relegated to back-up as the Panthers signed 40-year-old Ed Belfour. This was a huge risk as Belfour is coming off back surgery and his best days are behind him. On defense, young star Jay Bouwemeester will once again be a force to be reckoned with. He'll be joined by veterabs Allen, Alexei Semenov and Ric Jackman. Upfront is where the scoring might become more challenging as beyond Bertuzzi, star Olli Jokinen and Gary Roberts, the team is filled with players either over-the hill or just in their 1st or 2nd or even 3rd seasons.

Season Prediction: This team will also compete this year, but they will fall short finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference, 4th in the Southeast Division.

NHL Season Preview: Atlanta Thrashers

Atlanta Thrashers



Last Season's standings: record- 41-33-8 for 90 points. The Thrashers finished the 05-06 season in 3rd place in the Southeast Division and 10th place in the Eastern Conference

In: Vitaly Vishnevsky D (via trade w/ Anaheim Ducks); Niko Kapanen F (via trade w/ Dallas Stars); Scott Mellanby F; Johan Hedberg G (prev. team: Dallas Stars); Glen Metropolit F (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Steve Rucchin F (prev. team: NY Rangers); Darren Haydar F (prev. team: Nashville Predators); Mark Popovic D; Colin Stuart F; Jon Sim F; Kari Lehtenon G

Out: Patrik Stefan F (via trade w/ Dallas Stars); Jaroslav Modry D (via trade w/ Dallas Stars); Karl Stuart F (via trade w/ Anaheim Ducks); Marc Savard F (new team: Boston Bruins); Tomas Kloucek D (new team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Ramzi Abid F (new team: Nashville Predators); Ronald Petrovicky F (new team: Pittsburgh Penguins)

Season Outlook: This year's club is going to be centered around Illya Kovalchuk and Marian Hossa. The Thrashers have some question marks in net as to the health of #1 Lehtenon who missed time last year with injuries. Depth is also an issue as past the two stars, Savard and Mellanby, the team is young and inexperienced. They have a defensive core that is made up of mostly vets who are solid on the back end. However this team I believe is a year or two from making the playoffs, although they will be contending this year.

Season Prediction: The Thrashers will slide into 3rd in the Southeast, and 9th in the Eastern Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Washington Capitals

Washington Capitals


Last Season's standings: record- 29-41-12 for 70 points. The Capitals finished dead last in the Northeast Division (5th) and 14th in the Eastern Conference.

In: Richard Zednik F (prev. team: Montreal Canadiens); Brian Pothier D (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Shaone Morrisonn D; Brooks Laich F; Fredric Cassivi G; Donald Brashear F (prev. team: Philadelphia Flyers); Steve Eminger D; Kris Beech F; Boyd Gordon F; Bian Sutherby F; Rico Fata F; Pete Vandermeer F; Ben Clymer F; Matt Bradley F; Matt Pettinger F

Out: Brian Willsie F (new team: LA Kings); Jeff Halpern F (new team: Dallas Stars); Boyd Kane F (new team: Philadelphia Flyers); Graham Mink F (new team: San Jose Sharks); Mathieu Biron D (new team: San Jose Sharks)

Season Outlook: Poor. The Capitals are a very young team that has about 3 players that can score with any consistency (Ovechkin, Zednik and Chris Clark.) The rest of this roster is either made up of journeymen players who score maybe 20 goals/season or rookies and sophomores. This team also has a world class goalie (Olaf Kolzig) who cansteal games when necessary. Nonetheless, no goalie can win alone. The defense is too inexperienced for the Capitals to go anywhere fast.

Season Prediction. The Capitals will finish in 14th in the Eastern Conference and 5th in the Southeast Division.

NHL Season Preview: Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes


Last Season's standings: record- 52-22-8 for 112 points. The Carolina Hurricanes, the eventual Stanley Cup champions of last season finished 1st in the Southeast Division, 2nd in the Eastern Conference.

In: John Grahame G (prev. team: Tampa Bay Lightning); Eric Staal F; Mike Commodore D; Erik Cole F; Chad LaRose F; Glen Wesley D; Trevor Letowski F (prev. team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Keith Aucoin F; David Gove F; Craig Kowalski G; Derrick Walser D; Tim Conboy D; Mike Angelidis F; Scott Kelman F (prev. team: San Jose Sharks); Jesse Boulerice F (prev. team: St. Louis Blues); David Tanabe D (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Brad Isbister D (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Stephen Peat F; Scott Walker F (via trade w/ Nashville Predators)

Out: Martin Gerber G (new team: Ottawa Senators); Matt Cullen F (new team: NY Rangers); Doug Weight F (new team: St. Louis Blues); Aaron Ward D (new team: NY Rangers); Mark Reechi F (new team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Josef Vasicek F (via trade w/ Nashville Predators)

Season Outlook: Good. The Hurricanes are the defending Stanley Cup Champs and with that status comes high expectations. The big concern heading into the season is the health of Erik Cole. Cole is coming off a neck injury that came within inches of paralyzing him. He actually came back to play game 6 and 7 of the Stanley Cup Final and it is not yet known whether doing so might jave set him back to play the beginning of the 06-07 season. Look for the Hurricanes to be very cautious with Cole. In net, they are solid with Playoff MVP cam Ward starting and veteran John Graham backing him up. Up front, the Hurricanes are returning8 of the 12 forwards that brought them to the Finals. They've also added small-in-size-but-not-in-ability Center Trevor Letowski. Brad Isbister should provide some scoring depth. Scott Walker brings some toughness to the mix. Finally on defense, tyheir top four defensemen from last year have returned.

Season Prediction: The Hurricanes will take top spot in the Southeast Division, 3rd in the Eastern Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay Lightning



Last Season's standings: record- 43-33-6 for 92 points. The Lightning finished last season in 2nd place in the Southeast Division, 8th in the Eastern Conference.

In: Andy Delmore D (prev. team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Filip Kuba D (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); Marc Denis G (via trade w/ Columbus Blue Jackets); Ruslan Fedotenko F; Doug Janik D (prev. team: Buffalo Sabres); Dmitri Afanasenkov F; Mitchell Fritz F; Ryan Craig F; Eric Healey F (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Cory Sarich D

Out: Pavel Kubina D (new team: Toronto Maple Leafs); Darryl Sydor D (via trade w/ Dallas Stars); Fredrik Modin F (via trade w/ Columbus Blue Jackets); Fredrik Norrena G (via trade w/ Columbus Blue Jackets); John Grahame G (new team: Carolina Hurricanes)

Season Outlook: Good. The Lightning head into the season having acquired a solid back-up in Marc Denis. Up front they continue to be led by the dynamic duo of Lecavlier and Richards. Filip Kuba should be a solid edition to this young and solid defensive core. Dan Boyle had a good season last year and will look to build on his success this year. Delmore and Luke Richardson should also be a solid combo. If there is any question mark on this team, it will be with the wingers. They will need Sean Burke to rebound from his awful season last year if this team expects to go anywhere.

Season Prediction: The Lightning should rack up 2nd in the Southeast and take the 7th Playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs


Last Season's standings: record- 41-33-8 for 90 points. The Maple Leafs gfinished last season in 4th place in the Northeast Division and in 9th place in the Eastern Conference.

In: Hal Gill D (prev. team: Boston Bruins); Pavel Kubina D (prev. team: Tampa Bay Lightening); Andrew Raycroft G (via trade w/ Boston Bruins); Ben Ondrus F; Erik Westrum F (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); Kyle Wellwood F; Brendan Bell D; Carlo Colaiacovo D; Jay Harrison D; Kris Newbury F; Matt Stajan F; Paul Maurice HC; Michael Peca F (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers)

Out: Eric Lindros F (new team: Dallas Stars); Ed Belfour G (new team: Florida Panthers); Owen Nolan F (new team: Phoenix Coyotes); Tuukka Rask G (via trade w/ Boston Bruins); Pat Quinn HC

Season Outlook: Fair. Ah, the Toronto Maple Leafs, theone team in the NHL with a curse. This team has not made the Stanley cup final in 40 years and it doesn't look like it will happen this year either. The key reason for this is because their goaltending is inexperienced and relatively unproven. Their defensive unit is young and inmexperienced after McCabe, Kabrele and Gill. These three will have to carry the bulk of the load while the other three rookies and sophomores who make this years squad learn to play in the NHL. Up front, their biggest weapon is Mats Sundin, who suffered his own eye injury arly last year and missed significant time. Darcy Tucker should continue to be a thorn in the oppostions side. I expect this Leafs team to have a lot of misadventures trying to score and keep the puck out of their net.

Season Prediction: The Leafs will finish the season in 4th in the Northeast and 10th in the Eastern Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Montreal Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens

Last Season's standings: record- 42-31-9 for 93 points. The Canadiens finished 3rd in the Northeast Division and 7th in the Eastern Conference.

In: Francis Buoillan D; Jean-Philippe Cote D; Mike Ribeiro F; Chris Higgins F; Mike Komisarek D; David Aebischer G; Sergei Sansanov F (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Yann Danis G; Duncan Milroy F; Andrew Archer D; Dan Jancevski (prev. team: Dallas Stars); Alexander Perezhogin F; Micheal Ryder F; Mike Johnson (via trade w/ Phoenix Coyotes)

Out: Richard Zednik F (via trade w/ Washington Capitals); Raitis Ivanans F (new team: LA Kings); Jan Bulis F (new team: Vancouver Canucks)

Season Outlook: Fair. The Canadiens had a productive off-season re-signing several key players, including Ryder, Aebischer and Ribeiro. The biggest question mark for this team heading into the season is the health of their captain and 2nd longest serving player Saku Koivu. To refresh your minds, Koivu suffered a serious eye injury in the 2005 playoffs vs. the Carolina Hurricanes. This team has a great mix of bright young stars, highlighted by goaltending phenom Christobal Huet. Their defensemen have all had at least a season's experience in the league. Scoring could be an issue after the top line.

Season Prediction. I expect this team to finish 3rd in their division and the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins



Last Season's standings: record- 29-37-16 for 74 points. The Bruins finished in 5th place in the Northeast division, 13th place in the Eastern Conference

In: Marc Savard F (prev. team: Atlanta Thrashers); Zdeno Chara (prev. team: Ottawa Senators); Shean Donavon F (prev. team: Calgary Flames); Mark Mowers F (prev. team: Detroit Red Wings); Wade Brookbank D (prev. team: Vancouver Canucks); Jeff Hogan F (prev. team: St. Louis Blues); Patrice Bergeron F; Nathan Dempsey D (prev. team: LA Kings); Milan Jurcina D; Brad Boyes F

Out: Hal Gill D (new team: Toronto Maple Leafs); Marty Reasoner (new team: Edmonton Oilers); Ben Guite F (new team: Colorado Avalanche); Eric Healey F (new team: Tampa Bay Lightening); Travis Green (new team: Anaheim Ducks); Ian Moran D (new team: Anaheim Ducks); David Tanabe D (new team: Carolina Hurricanes); Brad Isbister D (new team: Carolina Hurricanes)

Season Outlook: Fair.The Bruins head into the season having grabbed arguably the biggest prize of the free agent market in Zdeno Chara. The Bruins also added size in the back end by signing Brookbank. Overall this is a young and pretty inexperienced team, especially in net with career back-up Tim Thomas.

Season Prediction: Look for the Bruins to have a roller coaster of a season and wind up last in the Northeast, 12th in the Eastern Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo Sabres


Last Season's standings: record- 52-24-6 for 110 points. The Sabres finished in 2nd in the Northeast Division and 4th in the Eastern Conference.

In: Teppo Numminen D; Jaroslav Spacek D (prev. team: Edmonton Oilers); Henrik Tallinder D; Andrew Peters F; Brian Campbell D; Martin Biron G; Ales Kotalik F; Jason Pominville F; Toni Lydman D; Tim Connolly F; Paul Gaustad F; Maxim Afinogenov F; Daniel Briere F; Adam Mair F; Dmitri Kalinin D; Marek Zagrapan F; James Patrick AC; Jiri Novotny F; Michael Ryan F; Chris Thorburn F

Out: Jay McKee D (new team: St. Louis Blues); Mike Grier F (new team: San Jose Sharks); Doug Janik D (new team: Tampa Bay Lightening); Ben Guite F (new team: Colorado Avalanche); Michal Leighton G (new team: Anaheim Ducks); J.P. Dumont F (new team: Nashville Predators); Jan Hjeda D (via trade w/ Edmonton Oilers); Tyler Pyatt D (via trade w/ Vancouver Canucks)

Season Outlook: Good. The Sabres had a busy off-season trying to re-sign 12 players who filed for arbitration. The Sabres came out pretty good, except for star forward J.P. Dumont who the Sabres chose to let walk away. This year's team heading into training camp looks about the same as last year's team which made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. They have arguably the best goaltending tandem in the game today in Ryan Miller and Martin Biron, who are both proven and capable starters. Up front, the Sabres have Briere and Connolly and Afinogenov back to give goalies nightmares. Their defense is likely the Sabres achilles heel heading into the season, as this crop of d-men are still pretty young, although they proved they could skate with the best of the opponents last year.

Season Prediction. Look for the Sabres to take 5th in the Eastern Conference, 2nd in the Northeast.

NHL Season Preview: Ottawa Senators

Ottawa Senators

Last Season's standings: record- 52-21-9 for 113 points. The Ottawa Senators were 1st in both the Northeast Division and the Eastern Conference. They were 2nd overall in the NHL to the mighty Detroit Red Wings.

In: Joe Corvo D (prev. team LA Kings); Martin Gerber G (prev. team: Carolina Hurricanes); Jason Spezza F; Ray Emery G; Jeff Heerema F; Neil Komadoski D; Neil Petruic D; Bobby Robins F; Chris Kelly F; Christoph Schubert D; Chris Neil F; Peter Schaefer F; Wade Redden D; Dean McAmmond F (prev. team St. Louis Blues); Sergei Payer F (prev. team: Florida Panthers); Tom Preissing D (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Josh Hennessey D (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Michal Barinka D (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks)

Out: Zdeno Chara D (new team: Boston Bruins); Brian Pothier D (new team: Washington Capitals); Tyler Arnason F (new team: Colorado Avalanche); Dominik Hasek G (new team: Detroit Red Wings); Filip Novak D (new team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Brian Smolinski F (via trade w/ Chicago Blachawks); Martin Havlat F (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Glen Metrpolit F (new team: Atlanta Thrashers); Mike Morrison G (new team: Phoenix Coyotes)

Season Outlook: Good. The Ottawa Senators entered the off-season with a huge dillemma with two of their star players in Chara and Spezza and whether they'd be able to keep both. The answer came July 1st when Chara bolted for bigger dollars in Boston. They replaced him with respected d-man Joe Corvo. They also traded for Tom Preissing, Josh Hennessey and Michal Barinka, who should all play a role in filling Chara's big skates (no pun intended). In net, the Senators got a little younger by letting dinosaur oalie Dom. Hasek, who was past his prime 5-6 seasons ago, walk. The Senators should have three solid lines who can contribute offensively. Schaefer has a solid defensive mind set and will kill penalties. Like many teams, goaltending is a question mark that will be answered very quickly. Both goalies are career back-ups. On defense Philips and Redden anchor a younger defensive core. Preissing and Allison should provide some depth.

Season Prediction: The Ottawa Senators should have enough of a balanced team to repeat as champs of their division and the Eastern Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins


Last Seasons standings: record- 22-46-14 for 56 points. The Penguins finished dead last in both the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference.

In: Mark Eaton D (prev. team: Nashville Predators); Jarkko Ruutu F (prev. team: Vancouver Canucks); Colby Armstrong F; Andrew Penner G (prev. team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Marc-Andre Fluery G; Nils Ekman F (via trade w/ San Jose Sharks); Patrick Ehelechner G (via trade w/ San Jose Sharks); Mark Reechi F (prev. team: Carolina Hurricanes); Ronald Petrovicky F (prev. team: Atlanta Thrashers); Brooks Orpik D; Matt Carkner D (prev. team: San Jose Sharks); Evgeni Malkin F; Dominic Moore (via trade w/ Nashville Predators)

Out: Eric Bouguniecki F (new team: Columbus Blue Jackets); Sebastien Caron G (new team: Chicago Blackhawks); David Koci D (new team: Chicago Blackhawks); Matt Hussey F (new team: Detroit Red Wings); Matt Murley F (new team: Colorado Avalanche); Libor Pivko F (via trade w Nashville Predators); Brendan Buckley D (new team: LA Kings)

Season Outlook: Fair. The Pittsburgh Penguins had a busy off-season, inking their number 1 'keeper Marc-Andre Fluery to a new multi-year deal. They also signed veteran Reechi to help mentor the younger players on this youthful squad. I really like the mix of players the Penguis will be skating out this season, including the scary duo of Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. Veteran John Leclair will be looking to bounce back from a horrible season, when every time he was on the ice the puck seemed to wind up in the wrong goal. Jarkko Ruutu should provide some much needed protection for Crosby and to an extent Malkin if he can stay away from the brainless penalty. Their defensemen are young and will provide some nervous moments for this team. Look for the Penguins to improve on last years record with a more mature Crosby and Malkin providing a dangerous one-two punch.

Season Prediction: The Penguins will finish the year in 4th place in the Atlantic Division; 13th place in the Eastern Conference.

NHL Season Preview: Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia Flyers


Last seasons standings: record- 45-26-11 for 101 points. The Flyers were tied last year for 1st in the Atlantic Division, but they took 5th in the Eastern Conferemce due to one fewr win than the Devils

In: Nolan Baumgartner D (prev. team: Vancouver Canucks); Randy Robitaille F (prev. team: Minnesota Wild); Antero Nittymaki G; Mark Cullen F (prev. team: Chicago Blackhawks); R.J. Umberger F; Matt Elison F; Martin Grenier D (prev. team: NY Rangers); Boyd Kane F (prev. team: Washington Capitals); Daniel Corso F (prev. team: Frankfurt Lions of the German Elite League); Joni Pitkanen D; Geoff Sanderson F (prev. team: Phoenix Coyotes); Simon Gagne F; Kyle Calder F (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Eric Meloche F (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks)

Out: Michal Handzus F (via trade w/ Chicaago Blackhawks); Vaclav Pletka F (via trade w/ Chicago Blackhawks); Kim Johnson D (new team: Minnesota Wild); Donald Brashear F (new team: Washington Capitals); Branko Radivojevic F (new team: Minnesota Wild)

Season Outlook: great. The Flyers head into Training Camp with a very veteran team. The big question mark at this point as it seems to be every year is in net. The Flyers spent a lot of money on veteran forwards but they did nothing to improve in between the pipes. The Flyers are solid enough in front of the 'keeper to get the team into the playoffs, but the Flyers won't make it far with the goaltending they currently have. Up front, they are led by Peter Forsberg, who I expect will be motivated to prove he's over his recently surgically repaired ankle injury. Forsberg's joined by fellow forwards Simon Gagne, and exciting sophomore Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. Add Kyle Calder, Sami Kapanen and Randy Robitaille to the mix and you have 2 lines that will scare most teams. On defense they have bruising D-man Derian Hatcher and Nolan Baumgartner who proved he can hold his own in this league last season. The Flyers should be an exciting, high-scoring team to watch this season.

Season Prediction: The Flyers will finish atop the Atlantic division, 2nd in the Eastern Conference.

Rick Dipietro's Contract

It's official, the New York Islanders are run by a bunch of lunatics.
























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































It's official, the New York Islanders are run by a bunch of lunatics. First of all, Owner Charles Wang needs to give his head a shke for letting Neil Smith, who at least knows something about how to run a team with a guy who was the team's back-up goalie just last year in Garth Snow is pure insanity (no disrespect to Mr. Snow.) Secondly, Snow has already shown his better lack of judgement and inexperience as a GM by signing Rick Dipietro, who has only played two full years in the NHL. So many things can go wrog for Dipietro. For starter's, a goaltender is a position generally more prone to injury, what with all the unnatural flexing goalies must make thoughout a game. In the new NHL, the rules are a less protective of goalies, as defensemen can't clutch and grab, thus limiting ways to slow down big strong forwards from crashing the crease. Then, there's the matter of ability. There is no gaurantee that Dipietro will pan out to be the star player the Islanders assume he will develop into. Finally, Sportsnet analyst Nick Kyperios brought up an interesting point of view last night, how motivated will Dipietro be to perform well on a nightly basis now that he has a contract that will likely last him the rest or almost the rest of his career barring career-ending injury. Please comment on how good or bad you think this deal is.

NHL Season Preview: New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Devils


Last Seasons standings: record- 46-27-9 for 101 points. The Devils were tied for 1st in the Atlantic Division, 3rd overall in the Eastern Conference last season

In: Jamie Langenbrunner F; Patrick Elias F; Colin White D; Mike Rupp F (prev team: Phoenix Coyotes)

Out: Ken Klee D (new team: Colorado Avalanche); Viktor Kozlov (new team: NY Islanders)

Season Outlook: Fair: This rating is mainly due to the fact that they have the greatest goalie in the world backstopping tem ane locked up at least through this year in Martin Brodeur. However 2 of their key players from last year in Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez have yet to sign on the dotted line. Key d-man Paul Martin is also unsigned. The Devils have the biggest tight-wadded GM in Lou Lamoriello. As a result, the Devils have been content to stay relatively quiet this off-season. If the season started tonight, they would be led by Patrick Elias, Jason Wiemer and Jamie Langenbrunner up front. On defense, they would be led by Brad Lukowich and Richard Matvicuk. All of these names will not strike much fear into opponents. The Devils will be praying that Brodeur bounces back from an off-year by his standards and that he doesn'ty sustain any injury that will keep him out for any length of time next year. At this point, they need to re-sign the killer G's (Gionta and Gomez) and soon.

Season Prediction: Assuming there are no significant injuries, the Devils should be able to slide into the playoffs taking spot #4. They will be second in their division behind the high-flying Philaelphia Flyers.

NHL Season Preview: New York Islanders

New York Islanders




Last Seasons standings: record- 36-40-6 for 78 points. The I slanders finished in the Atlantic Division, 10th in the Eastern Conference last season, well out of the playoffs.

In: Garth Snow (new GM); Mike Sillinger F (prev team: Nashville Predators); Brendan Witt D (prev team: Nashville Predators); Andy Hilbert F (prev team: Pittsburgh Penguins); Joel Bouchard D; Tom Poti (prev team: NY Rangers); Chris Simon D (prev team: Calgary Flames); Wade Dubielewicz G; Rick Berry D (prev team: Nashville Predators); Aaron Asham F; Mike York F; Sean Hill D (prev team: Florida Panthers); Ted Nolan HC; Viktor Kozlov F (prev. team NJ Devils); Rick Dipietro G

Out: Neil Smith GM; Eric Godard F (new team: Calgary Flames); Wyatt Smith F (new team: Minnesota Wild)

Season Outlook: Poor. The NY Islanders head into the season led by a coach who hasn't coached an NHL game in 8 years and a rookie GM who hasn't had a day of experience in the position. In fact, Snow was a back-up goalie for the Islanders last year. On the ice, their defensive coore consistent of three journeymen d-men who are very inconsistent and three d-men who are very much trying to find their way around the league still. In goal, Rick Depietro must be prepared to stand on hid head if this team expects to go anywhere this year. Up front, they have highly overpaid baby Alexei Yashin, exciting sophomore Jeff Tambellini, 2 very reliable centres in Sillinger and York, and 3 decent wingers in Miroslav Satan, Shawn Bates and Jason Blake. The Isles are going to be hard pressed to defend and score.

Season Prediction: The Islanders will once again finish on the outside looking in, likely in the basement of their division and the Eastern Conference.

Note from yesterday's preview: I forgot to mention that Tom Poti has also left town to go from Broadway to Long Island

NHL Season Preview: New York Rangers

New York Rangers




With a month left until the 2006-07 NHL regular season, I'm going to preview one team a day starting in the Eastern Conference Atlantic Divsion and finishing with my Hometown Vancouver Canucks. Here we go.

Last Seasons standings: record - 44-26-12 for 100 points. The Rangers finished 3rd in their division and 6th in the Eastern Conference standings.

In: Brendan Shanahan F (prev. team: Detroit Red Wings); Matt Cullen F (prev. team Carolina Hurricanes); Karel Rachunek D; Daniel Girardi D; Stephen Valiquette G (prev. team Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of the Russian Super League); Aaron Ward D (prev team Carolina Hurricanes); Bryce Lampman D; Jed Ortmeyer F; Thomas Pock D; Adam Hall F; Fedor Tyutin D; Michal Roszival D; Marcel Hossa F

Out: Dominic Moore F (via trade with the Nashiville Predators); Petr Sykora F (new team: Edmonton Oilers); Martin Rucinsky F (new team: St. Louis Blues); Martin Grenier (new team: Philadelphia Flyers); Tom Poti (new team: NY Islanders)

Season Outlook: Fair. The Rangers are a team who are always going to be at the maximum with regards to the salary cap. This off-season proved to be no different as the Rangers opened their checkbooks and signed Brendan Shanahan who should be a good fit on the Jagr line. Speaking of Jagr, he is coming off an MVP-like season where he ripped up NHL goalies and left coaches scratching their heads on how to slow this warrior down. Ortmeyer had a solid season last year and will look to continue to improve this year. Aaron Ward is a solid edition to this youthful defensive crop. Sandis Ozolinsh and Marek Malik will have to show strong leadership skills and help the younger defensemen develop or it could be a long season. Goaltending appears to be the weak link for the Rangers. They will have to be praying that Henrik Lundqvist can repeat his stellar performance from last season. Finally, the Rangers are hanging their seaon on sophomore Petr Pruka who may have played above his head last year.

Season Prediction. The Rangers should finish in second place in their division, 4th or 5th overall in the Eastern Conference.

review of this year's PNE

It's that time of year again where the kids go back to school and the adults go back to work and my favourite pasttime of summer (the PNE wraps up). This year, I attended 3 times. Two of those times, I rode all the free rides that come with the ride pass. I must say that every year I get more and more disappointed with the PNE. The new MC for the Superdogs is simply not as good as Herb Williams. At times, it appeared that Chase was trying too hard to copy Herb's style. As a result, he seemed too uptight. The setup of the course through which the dogs were to run was essentially the same for all three shows. I was also highly disappointed in that there were only three shows run daily as opposed to the traditional four. The final point, I will make about this year's show was that the volume of the music and the MC's voice over the PA system was excessively loud, my mom could hear it clearly outside the stadium. As far as the people hired to run the fair, most of them were pretty good except for an older gentleman who yelled at me to get on my hands and knees when I got stuck on the ride. I really enjoyed the haunted house as it gave me a good scare. The best ride is one of the oldest rides still at the fair the old faithful wodden roller coaster. I went and saw the animals and one pig race and duck race which was a really neat treat. Finally, I quite enjoyed the food offered at the PNE (especially Hunky Bill's perogies and sausages and those mini donuts and the wiggly chips.) Next year, I hope to see a better Superdog show and I hope the rides continue to provide the thrill I've come to love and cherish.