Quick Notes

The Thrashers, though not a bonified threat yet, do seem to be headed in a positive direction for the first time in years, largely in part to Kovy, Rich "Panini" Peverly, and the career-rejuvenated Maxim Afinogenov. Despite dismal attendance, the Thrash are giving Hotlanta a reason to come to the rink.

Early goal of the year candidates:

***Stamkos on Hiller***

All aboard the SS Nevergivingupontheplay. What amazes me more than the fact it went in was just that Stamkos had the presence of mind to follow the rebound and give it another shot. It's clear that Stamkos is really making Yzerman give him a long look for the Canadian Olympic roster.

***Perron on Roloson***

Few things are more rewarding as a hockey fan than seeing an end-to-end rush executed as well as this is. Perron begins behind his own net, we see the puck cycled around, people are taking hits to make the play, Perron provides an outlet for his man, splits 2 defensemen (albeit Islanders), makes Mark Streit look like a child, and takes the long road home around Roloson. Plays finished like this will always remind me of Pominville's SHG against Emery to knock the Sens out of the playoffs, the good old days. To echo the sentiments of Darren Pang, with one of my favorite announcer catch phrases, "HOLY JUMPIN'!".

Whoa, whoa, whoa...

What is happening? I leave for a month and come back to:
My Buffalo Sabres tearing it up thanks to everyone playing the same system (except Derek Roy), solid defensive performances (welcome back Hank Tallinder), and perhaps the most effective bottom 6 set of forwards in the league (The DO WORK line of Hecht-Grier-Kennedy, and the ASK QUESTIONS LATER line of Gaustad-Kaleta-Ellis). Standout play by Paul Gaustad, who has the best faceoff % in the league, and the monolithic messiah, Tyler Myers. Holy shit, what a breakout for the rookie totem pole. A couple rough games, but he adds a completely new dimension to the team with the mobility of Brian Campbell and the size of Zdeno Chara... I love this kid.
Not only that, but the Maple Leafs are EVEN WORSE than anyone imagined and the Habs are less of a threat.
The NY Rags are actually good?
Detroit and Boston aren't atop the standings?
Phoenix and Colorado are actually competitive and doing quite well this season?

WHAT IS HAPPENING? There are a few things that will likely always be true, like Ovechkin being the most dynamic hockey player in the world, but man the NHL is providing some great curveballs this season.






















There will be more cohesive posts in the future, but until then...
Did I or did I not taut Alex Goligoski as a rager of an offensive D-man? Look at him now, he's a point machine, and a lock on the power play.
Oh, and Mike Babcock, please take Todd Bertuzzi off of Datsyuk's line, seriously, it's a buzzkill.

-Michael