Eastern Conference

(8) Ottawa Senators vs. (1) New York Rangers

Cohen– Rangers win in 7 . X-Factor –> Brandon Dubinsky

Muscat– Rangers win in 6. X-Factor –> Ryan Callahan

Philp– Rangers win in 5 . X-Factor –> Henrik Lundqvist/Rangers’ Physicality

Woodward– Rangers win in 7. X-Factor –> Chris Phillips/Filip Kuba

(7) Washington Capitals vs. (2) Boston Bruins

Cohen– Bruins win in 6. X-Factor –> Nicklas Backstrom

Muscat– Bruins win in 4. X-Factor –> Brad Marchand

Philp– Capitals win in 7. X-Factor –> Alexander Ovechkin

Woodward– Bruins win in 6. X-Factor –> Boston’s Power-Play

(6) New Jersey Devils vs. (3) Florida Panthers

Cohen– Devils win in 6. X-Factor –> David Clarkson

Muscat– Devils win in 5. X-Factor –> David Clarkson

Philp– Devils win in 6. X-Factor –> A Healthy Martin Brodeur

Woodward– Devils win in 6. X-Factor –> Florida’s Secondary Scoring

(5) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (4) Pittsburgh Penguins

Cohen–  Penguins win in 7. X-Factor –> Ilya Bryzgalov

Muscat– Penguins win in 6. X-Factor –> Marc-Andre Fleury

Philp– Penguins win in 5. X-Factor –> Pittsburgh’s Depth/Matt Cooke

Woodward– Flyers win in 7. X-Factor –> Ilya Bryzgalov

Western Conference

(8) Los Angeles Kings vs. (1) Vancouver Canucks

Cohen–  Canucks win in 6. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

Muscat– Kings win in 7. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

Philp– Kings win in 7. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

Woodward– Kings win in 7. X-Factor –> Jonathan Quick

(7) San Jose Sharks vs. (2) St. Louis Blues

Cohen– Blues win in 6. X-Factor –> Andy McDonald

Muscat– Blues win in 5. X-Factor –> Alex Pietrangelo

Philp– Sharks win in 6. X-Factor –> Joe Thornton Exorcising Playoff Demons

Woodward– Blues win in 5. X-Factor –> Antti Niemi

(6) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (3) Phoenix Coyotes

Cohen– Blackhawks win in 6. X-Factor –> Keith Yandle

Muscat– Coyotes win in 6. X-Factor –> Mike Smith

Philp– Coyotes win in 6. X-Factor –> Mike Smith/Phoenix Defense

Woodward– Coyotes win in 7. X-Factor –> Corey Crawford

(5) Detroit Red Wings vs. (4) Nashville Predators

Cohen– Predators win in 6. X-Factor –> Alexander Radulov

Muscat– Red Wings win in 7. X-Factor –> Pavel Datsyuk

Philp– Red Wings win in 6. X-Factor –> Detroit’s Special Teams

Woodward– Predators win in 7. X-Factor –> Detroit’s Second Line

Stanley Cup Finals

Cohen– Penguins Over Predators

Muscat– Red Wings Over Penguins

Philp– Red Wings Over Penguins

Woodward– Rangers Over Predators

With Saturday’s conclusion of the regular season and Sunday’s revelation of this year’s postseason match-ups and schedules, now is as good a time as any to make my first round predictions. Today’s blog will feature three of the Eastern Conference’s four series. Being that the Bruins are the team I cover, I’ll have a more detailed preview of their series with the Capitals before it kicks off on Thursday at the TD Garden.

8) Ottawa Senators vs. 1) New York Rangers

Forwards– In years past, the Rangers were thought of as an offensively incapable bunch that could only reach victory through solid defense and world class goaltending. However, that image has been wiped clean this season through the addition of top-line pivot Brad Richards and the finally healthy Marian Gaborik. The Blueshirts have emerged as one of the league’s top offensive squads, posting a 2.71 goals per game average on the season, good for 11th in the NHL. However, an underrated Ottawa forward corps — led by Jason Spezzza and Milan Michalek — have brought the Sens the NHL’s fourth most potent offense this season.

Advantage– Ottawa

Defense– Outside of Norris Trophy favorite Erik Karlsson, the Ottawa d-corps leave a lot to be desired. While Sergei Gonchar is capable of an occasional offensive spark, he’s never been known to handle himself well in his own zone. While Filip Kuba and Chris Phillips do provide the Sens with a solid defensive presence night in and night out, the Ottawa defense group simply can’t compare to the well-rounded Rangers’ blueline. With offensively explosive d-men like Michael Del Zotto and Ryan McDonagh to go along with  shut-down rearguards Dan Girardi and Marc Staal, the Blueshirts back-end is one of the best in the league.

Advantage– New York

Goaltending– Despite Craig Anderson’s success in Ottawa over the past two seasons, I think it’s fairly obvious that the Rangers hold the edge here. Henrik Lundqvist can often steal a series on his own.

Advantage– New York

Intangibles– After besting the East’s number one squad on three of four occasions this season, the Sens may hold a bit of a mental edge on the Rangers heading into their series.

Advantage– Ottawa

Prediction– The Sens will make this one a lot closer than many of the experts suggest, forcing the Blueshirts into a decisive seventh game at Madison Square Garden. However, the Rangers’ depth and collective toughness will simply be too much for the Senators.

RANGERS IN 7

6) New Jersey Devils vs. 3) Florida Panthers

Forwards– Up front, the Devils posses far more offensive dynamic forwards than the Cats, with the likes of Zach Parise, Ilya Kovalchuk and long-time Devil Patrik Elias. The late-season addition of former Cup winner John Madden will undoubtedly help the Panthers in the experience department, but their lack of production from any offensive unit outside the top line will be the Cats’ eventual unraveling.

Advantage– New Jersey

Defense– Powered by two blueliners who are never shy about jumping into an offensive play in the form of Jason Garisson and Brian Campbell, the Cats’ defensive unit is solid all the way around. Both sides seem to be even in this category.

Advantage– Florida

Goaltending– With the age of veteran ‘tender Martin Brodeur, this one’s a bit more of a toss up than many people think. I’d have to give the Devils the slight edge, just based on the fact that they have a capable backup, should anything happen to the 39-year-old Brodeur.

Advantage– New Jersey

Intangibles– The most interesting stat that I’ve come across here is that the Panthers have more players on their current roster (five) with a Stanley Cup ring than do the Devils (three). I don’t think many of us would have guessed that.

Advantage-- Florida

Prediction– Many pundits have New Jersey pulling off the upset here — if you even want to call it that — and rightfully so. After backing into the post-season, I don’t believe the Cats will be able to take down the Devils in round one.

NEW JERSEY IN 6

5) Philadelphia Flyers vs. 4) Pittsburgh Penguins

Forwards– The Philly offense is deep, strong and fast, but the Crosby and Malkin factor — along with the emergence of James Neal –  give the Pens a decisive advantage in this category.

Advantage– Pittsburgh

Defense– If Kris Letang can return to the Norris-favorite form he enjoyed early in the season, the Pens will also hold the advantage on the back-end, but if he can’t, I’d have to give the Flyers the nod, simply because of their amazing defensive depth, in holding eight NHL-capable rearguards.

Advantage– Philadelphia

Goaltending– Without doubt this is the hardest category to predict of them all. Couple Marc-Andre Fluery’s recent struggles with the enigmatic nature of Ilya Bryzgalov and you’ve got a complete and total toss up when it comes to the netminders in this series. Assuming Bryzgalov can return to form, Philadelphia will hold the edge here.

Advantage– Philadelphia

Intangibles– With most of the roster still intact from the 2009 Stanley Cup winning season, the Pens hold a decisive intangible advantage over a rookie-filled Flyers’ lineup.

Advantage– Pittsburgh

Prediction– In what will undoubtedly become one of the greatest postseason series in recent memory, these two cross-state rivals will lay it all on the line. In the end, I believe that the Flyers will outlast the Pens, stealing game seven on the ice of the CONSOL Energy Center.

PHILADELPHIA IN 7

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Projected Standings: (Team–Projected Point Total–Point Differential From Last Season–Seed Differential From Last Season)

1) New York Rangers 115 Points –>+22 Points –> +7 Spots

2) Boston Bruins         102 Points –> -1 Point –> +1 Spot

3) Florida Panthers    93 Points –> +21 Points –> +12 Spots

4) Pittsburgh Penguins 106 Points –> EVEN –> EVEN

5) Philadelphia Flyers  102 Points –> -4 Points –> -3 Spots

6) New Jersey Devils 98 Points –> +17 Points –> +5 Spots

7) Ottawa Senators 94 Points –> +20 Points –> +6 Spots

8) Winnipeg Jets 88 Points –> +8 Points –> +4 Points

9) Washington Capitals 87 Points –> -20 Points –> -8 Spots

10) Buffalo Sabres 86 Points –> -10 Points –> -3 Spots

11) Tampa Bay Lightning 84 Points –> -19 Points –> -6 Spots

12) Toronto Maple Leafs 82 Points –> -3 Points –> -2 Spots

13) New York Islanders 81 Points –> +8 Points –> +1 Spot

14) Carolina Hurricanes 80 Points –> -11 Points –> -5 Spots

15) Montreal Canadiens 73 Points –> -23 Points –> -9 Spots

STATS:

–> Largest Points Improvement …..     New York Rangers (+22)

–> Largest Seeding Improvement …..  Florida Panthers (+12)

–> Worst Points Drop-Off           …..     Montreal Canadiens (-23)

–> Worst Seeding Drop-Off       …..      Montreal Canadiens (-9)

If Sidney Crosby (Above) makes a return to the Pittsburgh lineup, these number may change drastically.

–> Now, things can always change rapidly and a team could fall completely out of the playoff race or one could jump right into it by putting together a nice winning streak, making this system far from a perfect prediction tool.

–> Last season, it took 93 points from the New York Rangers to secure the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot. This year it looks like 90 will once again be the magic number with one or two teams perhaps finishing below that mark and still sneaking into the dance.

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However, something happened on the way to making the NHL more palatable to the masses. You might have noticed that your favorite player or players have been missing in action quite a bit this season.As of Thursday, 51 NHL players have been lost to concussions this season. On that list is the player many believe is the league’s best, Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby has played in just eight NHL games since suffering a concussion on Jan. 5, 2011.

That list has become a gargantuan story this season, much to the alarm of the league and teams, who have in the past attempted to minimize what independent medical experts have been citing for years: hockey has a concussion epidemic on its hands.

< READ MORE ON CBS New York >

Other pieces on CBS by BD:

HOW PLAYERS, NOT THE ISLES COACH WILL WALK PLANK THIS SEASON

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE? TELL THAT TO NY ISLANDERS FANS! 

Unfortunately for the Cats, on Friday night the Bruins were able to solve the mystery that is the 35-year-old Theodore, getting to him early and often, en route to an 8-0 romping of the Panthers. Backstopped by 31 saves from Finnish netminder Tuukka Rask, the B’s extended their winning streak to six games and improved their record to 20-2-1 in their last 23 contests. However more impressive for Boston was the amazing depth that Boston put on full display in front of 17,565 of their home fans. An astounding total of fourteen skaters wearing the 8-Spoked “B” registered at least one point on Friday while each and every forward line contributed at least one goal. That type of depth is truly an anomaly i this league. B’s forward Benoit Pouliot understands the importance of such an advantage:

“It says a lot about our depth. Teams around the league know that we can score with any line we have out there.” — Benoit Pouliot

Leading the way for the B’s was none other than their 5’9″ pesky sophomore winger, Brad Marchand. The 23-year-old Nova Scotia native set a new career high on Friday, racking up five total points, including his first career hat-trick.

“He’s (Brad Marchand) good at finding the puck around the net, and also finding ways to put the puck in. He’s pretty resilient, too, just to find ways to score. Right now he’s playing really well.” – Patrice Bergeron

It was Marchand who would open up the game’s scoring at the 5:56 mark of the first period as he collected a pass from Patrice Bergeron and beat Theodore blocker side for the B’s first shorthanded goal of the season. The Bruins were far from finished after that as Milan Lucic, Benoit Pouliot and Dennis Seidenberg would all collect first period tallies to give Boston a 4-0 lead after one. Amidst this hectic scoring pace, the Bruins’ oft-underrated winger Benoit Pouliot managed to put in his entry for goal of the year. The video below shows how Pouliot dangles Florida blueliner Dmitry Kulikov out of his hockey pants and then beats Theodore with a back-door backhander.

“Pou (Benoit Pouliot), he’s sick. That was an unbelievable play there. I think a lot of people had written him off there and said he had no chance but he’s got a lot of skill. That was a beautiful goal.” – Brad Marchand

In the second, the B’s would add two more to their total, courtesy of fourth line center Gregory Campbell, and the always reliable Patrice Bergeron as they would each get one past the newly inserted Scott Clemmensen.

In the third, it was all about no. 63 as Marchand would pot his second and third of the night to extend the Bruins’ lead to an insurmountable 8-0. The score would remain that way for the rest of the game, as the Bruins entered the holiday break with a convincing victory over the Southeast division-leading Florida Panthers. With the win, the Bruins have now moved into first place in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of both the Rangers and the Flyers.

From The Room:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Pouliot

KEY STATS

Goals–                       FLA (0)                 BOS (8)

Shots–                       FLA (31)                 BOS (35)

Power-Play–           FLA (0-2)                BOS (2-5)

Penalty-Kill–           FLA (3-5)               BOS (2-2)

• Ben’s Three Stars– ….. 3.) Tuukka Rask   ….. 2.) Patrice Bergeron   ….. 1.) Brad Marchand

What’s Next?

From here the B’s will get four days off from game action as they enjoy the Christmas Holiday and prepare for a visit to the Jobing.com Arena where they will face-off against the Phoenix Coyotes on December 28th. This will be the first time the B’s and ‘Yotes will meet since splitting last year’s NHL Premiere games in Prague, Czech Republic. The Panthers will be off until December 27th, when they kick-off a year-ending three game home-stand against Phil Kessel and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Have a Merry Christmas Everyone!

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Tonight’s Line-Up (Subject To Change):

FORWARDS

Marchand–Bergeron–Seguin

Lucic–Krejci–Horton

Pouliot–Kelly–Hamill

Paille–Campbell–Thornton

DEFENSE

Chara–Boychuk

Seidenberg–Corvo

Ference–McQuaid

GOALTENDER

Thomas

Rask

Scratches– ….. Peverley (Undisclosed–OUT), Caron (Healthy) ,Kampfer (Healthy)

– Tonight’s game can be seen on NESN (Edwards, Brickley) and heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub (Goucher, Beers), the flagship radio station of the Boston Bruins.

NEWS & NOTES

– Tonight the Black and Gold will be without their versatile third line stalwart Rich Peverley, as he will be sidelined with what is still being referred to as an “undisclosed ailment”. As to the meaning of that? Your guess is as good as mine. What we do know is that with their next game not until December 28th in Phoenix, it’s likely that the team wanted to give no. 49 a full week off for rest to prepare for a very busy January schedule. Skating in his place will be former 2007 first round draft choice Zach Hamill. Coach Julien’s choosing of Hamill to play the right side with Pouliot and Kelly, as opposed to natural winger Jordan Caron does not exactly bode well for no. 38. It’s unknown whether this choice is an indictment on Caron’s recent play or simply a reward for the hard work being put in by Zach Hamill.

– The Panthers, playing in their third game in four nights, have lost their last two games, including a 4-3 overtime loss in Ottawa last night.

– Prior to the Panthers’ 2-0 victory at TD Garden back on December 8, the Cats hadn’t defeated the Bruins since April 1, 2010 when Keith Ballard notched the only goal of the night en route to a 1-0 Panthers’ win here in the Hub. Current back-up netminder Scott Clemmensen stonewalled the B’s that night, stopping all 36 Boston shots and recording a shutout.

– In net for the Panthers tonight will be noted Bruins killer Jose Theodore. Dating back to his time with Montreal and Washington, the B’s haven’t beaten Theodore in regulation in ten straight match-ups. At the other end of the ice will be the red-hot Vezina trophy winning Tim Thomas. The 37-year-old Flint, Michigan native has posted a 13-1 record in his last fourteen decisions.

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It was with only 2:32 remaining in the third period that former Chicago Blackhawk Tomas Kopecky would knock home a rebound after an end-to-end rush by Shawn Matthias to break a scoreless tie that would lead the Panthers to a 2-0 victory over the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

Knocking off  the defending champion Bruins, a team that had won fourteen of it’s previous sixteen games, in their own barn is certainly something for any team to be proud of, especially a team of up-and-comers like Florida.

“We said before the game it’s going to be a big test and we want to prove to everyone we are for real and we did that tonight.” – Marco Sturm

It was then that former Bruins draft choice Kris Versteeg who would drive the stake through the heart of Boston fans when he out-raced Dennis Seidenberg to a loose puck in the B’s zone and back-handed it into an empty net to seal the Panthers’ victory in their past games.

Thursday night’s contest was the truest definition of a goaltending duel if there ever was one. Throughout the first two periods and for most of the third, both offenses were completely neutralized by the opponent’s netminder. The spectacular efforts from Tim Thomas and Jose Theodore –  who combined to make 68 saves on the night – were enough to thwart numerous quality scoring chances on both ends of the ice. Florida’s veteran goaltender Jose Theodore – who has performed well historically against the Black and Gold, dating back to his days with the Montreal Canadiens – was the clear-cut number one star on Thursday, something his head coach clearly took notice of.

“Goaltending was stellar tonight.  It was really impressive.  We made numerous quality saves.” — Kevin Dineen

Thursday night was a coming out party for the Panthers, who proved to both the Bruins and the rest of the National Hockey League, that they are not the push-overs that they once were, something B’s defenseman Johnny Boychuk took note of:

“They are just a different team than we have seen in the past. Their forwards are really fast and their D do a good job of moving into them. Their work ethic is a lot better than it has been in previous years.” – Johnny Boychuk

Posting 36 points in 28 games this season, knocking off perennial cup-contending teams like Washington and Boston, and taking complete control of the Southeast division, the Florida Panthers have sent a direct message to the the rest of the Eastern Conference: They are for real.

From The Room:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Milan Lucic (BOS)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Marco Sturm (FLA)

KEY STATS

Goals–                       FLA (2)                BOS (0)

Shots–                       FLA (30)              BOS (40)

Power-Play–           FLA (0-1)             BOS(0-4)

Penalty-Kill–           FLA (4-4)             BOS (1-1)

• Three Stars– ….. 3.) Tomas Kopecky….. 2.) Tim Thomas….. 1.) Jose Theodore

What’s Next?

The B’s will once again take to the road, as they prepare for a Saturday night contest against Rick Nash and the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. This will be the second meeting of the season for these two clubs. Back on October 17, the Bruins held off Columbus in a shootout to win the game 2-1. It’s a quick turnaround for the Panthers as they will travel up to Buffalo for a Friday evening game against the Buffalo Sabres.

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Tonight’s Line-Up (Subject To Change):

FORWARDS

Marchand–Bergeron–Seguin

Lucic–Krejci–Horton

Pouliot–Kelly–Peverley

Paille–Campbell–Thornton

DEFENSE

Chara–Boychuk

Seidenberg–Corvo

Ference–McQuaid

GOALTENDER

Thomas

Rask

Scratches– ….. Kampfer, Caron

– Tonight’s game can be seen on NESN (Edwards, Brickley) and heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub (Goucher, Beers), the flagship radio station of the Boston Bruins.

NEWS & NOTES

– The B’s and Cats met four times throughout the 2010-’11 season. Boston dominated those meetings, outscoring the Panthers by a 12-4 margin, en route to a 4-0-0 record.

– Florida’s leading goal scorer, Kris Versteeg, who has tallied 12 goals and added 16 assists in 26 games this season was originally drafted by the Boston Bruins. Taken with the 134th overall selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, the 5’10″ native of Lethbridge, Alberta was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for underachieving forward Brandon Bochenski in February of 2007. Since leaving Boston, Versteeg has spent time in Chicago, Philadelphia and now Florida.

– Perhaps the NHL’s most surprising team of 2011 –next to the Minnesota Wild– the Panthers have gotten out to one of their hottest starts in franchise history, collecting 34 of a possible 54 points this season. Tonight’s Panthers’ roster will be much different than the one last seen in Boston. Off-season acquisitions of Sean Bergenheim, Brian Campbell, Tomas Fleischmann, Ed Jovanovski and Tomas Kopecky, among others made by GM Dale Tallon gave the South Florida Cats a much needed makeover, and has appeared to have turned them into a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.

– In a not-so-shocking development this morning, it was revealed that Tyler Seguin’s alarm clock does in-fact work. Seguin, reportedly one of the first on the ice at morning skate, will be back in the Boston lineup tonight, according to Head Coach Claude Julien. The 19-year-old phenom was scratched during the B’s 2-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday after missing a mandatory team breakfast and the team meeting that took place afterwards.

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GOON:

In our support of the lack of hockey movies, comes this info from the movie company to us.

“We have a great throwback hockey movie coming out and we would love to get your support. Its violent and insanely funny.”

Starring Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill and Liev Schreiber
Written by Jay Baruchel, Evan Goldberg (SUPERBAD and  PINEAPPLE EXPRESS)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Synopsis
Labelled an outcast by his brainy family, a bouncer overcomes long odds to lead a team of underperforming misfits to semi-pro hockey glory, beating the crap out of everything that stands in his way.

The film opens on VOD on 2/24 and In Theatres 3/30

Based from the book “Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey”

www.goonthemovie.com

Official Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/GoonFilm

Some more on the movie comes from Slash Film

Former Maple Leaf Kris Versteeg will play his 2^nd game in Toronto since being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers last season.  In his first game back in Toronto, Kris was held off the score sheet. However, Kris is off to a great start with the Panthers. He’s leading the Panthers in points, and scoring at a point per game pace.  (13P in 13GP).

Jose Theodore is expected to get the start for the Panthers, while Jonas Gustavsson is set to play in his 9^th game of the season. James Reimer is still out with his upper body injury.

Toronto Maple Leafs Expected Lines:

Nikolai Kulemin – Mikhail Grabovski – Clarke MacArthur
Joffrey Lupul – Tyler Bozak – Phil Kessel
Matt Frattin – Matthew Lombardi – Joey Crabb
Mike Brown – David Steckel – Philippe Dupuis

Carl Gunnarsson – Dion Phaneuf
John-Michael Liles – Mike Komisarek
Jake Gardiner – Luke Schenn

Jonas Gustavsson
Ben Scrivens

Scratches: Jay Rosehill, Colton Orr, Cody Franson
Injuries: Colby Armstrong (Ankle), James Reimer (Upper Body), Tim Connolly (Upper Body)

Florida Panthers Expected Lines:

Tomas Fleischmann – Stephen Weiss – Kris Versteeg
Marco Sturm – Marcel Goc – Jack Skille
Scottie Upshall – Mike Santorelli – Tomas Kopecky
Sean Bergenheim – Shawn Matthias – Matt Bradley

Brian Campbell – Jason Garrison
Keaton Ellerby – Ed Jovanovski
Dmitry Kulikov – Mike Weaver

Jose Theodore
Scott Clemmensen

Scratches:  Erik Gudbranson
Injuries: Mikael Samuelsson (Groin)

Each month we will update you on the relevant news and notes of all five Southeast Division teams.

Washington Capitals – 7-1-0 – 14 points

Check out the Caps season preview, “Game On:  Back to Hockey” – Read the full story here.

The Caps started fast and you can get all the details in, “Ice Chips:  Off on the Right Foot” – Read the full story here.

Are the Caps a one line show? – Read the full story here.

Who would the Caps players call if they were thrown in jail? – Watch it here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Florida Panthers – 5-4-0 – 10 points

Hockey Independent’s Rudi Genovese gives you a season preview of the new look Florida Panthers in his post, “Here We Go.” – Read the full story here.

Genovese also discusses the Panthers strong start. – Read the full story here.

How long it will take for the Florida Panthers to play as a team after acquiring 12 new players? Find the answer in “How Long For the Team to Gel?” – Read the full story here.

The Panthers have already made a big trade. – Read the full story here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tampa Bay Lightning – 4-4-2 – 10 points

Hockey Independent gets you ready for the Lightning season with the season preview, “Master Chef Yzerman is Whipping up a Winner.” – Read the full story here.

HI also questions Bolts coach Guy Boucher’s decision making in. “Did Boucher Outsmart Himself and Cost the Bolts a Point?” – Read the full story here.

The Bolts decided to keep rookie Brett Connolly. Was it the right decision? – Read the full story here.

You can also follow the Lightning in Hockey Independent’s “Tampa Bay Lightning Week in Review” series. – Read the latest weekly review here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Carolina Hurricanes – 4-3-3 – 11 points

The ‘Canes special teams are clicking. – Read the full story here.

Although he didn’t make the team out of training camp, Brett Sutter is back in Carolina now. – Read the full story here.

For the Hurricanes, a six-day, three-game road swing produced a 1-1-1 record. There were good moments and bad on the ice. – Read the full story here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Winnipeg Jets – 3-5-1 – 7 points

Now that Mark Scheifele has been sent down, do the Jets need to replace him? – Read the full story here.

Tempers flare between the Jets and Shaw Cable. – Read the full story here.

Jets assistant coach is flying high with his new team. – Read the full story here.

Winnipeg fans still on cloud nine. – Read the full story here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Follow me on Twitter @LightningShout and “Like” Hockey Independent.com on Facebook.

Panthers Forwards that have played noticeably well:

Weiss, Versteeg, Fleischmann, Matthias, Skille, Goc, Upshall, Kennedy

(Although the last 4 need to start capitalizing on strong play with some goal scoring)

     The defense has played quite well for the Panthers, although typically with Panther teams, their shots allowed is still very high. The defense as a whole has no player that has particularly struggled through the first 8 games. Brian Campbell has rejuvenated his career, and has routinely been the Panthers best player on the ice. Dimitri Kulikov, for the exception of one shaky game has continued his positive development and is a good candidate to truly break-out this season. Eric Gudbranson has been strong in his role as well with a team leading 24 PIM. Now PIM may not be considered a good stat to lead in, but his tenacity and fighting has often provided a spark to his teammates. The Panthers in years past have lacked a player like Gudbranson; he not only has a tremendous skill set but he plays with an edge, and defends his teammates at will.

Panthers Defensemen that have played noticeably well:

Campbell, Jovocop, Kulikov, Garrison, Gudbranson (Good times inFloridadefensively)

     The Panthers goaltending, a major concern entering the season has also been a pleasant surprise, with Jose Theodore playing above early expectations, and the emergence of Jacob Markstrom. Theodore is quickly proving last year in Minnesota was no fluke, and that he deserves legitimate playing time. He is currently day-to-day but Theodore is definitely earning his team-friendly contract. Markstrom made the team by default as he was supposed to spend the season as the starting goalie in the AHL, but after injuries to back-up goalie Scott Clemmensen, and the more experienced Tyler Plante, Markstrom was thrust into the backup role. Markstrom has been nothing short of phenomenal and has lived up to his massive hype, albeit in a small sample size. Markstrom was viewed as a year away, but after his play in his first three games this season (2 starts, 1 in relief), he is forcing the hand of Dale Tallon. Suddenly, the major concern for the Panthers at the start of the year has the potential of being the team’s biggest strength.

Panthers Defensemen that have played noticeably well:

Theodore and Markstrom

     Tonight the new-look Panthers begin their season against the Islanders. Expectations for this coming season, although not where they should be, are still considerably higher than they have been in the past. The 2011-2012 season will inevitably be one of two things for the Panthers. Either they exceed expectations and make a legitimate push into the playoffs, or they have another rough season, another top draft pick and have the season be another rebuilding year. This year may not be the year for the Panthers, but it is clear that next year will be. Panther fans are hoping General Manager Dale Tallon’s plan comes to fruition one year early, and with the team he has assembled that is a distinct possibility. However, with Jacob Markstrom, and Erik Gudbranson making the team this season, and Johnnu Huberdeau, Quinton Howden and potentially a slew of other prospects ready to make the jump next season, 2011 holds plenty of promise, but 2012 holds legitimate expectations. The Panthers may surprise, but win or lose this season, the decade of the Florida Panthers being a “rebuilding” franchise is over. The Panthers are built to win and have the pieces in place to make the transition into being a competitive team, and a potential cup contender. So let’s kick the season off right. It all begins tonight and it will only get better from here. GO PANTHERS GO!

If you took the summer off from following the coolest team in the desert, you missed a lot.  Bryzgalov high tailed it to Broad & Pattison, leaving former Lightning goalie Mike Smith as the featured net minder.  JovoCop surfed on back to South Beach, and Bellanger, Ebbert, and Stepniak have moved on as well.  In addition to Smith between the pipes, the Yotes have brought in a plethora new blood to help the team take shape.  You may need a score card to keep track of all the new center icemen on the roster this season.  Daymond Langkow is the most noticeable addition, as he makes what he and fans hope will be a triumphant return to Arizona.  Other additions at the center positions include Petteri Nokelainen, Boyd Gordon, Kyle Chipcura, and Alexandre Bolduc.  A couple of wingers were also added to the mix in Raffi Torres and Patrick O’Sullivan.

While some of the faces and names have changed, the song, for the most part, remains the same.  Defense is still the order of the day in the desert.  While Lanks has been known to find the back of the net on occasion, most of the off-season moves were made with an eye toward making the defensive play even stronger than it has been in the recent past under returning Coach Dave Tippett.

Goalies:

This team starts between the pipes, so that’s where we’ll begin our tour of the ice.  Newcomer Mike Smith has some big skates to fill in Bryzgalov.  Goalie coach Sean Burke will take Smith under his wing this season.  While Smith’s career high games came in 2009, when he logged 42 games in net for the Lightning, he will be the man on opening night.  Look for Smith to improve in the defensive-minded system in Phoenix.  This is a best case scenario for Smith, and he has all of his ducks lined up for him as the starter.  Jason LaBarbera returns as the #2 man.  LaBabs appeared in just 17 games the last two seasons.  Look for this number to go up a little this year, and he should benefit from the added PT.

Defensemen:

Like Bryzgalov, Ed Jovanovski also headed East.  Like the goalkeeping situation, the Yotes did not sign a high-priced free agent to replace the departing vet, instead choosing to replace him from within.  While they’ll miss Jovo’s physical presence on the blue line, this year’s defensive corps will remain largely the same as last year’s.  Keith Yandle will again be the anchor of the defense.  Look for him to kick his game up a notch this year, perhaps delving into the 70 point range.  Derrek Morris and Adrian Aucoin may be getting a bit long in the tooth, but they’re still as steady as they come defensively.  Larsson, Rizsival, and Kessler look to round out the defensive troops.  If there is an area for need, it’s another offensive threat on the blue line to compliment Yandle.  But the Coyotes have proven their detractors wrong before with their extreme defensive style.  They’ll look to do the same on defense this year.

Captain Shane Doan will attempt to lead the Coyotes deeper into the playoffs during the 2011-12 season.

Forwards:   

It’s only fitting that we take a look at the offense last, as that’s what the Yotes seem to do as well.  While there is some offensive potential in the front line this year, most all of these players share one important attribute: playing rock-solid defense.  In fact, it’s highly possible that no Coyotes forward will top 60 points scoring this season.  The Coyotes may be the only team in hockey that can say that proudly.  If any other team had no 60 point scorers, their season would surely be more doomed than Barry Melrose on stroll through Newark.  But for the Yotes, that’s business as usual.  The Cap’n, Shane Doan, will lead the way again this year.  Look for him to be somewhere right in the neighborhood of 60 points on the season.  Doan has the dubious honor of helping to form one of the oldest lines you’ll find anywhere this side of well, Arizona.  His likely line mates will be elder statesmen Ray Whitney and Langkow.  Phoenix fans will be hoping Whitney has one last hurrah in him; and that Langkow can fully recover from his neck injury and regain some old magic.  Kyle Turris is still sitting out there unsigned, with no obvious resolution in sight.  Thus, the 2^nd line will likely consist of Vrbata, Hanzal, and youngster Boedker to start the year.  There are others that will contribute, including Brett McLean, Kyle Chipkura, and Raffi Torres.  None of them, however, seem likely to light the lamp with great regularity.  Paul Bissonette returns to his familiar enforcer role.

Bold Prediction:

The Coyotes will compile a record of 47-28-7, for 101 points and 2^nd place in the Pacific division.  The Yotes will win at least one playoff series, with a chance for more if everything comes together.  With all the changes, the goalkeeping is likely to be the key for success this season.  Phoenix management managed to avoid the traps of overpaying for free agents this off-season, and it will surely pay off in the long run.  As for this year, if Smith or LaBabs can get hot come crunch time, the Yotes have the system and the experience to make a deep playoff run.   The Zamboni’s fired up and ready to roll.  Buckle up and hold on tight.  It’s gonna be a wild ride!

Follow me on Twitter @Rabid_Jack for the latest on the Coyotes, the NHL, fantasy sports, and sports humor!

HOCKEY LEGENDS PAT LAFONTAINE AND STEVE WEBB TO RIDE 550 MILES FOR W20
FOUNDATION AND COMPANIONS IN COURAGE FOUNDATION

NEW YORK (September 19, 2011) –NHL alumnus Steve Webb and Hockey Hall
of Fame inductee Pat LaFontaine began a 550-mile bike ride this morning
from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto in route to the NHL Powered by
Reebok Store in New York City in support of their respective charitable
efforts, the W20 Foundation and the Companions in Courage Foundation. Both
are expected to complete their historic ride on Wednesday, September 21 at
12:00 p.m. ET with a special celebration at the NHL Powered by Reebok Store
in midtown Manhattan.

“The NHL is proud to support these two hockey legends as they embark
on this epic charitable ride. On behalf of the NHL family we proudly salute
Pat and Steve, and wish them the best of luck” said Ken Martin, Jr., NHL
Vice President of Community Affairs.

LaFontaine’s Companions in Courage Foundation is an official
philanthropic partner of the National Hockey League (NHL) and helps to
create “Lion’s Den/NHL Legacy Classrooms” featuring Cisco System’s online
conferencing system, WebEx, which allows young patients to connect to
family, friends, schools and teachers anywhere in the world during a
hospital stay.

The Foundation has now opened 12 Lion’s Den rooms throughout North
America, including two with the NHL in Boston, Calgary and Montreal. The
NHL unveiled the first fully functional “NHL Legacy Classroom” at North
Carolina Children’s Hospital to commemorate the 2011 NHL All-Star Weekend.
Plans for an “NHL Legacy Classroom” in Pittsburgh were unveiled during the
2011 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic to commemorate the outdoor game.

Webb’s W20 Foundation provides young student ice hockey players with
partial academic scholarships to continue the pursuit of their hockey
dreams. Now the organization also highlights athletes as influential agents
of change and creates opportunities for athletes to give back in their
communities. Webb will also commit a portion of the ride’s proceeds to fund
Alzheimer and dementia research in Ontario.

The riders will be joined by a support team that includes Graham
Fraser, founder of Centurion Cycling, host of North America’s premier
series of distance bicycling events.

For more information on how you can support this please visit
www.CiC16.org
or www.w20Foundation.org.  To follow the progress of the ride, fans are
encouraged to visit www.W20Foundation.blogspot.com. ]]> http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/bdgallof/38698/feed/ 0 http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/slasher98/38347/ http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/slasher98/38347/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:49:39 +0000 Fred Poulin http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/?p=38347 Forty-three people have died in a Yakovlev Yak-42 passenger plane crash near the city of Yaroslavl in Central Russia. The majority of victims were members of the local ice hockey team Lokomotiv of the Kontinental Hockey League. The plane crashed on take-off after hitting an air traffic tower at the airport and witnesses are reporting that the plane was reduced to a pile of charred metal. It is also reported that the plane broke off in two and one half fell into water and another one on the ground. So far 31 bodies have been recovered from the river, local rescue services say.

Several of the victims were foreign players for the club. The squad includes players from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Sweden. Among the victims, former NHL players Pavol Demitra, Ruslan Salei, Karel Rachunek, Karlis Skrastins, and Josef Vasicek, as well as goaltender Stefan Liv who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2000. Former Red Wings assistant coach Brad McCrimmon is also among the victims.

Demitra played 847 games in the NHL with the Senators, Blues, Kings, Wild, and Canucks scoring 304 goals and 464 assists for 768 points. He reached the 60-point plateau six times. Demitra played in the KHL last season.

Rachunek played 371 games in the NHL with the Senators, Rangers and Devils notching 22 goals and 118 assists for 140 points. Rachunek has been playing in the KHL since the 2008-09 season.

Salei played 917 games in the NHL with the Ducks, Panthers, Avalanche and Red Wings notching 45 goals and 159 assists for 204 points. He reached the Stanley Cup finals with the Ducks in 2002-03. Salei played for the Red Wings last year.

Skrastins played 832 games in the NHL with the Predators, Avalanche, Panthers and Stars recording 32 goals and 104 assists for 136 points. He played for the Stars last season.

Vasicek played 460 games in the NHL with the Hurricanes, Predators and Islanders recording 77 goals and 106 assists for 183 points. He played for the Stars last season. He reached the Stanley Cup finals with the Hurricanes in 2001-02.

The Yaroslavl HC Lokomotiv were Russian Champions in 1997, 2002 and 2003. The squad was to play a match against Mink HC Dinamo on Thursday. Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov was rumored to join Lokomotiv this summer, but chose NHL instead. A very wise decision.

Condolences to the KHL, the friends and families of all involved.

Video of the crashed plane here.

Source: SovSports and Reuters

Follow me on Twitter for more information on this terrible plane crash as the information comes along.

     Florida now has one of the deepest rosters in the NHL, the only thing missing is the elite, first-line talent, a need hopefully filled in the near future by several prospects closing in on a roster spot within the next couple of seasons. However, there was criticism from several writers in that the Panthers wasted their money and overspent on several players, most of whom are second or third line players. The mentality of these writers was that in a few seasons when several of these prospects are due large raises the Panthers will not have the cap space to make such concessions. That is a load of baloney! And not even Oscar Meyer or Maple Leaf Food baloney, no, its No-Name brand baloney, the worst kind of baloney known to man. The majority of blue-chip prospects in the Panther system are in their first year of a three year entry level contract. This means they will not be RFAs until the 2014-2015 season, at which point the Panthers only have $29,267,875 committed, with likely 35-40 million to spend. Even this year, with a full roster and following a flurry of signings, the Panthers still have over 14 million in cap space. These concerns that Dale Tallon shot himself in his proverbial foot are unfounded, as many people believe the Panthers will still be spending at the cap floor when these signings need to be made. However, ownership has stated that Tallon has the ability to spend as much as he wants in order to make this team better, and in three years from now when the Panthers are competing for the division in what will potentially be the toughest division in hockey, the money will be there for Tallon to spend as he sees fit.

     First off I’d like to apologize for my prolonged absence, however, I am back and will be writing articles consistently for the foreseeable future. A lot has happened since we have spoken last, including a coaching change, another incredibly strong draft, and a free agent frenzy that has left Panther fans with an excitement not felt, well almost ever. I feel like a fat kid trying a Baconator for the first time, it is almost too good to be true. Over the coming weeks leading up to training camp I will be writing about the rapid development the Florida Panthers have undergone to essentially go from bottom-dweller, to perennial cup contender. The Panthers may not be there just yet, but it is undeniable that this is a team that is on the way up, and is very reminiscent of a now powerhouse L.A. Kings team that was in a similar transition only a few years ago.

     The biggest and perhaps most crucial improvement for the Panthers has been there focus on increasing the depth at center. Prior to hiring Dale Tallon (2009-2010 season) the Panthers sported a roster of centers that after Stephan Weiss included such studs as Steven Reinprecht, Dominic Moore, Kamil Kreps, and Greg Campbell. The prospect pool offered little help, as DrewShoreand Shawn Matthias were realistically the only two centermen in the system with any form of potential. Matthias was being hailed as a saviour and a future first liner amongst Panther fans, expectations that were perhaps slightly inflated due to Panther fans cringing hope that the Luongo trade would net at least something of value. As for Drew Shore, well he had yet to take the major step forward that he did this past season and was still a very raw rookie, being drafted in the second round in 2009. Fast forward just two short years to the present and the Panthers own one of the deepest teams in the league at the pivot position. Weiss is following by Mike Santorelli, a player who took a major step in solidifying himself as a top 6 forward last year, Marcel Goc, a very strong 3^rd line centermen, and Shaw Matthias, a player still developing. Now that may not be overly flashy, but when you add in a prospect pool booming with potential first and second line pivots this is a team primed for success. The Panthers have it all in their system, blue chip center prospects in Jonathan Huberdeau, Nick Bjugstad and Drew Shore, risky, high-ceiling centers such as John McFarland, Angelo Esposito, and Rocco Grimaldi (although I suspect he will be moved to the wing), and even project players with large upside in Corban Knight, Kyle Rau, and Vincent Trocheck. This is a team that in a mere two seasons has transformed a glaring weakness into the organization’s greatest strength.

Until next time Panther Fans…

Participants: Fred Poulin, Cris Cohen, Lawrence Duchenski, John Scott Moore, Jeremy Scriven, Alexander Monaghan, Jamie Fraser, Andre Garabedian, WB Philp, Al Cimaglia, Adrian Fung, Gordon Fall, Kevin Vanstone, Su Ring

Round 1
LAWRENCE 1 Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are proud to select, from the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
We believe that Ryan will be an elite player in this league for years to come. He has both the vision and the passing ability to centre our first line and we are happy to bring him into the organization.

JOHN 2 Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are proud to select, from Skelleftea HC in Sweden, Adam Larsson. The Avs most pressing issue besides a net-minder is defense. Larsson is the big man on the blue line that this team needs to be competitive. With newly acquired Erik Johnson and veteran John-Michael Liles, Larsson will complete a core of defense that should last for years. Larsson’s highly rated skating for a 6-3, 200 pound blueliner is just what the team needs. Also noted is his poise and patience with the puck, a good quality to see this early.

JAMIE 3 Panthers
The Florida Panthers select Gabriel Landeskog of the OHL’s Kitchener Ranger. Gritty. Determined. Physical. Tough. Mean. These are characteristics not common to the average Swedish hockey player. Gabriel Landeskog is truly a made in Canada Swede. He’s physical mature player who’s the most NHL ready in the draft. Landeskog is pure leadership material, he’s a difference maker every time he’s on the ice. This past season he scored 66 points (36-30) in 53 games. Here’s Landeskog take on his style “I’m a powerful guy who likes to play rough and tough,” “But I do see myself as a skilled guy but it still comes down to hard work and being gritty and being in your face. That’s what I want to do.”

JAMIE 4 Devils
The New Jersey Devils select 4th overall Jonathan Huberdeau of the Saint John Sea Dogs. Huberdeau an excellent two-way forward recently won the Memorial Cup with Saint John. He draws comparisons to Jason Spezza but with a better defensive hockey mind. Huberdeau has assets that you can’t teach such as vision, his 6’1″ frame and his ability to play under pressure. Truly a great fit for a Devils trap system. Scoring 105 points(43-62) this season in the QMJHL he has the offensive abilities to command at 1st/2nd line duties in the future.

ANDRE 5 Islanders
With the 5th selection of the 2011 entry draft, the NY Islanders are proud to select, from the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Sean Couturier. This was a very tough choice. Hamilton, Couturier, Strome, Murphy are all gifted players who can help fill a need for the Islanders and were right there for us, but the feeling was that adding a player of Couturier’s skill set, combined with his size made him a sensible choice. Not only is he a top player, but he also fills a need for size on a relatively small Islander team. He is gifted offensively, but also has displayed a commitment to the defensive side of the ice making him a solid 2-way prospect. Much of his time was spent against opposing top lines — giving him the oppor tunity to dominate at both ends of the ice. He is size speed and skill — all of the tools the Islanders need.

The “knock” on Sean was that he was coasting this season, and does not have the “commit” level that he should. We feel Sean is committed to both ends of the ice, and we are sure he will be a proud part of the Islander family for many years to come. We feel Sean is an excellent player that adds to a dynamic core of players in our development system.

JAMIE 6 Senators
With the 6th pick overall in the NHL 2011 entry draft the Ottawa Senators select Ryan Strome. Ottawa needs help for that 2nd line centre position. Ryan Strome lacks the size of Sean Couturier, but this kid put up 106 points(33-73) with the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs. He draws similar skill sets to Patrick Kane. Strome is a player who is at his biggest part of his game with the puck on his stick and will often make opposing defenders look absolutely ridiculous in YouTube highlight reel moments. While many of his goals belong on highlight reels, Strome has a great shot and excellent hockey sense. Make sure to follow Ryan Strome on twitter @strome18

FRED 7 Thrashers (Winnipeg Jets)
The Winnipeg team is proud to select, from the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL, defenseman Dougie Hamiilton. His strong and smooth st aking abilities allow him to skate out of trouble in own zone. Can quarterback the power play thanks to great vision and accurate shot. The team also needs more size on defense to complement Dustin Byfuglien. Hamilton scored 12 goals and added 46 assists for 58 pts in 57 games this season. The 6’4” 195 lb rearguard could very well become a top-2 defenseman in a near future.

FRED 8 Flyers from the Blue Jackets
The Philadelphia Flyers are proud to select from Djurgarden of the Swedesih Elite League, centre Mika Zibanejad. After trading two quality centers in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on Thursday, the Flyers need to restock their middle lane with top-end prospects. A very intelligent two-way player with a great shot, Zibanejad has an above-average sense of hockey and anticipation. He uses his 6’2”, 190 lb frame to his advantage and his strength to battle pucks along the boards. He is not afraid to play physically and likes to initiate contact. He has excellent faceoffs skills and great skating abilities. He draws some comparisons to Ryan Kesler and Mike Fisher.

FRED 9 Bruins from the Maple Leafs
The Boston bruins are proud to select from the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL, defenseman Ryan Murphy. An exceeding talented puck-moving defenseman, the diminutive Murphy draws comparisons to Ryan Ellis and former NHLer Brian Rafalski. In 63 games last season, the offensive defenseman scored an impressive 26 goals and 53 assists for 79 points. A good fit for the Bruins as the team really needs a power play quarterback, Murphy is an outstanding skater and puck carrier a la PK Subban. He is very agile, possesses soft hands and boasts a hard and accurate slapshot. The 5’11, 175 lb will be a steady fixture on the Bruins’ blueline for years to come.

CRIS 10 Wild
The Minnesota Wild take, from the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, Sven Bartschi. The Wild, after being a defense-first team under Jacques Lemaire their first 7 seasons and losing Marian Gaborik to Free agency in 2009, this team needs offense. Havlat with 22 goals was their leading scorer this past season and no other Wild hit the 20-goal plateau. Bartschi, and excellent skater possesses good passing and stickhandling skills and a good, quick shot. He will need to work on the defensive side of his game, though.
JOHN 11 Avalanche from the Blues
With the 11th pick the Colorado Avalanche are proud to pick Duncan Siemens of the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. The 6’3″, 192 lbs defenseman is just too good for the Avs to pass up. Despite needs on offense, the big D-man will be an asset to the Avs in the future and possibly forming a formidible defensive core for years. Naming Scott Stevens as his favorite player, Siemens will lay a hit and even fight. But better yet he is a shutdown defenseman with mobility.

SUE 12 Hurricanes
With the 12th pick, the Carolina Hurricanes are proud to select Joseph Morrow of the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. We like Morrow for his strong skating, great speed and talented two-way game. He has the uncanny ability to see the entire ice and create smart plays and scoring chances.
He’s also very strong on both the power play and penalty kill and uses his size to every advantage on the ice. He played a key role in helping the Winterhawks clinch the WHL’s US Dvision and Western Conference titles during the regular season and helped propel the team to the WHL Championships, which they lost to the Kootenay Ice.

SUE 13 Flames
With the 13th pick, the Calgary Flames are pleased to select Mark McNeill from the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. McNeill can play Center but he also has experience at Right Wing. He’s big, smart and an accurate shot, whether it comes to scoring or passing. His size also makes him strong defensively- this kid is not afraid to go after the puck. McNeill led the Raiders to their first playoff appearance since the 2006-2007 season.

ALEXANDER 14 Stars
With the 14th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Dallas Stars take Rocco Grimaldi, Center, USA Under-18-USHL. After losing a great player like Brad Richards, we felt our organization took the best player available and added a great deal of skill. If not for his size, Grimaldi likely could have gone in the top 10 as he displays an excellent amount of agility, top speed and overall skill. In addition, we find Rocco to be a hard-working, determined individual who can eventually play on our top line. Picking at number 14, we are quite pleased to select a player of his stature.

CRIS 15 Rangers
With the 15th pick the New York Rangers select from the USHL Tyler Biggs. He brings a size (6′ 2″, 210) that most of the forwards in the Rangers’ system do not possess. He’s willing to hit opponents and fight when necessary. While not overly impressive from an offensive standpoint (19G, 12 A in 55 games) and not speedy, his size and strength should provide more room for offensively skilled teammates he could be paired with to be free to do their thing.

The second part of the mock draft will be posted later today. Stay tuned!

Jakub Voracek, 1st round pick, and....3rd round pick...(Opens Envelope) Name 3 things traded for Jeff Carter!

This year, once again with the assistance of my good friend Andrew R (and some Bitches Brew…..both the beer and the music), I sat down to do my NHL Mock Draft.  As per usual, trades were considered, and by a phenomenal stroke of luck we called Carter to Columbus for Voracek and the 8th pick….so we’re ready to go.

This was fun and challenging, as always, but especially this year, because it’s such a fluid draft and people are seriously all over the place.  I’ve seen guys ranked top 10 in some drafts and out of the 1st round in others.  I’m sure some of these picks will sound stupid, but I’m sure I’ll be wrong a lot….but hey, nobody thought Dylan McIlrath would go before Cam Fowler last year.

Without further ado, here we go…

1. Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer (WHL)

I think there are a few question marks about Nugent-Hopkins, specifically his size and willingness to go to the dirty areas, but despite this the Oilers think he’s too good to pass up at #1.  They hope he and Taylor Hall form a dynamic duo for years to come.

2. Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog, W, Kitchener (OHL)

We agonized over this pick, but we thought at the end of the day the Avalanche would be seduced by the size, heart, grit, and NHL readiness of Landeskog.  He’s a Chris Stewart type – the kind of player you hold on to, and never trade, come hell or high water!  Wait….what?

3. Florida Panthers: Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)

Dale Tallon is a well-known fan of big players, and he overlooks the “analysis paralysis” in the scouting community to jump on Sean Couturier.  Back-to-back 96-point seasons (despite having mono at the start of this year), experience at the WJC, winning the Mike Bossy Award, and his size (6’4) make him the right move for the Panthers.

4. New Jersey Devils: Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (SEL)

The Devils, by most accounts, should have lost their 1st round pick this year in the Kovalchuk chicanery.  Instead, they won the draft lottery, and Lou Lamoriello looks like the cat who ate the canary after Larsson falls to him at 4.  He had a sub-par year in the SEL by most standards, but Larsson’s talent and hockey sense will make him the best Devils blueline prospect since Scott Niedermayer.

5. New York Islanders: Ryan Strome, C, Niagara (OHL)

I can already hear the Dougie Hamilton fans sharpening their knives, but hear me out.  In addition to resembling Mr. Burns (according to Niagara fans), I believe Strome is the best long-term fit for the Islanders.  He projects as a top center with playmaking ability and creativity, and the Islanders justify this pick by citing his higher projection.  At the end of the day, when you pick 5th, you want the guy who will be the better player down the road, not the biggest positional need or the guy who will calm Josh Bailey’s nerves about being replaced.  I’ve had a hunch about Strome for a while, and I will not back off from it like I did last year with Nino Niederreiter.

Here’s a Strome highlight reel goal:

Highlight Reel Goal From Strome

6. Ottawa Senators: Jonathan Huberdeau, C, St. John’s (QMJHL)

Huberdeau slips to Ottawa despite his incredible playoff run with the Memorial Cup champions, and Bryan Murray is glad he did (especially since Brian Burke is nowhere to be seen and can’t take the pick out of spite).  Huberdeau projects as a flashy offensive player, and he’ll be a good one for Ottawa.

7. Winnipeg Not Yet Jets: Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara (OHL)

Gary Bettman was much like the father in this famous Simpsons scene recently:

The NHL has indeed gone back to Winnipeg, and they bring this hulking (6’4) d-man with them.  Hamilton is a smart player who will be a good fit on this team.

8. Philadelphia Flyers (From Columbus): Duncan Siemens, D, Saskatoon (WHL)

I had this as a mock trade, and now it’s a real trade.  Siemens is big (6’3), mean, and a hard hitter….just the kind of kid the Flyers love.  They pick him over my other option here, Mika Zibanejad, and hope Chris Pronger’s influence helps him become a star.

9. Boston Bruins (From Toronto): Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener (OHL)

Fresh off their Cup win, the Bruins add Ryan Murphy, whose suspect D is more than balanced out by skilled offense.  He could be a true difference-maker on the Bruins PP for years to come, and they could always hide him with a defensive d-man in even strength situations to mask his weakness.

10. Minnesota Wild: Nathan Beaulieu, D, St. John’s (QMJHL)

The Wild step up to grab mobile but raw D prospect Nathan Beaulieu, whom some scouts have ranked above Hamilton, continuing a run on defense in this part of the draft.  Beaulieu is a few years away but the Wild fans will cheer this one tomorrow night at the Xcel Energy Center.

11. Colorado Avalanche (From St. Louis): Jamieson Oleksiak, D, Northeastern University (NCAA)

The Avalanche have their forward and possible future captain in Landeskog.  Now, playing with house money, they feel like they can reach just a bit for the hulking (6’7) defender Oleksiak, and give him time to develop at his own pace that he might not have received if he were a team’s top pick.  He may leave Northeastern to play major junior next year; let’s keep an eye.

12. Carolina Hurricanes: Mika Zibanejad, President of Iran C/W, Djurgarden (SEL)

Zibanejad finds a home with the Carolina Hurricanes, who still need depth at every position and grab the best player available.  Some teams have him ranked top 5, but he slips due to being 2nd choice for a few of the teams above (Islanders, Winnipeg, Flyers, Avalanche).  The Canes are glad to have this tough, hard-nosed player, and their fans will be as well.

And I ran......I ran so far away....

13. Calgary Flames: Joel Armia, W, Assat Pori (FIN)

The Flames go for the home run by picking Armia, one of the more talented Finnish forward prospects in the last 10 years.  There are some questions about his work ethic, but the Flames love his talent too much to let him slip away.

14. Dallas Stars: Sven Bartschi, W, Portland (WHL)

The Stars jump on The Other Swiss Winterhawk, Sven Bartschi, who was a force of nature in this year’s Memorial Cup playoffs.  Some are surprised to see him slip so far, but he was again second choice for many teams, and the Stars practically pinch themselves on the way to the podium.

15. New York Rangers: Nicklas Jensen, RW, Oshawa (OHL)

The Islanders have a Dane, and now the Rangers have one too. Jensen’s hockey sense is off the charts, and the Rangers, after targeting D in the first round in previous years, think he’s the right move at 15 this year.

16. Buffalo Sabres: Oscar Klefbom, D, Farjestad (SEL)

The Sabres go for the BPA with Oscar Klefbom, a mobile, agile, and incredibly smart Swedish defenseman.  He has the potential to be the steal of the 1st round at this slot.

17. Montral Canadiens: Rocco Grimaldi, F, US NTDP

The Canadiens have trouble finding a forward taller than 5’3, and this does not get better with Grimaldi, who would be the shortest player in the NHL should he make it (yes, even smaller than Nathan Gerbe…who is a gnat).  However, he may be the most skilled player in the whole draft, and you can’t doubt his will to make it.  The Habs will look for size elsewhere….or not…

18. Chicago Blackhawks: Matt Puempel, W, Peterborough (OHL)

Puempel is a pure goal-scorer, and the Blackhawks go for the home run in continuing the rebuild of their farm system.  There are questions about his consistency, but Puempel is a great call here.

19. Edmonton Oilers: John Gibson, G, US NTDP

The Oilers have many goaltenders in the system, including Devan Dubnyk and Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers, but none project as a solid #1 goaltender.  Therefore, with Nugent-Hopkins in the fold, the Oilers jump up and take Gibson, hoping he will stabilize the crease for years to come.

20. Phoenix Coyotes: Mark McNeill, C, Prince Albert (WHL)

McNeill is strong in the corners, kills penalties well, and generally drives hard to the net.  The Coyotes have some danglers in the system, and McNeill projects as a strong, safe pick….they’re glad to have him.

21. Ottawa Senators (From Nashville): Brandon Saad, LW, Saginaw (OHL)

Ottawa is also playing with house money after nabbing Huberdeau at 6, and they can afford to take a flyer on Brandon Saad.  Saad will either be a home run power forward or a groundout, but with Huberdeau hogging all the attention as a top pick the Senators can let the Pennsylvania native find himself without a lot of pressure.

22. Anaheim Ducks: Joe Morrow, D, Portland (WHL)

Joe Morrow rocketed up the draft board due to his hockey sense, tenacity, and offensive potential.  The Ducks grab him and hope he’ll anchor the blueline for years alongside Fowler and Sbisa.

23. Pittsburgh Penguins: Tyler Biggs, RW, US NTDP

Even though the Penguins absolutely deplore violence in all its forms, they can’t resist another boom or bust type in Biggs.  He has size and a great net-front presence, and they hope he develops into his full potential.

24. Detroit Red Wings: Jonas Brodin, D, Farjestad (SEL)

This is almost too easy.  Smooth-skating, intelligent but raw d-man out of Sweden?  The Red Wings live for picks like this.  Brodin oozes talent and potential, and in Detroit he may have the best chance to harness them.

25. Toronto Maple Leafs (From Flyers): David Musil, D, Vancouver (WHL)

At a time, the hulking Musil was rated a potential top 5 pick in this draft.  His performance steadied, and he fell amid concerns his ceiling is not as high as originally thought.  He still plays a mean game and has offensive potential beyond that of his father, Frank, and he’s just truculent enough to fit Brian Burke’s bill.

26. Washington Capitals: Alexander Kochlachev, C, Windsor (OHL)

This is another almost no-brainer, as we know the Capitals LOVE their Russians.  Kochlachev oozes skill and pure offense, making him a potential home run pick this late in the draft.

27. San Jose Sharks: Mark Schiefele, C, Barrie (OHL)

The Sharks pick Schiefele as best player available, slightly ahead of J.T. Miller from the US NTDP.  Schiefele has discipline, playmaking ability, and  great net-front presence, making him a good complement to the current crop of prospects in the South Bay.

28. Tampa Bay Lightning: Connor Murphy, D, US NTDP

Murphy is a big, competitive 2-way winger who will do a little bit of everything for Steve Yzerman’s club in Tampa.  He’s best available for them.

29. Vancouver Canucks: Scott Mayfield, D, Youngstown (USHL)

He’s big, he’s smooth, he’s poised with the puck, and he’ll be a great fit in Vancouver.

30. Toronto Maple Leafs (From Boston): Zach Phillips, C/W, St. John’s (QMJHL)

Toronto closes out the pick by making it a trio from the Memorial Cup champions.  Phillips is a smart player with great puck skills and an ability to score.  Good fit for what they’re building in Toronto.

Each month we will update you on the relevant news and notes of all five Southeast Division teams.

Florida Panthers (30-40-12, 72 points, 5^th in the Southeast)

• Executive Vice President & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that Kevin Dineen has been named the 11th head coach in the club’s history. Full story.
• Dale Tallon also announced that the club has agreed to terms with right wing Jack Skille on a two-year contract. Full story.
• New Panthers coach Kevin Dineen’s philosophy as a head coach is pretty simple. Full story.
• The Panthers have agreed to terms with LW Garrett Wilson on an entry level contract. Full story.
• Sunrise Sports & Entertainment today announced “We See Red” – the Florida Panthers’ marketing campaign which launches today, June 6, and will continue through the 2011-12 NHL season. Full story.
• Video:

  Click here to view the embedded video.

Atlanta Thrashers / Winnipeg (34-36-12, 80 points, 4^th in the Southeast)

• NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stated, ““We can’t compensate for lack of ownership and markets that are too small.” And with that, the Atlanta Thrashers were no more. Enter the Winnipeg Jets? Moose? Something else?
• Hockey Independent’s Mark Willoughby (TheViewFrom111) tells us the lessons that should be learned from Atlanta’s loss of an NHL franchise for the second time, in his post, “Gone With the Winn(ipeg).”
• Winnipeg named Kevin Chelveldayoff it’s General Manager. Full story.
• Here are the latest updates on all things Winnipeg hockey. Full story.
• Video:

  Click here to view the embedded video.

Carolina Hurricanes (40-31-11, 90 points, 3^rd in the Southeast)

• Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager, today announced that Dave Lewis and Rod Brind’Amour have each been named to the team’s coaching staff for the 2011-12 season. In addition, Rutherford announced that Ron Francis has been named director of hockey operations and Tom Rowe has been added to the team’s pro scouting department. Full story.
• The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce announced recently that former Hurricanes captain and current Director of Forwards Development Rod Brind’Amour has been selected by its Leadership Raleigh graduates as “Distinguished Leader of the Year.” Full story.
• Jason Karmanos, Vice President and Assistant General Manager, announced that the team has signed defenseman Tommi Kivisto and forward Mattias Lindstrom to three-year entry-level contracts. Full story.
• Jon Chase, Director of Community Relations and Promotions , today announced details for the team’s 2011 NHL Entry Draft Party at Rudino’s Sports Corner on Friday, June 24. Full story.
• Video:

  Click here to view the embedded video.

Washington Capitals (48-23-11, 107 points, 1^st in the Southeast, lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinal)

• Hockey Independent’s own Jeremy Scriven tells us,” There are still other issues at the center position” in Washington in his post, “The Void at Center Returns.”
• Scriven also writes, “The odds of a player saying they want to return to their team the next year, following a ghastly playoff performance and exit are just about as high as the Capitals not winning the Stanley Cup,” in his article, “Laich Says he Wants to Stay in D.C..”
• “Semyon Varlamov’s future with the Washington Capitals has become a bit more cloudy over recent days as rumblings persist that the restricted free agent may either bolt to the KHL, or that the Capitals may not be as high on Varly as they were a year ago,” says Scriven in his post “Varlamov’s Future in D.C. Unclear.”
• The Washington Capitals have donated a pair of captain Alex Ovechkin’s autographed, game- worn skates to benefit Soles4Souls’ relief efforts in Japan. Full story.
• Video:

  Click here to view the embedded video.

Tampa Bay Lightning (46-25-11, 103 points, 2^nd in the Southeast, lost in the Eastern Conference Final)

• Yours truly, WB Philp covered the Lightning’s run to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals in a series of articles detailing the games and the press conferences..
• I also look at what is next for the Bolts after their Game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins in my post, “Looking Into the Lightning’s Crystal Ball.”
• Hockey Independent writer Fred Poulin discusses Sean Bergenheim and Teddy Purcell’s surprising play in the playoffs in his article, “Unexpected NHL Playoff Heroes.”
• The Game 7 loss was especially painful for Bolts superstar Steven Stamkos. Full story.
• Listen to coach Guy Boucher’s exit interview here.
• Video:

  Click here to view the embedded video.

Follow me on Twitter @LightningShout, “Like” Hockey Independent Lightning and HockeyIndependent.com on Facebook.

The NHL’s Southeast Division was formed in 1998 as a part of the Eastern Conference due to expansion. It has had two Stanley Cup winning teams, the 2004 Tampa Bay Lightning and the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes.

Each month we will link you to the relevant news and notes of all five Southeast Division teams.

Florida Panthers (30-40-12, 72 points, 5th in the Southeast)

• At the World Championships, defenseman Dmitry Kulikov played a role in the Russian victory over Slovenia by scoring a goal, giving them a 3-2 lead 6:15 into the third period. He finished with a goal on two shots and a minus-1 on 14:21 of ice time. Full story.
• Winger Jack Skille and defenseman Clay Wilson helped the USA team come from behind and defeat Norway at the World Championships. Full story.
• Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov had a rough game as the Russians beat Slovakia 4-3 at the World Championships. Kulikov had one shot on goal, a penalty and was a -2 in 10:40 of ice time.  Full story.
• Former NHL player Paul Healey was named Director of Coaching for the Florida Junior Panthers. Full story.
• Forward Jack Skille finished with two shots on net and a minus 2 in 13:37 of ice time (17 shifts) while Clay Wilson had a shot on net and a minus-1 in 15:14 of ice time as the USA fell to Sweden at the World Championships. Full story.
• Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov finished a minus 1 with 12:46 of ice time (17 shifts) as the Russians outlasted the Danes, 4-3 at the World Championships. Full story.
• Quote:  “He finally emerged this year and showed he can be a full-time NHL defenseman in the future. The way he played in the last half of the season showed some confidence with the puck. It made sense, he can be in our top seven and contribute regularly.’’ – Panthers Assistant General Manager Mike Santos on newly signed defenseman Keaton Ellerby.
• Video:  A Randy Moller tribute.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Atlanta Thrashers (34-36-12, 80 points, 4th in the Southeast)

• Evander Kane and Tim Stapleton never would have guessed that they’d be perfect linemates. Full story.
• The Thrashers have seven players suiting up for their respective countries at the 2011 IIHF World Championships. See how they’re doing. Full story.
• Quote:  “There are some people we are talking to, but nothing that is far enough along at this stage that it deserves further comment.” – Michael Gearon Jr., Part Owner Atlanta Thrashers.
• Quote:  “Atlanta is my first option. Like I said, I like it here. I have been here only for a short time but a great experience. I see the future as very bright. They were at the eighth spot for a lot of the season. I strongly believe we have a great chance next year.” - Unrestricted free agent forward Radek Dvorak.
• Video:  Will the Thrashers relocate?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Carolina Hurricanes (40-31-11, 90 points, 3rd in the Southeast)

• The ‘Canes have agreed to terms with defenseman Justin Faulk on a three-year, entry-level contract, beginning with the 2011-12 season, Full story.
• Forward Jeff Skinner has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2010-11 Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year. Full story.
• Goaltender Cam Ward has been selected by his teammates as Carolina’s nominee for the 2010-11 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. It marks the second time that Ward has been nominated for this honor, which is annually awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy contribution in his community. Full story.
• Quote:  “I’m confident in my abilities. I can play at this (AHL) level, I know. And hopefully in the next year or two I can make the jump.” – Jared Staal, Hurricanes prospect.
• Video:  A May 6 anniversary.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Washington Capitals (48-23-11, 107 points, 1st in the Southeast, lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals)

• Hockey Independent’s own Jeremy Scriven writes about another Capitals playoff failure in his article The Capitals Fooled us Again. Full story.
• Capitals defenseman Mike Green, Los Angeles Kings center Dustin Brown and Vancouver Canucks forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin are the finalists for the 13th Annual NHL Foundation Player Award, the National Hockey League announced today. The award recognizes an NHL player who applies the core values of hockey – commitment, perseverance and teamwork – to enrich the lives of people in his community. Full story.
• The Washington Capitals raised $17,920 for Washington Capitals Charities through the team’s first Mystery Mini-Helmets fundraiser, which took place at the Caps game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on May 1. The fundraiser featured 450 Capitals replica mini-helmets, autographed by various Capitals players that sold for $40 each. The mini-helmets went on sale at 6 p.m. when the doors opened to Verizon Center and sold out before the start of the game. Full story.
• Capitals owner Ted Leonsis congratulated the Tampa Bay Lightning and gave a hint about the teams future in his blog “Teds Take.” Full story.
• Quote:  “Someone said he’s not a ‘playoff coach.’ There’s no difference between a ‘playoff coach’ and a ‘regular-season coach.’ You’re either a good coach or you’re not. He’s a good coach.” – Capitals General Manager George McPhee on Bruce Boudreau.
• Video:  Happier times.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tampa Bay Lightning (46-25-11, 103 points, 2nd in the Southeast, Eastern Conference finalists)

• Yours truly, WB Philp runs down the Lightning’s surprising sweep of the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference semifinals with a game by game summary of articles. Full story.
• Forward Sean Bergenheim has stepped into a leading role with the Lightning. Full story.
• The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) announced today that Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks, Daniel Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks and Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning have been selected as finalists for the 2010-11 Ted Lindsay Award. The Ted Lindsay Award is presented annually to the “Most Outstanding Player” in the NHL, as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA. Full story.
• Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeffrey Vinik had no idea the Bolts turnaround would be so quick. Full story.
• Quote:  “Most athletes, they tend to think of the results a little too much. You turn your motivation and your activation level so high at some point because you think of the end result that you become very anxious and anxiety doesn’t send you in the right direction.” - Lightning Coach Guy Boucher.
• Video:  The Lightning win the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here we go….1-10 Only….

1. Edmonton Oilers – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins C Red Deer (WHL)– RNH is the best player in the draft, and with the number 1 pick, you use that on the best player. It just so happens that Edmonton is in need of a Number one Center and RNH is just that. He is as dynamic as they come and will look great centering Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle.

2. Colorado Avalanche – Adam Larsson D Skelleftea (SEL) – Many mocks are saying Colorado takes Gabriel Landeskog with this pick, but remember 2 things, first Defenseman like Larsson don’t grow on trees, and second, Colorado also has the 12th pick as part of the Erik Johnson/Chris Stewart trade. After trading top young defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk in that deal, he’ll be replaced with the smooth skating Larsson. The Avs will target wingers with that 12th pick.

3. Florida Panthers – Sean Couturier C Drummondville (QMJHL) – This is the wild card pick here. Florida already has 2 top young defenseman in Dmitri Kulikov and Erik Gudbranson, and they also drafted wingers Nick Bjugstad and Quinton Howden in last year’s 1st round. Florida GM Dale Tallon will look for the big 2 way center in Sean Couturier here. Tallon (who drafted Jonathan Toews with Chicago) knows the importance of having a player such as Couturier and won’t let an opportunity to get a top 2 way player pass him up.

4. New Jersey Devils – Jonathan Huberdeau C Saint John’s (QMJHL) – The Devils are already stacked at LW with both Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, and with a lack of a true number 1 center in their system (Travis Zajac is the closest they have), the Devils take the super talented Huberdeau here. One scout was quoted as saying that he’s never seen a junior player take such a big leap in just one year as Huberdeau has. The Devils will have a player they can slot right into their lineup and not look back.

5. New York Islanders – Gabriel Landeskog LW Kitchener (OHL) – Landeskog is a steal for the Islanders at 5. He is the most NHL ready player in the draft and will look great playing with John Tavares and Nino Niederreiter on the Isles first line. With 3 picks in the top 50, GM Garth Snow can take his time and add another big defenseman early in the second round or as he likes to do, trade his way back into the late first round.

6. Ottawa Senators – Ryan Strome C Niagra (OHL) – Strome is a highly skilled offensive player who will slot in nicely behind Jason Spezza (if Ottawa keeps him). Having 2 top defensive prospects in David Rundblad and Jared Cowan, Ottawa will add some firepower with Strome.

7. Atlanta Thrashers – Dougie Hamilton D Niagra (OHL) – Back to back Niagra picks here as Atlanta takes the big 2 way Hamilton with the 7th pick. Atlanta has Big Buff and Tobias Enstrom on D already but after taking Evander Kane and Alexander Burmistrov in the last 2 drafts, it’s back to building a strong D for the Thrashers.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets – Ryan Murphy D Kitchener (OHL) – With Fedor Tyutin considered their only offensive defenseman on the NHL team, and with young and very talented John Moore working his way to Ohio, the Blue Jackets take the explosive but smallish Ryan Murphy. Some scouts think if Murphy was 6’0, he would be the number one overall pick. He has outstanding skating and offensive skills, his only issues is he’s listed as 5’10 160lbs. Either way, the Jackets get themselves a heck of a player at number 8.

9. Boston Bruins – Jamieson Olesiak D Northeastern (NCAA) – Olesiak is a player who needs at least another year of college but he’s 6’7 and extremely tough. He would form a nasty tandem with Norris finalist Zdeno Chara and the Bruins can afford to wait a year or 2 for Olesiak to fine tune his skills.

10. Minnesota Wild – Mike Zibanejad C Djurgarden (SEL) – Zibanejad is a fast riser on the 2011 ISS list. He has great skill and will look great with fellow 1st round pick Mikael Granlund. The Wild have chosen more gritty players such as Colton Gillies and James Sheppard in years past, but the Zibanejad has too high a ceiling for Minnesota to pass up.

My next Mock Draft will be a full 30 team pick, but it’s too early to tell what the later teams will do (especially since the draft order hasn’t been set yet.

Thoughts??