First off, even though it’s a one-year contract, he doesn’t see this as his last year in the NHL. Sure, he’s already played 900 games over 15 seasons in the league. However, he says he’s finally healed up and ready for more – much more.

In fact, at 35, he says he wouldn’t mind playing until he’s 40.

Yet, that’s the road ahead. And before moving on to training camp with the Kings in a few weeks, he reflected back on the travels that have brought him to this stage of his career.

“Going to the Finals was probably the high and the low point,” he said, when speaking of his time playing in Edmonton. “We were one game away from winning a Stanley Cup. Then, losing was probably the low point because you come so close to realizing a dream that doesn’t happen – you’re left with a very, very empty feeling – which is motivation to get back there with this team and to win it. That’s the only thing that will kind of make that feeling go away.”

Things were different in Columbus, where he was limited to just 37 games last year due to injuries.

“It was exciting to start last season there. I had a lot of responsibility and I played a lot early in the season. Unfortunately, I broke my hand and had to have surgery, which really derailed my year. Like you said, I only played 37 games, so it was tough to get a great feeling for the organization or the city. But, I enjoyed my time there, even though it was short.”

Although Moreau and fellow LA roster addition Mike Richards are very different players, one thing they have in common is knowing what it’s like to play in a hockey-crazed market.

Richards has already acknowledged he thinks he’ll like it better in LA, where he can focus more on the game and less on answering questions away from the rink.

Moreau already had a taste of a ‘less intense’ market when he was the Blue Jackets last year. Did he find it any easier?

“As a player, when you come to the rink, this is your place of work and you’re going to prepare the same way, regardless of what city you’re in,” Moreau explained. “When I was in the environment of Edmonton, you couldn’t really get away from it. Your privacy is next to nothing – you can’t really live a normal life without talking about hockey ten times a day. If you want to go to your kids’ school or the grocery store or a restaurant, you’re constantly talking about the team. Which is OK. But, after a while, it does wear on you. So, I think the difference in a less-than-traditional hockey market is you don’t have as many conversations about hockey. That’s probably the best way to put it.”

Although nobody would ever mistake Los Angeles for Edmonton, Moreau still sees similarities in the overall approach – “Your focus is still the same. There’s still a passionate fan base here and an organization that really wants to win, as do the players.”

To see a 90-second time lapse video of the ice coming to life at Staples Center this week – featuring the entire start to finish process – click here.

Or…for more with Moreau, including him explaining why he’d rather be playing with the Kings than against them this season, click here.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

We should remark right here and now, that there can be no gauging on the NHL drafts winners and losers for a good 3 to 5 years. Maybe even 6 years down the line, ultimately.

However, we can comment on VALUE. Value in many cases was blown up this draft as many teams started drafting based on position instead of projection on “best available”. This is a cardinal no-no, and my guess is many a team will have been burned as we look back on this draft as many teams scrapped their best-laid plans for what turned into a bit of a free-for-all.

So here are the winners and losers based on draft value.

WINNERS:

FLORIDA:
Tallon just refreshed the entire organization prospect pool. Florida’s additions make sure that they will have a bright future.

DUCKS:
Fowler and Etem? Wow. Not bad for a team that was stuck at #12, and then watched in a stupor as the NY Rangers took McIlrath, who some teams consider only a pugilistic/intimidating 3rd or 4th dman. Etem was highly rated by many, yet dropped. Ducks lucked out in two instances of draft value, getting two top end 1st round picks.

ATLANTA:
Poised to move past Kovalchuk and never look back as they get his potential replacement in Burmistrov.

DALLAS:
Was not suckered by a Phoenix call asking to trade their pick, knowing full well that Phoenix would take their man. They stick and grab Jack Campbell.

COLUMBUS:
GM-under-fire Howson ignores those who think he should trading picks and instead assures the Blue Jacket a future prospect pool. Some draft guides and pundits projected Ryan Johansen ahead of El Nino.

LOS ANGELES:
They get the big man Derek Forbort and then in the 2nd round, get what many felt was a 1st rounder in Tyler Toffoli. One should not make a splash or blow their load just because they are hosting. LA carefully moved in on what their scouts and staff wanted, not to appease crowds or blogosphere.

NY ISLANDERS:
Ignored the silly projections by many assuming their would draft for position, which they haven’t done since Milbury stepped-down. Isles had two dynamic dmen already in their prospect pool. They add 3…yes….3 dynamic forwards to that pool with El Nino, Brock Nelson, and their ballsiest play of all….Kabanov at round 3 which is a low risk that deep with what could be a very high reward. Other teams had Brock Nelson pegged at top of 2nd round, so Isles stepping into end of 1st to grab him was a countermeasure. The unflappable and cerebral Garth Snow, Janks and their system have not only replenished the farm, but added a high level of potential talent to it to breed healthy competition.

LOSING MOVE: Islanders invited a HBO show co-star to actually sit at the draft table and even announce the Brock Nelson pick. Still a draft winner, but didn’t quite lose the organizational moniker of: circus.

WINNER AND LOSER:

PHOENIX:
Having been spurned by Dallas in trying to get Campbell as goalie, they instead collect a great consolation prize in Gormley. Their later round pick of Mark Visentin, goalie seemed way too soon to many. This was shown true when Colorado took 2nd highest rated goalie, Calvin Pickard all the way at 49. Phoenix had two picks right after where they still could have picked him up.

LOSERS:

NY RANGERS:
Dylan McIlrath might have fists of fury, but most teams projected him a 3rd or 4th dman. You don’t take that in the top 10 of a first round, which can produce a top 6 forward or top 2 dman Fans are irate that they passed over Cam Fowler. Some others think they also ignoring Jack Campbell when their system is depleted of goalies is also unconscionable. What makes it worse? Washing of their hands of their previous draft failure of Bobby Sanguinetti. Since Don Maloney left the organization, the Rangers have had a serious draft and prospect problem and it continues. When does their draft guru Gordie Clark start paying that price? Or their GM, Sather? Until they do, it might be not only tough during the season, but their future prospect pool is really starting to look far less healthy than it once did.

CANUCKS:
Trade for Ballard? Meh. Not pick until 4th round. Duh.

FLAMES:
Calgary is starting to sink with Sutter at the tiller. Their future prospects, with no top 1 or 2 round pick, is starting to dwindle. Still have a few that can push to NHL, but beyond Backlund…serious dropoff. They needed to replenish and didn’t.

FLYERS:
Holmgren was on the firing line last season had the Flyers missed the playoffs. Their run keeps him on, but with no picks till round 3 and then basically giving away former 1st rounder Ryan Parent for a 3rd rounder by failing to sign Hamhuis was a risk they could not afford and should have done their homework that he didn’t want to be the 6th dman on the depth chart. Big mistake. Flyers have had a terrific prospect pool but post-Pronger trade, they put all their eggs in the playoff basket. Will they pay a serious price down the line?

MOCK DRAFT GURUS, GUIDES AND PUNDITS:
Everyone of them looked rather silly.  Mock drafts blew into smithereens after pick #4. Guides…ISS Hockey has a credibility problem now that Mike Oke moved on and some very disturbing ownership issue where his kid pops up over 100 spots. Without Oke, ISS loses a lot of weight. But their mock caught a few surprises, actually, including the Isles pick of Nino. THN’s openly dismissed by many team staffs. Red Line: “The guy is a #$*!@!, but they really know what they are doing”.

TEAMS THAT WANTED TO MOVE BACK:
Nobody wants to admit that this draft was very weak. Once the top 2 went it wasn’t about defense, it was about dynamic forwards only because they assumed that someone was going to take dmen thanks to the draft gurus and pundits declaring it. Nobody wanted to pay anything to move up at top of first, rendering all that early trade rumor and innuendo moot. Why? Wasn’t worth it. So teams just took their later pick early. NY Rangers, Islanders, Columbus and others wanted to move back and could not really make a deal happen. Once that happened, the rest of draft blew up as picks went early, and then many did not rate the dmen as high as everyone else did in their armchairs.

THOSE LAUGHING AT AVS TAKING OF HISHON:
Several guides and draft gurus actually had Hishon as a 1st round pick, boys. Maybe time to start reading something other than THN or the TSN website. Highly touted guy who had a tough year, but still considered a kid with a lot of potential. Avs did their homework.

 
A quick address of some of the really wild trade rumors that have popped up since Monday

First, Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza isn’t being dealt to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The respective general managers of both teams have denied this one but some rumormongers just won’t let this one go.

Yes, I know, “general managers lie all the time” and “Darryl Sutter swore he wouldn’t trade Phaneuf”, but more often than not when general managers deny a trade rumor they mean it.

Sure, it is possible Spezza will be dealt but if we take Howson and Murray at their word he won’t be going to Columbus.

Next, Jordan Staal isn’t being traded. Period. End of story.

Next, Sergei Gonchar’s rights haven’t been dealt to the San Jose Sharks.

Maybe his rights will get dealt, and maybe it will be dealt to the Sharks, but it hasn’t happened yet…if ever.

Next, the Toronto Maple Leafs won’t be taking Cristobal Huet off the hands of the Chicago Blackhawks.

The originator of this one forgot the Leafs already have a veteran goalie in J.S. Giguere to tutor Jonas Gustavsson.

Finally, the LA Kings having interest in Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Tim Gleason.

Sure, he’d be a great fit with the Kings…except they’ve already got Drew Dougthy, Jack Johnson, Rob Scuderi and Matt Greene as their top four, and could probably add another affordable defenseman or two via free agency without having to give up anything other than money.

That’s it for now, I’m sure the really crazy stuff will pop up soon enough between now and July 1st.

Lyle Richardson
SpectorsHockey.net
twitter.com/spectorshockey

With the approach of the NHL Entry Draft and the start of the UFA period drawing near speculation has increased suggesting the Ottawa Senators could trade center Jason Spezza.

Hockeybuzz.com’s “Eklund” stirred up considerable buzz recently with a post of a rumored trade shipping Spezza to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Eklund soon followed that up by quoting a source saying no deal had been made but it resulted in considerable criticism from pundits and bloggers.

In his defense, it’s not the first time in recent weeks Columbus was suggested as a possible destination for Spezza, though there were never any media reports claiming a deal was close. And as he said, he wasn’t the source of the rumor but was researching what he said he was told, though posting a headline suggesting Spezza was dealt to Columbus is bound to attract attention as well as backlash when it doesn’t pan out. .

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch claimed in a Twitter post the Senators and Blue Jackets have never discussed such a move and it wasn’t going to happen.

Portzline didn’t expand on why but it’s not difficult to figure out.

For all the talk of how great a fit Spezza would be with all-star winger Rick Nash the Jackets cannot afford to take on his $7 million per season salary unless they cut elsewhere in the lineup, which would only weaken their depth.

I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of the Senators shipping out Spezza in the coming weeks but forget the Blue Jackets as a destination.

Lyle Richardson
SpectorsHockey.net
twitter.com/spectorshockey

Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli recently said he’d only received one good offer for the second overall pick in this year’s draft and insisted he’d retain that pick rather than move it. He also dismissed rumors he’d move the pick to Ottawa for Jason Spezza, calling the rumor ridiculous.

But could Chiarelli, pressed for cap space with over $54 million committed to 18 players, dump salary in an attempt to land another pick in the top five?

That’s the suggestion from NBCSports.com’s “Pro Hockey Talk”, citing sources claiming the Bruins might deal center Marc Savard and winger Blake Wheeler, plus perhaps their own first round pick (15^th overall) to the Columbus Blue Jackets for the fourth overall pick.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/rumor-boston-to-trade-wheeler-savard-to-columbus-for-4th-overall-pick.php

Holy overpayment, Batman!

Not to mention several factors working against that deal.

First, Savard has a “no-trade” clause he’d have to agree to waive, something he won’t do. The playmaking center finished the first year of a seven-year contract with the Bruins and is there for the long haul.

The Bruins are lacking depth on the wing and while it’s possible they might – emphasis on “might” – move Wheeler if they cannot re-sign the restricted free agent, the betting here is they’d want an affordable scoring winger in return.

The Blue Jackets are believed seeking depth at center and Savard would certainly be a good addition, but they’re also on a tight budget and probably unwilling to accept Savard’s $4 million-plus per over seven year contract.

They’d be giving up a quality center and a promising winger for a draft pick which won’t address their scoring needs on the wing this coming season.

Oh, and did I mention the most obvious flaw in this rumor, that the Bruins would be overpaying for the fourth overall pick?

Chiarelli is expected to do something to possibly free up salary to re-sign free agents like Mark Rechhi, Johnny Boychuk, Mark Stuart, Daniel Paille and Wheeler.

Don’t expect Savard to be part of the salary dump.

Lyle Richardson
SpectorsHockey.net
twitter.com/spectorshockey

To be honest, I don’t know much about Arniel, he seems to have a good record from his AHL days, but it’s hard to judge someone before he’s had a chance the NHL level – and let’s be honest, all that matters is what his NHL record is. Certainly, we have seen coaches make the move from AHL to the NHL successfully recently, so there is no reason it can’t happen in Columbus.

Now that he has his (second choice) head coach in place, Howson and the Jackets can finally start moving forward. This draft and offseason are huge. They are coming off a dissapointing season, and really need to bounce back in 2010 – 11.

The coaching staff should come together soon, and what should be an off season full of moves can finally begin…

At 8pm Eastern time, the NY Islanders will get their 2nd lottery win in a row and skip from #5 to the #1 slot.

Ok, ok, you aren’t buying it. Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Jokes aside, tonight comes, right before the playoffs, the Draft Lottery which is produced and televised by TSN in Canada. It will be simulcast on VERSUS and streamed live on NHL.com in the U.S., as well. (just in case Versus screws it up?)

The percentage chance of a team being selected in the Draft Drawing:

Edmonton        25.0%
Boston (from TOR)        18.8%
Florida        14.2%
Columbus        10.7%
NY Islanders        8.1%
Tampa Bay        6.2%
Carolina        4.7%
Atlanta        3.6%
Minnesota        2.7%
NY Rangers        2.1%
Dallas        1.5%
Anaheim        1.1%
Phoenix (from CGY)        0.8%
St. Louis        0.5%

Obviously, in this system, it does not always land for the worst team….this year being the Kevin Lowe created mess of the Edmonton Oilers. They have the highest percentage with 25%, but chances are not so smooth always for the last placed team, despite the Isles taking it last year.

As always, the “winning” team can only move up 4 slots.

As for the NY Islanders….don’t buy they will sit at #5. With the rebuild in earnest and with pressure to make the playoffs, they will either aim for more picks by moving back OR biting the bullet to move up for the right player. Just a gut feeling on it.

Much more on this coming draft, playoffs, and more here on HockeyIndependent.com.

Every year there seems to be an Islander who flies under the radar, which is quite impressive considering this is a pretty stealth team as a whole. Amongst these gritty blue collar players and learn-as-you-go rookies, Frans Nielsen has emerged as an impressive two-way player. The quiet, unheralded Nielsen has built one of the best plus/minus ratings (and the best of the season regulars) on a team that gives away goals like they were those reusable go-green shopping bags. The plus/minus rating is always a debatable stat; many fans see it as deceiving or worthless. That may be the case on a team with half a dozen all-stars, but on a struggling team, it’s something that speaks loudly. And don’t forget that for a large part of the season Nielsen was a few points ahead of the next guy. Things have leveled out a bit more in the last few weeks, but the guy deserves credit; he was doing something right.

And “something right” has been a rarity for the Islanders this year, so Nielsen has been a pleasant surprise. The Great Dane (who probably weighs less than an actual Great Dane) plays bigger than his dancer-build body and shows flashes of brilliance even in games where he doesn’t register a point. He knows how to use his feet rather than just his hands and stick; I’ve seen him trap some pucks and travel with them all while keeping his head up and eventually completing a beautiful pass. He redirects the puck with inventiveness, helping to create scoring chances. He’s put up some decent numbers this season, and all signs point to him progressing nicely. Will he ever be a major star? Would be nice, but I’m guessing no. He’ll be a solid player who’s creative thinking will make everyone around him better. Kind of a combination of Trent Hunter infused with extra inspiration, the foresight of Streit, and the flair of Richard Park – well, maybe Richard Park of seasons past (what happened to one of my faves?).

All the talk surrounding the team will soon turn to the draft, where we somehow moved up a few spots in like, the last six minutes. I was sooooo ready for a top three pick, and okay with a top five. But nooooo, let’s kick some ass now that the season is ending! Yay! Great idea! Woo-hoo! Brilliant! Hey Sean Bergenheim, I missed you!!! What? You were here the whole time? Whoops, nevermind. HOO-RAY!!!!!!

Ahh. I needed that.

Back to the draft…it should be an interesting one. Let’s hope that Snow, Jankowski and team really do their homework and lock into a few diamonds in the rough. There are always Nielsen-type players in the later rounds; they may not be flashy, but they are play-making tinkerers with a lot of potential. Stop looking only at height and weight – start looking at brain and tenacity.

Size matters, but so does attitude.

****UPDATE****

Brrrrr…does anyone else feel a draft in here? Someone up in the heavens must’ve heard my whining, because the Isles are extremely likely to get that top 5 pick I was hoping for. I may have failed pre-calc in high school (sorry Mrs. Spiegel) but even I know that if the Isles drop their last two against the Devils and Pens, they will probably land in the 4 or 5 hole. That’s because the Panthers and Lightning, who are behind the Isles now, are playing each other in their last two games. One of them, if not both (let them split OT games – please!!!) would then leapfrog the Isles. Placement also depends on what Columbus does against Detroit.

P.S. The fact that I bring this up virtually guarantees Bergenheim will score a hat trick in both of the remaining games.

You’re welcome, Sean.

The Blue Jackets have proved, through good goaltending stretches and (almost always) bad, through Ken Hitchcock and Claude Noel, that they aren’t talented enough to win in this league. They will require some major offseason retooling on the roster, that much is obvious.

So when watching these last games of the season, it is important to ask what kind of “wins” are good for the team? Obviously,  the more the Jackets lose the greater there chances of getting a lottery pick become, but I’m not talking about that.

What about last nights loss in New Jersey, and as of late,  can be considered a “win” at this part of the season?

The play of Antoine Vermette and Jake Voracek.

Scott Howson is building this roster from the ground up. Rick Nash is the franchise player, the best scorer, top line player, who can play in every situation. Steve Mason is the franchise goaltender, even though this year he hasn’t played like it. The problem has always been the pieces around Nash, and Howson’s pieces that he feels will help this team make the next step include Vermette, Voracek, and Derrick Brassard. (and hopefully a #1 center and some defense at some point…)

But it shouldn’t be ignored that Howson locked up Vermette to a long term deal this offseason, and he is having his best season yet. He is still in his 20′s and showing that he is an extremely valuable and efficient centerman, though he probably belongs on the second line and not the first. Vermette is definitely looking like a great pickup and someone the CBJ will be able to count on during the years to come.

Voracek is another player the Jackets need to be a top six winger, and at age 20, he has shown flashes but has been inconsistent all year. However, his play recently, and even during last night’s loss to the Devils, clearly shows that he is growing into that guy that Howson envisions taking his game to the next level. He is exciting to watch, a fan favorite, and another offseason and year of experience should do him wonders for next year.

The disappointing season has been tough to swallow for any Blue Jackets fan, and it will take some major offseason tinkering to get this team back on track. But to watch two players the Jackets are holding some their future hopes on, make progress and improve the way Vermette and Voracek are, IS something for Jackets fans to be happy about.

Steve Mason and Derrick Brassard are not nearly where the Blue Jackets orginzation thought they’d be, but Vermette is going to score a career high number of goals and points before the season is done. Him and Voracek are showing at least that they have the skill and ability to provide the secondary scoring for the team, leaving Howson with a few less holes to fill.

A top line center and some defense are needed to right the ship, but I am tired of pointing that out after every Jackets game. We know what Nash can bring, we know what Umberger can bring, but now we are seeing what Vermette can do at the top of his game. We are also seeing flashes of what the top of Voracek’s game might be like next year and beyond, which is something for Jackets fans to look forward to.

1:52pm (all times EST) – Here is a look at what I’m watching today.  Now- Curling USA v Germany   3pm- USA v Switzerland  5:30pm-USA v Russia (Women’s)  7:30pm-Canada v Norway  10pm-Finland v China (Women’s)  midnight-Russia v Latvia

2:06pm – Germany beating the US 5 to 4 in the 8th end.  They should put more curling on TV, its one of those things that after you start you just can’t stop watching.

2:17pm – Germany picks up 2 and is leading 7 to 4 through 8.  Does not look good in game one for the American men.

2:44pm – 3 rocks left and the US is looking to tie it up.

2:46pm – US try to make a comeback but come up short and fall to Germany.  Hockey is up next!

2:50pm – My medal picks for men’s hockey; GOLD: Finland  SILVER: Russia  BRONZE: Canada

3:05pm – And we are on our way!  USA USA USA!

3:08pm – US looks good early.

3:14pm – I love the fact that there are no commercial breaks built into the games.

3:18pm – The Swiss men are playing a lot better then the Swiss women.

3:31pm – USA GOAL!!!!  Ryan puts the U.S. up 1-0.

3:41pm – Why does NBC think that I like Sidney Crosby or want to here anyone talk about him?

3:49pm – Just on our way in the second.

3:57pm – 2-0 USA!!!!!!!!

4:02pm – PP Goal for the United States!  3-0.  Swiss starting to show their holes.

4:18pm – Love to here the Windsor Spitfires talk.

4:25pm – The logo for these Olympics is Great.  The Canucks should uses it on a third jersey.

4:42pm – Pierre McGuire mentions Ryan Kesler is from Ohio State!

4:51pm – Swiss score and we have ourselves a game.  3-1 USA

5:04pm – USA wins 3-1 against the Swiss.  Overall, I thought America look good today.  To me they are a wild card team that could finish anywhere from first to sixth.  We really will not find out to much until Sunday vs. Canada.  Next up is USA vs. Russia on the women’s side.  That game can be seen over on MSNBC at 5:30.

5:20pm – In case you care it is still snowing in Columbus, OH.  And for some reason Sidney Crosby is on my TV.

5:30pm – Chris Matthews says this game is a big one.  USA vs. Russia is next!  Oh, and Hillary Clinton will not be moving to Canada.

5:39pm – USA up 1-0.  This game should not be close.

5:40pm – My medal picks for women’s hockey; GOLD: United States  SILVER: Canada  BRONZE: Sweden

5:46pm – GREAT goal by Potter for the United States! 2-0

5:49pm – Dinner time

6:28pm – I’m back and the US is rolling 6-0

6:39pm – USA ties Olympic record with 5th PP goal.  9-0 USA

7:00pm – USA up by 12 after two.  Russia may be good at men’s hockey but they are not good at women’s hockey.

7:10pm – Canada is warming up.  They’re game my overlap a little with the USA women’s game.  Canada’s game is on CNBC  MSNBC CNBC or you can watch Countdown next on MSNBC!

7:16pm – On our way in the third period and the US scores it’s 7th PP goal! (An Olympic record)

7:18pm – Before I forget Happy Fat Tuesday!

7:34pm – USA is winning 13-0 and it could be a LOT more.  I feel good about my Gold better pick.

7:36pm – The moment Canada has been waiting for has arrived.  Canada and Norway is on it’s way.  NO TV until curling ends on CNBC.  Just over 3min to play in the USA women’s game.

7:42pm – FINAL: USA 13 Russia 0  A great win for the American women.  Next up for them is a big game against Finland on Thursday.

7:46pm – Canada and Norway scoreless on MSNBC (Update: The game is now on CNBC).

8:08pm - Scoreless after one.  I am guessing that most Canadians thought Canada would have scored by now.  Maybe teams with maple leafs on the front of their jerseys just can’t win.

8:28pm – Canada can look now.  1-0 Great White North in the lead.

8:32pm – When it rains it pours 2-0 Canada

8:46pm – It must be nice for Rick Nash to be on a winning team.

8:58pm – The best part of NBC’s Olympic coverage is their music.

9:01pm – I love this Walmart commercial with the little girl who plays hockey.

9:28pm – Canada is looking great, up 6-0.

9:44pm – Hat Trick for Jerome Iginla.  Iginla may be my favorite player.

9:49pm – Canada wins.

10:05pm – Finland vs. China is next.  Go Finland!

10:33pm – China up 1-0.  Late in the first.  This would be a HUGE upset.

11:21pm – Finland leads China 2-1 after 2.  China is holding on and this has become a surprisingly good game.  Finland needs to start pulling away soon or China might pull the first upset of these games.

11:51pm – Finland is on the PP still up 1 mid way through the third.  This is impressive that China has kept it this close.

12:06am – Finland holds on to win it.  They are going to have to play a lot better then that against the US on Thursday.  But we a least had our fist close hockey game of these Olympics.  Well, that will do it for the live blog.  Enjoy the Russia-Latvia night cap and thanks for reading.

This was arguably Nabokov’s best game of the season.

He was forced to make desperation saves all night and somehow managed to keep the puck out of the net while the Wings toyed with Sharks defenders. The Wings peppered Nabokov with at least 14 shots in every period outside of overtime.

Nabby has been playing tremendous hockey these last few weeks and has crept into the Vezina conversation if he wasn’t already in it. He now sits near the top of the league in most of the major goal-tending categories.

It seems that the Russian Olympic team will be getting Nabokov at his best for the tournament.

After playing in Columbus yesterday, the Sharks looked sluggish at points and were just waiting for Nabokov to cover the puck so they could get off the ice.  The effort was there but most of the players were just plain worn out by the end of the night.

However this is a game that they would not have won last season.

It required guts to get through, scoring from an unlikely place, an amazing game from Nabokov and a star player coming up big when he had to. Though he probably had one of his worst games of the year, Patrick Marleau put in the only goal of the shootout on the last attempt.

The Sharks got goals from Joe Thornton, and Dwight Helminen, his first with the team. Detroit’s goals came from Johan Franzen and Jason Williams. Niclas Wallin also contributed his first assist as a Shark.

Kudos to Ryane Clowe and Marleau for finally trying new moves in the shootout. Who could have ever imagined that trying something new would change the result in the shootout? Nabokov was able to stone Pavel Datsyuk, Williams, and Todd Bertuzzi.

There were lots of interesting battles between Olympic teammates in this game. Nabokov robbed Datsyuk on more than a few occasions and Douglas Murray was going head-to-head with the likes of Olympic teammates Tomas Holmstrom, and Henrik Zetterberg all night. Joe Pavelski got into a tussle with Brian Rafalski after a couple whistles too. I’m not sure how aware these players were that they’ll be playing alongside each other in basically a few days.

Line Juggling

Right on the heels of the Olympic break, coach Todd McLellan split up the Team Canada line of Thornton, Marleau, and Dany Heatley. Devin Setoguchi moved up to the first line and Marleau moved down to center the second line with Pavelski and Clowe. This strategy was probably implemented after being shutout in Columbus yesterday and some of the injuries to players like Manny Malhotra.

Next Game

The Sharks will play their final game before the Olympic break on Saturday when they head into Buffalo to take on the Sabres.

Anaheim Ducks- For a team that was so hot in the playoffs last year, the Quackers have really cooled down heading into 2009. They’re currently 4-6-2 and last in the Pacific Division. How much did the loss of Chris Pronger hurt Anaheim?

Atlanta Thrashers- Netminder Pavelec has been stellar so far. Very impressive 50-save effort to beat the Senators in their last game. Kovulchuk is also doing well so far, and Atlanta is simply just chugging along. 5-4-1, 3rd in the Southeast Division.

Boston Bruins- Some are worried that the Bruins aren’t doing as well as last year, but one has to remember that the Bruins are also injury-stricken right now. Right now they’re hurting, but they’ll be stronger once Savard and Lucic come back. They are also getting stiff competition within their division from both Ottawa and Buffalo. 6-6-1, 3rd in the Northeast Division.

Buffalo Sabres- Currently the owners of the best record in the NHL (in terms of W/L/T, not points or GP), the Sabres have stunned some critics and pleased others, with an 8-2-1 record. Goalie Ryan Miller holds a Top-5 spot in all stat-aspects of goaltending, and rookie Tyler Myers has just been locked up for 3 years. Currently 1st in the Northeast Division, and 3rd in the Eastern Conference. It should be noted that they have only played 11 games.

Calgary Flames- Have already been labeled as Canada’s best bet for winning a Stanley Cup. Currently with a 7-4-1 record and 2nd in the Northwest.

Carolina Hurricanes- No team has been as big a disappointment as the Hurricanes, save for maybe the Maple Leafs. I’m hurting for these fans in Raleigh. What happened? How can the team that challenged the Penguins in the 2009 ECF fall so far? Carolina currently has a 2-8-3 record, a whopping 7 points, and are 1 point away from being the worst in the league. Some say that Paul Maurice’s days behind the Hurricanes bench are numbered. I might agree.

Chicago Blackhawks- Starting off the season as win a few, lose one or two, the Blackhawks are still looking to hit their stride and really take charge of their division and conference. I’ve seen several blogs and articles that have predicted Chicago to make a deep run to the Stanley Cup. They’re currently 8-4-1 and on top of the Central Division.

Colorado Avalanche- Currently the most surprising team in the league…I mean, honestly- who expected them to have a 10-2-2 record? I’ll be honest, I sure didn’t. Hockey fans in Denver are loving it, and at the same time hoping that this is the status quo and that the roof won’t cave in. Memories of last year’s cellar-dweller finish still remain. Currently first in their Northwest Division and the Western Conference.

Columbus Blue Jackets- Heading into this season following their first-ever postseason appearance, the Jackets are looking to keep Ohio on the hockey map. Mason needs a repeat performance of last year to help this squad along. They’re 7-5-1, good for 2nd place in the Central Division and 2 points behind Chicago.

Dallas Stars- Okay, this is where this blog starts to get boring. I don’t know much about the Stars. All I can say is that they are 6-3-5, and are tied with NYI for the most games pushed to OT. Those 5 points are the reason they’re 6th in the Western Conference. The team is looking at Marty Turco to lead them, but they’re currently 4th in the Pacific Division.

Detroit Red Wings- On the bubble, either on their way to another Stanley Cup postseason or ready to fall from prominence. The loss of Marian Hossa is hurting them, along with several other key injuries, like Flippula. 5-4-3,  3rd in the Central Division and 11th in the Conference. Fans in the Motor City are hoping they turn it around, pronto.

Edmonton Oilers- Another team that I haven’t been following that much…but from what I can surmise by looking at the stats, it seems like the Oil are another team that is just chugging along and doing just fine, thank you very much. A 7-6-1 record is good for 3rd in the Northwest Division, and 9th in the Western Conference.

Florida Panthers- I still believe that there is a huge gap in their roster following the departure of Jay Bouwmeester. After threatening to make the postseason last year, the squad from Sunrise is sitting low with a 4-7-1 record, and 4th in the Southeast Division.

Los Angeles Kings- Another surprise team, although I cannot say that I am shocked to see them where they are. The management has been investing in young talent for years, and now they’re reaping the rewards. Veterans like Smyth and Scuderi have helped steer the youngsters, and it seems that successful hockey is back in the City and Angels. They are 8-4-2, 3rd in the (all of a sudden) competitive Pacific Division and 5th in the Western Conference.

Minnesota Wild- They failed to make the playoffs last year, and are hoping to change that this year. However, they are currently last in the Western Conference and have a 5-9-0 record, their most recent win a 2-1 victory at Pittsburgh (I was in attendance, it was a great game). It’s another team that I don’t know much about, but it doesn’t take an expert to see that something is awry in St. Paul.

Montreal Canadiens- The big chemistry experiment is still underway in Montreal, and so far has yielded so-so results. The Habs just came off a 5-4 SO win over rival Toronto, and have not lost in an OT/SO yet. They’re playing .500 hockey with a 7-7-0 record, and every fan is waiting for the day the team comes together. 3rd in the Northeast,  and 7th in the Conference. They have the talent, so what’s keeping them behind?

Nashville Predators- I only watched one game of the Preds’ this year, against Buffalo. It was a 1-0 game, in Buffalo’s favor, but it also was a goalie duel. The two teams seemed very evenly matched, but aside from that I am inexperienced with Nashville hockey. They’re 6-6-1, and 4th in the Central Division.

New Jersey Devils- Currently 8-4-0, and picking up where they left off last year. After being eliminated by Carolina in Game 7 last year, New Jersey is playing hockey with a vengeance, and were the 2nd team to beat division-foe Pittsburgh this season. I am still unsure about Marty Brodeur- some say he’s at his best, some say he’s past his prime. In either case, goaltending is clearly the Devils’ strong point with Brodeur and Clemmensen. They’re 3rd in the highly-competitive Atlantic Division.

New York Islanders- Financial struggles, a bleak future, a crumbling arena…and a #1 draft pick that is tearing it up. Sometimes I feel as if the league is watching the Isles, and secretly hoping they rebound. Me? I absolutely do. They have one of the best histories in the league, loyal fans, and it would be a shame for them to move…but aside from that, they’re currently on the rebound and climbing out of the cellar with 4-4-5 record and a current 3-game winning streak. They’re still last in the Atlantic Division, but 10th in the Conference.

New York Rangers- After one of the hottest starts in the league, the Blueshirts have cooled down recently. Fans are enjoying Tortorella behind the bench and it seems as if the Rangers have things back in order. Lundqvist can steal games, and he just did by blanking the Bruins 1-0 in their lastest game. They’re 9-5-1 and 2nd in the Atlantic Division, 4th in the Eastern.

Ottawa Senators- Another team that I do not follow…at all…despite the fact that they’re in the same division as my Sabres. I do know that some people still believe that they’re hurting without Dany Heatley, but Alex Kovalev has added some spark to the Sens. They are currently sitting 2nd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference, and have a 6-4-2 record thus far.

Philadelphia Flyers- Have the Broad Street Bullies returned? Philly fans like to think so. Adding Chris Pronger from Anaheim seemed to be a blockbuster move for the Flyers, but their current 6-4-1 record is disproportionate to what fans were expecting. Personally, I don’t think Philadelphia has anything to worry about, and I have seen several predictions that place the Stanley Cup in the City of Brotherly Love. They’re 4th in the Atlantic, 8th in the East.

Phoenix Coyotes- This is a team that I am so glad is doing well. If any team needs to win and in a hurry, it’s the Coyotes. Shane Doan continues to be the heart and soul of the team, and the ‘Yotes boasts one of the best netminders currently in the league- Ilya Bryzgalov. I sincerely hope the Coyotes keep their winnings ways alive- they are 9-4-0, 2nd in the Pacific and 4th in the West.

Pittsburgh Penguins- The reigning Stanley Cup Champions completed one of the hottest starts in NHL history, and currently sit on top of their division, conference, and the league with an 11-3-0 record. The Penguins’ Goligoski has the best +/- rating in the league with a +12. The Penguins are looking to return to the Stanley Cup Final, and are on pace to do just that.

San Jose Sharks- After a winning the President’s Cup in 2009 and being eliminated in the first round by the rival Ducks, San Jose is another team that is playing hockey with a vendetta. After a slow start, they have won 5 in a row and currently boast a 10-4-1 record, good for 2nd in the Western Conference and the top spot in the Pacific Division. Was acquiring Dany Heatley the final piece in the puzzle?

St. Louis Blues- Off to a rough start in October, they’re sitting 5-6-1 and last in the Central Division. They’re hoping to make it back to the playoffs, but won’t do so if they continue the un-inspired play that’s been plaguing the Blues bench. Another team that I have to watch more of.

Tampa Bay Lightning- A painful season last year has made some Bolts faithful weary, but Tampa Bay is banking on rookie Hedman to inspire the team and fanbase. Tampa Bay is a confusing team, because they have top-notch talent in St. Louis and Lecavalier, but nothing to show for it.  They have a very mediocre 4-3-4 record, and sit 2nd in the Southeast Division, 8 pts behind leader Washington. So the big question is, what is wrong in Hockey Bay, USA?

Toronto Maple Leafs- Now, this is where it gets embarrassing. I predicted that the Leafs would be the team to watch in 2009-2010, and while there is still a chance that might happen, right now things are not looking good. I thought the additions of Komisarek and Gustavsson would have sparked this team. Off to one of the worst starts in team history (and let’s not forget, they’re original 6 so that’s a crap-ton of history), the fans are finally getting sick and tired of sky-high prices and cellar-dweller performance. GM Brian Burke better think on his toes, because the Leafs’ 1-7-4 record is downright embarrassing, and ticket sales are starting to show it. They’re currently last in their division, conference, and the league.

Vancouver Canucks- Also believed to be Canada’s second chance at winning the Stanley Cup. They’re in a tight spot right know with Luongo injured, but their offensive prowess makes up for the loss. Right now they are playing .500 hockey, a 7-7-0 record- the same as the Canadiens. I personally believe that the Canucks will eventually hit their stride at start winning at GM Place- the only question is, when?

Washington Capitals- Looking at another return to the postseason, and their October has proved to be successful. They are banking on Ovechkin to be the rally point for this team and currently are 8-2-4, good for first place in the weak Southeast division and 2nd in the Eastern Conference.

The current standings for the Conferences, and if the Playoffs started today, who would go:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Pittsburgh, 2. Washington, 3. Buffalo, 4. New York Rangers, 5. New Jersey, 6. Ottawa, 7. Montreal, 8. Philadelphia

9.Boston, 10. New York Islanders, 11. Tampa Bay, 12. Atlanta, 13. Florida, 14. Carolina, 15. Toronto

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Colorado, 2. San Jose, 3. Chicago, 4. Phoenix, 5. Los Angeles, 6. Dallas, 7. Calgary, 8. Columbus

9. Edmonton, 10. Vancouver, 11. Detroit, 12. Nashville, 13. St. Louis, 14. Anaheim, 15. Minnesota

That’s October in a nutshell. I tried to not insult any team (although in some cases, it cannot be helped), in an effort to avoid any anger towards me. If anyone has comments or questions, please leave them. Here’s to another exciting month of NHL hockey!

“We gotta go out and have a good practice and be ready for Monday,” said Luongo about tonight’s contest.

Defensemen Sami Salo and Alexander Edler are currently holding a team worst -2 each, and look to solidify their defensive game. The Canucks have been losing the battles in the corners and lose the races to the free pucks which have been costing them goals against.

The fact that no player on the team is above Even in the +/- department shows this team is losing as a collective whole. There is no one or two lines that are blowing their opportunities on the ice that result in goals against, this team is simply failing at burying their chances while losing at the defensive aspects of the game.

Roberto Luongo has been peppered for 49 shots in his first two games, but with 7 goals against, that does not necessarily mean he’s been terrific either. The team in front of him is certainly weaker than usual, but he has not brought his A game.

The Canucks need to pull up their socks and get back down to business or it could very well be a long season; however, it is safe to say the team is playing at its worse right now, and things can only get better from here. Now that the players have shaken the rust off their legs, don’t be surprised if the Canucks make an example of a team for their weak outings thus far. That “example” could very well start tonight with the Blue Jackets.

Tonight is the start of a three-game home swing for the Canucks, and they look to immediately bounce back with three straight wins.

The Canucks will play Montreal on Wednesday, and Dallas on Sunday to complete their trio of home games.

Micheal A. Aldred

michealaldred@hotmail.com