Two plays victimized the Predators in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks at the Bridgestone Arena. Two defensive breakdowns led to two quick first period goals by the Canucks en route to a 3-1 first period lead. The Predators fought back to force the shootout, but fell in the sixth round to the Canucks as the visitors won the shootout 2-1.

Pekka Rinne got the start in net for the Predators, and he gave up the first goal of the game with Vancouver on a power play. Ryan Kessler beat Rinne with a snap shot from just inside the face off circle at 11:42 of the first period. To this point in the game, the Predators had out shot the Canucks 9-3.

The Predators answered at 13:47 of the first as Colin Wilson took a pass from David Legwand and fired a wrist shot a Roberto Luongo. Bobby Lou let the puck slip between his arm and his body for the tying goal.

With the home crowd in full throat and momentum with the Predators, it appeared as if they had an opportunity to get control of the game.

That is when the first of two bad plays by the Predators occurred.

The Predators were caught in a bad line change and the Canucks capitalized. Byron Bitz scored off a feed from Henrik Sedin as he walked in on Rinne and beat him with a quick wrist shot. The Predators defensive coverage was not in position, and the Canucks made them pay for the mistake at 18:21.

Just 23 seconds later, Daniel Sedin split the defense of Kevin Klein and Roman Josi and buried a shot from the low slot to give the Canucks a 3-1 lead.

Two bad plays, two goals, and another hole for the Predators.

This is the Predators, however, a team that fears no deficit.

The Predators had mounted good pressure against Luongo and the Canucks defense in the first period, and they continued to pressure the Canucks in the second. Time to chip away and get back in the game.

That is exactly what they did just 4:14 into the second period. Kevin Klein took a shot from the blue line, and it hit the skate of Sergei Kostitsyn, who was cutting across the slot. The puck re-directed off the skate of Kostitsyn and past Luongo. After a brief review, the goal was called good by the replay officials and the Predators trailed 3-2.

The Predators would tie the game at 3 at 5:16 of the second as Shea Weber took a shot from the blue line that hit Mike Fisher and squirted between the pads of Luongo. As Luongo moved, the puck was deflected off his leg and trickled over the goal line.

The ability of the Predators to battle back from another deficit, especially against a great team like the Canucks was heartening. It just felt as if the Predators momentum would carry them to a goal that would give them the lead.

It was not to be as both goalies took over the game. Both Rinne and Luongo made some big saves in the remainder of the second period as well as the third period to keep the game knotted at 3. There were times where the Predators controlled the puck in the Vancouver zone and created some good chances, but could not solve Luongo.

The same held true for the Canucks, as they used their excellent cycling ability to control the puck and create some chances. Rinne was up to the task, and the game went to overtime.

In the overtime period, the Predators controlled the puck and had 3 shots on goal, while the Canucks managed 2. Neither team found the net. For the game, the Predators out shot the Canucks 40-31.

In the shootout, Rinne stopped Mason Raymond and Ryan Kessler before Alexander Burrows scored off a nice backhand move. Luongo stopped Sergei Kostitsyn and Martin Erat missed the net. With the game on the line, David Legwand beat Luongo with a backhand to extend the shootout.

Rinne stoned Daniel Sedin and Cody Hodgson before Alex Edler beat him five hole. Luongo stopped Ryan Ellis and Mike Fisher.

With the game on the line, Colin Wilson beat Luongo with a backhand but the puck just went outside the far post, and the Canucks escaped with a 4-3 win.

Vancouver is one of the elite teams in the NHL, and for the Predators to battle back and force the shootout speaks volumes about their effort and their compete level. Two bad plays bit the Predators, and against an opponent the caliber of the Canucks, that can- and did- cost the game.

I especially was impressed with the play of Sergei Kostitsyn. He battled hard all night, hustled, and his effort on a back check prevented a very good scoring chance for the Canucks.

Although the Predators failed to put away the Canucks, there are positives to take away from this game. The ability to battle back against a quality opponent like the Canucks speaks volumes about the heart and character of this team. This team believes in themselves and in their ability to win every game. That is evident by the way they refused to wilt in the face of the Canucks pressure and their early lead.

Limit the mistakes, the bad plays, and the Predators will not have an opponent slip past them.

My three stars:

1. Byron Bitz

2. Sergei Kostitsyn

3. Roberto Luongo

The Bolts are in fifth (last) place in the Southeast Division and trail the division leading Washington Capitals by twelve points. Tampa Bay is in 15th place in the 15 team Eastern Conference, twelve points out of a playoff spot.

After 44 games, forward Steven Stamkos leads the team and the NHL in goals with 30. He leads the Bolts in points with 50 (third in the NHL). Martin St. Louis is tops in assists with 25. Marc-Andre Bergeron leads the team in rating with a +8.

Forward Steve Downie is last in rating with an alarming -19 and has accumulated 107 penalty minutes. Goalie Mathieu Garon has 11 wins, a 2.94 goals against average and a .900 save percentage.

Defenseman Eric Brewer leads Tampa Bay in ice time, averaging 23:18 per game. Steven Stamkos leads in shots on goal with 152.

The Lightning have scored 119 goals (12th in the NHL) and allowed 153 goals (30th (last) in the 30 team NHL). The Bolts special teams remain bad. The power play success rate is 14.1% (26th in the NHL) and the penalty kill is at 78.9% (26th in the NHL). The league average power play percentage is 17.3% and the average NHL team kills off 82.7% of their penalties successfully. Currently, the Lightning is mired in a 4-41 power play drought, including a 1-34 road power play skid.

Tampa Bay is 23rd in the league in faceoff percentage, winning just 49% of their draws.

Box Scores

Game 41 – Tampa Bay Lightning 4 – Vancouver Canucks 5 SO

Game 42 – Tampa Bay Lightning 2 – Carolina Hurricanes 5

Game 43 – Tampa Bay Lightning 3 – Washington Capitals 4

Game 44 – Tampa Bay Lightning 3 – Pittsburgh Penguins 6

Three Stars of the Week

Vincent Lecavalier – One goal and four assists.

Martin St. Louis – Five assists.

Steven Stamkos – One goal and three assists.

Transactions

The Lightning announced a two year-one way contract extension for $600,000 per year for forward Tom Pyatt.

The Lightning called up forward Trevor Smith from Norfolk (AHL).

Injuries

Forward Ryan Shannon is out 2-4 weeks with a lower body injury.

Defenseman Mattias Ohlund remains on IR after undergoing surgery on both knees. Ohlund has had a major setback and his return this year is questionable.

Defenseman Victor Hedman is out indefinitely with a concussion.

Forwards JT Wyman is day-to-day with an upper body injury.

Forward Adam Hall is out 6-8 weeks with an upper body injury.

Defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron is day-to-day with an upper body injury.

Forward Dana Tyrell is day-to-day with a lower body injury.

Bolt Notes

The Bolts went 0-4 this past week. Tampa Bay has dropped their last seven games and nine of their last twelve. They are at the bottom of the Southeast Division and the Eastern Conference. They are 27th of the 30 NHL teams. Tampa Bay is an awful road team going 6-16-3 so far in 2012.

The numbers don’t lie. The Lightning are a last place team with a brutally bad defense and ineffective goaltending. Of the 77 NHL goalies that have suited up this season, Mathieu Garon and Dwayne Roloson rank 58th and 72nd in goals against average respectively. The duo is 58th and 71st in save percentage.

While many believe this is a team that has the ability to come back after trailing…don’t believe it! The Bolts have won only 26% of the games when they have trailed in the first period.

The Lightning is giving up 31 shots per game on average, while getting 28 shots on goal.

At this point, Tampa Bay looks like a seller, but one without much to offer. GM Steve Yzerman will not trade a prospect, as one player, not even a goalie can save the season.

The Week Ahead

Tampa Bay hosts Boston on Tuesday, travels to Dallas on Friday and Phoenix on Saturday.

The Quarterdeck Log – Norfolk Admirals Week In Review

By Ken Peacock

About The Author

A man with an identity crisis. A full time fan of all things hockey and supporter of the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Washington Capitals. A fan of two NHL teams in the same division? Really? Yes, it can be done. It’s tough, but it can be done. I am also a full time husband, IT Professional, and a Norfolk Admirals Hockey Blogger at Vultures Row.

Weekly Log

The Norfolk Admirals faced off for a rare Tuesday night meeting with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins at home in the “friendly” confines of the Norfolk Scope. The previous meeting, a week ago, resulted in a win for the Admirals. This meeting would not be as nice as the Penguins had revenge on their minds.  Paul Thompson and Ben Street of the Penguins would give the Baby Pens an early 3-0 lead in the first period. Michel Ouellett and Radko Gudas would get the Admirals on the board in the second. Unfortunately for the Admirals these would their only goals of the night. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton held Norfolk scoreless the rest of the way and went home with the 3-2 win.

Next, the Connecticut Whale and Sean Avery arrived in town for a weekend series with the Admirals. The Fans were disappointed when Avery was scratched for disciplinary reasons. The Admirals were not focused on the former NHL bad-boy, but instead, focused on the game and getting two points. Mike Kostka opened up the scoring midway into the first period. Cory Conacher added another goal early in the second period. Matt Fornataro score five minutes later to put the Ad’s up 3-0. The Admirals shut-out was ruined as Aaron Voros put the puck past Admirals netminder, Dustin Tokarski. The Voros goal would be the Whales’s only score as the Admirals shut down the Whale for the 3-1 win.

The Whale and the Admirals were back at it on Saturday night for Norfolk’s annual “Pink in the Rink” night to benefit the Susan G. Komen Cure for Cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness. A season high crowd of 7,227 was on hand to see the game and the bonus was an appearance by Sean Avery. The night was Richard Panik’s night as he gave Whale goalie, Cameron Talbot, a “Panik Attack”. Panik opened up the scoring with a goal in the first and another midway thru the second period to give Norfolk a 2-0 lead. Kelsey Tessier and Aaron Voros would score later in the second to tie the game at two each. Mike Kostka and Matt Fornataro would combine to put Norfolk ahead early in the third period. Fornataro deflected Kostka’s pass past Talbot for his second goal in two nights. Mike Angelidis added the insurance goal late in the third.Norfolk won the game 4-2 and swept the Whale.

Trevor Smith (16G 28A 44Pts +17) and Cory Conacher (22G 21A 43Pts +7) find themselves at the top of Norfolk’s scoring list. Smith and Conacher continue to keep moving forward. Mark Barberio (4G 31A 35Pts +20) leads all Norfolk defensemen and is in third place amongst all Admirals in scoring. Carter Ashton (15G 13A 28Pts +9) is seriously falling behind the leaders, but maintains a hold on fourth place in scoring. Dustin Tokarski (16-9-0 2.9GAA) went 2-1 this week. Jaroslav Janus (7-5-2 3.04GAA) did not play this week.

For the Season the Admirals are 23-13-1-2 with 49 points. They are currently 6 points behind the East Division leading Hershey Bears. Norfolkis currently on a 2-0-0-0 streak and is 6-2-1-1 in their last ten games.

Three Stars of the Week

Richard Panik – Two goals.

Mike Kostka  – One goal and two assists.

Mark Barberio – Three assists.

Transactions

Kevin Quick – Assigned to the Florida Everblades (ECHL).

Charles Landry – Assigned to the Florida Everblades (ECHL).

Injuries

Richard Petiot – Undisclosed – Day-to-day

An Observation from the Stands

Tuesday night was not pretty. The Penguins totally outplayed Norfolk. While the score on paper looked close, it was nowhere near that. Friday and Saturday the Admirals played like they played at the beginning of the season. I don’t know what went on in practice, but whatever they discussed they were on point this weekend. Mark Barberio is having a great season. He is all over the place on the ice and holds the defense together. Richard Panik has shown what he is capable of doing, but needs to keep doing it on a regular basis.

Sean Avery lived up to his reputation. He was scratched from the first game for disciplinary reasons. He was spotted out on the town sitting at a bar being ignored by fellow members of the Whale. During warm-ups on Saturday night he was heckled and challenged a few of the hecklers to come on the ice. During the game he would argue with the referees, slashed an Admirals player, and got tossed for abusing the officials. Yes, he definitely lived up to his reputation. Even though he was very entertaining, I wouldn’t want him on my team.

The Week Ahead

Next up for the Admirals is a three-game road trip starting Wednesday night in Albany, N.Y.against the Devils, Friday night against the Syracuse Crunch, and a rematch with the Whale on Saturday night in Connecticut.

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In a game with such an abnormal amount of calls, including an early first period scenario that saw nine penalties assessed at the same time, it was difficult for the game to form any ebb and flow, or sustain any extended periods of 5-on-5 play. Included in the aforementioned first period scrum, was a since-rescinded game misconduct given to Bruins’ winger Milan Lucic. The penalty was assigned after the officials believed that the B’s hulking winger had illegally left his team’s bench to come to the defense of teammate Shawn Thornton, who was being mugged old-school prison style by six Canuck players. In fairness to the officials, during the heat of the moment, it can be tremendously difficult to make the proper determination, as to if Lucic had indeed left the bench, or not. Bruins’ head coach Claude Julien echoed these sentiments after Saturday’s contest.

“I’m not blaming (the referees) – they’re in the middle of a scrum there – but Looch was on the ice already. It wasn’t an illegal change; he didn’t come off the bench. There are no issues there in my mind; it’s clear.” – Claude Julien

Despite the overwhelmingly absurd number of penalty calls on Saturday afternoon, it was the special teams units of the Bruins that ultimately cost them the game. Albeit on eleven chances, the Black and Gold allowed their Western Conference rivals to put four power-play goals past Tim Thomas during Saturday’s action. The four tallies would be all the Canucks could muster, but was indeed enough for the victory.

“They were making plays, but not necessarily totally by their movement. Like the first goal was a funny bounce, those happen. Especially on good teams with good power plays. Other ones they were utilizing the screen real well.” – Tim Thomas

On the other end of that spectrum, the Boston power-play posted a less-than-motivating 0-7 spot during Saturday’s game, and were completely shut-down by the Vancouver penalty-killers. Credit where credit is due, as the Canuck PKers did an excellent job in keeping the Bruins’ offense to the outside of the proverbial “box”.

Scoring first was Ryan Kesler, who corralled a rebound towards the tail end of a 5-on-3 advantage and fired it past Thomas at the 5:41 mark of the first frame.

“We’ve faced adversity before and normally we try to kill those and unfortunately today we didn’t, we didn’t kill it, but hopefully we improve for the next game.” – Daniel Paille

Not to be outdone, the B’s bounced back just over nine minutes later, when Brad Marchand beat Schneider with a back-hander after a pretty little feed from fellow sophomore Tyler Seguin Boston would take their first and only lead of the day, when Rich Peverley took advantage of an Alexander Edler turnover and beat Schneider with a glove side wrister.

From that point on, the Canucks would dominate most of the action, pinning the B’s in their own zone for a good portion of the remainder of the game. To end the second frame, Vancouver would use tallies from Alex Burrows and Henrik Sedin to grab a 3-2 lead heading into the final twenty.

Arguably the best player on the ice for either team, Canucks’ rookie Cody Hodgson would register his tenth of the season with a blistering slapshot that managed to get past the reigning Vezina trophy winner, and into the Boston net. The B’s would add one more as David Krejci was able to tap home a Joe Corvo rebound on the back-hand only 0:42 seconds later, but were unable to muster up enough to get a tying goal, throughout the remainder of the period, as the Canucks held on for a 4-3 victory.

From The Room:

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Cory Schneider (Vancouver)

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Paille

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Henrik Sedin (Vancouver)

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Kelly

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Thomas

KEY STATS

Goals–                       VAN (4)                   BOS (3)

Shots–                       VAN (36)                 BOS (39)

Power-Play–           VAN (4-11)                BOS (0-7)

Penalty-Kill–           VAN (7-7)                    BOS (7-11)

• Ben’s Three Stars– ….. 3.) Nathan Horton ….. 2.) Cody Hodgson   ….. 1.) Cory Schneider

What’s Next?

The B’s will continue their four-game home-stand on Tuesday when they host Dustin Byfuglien and the Winnipeg Jets at TD Garden. The Canucks will head south for a set of games in Florida, with a showdown with the Lightning slated for Monday and a face-off against the Panthers on Tuesday.

Thanks For Reading!

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Not only do I enjoy watching the NHL, I’m a fan of international hockey and I love seeing the best taking on the best.  As a puckhead, I’ve gone to see the games in the Canada Cup and the World Cup of Hockey. Not only do you get to see the best players represent their country, but watching the fans soak it all in is just as special.

Over the next few days, the city of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, along with neighboring cities Lasalle and Tecumseh, are hosts to the World U-17 Hockey Challenge.  For those who are not familiar with this event, it is a 10-team round-robin tournament that features the best hockey players under the age of 17 displaying their talents on an international stage. Next to the World Junior Championships, this is second biggest international tournament. These kids are two to three years from being drafted by NHL clubs.

Players from the United States, Russia, Czech Republic, Sweden, and Germany take part, along with five regional Canadian teams, which are Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic (the provinces east of Quebec), West (New Brunswick and Manitoba) and Pacific (Alberta and British Columbia).

The game that I went to today was between Team Germany and Team Ontario and the Canadian colors of red and white were well represented.   Here’s how I can tell: A few rows in front of me, there was a family of seven wearing Team Canada #87 Sidney Crosby jerseys. How’s that for commitment?

Team Ontario has won three of the last four gold medals and they pretty much have the home-ice advantage. I wanted to see Team Ontario play just because of the fact that I’m an OHL fan and I wanted to see these future OHL stars. They are to the U-17 Tournament what Team Canada is to the World Junior Championships. They are a well-oiled machine and they are an example of why the OHL are the best at producing young talent.

Here’s a small sample size of the future Hall-of-Famers who have taken part in this tournament: Joe Sakic (Pacific) and Brendan Shanahan (Ontario) took the first step to Canada’s Program of Excellence by playing in what was formally known as the Quebec Esso Cup.

The NHL stars of today who have participated in the World U-17 include Alex Ovechkin, Ilya Kovalchuk, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Marc-Andre Fleury and Vincent Lecavalier.

The stars of tomorrow took part in this tournament not too long ago.  The “Young Guns” such as Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Ryan Strome, John Tavares (all have represented Ontario) and Jonathan Heberdeau (Quebec) got their feet wet before representing Canada in the World Junior Championship.  Being among the best players in this tournament doesn’t mean that they can cut it in the next level of international play—Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Pacific) excelled in the U-17, but didn’t make the cut for Team Canada in the 2011 WJC.

There some NHL bloodlines involved in the tournament, especially coming from the Canadian teams. Max Domi, who is currently on loan from the London Knights (OHL), is the son of former NHLer Tie, but they are complete opposites.  While Tie was known for being an agitator and for his fights with Bob Probert, Max is a player that’s gifted offensively and has a burst of speed that reminds me of Pavel Bure.  While PK Subban currently stars for the Montreal Canadiens, his younger brother, Jordan is on leave from the Belleville Bulls to help shore up the defense for Ontario.  Cole Cassels was taken in the first round of the OHL draft by the Oshawa Generals and is the son of former NHLer, Andrew.

Bo Horvat and Aaron Ekblad are two that you’ve probably never heard of before, but you probably will very soon.  Ekblad was the first overall pick of the Barrie Colts this summer.  The kid is a 6 foot 3 inch defenseman and, just like any teenager, is still growing. He reminds me a lot of a young Chris Pronger.  Horvat, who is property of the Knights, scored one of the goals in Ontario’s 5-0 shutout of Germany. He, like his teammate Max Domi, is another offensively-gifted player, but he looks like the type of player who will do whatever it takes to win.  Maybe he can bring back the phrase “Bo Knows Hockey,” but time will tell.

Going to an event like this was neat.  I was surrounded by mostly Canadian fans and they were really into it. Being at an international sporting event doesn’t happen that often and I wanted to take advantage of it. I’ll be going to another U-17 game tomorrow as Russia will take on USA in another matinee affair.  Who knows if I’ll see the next Alex Ovechkin or the next Phil Kessel, but it will be exciting to watch.

The key match-up going into the game was a battle between two of the top goalies in the NHL. Roberto Luongo won this round by out-dueling Jimmy Howard.   Luongo made 39 saves, including 16 saves in the third period for his 14th win of the season, while Howard stopped 21 shots for the Red Wings.

The Red Wings had given up 16 first-period goals going into Vancouver, but they quickly trailed 2-0 midway through the first as the Canucks jump-started their offense with goals by Chris Higgins and Cory Hodgson 21 seconds apart.

Todd Bertuzzi got things going for the Red Wings by scoring his fourth goal of the season off of a rebound, but the Canucks didn’t let up.  Alex Burrows must have studied the Red Wings offense because was in front of Howard and tipped-in a Daniel Sedin shot to make it 3-1.

Burrows is a fortunate player by playing alongside two of the leagues’s gifted offensive forwards in Daniel and Henrik Sedin.  The line has combined for 10 points in the last two games.

Drew Miler got the only goal in the second period, cutting the Canucks’ lead to 3-2.

In a play that hoped to swing the momentum for the Red Wings, Ryan Kesler got “Kronwalled” as he was leveled with a clean hit by Niklas Kronwall.  Kesler reacted to the hit by retaliating and was given a roughing penalty, giving the Red Wings an opportunity to tie the game. Maybe Kesler should have kept his head up.

Unfortunately, the momentum favored the Canucks when Jannik Hansen, who was trying to fight off Henrik Zetterberg, crashed the net and took out Howard, while Alexander Edler put the puck into the net for a shorthanded goal sealing the game for the Canucks. Howard, who was upset and thought the goal shouldn’t have counted, jumped on Hansen after the Edler goal, but was separated by the referees.

The Red Wings had chances on the power-play, but went 0-for-4 with the man-advantage.  With the Canucks having home ice advantage, they took a page out of the Red Wings’ playbook by outscoring their opponent in the first period. The Canucks jumped to a 2-0 lead and didn’t look back, but the Red Wings had their chances to score on Luongo.

While Luongo has reclaimed his position as the Canucks’ number one goalie for the last eight games, Howard tried to keep his team in the game, but the Red Wings made mistakes with turnovers and poor play in the neutral zone. With Howard playing a heavy workload this season, Red Wings head coach could give him a well-deserved night off and give Ty Conklin some playing time in their next game.

The Red Wings will try to get their second win on their current road trip as they do battle with the Calgary Flames Thursday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Vancouver Canucks struggled early against the Montreal Canadiens to begin their five-game Eastern road trip, but bounced back to sweep all three Canadian teams during that stretch. After crossing the Hundredth Meridian from Vancouver to Montreal in one trip, the Canucks can blame a slow start on travel, but couldn’t come up with a victory south of the 49^th parallel.

While many Canucks fans were eager to write off the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Carolina Hurricanes as competent competition, both basement dwellers were quick to debunk the American myth that southern, small market teams can’t keep up with the Canucks.

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The Canucks iced two of their worst games of the season against their southern opponents last week, letting down both Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider who seemed to be the only Canucks who didn’t forget their focus in an Ottawa airport.

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Back on Canadian soil, the Canucks rallied on the road in game 32 against the Maple Leafs, winning their Fifty Mission Cap in Toronto with just over half a season remaining. The win ensured the Canucks came home above .500 on the road trip after a complete collapse in Carolina in Columbus. While Alain Vigneault would probably like to bring his team back in shackles or hang them out in the December sun, it’s better to exonerate and forget about a roller-coaster road trip.

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The Canucks may have earned early exoneration for a rough road trip, but the CBC faces a tough decision regarding a man more than familiar with the term. After watching Don Cherry in back-to-back appearances on Hockey Night in Canada featuring the Canucks, I begin to wonder if the beauty has the wherewithal to return for another season on CBC.

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Bolland’s Bold Words

As Vancouver struggled through their road trip out East, notorious Canuck killer David Bolland was writing a new chapter to the rivalry between the Canucks and Blackhawks while on Chicago radio.

Bolland referred to Daniel and Henrik Sedin as “sisters” while on WGN radio in Chicago, which happened to be taped in front of a live studio audience. You see, Bolland and Blackhawks fans believe that the lowly Canucks have been Lionized by hockey media. “I don’t think we’d let them on our team,” Bolland said of the two world-class talents.

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The center’s controversial comments couldn’t have come at a worse time given the long wait for the next matchup between the Canucks and Blackhawks. The two teams will renew their rivalry on January 31^st and have both been playing solid hockey so far this season, so why would Bolland take a shot at the enemy?

Because like many other NHLers, Bolland is just a big kid. He was simply playing to the juvenile crowd, and worked it in to look like that: child’s play. The Sedins of all people won’t be insulted by the same lame and lazy insults that drove them to superstardom, especially when followed by respectful comments back in the realm of real sports media.

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Nashville had Pekka Rinne in net, while the Canucks countered with their red hot goalie- no, not that guy- Cory Schnieder, who was 5-0 in his last five starts.

The Predators changed up their lines, moving Craig Smith up on a line with Mike Fisher and Marty Erat. Smith was replacing the injured Sergei Kostitsyn, and the hope was that this line would generate some offensive push for the Predators, who desperately needed some scoring.

The Predators opened the contest skating hard and generating some offensive chances. Their offensive efforts would be short circuited early as the aforementioned Smith would get called for hooking. Fortunately for the Predators, Dan Hamhuis was called for holding just 58 seconds into the power play.

Shortly after the Predators went on the power play, Colin Wilson dug the puck out from behind the net and passed it to David Legwand. Legwand ripped a shot short side over the shoulder of Schneider to make it 1-0 Predators at 5:44 of the first period.

The Predators would make it 2-0 on a goal by Mike Fisher at 8:16. Fisher took a pass from Marty Erat and was strong on the puck driving the net. His backhand shot beat Schneider to the far side post and the Predators had tallied goals on their first two shots of the game.

One of the keys for the Predators was to stay out of the box, as the Canucks have the number one ranked PP unit in the NHL. Unfortunately, Shea Weber didn’t get that memo, as he was called for holding. Cody Hodgson made the Predators pay for their transgression as he drove the net and beat Pekka Rinne over his shoulder to make it 2-1 at 9:58 of the first period.

The Predators managed to kill off a Marty Erat penalty (whew!) and got back to even strength and skated well with the Canucks. They managed to keep an explosive offensive relatively in check, helped by some good saves from Pekka Rinne.

At 18:49 of the first period, Henrik Sedin was called for for hooking. Cory Schneider made an amazing save on a Shea Weber blast from the blue line. Weber would get his revenge with just 10 seconds left on the period as he had crept down low in the zone and lifted the puck over Schneider to make it 3-1 Predators.

The Predators power play was very efficient, as was their offensive effort. The Predators scored on both their power plays and on 3 of their 5 shots in the period. The Canucks were held to seven shots in the first period.

A solid period of hockey by the Predators, save for the the three trips to the penalty box. It was time for this team to put together a full 60 minutes of hockey and capture an important victory.

Roberto Luongo came in for the Canucks to start the second period.

Once again, the Predators could not stay out of the box, and it bit them in the ass.With Jerred Smithson in the box for slashing, Daniel Sedin got loose at the side of the net and beat Rinne with a shot that Rinne would like to have back at 3:10 of the second.

Just 48 seconds later, Aaron Volpati got free in the low slot and beat Rinne five hole to tie the game at 3.

So much for that solid 60 minutes of hockey by the Predators. They now had to get momentum on their side and take back control of the game.

The Canucks took a 4-3 lead as Henrik Sedin walked out from behind the net and it was re-directed by Alex Burrows at 8:16 of the second period. Three goals erased all the momentum and work of the first period as the Predators collapse was in full swing in this period.

The defense of the Predators had become a sieve in this period, and it was burning the Predators. An absolutely horrific defensive effort in this period had victimized the Predators as they saw their momentum and their lead evaporate.

Jannik Hansen made it 5-3 Canucks at 10:29 as he blew a puck past Rinne, who was unscreened. That was it as Rinne was pulled and Anders Lindback came on for the Predators.

Jordin Tootoo has shown no quit in his game, and he got loose just inside the face off circle and rifled a shot past Luongo at 16:09 off as assist from Ryan Suter and Craig Smith. Tootoo’s effort momentarily halted the momentum of the Canucks and breathed some new life into the Predators. This was Tootoo’s third goal of the season, and for the night, Craig Smith had three assists.

Colin Wilson tied the game on the power play with Ryan Kessler in the box as he took a nice feed from David Legwand. Wilson was breaking in and took the puck to his backhand and lifted the puck over the shoulder of Luongo for the Predators third power play goal of the game.

Just when it looked as if the Predators had given up, suddenly, they showed some heart and clawed their way back into this game. Tied at 5, this game has the makings of a wild affair going into the third period.

The third period was back and forth, mostly back for the Predators as the Predators were kept on their heels for most of the period by the aggressive offensive attack of the Canucks. Lindback made some big saves, and for the most, the Predators were struggling to generate some offense.

That would change at 18:35 of the third as Marty Erat broke in toward the net and fed Mike Fisher who backhanded the puck over the sprawling Luongo to give the Predators an improbable 6-5 lead.

As unreal as it appeared after the Predators collapsed in the early part of the second period, they had come back to claim a huge 6-5 road win over a quality opponent.

This is the kind of win that can prove to be pivotal for a young team. Learning how to face down adversity and come back from a disastrous period of hockey. Learning how to keep fighting and scrapping and realizing that you are never out of a game.

Vancouver out shot the Predators 37-20, and kudos go to Anders Lindback, who stopped all 19 shots he faced.

In previous games, this team would have folded in the face of this kind of adversity. Tonight, they kept fighting. Tonight, they grew up a little.

This team still has lessons to learn. Never let an opponent claw their way back into the game like you did tonight, boys.

The other lesson? You are never out of it. Your heart and your fight and your character carried you to a win tonight.

Build on that lesson.

My three stars:

1. Mike Fisher

2. Anders Lindback

3. Colin Wilson

I never said the Canucks have a good taste in music.

Meet The Band

Only a few short months ago the Vancouver Canucks had two chances to clinch the Stanley Cup versus the Boston Bruins. After failing to win the much-cherished chalice the Canucks return to NHL action with a target on their backs but no rings on their fingers. Instead, Tyler Seguin, Brad Marchand and the rest of the Boston Bruins now own stones Flava Flav would be envious of.

Months later, a new season and a new slogan have moved to spin the riots and their aftermath in a positive direction, but the damage for the most part cannot be undone. Like it or not, Canucks fans are now the poster-boys (and girls) of a black mark on the city of Vancouver and its’ sports fans.

On the ice front-man Henrik Sedin and twin brother Daniel are in charge of leading the team to play-on following the devastating loss last spring. Behind the twins, former captain Roberto Luongo returns once again to silence the critics who aggressively panned his latest body of work.

After diving, biting, blowing it and burning it down the Canucks and their much-hated fans are Back in Black in 2012.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Will the twins’ return to the ice go as smoothly as brothers Angus and Malcolm Young’s return to rock?

Up front, on lead guitar – The Forwards

 Daniel Sedin – Henrik Sedin – Alex Burrows

Henrik and Daniel Sedin return to the Canucks top line in 2012 alongside long-time partner in crime Alex Burrows who has adapted his play to coincide with the connected twins. Vancouver’s top line was the driving force behind the NHL’s top scoring offense last season and will be looked upon more than ever for point production this year with Ryan Kesler out of the lineup to start the season. The absence of Kesler and winger Mason Raymond has left a degree of unpredictability on the second line, leaving the responsibility to plug the net fully with the Sedins. After experiencing the worst of the Bruins’ harsh defensive system Henrik, his brother and his hungry linemate should be prepared for a demanding start to the season.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Glory, glory hallellu / Glory for Twins One and Two / But that glory’s been denied / by Lucic and Thomas eyes/

Marco Sturm – (Cody Hodgson) – Mikael Samuelsson

Injured: Mason Raymond – Ryan Kesler

You didn’t hear it, you didn’t see it, and you never heard it, not a word of it. The Canucks have put a disappointing Stanley Cup loss behind them and begin a new season with younger players pushing the team in the right direction. A majority of the Canucks starting second line in Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond will start the season out due to injury; however depth at winger and the addition of veteran Marco Sturm leaves the Canucks in good standing to start the year. Cody Hodgson appears to have put years of developmental struggles behind him and has impressed in training camp following a summer of off-season workouts with fitness guru Gary Roberts. Without number 17 and 21 to start the season fans have no reason to be over optimistic; however Hodgson has a golden opportunity to make 21 a good year starting the season on Vancouver’s second line.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Can Cody Hodgson elevate his play to ensure he and the Canucks see the year in together?

Chris Higgins – Manny Malhotra – Jannik Hansen

Fresh off a stellar 2011 campaign with the Canucks Chris Higgins, Jannik Hansen and Manny Malhotra return to the lineup to wreak havoc on opposing forwards as the Canucks third line checking unit. The Triple-H line begins the season with a 100% healthy Malhotra who has been working throughout the off-season to fully recover from a career-threatening eye injury that cost him most of the 2011 playoffs. Chris Higgins returns to the lineup following an impressive playoff performance that earned him a new two-year contract with the Canucks to being the season. Familiar face Jannik Hansen also returns for only his second full season with the Canucks after tallying a career high 29 points over 82 games last year. While the hard hitting of Raffi Torres will be missed, the third line has surely been upgraded over the summer.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Manny Malhotra and the Canucks have paid their heavy debts and now know the pain of losing the Stanley Cup; will the Triple-H line will have a chance to play the game for keeps once again?

Aaron Volpatti – Maxim Lapierre – Dale Weise

Once assumed to be the LOV line featuring Aaron Volpatti, Maxim Lapierre and Victor Oreskovich the Canucks made a sudden-move Tuesday opting to waive Victor Oreskovich in order to make room for waiver pickup Dale Weise from the New York Rangers. Weise apparently did more to wow coaches and critics in camp than Oreskovich who appeared to have his own favourable showing in the pre-season for the Canucks. The former Canuck may have become the victim of an apparent fourth line upgrade due to the aggressive play of Revelstoke, BC native Aaron Volpatti who literally fought his way into the lineup on the opposite wing. While late fan favourite Rick Rypien will be sorely missed on the ice and in the community, Volpatti’s violent play has already captured the hearts of Canucks fans with a soft spot for the tough guy.

Click here to view the embedded video.

We’ll take to the ice like a cock fight / Fourth hits who’s strutting now?

On rhythm and bass guitar – The Defenceman

Kevin Bieksa – Dan Hamhuis

Alex Edler – Sami Salo

Keith Ballard – Chris Tanev

A cast of familiar faces return to the Canucks’ blue line to maintain order in front of Roberto Luongo again this season. The loss of two-way talent Christian Ehrhoff will be sorely felt on the blueline, but with youth and chemistry on the Canucks’ side this six piece remains of the NHL’s deepest defensive units. Every player on the Vancouver blueline to start opening night played at least one game during the Stanley Cup Finals last year and will provide his own contribution to the Canucks D this season. The veteran presence of Sami Salo and youthful energy of Chris Tanev complemented by the consistent play of Kevin Bieksa, Dan Hamhuis, Alex Edler and (potentially) Keith Ballard provides a diverse corps of defenceman to get back to the big dance. Having tried so hard and got so far in last year’s playoffs, the Canucks blueline is poised to take advantage of the mutual adversity experienced which will only make them stronger in the end.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Will the experience of losing together in last year’s Stanley Cup Finals matter for the Canucks blue line?

On the drums and percussion – The Goaltenders

Roberto Luongo

Behind a blue and green mask Roberto Luongo returns to the city with the sea wall in pursuit of a return to the Stanley Cup Finals. On a team built from the net out, Luongo is the cornerstone of the Canucks as well as the last line of defence. Despite the continuous (and often ludicrous) conversation surrounding Luongo he remains one of the top goaltenders in the world and enters the season more motivated than ever to propel his team to victory. Just as Keith Moon provided the driving force behind the sound of The Who, Luongo provides a calming rhythm with save after save allowing his teammates to go to work in front of him. Luongo’s fragile mentality will forever be questioned until he is able to lift the Stanley Cup over his head, but after a year of lessons learned Luongo is ready for the beginning of a new season.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Canucks fans may lack a conscience when it comes to Luongo, but will the goaltender’s dreams of a Stanley Cup become a reality?

Cory Schneider

General Manager Mike Gillis has one convenient problem at the goaltending position to start the season. Backup Cory Schneider’s performance in last year’s playoffs proved the prospect is ready for a consistent NHL workload; however behind Roberto Luongo those games simply don’t exist. While it may have appeared handy to have had Schneider waiting in the wings behind Luongo last spring, the dilemma can prove costly over an entire season. There is such thing as too much talent in a shared goal crease. Management and head coach Alain Vigneault may tow the line that the tandem is a tremendous treat, but one can’t help but wonder what fans will be saying if a controversy does manage to rise its’ ugly head out of the timeshare.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This time next year will Canucks fans be telling themselves they should have known?

Tonight marks the beginning of it all as coaches and fans get a real long look at players in live action, deciding who makes the team, who finds employment elsewhere and who rounds out the TSN panel come early October.

Following in recent Canucks tradition, the team extended a number of training camp tryouts again this year to fringe players looking to re-ignite their NHL careers and at the very least, raise the competition level at camp. For Owen Nolan, Todd Fedoruk, Steve Begin and many others training camp holds the fate of their careers, leaving it all up to the athletes to play their hearts out over the next several supposedly meaningless games.

But don’t be confused- the only meaningless part of an exhibition game is the score-board; the rest is just as pertinent to a team as opening night in October. Player performances and the subsequent cuts can mean more to your favourite team than a regular season game against an Eastern Conference unfamiliar several months later ever will.

Could Brendan Morrison have been a difference maker come playoff time last season if he found a spot on the roster over say, Peter Schaefer? Training camp questions will bounce around in the minds and hearts of Canucks fans all season long, so pay close attention to these battles as training camp slugs on, there’s more riding on these games than you think.

Who’s On Second?

Off-season surgery and rehabilitation for Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond has left a large gap on the Canucks’ second line to being the season. With a number of candidates to fill the position training camp provides a golden opportunity for players looking to swim into a top-six role. From young and talented prospects to respected veterans, the Canucks second line could see a number of different configurations over the course of the pre-season.

Whoever centers the second line while Kesler heals also won’t be sure who their linemates will be until the end of camp. Chris Higgins, Mikael Samuelsson, and Marco Sturm are all competing for a look on the second line while winger Mason Raymond is rehabbing a back injury. When the speedy winger returns, the top-six becomes increasingly crowded, beginning a season-long competition for a second line spot down the stretch.

Are the Veteran Tryouts for Real?

Off-season acquisition Marco Sturm has something to prove to Canucks faithful who have already sprung to doubt the recently and repeatedly repaired winger. Sturm played less than 20 games in three of the last four seasons with the Bruins, Kings and Capitals and is looking to rejuvenate his career playing on a talent-rich Canucks lineup.

To push Sturm and the rest of the Canucks, Mike Gillis has continued in his tradition of asking several veteran players to try out with the team. In this year’s annual attempt to raise the competition level at camp Gillis has reached out to a number of notable names in Owen Nolan, Todd Fedoruk, Steve Begin and goaltender Manny Legace to offer a second chance at the NHL.

Nolan and Fedoruk are likely both vying for a spot on the Canucks fourth line, however with the depth of forwards ahead of the pair on the depth chart, the chances of making the team in Vancouver are slim. Like Brendan Morrison last year, the two veterans are looking for a second chance with the Canucks just as much as any other NHL team that could become interested following a good showing in camp. It is an odd reality for Canucks fans yet the overall increase in competition at camp only raises the effort level of everyone on the ice, always a good thing.

Will Tanev Secure Top-Six Spot?

Kevin Bieksa was so impressed with Chris Tanev’s performance during the latter half of the 2011 season he told reporters he thought the youngster could skate around the ice with a smoke in his mouth. At the start of a fresh season in 2012 Tanev has the opportunity to validate his play and lock down a sport on the Canucks final defensive pairing.

Tanev was determined to make additional strides this season and added an extra ten pounds of muscle over the summer in order to beef up his game. With older and stronger defenceman like Andrew Alberts and Aaron Rome also competing for the same spots in the lineup despite the bulk-up Tanev will be forced to prove brain is better than brawn on the blueline.

Along with Alberts and Rome, veteran defenceman Anders Eriksson is likely to get a good look on the Canucks blueline as a depth option. If the Canucks’ playoff run last season is any indication, a stable of defenceman is more than necessary when preparing for the grind of four brutal rounds of playoff hockey.

Can Cody Hodgson Find a Permanent Home?

By all accounts Cody Hodgson finds himself in perfect position to earn a spot with the Canucks however with a short time-frame to showcase his talent before resident second line pivot Ryan Kesler returns, Hodgson faces a tall task in securing a permanent spot in the lineup. Despite Hodgson’s pedigree, 28 year old Andrew Ebbett could also challenge for the temporary second line position. Ebbett played 145 games with four teams over the last six seasons but has yet to stick on any NHL roster.

Cody Hodgson is a perfect fit for a vacant second line center role while Ryan Kesler is out recovering from injury, but what of the young Coho when Kesler returns? It is hard to imagine a situation in which Hodgson can hold a permanent centering role on the Canucks, who are one of the deepest teams in the NHL up the middle. So what options are left for a talented young player who doesn’t seem to fit in an already talent-rich lineup?

Some will speculate that a positive showing in Canucks camp from Coho will result in a Ryan Kesler shift to the wing on the second line; however the Canucks would be wise to think long and hard about other alternatives before changing the position of the reigning Selke winner. The combination of Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kesler and Manny Malhotra at the center position is one of the Canucks’ biggest strengths, one not worth tinkering with for the sake of a prospect.

A shift further down the lineup on the fourth line would make more sense for the Canucks, but only if the team is willing to carry Hodgson as a fourth line center. Unfortunately for the team Hodgson’s pedigree as a puck distributor and point generator makes little sense in a fourth line role.

No matter how he plays there may not be much room for Cody Hodgson in the Canucks lineup, but the amount of talented hockey players on the roster does make for an intriguing trade landscape if Mike Gillis decides space needs to be made. With another valuable prospect in Cory Schneider available to Gillis, it is very possible the Canucks could be looking to move some young talent early in the season.

How Much Longer is Cory Schneider a Canuck?

You don’t have to follow Bob McKenzie to know that Cory Schneider’s talent is slightly wasted behind a goaltending giant like Roberto Luongo. The latter simply isn’t designed to share the work load, he loves playing every night and he is fully considered a 1A starting goalie in the NHL, so the question remains, how long will Cory Schneider last in Vancouver?

As Cam Cole mentioned in a piece yesterday covering the young man behind the mask, Schneider’s time to emerge as a legitimate number one goaltender in the NHL is quickly approaching and with a handful of teams in need of a young crease keeper, it is only a matter of time before Schneider moves on. Just don’t expect Schneider to be headed to the most obvious fit in say, Edmonton. The Canucks aren’t about to allow a divisional rival to vastly upgrade their team.

With a surplus of talent trying out for a position on the Canucks second line and another blue-chip prospect in Cody Hodgson readily available to Mike Gillis, the trading block could become a very familiar avenue for Mike Gillis as the Canucks drive to pursue Stanley Cup aspirations.

A Diamond in the Rough?

Every year it seems one player or another far exceeds expectations at NHL training camp blowing coaches and teammates out of the water with their progress. Who will be the shining star this year, and does it make a difference on such a talented Canucks team? Teases like Sergei Shirokov have provided camp intrigue in years past, but will another young talent break out in the coming games this year?

Have another player or training camp battle worth paying special attention to? Let it be known in the comments section below.

For instant stats, links, news, notes and all the Canucks hockey you can handle  follow The Flying V on Twitter @FlyingVHockey or keep up to date with the Kevin Vanstone on Twitter @FlyingVLyf.

Hello again, and welcome to Part II of my 4-Part NHL season preview.  In part I, I gave you all my Eastern Conference Predictions. In part 2, I will give you my predictions for the Western Conference.  I will approach these predictions a bit differently than I did those for the Eastern Conference. Today, I will give some strengths and weaknesses of each of the 8 playoff teams out west. I will be upfront here in saying that I do not usually follow the Western Conference as much as I do the East, over the course of the season, so many of you may have differing opinions here. Like always, feel free to chime in with your opinions below.

1) Vancouver Canucks

Strengths:

The defending conference champs return in 2011-12 as without a doubt one of the clear-cut contenders for a Stanley Cup. Arguably the deepest team, top to bottom in the entire NHL, the Canucks will once again be lead by former Hart trophy winners Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Ryan Kesler returning to full health will also be a welcome sight for Vancouver’s offense.  Perhaps the biggest strength of the Canucks, will be the retribution factor. The Canucks’ were so close to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup, they could taste it. They always say that a team must learn how to lose, before you can learn how to win;  and in 2010-11 , the Vancouver Canucks sure learned how to lose.

Weaknesses:

Truth be told, there isn’t much to put here. The loss of puck-moving defenseman Christian Ehrhoff will undoubtedly play a role in the Canucks’ success in 2011-12. However, a team that employed 9 NHL-quality defensemen in 2010-11, a replacement should not be hard to find. The only real question mark in Vancouver, is the ability of star goaltender Roberto Luongo to bounce back from a rough finish to the post-season of 2011. But even if Roberto is to falter, young Cory Schneider will be ready and willing to carry the load.

2) Los Angeles Kings

Strengths:

The popular favorite in the West, is without a doubt the LA Kings. After losing out on key free agents Ilya Kovalchuk and Brad Richards over the past two summers, GM Dean Lombardi opted to pull the trigger on a trade sending Wayne Simmonds and  uber-prospect Brayden Schenn to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for  former Flyer-captain Mike Richards. Richards should make an immediate impact on the LA roster, and provide perhaps the best 1-2 punch at center, along with all-star pivot Anze Kopitar.

Weaknesses:

While the addition of Mike Richards went a long way to solidifying the Kings 2nd line, the team’s lack of depth after the top 2 lines is perhaps the team’s biggest achilles heel. Beyond Richards, Kopitar, Williams and Stoll, the Kings lack much skill on the offensive end. In order to be successful in 2011-12, the Kings will need improved production from the likes of Kyle Clifford and Brad Richardson.

3) Chicago Blackhawks

Strengths:

The 2010 Stanley Cup Champions are perhaps the deepest team in the entire NHL. Led by stars, the likes of Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Pat Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Patrick Sharp, the Blackhawks will be back and looking for a return to the Cup Finals. Look for Chicago to once again be near the top in the Western Conference for most of 2011-12.

Weaknesses:

After making some solid depth acquisitions this offseason, the Blackhawks only true weakness entering 2011-12 is the play of young goaltender Corey Crawford. While Crawford did have an excellent rookie season, it is unclear whether or not he can continue his strong play, going forward. The sophmore slump can be a huge issue in hockey, and it will be critical to the Blackhawks success, that Crawford is able to battle through.

4) San Jose Sharks

Strengths:

Scoring. San Jose is one of few teams that can legitimately run 3 very productive offensive units. The addition of Brent Burns will also significantly help out on the back end, and go along way to replacing Rob Blake as an offensive force from the blueline, who retired last summer.

Weaknesses:

The swap of Dany Heatley for Martin Havlat will be sure to pay dividends for San Jose in the post-season , but it is unclear whether or not Havlat can produce at the same rate as Heatley can, during the regular season. However, on a team with Logan Couture, Joe Thornton, Patrick  Marleau and Ryan Clowe, I am sure goal scoring should not be an issue.

5) Detroit Red Wings

Strengths:

With Captain Nicklas Lidstrom returning for what looks to be like 1 final year in the league, 2011-12 looks like it’ll be Detroit’s last crack at the Cup for  a few years. Look to the Red Wings to rely on top end talent and a bevy of experience to lift them to the top of the Western Conference.

Weaknesses:

Perhaps the only weakness of the Red Wings, is age, and with age, comes a proneness to injuries. Star pivot Pavel Datsyuk missed most of 2010-11 with a wrist injury, but looks to be 100% entering training camp. However, if the Wings want to succeed in 2011-12, they must get key contributions from younger depth players.

6) Nashville Predators

Strengths:

The biggest strength, of a cash-strapped Nashville squad, is none other than the man standing behind the bench, Barry Trotz. Trotz, arguably the best coach in the game, always finds a way to get his Nashville team to over-achieve and get into the post-season.

Weaknesses:

Uncertainty over the futures of the big 3; Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, and Pekka Rinne, will surely cause a stir in Nashville, as the season draws on. It will be up to those 3 all-stars to put away thoughts of contracts and focus on hockey, if Nahville wants to once again be a playoff team, in 2011-12.

7)  Anaheim Ducks

Strengths:

The RPG line is unquestionably the most dynamic scoring line in hockey, and will once again be relied upon to provide most of the Ducks’ offense. The RPG line is perhaps the only line in hockey that can truly carry a team to the playoffs.

Weaknesses:

The biggest knock on the Ducks, is that they are a very top-heavy squad. Beyond the RPG line, there really aren’t many reliable offensive forwards on the Anaheim roster. Also, beyond Lubomir Visnovsky and budding superstar Cam Fowler, there isn’t a whole lot of depth on the Ducks’ blueline. Also, concerns over the health of goaltender Jonas Hiller will be huge in determining the Ducks’ success in 2011-12.

8) Columbus Blue Jackets

Strengths:

The Blue Jackets have finally found a true #1 center to play along side Rick Nash. It is my belief, that given the chance to play with a legit play-making pivot, Rick Nash can be one of the top-5 players in all of hockey. He is mean, nasty, big, strong, has a fantastic shot, and really knows how to finish. He has now been given that opportunity, thanks to GM Scott Howson’s acquisition of Jeff Carter.

Weaknesses:

The biggest issue for Columbus is their depth, or lack there of. There really aren’t many proven NHL defenders on this roster. The addition of James Wisniewski will do wonders for the Jackets’ Power-Play, however, beyond Wiz, I do not see much strength on that blueline.

9) St Louis Blues

10) Minnesota Wild

11) Calgary Flames

12) Edmonton Oilers

13) Phoenix Coyotes

14) Dallas Stars

15) Colorado Avalanche

Thanks For Reading!

Be Sure To Follow Me On Twitter at @BruinsHockey365

In round one the Vancouver Canucks exorcised their playoff demons by finishing the Chicago Blackhawks in an emotional Game Seven victory after leading the series three games to none. In round two it was the Sharks’ turn, eliminating their long-time rivals, the Detroit Red Wings, for the second year in a row. San Jose also took a commanding 3-0 lead only to finish the Wings off in the seventh and deciding game.

Having stared playoff death in the face and played on to tell the tale, both the Sharks and Canucks are hungrier than ever for a Stanley Cup Final berth. Veterans of the NHL playoffs, the Sharks have had several opportunities to make the Cup final but have come up short year in and year out. In Vancouver the team hasn’t made it to a conference final since the much fabled 1994 cup run.

“Anytime you get further in the playoffs, you’re going to get a couple different challenges, tougher challenges, as well. Whichever line we go up against, it’s going to be a tough, hard-fought battle. Right from Game 1, from the first shift, it’s going to be a war,” Ian White told the media via conference call.

With so many devastating playoff losses in years past the Sharks playoff history reads like a NHL war memorial, but despite astonishing losses in the post-season over the last several years the Sharks are back again battling for a chance at the cup, fighting off the label as gutless choke artists one game at a time.

“We have to live for this year. It’s amazing how far we go back when there haven’t been many games played,” said Sharks coach Todd McLellan.

In Vancouver the Sedins and Roberto Luongo may not be working to right 14 seasons of playoff wrongs but the pressure remains at an all time high in British Columbia. Canucks fever has swept across the city creating a collective bandwagon the size of Vancouver Island, but all is as to be expected in the city home to Canada’s only team to survive the first two rounds of the NHL playoffs.

Despite the hype the team is trying to remain calm heading into the third round, the farthest this group of players has ever been in the playoffs. “I think we’re a pretty mature group in that locker room. We’ve approached games the same way all year long, that’s one game at a time. Obviously I know it’s cliché, but that’s exactly how we approached things all year. I don’t think that’s going to change,” Alex Burrows told the media.

Just don’t expect the rest of the country to get behind the Canucks.

Bitter or simply unimpressed by Burrows, Kesler and boastful Canucks fans, Canada isn’t ready to throw its’ support behind the west coast just yet. But if the pesky Canucks can frustrate Thornton and the Sharks on the way to a Stanley Cup Final berth the country will turn blue and green overnight.

Another loss in the Western Conference Final would be sure to leave the Sharks blue in the face as well. After being swept by the Blackhawks last season San Jose is determined to re-write their playoff history with a berth to the cup final on the line.

With a surplus of talent on both rosters, the two-way battle between top centers Ryan Kesler and Joe Thornton could decide the series. Since taking over the captaincy jumbo Joe has been the Sharks leader on and off the ice all season. While Kesler may not have the proper letter on his sweater, there is no doubt who has been the Canucks go-to guy in the first half of the NHL playoffs.

“I think he can play against anyone the way he’s playing right now. It’s up to our coaches when they decide the game plan to devise. I’m comfortable with whatever they want to do,” said Mike Gillis regarding Kesler and his performance in the playoffs.

Much like the battle between two of Don Cherry’s favourites in Kesler versus Thornton, the matchup between Roberto Luongo and Antti Niemi pits a questioned playoff performer against an opponent who refuses to lose in the post season.

A summer of doubt from Blackhawks management may have bitterly questioned the true talent of the then rookie goaltender however Niemi has proven his critics wrong with another stellar playoff performance for the Sharks so far this post season.

In his first eleventh NHL season and first ever Western Conference Final Luongo finds himself awkwardly inexperienced with the deep rounds of the playoffs relative to Niemi.

“I think overall he doesn’t really have any weaknesses. Still to lose a playoff round, you have to respect that. Overall a solid goaltender who obviously wins some games,” said Daniel Sedin when asked about facing Antti Niemi once again.

Parallel to the battle between critic favourites Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and the Sedin twins, Luongo versus Niemi will come down to a battle of wills. Both goaltenders enter the series playing impressive playoff hockey but with so much firepower uniting in the series it is likely to be a tough stretch for both protectors of the crease.

“Their top three lines, I think we’ve talked about this quite a few times, about the balance they have up front on those top three lines, where they can all score. They all have good hockey sense. So it’s going to be a real challenge for our forwards and our D,” said Alain Vigneault about the Sharks’ offence.

“I’m confident that we can do it.”

After losing to Niemi and the Blackhawks in last year’s playoffs Daniel and Henrik Sedin are determined to prove themselves in another series opposite a stingy Finnish goaltender.

Vancouver may have made its’ first Western Conference Final since ’94 riding the Conn Smyth worthy effort of Ryan Kesler in rounds one and two but if Henrik and Daniel fail to show up on the score sheet with consistency again in round three serious questions will be raised in the off season.

And bitter analysts can be a scathing bunch.

The bottom line is that the Vancouver Canucks will not be able to survive a Shark attack without significant production and defensive responsibility from the Sedin twins. The depth of the Sharks offence make the Predators seem like a beer league squad and without the entire Canucks top six firing on all cylinders Vancouver will quickly discover the playoff heartbreak that has reigned in California for so many years.

With stiffer competition and a fresh start to prove the critics wrong, Henrik and Daniel Sedin have the perfect opportunity to prove to the NHL that their back-to-back Art Ross Trophies were no gimmick. Until then the NHL jury still remains out on whether the Sedins are chokers or champs.

“We’ve been through this every year throughout the regular season, throughout the playoffs. It’s one of those things where some guys are not scoring as much and other guys are stepping up. We’ve done a good job of that all year,” said Henrik Sedin when asked about his lines struggles relative to Ryan Kesler.

Despite the myriad of storylines and angles surrounding this series the matchup simply comes down to who wants it more. Henrik Sedin may be battling some type of injury but in the playoffs playing hurt is a certainty rather than an excuse. The twins were one of the strongest duos in the NHL during the regular season but seem to have again withdrawn to the soft sisters that first entered league playing against defenders who are happy to give them a rough ride.

In the most important series on the biggest stage of their NHL careers the Sedins are once again in the spotlight in their battle for a chance at Stanley’s Cup.

“I think every game is a fresh start in the playoffs. It’s a thing where you have to move on. You look at the next game as a chance to make a difference. This is the way we look at it. Always a chance to go out there next shift, next game, make a difference, and that’s not going to change just because it’s a new series.”

Despite the lack of glorious statistics, Kesler’s game didn’t change much drastically from the first round to the second. The three-time Selke nominee is one of the most well rounded players in the NHL and has adapted his role on the Canucks as his opponents change.

In the NHL playoffs, Kesler is a coach’s dream.

Kesler may have missed out on the chance to become team captain over the summer due to his fiery passion which at times had roamed out of control in previous seasons however the limitless passion that Kesler brings to the game is his best attribute.

Without the same aggression, passion and defensive responsibility that teammate Ryan Kesler brings to the lineup Henrik and Daniel Sedin are beginning to become the back story to Kesler’s Conn Smythe worthy performance through two playoff rounds.

Few believe the Canucks would have had any shot at defeating the Nashville Predators in the second round if not for the play of Kesler, a belief hard to oppose considering Kesler was involved in 11 of 14 goals scored by the Canucks in round two. Halfway through the NHL playoffs in a four-round run at the Stanley Cup time is on the side of Henrik and Daniel Sedin with the opportunity to prove themselves in unchartered territory, the Western Conference Final.

While the Sedins may have dodged a potential bullet by hopping aboard the ‘K’ train to the third round, history does not bode well for the Twins’ point production in their first ever shot at a conference title.

Throughout the last three years in which the Canucks have made the NHL playoffs only once did either Henrik or Daniel Sedin raise their point total in the second round after three consecutive first round victories. Henrik kept a point-per-game pace against both the Blues and Blackhawks in ’09, but dropped to a -2 in the second round. Both the twins have generated a healthy numbers of points in all three first round appearances, however against the Blackhawks and the Predators the Sedins have been exposed in their own end as well as frustrated while on the attack. Neither of the Sedins have ever posted a positive plus/minus rating in the second round of the playoffs.

While strategies employed by the head coach during a playoff series often decide who gets the role of hero and who gets the role of grinder, Henrik and Daniel Sedin will always be destined to score goals for their team. Coach Alain Vigneault has designed the Canucks to center around the offensive capabilities of the Sedins and opposing shut down units will always be waiting to stop them. The Twins’ role as a top offensive threat in the NHL is unshakeable, but heading into the third round of the NHL Playoffs their effectiveness in crunch time has come under question.

After Ryan Kesler carried the team offensively in round two versus the Predators it is once again up to Henrik and Daniel to fill the score sheet in the Western Conference Final. The San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings both have more than enough offensive star power to attract a Kesler shaped shadow and just as the job of shutting down Jonathan Toews consumed him in round one, Kesler will not be available to provide the same scoring drive in round three.

While Kesler can contribute through his role as a scorer as well as a shutdown center, the Sedins are primarily a scoring line only. Henrik and Daniel Sedin will likely never be nominated for the Selke award or receive any other recognition for their defensive work on the ice, however utilising the cycle the Sedins can still manage to play solid defence by engaging in a suffocating cycle-driven attack. The twins are at their best when controlling the puck along the half wall and around the boards, keeping their checkers hemmed in their own zone unable to break out for a potential scoring chance.

Taking a look at the defensive history of the Canucks over the last three playoff runs, James Mirtle breaks down the differences between the Canucks of years past and the team that overcame the Blackhawks and Predators in rounds one and two. “The most significant difference are fewer goals for, fewer goals against, better penalty killing , better save percentage, more shots on goal and fewer against,” said Mirtle regarding this year’s edition of the Canucks.

Despite struggling against Pekka Rinne and the Predators’ stingy defence in round two, the table is set for the Canucks’ offensive leaders to emerge once again as the dynamic duo that dominated during the past two regular seasons. With the ability to sit back and watch the Sharks and Red Wings battle each other tonight in an intense Game Seven, the Sedins and the rest of the Vancouver Canucks have three days to observe and prepare for an intensely fought matchup against a Western Conference powerhouse.

In their first ever Western Conference Final both Henrik and Daniel Sedin have an opportunity to define themselves not only as skilled skaters but as playoff competitors who are capable of elevating their game against the best in the world. Ryan Kesler may have driven the bus for the Canucks through rounds one and two however on the long road to Stanley Cup glory Henrik and Daniel Sedin must take a few shifts at the wheel going forward in order to keep the Canucks and their season on track.

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.

The Predators opened with good jump and pressured the Canucks early in the contest. They were unable to get any pucks past Vancouver netminder Roberto Luongo, while his counterpart, Pekka Rinne, was perfect in net for the Predators.

That would change at 15:04 of the first period as Christian Ehrhoff would launch a shot from the blue line. Rinne was clipped by Alex Burrows and the shot found the back of the net. There was no call on the play as it was deemed by referee Kelly Sutherland that the contact was incidental and that Rinne was outside the blue paint.

Definitely a questionable call, but the goal was allowed to stand.

Joel Ward would tie the game on the power play at 19:18 of the first period. Wardo was camped at the top of the blue paint and gathered in the rebound of a Cody Franson shot and put the puck through Luongo five hole.

The Canucks would take the lead at 9:43 of the second period as Alex Edler would pot his second goal of the playoffs with a wrist shot that beat Rinne.

The Predators answered at 3:27 of the third period as Cody Franson’s bullet from the blue line eluded Luongo, and for a moment the officials. Everyone searched for the puck, and lo and behold it was in the back of the net. The tying score sent the partisan home crowd into a frenzy and gave the Predator faithful hope that they could tie the series.

That momentum would ebb away at 7:28 of the third with Ryan Suter in the box for holding, Ryan Kessler would tally a power play goal by splitting the defense and beating Rinne with a wrist shot to give the Canucks a 3-2 lead.

The Predators put good pressure on Luongo, but could not get a puck past him. With Rinne pulled for the extra attacker, Henrik Sedin scored an empty netter for the final margin of victory at 4-2.

The Predators lost Jerred Smithson after the first period after he took a Ryan Kessler elbow to the face. No call was made on the play, and the Predators were down a player that was a key part of their shutdown line. Smithson has already been called out for the game in Vancouver.

It’s no secret that the Canucks are a good team. Heck, they are a great team. However, they are beatable if the Predators play their game.

Unfortunately for the Predators, their backs are now against the wall and they have one more opportunity to play their game. By the way, it will be in Vancouver in front of a raucous group of Canucklehead fans.

No small task, eh?

If the Predators focus on playing one game at a time, no, if they focus on playing one shift at a time, and battle the way they have done all season, then they have an opportunity to return the series to Nashville.

It is a steep hill, no doubt. But the Predators have climbed a steep hill all season.

The task is enormous, but the Predators cannot be daunted. They have to play balls to wall for one game. That is the priority. The Canucks are a worthy opponent.

So are we.

So here is your charge, boys.

Win one.

Bring it back to Nashville. Bring it back by playing all out. Win puck battles. Play smart. Play all out.

Play like there is no tomorrow.

Because there isn’t.

The first three players making the list, Scott Gomez, Matt Stajan and Alexei Ponikarovsky had problems all season long generating offense as shown by the dismal goal-scoring production. Gomez, acquired two years ago by GM Bob Gainey with Tom Pyatt from the New York Rangers in exchange for Ryan McDonagh, Pavel Valentenko and Chris Higgins had his worst offensive year by far recording only 38 points making a humongous $8,000,000 in 2010-11. Glen Sather is still laughing at the trade! The same happened when Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke stole Dion Phaneuf with Fredrik Sjostrom and Keith Aulie from the Calgary Flames in exchange for overrated forward Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman, Jamal Mayers and Ian White. Mayers and White are now with the Sharks, hell Ian White has even been traded twice since the trade! No wonder Darryl Sutter stepped down from his GM job this winter as he could bear watching the results of that trade anymore!

Please note that a minimum of 60 games and a salary of at least $2,500,000 in 2010-11 were required to make the shameful list below.

Player Actual salary Goals Amount per goal
1. Scott Gomez MTL $8,000,000 7 goals $1,142,857
2. Matt Stajan CGY $4,500,000 6 goals $750,000
3. Alexi Ponikarovsky LA $3,200,000 5 goals $640,000
4. Jean-Pierre Dumont NAS $4,000,000 10 goals $400,000
5. Vincent Lecavalier TB $10,000,000 25 goals $400,000
6. Samuel Pahlsson CBJ $2,650,000 7 goals $378,571
7. Brian Rolston NJ $5,000,000 14 goals $357,142
8. Pierre-Marc Bouchard MIN $4,250,000 12 goals $354,167
9. Tim Connolly BUF $4,500,000 13 goals $346,153
10. Joe Thornton SJ $7,200,000 21 goals $342,857
11. Marian Gaborik NYR $7,500,000 22 goals $340,909
12. Jason Spezza OTT $7,000,000 21 goals $333,333
13. Nicklas Backstrom WAS $6,000,000 18 goals $333,333
14. Michal Handzus LA $4,000,000 12 goals $333,333
15. Henrik Sedin VAN $6,100,000 19 goals $321,063
16. Wojtek Wolski NYR/PHX $3,800,000 12 goals $316,666
17. Alexei Kovalev PIT/OTT $5,000,000 16 goals $312,500
18. Jamie Langenbrunner NJ/DAL $2,800,000 9 goals $311,111
19. Simon Gagne TB $5,250,000 17 goals $308,824
20. Paul Stastny COL $6,600,000 22 goals $300,000

The following players were not taken into account, because they missed too many games in 2010-11:
Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, Jordan Staal, Daymond Langkow, Guillaume Latendresse, Marc Savard, Zach Parise, Marco Sturm, Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Drury, Alex Frolov, Vyacheslav Prospal, Derek Roy, Steve Sullivan, Matthew Lombardi, Colby Armstrong, Ryan Malone, Kristian Huselius, Chris Clark, Shawn Horcoff, Ales Hemsky, Tomas Fleischmann.

In my next blog I’ll have a look at the Top-20 best-bang for the buck NHL forwards in 2010-11!

You can also follow me on Twitter to get more insights on the NHL.

Let’s not forget too quickly that in his last two playoff series’ Luongo struggled mightily at times opposite two mere rookie goaltenders in Antti Niemi and Cory Crawford. Opposite Rinne and the Predators’ notorious defensive system Luongo finds himself in the toughest playoff goaltending duel of his career.

Yet both Rinne and Luongo struggled in their first round playoff matchups, surviving to prove themselves in the second round. After starting on the bench behind Cory Schneider in Game Six only to backstop the team to victory in Game Seven, can Luongo rebound opposite another world class goaltender?

Looking back at Luongo’s game logs from the first round, one gets the sense that two different goaltenders not named Schneider were playing in the Canucks crease through the series.

In four Canucks victories during the first round, Luongo allowed 6 goals on 122 shots, good for a .950 save percentage. However in the three Canucks losses, Luongo imploded to allow 11 on 53 shots totalling a.792 save percentage.

Having exorcised the demons that were the Chicago Blackhawks with a statement performance in Game Seven Luongo has the momentum on his side facing a new opponent in the Predators. After winning the biggest game of his life, one he said was bigger than the Olympic Gold Medal game, Luongo is ready to pick up where he left off in the second round.

At the other end of the rink Pekka Rinne will look to knock Luongo out of the playoffs before he attempts to knock him off out of the Vezina race. After battling with the Anaheim Ducks in an uncharacteristically high scoring series for Rinne, he is also looking to turn his game around in the second round.

Like Luongo the Predator’s goaltender started and ended his first round series with solid numbers, but strayed from his game in the thick of things. Games three and four were especially rough on Rinne in the opening round, he allowed 3 goals on 16 shots in game three only to return to the crease in game four to allow 6 goals on 29 shots, being pulled in the process. While Rinne may not be facing the same questions that Luongo has regarding getting the hook and playing under the pressure, those same doubts haunt both goaltenders heading into the series.

If anything, Luongo has the psychological advantage in the crease heading into round two. It may not be possible to play better than Cory Crawford did opposite Luongo in round one and after a series of questions and doubts Luongo is an expert at dealing with the pressure from the media and fans.

Bobby Lu has earned at least one letdown performance after what seemed like a Stanley Cup worthy series versus the Blackhawks in which his mental toughness was seriously questioned.

“It’s not easy to hear some things sometimes,” Luongo admitted to Jason Botchford of The Province. “But you learn to deal with these things. You have to realize people will have short memories.”

He may play in Nashville, but this is Pekka Rinne’s first playoff rodeo. If Rinne fails to compare to Luongo early in the series, he will face every recycled question Luongo already answered in round one. Just as Luongo knows, Rinne will have to prove himself to the pundits before he finds himself the story at the lonely end of the rink in the second round.

How Rinne fairs in round two depends greatly on the Canucks shooters. Following a difficult series against the Blackhawks for Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler, the Canucks top two centers are poised to make their mark offensively in the second round.

Captain Henrik Sedin failed to find the back of the net in round one, but with five assists managed to do his part in the opposition’s end setting up twin brother and Hart Trophy nominee Daniel Sedin. Consumed by the role of shadowing Jonathan Toews, Kesler also failed to score in the series tallying only four assists while playing opposite the fellow Selke nominee.

Without a standout scorer on the Predators to specifically shut down during the second round Kesler and the Canucks should be able to use their own offensive game as a first priority weapon, rather than embracing the shutdown role. The Predators will look to take advantage of any overzealous attacking by the Canucks in an attempt to shut down Vancouver and win scoring by committee.

“They play really well defensively like Chicago, they may not have the firepower but they have a really well balanced offence.” Burrows told the media on game day.

Former Predator Dan Hamhuis understands how the Predators defensive style works after six seasons in Nashville and has been educating his teammates on what is to come in round two.

“Just asking me about certain tendencies from different players and how the team plays, obviously I’m not going to get into too many specifics, just getting as prepared as much as we can for the team.”

While the series will ultimately become a battle of defensive-minded wills, I expect both Henrik and Kesler to break out early in round two. Free of the frustrating Blackhawks and the responsibility of shutting down their dangerous speed and skill it is time for the Canucks forwards to assume the role of the league’s top offensive team.

In the crease Roberto Luongo now has a fresh opportunity to control his playoff destiny opposite Pekka Rinne and the relatively toothless Predators scorers. Having exorcised the demons of playoff failures past, Luongo has proven himself in trial-by-Blackhawk and will continue his stellar play in the second round, shaking the alternate personality that took over during three first round losses.

Previewing Nashville vs. Vancouver

At 8pm CDT, the puck will drop on the first Stanley Cup semifinal series in Nashville history.  Nashville is coming off a strong showing against the Anaheim Ducks and will now face the top seeded Vancouver Canucks.

There are some similarities between the Canucks and Ducks.  Both teams feature two extremely talented top two lines and two incredibly good power play units (both roughly 24% conversion rate during the regular season).  Both teams got about 29% of their goal production from the power play during the regular season.

Where Anaheim and Vancouver are very much different is their defense.  While Vancouver does not have any blueliner that approaches the level of Shea Weber or Ryan Suter, they do have a very solid group from one to six.  Nashville’s top six, however, proved that they are up to the challenge of facing two very dangerous lines in the Anaheim series at even strength.

One final difference from the Anaheim series is that Vancouver can put their own Vezina-nominated goaltender between the pipes.  Like Nashville’s Pekka Rinne, however, Roberto Luongo has a lot of questions to answer after a subpar series against Chicago.

While the +/- stat is somewhat dubious, it is pretty good at indicating trends.  In the Anaheim series, Nashville only had three minus players (only one of which was  a defenseman).  12 of the 23 players that Anaheim iced in their series with Nashville were minus players including key players like Selanne, Visnovsky, Sbisa, Koivu, and Blake.  To give up as many goals as Nashville did, those are very telling statistics at how strong Nashville was at even strength.  Couple that with the fact that 14 of 21 players iced by Vancouver were minus players in the Chicago series, including key players like both Sedins, Salo, Edler and Ehroff, I feel they can limit Vancouver’s top lines at even strength (and the regular season series between Nashville and Vancouver also bears that out).

Here are the keys for a Nashville win:

• ·       Limit Vancouver’s power play opportunities.  That means you, Shane O’Brien.  I think the call-up of Teemu Laakso indicates that Barry Trotz is hedging his bets in two ways: the option to dress 7 defensemen with Laakso taking PK duty when O’Brien is in the box and the option of benching O’Brien outright if he continues to hurt the team.
• ·       Take advantage of any perceived mental and/or physical fatigue on the part of Vancouver.  The first step is to earn at least a split of the first two games in Vancouver.  The second aspect of that is to play the typical Nashville game of relentless pressure from the forecheck.  If Nashville brings it hard every game, I like their chances with the rest they had.
• ·       Vancouver will attempt to take advantage of O’Brien, Nashville must take advantage of Hamhuis.  Dan Hamhuis is a very good defenseman.  He does have some flaws however, namely his propensity to turn the puck over when being forechecked hard.  Like they did earlier this year, Nashville must force Hamhuis to turn the puck over and capitalize on it.
• ·       Lean on Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.  Weber and Suter were leaned on to hold Anaheim in check at even strength.  They will need to follow up that great job with another great job against the Sedins and the Kesler line.
• ·       Finally, Pekka Rinne must play like the Vezina nominee he is.  Rinne was not at his best in the Anaheim series.  To beat Vancouver, a more balanced team than Anaheim, he will have to be.  Rinne tends to be better when he’s more involved (read: seeing a lot of shots come his way).  There’s a pretty good chance he’ll see more than he did against Anaheim.  If Nashville has any chance, he’ll have to improve that save percentage.

With Nashville’s play at even strength, their ability to stay disciplined, Vancouver coming off a tough series with little rest, and the fact that I believe that Rinne will round back into form, I think Nashville wins this series in six games.

David Singleton

You are invited to follow me on Twitter (@SingletonPreds).  For game recaps of all Predators games, check out my HockeyIndependent colleague, Mark Willoughby (@TheViewFrom111).

In Chicago they laughed at the expense of Roberto Luongo and the Canucks, fuelled by the Danny Mac Show’s anthem One Win Away – Luongo’s Tears.

To deflated Vancouver fans Luongo’s struggles against the Blackhawks are no laughing matter, but at least one writer couldn’t help but laugh at the hilarity and gamesmanship of the Chicago faithful. What can I say? After watching the Canucks lose three bitter games in a row at the hands of the ‘Hawks the rest of Vancouver and I could use a laugh.

It seems Mike Gillis could use a little cheering up as well.

Following an interesting game of officiating in game six Mike Gillis made his dissatisfaction heard in a press conference Monday.

“We directed 85 pucks at their net, if we had any power plays whatsoever it probably could have been 100,” said Gillis. Going by the box score the Canucks did in fact enjoy two power plays during game six, however two high sticking calls are a far cry from justice.

“We’ve had the best team during the regular season and that was the best game they’ve played last night during the whole year.”

Gillis maintained a positive view of his team while politely blaming the officials for his team’s struggles in the past three games.

“I’m confident if we play the same way tomorrow evening and it’s a level playing field that we will win the game.”

After being asked to expand on the “level playing field” Gillis broke out some snazzy statistics for the Vancouver media.

“In the series to date Chicago has had 59% more power plays than us.”

“First two games of the series were pretty well even, 5-4.“

“Last four games of the series Chicago has received 69% more power plays.”

“Last four games of the series when the series is close, one or two goals, Chicago has received 100% more power plays than we have, plus a penalty shot.”

Gillis truly did his homework before shooting his mouth off about the officiating in a series that has created a potential collapse for his Canucks.

Have the Chicago Blackhawks had a significant edge in power plays over the Canucks? Yes, Gillis’ numbers state just that. However with the stakes and emotions at such a high level, am I really surprised the Canucks GM found a way to go to bat for his team while restricted to the confines of a press box come game time? Of course not, Gillis is simply earning his playoff gamesmanship wings.

Remember when Mark Recchi called out Max Pacioretty late in the season just a day before the big rematch between the Canadiens and Bruins? Recchi didn’t actually believe that Pacioretty was a faker, or was embellishing something as serious as a concussion simply to gain a large suspension for Chara. Recchi “wanted to take the heat off Z for a day” and did just that, shifting the story from Chara versus the Habs to Recchi versus the world- it worked.

The Bruins crushed the Habs 7-0, leaving the Boston faithful wondering “Max who?” after the beat down.

Just as Mike Cammalleri knew Recchi was demonstrating the art of gamesmanship before our very eyes, GM Mike Gillis knew what the veteran skater was doing and took notes from the Recchi, mastering the craft for his own playoff performance.

“I’m not sure how you explain that discrepancy but we are going to be very hard pressed to win hockey games if throughout an entire series when the score is tight they get 75% more power plays than we do and that’s just the reality.”

Looking at strictly the numbers Gillis is right to claim that the Canucks have had a disproportionate number of power plays compared to the Blackhawks, however the numbers never tell the whole story.

In the NHL Playoffs, power plays are earned, not deserved.

So don’t pay attention to Henrik and Daniel Sedin, the leaders of the Vancouver Canucks who are a combined -13 in the last three losses to the Blackhawks. It’s not their fault the Blackhawks are ruining their plus/minus with all those power plays! And don’t mention the league wide pressure on Luongo’s shoulders that to date has caused him to collapse like a house of cards, his struggles are because of excessive power plays!

Just listen to Mike Gillis, because it’s all on the officials now. Or it will be, until Gillis turns around like Pauly Shore in his post-game presser tonight with an emotionless speech that could be summed up in one word.

Gotcha!

After a full season of re-stocking, re-strategizing and re-tuning their teams, both the Blackhawks and Canucks have significantly changed the makeup of their teams since last season’s playoff matchup.

In Chicago, following a successful run at the Stanley Cup, the Blackhawks were forced to move key pieces like Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Adam Burish and Antti Niemi over this past off season, but have kept the core of the team intact.

In Vancouver, following two playoff losses at the hands of the Blackhawks the organization improved and re-built significant pieces of the blueline and the team’s bottom six forward corps, adding toughness and skill with key additions Raffi Torres, Manny Malhotra, Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard.

Yet a full summer of changes had failed to separate the Canucks and Blackhawks during the regular season. After splitting four games with two victories each during the season series, seven games could very likely be necessary to decide the better of these two teams. In lieu of seven games, I broke down five major team characteristics to decide my favourite in this year’s edition of Canucks vs. Blackhawks.

Offence

With a depth of talent lead by the Sedins twins and Ryan Kesler the Vancouver Canucks were consistently this year’s best team offensively this season. Following Henrik Sedin’s Art Ross trophy win last year, twin brother Daniel was equal to the task this season, winning the 2011 trophy with 104 points in the regular season. As a second line center Ryan Kesler has emerged as one of the league’s top goal scorers with 41 goals this season, tying him with Daniel for the team scoring lead. Heading into this year’s matchup with Blackhawks the Canucks are looking more dangerous than ever. With the loss of secondary scoring key Manny Malhotra and the suspended Raffi Torres (opening two games) the Canucks may be missing small pieces of the puzzle; however the team’s forward depth has stepped up all season and will continue to do so in the playoffs. Having the league’s best power play helps, too.

Just behind the league leading Canucks the Chicago Blackhawks have maintained a steady scoring attack this season with 3.07 goals per game. The loss of Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd and the struggle to find a proper center for Patrick Kane may have caused the Blackhawks to miss a step during the season, but Chicago remains one of the league’s most dangerous teams up front. With names like Hossa, Sharp, Toews and the aforementioned Kane in their top six, the Blackhawks scoring threat should never be underestimated.

Advantage: Canucks – No reason for Canucks attack to slow down now, ‘Hawks not the same.

Defence

Throughout an injury riddled season the Vancouver Canucks blueline remained one of the strongest in the NHL for the entire season, despite using 12 different defenceman over 82 games. With a stable of battle-tested NHL defenceman, a top six healthy for the first time and no salary cap to restrict player movement the Canucks blueline is looking stronger than ever heading into the post season. Vancouver has been the best team in their own end all season long and with a healthy lineup there is no reason to doubt them now.

With Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith and Brian Campbell patrolling the blueline in Chicago again this season it is hard to imagine a struggling Blackhawks defence. Norris Trophy winners don’t exactly grow on trees, but Duncan Keith and parts of the Blackhawk blueline haven’t been the same as they were a year ago in Keith’s award winning season. “Keith’s game hasn’t risen much (in the second half of the season), we’re hoping playoff hockey snaps him back from whatever planet he’s been on. He’s been better than before, but still opts for the far too complicated decision,” said Second City Hockey while chatting with the Kurtenblog. If regular season performance is any indication, the Canucks forwards may not find Chicago to be quite as stingy a defence as previously encountered.

Advantage: Canucks – Keith will rise to playoff form, but can’t match Canucks depth alone.

Goaltending

For two seasons Roberto Luongo has cruised through fairly successful regular seasons only to be shelled right out of the crease by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the playoffs. After a stellar regular season that could earn Luongo another Vezina nomination this year, the Canucks goaltender returns to the playoffs to face the archrival Blackhawks without both the captaincy and Dustin Byfuglien to worry about. Rookie Antti Niemi may have outplayed Luongo in last year’s playoff series with the ‘Hawks but many including Luongo himself believe this is a new year. If Luongo shows any signs of struggle against the Kryptonite-like Blackhawks, young stud Cory Schneider is ready to step into his first ever NHL playoff game.

The Chicago Blackhawks were so confident after winning the Stanley Cup last season with a rookie goaltender that due to cap restrictions the team allowed Antti Niemi to move to San Jose, opting instead with veteran Marty Turco and rookie Cory Crawford. A year later, the Blackhawks crease finds itself in the same situation, occupied by a rookie goaltender that is playing the starting role for his first time ever in the NHL playoffs. Crawford put up solid regular season numbers, however during the playoffs if he is unable to step up in the crease like Niemi before him, playoff veteran Marty Turco is available to take over.

Advantage: Canucks – Schneider is arguably a stronger rookie than Crawford, Luongo in the zone.

Special Teams

If the Canucks dominated in goals for and goals against during the regular season for one reason above the rest, it was because of their special teams. Lead by the lethal unit of the Sedins and Ryan Kesler, the Canucks’ power play was the best in the league throughout the regular season clicking at 24.3%. On the penalty kill Manny Malhotra, Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows and a crew of others worked together to form the league’s second stingiest penalty kill surviving the two minutes 85.6% of the time. Without Malhotra the team’s PK isn’t quite as sharp as previous mid-season form, but Roberto Luongo and the Vancouver penalty killers seem prepared for life after Manny.

Not to be forgotten he Blackhawks remained of the league’s most dangerous teams this season on the power play operating at 23.1%. Kane, Toews, Sharp and Hossa are all extremely dangerous with the man advantage, especially with Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook holding the points. On the penalty kill the Blackhawks find themselves in the bottom part of the league killing only 79.2% of their penalties. After signing Ryan Johnson to help bolster the team while down a man, Chicago hasn’t quite been able to find a way to shut down the opposition on the power play. Keith, Crawford, Johnson and others will have to step up in a big way to match the skill and precision of the Canucks power play.

Advantage: Canucks – Unlike in the past, Vancouver can afford special teams shootout with Chicago.

The Intangibles: Coaching, Experience, Psychological Edge

The Canucks have nothing to fear but fear itself. After guiding the team to a massively successful regular season despite heavy injuries Alain Vigneault has positioned himself well for another Jack Adams Trophy nomination. After losing twice in the playoffs, the Canucks know exactly what it takes to best the Blackhawks if they are up to the challenge. The Blackhawks may be in the heads of the Canucks players due to past dominance, but no need to tell that to the Canucks locker room who remain focussed on the future. “If you learn from the past, there’s a good chance the future will be different. We have to prove it in the playoffs,” Alain Vigneault told Ben Kuzma yesterday.

If the only thing the Canucks have to fear is fear itself, than the Blackhawks can only fear change. Chicago has had the better of the Canucks for two straight playoff series, leaving Vancouver and its’ fans especially frustrated after last year’s victory. Under coach Joel Quenneville the Blackhawks have won on the big stage, and have proven themselves against the Canucks. It is up to the coach Q as well as super-captain Jonathan Toews to get the team playing at their best, which is a whole league above how they performed during the regular season. Toews’ nerves of steel as well as coach Quenneville’s in-game coaching skills are huge tools in a playoff series of such magnitude.

Advantage: Blackhawks – Canucks have something to prove against playoff dominant Blackhawks.

The Series

While the psychological edge and experience of the Blackhawks is as important as any statistic the Canucks have amassed this season, Vancouver has simply played too well this season for me to legitimately doubt them. Injuries haven’t been able to stop the team, and the ghosts of playoff failures past won’t be able to either. Where series of the past that heavily involved special teams would favour the Blackhawks, the Canucks of 2011 can now afford to trade blows with the Blackhawks if need be. Despite the special teams prowess, the Canucks will likely maintain the disciplined style of play that has benefitted the team throughout the regular season. Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows especially have focussed on winning the game rather than the verbal battle, resulting in a focused game from both former mouthpieces. The new professionalism and focus that has taken over the Canucks locker room will prove key in a gritty series against the Blackhawks. With the edge in almost every statistical category, the Canucks have learned their lesson and elevated their game to a championship level. This time around, I believe the Blackhawks will be to lose at the hands of the eventual Stanley Cup Champs.

Prediction: Canucks in 6.

First Round Playoff Picks

East

Capitals vs. Rangers – Capitals in 7.

Flyers vs. Sabres – Flyers in 6.

Bruins vs. Canadiens – Bruins in 7.

Penguins vs. Lightning – Lightning in 7.

West

Canucks vs. Blackhawks – Canucks in 6.

Sharks vs. Kings – Sharks in 6.

Red Wings vs. Coyotoes – Wings in 5.

Ducks vs. Predators – Ducks in 6.

What do you think? Will the Canucks overcome their playoff demons or do the Blackhawks have another year of playoff magic in store? Hit me with your series analysis, predictions or comments below.

For last minute stats, links, news, notes and all the hockey chatter you can handle, follow me on Twitter @PuckheadKvan.

Yet many individuals within the organization still have something to play for in the three remaining regular season games against the Oilers, Wild and Flames this week.

Like twin brother Henrik last year, Daniel Sedin is attempting to close out an outstanding regular season in a compelling bid for the Hart Trophy and the NHL scoring title. Daniel and Henrik could become the first brother-brother tandem to ever win the Hart in back-to-back years, emphasizing the twins’ determination to continuously grow better as players, pushing each other as they go.

The Sedins also have a shot at finishing the regular season NHL scoring race as the league’s top two players. Daniel Sedin currently has an eight point lead over brother Henrik with 100 points; however Martin St. Louis and Corey Perry stand in the way of a top two finish after 79 games played.

In addition to the twins’ dominance this season, Ryan Kesler appears to be a lock to finally win the Selke trophy. After two consecutive nominations for the Selke in the past two regular seasons, the third time will likely be the charm for the agitating two-way center from Livonia, Michigan. In addition to his defensive prowess, Kesler has battled for the team scoring lead with potential Hart Trophy candidate Daniel Sedin all season long.

In the crease, both Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider have more to play for than playoff preparation. Luongo has played his way into Vezina nomination territory with the league’s most wins among goaltenders at 37. Luongo currently sits third among NHL goaltenders in both major statistical categories with a .927 save percentage and 2.14 goals against average.

Like Luongo, Cory Schneider can also make a last-ditch effort to put his name on an NHL trophy. Schneider needs to “appear” in 25 games in order to be eligible for the Jennings Trophy that is awarded to the NHL’s stingiest team. With 23 appearances to date and three games remaining, one would think a quick switch could afford Schneider his name on the trophy after contributing significantly towards the Canucks’ success during the regular season.

Ben Kuzma of The Province attempted to get to the bottom of Schneider’s Jennings bid after an agitating practice for the Canucks coach in which he vocally called out his team.

“He’s not going to get to 25,” said Vigneault. “In the big picture, Roberto is the guy and we’ve got to make sure he’s ready for the playoffs.”

Roberto Luongo later seemed to open the door for Schneider to get an opportunity to secure the appearances necessary.

Luongo admitted he didn’t know of the appearances-versus-starts criteria for the Jennings.

“I think he’s got one more start and obviously, if we have a chance to win it [together], I’d definitely let him play,” said Luongo. “I’d give him a minute. I’d give him a minute,” joked the Canucks starter.

One would hope Vigneault was confused or seeing red after a lazy team practice and what Cory Schneider has brought to the team this year. Schneider may be short of the 25 game minimum, but his impressive play in relief of Roberto Luongo has been a major part of the Canucks’ surge this season. The Canucks have flourished with abundant confidence in both their goaltenders, rather than riding Luongo in front of previous less reliable backups.

If only for a minute, Schneider deserves to find his way into two of the three remaining games this season. Luongo’s name may not be on the Jennings if not for Schneider, so why not slip him the garbage minutes he needs? If there is any hope in Vigneault throwing his backup a bone during the last games of the regular season, expect the team to have to earn Schneider the privilege after a sluggish practice Monday.

While the Canucks have achieved every team goal possible during the regular season, the team cannot afford to take their foot off the gas pedal so close to the beginning of the NHL’s second season. Vigneault is wise to protect the team from becoming complacent during potentially meaningless games.

In the Eastern Conference the Philadelphia Flyers have begun a tailspin towards the playoffs going 3-3-4 in their last ten. Unlike the Flyers, the Canucks have avoided any late-season let down, winning 12 of their last 14 in a strong effort to avoid backing-in to the regular season like so many great first season teams before them.

While their three final opponents may not be playoff bound, the Canucks have three games to sharpen their game and recuperate collectively as a team as much as they can before the playoffs begin in several days time.

With familiar playoff rivals like the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks likely lined up for the Canucks in a first round playoff matchup, the team has a week to prepare for an aggressive first round series.

After an impressive month of March the Vancouver is incapable of backing-in to their reserved playoff parking spot. While shifting into neutral would be an easy solution, the Canucks are better fit to speed ahead and drive forward towards their playoff destiny.

For last minute stats, links, news, notes and all the hockey chatter you can handle, follow me on Twitter @PuckheadKvan.

The Tampa Bay Lightning (41-24-11, 93 points) are on the verge of clinching their first playoff appearance in four years. The Bolts played a solid game at the St. Pete Times Forum and beat the Ottawa Senators 5-2 Tuesday night.

The Carolina Hurricanes won their game forcing the Lightning to wait at least one more game to clinch a playoff spot. If the Hurricanes lose to the Canadiens on Wednesday night, the Bolts will qualify for the post season tournament. If Carolina wins, the Bolts can clinch by beating the Penguins on Thursday night in Tampa.

Five Lightning players had multi-points. Dominic Moore and Marty St. Louis each lit the lamp twice and Superstar Steven Stamkos scored his 44th goal into an empty net. The goal tied Stammer for the league lead with Anaheim‘s Corey Perry. Stamkos also had an assist earlier in the game, his first point since March 14. I have been hard on the young superstar, but his play in this game was nothing short of outstanding. He ripped 12 shots, eight on goal and was solid with the puck and on defense.

Simon Gagne continued his red hot play with two assists, Dana Tyrell had two assists and Vincent Lecavalier had a helper to extend his point streak to five games.

Dwayne Roloson was brilliant between the pipes, stopping 31 of the 33 shots the Senators fired at him. One of those goals should have been disallowed as the replay clearly showed that it was kicked in.

The Bolts played another complete game and seem to be getting on a roll. Their stars are playing like stars and Dwayne Roloson is looking confident.

Game 77: Lightning 2 – Penguins 1 “Playoff Bound”

What’s that? Ah — Playoffs? Don’t talk about — playoffs? You kidding me? Playoffs? Believe it. After what  seems like a lifetime of organizational turmoil the Tampa Bay Lightning (42-24-11) are going to play in the NHL’s second season thanks to a well deserved win over their likely first round opponent, the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 at the sold out Forum Thursday night.

Goalie Dwayne Roloson was the star of the night as he stopped 36 of the 37 shots the Pens fired at him. He was spectacular in the penalty filled second period where he stopped all 14 shots.

Marty St, Louis scored his 30th goal of the season and Steve Downie also had a goal . Simon Gagne extended his point streak to four games with an assist and Superstar Steven Stamkos had a point for the second consecutive game, his first such streak since early March.

The Lightning has won three in a row after a dismal four game losing streak.

The game was a physical one and the Bolts outhit and outplayed the Penguins. This was a huge confidence builder for Tampa Bay as they proved that they can play a tight checking, physical, playoff style game and win. This win will provide strength for the Bolts if they play the Penguins in the first round, which is all but certain. They mustered the strength to fight through a frenetic Pittsburgh rally in the third period.

With Downie and Malone back in the lineup providing a physical edge, the Lightning can be a daunting team.

Game 78: Lightning 3 – Wild 1 “Workmanlike”

The Tampa Bay Lightning put in a very workmanlike effort and beat the Wild 3-1 Saturday in Minnesota. The Bolts have won four straight and seem to be peaking for the playoffs.

Goalie Dwayne Roloson sparkled again as he stopped 29 of 30 Minnesota shots, including all 11 in the third period. Over the last three games, all wins, Roloson has stopped 96 of 100 shots for an unreal .960 save percentage. His goals against average in that time is 1.33.

Steve Downie, Ryan Malone and Sean Bergenheim scored for Tampa Bay. For Malone it was his first goal since January 9.

The Bolts went 0-4 on the power play, but killed off all four Wild man advantages.

Superstar Steven Stamkos went without a shot on goal in over 20 minutes of ice time.

One of the differences in this team over the last week is that they seem more confident in the third period and that comes from the superior goaltending of Roloson.The Bolts are also a different team with Malone and Downie back in the mix. They are providing the grit that was missing in their absence.

The Lightning now has 97 points, three behind the fourth place Pittsburgh Penguins in the battle for home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Game 79: Lightning 2 – Blackhawks 0 “Smith Shines”

The Tampa Bay Lightning (44-24-11) were badly outshot 31-14, but thanks to goalie Mike Smith they were able to shutout the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Sunday night. Smith was brilliant in making big stop after big stop. The Bolts offense took the night off but the total team defensive effort was outstanding.

The 14 shots by the Bolts were a season low.

Vincent Lecavalier scored at 7:56 of the first period to run his point streak to six games and Nate Thompson scored an empty netter with 22 seconds remaining for the Lightning. Vinny has scored 13 goals since the All-Star break. Simon Gagne assisted on both goals.

The Bolts played without Ryan Malone who was being rested and Eric Brewer who has a minor lower body injury. They also played much of the game without Lecavalier who took a high stick to the left eye in the second period. He received some stitches and did not return. The injury is not believed to be serious but management will be careful with him.

Although the Lightning have been outshot in the last five games, they have managed to win all of them.

Tampa Bay now has 99 points and is just one point behind the fourth place Penguins in the Eastern Conference.

Where They Stand

Tampa Bay is 44-24-11 with 99 points (7th in the NHL). They have officially clinched fifth place in the Eastern Conference. There are three games remaining in the regular season. The Bolts are one point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for the fourth seed in the Conference and a home ice advantage in round one.

By the Numbers

The return of forwards Steve Downie and Ryan Malone has had a positive effect on the Bolts. In the seven games that they have both played in, they have a combined three goals, 24 hits and  a +1 rating.

Steven Stamkos is second in the NHL in goals with 44, three behind Anaheim’s Corey Perry.

Martin St. Louis is second in the league in points with 94, six behind Vancouver’s Daniel Sedin. Marty is also second in assists with 64, nine behind Henrik Sedin.

The Bolts have the best power play in the Eastern Conference, scoring 20.4% of the time with the man advantage.

In the last six games, Simon Gagne has ten points, Martin St. Louis has nine points, and Vincent Lecavalier has seven points. Steven Stamkos has four points in his last three games and Dominic Moore has four points in his last three games.

Transactions

The Lightning reassigned Blair Jones and Mattias Ritola to Norfolk of the AHL and sent goalie Jaroslav Janus of Norfolk to Florida of the ECHL.

With the imminent return of defenseman Randy Jones, the Lightning will have nine defensemen. That means Matt Smaby and Marc Andre Bergeron are on the bubble.

Injury Update

Defenseman Randy Jones is traveling with the team and skating, but isn’t expected back from an ankle injury for at least another week.

Vincent Lecavalier was cut above the right eye in the Blackhawk game on Sunday night. He received three stitches, but did not return. He has a slightly scratched cornea and has some vision problems.

Lightning goalie prospect Dustin Tokarski, was cut by a skate blade during Norfolk’s loss to Hershey on Saturday and needed 27 stitches to close the gash under his chin along his jaw line. The gash was not deep and he should play later this week.

Three Stars of the Week

Dwayne Roloson – Three wins with a 1.33 GAA and a .960 SV%.

Martin St. Louis – Two goals and three assists.

Simon Gagne – Five assists.

The Upcoming Week The Bolts play Tuesday at the Sabres, Friday versus the Panthers and Saturday at the Hurricanes to end the regular season.

Game 73:  Lightning 2 – Islanders 5 “Dazed and Confused”

Make no mistake about it Lightning fans…It’s time to panic. Tampa Bay (39-23-11) was soundly beaten at home by the Islanders, 5-2 Tuesday night for their third straight loss.  The Bolts have won only two games in their last eleven tries. They have now fallen seven points behind the Washington Capitals in the battle for Southeast Division supremacy.

Nate Thompson scored a little over a minute into the game, but the Lightning then gave up four straight goals. The Bolts allowed two more shorthanded goals in the game, making it four shorties given up in the last three contests. Tampa Bay continues to lead the league in this dubious category, giving up a total of 15 goals while on the power play.

The Lightning’s vaunted power play was an impotent one for six, with Dominic Moore getting the only power play goal.

Superstar Steven Stamkos has three goals in nineteen games and was non-existent last night as he didn’t register a single shot on goal. Simon Gagne had one shot and was a -3 for the night.

Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson, facing his former club for the first time since a January trade sent him from the Isles to the Bolts, gave up four goals on just 27 shots.

This team is limping badly into the playoffs and will be an easy first round and out team unless it fixes things immediately.

Game 74:  Lightning 3 – Hurricanes 4 “Collapse Continues”

Tampa Bay (39-24-11) lost again Friday night:  This time to the desperate Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 at the St. Pete Times Forum. This time they played without passion for 53 minutes. They have lost four straight and have won only twice in their last 12 games. They continue to give the puck away. They are a team that has lost their way. They are a team that is collapsing down the stretch. They are a team… in trouble.

Superstar Steven Stamkos played almost 20 minutes and managed only a single shot on goal and had four penalty minutes. That makes a total of one shot on goal in the last two games. He has totally disappeared offensively and it is hurting the Bolts badly when he is on the ice. In the last 14 games, Stammer has three goals and is a -10!

For 53 minutes, the Bolts played the most uninspiring hockey I’ve seen in a long time. Their second period ineptness said it all:  Shots on goal for the Lightning…3.

Simon Gagne scored two goals and Vincent Lecavalier netted the other for the Bolts. Dwayne Roloson was unspectacular in stopping 35 of 39 shots while Carolina goalie Cam Ward saw only 21 shots.

While things seem bleak at the moment, if you asked me prior to the season if I would be satisfied if the Lightning had 89 points on March 25, I absolutely would have said, “Yes!” So, the Bolts late season disappointment is born of their early season success. What bothers me is the team’s lack of aggression early in games. Being first to the puck and transitioning from defense to offense quickly were staples of their early season play.

Game 75:  Lightning 4 – Hurricanes 2 “A Complete Effort”

Simon Gagne scored a pair of goals to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning (40-24-11) over the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 and snap the Bolts four game skid. Gagne has scored 16 goals this season and six have been scored in his five games against the Hurricanes. The loss dealt a death blow to the ‘Canes playoff hopes and cut the Lightning’s magic number in half..

The win gives the Bolts their third win of the month and their first since March 14th. With just seven games remaining, Tampa Bay’s playoff magic number is down to four points, either through Bolt wins or Hurricane losses.

Martin St. Louis tallied his 27th goal of the season and had an assist for Tampa Bay. Dominic Moore also scored and Vincent Lecavalier had two helpers.

Erik Cole and Eric Staal scored for Carolina.

Goaltender Mike Smith played a solid game, stopping 33 of the 35 Carolina shots. Smith was brilliant in the last half of the third period with the Lightning protecting a one goal lead. The game looked eerily familiar, but ended differently as Gagne scored into an empty net to give the Bolts a much needed victory.

The Lightning took the game to Carolina and finally showed some much needed grit, highlighted by defenseman Eric Brewer’s fight with Brandon Sutter and Dominic Moore’s scrap with rookie Jeff Skinner.

Superstar Steven Stamkos went pointless again, while firing four shots and hitting the post once. Anaheim’s Corey Perry scored twice last night and now leads Stamkos by one goal in the scoring race.

Where They Stand

With seven games remaining, the Lightning (40-24-7) is fifth in the Eastern Conference with 91 points. They are five points back of the fourth place Pittsburgh Penguins and four points up on the sixth place Montreal Canadiens. If the playoffs started today, the Bolts would face the Pens with Pittsburgh having the home ice advantage.

Philadelphia, Washington and Pittsburgh have already clinched playoff births. For the Lightning to clinch, they need a combination of four points earned by them or lost by Carolina.

They are the only team of the top eight in the Eastern Conference with a negative goal differential (-5). They have a solid record of 22-11-5 at the St. Pete Times Forum and an above .500 record (18-13-6) on the road. They play three of the last seven games at home against Ottawa, Pittsburgh and Florida while traveling to Minnesota, Chicago, Buffalo and Carolina.

By the Numbers

Superstar Steven Stamkos is now in second place in the goal scoring race (43), one behind the Ducks Corey Perry.

Marty St. Louis is now second in the NHL in points (89),, six behind Vancouver’s Daniel Sedin. Marty is also second in the league in assists (62), eight behind Daniel’s twin brother Henrik Sedin.

Defenseman Brett Clark is 20th in the league with 142 blocked shots.

Tampa Bay’s power play is the best in the Eastern Conference and 6th in the NHL, scoring 21.2% of the time. The penalty kill has fallen to 82.8%, 9th in the Eastern Conference and 14^th in the NHL.

The Bolts are getting over 32 shots per game, 5^th in the NHL while giving up 28 shots per game, 4^th best in the league.

A disturbing statistic trending downward is that the Bolts are winning only 84.8% of their games when leading after two periods, while most playoff positioned teams in the Eastern Conference are near 90%. Despite the league changing rules to encourage wide open offensive games, the NHL is still a game that is all but over after two periods.

Who is the Lightning’s best faceoff man with at least 600 attempts? If you guessed Adam Hall, you’re right. Hall wins 55.2% of the time, followed by Nate Thompson (54.6%), Dominic Moore (53.4%) and Vincent Lecavalier (50.3%). Vinny has taken almost 200 more draws than the next Lightning player.

Seen Stamkos?

Superstar Steven Stamkos has left the building. The young phenom is struggling badly. In his last 20 games, dating back to a February 12 contest against the Carolina Hurricanes, he has been…well…awful. In that span, Stammer has just 3 goals, 10 assists, 18 penalty minutes, is a -11 and is 0-3 in shootouts. The Lightning sniper is averaging less than three shots per game and has had seven games with one or less shots.

Transactions

The Lightning signed undrafted free agent goaltender Pat Nagle to a two-year entry-level contract. Nagle, 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, played in 37 games with the Ferris State (MI) Bulldogs this season, posting an 18-14-5 record with a 2.02 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.  He ranked fifth in NCAA Division-1 in GAA, tied for ninth for shutouts with three and tied for 10th in save percentage.  Nagle also set school records for GAA and was tied for second in save percentage.

Injury Update

Forward Steve Downie returned to the lineup on Friday night against the Hurricanes.

Ryan Malone is cleared to play and is working on conditioning. Look for him back in the lineup on Thursday night versus the Penguins.

Defenseman Randy Jones is still out with an ankle injury. A return date has not been set, but Jones is believed to be ahead of schedule for his return.

Mattias Ritola missed Friday’s game with a lower body injury.

Three Stars of the Week

Vincent Lecavalier – Three goals and three assists.

Simon Gagne – Four goals.

Martin St. Louis –. A goal and four assists.

The Upcoming Week

Tuesday versus the Senators. Thursday versus the Penguins. Saturday at the Wild and Sunday at the Blackhawks.

*Statistics courtesy of NHL.com.

Problem is, when you compare two teams, you can’t measure heart. 

The Predators exhibited heart, grit, and mental toughness in shutting out the Canucks 3-0. This was the first time that the Canucks have been shut out on home ice this season. 

Pekka Rinne stopped all 29 shots he faced, and some of his saves were outstanding. The play of Rinne has been solid all season, but he is elevating his game to another level, and this will always give the Predators a chance to win games. 

The game started as a tight checking defensive contest, with each team thwarting the offensive flow of the other. The Predators offensive effort did not get untracked until after the halfway mark of the first period, when Nashville finally recorded their second shot on goal at 9:29. For the period, Vancouver outshot Nashville 11-8. 

Rinne made some great saves in the first period to stymie the Canucks, notably stopping Henrik Sedin from the slot. Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo had to make a few good saves as well to keep the Predators off the board. However, for the most, both teams were playing suffocating defense and limiting offensive chances. 

The second period was a scoreless defensive struggle as well, but both teams had chances in the last five minutes. Mason Raymond rang a puck off the pipe, and just 40 seconds later Jordin Tootoo hit the crossbar. Scoreless at the end of two periods, it was going to be interesting to see which team would crack. 

It would be the Canucks that cracked first, as Blake Geofrion cruised into the slot and took a pass from Jordin Tootoo from behind the net. Geoffrion lifted the puck over the shoulder of Luongo to make it 1-0 Predators just 1:59 into the third. 

A one goal lead against the explosive Canucks is not one that can make you feel comfortable. The way that we were playing defense, you had to believe that if we had one more goal, this game would fall into the win column for the Predators. 

That goal would come at 17:39 as a scene that was all too familiar to Predator fans would unfold in the Canucks defensive zone. Dan Hamhuis would *cough* *hack* up the puck to Patric Hornqvist, who made a great effort to strip the puck. Hornqvist broke in alone on Luongo and undressed him with a sweet move for his 18th goal of the season. Hornqvist continues to battle and bring it every night, and it was good to see him rewarded for his effort. 

David Legwand would add an empty netter at 19:25 for his 11th goal to cap the scoring, and as improbable as it seemed, the Predators had clinched a decisive and critical win at Rogers Centre. 

The beauty of this win for the Predators was the fact that in a must win game, they continued to battle in the third period, exhibiting mental toughness and grit. Where in previous games they have wilted, they were resilient and unyielding. This is the type of win that the team can build upon going into the sprint to the end of the season. It is the type of win that build confidence and a belief that this team can do what is necessary to make the playoffs. 

It will be necessary to continue to play with this sense of desperation and determination. This is playoff hockey right now. The intensity is there in every game that will be played for the remainder of the season. The ability of this team to step up their intensity and level of play like they did tonight will be essential to making the playoffs. This is the proving ground for the team. 

Continue to play like you did tonight, with intensity and heart, and you will be well rewarded. 

My three stars: 

1. Pekka Rinne 

2. Patric Hornqvist 

3. Blake Geoffrion

The last time Montreal had won in Vancouver was in November 2000, so few Habs fans were expecting the hapless Habs to come out of this game with two points. But quick first period goals by rookie David Desharnais on a breakaway and captain Brian Gionta on a rebound put the Habs in front 2-0 midway through the first frame. Scott Gomez’s assist on Gionta’s goal was the 500th of his NHL career.

They even had a 14-1 shot advantage in the first 10 minutes, but the Canucks roared back in the second half of the first period to end the period with 12 shots. Early in the second period, the Canucks finally beat Carey Price on the power play. Henrik Sedin scored his 15th goal of the year on a great wrist past Price.

But seven minutes later, something rare happened: Andrei Kostitsyn scored a goal for the Habs. His 14th of the year and first since January 21. AK46 was one a nine-game pointless streak before beating Luongo between the pads with a quick wrist shot. Notoriously known as a streaky player, expect Kostitsyn to heat up in the next few games, just in time for the NHL trade deadline…

But indiscipline almost cost the Canadiens again in the third period, after Benoit Pouliot took a dumb interference penalty with two minutes remaining in the second frame, Jeff Halpern was called for hooking, a very questionable call by anti-Hab referee Frederic L’Écuyer. The Canucks took advantage of that penalty by closing the gap at one goal on Mikael Samuelsson’s 17th goal on the season. The David Desharnais, Benoit Pouliot and Ryan White line didn’t play at all in the third period.

Finally, thanks to a great performance by Carey Price, who stopped 37 pucks en route to his 28th win, the Habs were able to seal the deal and put those very important two points in the bank. Playing in front of at least 50 family members and friends, the B.C. native goalkeeper won for the first time in him career in front of his family. Newcomer Paul Mara recovered the game puck to present it to Price as a souvenir.

The Canucks, who had been depleted by injuries on their blue line, were happy to welcome back veterans Dan Hamhuis and Keith Ballard on defense.

Actor Tom Cruise, in town filming a “Mission Impossible” movie, watched the contest from the Canucks’ management suite.

The Canadiens will be back in action tomorrow hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs at Bell Centre before welcoming the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, their last two games before the NHL trade deadline, on February 28th.

With yesterday’s win, Montreal now has a 32-22-7 record in 61 games good for 71 points. Ranking 6th in the Eastern Conference, they are four points back of the Northeast Division leaders, the Boston Bruins. They also have a comfortable 11-point lead on the 9th seed, Carolina Hurricanes.

After acquiring Paul Mara from the Ducks last week for a draft pick, it is rumored that Pierre Gauthier is looking to add a top-six forward to his struggling team. Players such as Dustin Penner, Cory Stillman, Andrew Brunette and Kristian Huselius have all been mentioned as trade possibilities.

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Who would have known Cody Hodgson would be on the minds of those around the water cooler talking hockey this week.

The wait is over for the Canucks top prospect to dull his skates in his first ever NHL regular season game. Hodgson is expected to draw into the lineup Tuesday night as the Canucks visit the Dallas Stars. Hodgson will likely begin centering the forth line says Gordon McIntyre of The Province.

Hodgson was seen skating between Tanner Glass and Jeff Tambellini Monday.

The fellow Canucks prospect is likely to see a similar role to that of Sergei Shirokov while on his call-up with the Canucks. Vigneault will give him a fair shot to show his skill both on the forth line and on the power player, and is always eager to promote the hot hand. Considering some of the scoring streaks haunting the Canucks locker room in the games just before the All Star break, Hodgson should be highly motivated to score his way onto a longer stay with the team.

While Hodgson’s particular skill-set may be slightly miss-used centering the forth line, Alain Vigneault’s propensity to promote players who are working hard and generating chances should work in Hodgson’s favour. Hodgson is surely well aware of Sergei Shirokov’s complete turnaround from first ever NHL goal to first ever NHL benching and should play accordingly.

Hodgson raises the offensive profile of the Canucks forth line, but the team will likely find itself shy of its pre-All Star Game offensive production with Alex Edler out of the lineup for around another two months. During that time the Canucks have been forced to adapt without their top scoring defenceman, Edler was a large part of the team’s dangerous power play.

Christian Ehrhoff, Kevin Bieksa and Alex Edler had led the way offensively from the Canucks blueline during the weeks preceding the All Star Game. The Canucks offensive contribution from the back end was keeping the team afloat during severe scoring scarcity, the Canucks D are a big part of the scoring attack and Edler is no exception.

In the time being Dan Hamhuis, Keith Ballard and Kevin Bieksa will get the opportunity to further increase their minutes played game per game. Keith Ballard specifically will be able to step up his play with more minutes to go around rounding out the Canucks bottom three defenceman along with call-ups Chris Tanev and Lee Sweatt.

After his impressive Canucks debut to cap off the first half of the season, Lee Sweatt will look to impress Canucks management and fans at both ends of the ice if he is to stay on the Canucks blue line long. Andrew Alberts and Aaron Rome are both nursing separate injuries and are expected to make a return sometime next week. Simply put, Sweatt and Tanev are on borrowed time with the big club, but a good impression mid-season can do wonders when Vigneault comes a-calling in April.

Dallas Debut

Coming off a shellacking at the hands of the Canucks just before the All Star break, the Dallas Stars are looking for revenge at home tonight. The Stars allowed 7 goals against in back to back games in late January in what was otherwise a strong month going 8-2-1, but what side of the Stars will show up tonight? Will Kari Lehtonen continue his tremendous struggles facing Canuck shooters, or will Lehtonen and the Stars find comfort at home in Dallas?

While all is well in the Canucks camp with call-up Cody Hodgson in the fold and a team of siblings along for the trip, a slight break in the schedule has left the Stars to simmer in their poor play. Add in to the mix both Jamie Benn and Tom Wandell went down with injuries during games versus the Canucks and I expect the Stars will significantly tighten up their play tonight with revenge on the mind.

The Canucks have decided in order to stem the tide Cory Schneider will start against the rebounding Stars he shut down in a dominating 4-1 New Years Eve victory. With another game tomorrow in Phoenix, Schneider was sure to catch a start in one of the Canucks back-to-back games, credit Vigneault for recognizing the familiarity and giving Schneider the early start in a building he has won in before.

Unlike Schneider, a road game in Dallas will be something new for both Cody Hodgson and Lee Sweatt who are skating in their first NHL road games. The Canucks are expected to play on that youthful energy starting four rookie skaters in tonight’s game, with Jeff Tambellini expected to watch from the press box. I guess Vigneault didn’t like “Tamby” doing a full interview during such a troublesome scoring slump. Tambellini for the record has 1 assist in his last 15 games; maybe his brother can talk him through the struggle tonight from the press box?

Tonight Cody Hodgson, Aaron Volpatti, Chris Tanev and Lee Sweatt answer the call for the Canucks as the team relies on its organizational depth in what has become a salary cap blessing in disguise. After Lee Sweatt’s instant impact in his first NHL game, how will Cody Hodgson respond in his own long-awaited debut? With Tanner Glass and Aaron Volpatti on his wings on the forth line Hodgson will be unable to show much flash, however if the opportunity arises for him to shine on the power play Coho could be swimming into his first NHL points in no time.

Canucks at Stars – 5:30 on Sportsnet Pacific.

For last minute stats, links, news, notes and all the hockey chatter you can handle, follow me on Twitter @PuckheadKvan