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NHL Trade Deadline Review

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The 2014 trade deadline has come and gone, but not without its share of controversy and questions. As we approach the final stretch to the season, lets take a quick look at some of the stories making headlines around the NHL.

Habs and Hab nots

via montrealgazette.com
photo courtesy of montrealgazette.com

Announced shortly after the 3pmET trade deadline, the Montreal Canadiens acquired Thomas Vanek and a fifth round pick from the NY Islanders in exchange for a second round pick and a prospect (Sebastian Collberg) from the Habs. Marc Bergevin, Canadiens GM, commits what appears to be the heist of the trade deadline after Islanders GM Garth Snow admits that he had to change his trade plans towards the end of deadline day after realizing there were no offers coming in. Well, no offers to the Islanders liking, which they had reportedly believed would fall in line with a first round pick, at the minimum.

As the day unfolded, and forwards such as Ales Hemsky, Marian Gaborik, Marcel Goc and Tuomo Ruutu going to teams that the Islanders have been linked to or that needed forwards, the pessimistic expectations from all Islanders fans was that the Islanders could get stuck with or take a less than fair market offer for Vanek. Making matters worse (as if they could get ANY worse) the picks that were part of the deal will ONLY be exchanged if the Canadiens make the playoffs this season. With talks of planned Islanders walkouts during the next homestand and a twitter campaigned with a straightforward message “#SnowMustGo” trending worldwide within the hour after the deal was announced, the Islanders tortured and beleaguered fan base has yet another instance of front office inept ability to rally around, or in spite of. Snow even had the audacity to state in a conference call on trade deadline day that “[W]e’re very fortunate with the deal that we made to be honest with you.” Talk about kicking a fan base when they are down. With honesty like that, Islanders fans would surely opt for an alternative.

In defense of Snow, the October trade that sent popular F Matt Moulson and a 2014 1st round pick and a 2015 2nd round pick to Buffalo for Thomas Vanek was a win now move, with most fans realizing that the team was attempting to build off of the 2012-13 thrilling six game series with the Penguins, which saw the fan base and franchise experience levels of excitement that have been absent for almost a decade. There was always that possibility that Vanek would test free agency and the team could possibly miss the playoffs. However, Vanek, the top goal scorer on the market with many teams needing extra goal scorers, made it clear in February by rejecting the proposed seven year, $50 million offer, that he had to be moved. The Islanders should have moved him before the Olympic break, and reports circulated that they rejected a significant offer in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. To end up with what they ended up with is a fireable offense for Snow, and nothing short. Even former owner John Spano took to twitter to trash his former employer and organization, suggesting that Charles Wang sell the team after causing the fan base enough heartache.

After front page newspaper headlines on Thursday in Montreal (that’s front page, not sports section front page) its safe to opine that the Canadiens fans support the trade. Sebastian Collberg, on paper, has struggled this season, with just 3 goals and 6 assists playing in Sweden for the Swedish Hockey League. And that’s in 40 games. However, Snow stated that he sees the 20-year old as a future second liner. Another prospect, Jakob De La Rose, would have been a better acquisition for the Islanders as he is regarded as a better player. Looking at the centerpiece of the deal, the impact of the Vanek acquisition is expected to be substantial. The Habs average a shade under two and a half goals a game, and one must assume that adding an impact forward who averaged almost a point a game with two cellar dwelling teams in the Eastern Conference can help increase the Habs 20th ranked goal scoring attack. Lining up on the right side with with Tomas Plekanec at center and Brian Gionta, or Daniel Briere will add to the productiveness of the Habs top six forwards. As the Habs return home after failing 4-0 to the Sharks last night (on tough road trip that saw them go 1-3, with games against the Kings, Ducks, Coyotes and Sharks) and hopefully see the return of Carey Price replacing Peter Budaj in net, the Habs will have some practice time to best fit Vanek and defensemen Mike Weaver into the lineup.

It’s Our Time

Ryan Miller is off to a hot start with the Blues
Ryan Miller is off to a hot start with the Blues

The St. Louis Blues acquired Ryan Miller and Steve Ott from Buffalo for Jaroslav Halak, Chris Stewart, William Carrier, a 2015 1st-round pick, and a 2016 conditional 3rd-round pick. A great deal for the Blues, who currently stand atop the Central Division, four points ahead of the Blackhawks. (strange stat-the Blues are 17-0-1 against the Central Division overall) But what makes this deal so great for the Blues? Both Halak and Miller have comparable numbers, and Halak is the younger of the two goalies. But Miller gives the Blues that veteran experience, and most importantly big-game experience with Team USA. The past few seasons, Jonathan Quick, Team USA’s current net-minder has outplayed Halak and Brian Elliott in leading to successive-playoff exits for the Blues at the hands of the Kings. Miller is off to a hot start with four straight wins since joining the Blues prior to the trade deadline and appears primed for a strong playoff run with the Blues.

Steve Ott certainly doesn’t have anywhere near the numbers he had while in Dallas, but his value is certainly measured more outside the numbers. Described as “gritty,” “tough,” “hard hitting,” and a leader, former Buffalo captain Steve Ott helps the Blues get even tougher and harder to physically play against for the Western Conference elite. This blockbuster deal shows the rest of the Western Conference that the Blues will not be satisfied with just another playoff appearance.

The Minnesota Wild got stronger after acquiring goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov from the Oilers for a 4th round pick a day before the deadline. There were rumors circulating that the Wild were interested in Halak and Brodeur, which would have also served as a reliable experienced upgrade in net, yet certainly would have cost more than a fourth rounder. Minnesotas current goalie, rookie Darcy Kuemper, has played exceptionally well after injuries and health issues have forced both Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding out of action for indefinite amounts of time. Kuemper has played so well that he will continue to start after the acquisition of Bryzgalov. But with 20 games in 37 days, the need for a second reliable goalie was clear, even with the Wild having a comfortable lead in the chase for the final two playoff spots in the Western Conference. Right before the deadline, the Wild acquired Matt Moulson and Cody McCormick from the Buffalo Sabres. Near the bottom of the league in goals scored, adding a left winger with the scoring ability of Matt Moulson to play alongside Charlie Coyle and Mikko Koivu on the second line should result in more shots on goal as well. The Wild got more well rounded as a result of these moves.

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What the World is Watching

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11,678 people packed the $180-million Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi early Saturday evening to witness one of the most anticipated events of this years Olympic games. Despite the fact that it was “only” a preliminary round game (no elimination on the line) AND the possibility these teams could easily meet next week with the stakes raised, the USA/Russia men’s hockey game dominated societal talk as well as social media. Not to mention the game started at 7:30AM ET. Most years, the early morning hours of February 15th are vacant in terms of consciousness and energy, let alone droves of pepped-up vocal patriotic hockey fans heading out to bars, restaurants and hangouts. The Nielsen ratings indicate that 4.1 million viewers tuned in between 7:30-10:30AM on 2/15/14 to watch the USA/Russia men’s hockey game on the NBC Sports Network, with the audience peaking at 6.4 millions during the last half hour. If you asked me two weeks ago, I wouldn’t have thought that 6.4 million Americans KNEW there was such a channel as the NBC Sports Network. Needless to say, this was a network record, even surpassing viewership of last seasons Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

While the US vs Russia theme draws broad interest in the Winter Olympic spectacle (and pretty much most forms of pop culture for that matter) one would be hard-pressed not to instantaneously summon up memories of the “Miracle on Ice.” There is very little to compare between this game and the 1980 Lake Placid games other than the outburst of national pride that both wins triggered. Chants of “USA, USA,” and “Oshie! Oshie!” could be heard all across the country, with Americans dishing out high fives and hugs to friends and strangers alike. Rangers fans high-fiving Islanders fans. Red Wings fans rooting against Pavel Datsyuk. Facebook and Twitter exploding. The storylines run deep. With the US off until Wednesday’s quarter final match against the winner of the Czech Republic/Slovakia game, and the likelihood of a match-up with Canada in the semi-finals on Friday, the sport of hockey continues to remain in the limelight with the anticipation of record setting viewership for next weekend. While the ratings indicate that as many as 6.4 million viewers watched Saturday mornings game in the US, something tells me that more like 64 million will have claimed to have watched it. And most everyone will remember where they were and who they were with when TJ Oshie scored his 4th shoot out goal. Lets hope the US men’s hockey team can provide a few more special moments this Olympic Games.

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Torts 101

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The Vancouver Canucks continue to dominate the NHL headlines Monday, as the league announced a 15 day suspension without pay for Canucks coach John Tortorella for his actions during the first intermission of Saturdays Night’s game against the Calgary Flames in Vancouver. Within seconds of the opening puck drop, an all out five on five brawl ensued, resulting in eight ejections and a total of 152 penalty minutes. After seemingly undergoing a professional attitude change, (as evidenced in less chaotic, seemingly calmer news conferences and coaching behavior) Tortorella reverted to behavior that marred his tenure with the Rangers and other stops dating back to his days in the AHL. Through actions exhibiting pent-up frustration, not just for the coach but the entire team, the atmosphere inside Rogers Arena turned into that of a prize fight. Its understandable that Tortorella would be upset with Flames coach Bob Hartley’s decision to start Calgary’s brawlers (a line of tough guys including Brian McGrattan and Kevin Westgarth) for the first period, yet despite his frustration, storming the doorway of the Flames locker room and instigating near fights with Flames personnel in the hallways of Rogers Arena is deemed “both dangerous and an embarrassment to the league” by NHL Senior Executive Vice President of hockey operations Colin Campbell.

Understandably, some may see Tortorella’s actions as justifiable-his starting five was purely reactionary to Bob Hartley’s decision to start a few “goons” with the intent to start some trouble. Would any coach risk injuring skill players in what was sure to be a prelude to this Sundays Royal Rumble PPV? Throw in some history between the two coaches dating back to their days at Rochester and Cornwell of the AHL, and its a wonder an altercation of this magnitude hasn’t happened sooner. Bob Hartley got hit with a pretty severe fine for his role as instigator, thereby absorbing a portion of blame for his role in the hostile chain of events. Maybe it was the fact that coming into Saturday Nights game, the Canucks lost eight of nine, including that 9-1 beatdown at the hands of the Ducks. Regardless of the reason, the NHL has sent its message loud and clear through its punishment-tone down your act, as your actions has disrespected the sport you have so publically revered.

In other Canucks news, NHL.com is reporting that Canucks Captain Henrik Sedins franchise record iron man streak will end after 679 games. After nearly ten seasons of consecutive games played, a rib injury against Phoenix last Thursday night has caused him discomfort to the point where his is not expected to play in tonight’s game against Edmonton. He will finish with the six longest iron man streak in NHL history.

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Horton Hears a…Winning Streak

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We are just a little over two weeks into the new year, and the Columbus Blue Jackets look like a new team.

Currently on a six game win streak after Ryan Johansen’s shootout goal, the Blue Jackets are playing some inspiring hockey. Winners of seven of their last eight, the Blue Jackets success can logically be attributed to the Blue Jackets debut of Nathan Horton. Horton, the 2003 3rd overall pick who debuted with the Blue Jackets two and a half months into the 2013-14 season after recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, scored the game winning goal in his debut against the Coyotes and the Blue Jackets have been on a roll since. Adding depth to the top three lines and adding to the power play, the Blue Jackets have outscored opponents 20-9 coming into tonight’s game against the Sabres since Hortons return. In addition, his playoff experience and success with the Bruins can only help one of the youngest teams in the NHL.

And its not just the goal scoring-the reigning Vezina winner, Sergei Bobrovsky, is 6-0 with a 1.37 GAA and a .955 save percentage in his last six games entering tonight’s action. Through recent play, the Blue Jackets have climbed within reach of both the Metropolitan Division and Wild Card slots. Perhaps no one is hungrier for a playoff spot than Coach Todd Richards, who has yet to make the playoffs as an NHL coach, despite a winning regular season record and a shade over 300 games coached.

This is an exciting time to be a Blue Jackets fan. Last season, the Blue Jackets finished their campaign on a 19-5-5 tear, just barely missing the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. After the signing of Horton to a seven year, $37.1 million free agent contract, young talent on both sides of the ice including Ryan Johansen and Ryan Murray, and a switch to the seemingly weaker conference, the present and future look bright in Columbus.

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Montreal Screwjob Sequel?

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For those still digesting the outcome of tonight’s main event between Welterweight Champion Georges St.-Pierre and the #1 contender Johny Hendricks, you are NOT alone. The social media stratosphere has blown up with angry tweets, posts and conspiracy theories. Even UFC President Dana White, speaking truthfully, called out the judges and even the Nevada State Athletic Commission, commenting on how he was “blown away” that GSP won the fight . (Two judges scored the fight 48-47 in favor of St.-Pierre, with the third judge scoring the fight 48-47 in favor of Hendricks, thus awarding the fight to St.-Pierre by split decision) So why all the fuzz? Hendricks, a former NCAA Division 1 National Champion with knockout power and a dangerous striking repertoire, was ahead on many fans scorecards heading into the final round. (For all the proof you need, just check twitter tweets as the fight was progressing) Hendricks clearly won the first two rounds, with vicious elbows and power punches leaving the champion bloodied and hobbled. GSP fought back to claim round three, but round four was seemingly decisive for the challenger. Punches and elbows from the top position left the champion a bloody mess, and barring any major catastrophe, we were all set to crown a new Welterweight Champion. While Hendricks landed minimal punches (or a punch) in the final round, he looked more like he was set to begin a fight than a fighter who just went 5 rounds with the best pound for pound fighter in the world. Seemingly physically unscathed, you saw the challenger drop to knees at the referees decision-and most fans felt that something was amiss.

In full disclosure, I am a HUGE GSP fan. Since my introduction into the world of Mixed Martial Arts, Georges St.-Pierre has been my favorite fighter, hands down. I just feel that Johny “Bigg Rigg” Hendricks was the better fighter at UFC 167. And the fact that he is not leaving Las Vegas with the Welterweight title had me thinking about how something so obvious could be so imperceptible.

The post title to this entry merely pokes fun at the 1997 Survivor Series debacle (or genius PR move) involving Bret “Hitman” Hart, “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels, Vince McMahon and Earl Hebner-playing to the Montreal connection and its kayfabe repercussions. Was this a fix? Most likely not, just a scoring mishap, and at one of the worst times. UFC is in the midst of celebrating its 20th anniversary-last nights PPV was dubbed the “20th Anniversary Show.” Reports circulating online indicated that this PPV was by all accounts “the most in demand event in the promotions history.” A strong undercard, with trash-talking pro wrestling-esque heel Chael Sonnen, former Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans, and Rory MacDonald doesn’t exactly hinder box office shattering sales and interest. However, an unpopular and maybe “erroneous” decision is not something that you want to overshadow a banner event for the company…or is it? There is the old saying that “any publicity is good publicity.” The topic of the main event finish is mainstream news, even as I sit here at 4:10AM ET the morning after. Despite what you read online, I don’t think there was any fix in for this fight at all. Sure, rumors of St.-Pierre retiring or taking time away from the sport he has dominated since becoming Welterweight Champion 84 PPV’s ago may sit in peoples minds as having a potential impact on the finish. However, that wouldn’t make total sense. St. Pierre is a major fan favorite. Even after taking a massive beating and escaping with a questionable split decision, fans still booed Hendricks. For a potential rematch, which is more must-see TV? Hendricks, the underdog in the peoples minds and hearts, fighting to prove he was wronged in the first fight? Or, the former champion fighting to reclaim his place among the sports all time greats and show he is still the best in the world? Ill go with the latter. This is all irrelevant because fighting isn’t scripted-as much as people may want to think there are conspiracies that go on behind the scenes and unfold in the octagon, this is not pro wrestling. There are generally not real heels. I will never argue with the motto “Controversy Creates Cash,” but there is no need to use under-handed score keeping to generate interest for the king of PPV while placing its integrity directly and advertently in the public eye. So put those conspiracy theories away and continue to enjoy one of the up and coming sports in the world. Even if two judges scored round one for the champion. Happy 20th.

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New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down

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We are near the end of October, and the NHL season is a little over three weeks old. By now, many fans have had the opportunity to see their favorite team(s) play at home. These fortunate fans have had an opportunity to tailgate in near seventy degree weather, kick back and await faceoff with optimism and hope. At most, you could see your team of choice a few games in, perhaps a game or two above or under .500. No season storyline overly alarming. You can enter the arena and cheer on your favorite players and know that a loss generally wouldn’t signify the end of the world. While opening nights are traditionally a spectacle, seldom are they met with an urgency to perform and produce in hopes of “saving a season.” Tell that to fans of the NY Rangers.

Who doesn’t love this time of year? A comfortable walk in Central Park. Debating between a pumpkin coffee and pumpkin ale. The sports landscape is also its most busiest this time of year. (or a close second to March) Baseball playoffs begin and the NFL season enters its second month, where most teams and fan bases still have dreams of post season success. Basketball articles and stories (both pro and college) begin to pop up with more frequency as the season begins this week. Throw in a few haunted houses and hours of brainstorming and planning the trendiest costume ideas, it is a wonder people have time to sleep and eat. And just in case you couldn’t stay up for those early season west coast Rangers games, or if you did and purposely went to sleep early for the east coast ones, here is a short description of what you missed?

Absolutely nothing! Well, a little:

On Monday, the Rangers will come back to NY to open the home portion of their schedule at Madison Square Garden against the Montreal Canadiens. Temperatures will be in the upper-40s around game time. Expectations have been tempered, at least temporarily. The last time the Rangers opened their home schedule this late during a non-strike campaign, Truman was in office.

Most preseason publications believed that the hiring of Alain Vigneault and his up-tempo system would translate to more opportunities on the offensive end, yet through their first 8 games the Rangers have amassed, as a team, 12 goals. That is a goal and a half a game! Coming into last nights game against the Red Wings, they have given up 31 goals, with teams averaging just shy of 4 goals a game. In no game have they scored more than 3 goals. The numbers are staggeringly horrid. Making matters worse, the team is playing without Rick Nash, (out of action after suffering a concussion on October 8) Ryan Callahan, (broken thumb) and Carl Hagelin. Brad Richards has scored 5 of the Rangers 12 goals coming into their ninth consecutive road game of the season against the Detroit Red Wings. The only other forward to score a goal this season is Derek Dorsett. Henrik Lundqvist has played some pretty uninspiring hockey thus far, with fans wondering if its his current injury or his contract situation. However, Lundqvist, the Rangers all-world goalie, is the least of the teams worries. If you were coming to the garden to cheer on Marty Biron, you wont see him. He was assigned to Hartford of the AHL after two ineffective games against the Sharks and the Blues, cleared waivers and retired. The Rangers now look to Cam Talbot to back up Lundqvist. On top of all that, the schedule makers have also not been too kind to the Rangers. The first four games on the west coast against teams who currently have 7 wins or more, and games at St Louis and Detroit. Some of those West Coast games were just horrific-a 9-2 beat down by the Sharks, and two other combined Rangers goals in the three other matchups.

But nothing turns those negative vibes around quite like a last second, unexpected victory-this one coming from Derick Brassards breakaway goal with 12.9 seconds on the overtime clock to beat Detroit on the road for the first time in 14 years. Coincidentally, reports indicate that Brassard was called out by Vigneault before last nights game for needing to contribute more. I’m sure most Rangers fans were thinking that this two and a half week road trip would result in a 2-7 record, and some urgency to turn things around at home…and quickly. After looking dreadful against the Flyers on Thursday and shut out by the lowly Devils last weekend, the Rangers now carry a little (and much needed) momentum into Mondays home opener. Cam Talbot stopped 32 shots filling in for the injured Henrik Lundqvist. Mats Zuccarello scored his first goal of the season late in the third to tie the game at 2. And the Rangers are going to be home a lot-10 of the next 12 games are in NY. Maybe this is the spark that ignites this turnaround. Last nights opponent, the Red Wings have hit a rough patch themselves, losing their last 4 games. Could this be a case of right opponent at the right time? 40 shots last night on goal is a step in the right direction. As well as coming back from one goal deficits on two occasions. News of Lundqvist return to the starting lineup tomorrow night against the Canadiens, Carl Hagelin’s return Tuesday against the Islanders and Ryan Callahan skating at practice today has fans optimistic that the injury plagued early season may be coming to an end. And just in time.

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A Fleury of Questions

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Are Penguins fans concerned about their goaltending situation? Coming into the season, many questions surrounded the solidity of Marc-Andre Fleury. It feels like ages ago that Fleury secured the 2009 Stanley Cup for the Penguins by denying Nicklas Lindstrom in the final moments of Game 7 versus the Red Wings. In the lockout shortened season of 2012-2013, the decade-old Penguin finished with a 23-8 record, leading the Penguins to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. But regular season success has seldom eluded Fleury. Much like the three previous seasons, the Penguins underachieved in the postseason, falling hard in four straight games to Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Finals. As if that wasn’t tough enough, Fleury was pulled in the first round of the playoffs last season against the Islanders, giving way to Tomas Vokoun. Vokoun impressed, allowing just 2.01 goals per game with a .933 save percentage.

With two years left on his 7 year, $35 million dollar contract, and seven playoff wins in the last three seasons, fans have wondered aloud whether Fleury’s best days are behind him. Compounding the Penguins perceived goaltending issues is the fact that Tomas Vokoun is sidelined for 3-6 months with a blood clot in his thigh. And if anyone saw Jeff Zatkoff, the 26 year old rookie who started in goal for the first time last night against the Florida Panthers, there remains some reasons for concern. Does Zatkoff deserve all the blame for last nights defeat? Absolutely not. Yet with at least a quarter of starts for the next 3-6 months, I would say an improvement in play is something all Pens fans are hoping for.

Still, with these “perceived” issues, the Penguins have gotten off to a strong start. Through 4 games (3 starts), Fleury has looked like his regular season self, allowing only 3 goals on 82 shots. Most importantly, he has three wins. Don’t get me wrong, the Penguins should finish on or near the top of the new Metropolitan division. They are the preseason favorites in the regular season for a reason. Yet, with no Vokoun, there may be some slight reason to worry…just slight. And then once April comes along, its back to the same questions of the past three years.