NHL Playoffs Day 1 Picks

Detroit @ Tampa
Pick: Wings +130
Tampa is hurting way too much right now.  I like Detroit to come in and shake things up with a little game 1 win.


NY Rangers @ Pittsburgh
Pick: Penguins -170
It's tough to pick against Sid the Kid and Geno in the first game of the playoffs at home.  I expect a battle but the Pens will probably pull it off.


Chicago @ Saint Louis
Pick: Blackhawks +115
This is just free money on the table.

Montreal vs Tampa Game 6 Pick

Montreal @ Tampa

Pick: Tampa (-150)

After going down 3-0 in the series the Habs are on the brink of forcing game 7. The Lightning are going to leave it all out on the ice tonight though.  The idea of going back to Montreal for a game 7 is the worst case scenario.  Tampa hasn’t played their best hockey the past 2 games and it’s tough to bet on them to continue to do so.  I expect a great game out of the Bolts tonight and this series to end.

Wednesday NHL Picks

Montreal @ Tampa - Game 3 

Pick: Montreal (+125)

This pick is easy for me.  The last time Carey Price got lit up he responded with a shutout.  Price got lit up to the likes of a 6-2 ass kicking last game.  I have a feeling he’s going to come out tonight and shut it down.  Montreal rolls on the road.

New York City @ Washington

Pick: New York (-120)

The Rangers are facing a 3-1 series deficit if they drop tonight’s game.  Every game in this series so far has been a battle.  The Rangers have said that this is the biggest game of their entire season.  I’m rolling with the experienced goaltenders tonight and sticking with Lundqvist.  Both road teams win.

Monday NHL Playoffs

Monday NHL Playoff Picks

New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh

Pick: Pittsburgh (EVEN)

Over/Under: Under 5 (+110)

The series shifts to Pittsburgh tonight.  Crosby and Co. are looking to take the lead in the series on home ice against the Rangers.  Rick Nash is still a ghost on the score sheet which is killing the Rangers.  If Nash remains a non-factor the Pens should win at home.

Saint Louis @ Minnesota

Pick: Saint Louis (+115)

I’m rolling with the Blues on the road.  This is the time for the Saint Louis offense to display its dominance.  Minnesota relies too heavily on goaltending and once the Blues break through the game is over.  

Anaheim @ Winnipeg

Pick: Anaheim (+110)

Over/Under: Over 5 (-140)

Winnipeg is set to host its first playoff game in almost a million years.  Tickets are going for $1k+ and the fans are pumped.  Unfortunately they’re playing one of the best teams in the world right now and don't match up.  Anaheim’s veterans will lead the way tonight.

NHL Playoff Saturday Picks

Saturday NHL Playoff Picks

Minnesota Wild@ Saint Louis - Game 2 

Pick:  Minnesota +125

Over/Under: Over 5.5 (-115)

This pick comes as a result of several admittedly premature assertions I’ve made after just one game in this series.  Last game I saw a Wild team on the ice who’s playoff style hockey was finely tuned.  No surprise there, since that’s what’s been required of Minnesota for a month now.  I saw a Blues team that is loaded with talent struggle to play to their potential.  There is a very good chance that Saint Louis simply had to shake off some playoff jitters.  It’s almost guaranteed the Blues look a lot better this afternoon.  I like Minnesota still though.  The Blues showed up late to the party and Minnesota took advantage of it.  This has all the looks of the Blues deserving a win but getting shut down by a hot goaltender at clutch time.

Detroit @ Tampa

Pick: Detroit +1.5 (-190)

Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+120)

After losing game one (3-2) at home, the Bolts should be facing a lot of pressure right now.  If you saw the game however, you’re thinking otherwise.  Tampa’s Stamkos explained it best after the game courtesy of Lightning beat writer Joe Smith, “9 times out of 10 we win that one”.  Right now Tampa’s mindset is simple: Repeat.  The Bolts outshot the Wings 46-14 last game; there isn’t anything more you can do besides finish your opportunities.  From the Detroit side, I fully expect the Wings to have a different game plan for slowing down Tampa and controlling the puck more.  Tampa’s speed is lethal which makes them a fun team to watch.  Detroit will need a new game plan for the neutral zone; a crucial area that Detroit was greatly outplayed in.  Babcock is as good as they come and he just might be the difference maker for Detroit.  I expect the Wings to play much better but might still come up short against the leagues best offense in a must win game at home.  Either way, Mrazek plays a hell of a game and it’s a nail biter.

Pittsburgh @ New York Rangers

Pick: Pittsburgh +1.5 (-180)

Over/Under: Over 5 (-120)

This is the series the NHL should be promoting the fuck out of!  This afternoon, in a SOLD OUT Madison Square Garden some of the most recognizable names in this entire sport are going head to head in playoff hockey.  In my personal life I can’t stand the sight of the Penguins.  I dislike them on cellular level after watching them win the 2010 Stanley Cup at Joe Louis in Game 7.  In my professional life however, I can appreciate the product Pittsburgh puts on the ice when all its pieces are in place.  The wildcard on the Penguins in recent history has been Fleury.  It’s hard to predict when he will and won’t show up and perform.  Last game he played his ass off so it’s safe to assume he’s in it for these playoffs.  The Penguins with solid goaltending have as good a shot as any team to knock out the Rangers.  The case for the Rangers: They’re rolling.  They executed, they were physical, and they won.  Lundqvist played great and reminded everyone why that’s his net and only his net.  The Rangers roll deep lines which requires some amount of momentum to be effective.  Your fourth line isn’t going to go out and make anything happen if they don’t have a little momentum to give them a jump.  New York players and fans alike will be praying that Rick Nash can break through early on in this series and provide some much needed scoring.

Winnipeg @ Anaheim 

Pick: Anaheim (-135)

Over/Under: Over 5 (-145)

Winnipeg executed well for 2 periods last game and headed into the 3rd with a 2-1 lead.  It took Corey Perry 1 minute and 9 seconds to even things up.  To the Jets’ credit they didn’t fold up after that.  They matched the Ducks in shots (10) in the third period.  The difference came down to which star players earned their pay check. And that was: Corey Perry (2 goals) and Ryan Getzlaf (1 goal) in the third period for Anaheim.  The Jets have the road disadvantage of not having the last change making it hard for them to always get their match ups right.  If Getzlaf and Perry get loose on a couple 3rd string defensemen the Jets are in trouble.  I’m expecting the Ducks to keep scoring and the Jets to do their best to keep up.

NHL Playoff Previews

2015 NHL Playoff Preview

The 2014-2015 season is in the books and the end was nothing short of spectacular.  I can’t remember a season where games 81 and 82 had more meaning for more teams.  Not only were teams fighting for playoff seeds but a number of them were fighting until the bitter end just to make the playoffs at all.  It’s been ten years since a salary cap was adopted by the league.  A decade later it is clearer than ever that the NHL achieved it’s goal of balance.  No longer are the days of buying a dream roster and making a run at the Cup.  The new era of the NHL challenges GM’s more than ever before.  Everyone working with the same amount of money puts tremendous importance in smart drafting, developing, and trading of players.  As we head into the post season it is easy to point out the favorites.  How much of a favorite are they really though?  The reality is every team in the playoffs, whether we like it or not, can beat any other team in the playoffs.  The playoffs are about storylines, hero’s, and teams sacrificing together to escalate their play to the highest levels they are capable of.  Which team will sacrifice enough this year?  Which team has the players, coaching, and possibly luck to go the distance?  Here is Sugar’s take on the playoffs with guest writer Jeff Lobman, a New York City native.

The West 

#1 Saint Louis vs #4 Minnesota

Prediction: Saint Louis, 5 Games

The fact that Minnesota is here is impressive.  They were thought by many to be down and out a couple months ago.  A horrible stretch of games between mid-December and late January saw them plummet in the division standings.  The life saver of this Wild team sits between the pipes.  Dean Dubnyk put on a clinic the last quarter of the season and catapulted ‘Sota into the playoffs.  Unfortunately they are up against a team that, when healthy, likes to score.. a lot.  The Blues seem to be healthy after resting some big names for minor injuries a lot at the end of the season.  The Blues’ offensive capabilities are extensive enough when world class goal scorer, Vladimir Tarasenko is on the ice by himself.   Then add in Steen, Oshie, and Backes and you're starring at an offensive onslaught.  Dubnyk will stand tall I think and come out stopping everything.  Eventually the Blues will crack him and this series will be won handedly by STL.

#2 Nashville vs #3 Chicago

Prediction: Nashville, 6 Games

Patrick Kane will not be in the line up for the Blackhawks and it just might drive him insane.  The Assistant Captain desperately wants to get back on the ice and there’s nothing he can do right now but wait and watch.  Nashville ascended to the very top the league for a large chunk of this season.  They have that perfect combination of veteran leadership and skilled young guns.  This is a team, a city, and a fan base that want the Cup more than they ever have before.  The Predators finally got things clicking on all cylinders in Nashville this year and they’ve been exciting to watch.  One of the biggest questions for Smashville will be how well high scoring rookie Filip Forsberg translates his regular season production to playoff hockey.  I think Nashville is finally going to make something substantial happen in the playoffs this season.  A first round exit would hurt them much more than it would Chicago at this point.

#1 Anaheim vs #4 Winnipeg

Prediction: Anaheim, 6 Games

This Ducks team faced diversity this season in the most unusual form.  After finishing 1st in the NHL last season in goals per game (3.21) not many would have expected this club’s biggest issue to be offensive production heading into this season.  It was however, as the Ducks saw their goals per game drop from 3.21 to 2.78.   Challenges have great capacity to deepen teams though.  There was more than a few unexpectedly close games where the depth of the roster was tested and the Ducks continually found ways to win.  Winnipeg knows a thing or two about finding a way to win also.  The Jets scratched and clawed their way into these playoffs.  They’ve had their ups and downs this season but once again, it just means they’re battled tested.  Winnipeg has been in playoff mode for about a month now and will be ready to come hard at the Ducks.  A comparison of rosters between these two makes the case for Winnipeg a tough one to make.  This Ducks team is as loaded as they come on the offensive side of the puck and they have a hungry group of guys.  Anaheim has a lot more to lose than Winnipeg and I think they will play like it.

#2 Vancouver vs #3 Calgary

Prediction: Calgary, 6 Games

Earlier this season we jumped on the Flames with reckless abandon.  The stretches where they would dominate some of the best teams in the league were somehow captivating enough where we literally forgot that they had lost any games this season.  Here’s what this series comes down to for me:  Who is Calgary?  They’re an underrated, highly skilled, and physical team with fantastic home ice advantage.  They’ve been silencing the haters all season long and it’s a role they’re familiar to.  Who is Vancouver?  They’re…Vancouver.  They USED to be unreal.  That wasn’t last year though.. or the year before that…or the year before that.  That was 4 years ago in 2011 when they made the finals.  The Sedin’s are not young bucks anymore and it’s no secret.  This is still their team though and Vancouver is still here, in the playoffs.  I think this series features a falling out of power vs a rising to power.  Calgary takes the battle for Western Canada.

The East 

#1 Montreal vs #4 Ottawa

Prediction: Montreal, 5 Games

Carey Price.  The man who just turned in one of the most impressive regular season campaigns we’ve seen out of a goalie in years.  It’s not uncommon to see a goalie lead the league in both SV% and GAA.  It is rare, however, to not only lead the league in those two categories but also take first in wins for goalies.  Carey Price did that this year and people noticed.  Montreal’s biggest star is the physical offensive machine known as PK Subban.  The Habs offense, while lacking in a traditional “big name” star, is potent and spread out nicely.   Subban provides a big push for the four lines Montreal likes to roll.  Ottawa is not to be taken lightly though.  To provide some insight into what the mindset of the Senators is heading into the playoffs I brought on a true Ottawa fan, Chad Vivian, @vivianinavan_:

“The Ottawa senators, backed staunchly by Hammond and the playoff resilient and veteran Craig Anderson, head into a heavy task in the Montreal Canadiens backed by the three line presence of their core, hoofed by Kyle Turris, Mark Stone, Zach Smith, Mika Zibanejad, and the seemjngly Hab-conquering French Intruder Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Aside from the shaky numbers late by Ryan, McArthur and Zibanejad, the Sens enter Montreal with the fire and rooster tail of victoriesneeded to overcome such a powerful environment.

In December, Ottawa was struggling to stay afloat, drifting right around equivalence in points to games played, but after the acquisition and infusion of a stellar rookie goaltender, the Hamburglar is shredding and searing nearly every group of NHL talent he faces, volleying the Senators to nearly 100 points and three games above a .500 season. 

The defense is definitely going to be where Ottawa must perform exemplary in order to help oust the power play strong Canadiens, and Erik Karlson must be able to only take 22-25 minutes of the alloted clock, as these are rapturous times and the new season will not be late to the unveiling of the Cup. He must be rested enough to be strong once teams like the New York Rangers or the Anaheim Ducks swarm the Canadien Tire Centre, pending his ability to well-contain through pressure Montreal, Tampa Bay, or Detroit.”

#2 Tampa vs #3 Detroit

Prediction: Tampa, 6 Games

Mike Babcock just gave Peter Mrazek the nod to start Game 1 between the pipes for Detroit.  It’s never a good sign when a team is forced to roll with the backup goalie heading into the playoffs.  The decision shouldn't come as much of a surprise to Wings’ fans; Howard’s play has been subpar down the stretch to say the least.  Tampa, lead by Stamkos, heads into this series looking to do some damage.  Detroit is struggling to keep the puck out of their own net and it couldn't be happening at a worse time.  Tampa’s top ranked offense just might have a field day on the Wings in the first series.  I expect Detroit to save face and make things interesting but ultimately Tampa will pull through.

#1 NY Rangers vs #4 Pittsburgh

Prediction: Rangers, 5 Games

The Penguins closed out the regular season in less than stellar form, winning 4 of their last 15 games.  What’s going on with Crosby & Co.?  Lackluster play by Fleury, and a sheer lack of offensive production down the stretch by the Pens is the reason they had to fight so hard just to make the playoffs.  The reality though, is you really can’t count Crosby out.  His haters (myself included) love to reference the “Cry Baby Crosby” days.  However, as difficult as it is to admit, Crosby is not a cry baby anymore.  He is 27 years old and plays the game of hockey like it’s what he was born to do.  So why the Rangers then?  Because the New York City Rangers are on a mission I believe.  A  mere deep playoff run will not satisfy their hunger this time.  This team, this group of guys, was there a year ago.  They sat and watched as the LA Kings hoisted their 2nd Cup in 3 years.  That kind of experience leaves a mark; the type of mark that lingers and evolves into an insatiable and unhealthy desire to deservedly touch Lord Stanley’s Cup.  The identity of this Rangers squad and their expectations can be summed up no better than how my good friend Jeff Lobman, @buhyuteelobs of New York City put it:

“In his second year behind the bench, Coach Alain Vigneualt has brought the team to the playoffs in astounding fashion once again. Grasping what his predecessor John Tortorella brought to the team with his defense first attitude he turned the style into an impressive hybrid seen nowhere else in the league. Unfortunately this has not transferred to the Power Play which continues to plague the Rangers year after year. If they plan to win the Cup this year the PP percentage in the playoffs is going to somehow need a miraculous turn around. The PK is fine at 85% but the Rangers need to find the twine in the playoffs on the power play. Rick Nash, Derek Stepan, and Marty St. Louis need to bear down if they want their names written on Lord Stanleys Cup. With a key addition in Keith Yandle I believe this is somewhat obtainable. The Rangers depth is something to seriously be considered. Four strong lines with some minor chinks in the armor as with all teams but they as their regular season record shows have been able to work through these kinks. Tanner Glass has been a player with much speculation especially amongst Ranger fans but I believe like Dan Carcillo last year, he will shine and show his worth. The Rangers arguably have the best Goalie lineup in the league. With Henrik coming back from injury in fine form and the proven talent of Cam Talbot I see no other team in the league with the skill between the pipes as the Rangers. Look out for Dominic Moore and Jesper Fast these playoffs as well. These guys have lots of skill and especially Moore with last years playoff experience can really prove their worth. Now as regards to the “stars” of the team. Rick Nash will need to continue his scoring if the Rangers really want to make a cup run. With Stepan feeding him the puck I believe this will be easily done. Ryan Mcdonaugh will need to stay strong on D with Marc Staal or Dan Girardi whoever he is lined up with. They have their work cut out for them against the penguins in the first round. As you go down the list of players the Rangers have its remarkable what GM Slather has put together. Finally these last two years he has been able to acquire the right group to reall make a run for it. As always just because you win the league during regluar season it means nothing April through June and the Rangers still have a lot to prove. Lets hope that Alain didnt bring the Vancouver curse of being astounding during the regular season just to collapse in the playoffs every year.”

#2 Washington vs #3 NY Islanders

Prediction: Washington, 6 Games

Ovi and the Caps head into this series firing on all cylinders.  As for the Islanders..well they have been playing like the old Islanders lately.  New York only won 4 out of their last 14 games of the season.  They are heading into the first round with a slew of questions to be answered.  This Islanders squad is new to playoff hockey.  They’ve had a taste in recent years, but it was just that: a taste.  This year their fans have expectations and their roster backs up those expectations.  The Capitals though. I’m just going to come right out with it: The Washington Capitals have to do something this year.  Each year that goes by, Ovechkin gets a year older and his window of opportunity to dominate his way to the Stanley Cup Finals is closing.  With the way the Islanders closed out the regular season I don’t see any way they can pose a legitimate threat to a Capitals team that has extremely high aspirations.

Thursday NHL Picks

Sugar’s Thirsty Thursday NHL Picks

NY Islanders @ Columbus (+105)

Now that the Jackets are statistically eliminated from playoffs they are tearing shit up.  They head into tonight boasting a 7 game win streak and a 11-2 record in their last 13.  The streak becomes even more impressive upon a closer look;  What do Detroit, Chicago, Saint Louis, Calgary, and Vancouver have in common?  They’re all playoff bound teams that have lost at home to the Blue Jackets in the past two and a half weeks.  Bottom line, the Blue Jackets are on a mission to completely screw up the desired playoff seed of a handful of teams.  One of those teams happens to be the Islanders.  The New York Islanders head to Columbus with a lot on their plate to say the least.  They’ve won 3 out of their past 11 games and can’t seem to keep the puck out of their net, giving up 2.73 goals/game over that stretch.  I smell trouble for the Islanders heading into the playoffs and for the NHL sports better I love the Blue Jackets to pull off another upset tonight.

Tampa (-115) @ Ottawa 

This game features a lot on the line for both teams.  Tampa sits 1 point behind Montreal in the division standings.  Winning the division would give the Lightning crucial home ice advantage in the playoffs.  No one wants to play game 7 on the road.  Ottawa sits 3 points behind Boston for the last Wild Card playoff spot.  The Senators are fighting every game from here on out to extend their season and grab a playoff spot.  The Lightning beat Montreal in their last head to head match up and followed it up with a pitiful loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.  After the game, Captain Steven Stamkos issued a call to arms to his team.  Stamkos typically motivates his troops through his incredible on-ice demonstrations and by scoring huge seemingly impossible goals.  His public criticism of his team will not fall on deaf ears, this I can guarantee.  It takes a lot for a soft spoken elite goal scorer to feel the need to call his team out and that’s exactly what he did.  Look for Tampa to come ready to play one of their best games of the season tonight.

Carolina @ Florida (-175)

With the season quickly winding down, both these teams don’t have much to play for.  Florida has a hail mary chance at making the playoffs, but it’s a long shot.  However, with Luongo in net for the Panthers I do expect the team in South Beach to take care of business and come away 2 points closer to a Wild Card spot.

Washington @ Montreal (-135)

Montreal has dropped 3 of their last 5 including a loss to Tampa which puts them just 1 point ahead of the Bolts for the division lead.  Ovi and the Caps head into tonight with a firm grasp on a Wild Card spot and opportunity to move up.  They sit 4th in the Metropolitan Division with 94 points and 1 point separating them from a 3 way tie for 2nd place.  The Capitals will be looking to win and move up to that 2nd place spot to get a better playoff draw.  The deciding factor in this game will be Carey Price.  The allstar goaltender has logged his best season yet and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down.  If Price shuts the door on the Caps tonight, and I think he will, the Habs win at home.

Bonus Pick: UNDER 5 (-115)

NY Rangers @ Minnesota 

OVER 5 (-115)

The Wild have been ON FIRE lately, going 8-2 in their last 10, and have saved their season.  They are sitting on a Wild Card spot and, like the Caps, have all the opportunity in the world to move up to 2nd or 3rd in their division.  The Rangers are as solid a team as any though and will surely “bring it” tonight in Minneapolis.  Personally, I think the Rangers’ offense will overwhelm the Wild but it will be a great game.  Take the over because it’s going to take 3-4 goals to win this game.

Vancouver @ Chicago (-165)

Despite the loss of their leading scorer Patrick Kane, the Hawks have pushed forward.  They sit right in the thick of things with regards to the playoff seeds in the Central Division.  A win will move them up from 3rd place to 2nd place in the division.  Chicago is almost certain to face Saint Louis in the first round but locking down 2nd place would give them home ice advantage in the series.  Vancouver is sitting in 2nd place in the Pacific Division with Anaheim 12 points ahead of them and Calgary 4 points behind.  The Hawks should be in playoff mode by now and a playoff Blackhawks team doesn’t lose very often and almost never at home. 

Edmonton @ Los Angeles (-340)

LA is (and has been for sometime) in desperation mode.  They sit on the fringe of a playoff seed and a game against the Oilers is nothing short of a must win.  The Kings like to play physical.  That is the understatement of the year.  LA bangs bodies better than any team in the league probably.  Edmonton is young and small finess team that plays a fancy game full of mistakes.  Expect the Kings to come out shooting, crashing the net, and to make the game extremely physical.

Bonus Pick: OVER 5.5 (+105)

Saturday NHL - FULL SLATE

Saturday NHL - Let’s make some rent money.

Detroit +1.5 (-210) @ Smashville

Despite being first in the NHL right now, the Preds have dropped 3 of their last 5.  Detroit heads into the Music City having won 3 of their last 5 against some good hockey teams (Chicago, Dallas, & San Jose).  It should be a close game to say the least and Detroit should cover.  The Wings haven’t lost by more than 1 goal in a couple weeks.

Buffalo +1.5 (-135) @ Florida

The ole Sabres are on a 2 game heater right now and look to make it 3 tonight in South Beach.  Meanwhile the Panthers have dropped 4 straight.  This game has the potential to be more interesting than a lot of people might think.  Florida is right on the fringe of the playoff race, giving them something to work for.  Buffalo isn’t in playoff contention but they are in another race: the race for the first pick in the draft.  On top of that, the Buffalo brass have some decisions to make going forward on which players fit into the rebuild.  With the trade deadline approaching you can count on Buffalo’s players to be giving 100% and hoping to get picked up by a cup contender.  To summarize:  the South Beach Panthers might pull off a win on the back of Roberto Luongo but it won’t be a blow out.

Carolina +1.5 (-175) @ NY Islanders

Rolling with the Canes plus the points on the road here.  They’ve won a couple in a row and have been playing some solid hockey.  The Islanders are solid as fuck don’t get me wrong.  But I think we will see a 1 goal outcome tonight.  

Arizona @ Boston (-225)

Shitty line, shitty game.  Boston should win this handedly but they have been riding front seat on the struggle bus lately.  Basically Tuuka Rask will probably put on a goalie clinic and the Bruins will slip out with a 3-2 or 2-1 win.  

Toronto @ Montreal -1.5 (+120)

The Habs have been blowing out some good hockey teams lately.  This game should be a classic beat down of the Leafs handed out by the Montreal Canadiens.  Canadiens have been scoring abundantly and keeping pretty much everyone from scoring against them.  The Leafs are horrible.  It all adds up. 

NY Rangas (-125) @ Philadelphia

Rangers are battling with the Islanders for the division now.  The battle for NYC has taken on new meaning to say the least.  I like the Rangers’ offense a lot and they are “cap strapped” right now.  “What?” you ask.  It means there’s a handful of middle of the road forwards on the Rangers that are available for trade. The Rangers can’t afford the guys they currently have on the roster. Games like tonight, these guys are under the microscope and have the chance to increase their trade value as the deadline approaches.  

Saint Louis -1.5 (+135) @ Edmonton

Roll with Tarasenko and the Blues and thank me later.

NHL Mid Season Review

Top 10 NHL Halfway Headlines

It’s that time of year again hockey fans.  Take a break from shoveling your driveway and have a seat. It’s the midway point in the NHL season and I’ve got the Top 10 NHL Halfway Headlines for you.  Let’s just say this year hasn’t been short of storylines worth following.  It was tough to narrow the field down to 10 but I did my best.  

Starting from the bottom…

#10  Colorado in One Word: Regression

Just 9 months ago, in April 2014, the Avs finished the regular season 52-22-8 giving them a Central Division leading 112 points.  They had a great mix of veteran leadership and young talent coupled with solid coaching.  Their early exit in the playoffs was unfortunate for Avs fans but the future appeared to be overflowing with promise.  Clearly the team, lead by young guns, just needed another year to develop and playoff success would become the norm.  Then October rolled around…  and the Avalanche faithful watched in pain stricken awe as their team went down like the Hindenburg.  Winning just 4 out of their first 17 games, the Avs were once again amongst the bottom feeders in the NHL.  They have recovered somewhat since the first quarter of the season, but are no where near where they were last year.  As of right now Colorado is 19-17-9, just 5 losses short of their total for the entire season last year.  What happened in Denver?  While I don’t know what is going on in the locker room, I can tell you that there is a serious lack of production and possibly accountability from Colorado’s top forwards.  Last season Landeskog, Duchene, O’Reilly, and MacKinnon combined for 311 points; Halfway through this season they combine for 103 points.  These are 4 of the best players in the league.  Duchene in particular is putting up the worst numbers in his career.  Colorado won’t find success until those 4 guys step up.

#9  Seguin - Stamkos - Nash - Tarasenko 

The Rocket Richard Trophy will end up in one of these 4 players hands I can almost guarantee it.  These players are on top of the scoring race right now but they are all in entirely different spots in their careers.  Seguin has gotten better every year he’s been in the league and this year is no different.  He is on track to just break the 50 goal mark this year.  Nash is having one of his best seasons at the age of 30 and is on track to break the 50 goal mark for the first time in his career.  Vladamir Tarasenko is in his 2nd year in the NHL and currently making less than $1 million.  His scoring ability is off the chart.  He is setting an incredibly high bar for himself to live up to going forward in his career.  Last but not least, Steven Stamkos is having another Stamkos like year.  He’s a goal scoring machine who possesses the most lethal shot in the world when it comes to speed and accuracy.  However, Stamkos is still young (24 years old) and I would very much like to see him take his game to an even higher level and cement his legacy as one of the greatest scorers of all time.  

#8  The Islanders.

The team that finished last season with 79 points and dead last in the Eastern Conference is currently leading the Metropolitan Division and in 2nd place in the East.  The U-turn their franchise executed from last season is admirable.  They will undoubtedly make the playoffs this year and more than likely will have a high seed.  It will be interesting to see what happens.  Two good hockey teams in New York at once? Is that allowed? 

#7  Edmonton has gotten worse

After finishing last season dead last in the West with a 29-44-9 record, the Oilers are on track to do worse this year.  Their 10-26-9 record midway through this season has them on track to maybe win 20 games.  Probably not though since games only get tougher as playoffs get closer.  It’s becoming painful to watch. They’ve won 4 out of their last 30 games.  This team might lose to a D1 college team or a Major Junior team, no joke.  There is clearly some major issues going on within the organization and locker room.  This will be an offseason story to pay attention to.  Their roster is loaded with young talent that a lot of teams would love to get their hands on.

#6  Goaltending Situation in Detroit

This is a brand new story but worth paying attention to.  Jimmy Howard was taken off the ice on a stretcher last Saturday in Washington and an MRI revealed a slight tear in his groin muscle.  He will hopefully only be out 2-4 weeks but that remains to be seen.  Groin injuries can plague skaters for a long time and for goalies it’s even worse.  It’s an injury you absolutely cannot rush back from; until he really feels 100% he won’t be wearing a Wings’ jersey.  If it looks like it might develop into something beyond 2-4 weeks you better believe the Wings will be on the phone looking for a goalie to head into playoffs with.  

#5  Washington Heating Up

On December 2nd the Caps were 10-10-4 and having a pretty shitty season.  Fast forward to today, the Caps are 24-11-8 and right in the middle of the playoff race.  They’ve earned at least a point in 18 of their last 19 games.  That’s an impressive run if you ask me.  A large part of their success can attributed to Ovi peppering goalies on a nightly basis.  The guy has 204 shots on goal… 104 more than the closest guy on their roster.  Nevertheless, the Caps look like they’re ready to make a solid run for a playoff spot down the stretch.  Who knows what will happen in playoffs but I expect the Caps to be in there.

#4  Who can stop the Blackhawks?

The Hawks are hanging right around the top in the league.  They may have popped up on top for a couple days, I’m not sure, but they’ve managed to linger around the top all season.  They have the 2nd best goal differential in the league after Smashville.  The Hawks are going to be one hell of a tough out for any one in the post season.  With their roster and coach I would not be surprised at all if they won another Cup this year.  They have all the guys to do it and all of them have been there before.  If Detroit comes out of the East I think they would have the best shot at stopping Chicago in the finals.  Last time the two clubs met, an injury stricken Detroit team took the Hawks to Game 7 OT. A rematch would be great for hockey as a whole. 

#3  Bruce Boudreau and the Mighty Ducks

Okay Bruce.  Here were are again; You’re coaching a team who’s offensive weapons rival Russia’s nuclear arsenal and rolling through the regular season like it’s pond hockey.  Remember that team on the other side of the country you coached? The Caps team that finished the season with over 100 points 3 straight years and never did so much as make a Conference Finals appearance.  Well, you see the thing is Bruce, people are are talkin' and there’s some doubts about your “style”.  If the regular season was all that mattered, you might be the greatest coach since Bowman.  Unfortunately for you, that isn’t the case.  How many powerhouse teams have to head into the playoffs with a 1 seed only to be seen hitting the links 2 weeks later before serious questions must be asked?  Anaheim is too good not to make a deep run in the playoffs this year. Even in a highly competitive West.

#2  Turmoil in Toronto

With the recent firing of head coach Randy Carlyle, it’s safe to say troubles a’brewin in Toronto.  There’s reports of a divided locker room, rumors of a lack of respect for Captain Phaneuf, and some seriously pissed off fans.  I don’t know if you (the reader) are aware of this but hell hath no fury like a pissed off Leaf fan.  They are the Los Angeles Lakers of the NHL and like LA, are under constant scrutiny from every direction when the ship isn’t sailing smoothly.  There’s rumors that the organization is going to make a move for Mike Babcock when the season is over. Does anyone really think Babs is going to give up when he has in Hockeytown to assume control of the shit show in Toronto?  Furthermore, if the best plan Toronto has to fix their issues is the Hail Mary of landing Babcock then Leaf fans have good reason to get mad.  The club that was once the model franchise of the league needs to come up with solutions that are real and start turning the ship around today.

#1 Smashville.

A team that spent last spring on the golf course throwing back cold ones is on top of the hockey world half way through the season.  If you don’t know who I’m talking about it’s the Nashville Predators.  Smashville, as I and many others have come to call them, has trounced over opponents through the first half of the season.  They are not the team anyone wants to face right now and for good reason.  They have a monstrous goaltender in Pekka Rinne, an incredibly solid defensive core lead by Shea Weber, and a lethal offense.  On top of their already loaded offense, the addition of rookie forward Filip Forsberg makes them the team to beat.  Forsberg currently leads all rookies in scoring with 15 goals and 39 points.  Smashville is headed for a 1 seed and looking to make their first legitimate run at a Stanley Cup this spring.  Look out hockey world.