30 for 30 in 30 - Columbus Blue Jackets

**AS OF TIME OF WRITING**

TJ Molland: Alright Bik, round 2, the CBJ. *heavy sigh* I literally don't know where to start....because this team was SO bad last year. The only major stat the team wasn't in the bottom third in was shots for. GF, GA, PP, PK, all awful. They finished 9 points back from EDMONTON! I had higher hopes for this team last year, as exhibited when I drafted 3 Blue Jackets in my work hockey pool (#instantregret). Their GM, Scott Howson, has thrown their best player under the bus, made several poor trades to fix previously made bad trades, and still they are going to allow him to call the shots. It's good they are bringing back Richards as coach so they can see what he is capable of doing with a full off-season to prepare the team but it’s a small positive drowned in despaire. So long story short, there....uh....may be a bright side...?.....maybe?

You know what, I will actually say there is. Their defense is shaping up rather well. Lead by Wisniewski, Tyutin and Johnson the defense should be alright. But when your team features only three....yes THREE 15+ goal scorers, you aren't exactly putting together a winning formula. Oh hey look, I found a place for us to start! How are the CBJ going to fix their goal scoring woes? Draft? Free Agency? Trade Nash?

Bik Nizzar: Ummm.... can we just skip Columbus – seriously........ Oh man what a mess – When you write Wisniewski as 1 of the first things about their team – you know you have a bad team. Ok the good things: Jack Johnson is a solid piece and now he’s the lead d-man on the team. I’m not a big fan of his but even I’ll admit he performed way better than I thought he would in the short stint to end the season. Hopefully they don’t “Brassard” Ryan Johansen (and yes I just used Derek Brassard’s name as a verb). You hope his potential doesn’t become as ruined as Brassard’s. I like John Moore, played a bit soft this year but still too early to say he’ll make it or won’t. I like Matt Calvert and Boone Jenner + David Savard has been a pleasant surprise for that franchise. So they have a few pieces coming together but still a far cry from a full team.

As for the bad: Rick Nash.... He’s not bad – but the situation that Howson created is beyond terrible. Nash obviously doesn’t wanna be there – Howson played it as if the team doesn’t want him there. So for the sake of your franchise, you’ve gotta move him. If I were them, off to San Jose he goes. If you could get Pavelski and another piece I think you do pretty well in that trade. The thing is if you trade the face of your franchise, most popular player, etc, how do you replace that and keep the fanbase still supporting your team? A player like Yakupov might be able to do that, but the bad luck continues as they pick 2nd. And it just gets worse for them when you look at the goaltending. Yikes. Steve Mason was at such a high point coming off his Calder Trophy and he’s taken such a catastrophic fall that I’m calling him “Humpty Dumpty” from here on out. Maybe if Edmonton takes Yakupov they look to trade down to grab 1 of the 3 highly touted goalies..

TJ Molland: For a man wanting to skip CBJ you sure ran on for a while there. You mention their prospect pool and there is some talent there for sure. I won't say they can "Brassard" Johansen, because Johansen is actually a capable player. Brassard was rushed to save a franchise that he had no business saving. Johansen has enough raw talent to at least not collapse completely. It is no question this team needs to be turned over to the young guys now though. You pray that Edmonton takes a d-man and then you take Yakupov and start the new face lift.

Bik Nizzar: Truth be told – their first solution may very well be firing Scott Howson, but for whatever reason they seem  content sticking with him and letting this mess continue. Moving Nash, again is catastrophic but seems like it’s the end of the road and the only logical solution is to move him and replenish. To get Yakupov you could move up to #1 with Edmonton and snag him and still acquire another 1st rounder if/when you move Nash.  Still this team has so many holes and long-term projects that it’s more than likely gonna be another dark year for the Blue Jacket fan (singular; because I can’t imagine there’s more than one).  It is hard to gauge their lineup next year without Nash in it, so that makes it difficult to see what they should target in free agency. Veteran leadership to show some of the younger players the ropes to set them up in the future would be ideal. They should put themselves in the hunt for guys they don’t have to over-pay for again (see Wisniewski, James). I dunno if they can take chances on players like Lee Stempniak, Chris Kelly and hope they can replicate previous production. As you said, too many problems to solve in one year and I got a feeling we’ll be doing their game plan next year early as well.
 

30 for 30 in 30 - Edmonton Oilers

The Extra Period is going to tackle 30 game plans for 30 teams in 30 days over June before NHL free agency starts on July 1st. Here we will tackle all the problems that teams face and try and solve them.....sorry, not try.....just....solve them. So why don't we just jump into it:


**AS OF TIME OF WRITING**

Bik Nizzar: With the first overall selection in the TJ Molland and Bik Nizzar 30 Plans for 30 Teams in 30 Days..... We select the Edmonton Oilers –after all they’re usually 1^st overall, except of course for their on-ice play. How is the natural hat-trick of 1^st overall draft selections not a bigger deal?!?! Gretzky has 50 hat-tricks and now Steve Tambellini has 1. Seriously Oilers, there are 29 other spots in the draft you can pick– lets figure out how they can move out of this spot in the future. Actually give Tamby 2 hatty’s now... just released his 3^rd coach. Catching up to 99!!!

TJ Molland: I totally read that in a ring announcer’s voice slowly turning into your sarcastic tone haha. Tambellini has some real big questions to ask, and I think it comes down to these 3. What do you do with the first overall pick? (Trade it, defenseman, forward) What do you do about the defense? And who is going to be the man behind the bench? The Oilers have shown a lot of promise but this year in particular is going to decide their identity moving forward. Personally I think this is a time to get a structured coach with maybe a few veteran d-men signings to finally give this team a solid foundation to work with. No one questions their offense (20th despite missing Hall and RNH for long periods of time) but their defense needs an upgrade. It's time to tackle that problem.

Bik Nizzar: Let’s start with the coach because you gotta figure they sort that out before the draft. Why not just embrace their defensive ineptitude and play some fire-wagon hockey and beat teams 7-5? Now I don’t mean forget playing defense.... I mean – HIRE MARC CRAWFORD!!! (As I wrote that down I realized it's essentially the same thing) Seriously, who would you rather have around your young stars – Ron Wilson, Jacques Martin or Marc Crawford? Why not bring some flash and fun to your team and let your players enjoy playing hockey. But in reality it appears Brent Sutter is the lead candidate (Calgary Sun). And it does make a lot of sense. He’s got a good rapport with young players, obvious NHL experience, and perhaps best of all... He’ll be in Alberta.

TJ Molland: I love the idea of "fire-wagon" hockey or as I like to call it "Atlanta Thrashers" hockey. We will score 6 times a night and just hope you...uh....don't score 6 times? Might finally be the key that draws in free agents though. A high tempo offensive game with some freedom in the offensive zone. Finally a reason to go to Edmonton! Sutter does make a lot of sense as far as putting together a structured team that can compete night in and night out. If you are looking at the teams that made it far in this year’s playoffs you see that defense complimented with some offensive pieces is the formula. It would be thrilling to see Crawford coach again with high end offensive talent (a la Canucks early 2000's) but it just doesn't look like a winning formula in today's NHL. So let’s say Sutter is the man, you have to figure they finally go with a defenseman with the top pick? We have seen a lot of success with young d-men over the last couple years (Myers, Doughty, Del Zotto, Larsson). Murray or Dumba would be a nice piece to have.

Bik Nizzar: We’ll go Sutter until Kevin Lowe tells us otherwise.... (The Edmonton Journal did profiles on other candidates back in March... Click here, and here for some of my favourite candidates). Ok the draft. It seems CRAZY to pass on Nail Yakupov. A lot of teams struggle to find the pieces for secondary scoring... Now bringing in Yakupov doesn’t mean Edmonton will always score... but it does give them RNH, Hall, Eberle, Yakupov.... The pieces will be there, just up to them to produce. If they want to go defense though (which they should probably do, and I think they should do) I just don’t know how you don’t move back a spot. Murray or Dumba (I’d probably take Murray ahead of Dumba). Taking a d-man at #1, while makes sense for the franchise – it isn’t maximizing value. And the last thing you want is a fan base groaning when everything else seems optimistic (Youthful explosive core– new arena). Best player available or best for the franchise?

They can go Yakupov and try to sort their defense out via Free Agency. They’ve got cap space to work with currently with $42 million committed for next year (btw can’t believe they’re paying Horcoff until 2015 and 1 more year of Souray buy-out #winningstrategy). We can forget about Ryan Suter because he’s not going there, but there is a lot of buzz regarding 21 year old University of Wisconsin product Justin Schultz. Teams seem to think they’ve got the inside track on him (Detroit, Vancouver most notably), but he might not be a key contributor right away but really neither would Murray or Dumba. Here’s a thought, trade the 1^st overall pick – to say Pittsburgh for Jordan Staal.

TJ Molland: Makes sense to drop down a spot or two. You still get the player you want and probably some other asset in trading the #1 pick. Their defense does have enough parts already that they can fill the holes with free agency, but there isn't much top-end talent available in this year’s crop (Rozsival, Jackman, Kubina). Even more reason to take Murray. Realistically the Oilers should grab a couple of the middle of the pack defenseman such as Oduya or Carle to help the young players on the back-end mature and improve. Then they hope they can fight for a bottom playoff spot. As long as they can compete night in and night out you have to imagine that is the goal for this team. The Stanley Cup is still a few years away....which is scary to say because if they make the right moves NOW it may ONLY be a few years away.....As a Canuck fan it's going to be tough to watch their young stars improve, and get more dangerous as they start to become relevant again in the Western Conference.

I guess the last question to answer is who do you put between the pipes? Re-sign Dubnyk and finally hand the reigns to him?

PS: $5.5 million for Horcoffs 34 points as a now third line center.......eeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwww

Bik Nizzar: Carle is going to be the 2nd most sought after free agent defenseman after Suter, so if Edmonton were to somehow land him that would be a real coup on their part, I don’t see it happening though. I’m not a big Oduya fan, but I am a big Canucks fan – so sure let’s have the Oilers sign Oduya. Perhaps someone more like a Greg Zanon might fit their mold. There isn’t much in the UFA d-man pool. They’ll carry Whitney (who I think has a bounce-back year), Smid, Schultz, Barker, Sutton, Peckham, Teubert, Petry into next year. If you can add in some more stable depth plus a developmental d-man, (a Murray/Dumba scenario) I think that could be a viable NHL defense in 2 years time. Ideally it plays out that Teubert, Smid, Petry continue to advance, add 1 younger elite piece and you still have a Vet like Whitney.

If this were a multiple choice test and Devan Dubnyk was the question........ I would just choose “C” and hope I guessed right.

Some Scary Canucks Numbers

After the somewhat shocking first round exit by the Vancouver Canucks, I thought I would put on my stats-hat and take a look back at their last 10 playoff games. Now keep in mind these were the final five games against Boston in the SCF last year (after being up 2-0 in the series), and the five games against LA this year. I know the team had some different players but the core was pretty much the same, and as you can see, so were the terrible numbers.

Canucks last 10 playoff games:

• 2-8 record
• GF: 13 - including being shutout 3 times
• GA: 33 - Gave up 4 or more goals 6 times
• Have scored more than 1 goal only 4 times
• Given up 4 or more goals 6 times
• Lost last 4 home playoff games
• PP - 4/46 (8.7%)

And here are the leaders of this team over their last 10 playoff games:

H Sedin - 6 pts
D Sedin - 4 pts (7 games)
R Kesler - 3 pts
A Edler - 2 pts (has only been + once in last 10 games)
A Burrows - 1pt

Oh snap why did i do that Not that pretty. I am not here to imply that this team needs to be blown up or dismantled. I merely was looking at stats and was blown away with some of the numbers I saw. Curiosity escalated and now the sad reality is settling in. Just look at those ugly numbers.....look at them...


** All stats provided by nhl.com

TJ MOLLAND

How Crosby is hurting the Pens

They have been beaten on the ice, on the scoreboard and in their heads. The Pittsburgh Penguins have flat out come unraveled in their opening playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers. A big reason has to be their captain, and the best player in the league, Sidney Crosby.

First off I want to say it is good to see Sidney sticking up for himself. But there is one problem with that, and it has to do with the "code". It's an unwritten rule in hockey that every tough guy knows. Touch our superstar, and you will have to answer to me. Here's why it is hurting the Pens more than they know.

Each time Crosby gets involved in the post whistle scrums he is forcing one of his teammates to answer a bell they never rung. You love to see players sticking up for their teammates (especially when he is regarded as the best in the world) but is it worth the cost? You can almost directly attribute both of Letang and Adams game misconducts in game 3 to Crosby stirring the pot.

After Crosby took a couple whacks at Bryzgalov's glove after he covered the puck, a scrum ensued. No big deal it happens in playoffs. But then he sweeps Voracek's glove across the ice as he goes to pick it up. Alright, now you have to answer for your actions. Timonen slashes the stick out of his hands and they start to wrestle. Here is where Crosby is hurting his team. Letang knowing it's Crosby in there, feels the obligation to go and challenge Timonen and show him you can't do that to their superstar.

RESULT: Letang takes a game misconduct and is out of the game only 12 minutes in.

Late in the game, Crosby gets tied up with Scott Hartnell in another post-whistle scrum. Craig Adams is on the ice, and seeing Crosby in a tussel, feels the need to jump in and show Hartnell a lesson.

RESULT: Adams takes an instigator penalty and earns himself a game misconduct. Being in the final five minutes of the game he also received an automatic one game suspension.

That is two players directly linked to Crosby's actions, that were sent to the dressing room early. Not what you want out of your best player. It's one thing to have your teammates step up for YOU, it's another when you are putting them in positions that will hurt the TEAM.

TJ MOLLAND

Playoff Preview - West Edition

After breaking down the East we will shift gears out towards the West

#1 Vancouver v. #8 Los Angeles

Offense: The Canucks sit 5th in goals for while LA sat 29th. Not much to be said here. The Kings offense needs to find out what is going wrong and fix it if they have any hope of moving past this series. With D. Sedin out for at least game 1 the Canucks offense took a huge blow. The foot soldiers helped out during the regular season but the guys relied upon to score goals will need to make sure they are on their game too.

Advantage Vancouver


Defense: Here things are a little closer. The Kings finished with the better numbers but provide little offensively for the team. But the Canucks can ice 6 defensemen who all finished even or better in the +/- department. On paper you would take the Canucks but LA has found a way to make it work.

Advantage None


Goaltending: Two of the games elite will face off as Jonathan Quick will battle Roberto Luongo. Quick put up spectacular numbers this season and is a big reason the Kings even made the playoffs. Luongo has been stellar down the stretch and deserves to start amid the Canucks "goalie controversy". Goals might be tough to come by in this series

Advantage Los Angeles


Special Teams: The Canucks once again sit near the top in both PP and PK. Although they have had real struggles with the man-advantage lately they still finished 4th in the league. The loss of D. Sedin again plays a factor that could mean a big difference in this series. LA compares with a slightly better penalty-kill but their power-play was not as potent as had hoped.

Advantage Vancouver


X-Factor: The goaltending duel will be a major factor in this series. There is no doubt Quick can steal games for the Kings (which he will almost HAVE to do)and that is sometimes enough to steal a series. The Canucks can fall back to Schnieder if things go awry, but if it comes to that it might be too late.

Result:

Vancouver in 6

---------------------------------------------------------------------

#2 St. Louis v. #7 San Jose

Offense: When you get good goaltending you don't need to score much. Seems to have worked for the Blues. With no superstar scorers they rely on everyone chipping in when they can. San Jose counts on their superstars carrying the load with very little help from the bottom half of the roster. Neither team is known for their prolific goal scoring.

Advantage San Jose


Defense: Since Hitchcock took over the Blues and implemented his defensive style the Blues have ascended the ranks in the NHL. Shattenkirk and Pietrangelo both had breakout years not only offensively but defensively. The Sharks do a good job of blending good offensive point-men with stay-at-home staples. This series could be very tight checking and not break character.

Advantage St. Louis


Goaltending: Not very often do you have two of the top 5 goalies in the league. How that translates to the playoffs is not really known. It is likely Elliott gets the start as he had better numbers, although there is no real wrong choice here. Former Stanley Cup Champion Antti Niemi will once again be asked to carry the load for the Sharks. He knows what it takes and gives his team a chance every night.

Advantage St. Louis


Special Teams: Funny how the Sharks will have the second best PP yet the second worst PK. This can prove to be a difference maker for the Sharks. They need to capitalize on their chances and make sure they are playing disciplined hockey to not give the Blues a chance. Scoring could prove difficult against the #7 penalty-kill that the Blues possess, however St. Louis doesn't boast the most threatening power-play which is good news for SJ.

Advantage St. Louis


X-Factor: This could be the final year the Sharks core guys have a shot at a long run. After years of disappointment and mediocre playoff performances they are starting to see the window close. Just sneaking into the playoffs this year might be the awakening the veterans need to realize how short that window can be. They need to finally show some battle and heart.


Result:

St. Louis in 5

---------------------------------------------------------------------

#3 Phoenix v. #6 Chicago

Offense: Chicago has an explosive offensive core with lots of individual talents who have been here before and know what it takes to win. Not having Toews to start the series is concerning, although the Blackhawks have scored fine without him. Phoenix's coach Dave Tippet somehow in someway makes average players play above their heads. But with only three 20 goal scorers it will have to be done by committee in the offensive zone.

Advantage Chicago


Defense: Phoenix plays a tight checking real defensive game and that is what allows them to win games. They won't get much offensive production out of the top 6 D but you can bet they take care of business in their own end. The Blackhawks struggled for much of the year in their own end. Not certain individuals just as a whole. The addition of Oduya at the deadline helps stop the leaking for now.

Advantage Phoenix


Goaltending: Mike Smith went from castaway to stealing the show. The Phoenix netminder put up outstanding numbers in his first year with the club. Chicago meanwhile continues to try and find a solid number one guy. Crawford has had some shakey moments and Emery provided times of relief but did not steal the job away. This could be Chicagos real downfall.

Advantage Phoenix


Special Teams: Both teams PP ranked in the bottom 5 in the league, more of a surprise for Chicago than Phoenix. The difference comes in PK numbers. The Hawks finished again in the bottom 5 but it was the Coyotes who have the only special team not dwelling in the cellar, sitting 8th in PK. Both teams will be hoping for lots of 5-on-5 action.

Advantage Phoenix


X-Factor: Chicago needs to plug the holes in the back end that are nearly sinking the ship. Good news is they aren't facing a potent offense. If that offense starts to score more than it should the Hawks could find themselves not making it out of the first round for a second straight year. Their experience will have to make up for the poor defensive display this year.


Result:

Chicago in 6

---------------------------------------------------------------------

#4 Nashville v. #5 Detroit

Offense: Both teams put up similar numbers offensively this season. This is new territory for the Predators who are normally offensively lacking. The late season addition of Radulov adds more firepower to an already balanced attack. Detroit still has claim to two of the most gifted forwards in the league in Zetterberg and Datsyuk but the supporting cast has done more than it's share this year.

Advantage Detroit


Defense: The bread and butter for the Predators, who have the best shutdown pairing in Suter and Weber. With most of the team bought into the defense first mentality it becomes very difficult to score. Lead by the immortal Nick Lidstrom and Selke staple Datsyuk, goals have just always been difficult to score against the Red Wings.

Advantage Nashville


Goaltending: Pekke Rinne has established himself as a top 3 goaltender in this league. Night after night he gives his team the chance to win. He is a big body who can move quick, a deadly combination for a man stopping pucks. Howard has had a good year as well but he doesn't seem to steal games the same way Rinne has been known to do.

Advantage Nashville


Special Teams: Nashville is one of the few teams that can claim top 10 PP and top 10 PK. A big reason for their success is the way they win games in every department. There are very few weak spots on this Nashville squad. Detroit on the other hand struggled in both aspects of the special teams this year not finising in the top half in either. A real contrast between the two teams.

Advantage Nashville


X-Factor: Nashville has put a lot of it's eggs in one basket this year in hopes they can finally make a deep playoff run. It is just unfortunate that they have to start the run against a team that noone can remember the last time they DIDN'T make the playoffs. They need to stick to their game and their system and if they do that they shouldn't have too much trouble with a Red Wings team that is starting to show it's age.


Result:

Nashville in 7

TJ MOLLAND

Playoff Preview - East Edition

Thought I would take the time to do a quick break down of what to expect for the 2012 NHL Playoffs. Let's start with the East.

#1 New York v. #8 Ottawa

Offense: The Rangers didn't have to rely on heavy scoring to win games, and they probably won't rely on it much in the playoffs. Ottawa on the other hand is the opposite. A run-and-gun shoot 'em up style that earned them the 4th best offense in the league. But it's a lot different when you shoot on Henrik Lundqvist night in and night out.

Advantage Ottawa


Defense: The blue-shirts are one of the top shot blocking teams in the league and boasted the 3rd best defense in the league. Ottawa on the other hand struggled to keep the puck out of their net. If defense wins championships this pick becomes a no brainer.

Advantage New York


Goaltending: Despite Senators goalie Craig Anderson posting 33 wins, his offense bailed him out on most nights. His numbers aren't awful but they will need him to step up his game for any chance of an upset. At the other end of the rink the most consistent goalie in the NHL, "King" Henrik. A GAA below 2.00 and a SV% of .930 are mind blowing for a man who started 62 games.

Advantage New York


Special Teams: The contrast between offensively driven and defensively sound also shows up in the Special Teams debate. Ottawas PP finished just outside the top 10 but their PK finished in the bottom third. The opposite for the Rangers who struggled real bad on the PP but posted a top 5 PK.

Advantage None


X-Factor: This series will ultimately be decided by who can compensate most for their faults. The Rangers need to find a way to score, while the Sens need to make sure they aren't giving up too many chances like they are prone to do.


Result: When it comes down to it defense does win championships. So you have to like the Rangers. They contended for the Presidents Trophy for a reason.

New York in 5

---------------------------------------------------------------------

#2 Boston v. #7 Washington

Offense: Lots of punch in this series. The Bruins boast one of the deepest offensive lineups in the league while Washington goes to it's heavy hitters in a top heavy offense. One has to wonder what the Caps will do if the Bruins manage to shut down Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin.

Advantage Boston


Defense: The Bruins are once again one of the perennial shutdown teams in the league. With Chara leading the D corps and Bergeron once again getting Selke talk it's tough to score goals on them. Washington once again struggled in their own end and it's a big reason they just squeaked into the playoffs.

Advantage Boston


Goaltending: Since he refused to go to the White House Tim Thomas has struggled. His numbers were still good and if he falters Rask can step in seamlessly. Washington is down to Braden Holtby will get the nod for the Caps, due to the fact Vokoun and Neuvirth are both hurt. Not what you want come this time of year.

Advantage Boston


Special Teams: Neither team had exceptional years in the special teams department. But when it comes down to it, Boston still finished in the top half of the league in both PP and PK, while Washington finished in the bottom half.

Advantage Boston


X-Factor: Can Ovechkin find that next gear. Not that he has been a BAD playoff performer, he just needs to be more of a factor. You can bet he and Chara will get lots of face time and from what I have seen lately from Ovi, I will take Chara.


Result:

Boston in 4

---------------------------------------------------------------------

#3 Florida v. #6 New Jersey

Offense: Don't expect this to be a high scoring series. Neither team is known to light the lamp and when they do it is from the same company every time. Florida relies too much on offense from the defense which may be the downfall come playoff time. The depth just isn't there.

Advantage New Jersey


Defense: Both teams found ways to win games by not giving up a whole lot of goals. It was the sole reason the Panthers made it to the top of the division. While it may not have been elite defending it was good enough. The Devils core is full of stay at home defenders and when the other team has troubles scoring, you don't need to worry about match ups.

Advantage New Jersey


Goaltending: On one end you have one of the best of all time, and at the other you have a goalie resurrecting his career. Martin Brodeur has not put up the numbers he once did but the man has been here time and time again. The questions will come from whether or not Theodore has become a goaltender who can win a series for his team. Because he will likely have to.

Advantage New Jersey


Special Teams: The PP for both teams produced well, the difference comes in the PK. While the Devils have the top PK in the league, the Panthers struggled finishing near the bottom of the league. If NJ gets the PP going there may be no way to stop the bleeding for the Panthers.

Advantage New Jersey


X-Factor: Florida was cut and pasted together in the off season while surprising many with their Division win, and their first playoff appearance in 10 years. The Devils don't boast the once veteran squad that earned them many Stanley Cup Finals appearances but have enough to keep the team in check.


Result:

New Jersey in 6

---------------------------------------------------------------------

#4 Pittsburgh v. #5 Philadelphia

Offense: Malkin, Crosby, Neal, Giroux, Hartnell, Jagr. The talent is endless up front for these teams. There will be no shortage of fire-works in what should be the most exciting series of the first round. The simple math of it is, when you have Crosby and Malkin, it's tough to bet against your offense. Phili's depth is impressive enough to compete but the Pens have the slight advantage.

Advantage Pittsburgh


Defense: The Flyers were hit hard by the injury bug on the back-end and it showed. But some late season additions and the impressive showing from several of their depth players has kept them in contention. Bad goaltending at the beginning of the year was a real factor in their poor GAA. The Penguins did not play as defensively well as they had hoped and it could be troublesome against a deep Flyers team.

Advantage Philadelphia


Goaltending: MA Fleury had another strong season. Not the numbers he would like to see but stellar enough. On the opposite end of the rink the biggest goalie signing of the off-season took a while to find his stride, but the final few months of the season showed why he was worth the money.

Advantage Pittsburgh


Special Teams: Pittsburgh finished in the top 5 in both PP and PK. Impressive considering they missed Letang and Crosby for lengthy periods of time of the year. Philadelphia finished with the same PP% but finished WAY back in the PK department. An issue that is sure to come up against a Pens squad that is dangerous on the man-advantage.

Advantage Pittsburgh


X-Factor: Playing the same people every second night for two weeks is going to generate some hate. It's already here with this series. It is going to get violent, it is going to get ugly and I feel bad for whoever manages to stand atop the rubble at the end. Whoever can keep their focus and discipline will win the series.


Result:

Philadelphia in 7


TJ MOLLAND

Time for a change at HNIC

Earlier this week the Globe and Mail uncovered what most of us already knew....people are not happy with CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. Thing is it wasn't just the fans. It is the NHL's Canadian teams that are also feeling aggravated.

Being from the West coast it is almost natural that I have a negative bias towards the CBC (DAMN YOU TORONTO!! *Shakes Fist*), But I will try and take the neutral middle path. There are two obvioius concerns that seem to come up regularly. Coach's Corner being a pedestal for whatever angers Don Cherry that week (no holds barred) and the number of games each team is alotted over the year.

I'll try and keep my Coach's Corner rant to a minimum because I'm sure most of you agree. It's time for Cherry to retire. In the Globe and Mail article it states that CBC loses over 600k viewers during the first intermission. For some shows that can be your ENTIRE audience. Which shows that as great as he has been (and he was great despite his tunnel vision views) it's time for a fresh face.

The game has changed a lot since he coached/played....but his opinions have not. The analysis, critiques and angry tirades that were once relevant are not anymore, and people have just started tuning him out. So he has started stirring controversy where there is none. It's time for a fresh face with new opinions and other ridiculous ideas.

Point number two I thought was only a Western problem but apparently it's not. Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is unahppy with the broadcast schedule for HNIC. It is no surprise Toronto and Montreal lead the way, while other teams take a back seat. In fairness Ottawa was not supposed to be any sort of contender this year, and being a smaller market it would have been tough to generate interest. At the time, the right move.

We also forget that despite our tax dollars paying for it, the CBC is a BUSINESS. They want to make money just like any other business. To do that you offer to your advertisers the largest market possible, the Maple Leaf and Canadiens fan bases. Unless it is a Vancouver v Toronto game, the Maple Leaf audience will ALWAYS draw a larger viewing. And with a Vancouver fan base that is unhappy with HNIC and tending to tune out, it makes more sense to broadcast a Leafs game versus a Canucks game. (ditto for Edmonton/Calgary)

Here is why I have no problems with the broadcast schedule. The fewer games I have to watch on CBC the better. There broadcast as a whole is far inferior to that of Sportsnet and TSN. Their broadcast team is an old gentlemans club. Great broadcasters, just many beyond their time and others with no personality. I find it hard to get excited during a CBC broadcast. We don't get any insider information or breaking stories, and if somone starts to show some character they get the choke chain.

HNIC has Canadian hockey fans in their palms. It is a tradition, and just feels right sitting with your friends/family/rivals on a Saturday night and watch 6 hours of hockey. Show the fans that you care. It is time to make changes, improve the broadcast, don't be afraid to stir the pot (that isn't an old man trying to start an argument for the sake of argument) and show the fans that HNIC can and will be a tradition for years to come.

TJ

five4five March 4 w/ Bik Nizzar

This weeks five4five with Bik Nizzar (@stretfordbik). We cover:

- Winners of the NHL Trade Deadline
- Loser of the NHL Trade Deadline
- New Orleans Saints "Bounty"gate
- MLB expanding it's playoffs

five4five Feb 16 w/ Dave Dickson

This weeks five4five with Dave Dickson(@Dave_T_Dickson). We cover:

- NE Division Trade Deadline Preview
- Central Division Trade Deadline Preview
- Rick Nash
- SI Polls calling out the Maple Leafs
- Jeremy Lin and the LINsuing LINsanity

five4five - Feb 11 w/ Bik Nizzar

This weeks five4five with Bik Nizzar (@stretfordbik). We cover:

- NW Division Trade Deadline Preview
- SE Division Trade Deadline Preview
- Relocation
- Concussions
- Peyton Manning finding a home.