Before each season begins, people often make their picks for who will rule the standings and who will tank based on changes from the off-season and injuries. Someone forgot to mention to everyone on planet earth that moving the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg wouldn't change who they are at the core. They are still looking like the Thrashers of yesterday with a new logo and name slapped on them. At least the moving trucks did in fact lose those ugly ATL jerseys on the long ride up north. Hopefully someone in the front office will wake up and make some type of personnel change by the trade deadline. Of course the people of Winnipeg are so damn excited they have a hockey team of their own again, they might not notice if they finish in the bottom of the standings a la the Thrashers of yesteryear.
Moving on. Goalie issues were a hot topic this off season and the Phoenix Coyotes lost Ilya Bryzgalov (to Philly and it's parks) and in turn named Mike Smith the starting goalie for opening night. No pressure since the teams current owner is the league and want to find a buyer like yesterday. Since there was no pressure, he let 6 goals in. Of course there was 52 shots on him since the entire team in front of him forgot the season began. Can't blame it all on the goalie. They can only go up from here. I think. I hope.
And in other goalie news, Islands long-term investment Rick DiPietro isn't starting the season. When he does start that season, that will be news. If he ever plays half a season, the Islanders might feel semi-good about having signed him till he retires and enough cash to sink the Titanic. In the meantime one of the underpaid and over worked backups will start. I think DiPietro technically could be considered the best paid backup goalie. Ever.
Coming back from season ending knee surgery, the Devils' Zach Parise made his mark known scoring 2 goals and trying to right the ship of the Devils and not begin this season like last.Brad Richards also got his first goal for the NY Rangers, showing everyone exactly why he was the prized free agent this off season.
Jordan Staal is having hydration issues per the Penguins, which means what exactly?! The next day it was reported his foot might be tweaked. Fancy way of hiding something or throwing people off their scent? Maybe, maybe not. The Penguins are like the international men of mystery at times. The newest rumor is Crosby should be cleared this week for contact after meeting with the doctors. After he's cleared for contact, I assume he will presume his mission of destroying NHL records which was abruptly ended thanks to David Steckel knocking him out in the Winter Classic.He's been on the bench for 10 months now, the longest time off the ice since he learned to skate (assuming here but it seems like it would be accurate). I'd guess nothing would make him happier than coming back better than ever.
Finally imagine one day your the Captain of the Buffalo Sabres and a few seasons later your the oldest player on an ECHL team. This is the life of Craig Rivet. After spending the last season in Columbus with the Blue Jackets, he made the choice to play for the Elmira Jackals (ECHL team names are strange to say the least) and they have welcomed him with open arms. At least he made the decision himself, but my god. Going from the top-tier in US hockey to basically playing with 18 year old kids that are trying to make a name for themselves. At least he will be a wealth of knowledge for them, like their own skating encyclopedia.
BTW, it's only Monday and I'm ready for the weekend. Going to be a longgggg week. Yikess
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