Jamaica was incredible!! However going from 32 Celsius to -30 in Thunder Bay in less than 24 hours is quite the shock to your system (that’s a 112 F change in temperature for those of you south of the border). Thunder spent the lasttwo weeks at my mother in laws where there is no hockey, so please forgive her picks for this week, and mine too. Still trying to get all that Appleton and Red Stripe out of my system. 10 games on the schedule.
Bugg isn't the only one moving this weekend; three players are booming onto the draft scene despite less-than-ideal circumstances. Find out who they are in today's Bugg Bytes.
The new and improved Eric Staal, avec "C."
A tough decision can be made easier with these charts showing you the best five and worst five schedules for upcoming seven-day periods. Some of you used them last year but for the benefit of new readers here is a refresher. The number next to the team indicates the 'multiplier' to use on a player's point-per-game pace to give you an idea how many points to expect for that week.
Earlier this season, I came down pretty hard on the Ottawa Senators franchise, so much so that I was accused of being a Toronto Maple Leaf fan! While I definitely do not bleed blue and white, one has to be impressed by the Senators confidence level and work ethic during their current seven game winning streak. To me, that is directly attributable to the coaching staff led by Cory Clouston.
Some quick notes - Patrice Cormier is suspended for the season and the playoffs for his much- talked about dirty hit. Also, Ales Kotalik and Erik Christensen will be scratched by the Rangers tonight. Dennis Wideman was a minus-4 yesterday and is minus-12 on the campaign. I really don't recommend him and I've been [...]
Spezza vs. Toews
What started as an innocent email from a reader has grown into a full-blown debate. In a keeper league that counted only points, who would you rather own? Jason Spezza of the Ottawa Senators or Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks. It is my position that Spezza is the better player to own, but that is clearly the opinion of the minority, given the overwhelming response.
One of the dissenters was McKeen’s contributor and old friend of DobberHockey Gus Katsaros. He suggested creating a piece on the subject, giving our different viewpoints. I thought it was a good idea, and so without further ado – Spezza vs. Toews…
Afternoon notes - Fleury is actually not starting today after all. He is the backup for Johnson today. Also, Jeff Carter, mentioned below, has already scored for the Flyers. Jeff Carter has 18 points in his last 13 games after another three last night. His pace is up to 69 and I think he'll [...]
My winning percentage stayed at the 70% mark last week. I correctly predicted a blowout victory and a shootout win. I got 7 out of 10 winning teams right. Not only am I getting the winners right, my analysis on what I think is going to happen and why I see it happening has been so spot-on it has been sort of freaking me out. I am in a hockey tournament this weekend in Niagara Falls so I am doing these picks late on Thursday night. I will look at some different angles for these games as I can’t read and research the same articles I usually do. EDIT: After writing this I just have to say, these are some very tough games this week, tread with caution.
A tough decision can be made easier with these charts showing you the best five and worst five schedules for upcoming seven-day periods. Some of you used them last year but for the benefit of new readers here is a refresher. The number next to the team indicates the 'multiplier' to use on a player's point-per-game pace to give you an idea how many points to expect for that week.
The Buffalo Sabres are 8-1-2 in their last eleven games and sit only two points back of the Eastern Conference leading Washington Capitals. The NHL’s most tenured Head Coach, Lindy Ruff has no true superstar to rely on, but he seems to be able to squeeze the most out of his charges year in and year out. This season, Buffalo’s best forward so far has been Tim Connolly and the top defenseman has been the rookie Tyler Myers.
