A starter loses a game. The backup wins the next one. Almost instantly, the word controversy seeps into my e-mail inbox, Twitter feed and Center Ice package. The term overwhelms my brain and pushes me to the edge of insanity. Only three weeks into the season and this trend has already happened with so many teams that I’m feeling nauseous, frustrated and annoyed.
(Finland's Joel Armia is a cool character both on the ice and off it.)
The first full month of the NHL season is winding to a close. However, despite some surprise slow starts, the bottom of the standings shows that some things never change- or at least don't in one season.
It’s great to have hockey back on again this year, and I apologize to the delay of our Saturday picks column as work has been crazy, and I’m finally in town to throw some numbers together. Last year had its share of ups and downs... let’s face it, more downs than ups, but this is a clean slate so hopefully things can start off hot. There are plenty of surprising teams to start the season, so I won’t be holding my breath this week. Thunder returns for a 3rd season and it’s come to the point that I have to lock my other dog out in order to even get these picks done in time. Hope everyone’s got a cold beer on hand for the 13 games scheduled this Saturday.
Taking Brett Connolly with the 6th overall selection was a bold pick for a new general manager.
There’s no disputing Connolly’s talent, but a pair of hip injuries last season that limited him to just 16 WHL games had teams concerned. That didn’t bother new Tampa Bay Lightning general Steve Yzerman, but it scared off a few other teams.
It is over the next week or two that we will start to see everyone’s schedule even out a bit and find out whether some of these supposed pretenders are actually contenders.
Earlier this week, my Western counterpart covered some early season success stories and discussed whether or not they were likely to continue lighting the lamp or crash and burn. I'll attempt to give you my take on the Eastern side of the house.
Several big names changed addresses this past summer. Ilya Kovalchuk signed a deal with the Devil (twice), Paul Martin stayed within the Atlantic Division by going to Pittsburgh, and Dan Hamhuis spurned both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to sign with his home province Vancouver Canucks. In addition to these three players, many more packed their respective bags this past summer. I figured it was time for a (very) early season update on how some of these new players are fairing with their new teams.
After more than a month of KHL play it’s easy to figure out who’s hot and who’s not among prospects.
This week, I thought I’d take a look at 10 hot starters from the West and give my prediction/analysis on whether or not their production will be sustainable for the duration of the fantasy season. (Thanks to Mike Hess for suggesting this idea in the comments section of the daily ramblings Monday)
In just nine days, Martin Brodeur has started all six games for the New Jersey Devils. That comes as no surprise to anyone. But his 1-4-1 record, 3.18 goals against average and .887 save percentage surely does. With his lone win coming by way of a 24-save shutout over the Sabres, the other five outings speak volumes to his downright dirty start. Mired in mediocrity, Brodeur’s numerous weak goals against has led many analysts to consider him a thing of the past.
For the more things change, the more he stays the same. And that, my fantasy friends, is the essence of Brodeur’s issues.
