First things first. The Blackhawks.
I've been getting all of my friends who are hockey novices coming up to me and asking "Man, what happened to the Hawks! They suck this year!"
Let's clearify that the Chicago Blackhawks are a long way from "Sucking". The Chicago Blackhawks sit at number 10 in the NHL after 26 games played. They are 8 points behind the Washington Capitals who have been playing a consistant brand of Hockey that Washington has come to know and love. Considering that we dumped half of our Stanley Cup winning roster and have had one of our leading point scorers sitting out quite a few of these first 26 games (and reports are saying today that he may be out quite a while again thanks to a practice mishap) I'd say we aren't doing great, but we could be worse. We've begun to find chemistry in our team, we found which goaltender is more deserving and we realized that no matter how hard we try John Scott just doesn't belong in the NHL. Either way, i'd like to know where Washington would be minus Alexander Ovechkin at this point in the season. Same goes for Pittsburgh with Sidney Crosby. This isn't me puffing out my chest or saying that those squads couldn't be where they are without those players, it's just something to think about instead of thinking that the sky is falling.
So i'm going to spread my love out to the NHL here.
I like to call this "NHL Roulette"
Philadelphia
I don't want to admit it. I'm sure i'll take greif for this but i have to say that the Philadelphia flyers may be the best team in the NHL this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see them in a cup final again this year. They have a brand of Hockey that is unique in today's NHL. They have grit, they have skill and they have size. They will run you out of your building and make you like it. Mike Richards, although not my favorite player cannot be denied his talent and ability as a leader on the ice and in the room.
Vancouver
Where do i begin? I thought you guys were going to be better this year. Picking up Hamhuis and Malhotra, you'd think it would be a no brainer! Too bad ol' greasy bob is phony. He may show off at times, but the guy is not a consistant goaltender. His numbers may say otherwise. I don't buy it. I've watched him pretty closely, seeing as he is an important key to a rival of my home team and really, he's unimpressive.
Montreal
Hot. White Hot. It feels as if they haven't lost a beat since they were sent home by Philly last year. I for one am not a gigantic Canadiens fan but it will make for some interesting hockey late in the year and especially in the playoffs.
Atlanta
You're Welcome. I know Andrew Ladd makes a great captain and even though we needed a couple of defenseman we gave you Dustin Byfuglien because Stan Bowman shit the bed. If i hear another Blackhawks fan tell me that Buff was "Lazy" or "Only a playoff performer" I will personally pull my pants down so they can kiss my ass. (On a side note, if you tell me Versteeg belongs here before Buff or Ladd, i will do the same.)
Detroit
Ugh. Healthy Detroit...Here we go again.
Pittsburgh
I can't wait for Sid the kid to outscore Ovechkin this year, maybe then i won't have to watch his ugly toothless mug on versus as much.
Columbus
Yeah great, too bad you can't win the Stanley Cup in November! We'll see where you guys are come playoff time.
Tampa Bay
Sorry about Vinny, but St Louis is awake again and that young'n Stamkos is going to be a superstar. You've got nothing to worry about...except not making the playoffs when you have the possible league points leader on your team
Dallas
You know, i don't really know a whole lot right now about Dallas' brand of Hockey, So i will rely on the the numbers. 23 games played, 29 points. Good enough for 6th in the NHL overall, you're doing something right. Also a shout out to Adam Burish, we miss you.
Rangers
Again, i feel the same way about new york as i do about Dallas. I haven't seen enough of you guys mentioned but what i will say is that you're sitting pretty with 29 points out of 26 games, Gaborik and Lundqvist...You've got a chance?
Phoenix
Not as hot as last year but till playing solid hockey. They're a different team from two years ago as one can see and they play fundamental hockey. I wouldn't doubt a playoff bid from them this year.
St Louis
Besides the fact that i have a deep Hatred in my heart for you and i can't stand David Perron for my own personal reasons, you're playing well. I do wish that you'd dress Cam Janssen when we dress John Scott so we can see some good old fashion head smashing and by that i mean his fist smashing your head.
Colorado
Sorry about Craig Anderson. I like him just as much as all of you do and he is no doubt a key to your winning ways. Young talent is in surplus on this squad and if you can find the right mix of veterans to plug in, you'll be a contender soon
Anaheim
Mediocre. Not terrible, not great. Just hanging on, hoping, waiting for a chance to make the playoffs.
Boston
Well Tim Thomas is doing his part, you'll be getting back Marc Savard soon...i'm sure you'd like to have more than 26 points at this part of the season but you've only played 22 games. I can't help but put more faith in any team from that town, i know Boston will do well and could be a big time sleeper in the East.
San Jose
Same as Vancouver..Phony. I have no faith in this team, they can only be relied on to choke. While they may light up the regular season, they will undoubtedly fail in the playoffs once again. Sorry Jumbo Joe, i like you, i really do.
Los Angeles
Young, Talented, a decent goaltender...still not enough? I think this team needs more time to figure it self out and then we shall see.
Minnesota
Well, Martin Havlat has been playing some great hockey and to me it seems as if the Wild are trying to stick to their low scoring, defensive trap game. It works, but it hasn't gotten them to the playoffs yet.
Nashville
Last in the Central division is like saying you were last in your class....from Harvard. This team is still good, they have the veterans and the know how to use them. Rinne is an outstanding goaltender, they just need something fresh down there. A big name would help, Sullivan isn't getting any younger and neither are his Vertebrae.
Carolina
Don't know enough about them, but that probably doesn't mean that they are doing very well. I know the Staal they have down there is the best out of the three and i like Cam Ward. That's about it for my knowledge on them.
Ottawa
Congratulations to Kovalev for scoring his 1000th point. I still don't know how Ottawa didn't win a cup ten years ago when they had every big name you could think of in the NHL
Calgary
Kiprusoff, poor guy gets ridden more then a rented mule. They burn him out down there. He keeps them alive in the standings though, i give him that. Rene isn't doing horrible either, Iginla is still a solid captain. They have some people going in the right direction, but it appears there are a few "Cement Shoes" still.
Buffalo
Without Ryan Miller in the net.....Who is Buffalo?
Florida
Somehow Florida has TWO hockey teams while Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Maine don't have a single one. This one could definitely use a move. Vokoun is the only ray of light left on this team.
Toronto
Well, you started out hot and showed a little bit of promise. I suppose for a team that will sell out the building even if you're #30 in the NHL it doesn't matter and that's where the Maple Leafs will always go wrong.
Edmonton
Congratulations on beating the Blackhawks twice at home and ruining one of my nights out this month. Too bad you can't beat any other team in the league. Just wait til the Bulin wall implodes. You'll be back at #30
New Jersey
One word. Kovalchuk.
NY Islanders
Guess Tavares wasn't the messiah afterall. Maybe Evander Kane would have been the better choice. Oh well, it's not like your expectations are that high anyway. Hate to say it, but you guys and Edmonton usually play for the best draft pick
Last but not least, my shorter, summary of the Chicago Blackhawks (Even though i typed an entire paragraph above)
Chicago Blackhawks
Let's see. I don't think that the Hawks were ready to have the target on their back that they do and on top of it, when you can't win at home people are going to begin questioning your ability. We're fighting tooth and nail to stay above .500 and that shouldn't be. Having Marian Hossa and Brian Campbell out for lengths of time this season did not help you and let's face it, no matter how many shots Boynton blocks he doesn't belong on the Blackhawks, or even in the NHL. Cullimore also. I think the Blackhawks need to realize that if you're going to put players on the ice who are going to make mistakes that cost you goals or games it should be your young players who can only get better and learn from the mistakes. Cullimore, Scott, Boynton...they aren't getting any better. Also, Marty Turco is a good goaltender, just not as good as Crawford.
So in summary, this is the NHL for the month of November. We are only beginning and i can't wait for Hockey to keep picking up. The NHL couldn't have picked a better slogan to this year "Questions Will Become Answers". That is the truth.
Also on a side note, i decided that Twitter..as much as i have no clue on how to use it will help spring this blog to life a bit. With that said, if you have something to say (Nice, Rude, or Neutral) or you have any questions for me i have multiple ways of contact now. I hope everyone enjoys their holidays and may you and your families be safe.
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