NHL: Eastern Conference Notes at the Olympic
Break - March 2nd 2010
by
Scott Rickenbach
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NJ - Ilya Kovalchuk should make an impact in March and
into the post-season. Also, Paul Martin's return will be huge
for the Devils blueline.
NYI - Still involved in the playoff hunt but better off
"tanking" and going for a spot in the draft lottery.
NYR - Depth is a concern for this team. They've gone
through the season carrying just six defensemen. Also, they've
been in need of an experienced back-up goalie. Young players on
the Rangers were wearing out as the Olympic Break approached.
They are not use to "the grind" at this level. Maybe the break
will help.
PHI - This team has a ton of talent but they don't have
guys that like to create traffic in front of the net. As a
result, the Flyers have gone through tough stretches where goals
have proven very tough to come by despite all their firepower up
front.
PIT - Even though they dealt with key injuries in first
half of the season, the Pens persevered. That is a tribute to
the depth of this team but, of course, they have a bull’s-eye on
their backs as the post-season approaches.
BOS - This could be a team to watch the rest of the way.
They are still "in the mix" and, after failing to meet high
expectations so far they could surprise some people with a
late-season run. This is still a very talented team but their
scoring has been the culprit so far. It seems that losing Phil
Kessel really impacted this team. Also, players that were big
scorers last season have dropped off in terms of production this
season. Injuries have also hurt this team and they did lose
depth from the blueline this season. Still, this talented team
could certainly have a run left in them...especially if with a
"run" of good health the rest of the way.
BUF - The Sabres special teams play has not been as
strong as hoped and until they add a proven blueliner that is
strong on the power play this could continue to be a concern.
MON - This team lacks size up front. Heavy turnover on
the roster has made for growing pains in Montreal too. It's hard
to have chemistry when a team is having turnover like the Habs
have had.
OTT - An 11 game winning streak before the Olympic Break
shows what this team is capable of. Look for their red hot run
to resume right after the break. The Senators would like a
little bit more size up front and, should that pan out, this
team could go even farther this spring!
TOR - Too thin at the forward spot. We do like what we've
seen from JS Giguere since coming to Toronto. However, they
really miss Mike Komisarek on the blueline. Penalty killing is a
major weakness especially at the center spot.
ATL - No more Ilya Kolvachuk means that scoring is a
concern for the Thrashers. Also, the goaltending has been
inconsistent as usual. The Thrashers invested so much in an
experienced blueline that they have ended up thin in other areas
and have invested heavily in their top defensemen.
CAR - With a youth movement on the way coach Paul Maurice
may no longer be the right fit here. Depending on which way this
team heads over the next week or two we could find out a lot
about what to expect going forward.
FLA - The Panthers have good depth defensively but it's a
different story on offense. Up front there are concerns,
particularly at center. Keep in mind Florida recently went
through a ten game stretch where they averaged just 1.2 goals
per game.
TB - Change in ownership means this could be a tough team
to gauge for awhile. If they remain in the hunt we could see a
focused effort from this group but if they start to falter it
could turn into freefall the rest of the way.
WAS - The Capitals offense is simply amazing and that
makes it hard to fade this team. When they face a goalie who is
"in the zone" that might be the only time to go against these
Caps. They are just loaded with firepower. If they get
goaltending there is no telling how far they could go this
spring.
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