Sorry for the late posting, just bogged down with work.
NYI/Leafs - Bizarre game, Leafs dominated the first period and then the Isles skill took over and capitalized on numerous turnovers by the Leafs in the defensive zone. I figured this Leafs team would have a letdown after the Pens, they definitely dont know how to be consistent and until they can show me that consistency they are a great go against team after a big win.
Rangers/Flyers - I should have known better than to bet on this Rangers team. Plain and simple.....I have said it a few times but they have a target on their back and everybody is ready for them. The Rangers are going to see the oppositions best effort night in and out.......and they clearly have shown that they arent ready for this type of pressure. They are giving up a ton of shots, something that was their identity last year.......one of the best defensive teams, in 4 games so far......they arent anywhere near the same team. Lets see how they are at the 12 game point.
Habs/Caps - As I stated a few days ago......Ovechkin is nowhere near the same player of 2 years ago. He looks very slow......average and has no burst......his first 3 steps used to be so explosive, his trademark......now he is just like most NHLers. Nothing stands out in his game. The entire Caps team has no identity and the Habs jumped on them early and often. They are playing their system far better than I thought they would this early on in this season.
Sens/Panthers - Anderson stole this game for Ottawa. Florida played much better this time out but still couldnt finish. Anderson made at least 4-5 gamesaving saves. The Sens defense continues to get involved offensively and the secondary scoring is carrying this team now. Florida on the other hand has been giving up a ton of shots......Theodore has played very well for them and has kept them in most of their games.
Sabres/Hurricanes - Canes finally got a big game fro the Staal brothers, something I mentioned they needed to have happen in my thread yesterday. Enroth was average in goal for the Sabres and Ward still wasnt anything great for the Canes. He is going to have to get much better if this Carolina team is going to contend.
Preds/Blues - I saw the last 5 minutes of this game......listened to the commentators talk about how well Redden played with Pietrangelo as his defense partner. Blues are nails at home!
Jackets/Avs - Jackets youth has shown the last 2 games in blowout losses. It will be interesting to see how they respond on this brutal roadie they are on. Avs capitalized on their chances and basically rolled over a team that seems overmatched most nights.
Hawks/Stars - Hawks got off to a slow start......but really turned it on in the 3rd and then OT. This is a team that seems to be able to flick the switch when needed. Dallas played not to lose in the 3rd and OT, it showed! Hossa is such a horse!
Kings/Oilers - Oilers score with less than 5 seconds to go and then early in OT......after the Kings played what I thought was a methodical road game. They did all the small things correct but were downright awful on the PP going 0 for 8 but their PK was terrific killing 8 of 9 games. The Oilers youth really came through......but the hotdogging by Yakupov has to stop fast.......he is going to rub alot of players the wrong to go for a slide almost the length of the ice after tying the game.......I can only guess Don Cherry is going to off on Sat. night!
Yotes/Sharks - Yotes are going to have to hope that Mike Smith is back in goal soon......because those 4 gaols in less than 10 minutes by SJ did them in! Tippett's teams are terrific holding a lead 3-1 in the 3rd but they fell apart last night. Thornton, Havlat and Marleau switched it into another gear!
NYI/Leafs - Bizarre game, Leafs dominated the first period and then the Isles skill took over and capitalized on numerous turnovers by the Leafs in the defensive zone. I figured this Leafs team would have a letdown after the Pens, they definitely dont know how to be consistent and until they can show me that consistency they are a great go against team after a big win.
Rangers/Flyers - I should have known better than to bet on this Rangers team. Plain and simple.....I have said it a few times but they have a target on their back and everybody is ready for them. The Rangers are going to see the oppositions best effort night in and out.......and they clearly have shown that they arent ready for this type of pressure. They are giving up a ton of shots, something that was their identity last year.......one of the best defensive teams, in 4 games so far......they arent anywhere near the same team. Lets see how they are at the 12 game point.
Habs/Caps - As I stated a few days ago......Ovechkin is nowhere near the same player of 2 years ago. He looks very slow......average and has no burst......his first 3 steps used to be so explosive, his trademark......now he is just like most NHLers. Nothing stands out in his game. The entire Caps team has no identity and the Habs jumped on them early and often. They are playing their system far better than I thought they would this early on in this season.
Sens/Panthers - Anderson stole this game for Ottawa. Florida played much better this time out but still couldnt finish. Anderson made at least 4-5 gamesaving saves. The Sens defense continues to get involved offensively and the secondary scoring is carrying this team now. Florida on the other hand has been giving up a ton of shots......Theodore has played very well for them and has kept them in most of their games.
Sabres/Hurricanes - Canes finally got a big game fro the Staal brothers, something I mentioned they needed to have happen in my thread yesterday. Enroth was average in goal for the Sabres and Ward still wasnt anything great for the Canes. He is going to have to get much better if this Carolina team is going to contend.
Preds/Blues - I saw the last 5 minutes of this game......listened to the commentators talk about how well Redden played with Pietrangelo as his defense partner. Blues are nails at home!
Jackets/Avs - Jackets youth has shown the last 2 games in blowout losses. It will be interesting to see how they respond on this brutal roadie they are on. Avs capitalized on their chances and basically rolled over a team that seems overmatched most nights.
Hawks/Stars - Hawks got off to a slow start......but really turned it on in the 3rd and then OT. This is a team that seems to be able to flick the switch when needed. Dallas played not to lose in the 3rd and OT, it showed! Hossa is such a horse!
Kings/Oilers - Oilers score with less than 5 seconds to go and then early in OT......after the Kings played what I thought was a methodical road game. They did all the small things correct but were downright awful on the PP going 0 for 8 but their PK was terrific killing 8 of 9 games. The Oilers youth really came through......but the hotdogging by Yakupov has to stop fast.......he is going to rub alot of players the wrong to go for a slide almost the length of the ice after tying the game.......I can only guess Don Cherry is going to off on Sat. night!
Yotes/Sharks - Yotes are going to have to hope that Mike Smith is back in goal soon......because those 4 gaols in less than 10 minutes by SJ did them in! Tippett's teams are terrific holding a lead 3-1 in the 3rd but they fell apart last night. Thornton, Havlat and Marleau switched it into another gear!
