The NHL's 2008-09 season got underway yesterday in the Czech Republic and in Sweden. In the Czech Republic, the New Yorks Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1. As my good friend Lyle Richardson mentions in blog on the game, it was not very entertaining, I agree.
Tampa Bay Lightning new ownership forgot one thing in their summer spree, Defense. They let go Dan Boyle and got weaker on the back end. With all due respect to Olie Kolzig and Mike Smith, they are not the solution. Ever since they let Khabibulin go, the Bolts have struggled in that part of their game, and will continue to. Of course top notch goaltenders are not easy to come by, when a team has one, teams keep them. Jose Theodore was available this summer, but they turned to Kolzig. I think in the short term, Theodore could of been a better asset than what they got now.
New York Rangers, are no better off this season than they were last season, but I think when the chemistry sets in, I think the Rangers have a good possible shot at a playoff spot. Of course that will depend if a third team from the NorthEast division squeezes in, that could make thing difficult. I would say that their matchs-up with cross state rivals New Jersey Devils will make or break their playoff hopes. It's just starting and we have a lot of hockey to play and no time to jump the gun.
The Ottawa Senators and the Pittsburgh Penguins met for the first time since last spring's quick elimination 4-0. The young Penguins drew first blood and quick, this in the first two minutes of play. The Senators then started the parade to the penalty box. In the first period alone, the Sens gave the Penguins a two man advantage, but Sid and his crew could not capitalize. They missed both Gonchar and Whitney on the point. Ray Shero could have to look outside the box for help. Could Bryan Berard be a short term solution, as he was released by Philadelphia yesterday. With both Gonchar and Whitney on the long term injury list, they can seek replacements and be over the cap by a portion of Whitney's salary and all of Gonchar's. They can go over by 2.7 million on Whitney's salary and can go the whole 5 m in Gonchar's case.
According to Kevin Lee, Alex Auld should get the start today against Pittsburgh for game two of the Stockholm tour. Not doubt with the win yesterday and having last line changes today, Michel Therrien will go back with Fleury again. So it should be an interesting game.
Enjoy. The North American part of the season starts on Thurday night. The defending Stanley Cup champions will be bringing up the banner in the Joe, to salute the 2007-08 cup run. The visitors will the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team that has not had that pleasure in 41 years, should be teeth grinding experience for the faithful of white and blue.
For all of you in Canada, you can see the game on Hockey night in Canada.
Tampa Bay Lightning new ownership forgot one thing in their summer spree, Defense. They let go Dan Boyle and got weaker on the back end. With all due respect to Olie Kolzig and Mike Smith, they are not the solution. Ever since they let Khabibulin go, the Bolts have struggled in that part of their game, and will continue to. Of course top notch goaltenders are not easy to come by, when a team has one, teams keep them. Jose Theodore was available this summer, but they turned to Kolzig. I think in the short term, Theodore could of been a better asset than what they got now.
New York Rangers, are no better off this season than they were last season, but I think when the chemistry sets in, I think the Rangers have a good possible shot at a playoff spot. Of course that will depend if a third team from the NorthEast division squeezes in, that could make thing difficult. I would say that their matchs-up with cross state rivals New Jersey Devils will make or break their playoff hopes. It's just starting and we have a lot of hockey to play and no time to jump the gun.
The Ottawa Senators and the Pittsburgh Penguins met for the first time since last spring's quick elimination 4-0. The young Penguins drew first blood and quick, this in the first two minutes of play. The Senators then started the parade to the penalty box. In the first period alone, the Sens gave the Penguins a two man advantage, but Sid and his crew could not capitalize. They missed both Gonchar and Whitney on the point. Ray Shero could have to look outside the box for help. Could Bryan Berard be a short term solution, as he was released by Philadelphia yesterday. With both Gonchar and Whitney on the long term injury list, they can seek replacements and be over the cap by a portion of Whitney's salary and all of Gonchar's. They can go over by 2.7 million on Whitney's salary and can go the whole 5 m in Gonchar's case.
According to Kevin Lee, Alex Auld should get the start today against Pittsburgh for game two of the Stockholm tour. Not doubt with the win yesterday and having last line changes today, Michel Therrien will go back with Fleury again. So it should be an interesting game.
Enjoy. The North American part of the season starts on Thurday night. The defending Stanley Cup champions will be bringing up the banner in the Joe, to salute the 2007-08 cup run. The visitors will the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team that has not had that pleasure in 41 years, should be teeth grinding experience for the faithful of white and blue.
For all of you in Canada, you can see the game on Hockey night in Canada.
