Toronto: Who would want the job ?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are on an another skid, and of course, the vulchers are out. When you look at the situation, who in his right mind would want to take on a sinking ship ? And if they do decide to can Ferguson jr and Paul Maurice, will the people coming in, make it a better team ? I doubt it.

I can tell you right off the bat,eliminate Scotty Bowman, he is not interested. Do the same with Steve Yzerman, as he is being schooled to take over in Detroit, which is and has been the sunnier side of the moon for sometime now. Who is left ?

A poll in the Toronto star, shows that Colin Campbell and Steve Yzerman would make the best pairing. Glen Healy and Mark Messier, came in second. It’s no time to bring in on the job trainees. No too many experienced candidates for the GM position. For the coaching position, you may have better luck. Would you want to bring back a coach that you have fired before?

All of this, the circus atmosphere,has to surely bring back old memories, you remember when Harold Ballard was running the show. Not much different, just different actors and different times, same old show.The Ballard show ran for over twenty years, how long will the sequel run for ?

Forbes NHL team valuation

The famed financial magazine released it's NHL team valuations last week.To nobody's surprise a big market team came in first, the Toronto Maple Leafs were valuated at 413 million. The Toronto club is owned by the Ontario teachers pension plan, who bought them in 1994 for 102 million. The Nashville Predators came in last at 143 million, the Predators are in the middle of being sold. Besides Toronto, two other canadian market teams are in the top ten. The most storied franchise in the history of the NHL, the Montreal Canadiens are fourth, at 283 million and Vancouver comes in ninth at 211 million.

Canada's small market franchises come in at number 14, 18 and 20. The Ottawa Senators are valuated at 186 million, the Calgary Flames are at 164 and Edmonton at 157 million.When you tally up everything, the average valuation for an NHL franchise,is 200 million. Two thirds of the league franchises are below that average.

In order to establish the salary cap limit, the NHL adds up the total revenue of its clubs. The total that established this season's 50.3 million cap limit, is 2,436 billion, the average comes to 81.2 million per club. The Toronto Maple Leafs came in first, at 138 million. The New York Islanders came in last with a total of 60 million in revenue. Nineteen of the leagues thirty franchises are below the 81.2 million average.

In 2006-07, the Toronto Maple Leafs paid out 49 million in salary to the players (not cap numbers).Which represents 35.5 % of it's total revenue. At the other end of the spectrum, the New York Islanders paid out 45 million is salary, which represents 75% of it's total revenue.Because their are in the New York market, they are not eligible for revenue sharing.

The other canadian markets paid out as follows:The Montreal Canadiens, 46 million for 42.2 % of it's total revenue to the players. The Vancouver Canucks also paid out 46 million in salary for 48% of it's revenue. Ottawa followed Montreal and Vancouver and paid 46 million in salary for 49.4% of it's total revenue of 93 million.Calgary dolled out 46 million also, for 60% of the 77 million in revenue. The Edmonton Oilers forked out 42 million of it's 71 million to the players, for 59.1 %. All monies mentionned here are in US currency.

Remember when Gary Bettman mentionned that the lockout was necessary in order to make the game more affordable to us the fans ? It was a little white lie.Daniel Tolensky at hockeybuzz, has a good piece on this.

Let's take a look at how much an average ticket cost in the different canadian markets. The average ticket price in Toronto is 70 $. In Montreal, it's 57$. In Vancouver it's 59$. The average ticket price to see the 2007 cup finalist, the Ottawa Senators is 46$. In Calgary it's 47$. The average price to see the 2006 cup finalist, Edmonton Oilers, is 52$.

Enjoy your Sunday, if you drink, don't drive, save a life and take a cab.

The D-men lead in ice time

If you have taken a look at the stats lately, you surely noticed that defensemen are leading the ice time given by the 30 coaches in the NHL. You have to slide your cursor down to 14^th spot before you see a forward. That honor goes to Brad Richards of the Tampa Bay Lightning. If you slide down an another 7 spots, you will notice Martin St.Louis. In the 26^th spot, you will find Ottawa Senators captain, Daniel Alfredsson. Only three forwards are among the first 30 for ice time in the league so far. The Leader in this fine group, is François Beauchemin of the Anaheim Ducks,who has played on average close to 30 minutes a game, and the same is true for his teammate, Chris Pronger. In the top 10, only four come from the Western conference.

Among the forwards, as mentioned earlier, Brad Richards has been the forward getting the most ice time. On average, Richards plays close to 25 minutes a game, his teammate Marty St.Louis has an average of 24 minutes playing time. In the top ten, only two players come from the Western conference. An important part of hockey, is the hits, as in bodychecks. Dustin Brown of Los Angeles is leading in that department. Calgary’s Dion Phaneuf and Montreal’s Mike Komisarek are leading the defense corps in hits. Of course, if you want to take away scoring chances from your opponent, you block shots. Ottawa’s Anton Volchenkov and Habs Komisarek lead the way in that category. In the top 10, only 3 defensemen come from the Western conference.

A good road trip should help and ...

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be hitting the road to play 7 of their 8 next games. On the road they will be making stops in : Pittsburgh, New York (Rangers), come home for one game vs Washington, then go back and meet the Devils, Canadiens , Senators and Sabres before meeting the Rangers on November 10th in Air Canada Center. A 4-3 road record would not be so bad, as things improve on the defensive of their game. A weaker record, would be a disaster waiting to happen. We shall see.

How come every time a Gm leaves his office and attends an another team's game, rumours start flying. Bob Gainey was seen at the Rangers and Pens game. He could be for anything, who knows, the Canadiens Gm has never been one to tip his hand, and won't start now.

Laughable rumours and ...

On Hockeybuzz.com, Eklund the anonymous blogger, posted a rumour that the San Jose Sharks are interessed in obtaining Boston Bruins giant size defenceman, Zedno Chara. I think Mr.Eklund forgot about Chara's no trade clause, and that it is in effect for the whole life of the contract.

An another laughable rumour,that the Penguins would be interested in picking up Jose Theodore from Colorado. Theodore is struggling in Colorado, and would be no help to Fleury, and adding 5.3 million in your cap hit, is a luxury the Penguins don't need or can afford. Ray Shero shot down that rumour today in the Pittsburgh post-gazette.

Scott Morrison from Hockey Night in Canada, writes about how important a fast start to a season can be the measuring stick for great things for the rest of the season. He notes exemples on how Tampa's great October in 2003 (6-0-1) led them straight to a cup win in the spring of 2004. The Carolina Hurricanes playoff run and cup win was due to a 8-2-1 October. The same is true about the now defending champions, Anaheim Ducks, a year ago had an October of 9-0-3. Morrison also mentions that the last ten cup champions, went 78-17-14 in October. You get the idea. If you look at the standings, last spring's finalist, the Ottawa Senators seem to want in on the stat mentionned above, as long as the cup comes with it in June.

If it's true that money can't buy happiness, the New York Rangers are the posterboys. The signings of UFA's Chris Drury and Scott Gomez are starting to weigh in. Larry Brooks of the New York Post explains why.

It's Saturday, so we all are looking foward to our weekly games to watch with friends and family. For us in Canada, Hockey Night in Canada, has it's usual twin bill. Viewers in Toronto will see the surprising young Chicago team play the Leafs, while in the Nations capital the Florida Panthers take on the impressive Senators. In Quebec on RDS, you can see the still dangerous Buffalo Sabres take on the Canadiens at the Bell Center. HNIC's twin bill will show the Alberta rivalry between MacTavish's Oilers take on his former coach from his Rangers days, Mike Keenan and his Flames. Where ever you are watching, if you drink, don't drive. Spare a life and flag a cab.

Good Hockey night !

Hartley first to get axe, and who is next ?

After only two weeks in to the NHL season,a first coaching casualty has occurred. Bob Hartley was fired as coach of the Atlanta Thrashers. It became obvious that this was going to happen,especially after the quick exit from the playoffs and the slow start.Waddell instead in taking a part of the responsibility for the debacle,simply threw Hartley under the bus and saved himself, but for how long ? This is the second time that Hartley has been fired, the first came after winning the Stanley cup in 2001 with Colorado.

On to the all expected question, ‘’who is next’’ plenty of candidates to choose from as the vulchers roam the skies.Paul Maurice’s name is buzzing out there in rumour land. Maybe Waddell and Ferguson can change jobs with each other, be better than getting fired, don’t you think? on the other hand why waste the ink,they will both be canned before Christmas anyways. in case your counting kids,sixty-eight shopping days til Christmas.

Who's where in the Stats and ...

With almost two weeks played in the season, let's take a look at who is leading in different departments.Of course it's early in the season, but still, a good start can be a big help come the end of March when the real battles start for a playoff spot.

Powerplay

1. Boston 28.6%
2. Carolina 26.5 %
3. Philadelphia 26.3 %
4. New Jersey 25%
5. Detroit 25 %

Penalty Kill

1. Ottawa 97 %
2. St-Louis 94.7 %
3. Colombus 91.7 %
4. San Jose 90.9 %
5. Minnesota 90.5 %

Goals for (5 vs 5)

1. Toronto 14
2. Ottawa 14
3. St-Louis 12
4. Colorado 12
5. Buffalo 12

Powerplay goals

1. Carolina 8
2. Detroit 7
3. New Jersey 6
4. Vancouver 6
5. Dallas 6

The Notebook

Dallas Stars Gm, Doug Armstrong and newly appointed assistant, Brett Hull are in Sweden to do some scouting, and decided to pay UFA Peter Forsberg a visit, according to Darren Drager from TSN. Of course they are interested in signing the 34 year old center, and who isn't.

Fire Ferguson or let him do his job and…

You have to wonder when reading stuff from the Toronto media, who really wants Ferguson fired. Is it the fans, or is it the media ? If you guessed that it’s likely the media that has it in for Ferguson Jr, you just might be right. From day one til today, Ferguson has been under the microscope. If his background and name had been different, most likely you would not have a daily polling of if he will be fired or not.

Bob Gainey, does not have to face that kind of scrunity, oh yes, did I forget to mention, that Gainey is well respected and liked in Montreal,by all. He won a cup as G.M in Dallas, I guess that keeps the vulchers at bay. Oh yes, your right, He played 16 years in Montreal, was captain for 8 years, won the cup in 86 as captain. I guess with a pedigree like that, you get some breathing room when things go bad. Oh yes, before Gainey accepted the job in Montreal, we was a prime candidate for the position held by Ferguson. Gainey chose Montreal, and I’m sure he does not regret one second of it.

If Ferguson deserves to be fired, he will, the board will do so.By saying that he is under contract for the season, and that the board will not issue a statement after every loss on his future, that may have been the kiss of death right there. Don’t be surprised one morning and see in big letters : It’s over for Fergie ! then you will know.

Price wins first round against Crosby

Montreal Canadiens rookie goaltender, Carey Price, won round 1 against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins, in which he was playing in his very first NHL game. Just as two other greats from the past, Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy, also had won those games, so did young Mr.Price. That is one big monkey of his back.

Now the most interesting question, With Price’s good performance in Pittsburgh against the league’s best player, will Carbonneau play Huet or will he go with the youngster ? Guy Carbonneau mentioned that Huet would get the start in Montreal, but only fools never change their minds, I doubt that Carbonneau is a fool. Stay tuned !

Ranking NHL coaches

Scott Burnside ranked NHL coaches in his column yesterday. The Stanley cup champion Anaheim Ducks coach, got first place. As far as the ranking for the Canadian teams goes, Alain Vigneault of Vancouver got number 5, Craig MacTavish of Edmonton got number 15, Paul Maurice and Guy Carbonneau of Toronto and Montreal respectively got numbers 21 and 22. John Paddock of Ottawa got the number 27, and you guessed it, ‘’Adolf’’ Keenan got the last spot available. To add insult to injury, Bob Duff of the Winsor Star, mentions outloud, Keenan does not mesure up to the great coaches, especially Bowman.

You have to wonder when reading stuff from the Toronto media, who really wants Ferguson fired. Is it the fans, or is it the media ? If you guessed that it’s likely the media that has it in for Ferguson Jr, you just might be right. From day one til today, Ferguson has been under the microscope. If his background and name had been different, most likely you would not have a daily polling of if he will be fired or not.

Bob Gainey, does not have to face that kind of scrunity, oh yes, did I forget to mention, that Gainey is well respected and liked in Montreal,by all. He won a cup as G.M in Dallas, I guess that keeps the vulchers at bay. Oh yes, your right, He played 16 years in Montreal, was captain for 8 years, won the cup in 86 as captain. I guess with a pedigree like that, you get some breathing room when things go bad. Oh yes, before Gainey accepted the job in Montreal, we was a prime candidate for the position held by Ferguson. Gainey chose Montreal, and I’m sure he does not regret one second of it.

If Ferguson deserves to be fired, he will, the board will do so.By saying that he is under contract for the season, and that the board will not issue a statement after every loss on his future, that may have been the kiss of death right there. Don’t be surprised one morning and see in big letters : It’s over for Fergie ! then you will know.

Price wins first round against Crosby

Montreal Canadiens rookie goaltender, Carey Price, won round 1 against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins, in which he was playing in his very first NHL game. Just as two other greats from the past, Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy, also had won those games, so did young Mr.Price. That is one big monkey of his back.

Now the most interesting question, With Price’s good performance in Pittsburgh against the league’s best player, will Carbonneau play Huet or will he go with the youngster ? Guy Carbonneau mentioned that Huet would get the start in Montreal, but only fools never change their minds, I doubt that Carbonneau is a fool. Stay tuned !

Ranking NHL coaches

Scott Burnside ranked NHL coaches in his column yesterday. The Stanley cup champion Anaheim Ducks coach, got first place. As far as the ranking for the Canadian teams goes, Alain Vigneault of Vancouver got number 5, Craig MacTavish of Edmonton got number 15, Paul Maurice and Guy Carbonneau of Toronto and Montreal respectively got numbers 21 and 22. John Paddock of Ottawa got the number 27, and you guessed it, ‘’Adolf’’ Keenan got the last spot available. To add insult to injury, Bob Duff of the Winsor Star, mentions outloud, Keenan does not mesure up to the great coaches, especially Bowman.

Sens keep rolling and Ducks Lagging

The Eastern conference champions and 07 cup finalist, the Ottawa Senators are rolling and the cup champions are lagging. If you want to talk about cup ''hangover'' no doubt the Anaheim Ducks are suffering from it.

The Senators are 4-0-0, they have scored 13 goals and allowed only seven.Gerber like the goalie he was two seasons ago when he led the Carolina Hurricanes to the Eastern conference regular season championship.

The Ducks are well, feeling ducky.They have not won a game since they came back from England. The Ducks are 1-3-1, scored 11 goals in five games, and have allowed 17.Of course,Burke or the fans have not pushed the panic button,but how long before they do? Only time will tell.

In Montreal,coach Guy Carbonneau, is pondering on who will start tomorrow against the Penguins.Cristobal Huet, who played well in the two first games, let in a a few a goals that has not made his coach to happy, espacially the play that led to the Leafs second goal, that lifted the Toronto and never looked back.Watch this carefully.

Brent Sutter is already taking charge of the Devils dressing room.He was not happy with the play of his team against the Sens,that he called a team meeting after the game.He even went so far as to drag a player from an interview,so that he did not miss it.I bet the journalist wished he could of followed.

Sens take round two in battle of Ontario

The Senators opened their home portion of the season in Scotiabank place, by lifting the Eastern conference championship banner. Then got to work and opened a two to zip lead on Toronto.Leafs captain,Mats Sundin scored and tied Darryl Sittler's record of goals in a Leafs history.Dany Heatley continued his scroring spree with an another goal, and captain Alfredsson scored a pair.

The Leafs will go back to Toronto and meet an another long time rival, the Montreal Canadiens, who coming off an overtime win over the Carolina Hurricanes. The Habs most likely watched the game and know the Leafs will be hungry for a win in front of their fans.It should be a dandy, as it always is between the two teams.

The Senators will be hosting the New York Rangers tomorrow night in Ottawa.The Rangers won their home opener in the Gardens against the Florida Panthers. Chris Drury will be the guy to watch, as he got three points.

Habs and Sens win in OT

The Montreal Canadiens opened their season in great fashion by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in overtime. Habs captain, Saku Koivu scored twice to lead his team to victory. Early in the game, Habs got into their bad habit of taken penalties, the Hurricanes opened the scoring on Alex Kovalev's holding penalty. The defense stood tall and allowed only goal on seven powerplays by the home team. Wondering how the Habs would do on the powerplay without sniper Souray, well they went 3-8.

In Toronto, hours after signing a new contract, Dany Heatley scored twice and led the Senators to a 4-3 overtime win over the Leafs. The two teams meet again tonight in Ottawa. The Heatley contract brings the Senators to 36.1 million in commited money for 2008/09, will there be enough for Redden ?

Less than a week to go and …

Even though the Kings and Ducks will be the opening match-up for the beginning of the 2007-08 season, the rest of the NHL teams start next Wednesday, October 3rd. That is what really interest us hockey fans, where it’s suppose to be played. Before that can start,teams have to trim their rosters down to 23 and be cap compliant by 5pm eastern time on Tuesday October 2nd, as the cap count meter gets turned on at NHL headquarters.

I’m not really sure If I will be interested watching the game,on either day, especially on Sunday, as it’s my football afternoon.A game and entertainment that filled the gap when the boys of winter where fighting over their millions and billions,why should I turn my back on them ?Maybe Saturday I will take a peek, but no guarantees.My Saturday hockey nights start next week, with the good old Montreal-Toronto rivalry, an evening game, the time and place that it should be played at.Of course, I won’t miss the opener on Wednesday between Montreal and Carolina, and sneak and check out the Sens and the Leafs.It will be great to see the boys back on the tube on regular basis for the next 6 to 8 months.

NHL Center ice online

I signed up for the free preview of NHL center ice online, hopefuly I can catch a few of the remaining pre-season games and and a few regular season games.

McKeen's Projections

McKeen’s magazine has made projections in the last two seasons since the end of the lock-out. It has faired pretty well, in it’s projection on teams that would make the playoffs.

In 2005-06,It projected that,Ottawa,Philadelphia,Tampa, Boston,Montreal,Atlanta,New Jersey and Toronto. The Leafs, Trashers and Bruins did not make it. McKeen’s gets a score of 5 out of 8.

In the West, they pegged Calgary,San Jose,Nashville,Vancouver,Edmonton,Detroit,Colorado and Chicago to make it. Vancouver and Chicago did not. A score of 6 ou of 8. Total for the season, 11 out 16.

In 2006-07, McKeen’s projected Buffalo,Rangers,Carolina,Ottawa,New Jersey,Philadelphia,
Florida and Montreal to be part of the Stanley cup tournament. Only the teams in italic made it. A score of 4/8.

In the West, they chose, San Jose,Nashville,Calgary,Anaheim,Dallas,Detroit,Edmonton and Minnesota. Edmonton did not make it. A score of 7 out of 8. Total for the season, 11 out 16. A grand total of 22 out of 32, which comes up to 69%, a good average.

If you look at the scores they got in the West, it seems easier to pick the teams in that conference than in Eastern, where they got 9 out of 16 compared to the West, where they scored 13 out of 16. Would this mean that, parity is more obvisious in the East than in the West ? I will leave it up to you to decide.

Robinson and Gainey Honoured

The Habs will honour two of it's greats.Larry Robinson's number 19 and Bob Gainey's number 23 will be retired in ceremonies to take place during the season.

Robinson and Gainey played in Montreal during the last dynasty, under the smothering hand of William ''Scotty'' Bowman.They were the leaders on the team when the Canadiens won the cup in 1986.

Both were draft choices of the late Sam Pollock.Robinson along with two other hall of famers, Guy Lapointe and Serge Savard became the best trio of defencemen thru out the NHL in the 1970's, and got the nickname of ''big three''.Robinson due to his size, got nicknamed ''Big Bird'' after the affectioned character from Sesame Street,the fans in Montreal loved Robinson as they did Big Bird as you could say and the opposite may have also been true.

Gainey in his role, redefined the job description of defensive forward, that forced the league to name a trophy to honour him.The Frank Selke award was created for that matter, he won won it four times, and the actual coach of the Canadiens,Guy Carbonneau also won it. Victor Thikonov of the Soviet Red Army team,called him ''the best technical player in the world''.Gainey was elected to the Hockey hall of fame in 1992,and Robinson got the call in 1995.

Gainey went on to coach the Minnesota North Stars and won the Stanley cup in Dallas in 1999 as Gm.Robinson won the Stanley cup twice in New Jersey,in 1995 as an assistant coach to Jacques Lemaire, and won it as coach in 2000.

Thank you Bob and Larry for the great memories,and for all that you have did to make the organization proud.

Robinson et Gainey Honoured

The Habs will honour two of it's greats.Larry Robinson's number 19 and Bob Gainey's number 23 will be retired in ceremonies to take place during the season.

Robinson and Gainey played in Montreal during the last dynasty, under the smothering hand of William ''Scotty'' Bowman. They were the leaders on the team when the Canadiens won the cup in 1986.

Both were draft choices of the late Sam Pollock.Robinson along with two other hall of famers, Guy Lapointe and Serge Savard became the best trio of defencemen thru out the NHL in the 1970's, and got the nickname of ''big three''.Robinson due to his size, got nicknamed ''Big Bird'' after the affectioned character from Sesame Street,the fans in Montreal loved Robinson as they did Big Bird as you could say and the opposite may have also been true.

Gainey in his role, redefined the job description of defensive forward, that forced the league to name a trophy to honour him.The Frank Selke award was created for that matter, he won won it four times, and the actual coach of the Canadiens,Guy Carbonneau also won it. Victor Thikonov of the Soviet Red Army team,called him ''the best technical player in the world''.Gainey was elected to the Hockey hall of fame in 1992, and Robinson got the call in 1995.

Gainey went to coach the Minnesota North Stars and won the Stanley cup in Dallas in 1999 as Gm.Robinson won the Stanley cup twice in New Jersey,in 1995 as an assistant coach to Jacques Lemaire, and won it as coach in 2000.

Thank you Bob and Larry for the great memories,and for all that you have did to make the organization proud.

The Hot Seat and ...

Who is on the Hot seat ?

The NHL's season is due to start at the end of this month,and training camps are not too far away,but a question every hockey fan must ask him or herself,who will be the first coach to be fired ?

Let's look at those that could be in danger.Let's start in the Eastern conference.Atlanta's Bob Hartley could be in trouble if the team fails to make the playoffs.The Thrashers made them for the first time last spring, but were eliminated in four easy games by the Rangers.Peter Laviolette in Carolina could possibly be a victim if the Hurricanes don't bounce back from a sub par season after the Stanley cup in 2006.John Stevens in Philadelphia could also be in danger, if he can't get the maximum out of his team, after seeing Gm Paul Holmgren make a splash on the UFA market.

The Western conference potentially in danger candidates.Joel Quenneville in Colorado,if the team fails to qualify for a playoff spot.Craig MacTavish in Edmonton.Barry Trotz in Nashville. It will be interesting to see who will be the first to get the boot.

The Shootout and...

The shootout was brought in following the end of the lock-out that forced the cancellation of the 2004-05 season.

In the first season of the shootout, there was 290 games that needed the shootout. It produced 330 goals on 981 shots. A shootout would occur every 8.5 games. The Dallas Stars were the champions of the shootout in 2005-06, they had a record of 12-1. The Islanders had the best home record,6-1.The Dallas Stars had the best road record in the shootout.

Last season, 2006-07,the number of shootouts went up from 290 of the previous season to 328 and produced 398 goals on 1215 shots. A shootout occured every 7.5 games last season.The Tampa Bay lightning were the champions last year with a record of 10-2.The Minnesota Wild had the best home record at 7-4.Again Dallas won the road record with 7-2.

The long term injury exemption

Ever the since the CBA has come out,there has been a misconception about the accounting of the salary cap during the period a player is placed on the LTI list.The salary continues to count, even if his team is bumping against the upper limit. Let's say player B from club x is placed on LTI, and the so called club has a cap hit of 42 million and the cap limit is 44 million,the injured player's salary is 4 million, the club has the option of replacing him with as many players it wishes, as long as the total of the salary of the replacements is not higher than the player's salary.For further information please visit this site.

Thank You Sam

This week a page of history of the most storied franchise in the history of the NHL, passed away.Sam Pollock,the architect of the great dynasty of the Montreal Canadiens in the 1970's left us,but his memory and his legacy will remain with us.

Sam Pollock started his career with the Montreal Canadiens in 1946, the same year an another legendary General manager was starting his legacy, Frank Selke had come aboard and started one the greatest dynasties in the history of the NHL and in pro sports.Selke elaborated a an enormous network of sponsered leagues and players, Pollock scouted most of them,to later inherite Selke's masterminding.

In 1964,Pollock inherited the most prestigious job in pro sports, General manager of the Montreal Canadiens.Pollock did not waste time getting comfortable in his new position.He orchestrated a trade that would solidify the backbone of the 1970's Canadiens Dynasty.He acquired the rights from the Boston Bruins,of a certain Ken Dryden.

In his wheeling and dealing,he put together the main ingredients that would compose the greatest hockey team ever iced.The 1976-77 team posted a record that still stands today,yes Detroit won 62 games in 1995-96,but don't forget,there was no overtime in that great season,or else that team may have won 70 games out of the 80 games played that year.

In 1971, Pollock got doubly lucky,as he drafted the top junior of that year, Guy Lafleur,he also launched the legendary career of William Scott Bowman.He knew that Bowman had the steady and firm hand to direct traffic behind the bench and put in check the egos.

Under Pollock's reign as Gm, the Canadiens had four coaches parade behind the bench,and all won the Stanley cup.Blake in 65,66 and 68 his last.Claude Ruel in 1969,Al McNeil in 1971.Bowman took the Habs to the cup in 73,76,77 and 1978 under Pollock.Scotty stayed for one more year and won the cup for a fourth straight time in 1979. Bowman went on to become Gm and coach of the Buffalo Sabres.Ken Dryden retired after the 1978-79 season,and so did Jacques Lemaire.

After Bowman and Pollock had left,the Canadiens fell on hard times, until Serge Savard,a Pollock protege,took on the task of rebuilding the once proud organization,and lead it to two more cups in 1986 and 1993.

Pollock's legacy still lives with the present Canadiens administration. Bob Gainey,a draft choice,is now Gm,Guy Carbonneau the coach, was selected by the Canadiens due to Pollock's savy.Doug Jarvis,was acquired by Pollock after being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The player that Pollock traded to get Jarvis,never played a game in the NHL.Gainey played with both Jarvis and Carbonneau,and formed the best checking lines in the history of the team and the NHL.All that of that due to the smarts of one the greatest hockey minds in the business.

Thank You Sam !

Quick draws McGraws and ...

Specialty players are a rare commodity, when you have them, your careful not too let them go, as they become important parts of a successful run for the Stanley cup. Of course if you can afford more in this cap era NHL, it's too your advantage. A good team and potential contender will have three ingredients that will anchor a good run to a championship. The first, a top centerman with a good face-off winning percentage.Two, a good two way puck handling defenceman, that also can make that all important first good pass. Legendary coach, Scotty Bowman insisted on it, was lucky during his career, to have coached among two of the best in the sport. Bowman had Larry Robinson in his days in Montreal and Lidstrom in Detroit. Three, the all important goaltender.Once again, Bowman was lucky, Dryden was his man for all five cups in Montreal, and had Hasek for his last in Detroit.

In 2006-07, the top centerman and face-off guy was Yanic Perreault with both Phoenix and Toronto. He won 62.8 % of his face-offs. As mentionned above, a good team has what I would a go to guy for the face-offs, among the tops in that category, is Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina hurricanes, he took part in 43.6 % of his team's face-offs. Toronto's captain, Mats Sundin came in second with 37.5 %. Sid the kid in Pittsburgh, comes third with 36.4 %.

Besides the three key players I mentionned earlier, you also have to be able to count on a game-breaker. The guy that comes in and scores a goal that can save you from the jaws of defeat. Last season, Dany Heatley from Ottawa was that guy.Ten of his 50, were game winning goals.

The hockey news magazine, in it's 2007-08 poolers guide, projects that 8 of the top ten points leaders, will come from the Eastern conference. A conference that had been known as more defensive minded compared to more open Western conference.