Games Tonight: Halloween

A lot of games on tap again - I haven't looked at injury reports so, I might change some after I review last night's games.

6 New York Islanders at 14 New Jersey
New York Islanders 6/4

15 San Jose at 4 Dallas
Dallas 7/3

3 Nashville at 9 Los Angeles
Los Angeles 6/4

16 Pittsburgh at 27 Toronto
Pittsburgh 7/3

19 Detroit at 21 Ottawa
Toss-up 5/5

20 Boston at 12 Tampa Bay
Boston 6/4

2 Washington at 18 Florida
Washington 8/2

8 Winnipeg at 30 Columbus
Winnipeg 7/3

10 Minnesota at 7 St. Louis
St. Louis 7/3

24 Calgary at 22 Edmonton
Edmonton 7/3

Predictabily: 6.60

Reviews: October 30th

If I get time, I will review all of these with a little depth. For now, just my picks.

13 Philadelphia at 28 Buffalo NOPE
Philly did not play well in their zone, especially bad center ice control. Buffalo played well in both ends. Only taking advantage of 1 their 6 powerplay opportunities - but outplaying the Flyers everywhere. The first goal by Jack Eichel was awesome, nice move and nice shot placement. Girgensons was noticeable and Ryan O'Reilly was in on all three including a beauty of a pass on Deslauriers's goal.
Philadelphia 6/4 (Philly is up and down - no confidence in them)

27 Toronto at 11 New York Rangers YES
New York Rangers 7/3 (Rangers should win - but sometimes they can't score)

30 Columbus at 2 Washington YES
Washington 8/2 (Washington should win even if Columbus is playing better than they were)

25 Colorado at 26 Carolina YES
Carolina 6/4 (The Canes play tighter, they do have to FINISH though - shots aren't enough)

21 Ottawa at 19 Detroit YES
Ottawa 6/4 (Ottawa plays the transition well. But they have to Finish.)

20 Boston at 18 Florida
Toss-up 5/5 (Jagr's out)

5 Chicago at 10 Minnesota YES
Minnesota 6/4 (I am not as confident in Chicago as their record shows)

1 Montreal at 24 Calgary YES
Montreal 7/3 (Montreal will rebound. The defense in front of Carey Price will be back to business)

23 Vancouver at 17 Arizona NOPE
Arizona 6/4 (Mainly because the Canucks just played a tough game against Dallas)

6 - 2 -1 for the night

score: 53/9 = 5.88/6.33

Games Tonight: October 30th

Too many games to preview all of these from work.
Here's my picks.

13 Philadelphia at 28 Buffalo
Philadelphia 6/4 (Philly is up and down - no confidence in them)

27 Toronto at 11 New York Rangers
New York Rangers 7/3 (Rangers should win - but sometimes they can't score)

30 Columbus at 2 Washington
Washington 8/2 (Washington should win even if Columbus is playing better than they were)

25 Colorado at 26 Carolina
Carolina 6/4 (The Canes play tighter, they do have to FINISH though - shots aren't enough)

21 Ottawa at 19 Detroit
Ottawa 6/4 (Ottawa plays the transition well. But they have to Finish.)

20 Boston at 18 Florida
Toss-up 5/5 (Jagr's out)

5 Chicago at 10 Minnesota
Minnesota 6/4 (I am not as confident in Chicago as their record shows)

1 Montreal at 24 Calgary
Montreal 7/3 (Montreal will rebound. The defense in front of Carey Price will be back to business)

23 Vancouver at 17 Arizona
Arizona 6/4 (Mainly because the Canucks just played a tough game against Dallas)

Predictability: 6.33

Reviews: October 29th

I have not watched any of these games. Nights out and lots of work make me a bad sport blogger.

26 Carolina at 6 New York Islanders NOPE
New York Islanders

14 New Jersey at 13 Philadelphia
Toss-up

28 Buffalo at 16 Pittsburgh YES
Pittsburgh

25 Colorado at 12 Tampa Bay NOPE
Tampa Bay

29 Anaheim at 7 St. Louis YES
St. Louis

5 Chicago at 8 Winnipeg YES
Winnipeg

23 Vancouver at 4 Dallas YES
Dallas is proving to be resilient. They can't be letting other teams build leads every game and expect to win, but they can believe they are never out of a game. They have a lot of weapons. Sharp getting two shows they have a few different players that can get hot. You can fault Ryan Miller on that first goal (truly, Sharp is one of those guys who seems to get these goals...his release?) but none of the others were his fault. Vancouver has a good team. But until they make it really difficult in their own zone, they won't be great.
Dallas

1 Montreal at 22 Edmonton NOPE
Great seeing this Edmonton team growing up. They were shutout in the first but they had opportunities in front. Montreal's 3rd goal was an amazing pass from Markov. The feel of the game in the second had Edmonton playing that intense playoff hockey style - Montreal was countering. Fun hockey. To watch Edmonton come back and win it - wow! I love hockey.
Montreal

4 - 3 - 1 tonight

Games Tonight: October 29th

Another busy night in the NHL.

26 Carolina at 6 New York Islanders
Can't notice everything and here's something: the Isles have been killing penalties - keeping it simple - clear the puck. That should help a team win, they are - 5 - 1 24 GF 13 GA in those games. The Canes are not a team to overly test this penalty kill. Justin Faulk is playing a ton of minutes - this emphasizes how the Canes lack defense depth. I like Faulk and his minutes are solid.
New York Islanders

14 New Jersey at 13 Philadelphia
The Devils can play very tight own-zone hockey. When they do, they do it well. Philly is one of those teams that I have no idea when they will show up playing really good hockey, creating high percentage shots. They will always get a few good chances - which could be enough against New Jersey. New Jersey has a couple of scoring forwards in Henrique and Cammalleri, but that's it. So this is such a toss-up. New Jersey plays their game, they have a chance. Philly gives up many opportunities to Cammalleri/Henrique, they should lose.
Toss-up

28 Buffalo at 16 Pittsburgh
I've been impressed with Buffalo's ability to move the puck. I've seen young teams do this before, Edmonton prior to this season, but usually they give up a lot of easy opportunities as a result. So far Buffalo isn't doing this a lot. Don't get me wrong, they have a lot to improve on but they are better than I expected. Eichel, Reinhart and Girgensons are really good players and have very bright futures. Sabres' fans should be excited. Pittsburgh played a good game last night. They give up more rebounds than they should want - last night Fleury made all the right calls. I don't think he will have to do that tonight. But the if the defense doesn't clear the puck and win the rebounds, Buffalo can hurt them.
Pittsburgh

25 Colorado at 12 Tampa Bay
The Lightning. They haven't scored in over two games of hockey. I don't get it. I can't imagine they won't score tonight. Colorado needs help everywhere. The forwards aren't deep - Landeskog and MacKinnon are producing. On defense, Beauchemin is not enough. Erik Johnson just isn't living up to his number one draft spot in 2007. Hedman should be able to create from the back-end. Maybe, finally, perhaps...I will be right in saying, this game will be a shoot-out, even if it is only the Lightning doing the shooting. Colorado can skate - so it could be end to end. Hmm...watch the Avs win 1 - 0 in OT.
Tampa Bay

29 Anaheim at 7 St. Louis
Anaheim without Getzlaf looked on fire and with something to prove against Dallas. Winning the puck and controlling play in the first period - netting three goals and allowing none. And then Dallas started playing and ultimately won the game. Is this Anaheim? I will be surprised to see them turn it around a lot - they look, at best, like a lot of the middle-tier teams. If only they could even play that well for an entire game. St. Louis is the opposite - already looking like a tough top-tier team, they have been playing even better, despite some key injuries. Who is Parayko? He is a big younger player - he hasn't done anything shining - but he has been somewhat productive for the Blues so far.
St. Louis

5 Chicago at 8 Winnipeg
Chicago is playing well without defensive stalwart Keith Duncan, giving up only 3 goals in those four games, none on two shutouts. The one against Tampa is slightly lessened because they did the same thing against St. Louis. Anyway, Chicago is playing well, Seabrook is continuing to play very well. Kane is leading the way on scoring and Toews is getting the key goals. Seems like they haven't lost much since last season. I think tonight will say a lot more than the previous games. Winnipeg is a really good skating team and they gave LA a real run for it the other night. They will have to keep Chicago from controlling the puck and keep the pressure on the younger untested defensemen. Trevor Daley, coming to Chicago from Dallas, is finding himself.
Winnipeg

23 Vancouver at 4 Dallas
I haven't mentioned Lindy Ruff, the head coach of Dallas. He put some good teams together in Buffalo without a committed owner/management. So when he came to Dallas two years ago, I thought, Watch out for Dallas! He has improved them, but could this be the year they reach that top-tier? He has harnessed a good young core in Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin - easily as dangerous as Kane/Toews and Hossa. He brought in Jason Spezza as the other center last year. And now a couple of known Cup guys in Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya (who I don't really love, but he's put it all out there on a cup winning Chicago team...so if he gets success here, I have to give him some credit.) Vancouver has their work cut out. I don't think Vancouver is deep enough to continually counter Dallas's explosiveness. Dallas has had moments where they don't show up - that to me is Vancouver's only hope.
Dallas

1 Montreal at 22 Edmonton
Ok Montreal has a loss. It isn't a big deal. The thing to note will be - are they back to playing with pride about the front of their net. The first 6 games this season, there were not many clean shots from in front of Carey Price. The last three - they've gotten a little loose and are getting beaten to rebounds in front as well. Teams do this. The Canadiens are solid - they just have to commit to perfect own-zone coverage and let the offense explode from their zone. Plekanec and Pacioretty are true finishers, just give them open ice. There are a lot of crafty, good skating forwards as well. Edmonton would love to make people truly start doubting the Canadiens by stealing this one from them. And the Oilers do have weapons. If the Canadiens are playing their best, Edmonton has a small chance. If it goes like the Canadiens last few, Edmonton will just have to be efficient.
Montreal

Reviews: October 28th

24 Calgary 4 21 Ottawa 5 (SO) YES
Calgary got some defensemen on the board. That is a positive. Anderson for Ottawa gave up one he'd like back. But really, the play was sloppy by both teams. I like that Turris had time with Bobby Ryan. They are both handsy, skill players. Turris is a good one to keep in mind for fantasy leagues - he is streaky but he is rarely a minus player. This season may be different - Ottawa does not look as comfortable in their own end as they have in seasons past. Calgary certainly got a lot of good space and took advantage of it. Neither team is playing respectable hockey. Glad Russell got one for Calgary, I guess.

16 Pittsburgh 3 2 Washington 1 NOPE
As I said, this will be a tough one to call. Ovechkin just couldn't get one. He had a couple of chances that he didn't finish on. T.J Oshie got it on his stick a bit too and couldn't finish one. Both of these teams are serious contenders. Fleury is playing confident in net and that means he is trusting his team to do their part. This is always a good sign (unless your team is truly giving up a lot of opportunities - Craig Anderson in Ottawa, for instance, playing positional, solid but still giving up goals) One thing I noticed, Pittsburgh gave up a bit of coverage in the middle, the Caps got a lot of rebounds. Fleury played everything almost perfectly.

3 Nashville 2 15 San Jose 1 YES
Nashville is a little better for sure. But this was a very even game. Neither team had a lot of great chances - Neal's pass to Forsberg was fantastic - a good save by Martin Jones, but Forsberg had enough time to place that shot better. The game winner by Jarnkrok was sweet placement. You can't judge by one game, but San Jose showed good own-zone coverage in front of the net. Nashville is very solid in this.

Games Tonight: October 28th

These are tough to call. Every game could go either way.

24 Calgary at 21 Ottawa
Calgary is due to put things together at SOME point. They have pretty good talent, a decently deep defense, anyway. But I will start thinking otherwise if they don't bring it together. Other than Giordano on defense, they don't have any true top-tier talent. And maybe that is what's going on. Ottawa isn't a lot better. Karlsson on defense is a star, but no others really. Turris is close. I think the team is playing better system, team hockey. This is a game a team like Ottawa needs to win, just to show they are becoming a better a team.
Ottawa

16 Pittsburgh at 2 Washington
Pittsburgh is 4-1 in their last 5 and they still aren't really scoring. If they are finding themselves and they start scoring, they can beat anyone. Washington has been playing good hockey all season. If not for a faulty alarm clock, they too may be undefeated. Oh well. Ovechkin is playing near unstoppable offense. When there is a crack in the defense, he seems to find it so far this season. Overall the team defense is stronger than I have seen it. (no more Mike Greene, maybe?) This should be a battle.
Washington

3 Nashville at 15 San Jose

Nashville

Reviews: October 27th

I did find time to watch a lot of these games.

A fun night of hockey with a few surprises and a few darn good battles.

17 Arizona 0 20 Boston 6 NOPE

The score is a big surprise. Back-to-back games for Arizona, was that why they didn't show up? Boston seems really good at taking advantage of teams that are "down". I still haven't given the Bruins enough credit. They aren't bad. More middle-tier than I thought. Krecji is a true finisher - no surprise, he has been his entire career but now he is their best player - not a compliment to others. Good for him - he is doing well. The Coyotes need to throw this one out and go back to working hard.

30 Columbus 3 14 New Jersey 1 NOPE
This is a surprise because New Jersey has been playing really good hockey of late. They gave 3 up in the 3rd period to a Columbus team that is waking up and starting to believe in themselves, maybe.
(I have to watch this one again because I wasn't paying much attention)

28 Buffalo 4 13 Philadelphia 3 NOPE

Buffalo played well and Philly didn't play their game. Definitely a surprise to me. The stuff I saw, the Sabres were doing the small things right - getting in front of the net, moving the puck in transition well, protecting the area in front of their goal. Philly wasn't as good at this - until the end.

(I have to watch this one again because I didn't watch ALL of it)

26 Carolina 3 19 Detroit 1 YES
This one went as I thought it should. The big difference between this and the previous two these teams played - Carolina had better shots. It's like they were slightly more patient, instead of just shooting. They got in front of Mrazek. Eric Staal is a really good player when he brings it and he played well. Victor Rask has been working and it's paying off for him. Nice hands of late. Detroit wasn't generating the good chances.
(Need to re-watch but I saw most of it)

25 Colorado 1 18 Florida 4 YES
Florida got a lot of special team goals - even a shorty. Who is this Vincent Trocheck guy? I don't know much about him.
(Need to watch this one - saw none basically)

12 Tampa Bay 0 7 St. Louis 2 NOPE

Tampa Bay- they are reminding me of the Islanders more and more. Stamkos not getting anything is a shock. Another shutout against is a shock. St. Louis is playing well despite some injuries to some good depth players.

(Need to watch this one - saw none)

22 Edmonton 3 10 Minnesota 4 NOPE

Edmonton almost pulled it out. They are playing some fun hockey even when they lose - I think I get excited about the future for these guys. Minnesota should have won this game and they played very well. Minnesota really has to win these games if they want to look like a contender - so despite them letting Edmonton get the lead, they did what they had to do.

9 Los Angeles 4 8 Winnipeg 1 YES

This was a battle. I think too it shows that Los Angeles is getting it together nicely. They worked, they gave nothing easy, and they took advantage of Winnipeg's mistakes. Winnipeg played very well. As has been the case in recent seasons, the Jets can play with anyone but the really good teams still end up beating them. I'm not sure what element is missing - no top-end forwards? no depth on defense? They are close when they play a fast aggressive style but even then a team like Chicago or Los Angeles eke out victories. This one wasn't an eking out. LA played patient and smart hockey and won it well.

29 Anaheim 3 4 Dallas 4 YES

Funny how these sports go. Anaheim came out attacking and caught Dallas sitting back. Some very nice goals in that first period. But then the Stars' stars started upping the intensity. They say a three goal lead is the worst lead in hockey and I agree - especially when the team in the lead is the lesser team. Anaheim was basically dominated after the first period of this one. Dallas looked great. But they really can't be coming out soft like they did tonight - a lot of West teams win this one.

1 Montreal at 23 Vancouver
I keep expecting Montreal to turn it on and do what Dallas did. Not happening as yet - I am not confident in Vancouver, but thus far they are playing good no-mistakes hockey. I will say, Vancouver has been getting to the front of the net and Price. Getting 4 goals on the God of Goalies - even if Montreal comes back and wins, the Canucks should feel good about things..well, kinda.

3 on 3 OT

Dustin Byfuglien doesn't like 3-on-3 overtime. There is a part of me that agrees with him.

But all in all, it is more fun to watch than shootouts.

It's funny to watch how it's played though. Players are able to maintain control of the puck more reliably, so the game almost turns into half-court basketball. The big difference being that in ice hockey, it is a lot of work to defend and the offense, since they can maintain the puck more easily, can more easily change players on the fly.

So once a team does get control of the puck, they will often churn in the offensive zone just hoping to wear down the other team. This tactic can be fun to watch, but it isn't exciting hockey.

Good article on the Kings getting it straight...

ESPN article

Thing to note: Small comment, but very true.

Once you have stability on your back end, the rest of the game can flow from there.

Teams that get that stability in their zone - that manage that end well - get better transition into the offensive zone. And good entries into the o-zone lead to increased good scoring chances.

Games Tonight: October 27th

There are a ton of games for Tuesday night hockey. 10. I will do my best to preview and highlight some players.

I never had time.

17 Arizona at 20 Boston
Arizona

30 Columbus at 14 New Jersey
New Jersey

28 Buffalo at 13 Philadelphia
Philadelphia

26 Carolina at 19 Detroit
Carolina

25 Colorado at 18 Florida
Florida

12 Tampa Bay at 7 St. Louis
Tampa Bay

22 Edmonton at 10 Minnesota
Edmonton

9 Los Angeles at 8 Winnipeg
Los Angeles

29 Anaheim at 4 Dallas
Dallas

1 Montreal at 23 Vancouver
Montreal

(I will update throughout the day)

Reviews: October 26th

24 Calgary 0 6 New York Islanders 4 YES
Calgary has lost any momentum they may have had last season. It reminds me of what happened to Colorado a few seasons ago. They were in this game even into the 3rd period. The Isles got a goal from Grabovski - excellent shot placement off a nice headsy pass from Bailey and Calgary continued playing pretty tight. But they couldn't create and the Islanders were able to counter any pressure. I'm not sold on this Isles team, I think they score with any team, but I am not sure they can clamp down on defense like the great teams do.

17 Arizona 4 27 Toronto 3 YES
Arizona still has a lot of work to do, but Dave Tippett has them playing very good hockey. If they can keep it up all season, this group can crack the playoffs in a decently deep West Conference. The youngsters Domi and Duclair were together on the powerplay and continue to click. Toronto didn't quit but they still have a lot to work on. I love Shane Doan getting one - it was a tap-in off a very nice quick pass from Boedker. Toronto has a lot of trouble controlling the middle. That makes their goalies play back in the net more. Toronto has a lot of growing to do if they have any hopes of making the playoffs.

29 Anaheim 0 5 Chicago 1 (OT) YES
Anaheim continues to struggle to get the puck in the net. Perry had a lot of shots but only a couple of good chances - one off the post and another he just held on too long, which gave a patient Crawford the advantage. Getzlaf created a couple of plays but not much impact and his aggressive play on Toews help Toews create that winning goal - a great shot in the top corner. Ryan Kesler had maybe one good opportunity that Crawford made a nice glove save on. Chicago had the edge in chances from danger zones so the shot counts really are indicative of who carried play. Chicago, although not scoring, is impressive and playing a very tight own-zone focused style that should scare a lot of teams. This is without D.Keith.
Chicago

Goalies are overrated: TV Heads promote foolishness...

Is anyone watching Arizona at Toronto? (I typed this post while watching the game last night)

I believe goalies, specifically NHL goalies, are one of the most overrated positions in all of sports.

Need I go any further than TSN's second intermission show?
Every "talking head" there, Bob McKenzie's being the biggest, supported the idea that the goalies are killing the 5 or 6 worst teams in the NHL. Their evidence, just look at the save percentages.

And sure enough - the bottom five teams or so all have terrible save percentages.

How is it that these guys who are respected hockey guys think the goalies are letting these teams down? Because there is too much emphasis on goalies! It's simple.

If you believe that goalies CAN and SHOULD save everything;
if you believe that goalies win games and deserve full credit for shutouts;
if you believe goalies are more integral than playmakers, shooters and finishers;
if you believe that goalies stand on their own regardless of the system and defensemen in front of them, then you HAVE TO also believe that the bottom teams are on the bottom as a result of goaltending.

It just isn't so.

Look at the bottom teams:
Columbus: They aren't playing good team hockey. The offense does create opportunities but it is leaving the goalies out to dry. This team, for good amounts of time, just gets lost defensively and it has killed them and Bobrovsky.

Anaheim: This team isn't close to playing the tight hockey they have played in the previous seasons. And really, they have lost a lot of those key hard-workers and even a key d-man in Beauchemin. Not to mention, where are Perry and Getzlaf!? (Andersen is 0-3-0-1 with a .938 svpct.)

Buffalo: Um - rebuilding. This team is not going to become a winning team with Carey Price in net. Don't get me wrong,  Chad Johnson hasn't proven to be any better than a Darcy Keumper, but goaltending is not the fix this team needs. Commitment to their own zone and simple maturity to the NHL game will go much further than a Henrik Lundquist-type in net.

Calgary: Calgary is playing basically the same as last season...they push aggressively and give up a lot in their own zone as a result. Even with a guy like Giordano, this team can't keep games close on a nightly basis. This season, though, they are not producing goals like they did last season. Especially, third period ones. (the two wins are with Hiller who has the lesser save pct.)

Carolina: If you blame Carolina's woes on Cam Ward, you have not watched this team deteriorate over the last 9 years. Ward is not the only goalie that can't win here. Again, this is a thin team and the top-tier talent isn't producing or creating. And certainly the defensive effort is sporadic - there is not a lot of talent on the defensive end. Ward faces a lot of quality shots.

Toronto: Switch goalies with any team in the league and you still have a group that is re-learning team hockey as well as learning new teammates. They don't seem like the same team as last year, at least the way they played Montreal. Tonight, it is a bit different, this hungry Arizona team isn't letting off. But Reimer/Bernier haven't been protected well. And when goalies aren't confident they tend to play back in the net. Tim Thomas 2011-style would still get shelled - maybe worse, because he was SOOOOO  aggressive in attacking the shooter.

To me, the idea that some hockey experts are pointing to goaltending as the problem of the above teams is unreal. The idea that switching Price with any of these teams' goalies and the teams will switch in the standings is preposterous. Carey Price has a losing record with any of these.

But since the "talking heads" and the "experts", like Bob McKenzie, ARE saying it is all goaltending, I have no choice but to re-iterate: Goalies are overrated.

Reviews: October 25th

7 Minnesota 4 8 Winnipeg 5 YES
All Winnipeg. Then Winnipeg lets Minnesota climb back in it. But not enough. Winnipeg holds on. Fun game. Both teams should worry some if they let things happen like this very often. Minnesota let a lot happen early. And Winnipeg slowed the offensive pressure without tightening down in their own zone. Neither of these teams is convincing me they are out of the upper-middle tier. Not a terrible place to be in the East - but in the West, you might be out of the playoffs.

29 Calgary 1 20 New York Rangers 4 YES
The Rangers created some good things. I am pleased with it. But they weren't as dominant as the score suggests. Nash was invisible but this may have been a result of Giordano being on the ice against him. I give Giordano a lot of credit for any success Calgary has, sadly, it isn't much.

21 Los Angeles 2 at 22 Edmonton 1 YES
Los Angeles is playing very well these days. Too much credit will be given to Jonathan Quick, but his play has not changed much - the team has tightened it down. They are controlling the offensive zone and they are keeping chances out of the middle of the defensive zone. Is Quick doing that? The defense is playing well together. That said, I was impressed with some of the chances Edmonton created. McDavid is looking solid and he's making Yakupov better - which is great. Yakupov has a lot of talent - it'd be nice to see him play with confidence (and not cockiness).

Racing: The Chase - Final "Eliminator" at Talladega

The next leg ended yesterday at Talladega. It was crazy.

I was pulling for Dale Jr. It didn't happen - but it was as close as he could get.

The ending sucked. Truly, it went from potentially one of the greatest endings to just billshut!

Racing: Classic 24 Hours at Daytona

This looks very cool: http://www.classic24hour.com/

I love cars and racing and the complications that LONG racing brings. This one adds in the cool factor of age. So many styles of cars will be out there. I will try to watch this.

Games Tonight: October 26th

24 Calgary at 6 New York Islanders
Calgary has yet to either be as lucky or as aggressive and resilient as last season. They need to figure it out. Last season they had spots where their aggressiveness created more goals than it gave up. The Islanders are high-skill offensively but can give it up on their own end. Isles SHOULD win, but in a shoot-out it's anybody's game.
New York Islanders

Jiri Hudler 31yrs, CGY-24 Hudler has been in the league for a while now. You can't take him lightly - he's a playmaker. A lesser Zetterberg. He's another one of those finds by the Red Wings.
Nikolay Kulemin 29yrs, NYI-86 He is a good skill player, not great. Lined with guys like Tavares, he can shine a little. He is a reliable player to clean up or finish the stuff star players create.

17 Arizona at 27 Toronto
Arizona is playing good hockey - they just aren't deep and when some of the depth is young, it should be expected that this team will be up and down. Toronto is building some defensive consistency in play and they aren't giving up a lot of bad chances - could be Babcock's influence. If the youngsters can score for Arizona, Toronto will be battling up hill.
Arizona

Nazem Kadri 25yrs, TOR-43 He isn't a young prospect any more. He still has an upside - he can skate strong and his hands are respectable. No groove this season, maybe adjusting.
Martin Hanzal 28yrs, ARZ-11 He's big. He plays big but has some playmaker hands. Good on both ends and can sometimes turn a game around.

29 Anaheim at 5 Chicago
Anaheim is on the verge of being a collapsed team. So many things are not going right for them. The only part of their game that is only decent is the defense and the penalty kill is probably keeping them in games when they are in games. When will Getzlaf/Perry show up? Kesler? Chicago is being lifted a bit by the hot start for Patrick Kane. They are still an above average team in every aspect of the game whether they are clicking or not and without a guy like Duncan Keith, they still have plenty of solid talent.
Chicago

Ryan Kesler 31yrs, ANA-17 Kesler has not woken this season. For a guy that is better than a point every other game - he is certainly one of the pieces not living up to his potential for the Ducks. He's a tough skilled guy.
Artem Anisimov 27yrs, CHI-15 He is big and he skates well and he has good hands. He is not so much a playmaker but can play off the puck well. Not sure about his defense commitment, but I think he is ok there too. He is a good no-lose player for a team like Chicago.

Games Tonight: October 25th

Minnesota at Winnipeg
Minnesota hasn't turned the corner. That's what it looks like when I watch them - they are close. They churn three and four lines. All of them are not easy to play against. They have good defensive depth. The goaltending is fine. And really, they have a group that if it gets HOT, they could probably win any 7 game series. But they are missing something. Winnipeg is in a similar spot, however, just a guy like Byfuglien could be the difference. This game is a toss-up.
Winnipeg

Calgary at New York Rangers
The Rangers play a consistent style. Teams seem to beat them on good transition. The Rangers should be able to control that against Calgary. Calgary can generate action from the defense. I love Mark Giordano - he is underrated, maybe...maybe more just not known as well. Easily a number one d-man on almost every team. If Calgary can get in front of Lundquist and beat the Rangers in their zone to rebounds and loose pucks, they can eke out a win. If the Rangers can finish more of their shots than usual, they should win easily.
New York Rangers

Los Angeles at Edmonton
Los Angeles seems to be on their game now. They have it in them to not score but I think they are playing their defense-first style on that top level that got them to the Cup in recent years. Edmonton is improving. McDavid is adjusting quickly to the bigger, faster game. I like Edmonton and this game will be interesting to see where Edmonton is. I believe the Kings are almost complete - the only weakness may be defensive depth. But if Lucic is a noticeable force and the rest of the Kings are playing Darryl Sutter style hockey, this team is the team to beat.
Los Angeles

Reviews: October 24th

25 Anaheim 0 7 Minnesota 3 YES
Anaheim is kinda perfectly in their struggles. Over the last few seasons, their depth has taken hits and it seems to be culminating now. They have some potential to get it back - the core is so good. But they need a d-man to step up and a third line to buzz like bees and create without giving much up. Minnesota played a great game. Nice shot quality generated. Stifling defense as well.

27 New Jersey 4 26 Buffalo 3 YES
New Jersey is wining the close ones. Their defense is underrated. I think they will have loss streaks too. The current streak just shows how tight this entire league is. A rhythm and some bounces and limited mistakes turns an average talent team into a winner. A team like the Devils has a lot smaller window though. Buffalo has a core to build on. Eichel looks great - his skating and awareness.

24 Toronto 3 1 Montreal 5 YES
There are a handful of teams that can beat Montreal playing as they have the last two games. Will Montreal play this way against the higher quality teams? We'll see. I'm always suspect of Montreal's top-tier forwards. Plekanec and Pacioretty have great hands and good vision but seems they always can be taken out of games by those top teams when games are important. Think San Jose forwards. Their defensive top-tier, though, is world class. Toronto got a lot of chances. Toronto is playing better. Babcock has a lot of work ahead of him.

16 Arizona 4 11 Ottawa 1 YES
Arizona put it all together again. Good for them. Ottawa relies on too few. Arizona doesn't have that problem. They don't have any one player they rely on. The problem with that, some nights none show up. Boedker was the guy tonight. He has that potential. Love to see him be more consistent. He is fast and can finish. Ottawa's not going to make the playoffs in a very up-for-grabs East if they don't get 2nd and 3rd line scoring. And their defensive system is shutting things down currently.

20 New York Rangers 2 17 Philadelphia 3 (SO) NOPE
The Rangers continue to create shots and play decent in their end. Philadelphia did all of that better in this one. Shot counts are not strongly indicative of much - so the Flyers out-shooting the Rangers doesn't concern me - it's the way those shots came about. Odd-number rushes by the Flyers and open shots from center ice and controlling rebounds - these are killers. The Rangers were not keeping Philly out of those areas. Still this game goes to a shootout. Philly is still an On and Off team. They were skating in this one often making the Rangers look lost.

6 New York Islanders 3 4 St. Louis 2 (OT) NOPE
Both of these teams have the potential to be there in the end. I am still doubting New York's defense. But when they do stand up, they are clearly a top-tier team. St. Louis has some 2nd-tier injuries. Guys like Stastny and Schwartz can be difference makers in games like this one. So they don't need to take this loss as significant. They played well. Two good teams.

19 Pittsburgh 2 5 Nashville 1 (OT) NOPE
To think of Pittsburgh as a defensive team scares me - because IF the offense and natural creativity of their top forwards starts clicking, this team will be unstoppable. It may be though that in order for them to play tight defense, those forwards have to reserve themselves offensively. Nashville has to find a way to break through in games like this. I look forward to the Preds growth this season.

13 Florida 6 3 Dallas 2 NOPE
And then Dallas lets one go. Florida certainly made the most of the opportunities. But I expected Seguin and Benn to finish more. Dallas has to learn to play from behind. Maybe they push too much. Florida is mostly solid. They have to get better at playing shutdown defense, so when they are in a lead, they don't give up anything. I think Dallas had a window to climb back into this game but they played too loosely in that moment.

10 Tampa Bay 0 15 Chicago 1 (OT) NOPE
I would never have guessed a Keith-less Chicago team could shutout this wide-open Lightning team. And on top of that - Chicago struggled to score!? Was Tampa focusing more on their own end? Was Chicago shutting them down - out-skating and beating them to the puck. It doesn't look like the Lightning generated much in the middle of the ice. Nor were they getting offense-zone rebounds/loose pucks. Still, they were only one Stamkos blast away from winning this one. I guess, Chicago could say the same thing. We won't know the real Chicago until Keith comes back - I think this time without him will be great for guys - Svedberg and van Riemsdyk and Daley and Rundblad - who are getting more minutes out there.

30 Columbus 4 23 Colorado 3 YES

14 Detroit 3 9 Vancouver 2 NOPE

28 Carolina 2 2 San Jose 5 NOPE

I try to hope in the Canes. I do. They are shallow at forward and at defense. Kinda like Ottawa, they are relying on too few. And those few aren't finishing much. San Jose is not the same. They played this well. I like that the Canes' were able to get a couple in the net after it seemed hopeless.

5 - 7 Tonight

4 games went to OT/SO - I didn't get one of those to go my way. Oh well.

Reviews: October 23rd

1 Montreal 7 26 Buffalo 2
Montreal has a beautiful transition game. Gallagher, Eller, and the usuals advance the puck up the ice quickly from their zone. This creates chances. Markov was in on 5 of Montreal's goals. Interestingly, in this game, Montreal gave up a lot of the center ice to Buffalo. It could easily have been 7-6. If Montreal gives up that kind of space against Toronto, they could still win it, but Toronto will get goals. Jack Eichel looks really good. He does a lot small things on his skates to remain elusive. It reminds me of Patrick Kane a bit.

18 Boston at 6 New York Islanders
Boston winning this game makes no sense to me. Watching the game, though, Boston seemed to outwork the Isles. The Islanders had some chances that could have turned the game but they gave up a lot more. As I mentioned before, I am really unsure of this defense group. They gave Boston a lot of center ice. Boston was pressuring and working. That is how a lesser talented team can beat a really good team like the Isles.

10 Tampa Bay at 8 Winnipeg
When Tampa Bay is in the arena go ahead and expect a shoot out. They push it with three and four lines. The fun part is, they give a lot up on the defensive end allowing whoever they play a lot of opportunities. Winnipeg had chances. Ehlers had the game on his stick a couple of times and couldn't finish. I hope this isn't indicative of his ability. He is a great skater and fun to watch. Stamkos is great to watch - in moments, I can picture Guy Lafleur type grace in his skating.

14 Detroit at 29 Calgary
Giordano got a hat-trick? No, but it was close. He really is a great defenseman and I think he will have to carry this Calgary team if they want consistency. Detroit is consistent - they are not easy to play against and they will burn you if you give them many chance. However, they had a lot of chances they didn't finish in this one.

12 Washington at 22 Edmonton
28 Carolina at 21 Los Angeles

Games Tonight: October 24th

25 Anaheim at 7 Minnesota
Anaheim has yet to put anything substantial together. The top line of Getzlaf and Perry has done nothing. Personally, I think losing those guys like Bonino and Beleskey and Palmieri, guys that plug the lower lines and provide energy, has finally caught up to the team. The subtraction of Beauchemin probably has a negative impact as well. They beat Minnesota a week ago and I thought they might be turning things around. Now, I am less hopeful. Minnesota has played consistent hockey albeit a little less good than I was expecting. They are good but no better than last season, it seems. Which is still good.
Minnesota

27 New Jersey at 26 Buffalo
New Jersey is playing surprisingly well. Many will credit Goalie Cory Schneider and he is playing very well - if in Montreal, he would be at least 6-0-0 like Price. However, I think the key to this team being able to eek out these close wins is the play of Adam Henrique on forward and Adam Larsson on defense. Everyone has been contributing but these two set the tone - hard working and disciplined. I am surprised by this team because they are so different than they were even just four years ago - even having a new staff and GM. But I guess they are sticking with the systems that brought so much success under Lou Lamoriello - defensive system first, focused on good transition play. It works. Buffalo is playing and could win but only if they get a couple of easy/weak goals or someone like Ennis or Reinhart gets hot.
New Jersey

24 Toronto at 1 Montreal
Toronto winning this game will be like an unranked NCSU beating Duke or UNC. The rivalry is long-running here and Montreal is easily playing the best hockey in the league - at every position. Toronto seems to be more responsible than in the past few season (this could be just my FAITH in Mike Babcock and thus only imagined :) ) Tonight they will have to be close to perfect. Montreal has defensive depth and forward depth. They actually remind me of the LA Kings in those cup winning seasons. Every line makes the other teams work to generate good shots and good is usually NOT in the center of the ice - which makes a goalie's job a bit easier.
Montreal

16 Arizona at 11 Ottawa
I would love to see Arizona play at a high level - system-wise. If they do, they can be very difficult to beat and if the kids (Domi, DuClair and Reider) can produce at all, Arizona has a great chance of winning. Sadly, I think my early hopes are being deflated - this team is coached well and they do stick to the system, however, they really aren't deep in skill. Ottawa is similar but with more experience. Also, I don't think the coaching is as solid nor as established. Kyle Turris will play solid. Ottawa will need guys like Pageau and Ryan to step up.
Arizona

20 New York Rangers at 17 Philadelphia
Another statement game for the Rangers - they need to establish their style and they need to score instead of just shoot. Philly is playing their normal on and off way - they have a few true goal scorers, but these guys can disappear. Their system is good and then in moments it goes away and they give up quality chances. The Rangers need to take advantage of these moments and prevent the top scorers from getting many chances.
New York Rangers

6 New York Islanders at 4 St. Louis
Another team I don't have figured out. How do they lose to Boston!? Maybe this team is lacking depth more obviously than I give credit. I don't know their defense. I don't know their system. I do know Tavares and Okposo and, even, Nelson - they have a lot of that middle-tier forward type. St Louis is the opposite - no Tavares-like talent here but a lot of upper middle-tier guys and a defense that is very respectable. And the Hitchcock system. Injuries to Stastny and, now, Jaden Schwartz may slow this team down. Those are really good depth players and eventually that will hurt to lose them.
St Louis

19 Pittsburgh at 5 Nashville
11 goals in 7 games for Pittsburgh. Who would have guessed that Pittsburgh's issues are offense!? Crosby and Kessel didn't connect and now they are on different lines. Nashville's James Neal has been putting it in the net and he'd love to get at least another against his former team. They are getting scoring from everyone so far. Forsberg looks to be avoiding in sort of sophomore slump - he's playing well. Nashville's relies on its big defense anchored by Shea Weber. It's easy to forget a player like Mike Ribiero who put up a decent offensive effort last season and seems to be ready this season as well.
Nashville

13 Florida at 3 Dallas
The Panthers are having mild trouble at both ends of the ice. Dallas is coming in to this game on a five game win streak. Everyone expected Benn and Seguin to be in form, as they were all last season. However, Spezza may be a surprise. He is playing with jump and his efforts are bolstering the second line. Jokipakka on defense has been solid - this is his second season with the Stars but he was invisible to me last season. Jagr is without Alexander Barkov, who has a wrist injury. Another Panther will need rise up - Bjugstad is capable.
Dallas

10 Tampa Bay at 15 Chicago
Tampa's offense is as good as ever. Stamkos is scoring, as usual, but all the lines are and with a healthy Victor Hedman contributing, they are basically guaranteed some goals. But they seem to be giving up scoring chances as well. Chicago will certainly test them, even without the Duncan Keith. His being out may turn into a blessing as some of the other young defensemen get more time on the ice. You can't ever count this Blackhawk team out of things, but I think Tampa will win this.
Tampa Bay

30 Columbus at 23 Colorado
Columbus can finally win one here. They have a lot of talent and depth but haven't put it together. Torts wants a win and will have them all fired up for it. Colorado needs a win - Patrick Roy has to be kinda on the hot seat after winning the Jack Adams Trophy in his first season coaching the Avs. The Avs are relying on only a few guys scoring right now and in the NHL that doesn't generate wins. If Ryan Johansen is out of the line-up for the Blue Jackets, the Avs should win this.
Columbus

14 Detroit at 9 Vancouver
Detroit is not a push-over but they are far from the playoff team from a few years ago. Well, not super far, just maybe Datsyuk far away. It will be interesting to see how they will play once he returns. Vancouver is going through some struggles. The scoring is spread out but still not a lot. The defense is solid but not dominating. Detroit can be efficient scorers and if Zetterberg can get some plays going and Larkin is noticeable, they can win.
Vancouver

28 Carolina at 2 San Jose
Carolina plays another Western team and yet another style, too. San Jose might overwhelm offensively, but I think the Canes handle that style well. Los Angeles plays from the defense out and that really left the Canes chasing. San Jose will give the Canes more skating space and that could really help the Staals get some goals. Skinner needs to show up, as well. They need his scoring touch if they want to pile some wins up. The defense is thin and San Jose could find room on the ice. If so they have plenty of players that can finish it. Without Logan Couture and Paul Martin, San Jose has been giving up more goals and scoring less. Martin might return tonight. If so, San Jose's chances go up - he isn't great but he is a good skating defenseman.
Carolina

Goalies are Overrated: Current hype edition

Two Issues from Tonight.
1) If a starting goalie gets wins and then his backup comes in and also gets wins, how can the starter be credited with being the key piece?

This happened somewhat last year with Cam Talbot of the Rangers. Lundquist and the Rangers started playing well and getting wins. Lundquist got hurt and Talbot comes in and LOSES thus proving the team NEEDS and is KEYED by Lundquist - OH WAIT, he doesn't lose - HE WINS! So much so that a team signed him in the off-season as their new starter. The Rangers kept their momentum with Talbot and Lundquist. Yet Lundquist got a lot of hype for the Rangers' successes.

This season it is Carey Price - single most-overrated player in sports at the moment. The Montreal Canadiens are playing very tight hockey. They play tight in their end and on the offensive end. They aren't giving up many breakaways and seldom odd-man rushes. They are controlling the center of the ice. It has nothing to do with the goalie. Carey Price is the starter. Some no-name guy is the back-up - Mike Condon. Who? Exactly. Both goalies have a perfect record.

If it is all on Carey Price, then how can the team perform so well with this other goalie in there?

2) Not all shots are equal. This is an anti-corsi rant as much as anti-goalie hype rant.

The Hurricanes played the Kings tonight. By the numbers, the Canes' players should have decent Corsi numbers as they generated almost double the shots of the Kings. However, the Kings won 3 - 0.

Well, obviously, it MUST BE the goalies. Jonathan Quick for the Kings MUST HAVE outplayed Cam Ward for the Canes.

It isn't true. Jonathan Quick did not have to stop opportunities that Ward couldn't stop. Just take that last goal. Lucic beating a d-man on Ward's right side and coming in on him; Lucic makes a pass to Toffoli across the ice. Toffoli buries an easy one into the back of the net.

The goal prior to that one - an badly thought blind hand-pass by Hainsey right to Anze Kopitar who then is basically one-on-one with the goalie. Kopitar does a sweet move and lifts a back-hander up and into the goal.

Quick didn't face anything like those two shots. If so, he would not have that shutout victory. Yet Quick got the First Star of the Game. Meanwhile, Toffoli got two of the Kings' three goals and gets Third Star of the Game. Seems asinine to me. The Kings are playing very good hockey right now. There are probably 22 goalies in the league right now that could get wins behind that team. And there are probably 35 goalies in the league that would have lost that game playing behind the Canes' team tonight.

Reviews: October 22nd

Pick evaluation only - I didn't watch much last night. Other than the Rangers.
 

Arizona 1 New York Rangers 4 YES

Dallas 4 Pittsburgh 1 NOPE

New Jersey 5 Ottawa 4 NOPE

Anaheim 1 Nashville 5 NOPE

Columbus 2 Minnesota 3 YES

Florida 2 Chicago 3 NOPE

Washington 3 Vancouver 2 YES

Los Angeles 4 San Jose 1 YES

4 - 4 tonight

Games Tonight: October 22nd

I had no time to do this for the day - here are my picks though.


Arizona at New York Rangers
New York Rangers

Dallas at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh

New Jersey at Ottawa
Ottawa

Anaheim at Nashville
Anaheim

Columbus at Minnesota
Minnesota

Florida at Chicago
Florida

Washington at Vancouver
Washington

Los Angeles at San Jose
Los Angeles

Reviews: October 21st

24 Toronto 1 26 Buffalo 2 (SO) NOPE
Great game really. For two teams trying to find themselves, it was well played. Of course, this shows nothing major about either team. Despite what the shot count might tell you, Toronto played a good game - early, they controlled the puck a lot. In overtime, I thought Van Riemsdyk had some good control - just couldn't finish. Good win for Buffalo.

17 Philadelphia 5 18 Boston 4 (OT) YES
Philly was up-and-down here. In moments they seemed dominant and in others they allowed Boston some really good opportunities. Philly has some work to do but they are also seem to have a high upside with Giroux scoring and Voracek there and then the Simmonds line is playing good hockey. The Bruins looked better in moments than I expected, but then they let the Flyers back in.

I must admit, Bergeron is not as old I thought he was - just 30yrs. Chara is certainly old - 38yrs.

14 Detroit 1 22 Edmonton 3 NOPE
Did Edmonton's staff read this? Because the Oilers took efficiency to a whole new level and Detroit, well, shut out. I saw a couple of chances by Detroit but not many. Well played Edmonton. The McDavid goal was nice - Pouliot gave him a nice pass and he finished with a nice little move. Edmonton really looks to be putting things together, at least some.

28 Carolina 1 23 Colorado 0  (OT) YES
Nice move to end it by Tuuka Rask, I mean, Victor Rask. A beauty of a move. The Canes are playing decent hockey. I might have been wrong in saying they are the best team out there that WON'T make the playoffs, but they are playing really well despite only having two wins. If you notice Eric Staal more than a couple of times in a game, that means he is bringing it. That is good to see. There are some big lapses defensively in their game. Colorado. I still have no words for this team - they have some really good talent. Good speed. A couple of really good d-men. Perhaps it is depth. Perhaps it's coaching. Missed opportunities might be the theme of this squad as well.

Boredness: Listen to this podcast

Good discussion about goalie analytics.
Jamie McLennan Discusses the state of ranking a goalie

It's an hour plus but worth it if you have the time.

Good points:
Hitchcock, coach of St Louis, makes goalies much better.
(more if I get time)

Who of the night: October 21st

I'm switching this up - instead of looking at the past night's game, I will look forward to the tonight's games. I think that makes more sense for me and you.

James Van Riemsdyk 26yrs LW TOR-21 Scorer. He has nice hands and a nice shot. With Toronto, he has seen moments of greatness - but the team has never been consistent enough to see how good he might be.

Evander Kane 24yrs LW BUF-9 Since having a 30 goal year a few years ago, he has been hampered by injuries. He plays a physical game and has a scoring touch. If he stays healthy, he can be a crucial piece in Buffalo's building a playoff team.

Sean Couturier 22yrs C PHI-14 This guy is tough and can score. When he is on a line with Simmonds, they are quite chippy and create opportunities off the forecheck. A physical force.

Loui Eriksson 30yrs RW BOS-21 One of the best shootout performers in the league. He has a good scoring touch. I wonder if he will be traded at the deadline this year.

Tomas Tatar 24yrs LW DET-21 Another one of Detroit's sneaky picks. He contributes on both ends of the ice. He is a good skater and has a good shot.

Nail Yakupov 22yrs RW EDM-10 He was highly touted and as of yet has not lived up. He has really good hands and can skate well. To be seen if he will be part of Edmonton's turnaround or just another "could have been"

Jeff Skinner 23yrs LW CAR-53 He is a great skater and his shot is quite deceptive. He can go games with being seen and he can put together multi-game scoring streaks as well. All-star during his rookie season.

Alex Tanguay 35yrs LW COL-40 This guy has been around a long time. He proved quickly that his hands were special. Good playmaking ability and a nose for the puck near the goal. Hew won the cup in 2001 with Colorado

Games Tonight: October 21st

24 Toronto at 26 Buffalo
Toronto. Hmmm, I haven't watched a lot of them. The last couple of games, it seems they have improved. If so, and they are continuing to grow into Babcock's system, Buffalo should not have a lot of chance. Still, anything can happen. I like Buffalo's youth, Eichel, Reinhart and Girgensons.
Toronto

17 Philadelphia at 18 Boston
Philly played a really good game against Dallas and it could have gone either way. Voracek and Giroux controlled the puck a bit but didn't finish. If they play the same against Boston - they win easy. Boston is a team I can't really watch. There is nothing there that interests me. So I might watch  this one and I will have more to say. Chara is old. I love Patrice Bergeron, but also getting old. Boston is rebuilding. Go Flyers, for Boston's sake, too.
Philadelphia

14 Detroit at 22 Edmonton
Detroit is efficient. They aren't dominant as they were but they have a few different players that used appropriately just score. Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Tatar, Justin Abdelkader. And Henrik Zetterberg knows how to use them. His outlet pass to Nyquist the other night was just awesome. Edmonton is coming around. They need to come around more, I believe. Can they steal this one, sure. They may even out-chance the Red Wings here. But it will take some very tight defense - they must take Zetterberg's space away. This will be a fun game to watch.
Detroit

28 Carolina at 23 Colorado
Carolina will be the best team to not make the playoffs, I think. Maybe after deadline trades, that won't be true - but right now it is. Maybe they don't have depth of talent? I think Eric Staal has been playing well and that is the key to this team having a chance. Their defense is spotty but at times very good in their zone. Offensively, the defense holds the zone well and the Canes get a lot of shots. They just don't finish. Colorado. Is Roy the next coach to go? Seems their talent is not achieving what was thought they could. Colorado can win this - they are still one of the fastest teams in the league. Francois Beauchemin is solid on both ends of the ice. Rantanen-Duchesne-Iglina are producing way less than they give up. Can Carolina exploit this? I think so
Carolina

Reviews: October 20th

16 Arizona 2 27 New Jersey 3 (OT) NOPE
Arizona. They play well together. They execute well. But they just aren't deeply talented. I love the youngsters - Domi, Reider and DuClair. New Jersey is playing a really good own zone game. They are transitioning well also. I think. they also suffer a lack of talent. They have some - but no depth of it. This game could have gone either way.

13 Florida 2 19 Pittsburgh 3 (OT) YES
Another game that really could have gone either way. I guess it is obvious once a game goes into overtime. Pittsburgh is playing really well right now. Florida has been playing well. Sidney Crosby finally got on the goal list - very nice shot placement, basically perfect. Malkin is playing good hockey, using his size and vision very well, creating a lot as he is able to do. Very good win for the Pens - if the Pens get solid system own end play and figure out the transition a little better - they might be the only team with the chance to beat this Montreal team - considering Montreal keeps playing as they are.

6 New York Islanders 4 30 Columbus 0 YES
The Islanders are fun to watch. Columbus is fun to watch teams like the Islanders play against. Truly, Columbus played really well until they didn't, in the third period. They win in a lot of facets of the game. All the Islanders' goals were nice. Even the empty netter by Tavares - nice to see him out-accelerate the Blue Jackets' d-men. The Blue Jackets need change! And they got it - in the form of a new coach - John Tortorella, hired today.

3 Dallas 2 17 Philadelphia 1 NOPE
Jamie Benn had a beauty of a goal, checking off the pass and putting a sweet, well place shot just inside the post and up high. The Flyers played really well. This is another of those games that could go either way - play it 50 times and both teams win 25.

4 St. Louis 0 1 Montreal 3 YES
Carey Price should have a year like Tim Thomas had with Boston in 2010-11. St. Louis is a good team and really got no rebounds and rarely any second attempts. And, count how many shots Price saw fully. This will allow Price to play even more aggressive to the shooters. On the offensive end, can Pacioretty and Plekanec continue to carry things as they are? If not, Montreal may well win A LOT of 1-0 and 2-1 games. St. Louis can't be too disappointed - the score is not indicative of how close the game was. The team that can get to rebounds against Montreal will get 3 or 4 goals - sounds simple, but Subban and Markov and Petry and company - including the many good skating forwards they have - aren't making it simple as yet.

10 Tampa Bay 4 at 5 Nashville 5 (SO) YES
This was the perfect game to take someone who has never seen hockey before. End to end. Some good defense, some good saves, some very nice goals and back and forth scoring. Neither team had a two goal lead! (more to come)

12 Washington 6 29 Calgary 2 YES
(More to come)

5-2 tonight

Who of the night: October 19th

Tomas Hertl 21yrs C SJS-48 Came into the league last season with a BANG!, scoring like 7 goals in the first three games. He has speed and good hands. He is streaky, obviously, I guess.

Ryan McDonagh 26yrs D NYR-27 Speedy skater. Easy first line defenseman. Hard to beat and when someone does he is very capable of getting back in the play. His offense is adept as well.

Games Tonight: October 20th

16 Arizona at 27 New Jersey
New Jersey has put together some very good efforts. I was impressed with the way they played the Rangers and San Jose recently. Arizona is coming off of two losses. The Minnesota loss wasn't terrible - Minnesota is going to win some. But Boston. I am counting on Arizona to play better hockey than that. Another good, weigh-the-team game for Arizona.
Arizona

13 Florida at 19 Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is showing signs of gellin'. Florida is a solid team and playing well. Dallas stung them but that is ok. Beating the Pens will redeem that loss. This is a good test for the Pens, that's for sure. They bring a two-win "streak" into the game. With the Pens, everyone thinks offense, but this team needs the defense to make things difficult. If that happens, the Pens should win another one.
Pittsburgh

6 New York Islanders at 30 Columbus
It's hard to see Columbus out-scoring the Isles. Is it possible? Yes, if almost everything they are doing, they stop doing. I can't fault Ryan Johansen much. He is bringing his game. Actually, I don't know any player to blame. But they are not protecting the center of the ice. The Isles are taking on the character of their leader - John Tavares. They play well all over the ice when they are playing well. They have good finishers and Tavares is masterful.
Islanders

3 Dallas at 17 Philadelphia
Dallas is good. The Benn/Seguin line is almost entirely up to them finishing. They will create. Philly has shown up their last two games. Oh wait, it was all Michal Neuvirth. Certainly makes it easier on me to pick the winner. Honestly, though, the Flyers will have to protect the center of the ice - Dallas can be lethal if given time with the puck.
Philadelphia

4 St. Louis at 1 Montreal
Hard to go against what Montreal is putting together here. They are playing good hockey everywhere on the ice. St. Louis is playing good hockey as well, but without Tarasenko or Steen just putting up a special night, I don't see St Louis winning. The Habs are deep and humming.
Montreal

10 Tampa Bay at 5 Nashville
This is another tough one to call. Tampa has depth at scoring and with Hedman back, the blueline is one of the better in the league. Nashville has a hot James Neal and plenty of depth and they work hard for Peter Laviolette.
Nashville

12 Washington at 29 Calgary
Calgary plays an aggressive hap-hazard style from what I can tell. This can work at times and at others fail miserably. Long-term they need to settle down and rely on those decent defensemen they have. Washington is tough this year. Defensively, they are playing as tight as ever. I love Justin Williams on this team. Their only loss was due to an alarm malfunction in the Ovechkin crib.
Washington

Reviews: October 19th

San Jose 0 New York Rangers 4 NOPE
Finally able to watch the game. Wow, that was a very solid performance by the Blueshirts. I have to say I am happy. The own zone play was impressive. Raanta got the shutout win because they boys played committed own zone hockey. I read a quote by Raanta saying that his team got to any rebounds - it is true. Raanta played good positional hockey and it was all that was needed. Rick Nash played a great game. Stepan was noticeable. The whole team was very solid and all the lines were able to create chances.

San Jose didn't play terrible hockey - they had some chances that were going in other games - but this was not their best game. Their speed is evident in their forwards. Their defense didn't seem to be a force. I am sure Paul Martin's mobility is missed. And really Logan Couture's attitude and forechecking could change things a bit too. Really, this was a game the Rangers had to win and they did. San Jose will have to shake this off and reset, they have four games left this month against no easy teams - well, the Canes but I don't want to believe they are easy :(

0 - 1 tonight

Oh NHL Network sucks for me.

I have no way to watch games on NHL Network. And tonight I am hating it. I want to see how this Rangers squad is doing it to San Jose. 3 - 0 in the third. It looks like the Blueshirts are truly tightened up on the defensive end as well. 13 shots by the Sharks through two and half periods - that is quite shutdown by the Rangers.

On the other end, the Rangers are being decently efficient - 3 goals on 26 shots. Martin Jones is solid in net and I hope he is being just as solid tonight. If the Rangers can place shots better, I think they hop to a new higher level.

I can't wait to watch the replay tomorrow.

Read it: James Neal on the art of shooting

I am always intrigued by how these guys view themselves. Different elements and attributes got them where they are. Regardless, though, everyone of the ones that stay for time have a little bit of every element and by little bit, I mean, more than the average person. So their perspective on themselves is cool.

James Neal is quite the scorer. I never really remember him in Dallas much. I love that he played with Brad Richards when Richards was still on top of his game. Marty Turco was his goalie which brings good memories as well. Marty was probably a good "chirper" in his day like Marc Andre-Fleury, as Neal mentions in the article. (honestly, I should have memory of him at Dallas, he was certainly a solid contributor.)

In Pittsburgh is where I first really remember him. He was a force on those top lines. So I definitely see him as a finisher/sniper.

Anyway, give it a read - it is interesting for perspective.

Who of the night: October 18th

Kyle Palmieri - 24yrs RW, NJD-21 He's been with Anaheim until this season. He does a little bit of everything but not a standout. Fast skater and decent forechecker - this guy helped turn momentum last night when he fought Kevin Klein on the Rangers.

Alex Pietrangleo - 25yrs D, STL-27 This guy is a really good defenseman. In that second-tier, below guys like Keith-CHI and Doughty-LAK. Nothing exceptional but he makes good decisions with the puck and defensively.

Jason Pominville - 32yrs RW, MIN-29 Started with Sabres and was always getting those big goals. He's one of those guys that finishes when it matters. If Minnesota breaks into the later rounds of the playoffs, I can see him scoring a big goal.

Andrew Ladd - 29yrs LW, WIN-16 He was on the Canes in '06 (rookie year) and the Blackhawks in 2010 - his name is on the cup twice. He is an impact player when he plays big and goes to the net. Definitely a solid 2nd line winger that never hurts you on your end.

Sami Vatanen - 24yrs D, ANA-45 He skates so well and covers so much space. He sees the ice and passes well in the offensive end. If Anaheim gets back to winning, he will be an impact player in the success.

Eric Gryba - 27yrs D, EDM-62 He's got a lot of those unmeasurable qualities that makes defenseman valuable even though he isn't scoring. Headsy and usually good with the puck in his own end. Not a stalwart but he'd be 2nd line defense on most every team.

Radim Vrbata - 34yrs RW, VAN-17 He's a finisher. Not a top-tier one, but dependable - if it's on his stick in tight and there is an opening - GOAL. Not creating a lot of his opportunities, but a good passer can certainly find him reliable.

Jarome Iginla - 38yrs RW, COL-12 PROTOTYPE PLAYER. He's old but still contributing on a young Avs team. Goal leader for the league in '02 and '04.

Jeff Carter - 30yrs C, LAK-77 He can lead a team via performance. He is not a leader but his skills are top-notch. Skating, hands, shot, toughness. If he is focused the Kings edge closer to unstoppable.

Games Tonight: October 19th

One game on tap. I hope it isn't ugly.

San Jose at New York Rangers
I can't help it. I am a slightly pessimistic fan. Maybe just protecting my heart. Regardless, this Ranger team is not as lucky as last season the last couple of games. The loss to Winnipeg although disappointing felt like one of those losses you get sometimes (like Minnesota last night) - out-work just unlucky. The loss to Montreal - well, Montreal is playing so friggin' tight right now.

But the loss to New Jersey - that makes me re-evaluate the three wins for the Rangers. Two of them against Columbus. Columbus. Columbus might be playing the worst hockey in the league. And the Chicago win - Chicago is still adjusting and re-finding themselves. Are my Rangers a shell of their previous two seasons!?

San Jose is a good test to find out. San Jose still hasn't impressed me. They have the same feel as EVERY season. Fast start on the backs of no-name youngsters and the highly-skilled SOFT vets in Marleau and/or Thornton - but as the season matures and other teams solidify, San Jose becomes average - scoring potential, but not too difficult to score against. Well, that is the perfect test for this Ranger team. Solid performance by the Rangers and i'll be happy, win or lose.

Nash - no goals, 1pt. McDonaugh - nothing. Neither are playing bad - just not producing.

San Jose:
 - Logan Couture (C) Oct 17th IR
 - Paul Martin (D) Oct 17th day-to-day
New York Rangers:
 - None

Pick: San Jose (sadly)

Reviews: October 18th

Good slate and good hockey. Surprises of the night/day:
New Jersey - they've put two solid games together - responsible own-zone play for sure.
Anaheim - getting a win against a Minnesota team playing their brand of hockey when Getzlaf and Perry were mostly silent - wow.

New Jersey 2 New York Rangers 1 (OT) NOPE
Live blogged this one - boy, what a disappointment. The Rangers owned the first but got only one goal out of it. Again, Schneider will get a lot of credit for it, but really this Ranger team, going back three seasons now, has trouble finishing. Stepan got the lone goal and had another equally set up shot later that he missed on in that first period. He's not alone - the Rangers have a lot of trouble on the easier ones. Also, I don't like their play in front of the net - they really aren't getting in the goalie's line of sight a lot. New Jersey is plugging along. I tell you, that Adam Henrique is a really consistent tough player - think Plekanec of Montreal - responsible at both ends with very good vision and hands. Stempniak got the winner, but, like the Rangers in general, Stempniak had some other opportunities that he didn't finish on. "Poetic" that he got the winner, I guess, right after Stepan rang a shot off the post/crossbar.

St. Louis 4 Winnipeg 2 NOPE
The Blues looked stronger the entire game. Created more opportunities and controlled their end better as well. This is not any sort of stamp for the Jets, it only shows how tough the West is. Currently out of the 14 teams, the top 12 are all dangerous (I am giving LA and Anaheim credit for turning the corner on their bad start - Anaheim less so). Good win for St Louis. Learning game for Winnipeg. Tarasenko with two, but if he doesn't burn you another line can. St. Louis has some good forward depth, especially when Stastny is healthy. My boy Byfuglien was kinda invisible. Well, he can't be invisible but he wasn't a key to anything for Winnipeg.

Minnesota 1 Anaheim 4 NOPE
Nope - there is no way I would have called this one. Really happy for Anton Khudobin - he played well and the team helped him keep the high quality chances out of the goal. The one goal against was one of those breakaways and the shot was interfered with by the defense - so it came off the stick oddly. Hard to stop that. Anaheim was getting traffic in front of the net - goalies gotta feel the same as I do about traffic. Minnesota can't be disappointed in their play, just the outcome - they have that same problem the Rangers have - good runs of hard-work, creating chances but coming up empty, but right now, i think they are better than the Rangers. Anaheim still has a lot of work. Perry and Getzlaf still non-impact - that is on them not the opponents, I have to believe - chemistry issue? Coaching? Not getting enough sleep? Gotta solve it if they want the playoffs again.

Edmonton 2 Vancouver 1 (OT) NOPE
Edmonton played a more confident game. Vancouver was the same as they have been. Vancouver is one of those teams - I let any success surprise me because I don't think they really have the skills deep in their roster and their top-end talent is kinda soft. Then I re-adjust - over-compensate and give them too much credit - they are an average team. I think they play well together and if a team takes them lightly, the Sedins can exploit it. Edmonton didn't take them lightly and skated with them and held tight in their own zone. Vancouver had chances and Edmonton needs to grow. But still a good win for the Oil. (The OT winner by speedy Lauri Korpikoski - SWEET! Drafted by the Rangers in Raleigh in '04!  He then played for the Coyotes, my daughter's team. The sweet soft saucer pass by Sekera, also nice.)

Colorado 1 Los Angeles 2 NOPE
I see hockey guys on twitter giving props to Jonathan Quick. LA is back to playing Kings hockey. It isn't Quick. Watch this game if you want to see what a good system executed by a really good group of players is all about. LA controlled the center of the ice. They transitioned well from their end, meaning they beat any forecheck most of the time. And they generated opportunities. The only thing that could bite them is penalties. I don't know how Colorado can feel good about their team's future only generating 23 shots while having 6 powerplays, even a 5-on-3 for about 1:40. Give credit to LA. Quick didn't have to work and Reto Berra equaled him in solidness.

0 - 5

This shows that either I don't know hockey or early season hockey is difficult to predict.

I am hoping it is the latter.

(Injuries will also make predictions difficult as the season goes on)