Sports

We're just a little past the 3/4 of the season mark, with most teams between 15-18 games left to play. The teams are locking into playoff mode as they head into the strech, as the lower teams plan for next season. As we wrote about 20 games into the season, we did a report card on our three local teams. Let's take a look at those same teams 65 games into the season.





New Jersey Devils- 65GP 42W 20L 3OL 87Pts. 202GF 162GA 7-3-0 (L10)
Most people left the Devils to drown after all-star goltender Marty Brodeur fell to injury but the Devils came together as a team and rode their way back to the top. AHL goalie Scott Clemmenson stepped into Brodeur's role and played fourty games to go 25-13-1 with 2.39GAA and .917 save percentage, good enough for top 5 in the league. Now that Marty's back, the Devils are finally fully healthy for the first time since the first month of the season. The Devils lead the Atlantic division and are second in the East behind the Boston Bruins. The squad is built to last down the strech and they formed themselves four solid lines that will take them far into the playoffs. The devils have gone 29-12-1 since my last grade. GRADE: A-

Top 3 Performers: GP G A PTS +/-
Zach Parise 65 38 40 78 25
Jamie Langenbrunner 64 21 35 56 15
Travis Zajac 65 18 36 54 31
(Honorable mention: Patrik Elias 65 26 43 69 15)

Top 3 Underachievers: GP G A PTS +/-
Brian Rolston 47 12 11 23 0
Jay Pandolfo 53 4 5 9 -8
Andy Greene 41 1 7 8 -1

NEW YORK RANGERS: 66GP 34W 24L 8 OL 76PTS. 167GF 180GA 4-4-2(L10)
The Rangers hit a major speed bump after about the 30th game or so. It cost head coach Tom Renney his job after 3+ seasons behind the Ranger bench. They brought in John Tortorella,who's in-your-face-attitude is not only perfect for New York, but will also be good for his squad. The Rangers have a solid squad, and when they play as one unit, they are very impressive. Until they learn to play together, they will continue to fight for a playoff spot. They made a good move aquiring the big wing Nik Antropov, but they also lost two hard working skaters in Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes in exchange for the oft-no-show Derek Morris. If the Rangers should get their act together Sean Avery is ready to do some playoff damage. Since the last blog, the rangers have gone 16-15-6.b GRADE: B-

TOP 3 PLAYERS: GP G A PTS. +/-
NIK ZHERDEV 66 19 31 50 8
NIK ANTROPOV 65 22 27 49 -13
SCOTT GOMEZ 61 15 33 48 -4

TOP 3 UNDERACHEIVERS: GP G A PTS +/-
BRANDON DUBINSKY 66 8 24 32 -5
WADE REDDEN 65 3 19 22 -9
MARCUS NASLUND 66 21 19 40 -10

NEW YORK ISLANDERS: 66GP 22W 37L 7OL 51PTS 166GF 215GA 5-4-1(L10)
The Islanders are not far off from where we last left them. They currently sit in the bottom on the division, conference, and league. They are the top team likely to win the #1 pick in the lottery draft. They brought in a lot of young talent that is getting their first taste of NHL expierence, while trading away their veterens. The Islanders realize they are not going to make the playoffs, but that is not stopping them from reaping havoc on teams battling for points and winning games. They are 12-29-5 since our last reporting. TEAM GRADE: D

TOP 3 PLAYERS: GP G A PTS +/-
MARK STREIT 61 12 34 46 4
TRENT HUNTER 55 14 17 31 -8
KYLE OKPOSO 53 14 11 25 -9

TOP 3 UNDERACHEIVERS: GP G A PTS +/-
TIM JACKMAN 53 4 2 6 -18
BRUNO GERVAIS 53 1 10 11 -9
BRENDAN WITT 49 0 7 7 -31

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TOP 3 ACHIEVERS:
1. NIKOLAI ZHERDEV 8G 15A 23Pts. +8  (A-)
2. MARCUS NASLUND 9G 11A 20Pts. -2 (B+)
3. DAN GIRARDI        3G 12A 15Pts. -2 (B)

 

TOP 3 UNDER-ACHIEVERS:
1. PETR PRUCHA        0G 0A 0Pts. -1 (F)
2. NIGEL DAWES       2G 3A 5Pts. +2 (C-)
3. DMITRY KALININ   0G 6A 6Pts. -10 (C-)



 
New Jersey Devils- GP: 22 W:12 L:8 OL:2 Pts:26
Currently sitting in the middle of the conference, a lot of people expected the Devils to do much worse after losing so many key players to injury, most notably their franchise goalie, Martin Brodeur. Lets take a second to give the Devils back up goalies some credit for coming in and playing well. It took a few games for the team to get their game back on track and currently got off a five game winning streak in which they tallied 24 goals. It seems to be that who ever Devils have or who ever they play against, the Devils mentally is still to work hard and not give up. They will continue to play solid hockey and should be ready to roll once their top players are back: Rolston, Holik, Madden and most importantly Broduer.  TEAM GRADE: B-

TOP 3 ACHIEVERS:
1. ZACH PARISE 13G 12A 25Pts. +10 (A)
2. PATRIK ELIAS  8G  13A 21Pts. +4 (B)
3. JOHNNY ODUYA 1G 10A 11Pts. +7 (B-)

 

TOP 3 UNDER-ACHIEVERS:
1. JAMIE LANGENBRUNNER 3G 9A 12PTS +6 (C)
2. JOHN MADDEN 3G 5A 8PTS -3 (C)
3. PETR VRANA 1G 0A 1Pt. -4 (D)


 
New York Islanders- GP:24 W:10 L:8 OL:2 Pts. 22
No one expected much from the Islanders this season, but they are playing decent hockey and are close to being a .500 team. Lets give some recognition to the back up goalie for the Islanders, Joey Mcdonald, who has stepped up and played well for his team. They took a big step back after losing their franchise goalie to injury, but once DiPietro is back, I think the Islanders will start to win some games and with some hard work and A LOT of luck they could be contenders. TEAM GRADE: C-

 

TOP 3 ACHIEVERS:
1. DOUG WEIGHT 5G 17A 22Pts. -2 (A-)
2. TRENT HUNTER 10G 9A 19Pts. -3 (B)
3. MARK STREIT   5G 12A 17Pts. -3 (B-)

 

TOP 3 UNDER-ACHIEVERS:
1.JEFF TAMBELLINI 0G 2A 2Pts. -9 (D-)
2. KYLE OKPOSO 2G 3A 5Pts. -5 (C-)
3. BRUNO GERVAIS 0G 5A 5Pts. -10 (C)

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Nashville Predators: The Predators surprised a lot of people by making the playoffs last year and actually giving Detroit a run for their money. They have a solid core of players and young prospects but this team doesn’t seem like

it can repeat another playoff birth.

 

4th in division Adds: None

Removed: Alex Radulov, Marek Zidlicky

 

 

 

Chicago Blackhawks: The Blackhawks are regenerated and are finally a team that can compete. They have a good balance of young all-stars with a few veterans to lead the way. Their defense and goaltending will take them a long way.

 

2nd in division Adds: Andrew Ladd, Brian Campbell, Christobal Huet

Removed: Robert Lang, Yanic Perreault, Kevyn Adams

 

 

 

Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets are ready to make their first appearance in the playoffs. They improved their team and filled a lot of the holes they had. Surrounding Rick Nash with a compliment player will finally showcase his true talent and losing Nikolai Zherdev will improve locker room relations.

 

3rd in division Adds: Kristian Huselius, R.J Umberger, Raffi Torres, Mike Commodore, Fedor Tyutin, Christian Backman, Mike York

Removed: Duvie Wescott, David Vyborny, Derek Brassard

 

 

 

St. Louis Blues: St. Louis is a team that has yet to succeed in the new NHL, not having made the playoffs since the before the lockout. They quickly went into rebuilding mode and are probably not done yet. They still have a lot

of gaps to fill and will not be a contender for a few more seasons. Once again they will finish near the basement of the conference and league and will get a nice top 10 draft pick.

 

5th in division Adds: Chris Mason, Matt Foy, Brad Winchester, Andy Wozniewski

 Removed: Doug Weight, Ryan Johnson, Martin Rucinsky

 

 

Northwest Division

 

 

 

Minnesota Wild: A team went from winning their division, to a quick first round exit, and now they are simply a question mark in the west. They lost their captain and one of the top producers, Brian Rolston, and high-flying sniper Marion Gaborik might opt for a trade before the season even starts if a contract extension is not reached. With Lemaire’s defense first style play, and a solid blue line, the Wild have what it takes to take the division once again. Then again, with some of the veteran players they picked up, they might have a hard time keeping up in the speedy west.

 

3rd in division Adds: Owen Nolan, Andrew Brunette, Antti Miettinen, Marek Zidlicky, Marc-Andre Bergeron

Removed: Mark Parrish, Brian Rolston, Todd Fedoruk, Sean Hill, Chris Simon, Pavel Demitra, Steve Kelly

 

 

Colorado Avalanche: The Avalanche have been a very consistent and competitive team since coming over from Quebec 12 years ago. Their captain can still produce provided that he stays healthy, and they have a good group of

young players but still lack a solid blue line and goalie. If this team continues playing their game they will find themselves looking outside the postseason for the first time in more than 18 years.

 

4th in division Adds: Darcy Tucker, Brian Willsie, Andrew Raycroft

Removed: Peter Forsberg?, Kurt Sauer, Jeff Finger, Jose Theodore, Andrew Brunette

 

 

 

Edmonton Oilers: It seems that the Oilers look like they are ready to play this season and prove to people that making the finals three years ago wasn’t a fluke. They have an excellent group of second year players and added a talented group of veterans that can carry this team far. If this team stays healthy, and their goalie gets hot, they will be giving a lot of teams a hard time this year.

 

2nd in division Adds: Erik Cole, Lubomir Visnovsky, Jason Strudwick, Gilbert Brule, Ryan Polutny

Removed: Joni Pitkanen, Marty Reasoner, Geoff Sanderson, Curtis Glencross

 

 

 

Calgary Flames: Here is a team that is absolutely ready to compete in the west and not only to make a playoff spot, but to contend for the top of the conference. The Flames tweaked their line up and added some really nice role players and talent that has yet to explode. Of course having Kipper the goalie is always good too.

 

1st in division Adds: Mike Cammalleri, Todd Bertuzzi, Rene Bourque

Removed: David Hale, Kristian Huselius, Owen Nolan, Eric Godard, Stephan Yelle

 

 

 

Vancouver Canucks: I don’t quite understand why this team struggles so much to win. They have a pretty decent top 6 scorers, they have a solid blue line, and one of the best goalies in the league. Sounds a lot to me like the New
Jersey Devils, so I have to ask, why can’t the Canucks get a playoff spot? Well they didn’t do much this off season to make those chances any better, and I expect the same results.

 

5th in division Adds: Pavol Demitra, Steve Bernier, Ryan Johnson, Kyle Wellwood, Darcy Horidchuck, Rob Davison

Removed: Brendan Morrison, Marcus Naslund, Trevor Linden, Brad Isbister

 

 

Pacific Division

 

 

 

San Jose Sharks: When will they win the cup? This team has had it all for the past few seasons but can’t hold it together in the playoffs. There is no doubt that this team will succeed during the regular season and will claim a top
spot in the conference, but can Jumbo Joe and co. finish in the playoffs? We will find out.

 

1st in division Adds: Rob Blake, Dan Boyle, Brad Lukowich

Removed: Sandis Ozsolinsh, Patrick Rissmiller, Brian Campbell

 

 

 

Anaheim Ducks: The Ducks are as good as they were two seasons ago when they won the cup. The hangover is over and they are ready to get back in the game and win some games. They have a great top 6 forward combination and still a great defense core with Pronger and Niedermeyer.

 

2nd in division Adds: Brendan Morrison, Steve Montador

Removed: Todd Bertuzzi

 

 

 

Dallas Stars: Stuck in a really tough division, the Stars are also a great team with a lot of great players and have the chance to take it all the way every season. They are to start the season without their top defenseman but they should be just fine until his return.

 

3rd in division Adds: Sean Avery, Fabian Brunnstrom

Removed: Antti Miettinen, Niklas Hagman, Stu Barns, Brad Winchester, Mattias Norstrom

 

 

 

Los Angeles Kings: the Kings are yet prepared to handle the Western conference. They have a great team and a better future, but this conference might be too competitive for them. They will continue to struggle for several years until their young players develop.

 

5th in division Adds: Jarret Stoll, Brad Richardson, Matt Greene, Denis Gauthier

Removed: Brian Willsie, Rob Blake, Oleg Tverdovsky, Ladislav Nagy, Scott Thorton

 

 

 

 

Phoenix Coyotes: Another team who has a great future but is not ready to compete in the playoffs just yet. They have a great balance of prospects and veterens and when their team chemistry builds an all time high, they will be up there at the top of the conference.

 

5th in division Adds: Olli Jokinen, Todd Fedoruk, Brian McGrattan, Garth Murray, Kurt Sauer, David Hale

Removed: Mike York, David Aebischer, Radim Vrbata, Craig Weller

 

 

1. Detroit Red Wings

2. San Jose Sharks

3. Calgary Flames

4. Anaheim Ducks

5. Chicago Black Hawks

6. Edmonton Oilers

7. Dallas Stars

8. Columbus Blue Jackets

9. Minnesota Wild

10. Colorado Avalanche

11. Phoenix Coyotes

12. Vancouver Canucks

13. Nashville Predators

14. Los Angeles Kings

15. St. Louis Blues

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Montreal Canadiens: Montreal has a powerful squad that is loaded in all areas of the ice. Their big hurdle this season will be Carey Price. Will he suffer a sophmore slump? My opinion is that he will do just fine with a strong team like Montreal. In their 100th season, they might have what it takes to go all the way. 1st in division.

Adds: Alex Tanguay, Georges Laraque, Marc Denis

Removed: Jassen Cullimore, Bryan Smolinski, Michael Ryder, Mark Streit, Yan Denis, Patrice Brisbrois, Matheiu Biron

Ottawa Senators: The Senators had a rollercoaster season last year where they were outplayed and outclassed by a young Penguins team. They have a lot to prove this year I don’t think their one line team can carry them into the playoffs this year. 4th in division.

Adds: Jarrko Ruutu, Jason Smith, Alex Auld

Removed: Ray Emery, Randy Robitaille, Niko Dimitrakos, Luke Richardson.

Buffalo Sabres: The Sabres have went to a top-notch cup contender from a bottom of the conference disaster. I think the Sabres will rebound from a season after losing Chris Drury and Daniel Briere and hard work might earn them a spot in the playoffs. 3rd in division.

Adds: Craig Rivet, Patrick Lalime

Removed: Dimitry Kalinin

Toronto Maple Leafs: This team is a huge question mark coming into the season. They will most likely be without their captain Mats Sundin and they have a huge problem in leadership. If this team pushes hard and builds some chemistry, they can surprise some people but I don’t think it’ll happen this season.

5th in division.

Adds: Niklas Hagman, Jamal Myers, Mikhail Grabovski, Ryan Hollweg, Jeff Finger, Curtis Joseph

Removed: Andrew Raycroft, Darcy Tucker

Atlantic Division

New York Rangers: If there were two ways the Rangers’ season would end, it would be wonderful or disastrous. The Blueshirts have a brand new look, and it looks like the Czech wave is over. If this team is even half as good as it looks on paper, they’ll be lifting the cup in nine months from now. My guess is they will get into the playoffs, but won’t seed as high as expected. 3rd in division.

Adds: Marcus Naslund, Wade Redden, Dimitry Kalinin, Nikolai Zherdev, Dan Fritsche, Aaron Vorros, Patrick Rissmiller

Removed: Jaromir Jagr, Martin Straka, Sean Avery, Marek Malik, Ryan Hollweg, Brenden Shanahan, Fedor Tyutin, Christian Backman

New Jersey Devils: It looks as if the Devils were going to take a step back last season after losing Scott Gomez and Brian Rafalski but they had a pretty solid season. This season, they added a lot of strength and power and they look like a great defensive team who has what it takes to take it all the way as long as Marty is Marty. 2nd in division

Adds: Brian Rolston, Bobby Holik, Fedor Federov

Removed: Sergei Brylin, Vitaly Vishnevski, Karel Rachunek, Aaron Asham

Pittsburgh Penguins: After making their first trip to the finals in more than a decade, the Penguins are once again an elite team. In the toughest division in the NHL, the Penguins look like all the pieces in place for them to make another run at the cup. As long as their core of young players (i.e Crosby, Malkin, and Fluery) stay healthy, the Penguis will go far this season. 1st in division

Adds: Miro Satan, Ruslan Fedotenko, Matt Cooke

Removed: Gary Roberts, Ryan Malone, Marion Hossa, Georges Laraque, Jarkko Ruutu, Adam Hall, Ty Conklin.

Philidelphia Flyers: They had a turnaround season after finishing in the basement of the league last season. The Flyers will continue to be in the top 8 in the conference and can play Flyer hockey come April for the playoffs. 4th in division

Adds: Glen Metropolit, Arron Asham

Removed: R.J Umberger, Jim Dowd

New York Islanders: The summer couldn’t have been longer for the Islanders and they have a new coach to start the season. Ted Nolan was a great coach and we will have to see if removing him from the bench will pay off. Unfortunately for the Islanders, they play in the Atlantic and will not be able to reach a playoff spot until their young players blossom, then the Atlantic really will be the best division in the league. 5th in division

Adds: Doug Weight, Mart Streit, Jon Sim, Andy Sutton

Removed: Miro Satan, Ruslan Fedotenko, Josef Vasicek, Bryan Berard, Wade Dubielewicz

Southeast Division

Florida Panthers: The Panthers a mystery team coming into the season for the past few years. They have talent scattered around but it seems like they cannot just put it in place. This may be the start of rebuilding mode for the Panthers if they miss the playoffs this season. 5th in divison

Adds: Chad Kilger, Cory Stillman, Nick Boyton, Keith Ballard

Removed: Jozef Stumpel, Olli Jokinen, Branislav Mezei

Atlanta Thrashers: My first real instinct is that the Thrashers will make the playoffs. They have a solid squad and if they can stay healthy they might turn some heads. They picked up young players in the Hossa deal and they have some good draft picks that can make the team. For the first time in a long time I think the Southeast division will consist of the worst teams. 3rd in division

Adds: Jason Williams, Marty Reasoner, Ron Hainsey

Removed: Bobby Holik, Steve McCarthy, Steve Ruccin, Mark Recchi.

Washington Capitals: The Capitals are real good, its scary. They have a great 1,2 punch and are only going to get better from last year. If Jose Theodore can play like everyone knows he can the Capitals will cruise to a top spot in the conference. 1st in division

Adds: Jose Theodore, Keith Aucoin

Removed: Matt Cooke, Christibal Huet, Oleg Kolzig.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay is going to be this seasons Flyers. They had an awful season last year and rejuvenated their team and are ready to compete again. Led by Vinny Lecavalier, this team could do some damage if the chemistry is there. 2nd in division

Adds: Ryan Malone, Gary Roberts, Radim Vrbata, Mark Recchi, Adam Hall, Matt Carle, Andrej Meszaros, Olaf Kolzig, Brandon Bochenski, Evgeny Artuykhin, Nick Tarnasky

Removed: Tim Taylor, Andreas Karlsson, Marc Denis

Atlanta Thrashers: My first real instinct is that the Thrashers will make the playoffs. They have a solid squad and if they can stay healthy they might turn some heads. They picked up young players in the Hossa deal and they have some good draft picks that can make the team. For the first time in a long time I think the Southeast division will consist of the worst teams. 3rd in division

Adds: Jason Williams, Marty Reasoner, Ron Hainsey

Removed: Bobby Holik, Steve McCarthy, Steve Ruccin, Mark Recchi

Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricane has not past yet on this team. They haven’t had that edge since they won the cup a few seasons ago. They still have plenty of quality players and veteran leadership. If Cam Ward can be that of 2006 then the Hurricanes may break through. 4th in division

Adds: Joni Pitkanen, Justin Williams

Removed: Jeff Hamilton, John Grahme, Keith Aucoin, Glen Wesley

Final Eastern Conference Standings

1. Pittsburgh Penguins

2. Montreal Canadiens

3. Washington Capitals

4. New Jersey Devils

5. New York Rangers

6. Philidelphia Flyers

7. Tampa Bay Lightning

8. Atlanta Thrashers

9. Boston Bruins

10. Carolina Hurricanes

11. Buffalo Sabres

12. Ottawa Senators

13. Toronto Maple Leafs

14. Florida Panthers

15. New York Islanders

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Matthew Corrente

Matthew Corrente- 6’0 200 lbs. Drafted first round (30th overall) Defense.

 This guy has captain material written all over his jersey. At 20 years old, he may not be ready for the big club this season, but he has a strong passion for the game that is shown in his work ethic. For his size and foot speed, he has filled up his frame to just over 200 lbs which is an ideal size for a puck-moving defenseman who can still take the body. He has been scouted as a Scott Stevens/Neidermeyer hybrid in the sense that he has leadership qualities, he will pound his opponents, and his vision of the ice is unlike many other young defensemen his age.

Nicklas Bergfors

Nicklas Bergfors- 5’11 195 lbs. Drafted 1st round (23rd overall) 2005 entry draft.

 

Think of Sedins’ ability, Sundin’s hockey sense, and Alfredson’s shot, put all that together and you get Nicklas Bergfors. This guy has been in the Devils system for a couple of years now and he is quickly adapting to a top Devils’ forward. He cracked the devils line-up at the beginning of the 07-08 but a shoulder injury slowed his progress and he finished the season in Lowell. Although he is ready for the NHL, I don’t see him making the lineup until there is a spot as a top 6 forward.

 

Petr Vrana

Petr Vrana- 5’10 175 lbs. Undrafted

Petr Vrana is the second coming of Sergei Brylin. He has a great all around game with mostly an offensive upside. He can easily be a second or checking line center. He is small for a forward so his physically game can use some tuning. A guy like him fits perfectly into the Devils system and should see him as a regular in a Devils uniform in another year.

Mattias Tedenby

Mattias Tedenby- 5’10 175 lbs. Drafted 1st round (24th overall) 2008 entry draft.

This Swedish speedster has got everything it takes to play in the NHL. He is one of the fastest skaters ever seen and has the hands and eyes to make some jaws drop. His small stature worries some, but Lou picked this guy because he knows what he can do and in a couple of years he will be one of the Devils newest superstars.

Jeff Frazee

Jeff Frazee- 6’0 184 lbs. Drafted 2nd round (38th overall) 2005 entry draft.

He’s no Martin Broduer, but he’s the best goalie in the Devils farm system now. His claim to fame is taking Minnesota to the WCHA Broadmoar cup championship and beating North Dakota in overtime. His development is being hurt because of the fact the Devils still have Marty and probably still will for a couple more years. He will likely be a career starter in the minors.

Over the past several years, the Rangers have be rebuilding their team over and over again with free agents but lately have turned to young, raw talent from the draft in building their team. They have one of the top farm teams in the AHL and have excellent prospects on the way.

Alexei Cherepanov

Alexei Cherepanov- 6’1 185 lbs. Drafted 1st Round (21st overall) 2007 entry draft.

The Siberian Express has all it takes to be a superstar in the NHL today, but we will not know for at least another year until his contract with the Russian Super League expires. This guy has everything you would want in a forward: skill, speed, size, and a rocket of a shot. If he can handle the pressure of playing on Broadway, he will be a star for many years.

Bobby Sanguinetti

Bobby Sanguinetti- 6’1 180 lbs. Drafted 1st round (21st overall) 2006 entry draft.

Sanguinetti is one of the best defensive prospects the Rangers have had in years. This guy has skill, speed, and a shot that will likely make him the quaterback on any team’s power play. His offensive skills do not outweigh the fact that he is still a defenseman and his backend and strength are affecting his chances of making the big club. One day he will be on the top d-man pairing.

Artem Anisimov

Artem Anisimov- 6’3 190 lbs. Drafted 2nd round (58th overall) 2006 entry draft.

Anisimov is projected to take a first or second line center role in the Rangers' organization in 2-4 years. I say 2-4 years not because he is not ready but for the fact that the Rangers are loaded with centers as it is. He currently plays on the top line with the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack, and has picked up his offensive production as he has adjusted to the North American style of play.

Ivan Baranka

Ivan Baranka- 6’2 185 lbs. Drafted 2nd round (50th overall) 2003 entry draft.

Baranka will one day definitely be a top 4 defenseman. He has the ability to be a quarterback on a power play but is also great in his own zone. He possesses good speed and puck handling skills. His career has turned for the better, becoming an offensive threat in the AHL where he is a regular on the power play. This year Baranka might play some games with the big club if injuries occur or some of the top defensemen are not playing up to par.

Lauri Korpikoski

Lauri Korpikoski- 6’0 195 lbs. Drafted 2004 NHL entry draft.

 Lauri has a great set of hands and a bag of offensive tricks. He played a game for the big club in the playoffs and even scored a goal. The guy definitely has a future in the NHL but I’m not so sure it’s with the Rangers as they are stacked with centers for a number of years. He is better served to be traded to a team looking for a career second line center.

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New Jersey Devils

First, the New Jersey Devils made a very important signing in bringing in former-Devil Brian Rolston. At 35, he is still a very effective two-way player who can fire the puck from just about anywhere. The only thing that bothers me about this signing is the amount of money on the second half of the contract, but hopefully by 37 Ralston will still be effective. Brian Gionta should benefit from having Rolston at the point on the PP. The second major signing of the off-season was bringing back the Caveman Bobby Holik. This signing was very surprising as I didn't see a big center as a need for the Devils. They already have Zubrus, Zajac, and Rupp who are more than capable to play the big man 3rd or 4th line center. He benefits best from a defensive minded team and at 37 should have enough tank in the gas to play twelve minutes a game and give John Madden some well deserved rest. Bringing back Pandolfo was a good decision; him and Madden are like lamb and tunafish, or spaghetti and meatballs if you prefer. He was having a fantastic offensive season until his injury but he has had plenty of rest and should be ready to go. At this point I would like to pay a tribute to the Sarge, Sergei Brylin, who has dedicated the past thirteen years playing any role he was thrown into. He was a warrior who played his best every night and never spoke a negative word in his career. Sarge, you will be missed.

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are beginning to look like those of 1997-2004 where they signed all-stars who were past their prime. Being a Devils fan, I'm going to try to be as least bias as possible. In my opinion I believed the Rangers had what it took to take it at least to the finals last year except for one little problem. The Rangers organization has a little ego problem. Granted they play in the capital of the world and have all the media attention in the area, they are still a hockey team and at many times did not act as one. Instead of drills and practice, they were rehearsing for the Letterman show and going out to clubs. But this is a new year and a new team, literally. Jagr, Avery, Shanahan, Malik, Tyutin, Backman, and Straka are all gone and the Czech hurricane has passed. This new team will rely on Gomez and Drury, two guys who know how to win. Add Naslund, Redden, Zherdev, and Bruele to the mix and you have a very talented team, on paper. Besides building chemistry, one of the Rangers main concerns should be sophmore Brandon Dubinsky, who flourished while playing with one of the most skilled players ever, Jaromir Jagr. It will be interesting to see if his game is affected by it and I do believe it does. On paper, the Rangers have it all, but paper doesn't win you Stanley cups. Gretzky, Messier, Bure, Lindros, Holik, and Robitille will tell you that.

New York Islanders

What can be said about the New York Islanders this offseason? Well they are the Islanders, enough said. It has become a market that guys who are ready to retire go to, just so they can be close to the Hamptons I guess. Their two major acquisitions this summer was Doug Weight, a guy who I thought had retired years ago, and Mark Streit, a pretty solid tough defenseman who would be a 4-6 d-man on most teams. Overall, the Islanders haven't progressed any further and firing Ted Nolan will come back to haunt them as have every decision the Islanders have made, ::cough:: Chara, Luongo, Jokinen, and Spezza ::cough::

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