November 13, 2011

I took a brief hiatus because this blog wasn’t turning out to be what I had hoped. The team reviews began to be redundant and I’m sure most of you who actually read this were fairly bored. A good blog shouldn’t do either of these.  I’m going to try and make this site more interesting and fun. A nightly recap will highlight the best from each matchup and other news from around the league will be intermittently dispersed.

I love hockey and you should too.

Flyers @ Panthers

Danny Briere is incredible around the net. Although small in stature, he always gets to the dirty areas. With those hands, he won’t miss very often. On a related matter, I used to think Briere was a soft player a few years ago here in Buffalo. I was wrong, sorry.. In fact, it probably sounded something like this - just kidding.

I guess if I’m in the mood for apologizing, I should extend one to Jose Theodore. I thought this year was going to be an absolute wreck for him and his teammates, but he’s playing well. He should still listen for Jacob Markstrom’s footsteps however. That guy is going to be a formidable NHL goalie someday.

Tomas Flieschmann has 12 points in 10 games. The Panthers are praying he can actually stay healthy.

It’s good to see Braydon Coburn on the board. He doesn’t get enough credit for the work he does in his own end – a very smart player. At least the Flyers recognize it and extended his contract.

He may not have put up any points tonight, but Jason Garrison is turning into a wonderful defenseman for the Panthers. Where did he come from? Here (I had to look it up).

Oilers @ Blackhawks

Jonathan Toews literally does everything for the Blackhawks. He is easily one of the most valuable players in the league. He scores goals, makes smart decisions in his own end, plays defense, works hard and does it all with a smile.

Smyth may have a gross nose, but he loves to dig it in the crease. Good for him, and the Oilers. They need that kind of leadership.

Watch Steve Montador save a goal, then dangle. Since when? Nice.

Get the Leddy out! Nick Leddy has 12 points on this incredibly deep defensive unit. Most impressive.

Nikolai Khabibulin may not have shined in this particular game, but when he’s not getting arrested for drunk driving, he’s a pretty solid goaltender (.945 SV%, 1.52 GAA).

Wild@ Ducks

Everyone please welcome Cam Fowler to the 2011-2012 season. I see your plus/minus is still as bad as ever. Just put some points on the board please. That’s all the organizations asks of you.

Jonas Hiller is a terrific goalie, but it’s too bad moustaches can’t stop pucks.

Apparently Cal Clutterbuck can do more than just smash people into the boards. This was fantastic and…unexpected.

Niklas Backstrom is back to the top of his game. That’s good news for a state that deserves a decent hockey team. Keep it up Minnesota.

Islanders @ Canucks

The Canucks are a much better team than the Islanders. I’m sure most of you know this, but it’s worth emphasizing after a game like this. And it wasn’t just the Sedins this time. Everyone on the Canucks had a hand in this massacre.

Aaron Rome had a goal and two assists which brings him to a total of five points in four games. The organization is welcoming him back with open arms. Nathan Horton, not so much.

I wish John Tavares played for another team. No offense Islander fans, but he deserves better. I hope this organization can turn their ship around because they have a truly gifted player in Tavares.

Roberto Luongo has now won 200 games in a Vancouver uniform. Solid work. The question is: when will the Canucks trade Schneider?

Other news:

Strange coincidences? Ryan Miller and Dustin Penner, who have both been playing at a subpar level, are now “injured.” His name in Jhonas, and he’s carrying the Sabres.

Doug Gilmour, Mark Howe, Ed Belfour and Joe Nieuwendyk get inducted into the NHL Hall of Fame tonight. Congratulations to each of these players and their tremendous careers.

Comments are appreciated. Let me know what you think!