The NHL has reached the quarter-pole. It was just six weeks ago, at the start of the season, when there seemed to be much debate about the strength of the Canadian teams; particularly whether more than one would be a playoff contender.
Montreal, after a strong performance in 2013-14, was an obvious choice to return to the post-season and to date the Habs have excelled as they are first overall in the league with a 15-5-1 record. However, some of the teams in the Great White North are perhaps exceeding expectations.
I projected, in a previous column, the Vancouver Canucks would place 7th in the Western Conference, which means a return to the playoffs. According to feedback, that prediction seemed a bit optimistic considering the many changes that occurred within the team on and off the ice. Well, the 13-6-1 Canucks have been one of the pleasant surprises and I admit I didn’t expect them to be in second place in the Western Conference standings at this stage. Vancouver likely won’t maintain the pace but there are encouraging signs.
One striking and positive factor is the Canucks ability to win close games. Vancouver is 2-0 in games decided in overtime, 2-1 in games decided in a shootout and 7-0-1 in games decided by just one goal.
Ryan Miller is shining in the most important category, wins; as he’s tied with Carey Price and Pekka Rinne for the league lead in victories by a goalie with 12; however; this statistic is baffling because both his save percentage and goals against average are not in the top 25.
Radim Vrbata (16 points in 18 games) has blended in very well with the rejuvenated Sedins (each with 20 points in 20 games); Nick Bonino (15 points) is blossoming as a second line centre along with a revitalized Chris Higgins (12 points). Both Bonino and Higgins are the top two players on the team in plus-minus (+7). Speaking of plus-minus, Alex Edler is back on the plus side (+2) after going a league worst -39 last season.
The Calgary Flames roster, aside from defenceman Mark Giordano, appears to be mediocre, but Coach Bob Hartley has his troops buying in to a team concept. The 12-7-2 Flames are resilient and arguably the most overachieving team in the league. They can be proud of a 7-0-1 record following a loss. Calgary also has an NHL-best four wins when trailing after two periods.
The 9-5-4 Ottawa Senators, 10-8-2 Toronto Maple Leafs and 10-8-3 Winnipeg Jets are in a large group of middle of the pack teams. This leaves the Edmonton Oilers. Yes, the more things change with some teams, the more they stay the same with others. The 6-11-2 Oilers are in familiar territory, at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
A case of optimism can be made for the majority of the Canadian teams. That certainly doesn’t mean most will be there in the end but competitiveness gives fans hope. In the Oilers case, hope never seems to spring eternal.
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With the Nashville Predators off to an excellent 12-5-2 start, the much travelled Peter Laviolette is an early candidate for coach of the year and Filip Forsberg is the odds on favorite for best rookie. Forsberg, who is from Sweden but not related to Peter Forsberg, is the only player on the Predators averaging more than a point per game with nine goals and 13 assists in 19 games. He also leads the entire NHL in plus-minus with a +20 rating.
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The Florida Panthers continue to have attendance woes averaging 9,072 in their first seven home games or just 53.2 % of capacity. The Carolina Hurricanes are second lowest at 12,404 or 66.4 % capacity, after eight games. Before the league looks to expand, re-location might be a better idea. Sure Las Vegas, Seattle, Quebec City and Southern Ontario are markets worthy of a team, but why dilute the already substandard overall talent base? Oh yes, expansion brings in huge dollars, a reminder that revenue will always remain a priority over product.
From the Quote Rack:
Jose Canseco says he just might put his ill-fated middle digit — the one he shot off, had surgically reattached and then fell off again — up for sale on eBay. He’s selling the finger? Many pro athletes would give it to you for free.
Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times
A heatwave in Austrailia Australia has killed 5,000 bats. That’s the most since Madison Bumgarner shut down the Royals.
Randy Moss says he wants to mentor Jameis Winston. Isn’t that like Justin Bieber being mentored by Mickey Rourke?
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
A controversy has erupted over about 1,000 autographed items allegedly signed by Jameis Winston. Part of it is that the authenticator wasn’t allowed to witness the signings. And part of it is that many doubt an FSU athlete could count to 1000.
Oakland may not have to worry about losing the Raiders to Texas. San Antonio will probably phone Raiders owner Mark Davis soon to say. “Sorry, we were in the market for an NFL team.”
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
CBC Manitoba says a polar vortex continues to chill the Prairies. It all started during Selkirk’s Grand Slam curling event with Cathy O on the same sheet as Jennifer Jones.
Lingerie company Triumph has designed a bra that changes colour when you touch someone else wearing the same undergarment. Like, say, Dennis Rodman.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
Authorities in Thailand intercepted a courier package containing human parts that was destined for the United States. It contained a head, heart and a foot. An anonymous spokesperson for the Washington Redskins said they would be interested if an arm was included.
An investigation into beer sold at Seahawks Century Link Field reveals that it is watered down. Don’t tell me also that my Starbucks is diluted with Maxwell House.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)
And in case you missed it:
If the Jets/Bills game had been played in Buffalo as scheduled on Sunday instead of moved to Detroit on Monday, I think it’s safe to suggest the most effective play would have been the shovel pass.
Comedy writer Marc Ragovin
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat. His column appears Fridays on hqprincegeorge.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller