The NHL’s 2006-07 campaign is already a quarter over, and we have seen moments worth noting, Jaromir Jagr scored his 600th career goal, the Bobby Clarke era in Philadelphia is over, and we inducted arguably the greatest goaltender in the history of the NHL. What are the surprises, what are the disappointments? What can we look forward to the next three-quarters of the year? Eastern Conference’s Surprise Team – Toronto
Many had this team near the bottom, especially after replacing aging goaltender Ed Belfour with slumping Andrew Raycroft. This team made very few changes in the off-season, and many thought this would be the final season of John Ferguson Jr. Yet it seems that the older players have found a second wind. Bryan McCabe looks like he can actually play defense instead of taking peoples knees out, and Mats Sundin looks twenty-five again. Raycroft has found the magic that made him not only a Veznia candidate in his rookie year, but won him the Calder. If things keep up, the Leafs may have a high seed in the playoffs.
Eastern Conference Disappointing Teams – Ottawa and Philadelphia
It was tough picking between the disappointments of the Flyers, who were supposed to win their division, and go deep in the playoffs, and the Senators, who were Stanley Cup contenders according to so-called experts. The Flyers never got off the ground this year, they looked slow, and out of place in the new NHL, which led to Bobby Clarke’s resignation, and the firing of Ken Hitchcock. The Flyers continue to be a mess, and it’s only a matter of time before the team is blown up to rebuild.
Then there’s Ottawa, a whole other mess. Martin Gerber is back to his pre-2006 ways, and possibly worse. Ray Emery has proven that he was overrated as a starter, but the biggest question is, where is the offense? They are near the bottom in every category, and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change anytime soon. It’s going to be a long season in Canada’s capital.
Eastern Conference MVP – Marian Hossa, Atlanta Thrashers
Sure, the Sabers are by far the east’s best team. However, Atlanta has an offensive attack that is second to none this season. Marian Hossa is leading the pack. His sixteen goals, two game winners, ties him for the lead with Brendan Shanahan, and his thirty-one points is third in the NHL. He also gets to play with that Kovlachuck kid, that has some talent. If Hossa keeps his pace up, there is no reason why he won’t win the Art Ross, Rocket Richard, and even the Hart Trophies.
Western Conference Surprise Team – Minnesota
In a conference where everyone is where they were projected to be at this time of the year, the Wild stand out because of how they are winning games. Once known for their defense, they have adapted to the new NHL rules, and have found the net. Brian Rolston and Kim Johnson are have career years, and their defense is still getting the job done. There is no question that Jaques Lemere is well on his way to win the Jack Adams Award. Oh, have I mentioned that most of this Wild attack has been done with Marian Gaborik out with a groin pull?
Western Conference’s Disappointing Team – Vancouver
Sure, the Coyotes and Blue Jackets are obvious picks here, but the Canucks were supposed to have fixed all of their problems when they dealt Todd Bertuzzi to the Florida Panthers for Roberto Luongo. The drama was supposed to be over, the cancer was gone. What have we gotten? No support for Luongo, something he might be used to, but it still wears a person down. In it’s last eight games, they have not scored more than two goals in regulation. Alain Vigneault is almost clueless when it comes to putting the puck in the net. This can be changed for the Canucks, who are in a tough division. It may be possible that the Northwest owns five of the top nine spots.
Western Conference MVP – Domink Hasek, Detroit
Three shutouts ties him with Brodeur for the NHL lead. His 1.92 Goals Against Average leads all starters, and the Red Wings are still a dominating team. He’s on pace for a better season then even his amazing 1998-99 year, where his GAA was 1.87. He’s on pace to win the Veznia, Jennings, and you can already add him, with Marian Hossa as an early favorite for the Hart trophy. Who knows, with the way Hasek’s playing, there could be a Stanley Cup heading back to the Motor City.
Other things to look for this season, Colorado to change goalies and have a five million dollar backup, Ottawa and Philadelphia will have the fire sales to end all fire sales, and Jagr to Shanahan will become something amazing to watch on Broadway. The important thing to remember is that this season is only a quarter done. There is tons more hockey to be played, there are hot streaks and cold streaks to be had. There are also several questions to be answered. Who will be Columbus’ new coach? Can Anaheim and Buffalo make their projected Stanley Cup match-up happen? Let the puck drop, and let’s find out.
