Say Goodnight to the Devils
The Senators beat the Devils last night, by 1 goal yet again. This series has been pretty much decided by one goal over each game thus far. But the Devils have not been able to get past the Senators at all. New Jersey just cannot put together a game that will get past Ottawa because they are too weak a team. Brodeur puts them in the driver’s seat but when he is up against the same quality day after day he starts to get into trouble. Ottawa is stacked with goal scorers and they will put the puck in the net. The Devils really cannot counter that.
Detroit insists on making things interesting. Now, I will admit that I didn’t see all of this game because it started too late and I have to be up too early but I’m wishing that I had. The Red Wings scored a goal with 5 seconds left in the second and then with 33 seconds left in the third to tie the game at 2. They finally put the game away with 4 minutes left in the first OT period, beating the San Jose Sharks to tie the series at 2 games each. Nabokov stopped 46 shots and that’s the main problem that he’s facing — his defense needs to keep Detroit from pounding the net. If they can’t do that, then Detroit will eventually just overpower the Sharks and take the series.
Breaking down the Trophies
I will take these 1 per day, instead of as originally planned. So today we look at the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year.
Finalists:
- Evgeni Malkin (Pit)
- Jordan Staal (Pit)
- Paul Stastny (Col)
Jordan Staal led the Penguins with a +16, and also led the three finalists. However, he is also 3rd in points (under 50, for a center is troubling). His teammate Evgeni Malkin leads the three, and all rookies with 85 points. Stastny is safe as the middle for most categories. He also has the advantage to not being on the same team as Sidney Crosby, who causes everyone to be overshadowed.
Who should win: Malkin
Who will Win: Stastny
Senators, Devils, New Jersey, Ottawa, Detroit, Red Wings, San Jose Sharks
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