Starting to feel like hockey is in the air…
Many say this is the slowest time of year for the NHL, but I disagree. This is the time of year when something big is around the corner. The remaining free agents are being picked through and analyzed, coaches and GMs are looking to see where they need to bolster the team and making trades as necessary, and players are starting to prepare themselves for training camp. It can only get better from here!
To fill the time, Sportsnet.ca’s Alan Adams has an interesting look at which NHL records may never be broken, such as Glenn Hall’s astonishing 502 consecutive starts in net. I used to believe Wayne Gretzky’s 50 goals in 39 games could never be touched, but as I watch Sidney Crosby, and look at the Pittsburgh Penguins build a decent team around him, I’m starting to change my mind.
ESPN is debating whether Anaheim has the talent and skill to repeat their Cup win. Scott Niedermayer is obviously a huge factor, but in this NHL, I think it’s always tough to repeat. Teams treat you a lot differently after you’ve won a Cup. Every team rises to the occasion to play the defending Champions — there are no nights off when you play those teams languishing at the bottom of the league; everyone wants to prove they can beat you.
I don’t think it will be the Ducks this year. That said, I didn’t think it would be the Ducks last year, so take that with a grain of salt.
As we inch closer to training camp and the start of the season we’ll take a look at each of the teams and whether they’ve improved or reduced their Cup chances in the off-season. Stay tuned!
NHL, Glenn Hall, Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, Scott Niedermayer
Leave a Reply