The 2006 NHL Entry Draft held no real surprises for anyone. The consensus top five players were taken with the top five picks, and things continued in a rather ho-hum fashion. At least, it did if you don't count the big deals that went down...
The day before the draft, the Panthers dealt Roberto Luongo, Lukas Krajicek and a pick to Vancouver for Todd Bertuzzi, Alex Auld and Bryan Allen. Now, obviously this trade didn't make headlines because Krajicek was involved, as both Bertuzzi and Luongo have been expected to move for some time now. Luongo could make the Canucks a legitimate contender - more so than since 1994 - and Bertuzzi goes to a new city where he can possibly leave the Steve Moore issue behind him. The one thing that was unexpected about the deal was that Roberto Luongo was under the impression that the Panthers were ready to sign him to a long-term contract that he liked, and he was ready to accept. Needless to say, that won't help Florida's PR, but Luongo should thrive in an actual hockey market.
Calgary picked up Alex Tanguay from Colorado for defenceman Jordan Leopold and a couple picks - an amazing deal for them. They're deep on defence, so no worries in giving up Leopold, and a line with Tanguay and Iginla could be centred by an orangutan - they're still going to score. (I'm not going to lie to you; those two guys are my first-line wingers in NHL 06 - and if that doesn't seal the deal, I don't know what does.)
Toronto grabbed former Rookie of the Year Andrew Raycroft from the Boston Bruins for goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask, who was expendable because of Justin Pogge's presence. In Raycroft, Toronto gets a player coming off an atrocious year, but he's young, and will bounce back. He's also cheap at $1.35M this season, especially compared to the salaries other number-one netminders would have commanded. This essentially ensures that Ed Belfour will be leaving town either through a buy-out or a trade, and either Mikael Tellqvist or J.S. Aubin will follow (probably the former). In Rask, Toronto gave up a great prospect, but did themselves a favour in not surrendering anyone off their roster. The most unfortunate part: "Tuukka Rask" is really fun to say, and that just won't be happening as often in Toronto now.
2006-06-25
After the Hurricanes took a 4-0 pounding in Game 6, there were really only two possibilities for Game 7: either they were completely out of gas, or they were going to roar back and avenge their wounded egos by putting their names on the Cup. Turns out it was the latter, as Edmonton couldn't get anything going. Fernando Pisani's goal in the opening minutes of the third period brought with it a glimmer of hope, but Carolina shut Edmonton down the rest of the way, as Cam Ward polished off a Conn Smythe-winning playoff performance with just the one goal allowed.
If you're an Edmonton fan, the loss stings even more now that Chris Pronger wants a trade (for personal reasons, is the word on the street), and Mike Peca and Dwayne Roloson are by no means locks to return. Just when it looked like the Oilers could be contenders for a while, this uncertainty has been heaped upon them, and the tragedy is that their fans - the best in the league - don't deserve it. GM Kevin Lowe is very skilled at his trade, however, and will get back some value in whatever deal he makes for Pronger (and make no mistake, teams are lining up for the defenceman, who is a steal at $6.25 million per season).
As horrible as the Cup loss was for the Oilers, though, any hockey fan couldn't help but feel happy for Rod Brind'Amour, the gritty 'Canes captain who finally got a chance to raise Lord Stanley's mug. He deserved that victory, and the team around him deserved the recognition that they'll now get as a legitimate NHL power.
If you're an Edmonton fan, the loss stings even more now that Chris Pronger wants a trade (for personal reasons, is the word on the street), and Mike Peca and Dwayne Roloson are by no means locks to return. Just when it looked like the Oilers could be contenders for a while, this uncertainty has been heaped upon them, and the tragedy is that their fans - the best in the league - don't deserve it. GM Kevin Lowe is very skilled at his trade, however, and will get back some value in whatever deal he makes for Pronger (and make no mistake, teams are lining up for the defenceman, who is a steal at $6.25 million per season).
As horrible as the Cup loss was for the Oilers, though, any hockey fan couldn't help but feel happy for Rod Brind'Amour, the gritty 'Canes captain who finally got a chance to raise Lord Stanley's mug. He deserved that victory, and the team around him deserved the recognition that they'll now get as a legitimate NHL power.
2006-06-10
The Oilers lead Game 3 1-0, after the first period has drawn to a close. If Jussi Markkanen can pull out some big saves for Edmonton, they can still win this series, but it's going to be much tougher without Dwayne Roloson around.
As much as I like the Oilers, I think I might love their fans even more. Again tonight, they cheered "The Star Spangled Banner" (though there was a slight smattering of boos to be heard just before the cheering drowned it out), and then sang "O Canada" as loudly as I've ever heard it. Singer Paul Lorieau actually stopped singing into the microphone halfway through, holding it above his head instead so that the crowd would take over. And they did. I got chills, and many of the Oiler players have said they experience the same when their hometown crowd does that. Just a great bunch of hockey fans out there in Edmonton, loyal, spirited, and deserving of a Stanley Cup. Here's hoping.
As much as I like the Oilers, I think I might love their fans even more. Again tonight, they cheered "The Star Spangled Banner" (though there was a slight smattering of boos to be heard just before the cheering drowned it out), and then sang "O Canada" as loudly as I've ever heard it. Singer Paul Lorieau actually stopped singing into the microphone halfway through, holding it above his head instead so that the crowd would take over. And they did. I got chills, and many of the Oiler players have said they experience the same when their hometown crowd does that. Just a great bunch of hockey fans out there in Edmonton, loyal, spirited, and deserving of a Stanley Cup. Here's hoping.
2006-06-04
To be giving away contracts like this, we must be craaaaazy!!
Hoo boy. The Tampa Bay Lightning are doing their damndest to ruin the NHL's pay structure. Again.
Brad Richards' new deal - $7.8M/year for 5 years - makes him the league's second-highest-paid player. And he's definitely not the second-best player in the NHL. Sure, Richards is consistent, can put up points, and is a natural leader, but an elite scorer he is not, and he doesn't deserve close to this amount of money, especially when there's a salary cap around. This is going to really mess things up elsewhere around the NHL; Bryan McCabe was signed to a 5-year, $29 million deal (apparently the Leafs' brass got a hold of whatever Tampa GM Jay Feaster had been smoking), which is more money than he deserves as well. That's $5.8M per season, kids - his defensive partner Tomas Kaberle, who is arguably a better D-man, will earn almost $1.6 million less per year. Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara are also reportedly looking for $7.8M per season, making it impossible for the Senators to sign both; it's possible that even signing one of the two could be out of reach. So Ottawa fans, thank the Lightning for that.
Back to the playoffs, how 'bout those Oilers? And those 'Canes? Should be an entertaining Cup Final...at least, for the people who care. The bulk of North Carolina (outside Raleigh, anyway) will be watching basketball, baseball or soccer, but you can bet that everyone in Edmonton will be paying close attention. So here's my prediction:
STANLEY CUP FINAL
Edmonton vs Carolina - Edmonton in 6
-The long layoff might hurt the Oilers at first, but I'm confident they'll bounce back. In all likelihood, it will come down to special teams, which will pit Carolina's juggernaut of a power play against Edmonton's masterful penalty killing. As much as I like Edmonton, though, I wouldn't mind seeing Rod Brind'Amour win himself a Cup...we'll see what happens.
Also, not to gloat, but just let me point out that I've had some pretty damn good predictions so far...I hope somebody's winning money on these; it'd be a shame not to. I'm particularly proud of myself for beating all of TSN's analysts - even their monkey.
This isn't me getting cocky; I realize that I could easily lose this round, but I'm still 10-4 going into the finals. By the way, I've just read your future in the stars...opportunity will knock tomorrow, but don't let old feelings get in the way of your goals; also, watch out for your death, which will be caused by - sorry, an airplane's in the way of the rest. It's probably not important.
Brad Richards' new deal - $7.8M/year for 5 years - makes him the league's second-highest-paid player. And he's definitely not the second-best player in the NHL. Sure, Richards is consistent, can put up points, and is a natural leader, but an elite scorer he is not, and he doesn't deserve close to this amount of money, especially when there's a salary cap around. This is going to really mess things up elsewhere around the NHL; Bryan McCabe was signed to a 5-year, $29 million deal (apparently the Leafs' brass got a hold of whatever Tampa GM Jay Feaster had been smoking), which is more money than he deserves as well. That's $5.8M per season, kids - his defensive partner Tomas Kaberle, who is arguably a better D-man, will earn almost $1.6 million less per year. Wade Redden and Zdeno Chara are also reportedly looking for $7.8M per season, making it impossible for the Senators to sign both; it's possible that even signing one of the two could be out of reach. So Ottawa fans, thank the Lightning for that.
Back to the playoffs, how 'bout those Oilers? And those 'Canes? Should be an entertaining Cup Final...at least, for the people who care. The bulk of North Carolina (outside Raleigh, anyway) will be watching basketball, baseball or soccer, but you can bet that everyone in Edmonton will be paying close attention. So here's my prediction:
STANLEY CUP FINAL
Edmonton vs Carolina - Edmonton in 6
-The long layoff might hurt the Oilers at first, but I'm confident they'll bounce back. In all likelihood, it will come down to special teams, which will pit Carolina's juggernaut of a power play against Edmonton's masterful penalty killing. As much as I like Edmonton, though, I wouldn't mind seeing Rod Brind'Amour win himself a Cup...we'll see what happens.
Also, not to gloat, but just let me point out that I've had some pretty damn good predictions so far...I hope somebody's winning money on these; it'd be a shame not to. I'm particularly proud of myself for beating all of TSN's analysts - even their monkey.
This isn't me getting cocky; I realize that I could easily lose this round, but I'm still 10-4 going into the finals. By the way, I've just read your future in the stars...opportunity will knock tomorrow, but don't let old feelings get in the way of your goals; also, watch out for your death, which will be caused by - sorry, an airplane's in the way of the rest. It's probably not important.
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