Dvisional Breakdowns

So over the next few days I will be giving my very own divisional breakdowns. I will give a brief overview for each team in the division, some predictions, and some leader board stats. So today I will begin with the oh so loved Pacific Division.

San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are currently the class of the NHL right now with a record of 20-3-1 and a home record of 12-0-1. They lead the league in points with 41, the next closest is 5 points back. 3 of their forwards are in the top 20 in NHL scoring. That would be Devin Setoguchi, Patrick Marleau, and Joe Thornton. The off season acquisitions of Dan Boyle and Rob Blake seem to be working out extraordinarily well. It seems that San Jose may be on their way to their first Presidents Trophy, and possibly a trip to the Cup Final.

Dallas Stars
The Stars are finding things hard these days as they bring up the rear of the Western Conference. Things haven't gotten any easier for them as they lost captain Brendan Morrow for quite a while with a torn ligament and will not be back any time soon. Luckily for the Stars, Sergei Zubov has returned to the lineup. None of the Stars forwards are performing quite so well either as their top scorer, Brad Richards, isn't even in the top 30 with only 21 points. The Stars are gonna need a big push sometime soon so that their future does not look so bleak. As of right now, I wouldn't put them any higher then 11th come March.

Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks currently sit in fourth in the west. This is probably where they will stay for the season. They are playing well, just not as well as the Sharks. The signing of Teeemu Selanne proved to be a good one as he leads the team in goals with 13. Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf are playing well and Chris Pronger is his usual sturdy (douche bag) self. The Ducks are one of those teams that will just continue to play well all season but stay exactly where they are. Id have them exactly in 4th place come playoffs.

Phoenix Coyotes
Have been fairly silent. Not a whole ton of hype about them, probably because there isn't a whole lot of good things, or bad things, going on in the desert. The "Yotes" are on the verge, and have been for a couple years, of the playoffs. They have not given anyone any reason to believe that the playoffs are a realistic idea just yet. None of their all star players have stepped up yet (cough Jokinen cough Doan cough). The youth movement that seemed to be happening may have slowed down. I wouldn't look for them to make the playoffs just yet, it seems like they are still missing a piece of the puzzle.

Los Angelas Kings
A big surprise so far this year. The Kings youth movement is working wonders for them. Kopitar, O'Sullivan, and Dustin Brown, have all become great young leaders on this team. All three bring something important to the game. This LA team could be very scary in the next few years, and they may even make the post season this year. I love the look of this team and they have even more talent coming up through the system. The biggest key for this team to making the playoffs is goal tending, if they can pick up a quality "tender" at the trade deadline there is no doubt they will still be playing hockey mid April.

The winner of the Pacific Division seems to be written on the wall here. I wouldn't even expect a whole lot of movement within the division throughout the season. The team to watch is the Kings, and the team to not watch is the Stars, they are ugly right now. Devin Setoguchi and Teemu Selanne are on pace for a division leading 41 goals, while Ryan Getzlaf looks to lead the division in points as he is on pace for 100.

December Deadline...

Before I start my blog, I thought I would shed my opinion on the Oiler's goaltending monster. Having 3 goalies isn't the problem... it's the fact that none of the three are taking control of the #1 job. If we get rid of one of the three (Roli), the other two (Garon & Deslaurier) are still going to lose. If the Oilers appoint a #1, he's still going to lose because he has been all year long. It's not MacT's decision to just 'name a goalie and stick with him', it's up to the players to earn the spot. What happens if we just anoint Deslaurier the starter... Do we just sit through the losing streaks until he finally gets hot? That's retarded. Right now, no one has earned the job and THAT'S why the Oilers continue to rotate goalies. Do you think MacT wants a goalie controversy on his hands? Do you think he has asked Santa for this problem? Of course not. But, since all three have been equally horrible, you have to keep playing all of them to see if one of them can grab a hold on that #1 spot. It's not the number of goalies that is the problem, it's the quality of play by the goalies that's the problem.

Alright, so, there are many theories as to why the Oilers are in a 'slump' (more like on a plane, with no pilot, with one wing, caught on fire, spiraling downward towards the ocean, which is filled with sewage waste and HIV infested piranhas) and many people and suggested one option or another, but you know what, since im Smith (and much like Justin Timerberlake on SNL, 'IM AWESOME!') I decided to put forth some trade options on some of the leagues upper-echelon talent; however, I did involve some rules as to what I would include on every deal...

1. Every player and draft pick, not named Hemsky, is available

2. Oiler fans want to win now, not 5 years from now. No draft picks. Impact players only.

3. When was the last time Kevin Lowe/Steve Tambellini made a blockbuster deal and completely raped the other teams roster? Spacek, maybe? What a great example... Not. Therefore, these deals must also be approved by the OTHER GM

4. You, the readers, will be the 'other GM'

5. Let's try to avoid dealing within our own division, we don't want to improve any rivals' chances and hamper our own

So, now you may ask yourselves, 'WHAT?! GAGNER?! NO WAY!!! HES UNTOUCHABLE!' Ok idiots, lets re-cap Sam Gagner's year, shall we? . You see that? It's a whole lot of blank nothingness. And when was the last time we ever traded away a franchise player or even a top 10 player? Never. Don't get me wrong: Dougie Weight, Jason Arnott, Bill Guerin, Cujo, Ryan Shit (I mean Smyth), are all decent players; however, none of those players really 'changed the landscape' for their franchise. What makes Gagner not in that class? He hasn't proven a thing, so that makes him expendable. Anyways, moving on with that in mind, I repeat (and it pains me to say this) anyone NOT named Hemsky is up for grabs. Plus, you gotta spend quality players to get quality players, that's just the facts of life. Now, LET'S MAKE A DEAL!!!

Deal 1 – (RW)Maxim Afinogenov & (LW)Thomas Vanek ... for ... (C)Shawn Horcoff, (LW)Dustin Penner, (C)Sam Gagner & 2 1^st Rounders

Buffalo gets: Two top 6 forwards, a possible young gem and future considerations. The Sabres are always strapped for cash (remember Briere and Drury?) and this allows them to dump about 12 million in cap room and only pick up about 9 million. Sure Vanek is a potential 50 goal man, but scoring by committee isn't always such a bad way to go (cough cough Minnesota cough cough). Horcs is a potential point-per-game player, Penner is a

power forward with 30+ goal potential, who knows the potential of young Gagner and those 1^st rounders would help re-build their farm system (honestly, go look at it, I didn't know a single name).

Edmonton gets: The impact franchise player to finally compliment Hemsky; actually, both could possibly compliment Hemsky as both are known as snipers. The Oilers have never been able to give Hemsky the trigger-man he needs to really become an elite player and Vanek is definitely one of those guys. Vanek has a decreasing salary for the future years and the Oil would have options on Afinogenov as he is a UFA this season. And really, all Edmonton did was replace Horc's new extension with Vanek's current deal (plus, Klowe wanted Vanek 2 years ago when he made that ridiculous offer sheet).

Deal 2 – (LW)Zach Parise & (LW) Patrik Elias ... for ... (D)Tom Gilbert, (G)Dwayne Roloson, (LW)Erik Cole, Jeff Petry & Rob Schremp

NJD gets: Cap space to re-sign higher priority players: Brian Gionta and John Maddon. Roli, Schremp and Cole's deals are done at the end of this year (and wouldn't Roli take the #1 job from Weekes and Clemmensen, anyway?), but I have a feeling Lou Lammarillo would be willing to re-sign Schremp and give him significant playing time; Roli too, but at a reduced rate then the 3million he's due this year. They also add Tom Gilbert to go with Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya to play in front of the game's best goaltender as it is. Gilbert is, obviously, the key to this deal for the Devils. It may seem strange that they may only keep one roster player, but with the Devils tight to the cap and players needing resigning and the fact that they are a great drafting team, I think it would make sense for them.

Edmonton gets: An exciting young player and a decreasing veteran. Elias hasn't surpassed 70 points in four years, but Edmonton has to do what it has to do to get Parise. Parise is a 2-time 30-goal scorer in only 3 seasons and is on pace for 45+ this season; more firepower for Hemsky (are you getting the jist of these deals?). Parise is signed through 2010/11 and Elias through to 2012/13, but Elias' contract (with Penner's) could hamper the Oilers (he is due 5 million every year) in future years, but whose to say we don't deal Elias or Penner in that time frame? I know the last thing the Oilers want is to add a 32 year old declining player with a huge contract, but Elias is a winner and a leader. Plus, he's Czech, much like Hemsky is. Catch the connection? Yea, I do.

Deal 3 – (C)Nik Antropov & (D)Tomas Kaberle ... for ... (LW)Dustin Penner, (D)Tom Gilbert, (C)Rob Schremp, 1^st round pick & a conditional pick

Toronto gets: Well, Burke is reunited with Penner, whom he had his most productive years with as well as a blue-chip player with an attitude problem, but a bright upside. Does Schremp remind anyone of Corey Perry? As I recall, Perry had some attitude problems and fell to the bottom of the 1^st round of his draft year and look what Burke did with him. They also get a 1^st rounder to help re-build with as well as a conditional pick based on if Edmonton can resign Antropov, say... a 2^nd if we don't and a 1^st if we do. Penner is a top 6 forward and Schremp, well who knows, but at least he would get a chance to play under Burke. Plus, there's Gilbert to replace Kaberle. Again, its simply North American guys for Europeans, but Gilbert would fit well with Burke and Wilson driving him.

Edmonton gets: A quality top line player and a complete stud to go on the back end. Antropov is a UFA, but he has improved his point totals for the past 4 years and is on the verge of being a real impact player. Kaberle doesnt need any explanation. Toronto wants to shed salary and if Edmonton acquired Kaberle, that would make Visnovsky's huge deal expendable. Not to mention, since everyone thinks the team revolves around Hemsky, maybe we should surround him with more Czechs. Oh look at that! Kaberle is one! Also, if Edmonton doesn't resign Antropov, they sure would have some cap room for someone named Hossa...

Deal 4 – (D)Andrej Meszaros ... for ... (D)Lubomir Visnovsky & a 1^st rounder

Tampa gets: The PP presence they have been lacking this season. Sure his contract is huge, but Tampa is all about spending money these days and if they don't make the playoffs this year, heads will roll. Lubo has averaged 55 points over the last 3 years and would be the puck rushing Dman Vinny and St. Louis need to increase their offensive performances.

Edmonton gets: Basically a salary dump. Don't get me wrong, Meszaros is only 23 and already an elite defenseman, but I was more concerned about getting rid of 7 million dollars of waste rather then actually improving the immediate roster (thus the 1^st rounder). But he is a Slovak, which is kkkiiinnndddaaa like a Czech!

Deal 5 – Three-Way-Deal...

ATL gets: Cole, EDM 2^nd rounder, Cam Barker, Jack Skille

Alright, Atlanta loses a LW in Kovi, but gains one in Cole (whom they can have the option of re-signing or not). They also gain a 2^nd rounder to help sweeten the deal. Now, they also get 2 top prospects from Chicago in Barker and Skille. Skille could replace Williams on the RW side.

CHI gets: Jason Williams (ATL), Taylor Chorney, EDM 1^st rounder

Jason Williams is a top 6 forward on the brink of being an impact player and returns to the team where he had his most productive year. He was on pace for 70 points two seasons ago, but has a history of injuries. A healthy season could entice Chicago to re-sign him. They also get a prospect in Chorney and if he doesn't pan out, the 1^st round pick should ease the pain.

EDM gets: Kovi, Havlat

Two game-changing players able to turn the tables of the game at any point. Kovalchuk is an annual 50-goal scorer and Havlat is a UFA with 70 point potential. Ilya is just one of those players you want on your team at all times and if Marty hadn't been so injury prone, who knows what consistent scoring he could have brought. Either way, Kovi would be here to stay and Havlat could be let go at the end of the year or re-signed, but certainly at a discount form the 6 million he is making now.

So, it turns out, Edmonton doesn't have as many trading chips as I thought they did. Take away Hemsky, Souray and (Sporer's love child) Tom Gilbert and I mean, it's basically their top 9 forwards (no one wants Brodziak, Pouliet, etc...), a few Dmen, Roli and draft picks. But look at their players... Huge contracts (Penner, Horcoff, Pisani, Visnovsky) Unproven talent (Nilsson, Cogliano, Gagner, Smid) Old Veterans (Staios, Roli, Moreau) and injury-prone Cole. So, I had to make-due with what I was given. What do you guys think? Yep... my phone has already been ringing off the hook from Brian Burke and Ken Holland with job offers...

Cheers.
-Smith

Monday Morning Recap

So, an opening video to break the ice. Well, I don't have one... I have about 15... NFL Fantasy Files (found on youtube) are some ridiculous videos about the skill-set of some All-Pro players: Braylon Edwards, Andre Johnson, Marc Bulger, Chris Chambers etc... Here is one of my favorites, done by Jason Campbell of the Washington Redskins. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoYbevFvWg8. Hilarious.


Here are my NHL thoughts for the week...

1 a - Daily Oiler Bashing - Well, the nightmare season is complete. Brad Richards found Mike Modano sneaking in from the point (what were Staios & Strudwick doing?!) and I swear I could hear every single Oiler fans heart sink into the bottom of their stomach. Thump. It's one thing to lose a home-and-home to the Red Wings, but to lose to this year's NHL doormat? No good.

1 b - The Oilers sit in 14th now, still 2 points ahead of the basement dwelling Stars; however, the Stars are only 4 points out of a playoff spot. Is the West this strong? Or this weak?

1 c - What do the Oilers do about their goaltending now? Roli lost. Deslaurier lost. Back to Garon? What if he loses? Bring in someone new, aka Lehtonen? What happens to Deslaurier and Dubnyk then? Why draft them? I think the solution is inside the Oiler camp, but how much patience is left in the tank for the coaching staff and the fans?

1 d - Souray is the Oilers All-Star this year, not Hemsky. And they only get one. While Hemsky has been a bright spot and is been known for his soft hands and passing skills; however, he only has 6 assists playing 5-on-5; not to even mention his performance at home has been less then desirable (5 points in 7 games) AND he has 0 goals against the Northwest division. Just not good enough. It seems that when Edmonton needs a lift, it's not Hemsky dangling through five guys, it's Souray's booming cannon they look too.

2 - There's news of Claude Lemieux being very close to making a return to the NHL. He is attempting a comeback with the San Jose Sharks, and begins an extended stint with the AHL's Worcester Sharks. Was there another player better at picking up his game in the playoffs then this pesky rat (don't forget he was the 1995 Conn Smythe winner)? I'm already wondering how the Pacific Division is going to cope with Avery, Ott and Lemieux playing each other 8 times a year...





3 - Ok, lets all be honest here. I am stoked to see what kind of fingerprints Brian Burke is going to put on the Maple Leafs. Burke is known for his liking of North American players and guys like Kaberle, Antropov & Ponikarovsky could all have new homes by the end of the year. It's an exciting time for Leaf Nation. A quirky fact though, no GM has ever lead 2 different clubs to a Stanley Cup victory... Maybe we all spoke too soon...

4 - Who has the best defense in the league? It's a team with 4 Dmen in the top 25 in scoring. It's a team with their entire back end is a combined +40. It's a team with an avaerage Dman age of under 30. The Sharks. How many studs are on this team: Boyle, Ehrhoff, Vlasic... with role players Blake, Lukowich, Semenov (yes, the former Oiler) and Doug Murray. By comparison, The Red Wings 7 Dmen are an average of 31 years of age, have only 3 Dmen in the top 30, and are a combined -10.

5 - Drew, here is your shout out. Curtis Glencross is your diamond in the rough. He was a projected pre-season 4th liner while only making 1.2 million and is on pace for over 50 points. Personally, I'm not a fan, but the guy is playing like a stud. So there Drew, I gave your Flames some blog time. I'm gonna rip you up later on though.





Here are my non-NHL thoughts for the week...

1 - The Colts are 8-4, the Patriots are 7-5. The Colts are in the playoffs, the Patriots are not. The Colts hold the playoff tie-breaker, the Patriots do not. While Tom Brady is at home, rehabbing and taking it in the ear, Peyton Manning is winning football games... 5 in a row in fact... Suck it Sporer.

2 a - USC 38 vs. Notre Dame 3. How does that golden shower taste, Drew? Huh? HOW DOES IT FEEL?! USC has moved into #5 in the BCS and with a (foreseeable) win against 4-7 UCLA, will win the PAC-10 and set up a date with the 11-1 Penn State Nittany Lions in the Rose Bowl.

2 b - I sure hope #2 Florida beats #1 'Bama in the SEC title game next week. I just can't get behind a team with an elephant as it's mascot, I mean, how wimpy is that? Plus, I picked Tebow to repeat for the Heisman and, although he's probably only 4th or 5th so far, a big game against the #1 team would surely catapult him back into trophy talks.

2 c - I wish I knew the college football conferences/divisions as well as I know the 4 major sports'...

3 a - How STUPID is Plaxico Burress? In case you haven't heard, he shot himself. Who does he think he is, Jesse James? 50 cent? Dumbass. The story goes... He convinced a nightclub to allow him to carry a gun (which he had no license for) into the bar because he 'needed to be protected'. Guess what happens. Yep. He gets drunk, drops the gun, stumbles to pick it up and shoots himself in the thigh. Dumbass.

3 b - The Giants have scored 67 points in 2 games without Burress. Go figure.

4 - Funny story. I read a story that claimed that after Iowa beat Minnesota 55-0, two ppl were caught and given tickets for having sex in a public bathroom. Apparently, the police report concluded that, 'the woman, 38, was turned over to her husband. The man, 26, was turned over to his girlfriend'. Deep. That would be one awkward ride home...

5 a - I saw Role Models yesterday. Absolutely hilarious. I thought Paul Rudd would be the comedy, but Sean William Scott steals the show. A friend described it to me as if... Superbad, Knocked Up and 40-Year Old Virgin all had a threesome and had a baby. And they named that baby 'Role Models'. Great analogy.


5 b - You know what? I'm a man and I don't care who knows it, but Disney makes some damn good movies! I tried to make a top 5, then i had to expand it to a top 10, THEN I couldn't even do that because I was leaving out too many damn good ones! So there.

Cheers.
-Smith