Why Shots on Goal is a Useless Stat
As I'm sitting here writing this article, the Toronto Maple Leafs are leading the league in one offensive category, "shots on goal". They currently sit in a tie for last in points with the Carolina Hurricanes at 15, and have sole…
Maple Leafs can’t buy a goal or a player, and lose 2 to injury
It was a game that left you shaking your head if you're a fan, and a light chuckle if you're an Islanders fan. Dwayne Roloson, 1-6 versus the Leafs heading in to the game, came up with a career game.…
Around the Boards: Leafs and Hawks, N. Kronwall out 4-8, Savard returning tonight
Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: The Leafs and Blackhawks' will be tied to trade rumors, especially since 'Hawks assistant GM Kevin Cheveldayoff was at the Leaf-Caps game on Saturday. Brent Sopel was mentioned as possibly heading to the Leafs…
Around the Boards: Sopel to Leafs? Mueller, Stajan, Kostityn’s on the Block?
Pierre LeBrun on the CBC Hotstove and ESPN: The Leafs and Blackhawks' have reportedly been talking about Brent Sopel. Sopel is owed $2.5 million this year, and $2.0 million next season. For taking Sopel in a salary cap dump, the…
Discussion Question: What is wrong with Jason Spezza?
The NHL season is about a quarter finished, and while there are many pleasant surprises, the play of Jason Spezza has been the exact opposite. Through 17 games Spezza has only scored 1 goal on 41 shots, for a shooting…
Around the Boards: Barker and Sopel, Savard, Maple Leaf trades coming? Coyotes losing Millions, Injury Updates
Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen thinks that Cam Barker ($3.083 million) and Brent Sopel ($2.333 million) may be 2 players the Blackhawks trade to clear up cap space. Versteeg and Byfuglien may be in play after/if the 2…
The ‘Tagging’ Rule facing the Chicago Blackhawks
So it's been reported here and everywhere that Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane (5 years) and Duncan Keith (up to 13 years) are about to re-sign with the Blackhawks. There has been so much talk about the inevitable signings and…
Around the Boards: Savard’s hometown discount, Burke close to making a move? Rozsival on the Move?
Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Talk about your hometown discount. The Boston Bruins and Marc Savard have been talking contract extension recently and are reportedly close to 7 year, $32 million deal. That would be a nice cap…
Around the Boards: The 3 Hawks’, Savard returning, Filatov gone, Gionta out
Bob McKenzie of TSN: Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are reportedly getting 5 year contract extensions, in excess of $6 million per year. Duncan Keith's deal could be for up to 13 years. Rich Thompson of the Boston Herald: It…
Around the Boards: Forsberg staying in Sweden, Toews-Kane-Keith signing today? Filatov back to KHL?
Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: Canucks GM Mike Gillis informed reporters that Peter Forsberg won't be coming Canucks, or any other NHL club, instead opting to with Modo for the remainder of the season. Chric Kuc of the…
The Headshot Issue…
The NHL season isn't officially started until we have our first "Hot Topic" regarding the rules in hockey and what we can do to "fix the game". Hockey fans and media alike enjoy nothing more than to talk endlessly about…
Around the Boards: Savard extension soon, Rangers-Habs talking? Keith odd man out?
Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: The Bruins and Marc Savard are getting closer on a long term extension, in the $6-6.5 million range for 4 or 5 seasons. Stephan Harris of the Boston Herald: The Bruins are getting…