Stanley Cup Finals 2015: Some "Other" Players To Watch

So it's down to the final twosome in the quest for Lord Stanley's Mug. The Tampa Bay Lighting have beaten three straight original six teams, and now face a fourth. The Chicago Blackhawks. For the record, no team in NHL history has ever beaten four Original Six teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tampa will have to do that if they want to win. This is also the first time since 1964 that both teams won the semi-finals on the road.

So who to keep an eye out for in the finals. Well, we all know about Stamkos, Toews, Kutcherov and Kane. But how about some of the others?

Zack Johnson is a small guy, who gets better every year. And this year, he's been doing it from the get-go of the regular season and continuing it through the first three playoff rounds. Small in stature, 5'9, but quick on the ice, he's in only his third year in the league, yet is leading the playoffs in scoring with 21 points. Look for that to continue in the finals.

Another player impressing me for Tampa Bay in the playoffs has been Nikita Kucherov. Although only 5'11 himself, and also in his sophomore season in the NHL, he had 65 points from the right wing position in the regular season, and 19 more so far in the playoffs. He also lead the NHL in +/- in the regular season, as that probably comes as a surprise to many. Nikita finished at +35. He's a +7 so far in the postseason.

But put all those players and some more aside, and it's gotta be Ben Bishop that stands out. Actually, he stands 6'7 in net. A player that Johnson and Kucherov look up to in more ways then one. Funny, coming into this postseason, he'd never actually played a single NHL playoff game. And now, it's as if he's been there a while. Big Ben has the poise, confidence, and even skills of a veteran of many-a-playoff game. At least that's what it looks like on television. He leads the playoffs in wins (And sadly, losses, too), shutouts and games played. All of this experience will benefit him and the Lightning down the road.

Meanwhile, Chicago has got some faces at work in this postseason. Jonathan Toews is actually second on the team in scoring with 18 points in 17 games. But it's Patrick Kane with the team lead with 20 points. But here's where someone else is having the postseason of his life. Duncan Keith, the defenseman, is 31 years old and averaging better then a point-a-game this postseason! He's been in Chicago since way back in 2005/06, along with Brent Seabrook and Patrick Sharp. Back in the dark days of the Hawks.

Due in part to some injuries, Sharp had a bit of an offseason this year in terms of point production. But in the playoffs, he's back to his usual self with 12 points in 17 games. Look for him, Marian Hossa (Playing in his fifth(!) Stanley Cup Finals in the last eight years), and Sharp to provide the experience necessary in the finals. He's also gotten six points in his last eight games and provided some clutch scoring in recent do-or-die games.

How about Chicago goaltending?

For now, smooth sailing. It did, however, seem like Corey Crawford was overmatched and overwhelmed against Nashville and Anaheim. Against the Predators, he was swept under the rug in favour of  Scott Darling, who played well. However, when Darling faltered in game six, Crawford came in and got the win in relief. The job has been his ever since.

Even so, it's Bishop with the better SV%, .920 to Crawford's .919. Not much of a difference. But I've seen Bishop make so many unreal saves, it's hard to look past him. Especially with his height. This finals has the potential of being a great goalie duel!

I look forward to it!


References

http://www.nhl.com

http://www.hockey-reference.com/

http://www.hockeydb.com/

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/how-marian-hossa-is-an-ageless-wonder-for-chicago-blackhawks--trending-topics-132740319.html

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/02/sharp-deflects-dynasty-talk-but-acknowledges-hawks-group-is-something-special/

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/star-spotlight-corey-crawford-vs-ben-bishop/

Hammond And Anderson: How The Sens Should Handle This

I'm going to start by not saying, "Goaltender Controversy", here. That dates back decades to situations where there was really not any. From what I've read, Bower and Sawchuck got along just fine. Tony Espsoito has said he wanted to play game eighth in 1972 vs. USSR, but was fine with Ken Dryden taking the duties. We all know how that ended, right? All's Well That Ends Well.

Here now, in Ottawa, where the Senators looked dead, comes an interesting situation. Ottawa looked out of the playoff picture back on February 7th of this year. They were 20-22-9, and on a three-game losing streak. It was time to look forward to next season. Their starting goalie, Craig Anderson, had been hurt in a 4-3 win over Toronto on January 21st, and things were going downhill fast.

Ottawa had actually started off strong this season. It seems like a distant, forgotten time, but the Senators started out 9-5-4 after finishing strong the year before that. The team, however, was under a lot of pressure, because it had missed the playoffs the year before. Ottawa, you see, looked to be on the rise after making the playoffs in 2011/12 and winning a round for good measure the next season. Missing out on the spring in 2013/14 seem to spell the end for this edition.

When the team hit a slump right after their strong start, they fired coach Paul MacLean. To be honest with you, he's a coach I've always liked. But it appeared that he'd lost control of the players, who seemed to master the fine art of "finding a way to lose". Indeed, Ottawa was losing games by a goal or two. They were right there in the game, and then the wheels came off the chariot, usually in the third period.

Even so, this team had talent. Erik Karlsson is one of the best defenceman in the league, and happends to be on pace for the most goals he's ever scored in one season. Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris are on pace for over 20 themselves. Mark Stone is, too. Mike Hoffman looks like a Calder winner with 24 goals already. And he's got a bright future. The Senators have nine players in double-digits in goals already. Okay, goal-scoring is not the team's problem. Although they are just at league average, with that kind of spread offence, they have more than enough players to keep them in the games they play. But that puts pressure on the goalies.

The goalies, pre-Hammond were Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner. Anderson has actually played quite well this year. He's in the top ten in save percentage despite a win-one, lose-one record. But you always have to look beyond his stats to tell the real story. Thousands of times, he has saves would turn the game around for Ottawa. And not just this season, but ever since he arrived back in 2010/11. He's been a winner everywhere he's played. And he also has experience.

Lehner is still out with a concussion, but despite his not-so-great numbers, he's looked strong at times. I gotta think he'll be the odd-man out in this situation when he returns. He has yet to really break out as the Senators have hoped. And, if Hammond continues his strong play, he might be out of Ottawa.

The Senators have had other injuries, which makes Hammond's streak look stronger. Chris Neil has been out since mid-February with a broken thumb. Clarke MacArthur was concussed with Lehner in their collision two days later on the 16th of February. Zack Smith has not played since December.

Anderson is back injured, and Hammond has run his streak to 12-0-1 with a 6-4 win over Boston. Alas, his two-or-less-goals allowed in starts streak has come to an end and Fran Brimsek's record looks save for good. But there is still twelve games to play and Ottawa still is a point back. They've made it back and now have to press onwards. Hammond is still a rookie, and the stress that would be placed on him from having to play every game from here on in would be more than he could handle, in all likelihood.

Funny, Craig Anderson was only 12-9-2 two seasons ago. Now look at Hammond's record, his 1.55 GAA and his .950 S%. Anderson added a 1.69 GAA and .941 S%. Both marks led the NHL in 2012/13, and this season has been very good. Hammond will take a lot from this streak of his, but what will he do when things stop going his way? You can't expect a rookie to take the full load, especially if the Sens make the playoff. And before they get there? The Ottawa Senators will need someone to pick up the slack once Hammond comes down to earth. Anderson needs to play. The Senators will not make the playoffs if he doesn't!

References

"Official Site of the National Hockey League” | NHL.com. National Hockey League. Web. 19 Mar. 2015. <https://www.nhl.com>

Sports Reference LLC. "(title of a particular page or blank for general citation)." Hockey-Reference.com - Hockey Statistics and History. Web. http://www.hockey-reference.com/. Web. 19 Mar. 2015

The Leafs Goaltending: Maybe Leaf Things Well Enough Alone!

So, Toronto has a goaltending controversy? Really? When?

I thought I saw this all last year. Did you? You nod in agreement. Okay. Randy Carlyle said it was okay. Is is okay if I vent my two cents? This is my blog and Carlyle says it's okay! Alright!

James Reimer. Hey, didn't he start last year pretty well? Yes. How about this year? More of the same, says I. Can he sustain it? Well, that has yet to be determined. Oh yeah, get to, "The Other Guy!" Last year, it was Reimer.

This year, it's Jonathan Bernier. So he starts the season in goal. Carey Price shows him what a real number one goalie should be like in the season opener. In the next game against Pittsburgh, Bernier gets left out to dry and gives it his all. But of the 41 shots against, he can only stop 36. Uh-oh. Everything was settled, set in stone and right for the season. Time for plan "B". Goalie" B". Or is it now goalie "A"? See, this is how and why this thing is so confusing and engaging. Oh, and also because it's Toronto, you see. I sense a cure for 1967 coming here. Really!

Well, maybe not, but Optimus Reimer sure has Leaf Nation believing. And for good reason. The Leafs played like beleafers out there against New York when he started in front of the twine. An injury that forced his removal, oddly, seemed to overshadow the fact that he'd played well, and so had Toronto. A nice six-goal explosion helps, too!

And then a nice OT win, which Reimer almost lost with a delay of game penalty late. Granted, he lost to Detroit. But when Bernier struggled again, against Boston, Carlyle was forced to admit the situation was far from okay. And then, he was forced to admit that Reimer was a little better than okay! Joking aside, somehow, Reimer seems right at home here in Toronto, doesn't he? They throw you under the carpet, then reach over to dust the floor, and notice there's some hidden treasure underneath.

That came in the form of a great win over Chicago. Reimer, what can I say? To say he stole the game, no, that's not enough. It was one of those games. The games that, even if you really believe in Toronto, a loss had to seem the most likely scenario for this team. Toronto hung on well for two. Game tied, Leafs take the lead in the third. Of course, here's where Chicago takes off. Alas, here's where Reimer stole it! Outshot 23-7, Toronto looked like a bunch of minor league rejects in the third. Reimer, though, looked like the reincarnation of Curtis Joseph with his sprawling, last minute grasp. Everyone was looking at the stubborn red light. What, there just had to be a malfunction. That would explain it all!

Out off all that, the Leafs held on to win somehow. Reimer, allowed those two goals on powerplay. Hmmm, I blame not the goalie, but rather the infractions on those two.

So, of course, that just added fuel to the fire. The fire of "Who's In Goal?" That, has gained in recent weeks as the most famous routine since Abbott and Costello's "Who's On First?" The Leafs headed out west to take on Arizona (or Phoneix, if you haven't started watching hockey this year) and Colorado. Bernier looked primed to start against the 'Yotes, but Carlyle decided against it. Reimer played. The Leafs started slow, Reimer gave up some early ones. And he got better as the game went on. Toronto, however, could not pull this thing off, ending up 3-2. Carlyle did the right thing after, placing the blame on the Leafs slow start. Obvious, but it had to be addressed.

And that problem carried over to the next game. A slow start, a rebound, and a 3-2 lead by the opposition, The Leafs pulled Jonathan for the extra attacker late and tied it. Then they survived an OT which featured a lot of three on three action due to some offsetting minors and other extracurricular activity. Toronto survived that, but Bernier went 0-3 in the shootout!

Now, Carlyle gave Bernier another chance at redemption against the Rangers. It was a narrow 5-4 win this time. Leafs played better, but seemed to be in a mode of not holding on to leads and letting New York back in it. They managed to pull it out in overtime, which was good. Bernier played better than the four goals allowed, but what about Ottawa on Sunday?

It was back to Reimer.

Again, the Leafs played a game of too-close-for-comfort. They came out on top 5-3. But the next game would be a real test. It was against Boston.

Toronto stormed out, however, and surged ahead with four second period goals to Boston's one. That turned a 1-0 lead into a 5-1 lead. The Bruins might have had ideas of a comeback (as if they haven't before, right?) but a sixth Toronto goal stopped that. Bernier didn't have too busy a night. He faced only 26 shots and turned away all but one.

The win is one to ponder for Toronto. They controlled the action against one of the league's better teams. Bernier had a rare easy night, by this team's standards. Phil Kessel and his mates had a strong game at both ends as Toronto was three for four on the powerplay and killed off all of Boston's powerplays. This has been Toronto's real problem this season.

Funny, though, look what happens with a better effort up front? And hey, did you see Reimer and Kessel smiling on the bench? Kessel didn't get the hattrick. Reimer didn't get the start. But when things are clicking, it's all smiles, right?

Bernier's numbers are a little off from last year. His save percentage was .917 this year compared to .923 and .922 the two previous years. Most expect him to come around. At least those numbers. Amazingly enough, for all his greatness last year, his goals-against average was 2.68. This year, it's actually also down, to 2.57. But that's what you wanted to see, right?

Reimer, remember, got off to a hot start last year, then lost his confidence. But, being such a high-class individual, he handled it well. His decision to withdraw his trade request looks to have paid dividens for Toronto. Right now, his save percentage of .925 is higher than in any previous season. I actually expect him to get a lot of playing time with those numbers. Reimer has a higher GAA than Bernier, but his W-L-T record is 4-2-0 and Bernier's is 5-3-2. So it's pretty even.

The real controversial issue here is the men in front of these two goalies. Sometimes, it's easy to have confidence when you know you are going to play. Even there, though, do you want to face such an onslaught. The Leafs have some great offence, truth be told. But Toronto has problems on defence, and Carlyle has some difficult decisions to make in regards to his 'tenders. For instance, he started Bernier against Pittsburgh earlier this season, instead of Reimer, who has a far better record. The Leafs next game, coincidentally, is against the Pens. The Leafs will need all the offence and defence they can muster. And in goal you have to expect another 30 + shots. Always amazes me that Bernier and Reimer go in net, knowing what they are up against. If the Leafs could fix that problem, then we wouldn't be here talking about goaltending. At least, not as much.


References


“Official Site of the National Hockey League” NHL.com. National Hockey League. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.  <https://www.nhl.com>.

Langlois, Michael. Vintage Leaf Memories - Michael Langlois, Blogger. Web. 13 Nov. 2014, http://www.vintageleafmemories.com/.

Brodeur: Where Will He Fit, Where Should He Go?

So Marty Brodeur is the NHL's all-time leader in games played (1259), wins (688), losses (394), shutouts (124), you-name-it-he's-got it. He's also an free agent July 1st.

Now what about the teams he could go to? It's been narrowed down to about five or six teams by insiders. Can Marty go to any of them? Where will he fit best? Where would it not work?

Boston has recently joined in the fray. Following their loss to Montreal, my guess is the Bruins feel that Brodeur could spell Tuuka Rask for some short or long stretches. Hey, wait a minute! Didn't Tuuk just win the Vezina? Sure bet Rask took 'er home. So why would the Bruins want an aged veteran? Well, they did sign Niklas Svedberg to a one-year deal, but they lost Chad Johnson, who looked like one fine backup! Rask was not the reason the Bruins lost to the Habs last season, but he needs better insurance behind him. Read this one.

Svedberg played just one game for Boston and isn't ready to step-in. Brodeur could sure provide a step-in. Plus, Rask wouldn't have to feel any pressure if first place or game seven is around the corner. Brodeur is still a winner, you know: (19-14-6)

And the system Boston plays could make things a lot like they were in New Jersey for Marty. He could find the situation helpful. And with the Bruins a likely contender next season, Marty could go out in style. It would be a good fit, and Brodeur could see a lot of playing time to let Rask get some well-deserved rest.

Pittsburgh lost to the Rangers, and it wasn't their goalie's fault. Actually, I thought Marc-Andre Fleury played quite well. Two shutouts against New York! Why that's more blankings than Crosby had goals! Fleury doesn't have the ready backup yet. Jeff Zatkoff did look strong at times. He gave a credible performance, but I'm not sold yet, are you? The Pens always treat Fleury as the fall guy when the team losses. It's amazing how many times Pittsburgh just forgets about the play in their own end and poor Marc has to takes the heat. Brodeur coming in can sure be a help, as Marty could be a great mentor to Marc and young Jeff, but I'm not sure he'd want to play in a place where the defence is undisciplined.

Not that Marty couldn't help. Much like he could spell Rask for stretches, he could for Fleury. Fleury's confidence sometimes dips, but playing beside Brodeur could give him an inspiration. Who knows, maybe Sid and his mates will see The Higher Power in net and play better defence for him, and then do the same for Fleury? That would help this franchise!

Toronto has a good starter in Jonathan Bernier, but James Reimer is on the trading block and I don't think Drew MacIntyre is quite NHL-ready yet. So there is an opening. If Brodeur comes to TO and gets the Leafs back to the playoffs, why he'd be a hero! Not that it's going to be easy. One thing is for sure, the Leafs are the team he'd see the most action with if he signs. The Leafs have the Pens same problem but are also minus some offence as well. Marty would see a lot of 3-2, 4-3, and 5-4 games in the Leaf net. Can he still win them? Being out-shot, ala Bernier and Reimer all last season? Perhaps.

I'm not sure Toronto would want a goalie for one year, because regardless of how Marty does, where are the Buds a year from now? Back to square one (or maybe square zero) in the backup role. The Leafs need a long term answer there, not a short-term one.

Chicago is certainly an interesting fit for Marty. Just look at the legends that have played there. Gardner, Hall, Esposito, Belfour. Why not add another legend? Sounds good to me. But in reality, Corey Crawford has the number one job down and Antti Raanta is there in the second spot in the pipes. Where would that leave Marty? Really, no place for him to play. The Hawks challenge is going to be staying under the cap and staying younger. Could they sign Marty for little? Or fork out the dough and not play him? Seems like a waste of time to me. I mean, he could go there and help, no doubt.

But the Hawks don't seem like a good fit. And the fan in me doesn't want to see Brodeur spend all the time riding the pine. The Hawks, for those not old enough, played Tony-O a grand total of 18 games his last season (1983/84), which was an insult. You gotta let the Proud Old Man get his way, no matter what happens. Same thing with Brodeur. Gotta play him, use him, and make him part of the team. Looking at the Hawks right now, that's not going to happen.

Montreal would welcome the hometown kid with open arms. Only now, the kid is 42. But the Habs have some serious things to do first. With an unexpected great performance from Dustin Tokarski (one of the best postseason stories last year), this could be it for Peter Budaj, who was good as the backup to Carey Price. But I don't know if the Habs want to get older in nets, give up on two guys (not to mention kill their confidence by being sent down) and let Price know that they need a legend to back him up. Hey, didn't the guy just win a gold medal and play better than Brodeur ever did in the Olympics? Well, actually, Marty posted a .981 S% in 2002 and Price's was .972 in 2014. A pair of gold medallist, but Marty got another in 2010 for good measure.

No, that's not going to create a rift. But Carey needs to ride the way of his confidence into next year. Don't forget, this guy played in 72 games back in 2010/11 and led the NHL with 38 wins that year. And he's been with the Canadians since 2007/08 and won the Calder Cup in the AHL with the Bulldogs. I'm not sure Brodeur would see much playing time. And again, is Montreal just going to shove Tokarski to the minors after all that playoff fun? No, that kid deserves a 20-30 game look-see this upcoming season. Good old shot-in-the-arm. There would be no place for Brodeur for that to happen!

Anywhere else? I've seem Tampa Bay mentioned. But Ben Bishop is proving to be one goalie that the Ottawa Senators should have kept. Anders Lindback is set to be a free agent, however. Marty might see a lot of playing time there, as Bishop is not quite a goalie that logs a lot of time and still has much to prove, at least come playoffs. Vancouver could be a good fit, with Luongo gone. But the Canucks are taking a look at a starter first, then perhaps a backup. Plus they have Eddie Lack there, and he was pretty good last year behind Luongo until Roberto's trade to Florida. Speaking of which, how about a nice time in the sun a little further south for Marty. Hmmm? You thinking?

References

"Official Site of the National Hockey League” | NHL.com. National Hockey League. Web. 30 Jun. 2014. <https://www.nhl.com>

Sports Reference LLC. Hockey-Reference.com - Hockey Statistics and History. Web. http://www.hockey-reference.com/. Web. 30 Jun. 2014.