October has found its end. NHL season has been running for about one month now, teams getting somewhere around ten games under their belt. We can say that the game is on full speed. No room for excuses anymore.
And what an interesting start it has been. Some teams have really had a hard time filling the expectations, others have cruised under the radar and find themselves on the top of the league. As early as this is, in the whole season's perspective, the first month has already contributed in setting up the stage for playoff hopes. Let's point out some of the obvious in the standings and try to analyze a bit on how we got here.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are standing on top of it all. Having played most games doesn't hurt, but the results so far are extremely impressing. Considering that Crosby is still out and Malkin has only one leg, this team is playing absolutely great. The secondary weapons are stepping up and making a statement. Guys like Neal, Letang and Staal may well have what it takes to take over the leadership for a cup candidate team.
Toronto Maple Leafs have surprised everyone, themselves included, by ending up this high on the standings. Phil Kessel has found his confidence after an off year and is the most dangerous player on the game now. Look at his supporting cast and compare it to other teams' top lines. Case closed. I'm still saying that Leafs are bound to fall in the autumn and we'll see them fighting for the 8th spot at the season's half way point. They just don't have the depth.
Who doesn't love Philadelphia Flyers? They must be one of the most entertaining teams now. If they would be half as disciplined as entertaining, they'd win all the games now. It's just such a talented roster that once they finally figure it out themselves, they'll climb on top of the conference in no time. Kudos to Jaromir Jagr, he's still strong as a bull and sees the game like the best of them.
Washington Capitals have been surprisingly quiet, considering that they've scored the most per game and have most points per game in the league. They've balanced the scoring a lot so far and the superstars get great support from the blue collar lines. It's going to be interesting to see how they do when real rivalries break out with Philly and Pittsburgh for the Eastern crown.
Ottawa and Florida are the flukes of the early season. Wait a while and they'll swap positions with better teams who've slept for the first month like Boston, Tampa and NY Rangers.
Edmonton Oilers are on top of the Western conference! Take some photos or screenshots or whatever. They seem to have the best groove going on in the whole league. Bunch of teenagers from first rounds of draft complement the veteran experience of Ryan Smyth & co. As long as the management lets the kids play fancy, there will be lots of people cheering in the stands. Who knows how far it'll fly this season. I'm sure that on the following couple, the Oil will return to the fight for the cup. Until they run into the free agency and salary cap issues.
Chicago, LA and San Jose are on the expected strong track, winning roughly two thirds of their games. They'll keep up the pace all the way to the playoffs if nothing dramatic happens on the rosters.
Dallas Stars have been terrific early, largely thanks to Kari Lehtonen's heroics in goal. He's on track for a career season after being the prospect with high expectations but loads of injuries for all of his NHL career so far. Hopefully he stays healthy for the season and can take the Stars to a spoler run in the playoffs.
Colorado has had a brilliant start for the season, but I expect their downfall start soon. It will be conveniently timed to match the rise of Vancouver Canucks to the fight for pole position in the West. Anaheim Ducks are also bound to take a stand and start climbing up to the playoff picture. They just have way too much firepower to not win more games than average teams.
A big old question mark lays on top of Detroit Red Wings. Will the aging squad be able to pull together another solid campaign leading to another playoff appearance or will they finally crack under pressure and fall out of competition while desperately trying to replace past decade's brightest stars with limited pool of newcomers.
2011/10/31
2011/10/20
Return of the King
Okay, "the King" might be pushing it, but Sidney Crosby is undeniably one of the most talented guys ever to lace up the skates. This is a short analysis on his comeback from a long absence due to concussion from last season.
The number of severe concussions in NHL seem to have increased in the past seasons. Maybe it's the fact that the game is now faster than ever and high-speed collisions have devastating effects. Maybe it's the instigator rule, that penalizes quite heavily on starting the brawls on the ice and thus making it less appealing to take matters in players' own hands after heavy hits on the most important players. Maybe it's just that the topic of concussions has become very popular in the gossipy sports journalism? Maybe we just have started to care more about player's health after some disturbing incidents and careers that have been cut off mid flight. Whatever the reason, concussion discussion is on, with high volume.
Sid the Kid has been cleared for contact practice. He must be torn apart with emotions. On the other hand he has to be afraid of the symptoms returning after receiving another hard hit. Then again, he was on top of the pedestal, the poster boy of hockey, the leading player in the league, and must hate having a white helmet for contact warning in practice and not being able to play the game he loves. The salary keeps rolling in even if he's not on the ice for games. The kid is a multimillionaire for the rest of his life. But that isn't the driving force. It is achieving immortality in the history of hockey by being the best of an era.
Well, young Mr. Crosby and his position among hockey's greatest is probably one of the most discussed topic in the hockey online boards. There's fans and haters, both equally emotional. But merely the fact that this much heated debate exists around him is a testament to the fact that he is a special talent. And everyone, who follows the game, should welcome Sidney Crosby back to the rinks with open arms.
But then, the prognosis. What will happen when he actually returns. The pressure is high now with the clearance from doctors, and Pittsburgh Penguins management has to eventually make the decision to let him loose. Will there be some unspoken league wide agreement to respect his return and let him accommodate to the game or will there be some loose cannons on the ice, aiming to crush him just to make a permanent dent in the Penguins' future. This way or that, given the time and avoiding further setback, Sidney Crosby will start to deliver in the offensive columns. Penguins will take a giant leap forwards and become the team to beat for the championship. After Crosby gets all cylinders pumping, he needs to be taken under special surveillance and constant harassment by the opposition. Hard hits will follow.
I'm eagerly waiting for Crosby's return, but also have a healthy dose of scepticism on his ability to remain healthy under the growing pressure. I hope he can avoid Marc Savard's destiny of losing the enge of his game due to constantly having to look over his shoulders and keep out of trouble, while at the same time diverting from the finely tuned optimal tracks in his game and perhaps opening the door for even bigger disasters in the form of physical contact. I hope he can return to his full potential and help the whole league take a step up in the competitive levels just to not let him dominate too much. Then it's up to the other star players in the league to overthrow the King from his throne. With talent, not with violence.
The number of severe concussions in NHL seem to have increased in the past seasons. Maybe it's the fact that the game is now faster than ever and high-speed collisions have devastating effects. Maybe it's the instigator rule, that penalizes quite heavily on starting the brawls on the ice and thus making it less appealing to take matters in players' own hands after heavy hits on the most important players. Maybe it's just that the topic of concussions has become very popular in the gossipy sports journalism? Maybe we just have started to care more about player's health after some disturbing incidents and careers that have been cut off mid flight. Whatever the reason, concussion discussion is on, with high volume.
Sid the Kid has been cleared for contact practice. He must be torn apart with emotions. On the other hand he has to be afraid of the symptoms returning after receiving another hard hit. Then again, he was on top of the pedestal, the poster boy of hockey, the leading player in the league, and must hate having a white helmet for contact warning in practice and not being able to play the game he loves. The salary keeps rolling in even if he's not on the ice for games. The kid is a multimillionaire for the rest of his life. But that isn't the driving force. It is achieving immortality in the history of hockey by being the best of an era.
Well, young Mr. Crosby and his position among hockey's greatest is probably one of the most discussed topic in the hockey online boards. There's fans and haters, both equally emotional. But merely the fact that this much heated debate exists around him is a testament to the fact that he is a special talent. And everyone, who follows the game, should welcome Sidney Crosby back to the rinks with open arms.
But then, the prognosis. What will happen when he actually returns. The pressure is high now with the clearance from doctors, and Pittsburgh Penguins management has to eventually make the decision to let him loose. Will there be some unspoken league wide agreement to respect his return and let him accommodate to the game or will there be some loose cannons on the ice, aiming to crush him just to make a permanent dent in the Penguins' future. This way or that, given the time and avoiding further setback, Sidney Crosby will start to deliver in the offensive columns. Penguins will take a giant leap forwards and become the team to beat for the championship. After Crosby gets all cylinders pumping, he needs to be taken under special surveillance and constant harassment by the opposition. Hard hits will follow.
I'm eagerly waiting for Crosby's return, but also have a healthy dose of scepticism on his ability to remain healthy under the growing pressure. I hope he can avoid Marc Savard's destiny of losing the enge of his game due to constantly having to look over his shoulders and keep out of trouble, while at the same time diverting from the finely tuned optimal tracks in his game and perhaps opening the door for even bigger disasters in the form of physical contact. I hope he can return to his full potential and help the whole league take a step up in the competitive levels just to not let him dominate too much. Then it's up to the other star players in the league to overthrow the King from his throne. With talent, not with violence.
2011/10/15
The Finnish line
Okay, season 2011-2012 is pumping on all cylinders. Some teams are taking a while to get their act together and some have come out of the gates flying. It's time to honor the reigning world champions and list the Finns involved in the NHL action. Highlighting the most interesting guys and throwing some guesses on how they'll do this year. Alphabetically, for practicality.
Sean Bergenheim, Florida. Sean had a tremendous playoff run in Tampa last year and ended up cashing in on the contract with Florida. He's still young, entering the prime of his career and has it all up for grabs. Bergenheim is a bull on skates, and can definitely spark up any team's second line with some speed and grind when needed.
Valtteri Filppula, Detroit. Filppula is a wizard. Extremely talented playmaker, looking at a bright future in the NHL for years to come. The fact he's locked a permanent position in Red Wings starting lineup tells a lot. And once Datsuyk and Zetterberg leave more time for the younger corps, it's going to be Filppula's time in the spotlight. Hopefully he stays healthy and can be one of the guys carrying this famed franchise forward.
Niklas Hagman, Calgary. Hagman has all the speed needed to make an impact in this league. However, he's been pretty streaky in the past seasons and I cannot see that changing. Calgary is just very boring team for creating anything magical. It would be about the last chance for Niklas to prove himself and maybe one more trade to some rising team would do the trick. Blue Jackets, Islanders, Avalanche, anyone?
Jussi Jokinen, Carolina. Jokinen ended up having another contract with Carolina in the end. He's a special player; seems to be way too slow and soft to make it, but has a tremendous ability of being in the right place at the right time. Hence Jokinen's productivity has been great for so long. Not to mention the cold as ice act on the shootouts. Jussi will carry on for couple more of these solid seasons before Carolina's new kids take over.
Olli Jokinen, Calgary. Former king of Florida has fallen deeper and deeper in the Flames. Given the optimal circumstances, Olli Jokinen could still dominate in this league. However, I can't see anyone risking the season just to give him the chance and ice time to make it happen. Maybe Olli should be packaged in a trade with Niklas Hagman for a team who would have the courage. Back to Florida for a all-Finnish line with Bergenheim? Boys might have some good time and create some production on the side.
Mikko Koivu, Minnesota. Well, the younger Koivu brother in the league is likely the best all around player that Finland has to offer. He took the team to the championship in the Worlds this spring and will continue making everyone around him world class players. I bet Mikko Koivu cannot wait for the next season when he'll be united with the new countryman superstar in the making, Mikael Granlund.
Saku Koivu, Anaheim. Older Koivu brother still keeps on producing. He's clearly enoying playing out his career with Teemu Selänne. Saku keeps on playing defensive center role and flashes some of the old time magic every now and then, especially on the power play. This guy would have broken into the ultimate top of all players in the league if he hadn't been injured in so many key moments of his career. Real class act.
Lauri Korpikoski, Phoenix. Korpikoski has sneaked out from being unknown to suddenly being seen as one of the cornerstones of young Coyotes' lineup. He is a grinder, tough to play against and has the speed and scoring ability to go with it. I see him getting a bigger role this season and proving that he belongs to this league for good.
Ville Leino, Buffalo. Leino got traded to Buffalo and had a massive deal under the new management. There's high expectations on his play, and I believe Leino has matured to pretty much fill those. He's an all around forward and easily covers with skills and hockey sense what he may lack in skate speed. Still relatively young, so he possesses all the tools to play an impressive career in the NHL.
Toni Lydman, Anaheim. Lydman keeps on playing solid defense and contributing to the quick turnaround game when needed. If he stays healthy, and locks a place in the powerplay unit with Lubomir Visnovsky on the blueline, there might be good numbers in his scoresheet at the end of the year. His best years may be behind, but there's still plenty of player left.
Joni Pitkänen, Carolina. Pitkänen has proven everyone that he's one of the league's leading offensive defencemen. When paired right and played behind talented forward units, he really provides extra punch for scoring. There's lots of rumors moving him away from Carolina, but that remains to be seen. At least the star of the season has shown that Joni is keeping up the pace just right. The issues come on the own defensive zone, where he really needs good support from the other d-man and the forward line.
Tuomo Ruutu, Carolina. Tuomo Ruutu is a player everyone must like. Well, maybe not the opposition, who needs to keep their heads up for this human wrecking ball. Fearless, competitive, talented and fair. His style of play has unfortunately taken a toll on several seasons, but let's hope he can dodge the injuries this season and keep on thrilling the fans with explosive moves on the ice.
Sami Salo, Vancouver. Salo has earned a permanent position on the Canucks' blue line. He may see fewer minutes every year, but will fill his spot perfectly. And there isn't a goaltender in the league who wouldn't know his slap shot. You can count a bunch of goals and a bucketful of bruises at the end of the season for opposition. And maybe some black and blue for Mikael Samuelsson and Ryan Kesler too for being in the line of fire..
Teemu Selänne, Anaheim. Well, who doesn't love mr. Selänne. The ageless Finnish Flash has returned and once he gets his game together, there will be another solid season of productive offence in the making. Most of Selänne's points will come from the power play this season, but who cares. He's got hall of fame written all over him.
Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia. Timonen has been on the top of the league defencemen for ages. Maybe it's about time to let the younger guys take over some of the responsibilities. Regardless of the Kimmo will carry on in being ultra reliable on the own zone and a weapon on the visitors end.
Teemu Laakso, Sami Lepistö, Lennart Petrell and Petteri Nokelainen close up the quick review on the Finns on ice. They still have to take some time to prove that they belong to the starting lineup. Let's take a look at their progress little later on the season. I hope all the best for them in the fight for the spotlight.
Sean Bergenheim, Florida. Sean had a tremendous playoff run in Tampa last year and ended up cashing in on the contract with Florida. He's still young, entering the prime of his career and has it all up for grabs. Bergenheim is a bull on skates, and can definitely spark up any team's second line with some speed and grind when needed.
Valtteri Filppula, Detroit. Filppula is a wizard. Extremely talented playmaker, looking at a bright future in the NHL for years to come. The fact he's locked a permanent position in Red Wings starting lineup tells a lot. And once Datsuyk and Zetterberg leave more time for the younger corps, it's going to be Filppula's time in the spotlight. Hopefully he stays healthy and can be one of the guys carrying this famed franchise forward.
Niklas Hagman, Calgary. Hagman has all the speed needed to make an impact in this league. However, he's been pretty streaky in the past seasons and I cannot see that changing. Calgary is just very boring team for creating anything magical. It would be about the last chance for Niklas to prove himself and maybe one more trade to some rising team would do the trick. Blue Jackets, Islanders, Avalanche, anyone?
Jussi Jokinen, Carolina. Jokinen ended up having another contract with Carolina in the end. He's a special player; seems to be way too slow and soft to make it, but has a tremendous ability of being in the right place at the right time. Hence Jokinen's productivity has been great for so long. Not to mention the cold as ice act on the shootouts. Jussi will carry on for couple more of these solid seasons before Carolina's new kids take over.
Olli Jokinen, Calgary. Former king of Florida has fallen deeper and deeper in the Flames. Given the optimal circumstances, Olli Jokinen could still dominate in this league. However, I can't see anyone risking the season just to give him the chance and ice time to make it happen. Maybe Olli should be packaged in a trade with Niklas Hagman for a team who would have the courage. Back to Florida for a all-Finnish line with Bergenheim? Boys might have some good time and create some production on the side.
Mikko Koivu, Minnesota. Well, the younger Koivu brother in the league is likely the best all around player that Finland has to offer. He took the team to the championship in the Worlds this spring and will continue making everyone around him world class players. I bet Mikko Koivu cannot wait for the next season when he'll be united with the new countryman superstar in the making, Mikael Granlund.
Saku Koivu, Anaheim. Older Koivu brother still keeps on producing. He's clearly enoying playing out his career with Teemu Selänne. Saku keeps on playing defensive center role and flashes some of the old time magic every now and then, especially on the power play. This guy would have broken into the ultimate top of all players in the league if he hadn't been injured in so many key moments of his career. Real class act.
Lauri Korpikoski, Phoenix. Korpikoski has sneaked out from being unknown to suddenly being seen as one of the cornerstones of young Coyotes' lineup. He is a grinder, tough to play against and has the speed and scoring ability to go with it. I see him getting a bigger role this season and proving that he belongs to this league for good.
Ville Leino, Buffalo. Leino got traded to Buffalo and had a massive deal under the new management. There's high expectations on his play, and I believe Leino has matured to pretty much fill those. He's an all around forward and easily covers with skills and hockey sense what he may lack in skate speed. Still relatively young, so he possesses all the tools to play an impressive career in the NHL.
Toni Lydman, Anaheim. Lydman keeps on playing solid defense and contributing to the quick turnaround game when needed. If he stays healthy, and locks a place in the powerplay unit with Lubomir Visnovsky on the blueline, there might be good numbers in his scoresheet at the end of the year. His best years may be behind, but there's still plenty of player left.
Joni Pitkänen, Carolina. Pitkänen has proven everyone that he's one of the league's leading offensive defencemen. When paired right and played behind talented forward units, he really provides extra punch for scoring. There's lots of rumors moving him away from Carolina, but that remains to be seen. At least the star of the season has shown that Joni is keeping up the pace just right. The issues come on the own defensive zone, where he really needs good support from the other d-man and the forward line.
Tuomo Ruutu, Carolina. Tuomo Ruutu is a player everyone must like. Well, maybe not the opposition, who needs to keep their heads up for this human wrecking ball. Fearless, competitive, talented and fair. His style of play has unfortunately taken a toll on several seasons, but let's hope he can dodge the injuries this season and keep on thrilling the fans with explosive moves on the ice.
Sami Salo, Vancouver. Salo has earned a permanent position on the Canucks' blue line. He may see fewer minutes every year, but will fill his spot perfectly. And there isn't a goaltender in the league who wouldn't know his slap shot. You can count a bunch of goals and a bucketful of bruises at the end of the season for opposition. And maybe some black and blue for Mikael Samuelsson and Ryan Kesler too for being in the line of fire..
Teemu Selänne, Anaheim. Well, who doesn't love mr. Selänne. The ageless Finnish Flash has returned and once he gets his game together, there will be another solid season of productive offence in the making. Most of Selänne's points will come from the power play this season, but who cares. He's got hall of fame written all over him.
Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia. Timonen has been on the top of the league defencemen for ages. Maybe it's about time to let the younger guys take over some of the responsibilities. Regardless of the Kimmo will carry on in being ultra reliable on the own zone and a weapon on the visitors end.
Teemu Laakso, Sami Lepistö, Lennart Petrell and Petteri Nokelainen close up the quick review on the Finns on ice. They still have to take some time to prove that they belong to the starting lineup. Let's take a look at their progress little later on the season. I hope all the best for them in the fight for the spotlight.
2011/10/12
From Russia with love
I happened to browse some news, posts and comments on Matt Bradley's alleged radio criticism towards former Washington Capitals teammate Alexander Semin. This study led to more comments on Semin's inconsistent performances, lack of commitment and so forth. This rung a bell in similarity on articles about so many other Russian players. Alexei Kovalev comes to my mind first. Is it really a national characteristic of Russians to pull this kind of spotlight for themselves or is this just some last remains of the good old cold war in the minds of US-centric media?
In regards of Bradley's comments after leaving the team, I believe that's part of being rather young and inexperienced and getting lured into this kind of talk by the interviewer. Stupid, against the players' code of honor and outright bad for karma and career for sure. But somewhat innocent in the end. He'll be hearing about this for a while and will learn to keep his mouth shut on topics like this. Players in general stand for each others like in any team sport, only highlighting the most outrageous behavior of certain individuals. Rest of the yapping remains in the rink and locker rooms.
What comes to Russian star players in the NHL. It seems like forever since the first guys jumped over to play in the States. Since that the Soviet Union has collapsed and borders have opened. KHL has come in to offer an local language alternative. The world has changed a lot. Still, some of the writers, many of the league elderly statesmen, owners, GMs etc. are old school and don't realize that nationality isn't very important these days. It's just a job and a business. Where wouldn't we be outsourcing tasks these days?
So, I'm leaning on the side of prejudice. Guys like Semin and Kovalev have proven to be world class players. You don't score almost a point per game in NHL without extreme talent. Of course these individuals are mostly offensive weapons and save themselves for those tasks instead of grinding out the pucks in the corners or finding lanes to deliver massive checks. They have the softest hands in the league and those skills will go out in a puff of smoke after few broken wrists or separated shoulders. Not to mention the flying speed that can't really take that many torn knee tendons before the career is over. There's different shaped guys for the hard work in all teams and it's hard to put these two types of players in comparison.
Stats tell that regular season favors the guys with offensive skill and speed, but playoffs turn the scales towards hard work and never-die attitude. That shouldn't really be much of a surprise to anyone in the business. It's a long season and everything is on the line in the end. It would be hard to not get the jitters on the final push towards the ultimate reward. Guys are also banged up and tired after 82 games of regular season. There might not be enough left in the tank to pull off some of the fastest spurts or finest moves in the postseason.
If you compare Semin and Kovalev to fellow countrymen Ovechkin and Malkin, what makes a difference in the public attitude? Ovechkin loves the spotlight, he's at home as a hockey celebrity. And he has a nasty edge, some Canadian blood perhaps? Malkin is a shy and silent guy too, but has won the public over with simple talent and undeniable productivity on the rink. Another bad season for him and he'll be in the same doghouse with Semin. Be it injuries or anything else, it's just going to be unfair.
The teams are paying millions to the coaching teams that seem to fail in getting everything out of these star players at times. I wonder how their professionalism is evaluated in those spots. They should be gutsy enough to tell who's going to jump in the box at what times and not whine about it later if they've played 25 minutes some guys who don't seem to have the energy. If it's grind time, don't throw in the artists.
I see another massively productive season for Semin, even playing on the second line behind Ovie and Backström. And Washington will make a big mistake if they let this guy leave instead of talking things through along the season. Get a freakin' interpreter if the kid doesn't speak English.
Kovalev already left when he had enough. He has nothing more to prove in his age and he'll be happy playing out his career in Russia.
I'd like to end this post with an opinion that the NHL would be way less entertaining as a league without the Russian (and other Eastern block) players. The media should realize that and embrace the differences in the playing style instead of judging without looking any deeper.
In regards of Bradley's comments after leaving the team, I believe that's part of being rather young and inexperienced and getting lured into this kind of talk by the interviewer. Stupid, against the players' code of honor and outright bad for karma and career for sure. But somewhat innocent in the end. He'll be hearing about this for a while and will learn to keep his mouth shut on topics like this. Players in general stand for each others like in any team sport, only highlighting the most outrageous behavior of certain individuals. Rest of the yapping remains in the rink and locker rooms.
What comes to Russian star players in the NHL. It seems like forever since the first guys jumped over to play in the States. Since that the Soviet Union has collapsed and borders have opened. KHL has come in to offer an local language alternative. The world has changed a lot. Still, some of the writers, many of the league elderly statesmen, owners, GMs etc. are old school and don't realize that nationality isn't very important these days. It's just a job and a business. Where wouldn't we be outsourcing tasks these days?
So, I'm leaning on the side of prejudice. Guys like Semin and Kovalev have proven to be world class players. You don't score almost a point per game in NHL without extreme talent. Of course these individuals are mostly offensive weapons and save themselves for those tasks instead of grinding out the pucks in the corners or finding lanes to deliver massive checks. They have the softest hands in the league and those skills will go out in a puff of smoke after few broken wrists or separated shoulders. Not to mention the flying speed that can't really take that many torn knee tendons before the career is over. There's different shaped guys for the hard work in all teams and it's hard to put these two types of players in comparison.
Stats tell that regular season favors the guys with offensive skill and speed, but playoffs turn the scales towards hard work and never-die attitude. That shouldn't really be much of a surprise to anyone in the business. It's a long season and everything is on the line in the end. It would be hard to not get the jitters on the final push towards the ultimate reward. Guys are also banged up and tired after 82 games of regular season. There might not be enough left in the tank to pull off some of the fastest spurts or finest moves in the postseason.
If you compare Semin and Kovalev to fellow countrymen Ovechkin and Malkin, what makes a difference in the public attitude? Ovechkin loves the spotlight, he's at home as a hockey celebrity. And he has a nasty edge, some Canadian blood perhaps? Malkin is a shy and silent guy too, but has won the public over with simple talent and undeniable productivity on the rink. Another bad season for him and he'll be in the same doghouse with Semin. Be it injuries or anything else, it's just going to be unfair.
The teams are paying millions to the coaching teams that seem to fail in getting everything out of these star players at times. I wonder how their professionalism is evaluated in those spots. They should be gutsy enough to tell who's going to jump in the box at what times and not whine about it later if they've played 25 minutes some guys who don't seem to have the energy. If it's grind time, don't throw in the artists.
I see another massively productive season for Semin, even playing on the second line behind Ovie and Backström. And Washington will make a big mistake if they let this guy leave instead of talking things through along the season. Get a freakin' interpreter if the kid doesn't speak English.
Kovalev already left when he had enough. He has nothing more to prove in his age and he'll be happy playing out his career in Russia.
I'd like to end this post with an opinion that the NHL would be way less entertaining as a league without the Russian (and other Eastern block) players. The media should realize that and embrace the differences in the playing style instead of judging without looking any deeper.
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