Don't get me wrong: I love the new format. As a Devils fan, I enjoy Emerick's commentary. But I cannot always hear it.
Why is the NFL able to provide perfect audio in a college stadium, but the NHL cannot provide clean audio or video from a rink that's a major league stadium?
Furthermore, once again, the speed guns failed. This time, unlike two years ago, it's likely that they failed because Ovechkin fell over an important cable. But that begs the question: why in this wireless age was there a cable for him to trip over? I can imagine an unlikely but nightmarish scenario in which a skate slices open a power cable and the open power cable electrifies the ice.
The point is that the all star game is a very important marketing event for the NHL, one that would be a very good time if we were actually able to watch it.
I hope that the NHL invests more in future broadcasts.
I know that it's too much to ask that the game be broadcast on a major network, like the NFL Pro Bowl.
My gf adds: don't forget the visual glitches that occurred at key moments, like when the shooter was firing a shot. They prove that there was a sucky operations room, terribly underfunded.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
I wish Versus was a real Network
Massive, terribly annoying audio issues with the NHL All Star Draft. My gf nearly stopped watching, but she's also crushed that there are no Sabres in Raleigh.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Crosby's Concussion Has Finally Occurred
Crosby's concussion was inevitable this year in particular because this is the year that he has dominated the league. At almost 2 points per game, Crosby has finally been scoring like Mario and Gretzky.
So it was no surprise that the Penguins' two rivals, the Lightning and the Capitals, attacked him.
What was shocking: no penalties for the hits.
The NHL is encouraing the type of violence that enforces mediocrity: get too good and you will be hit in ways that the two greats never were.
So now Crosby is out indefinitely with a concussion. Meanwhile, other greats are hurting too. Stamkos and Ovechkin are playing through injuries (we do not know how severe the pain is). Datsuyk is out hurt. Derek Roy, who was having a career year as a leader for the Sabres, is out. Andy McDonald, who has always looked younger than he is, is concussed. Kariya retired.
The enforcement of mediocrity has to stop, and progress will start when Colin Campbell is fired.
So it was no surprise that the Penguins' two rivals, the Lightning and the Capitals, attacked him.
What was shocking: no penalties for the hits.
The NHL is encouraing the type of violence that enforces mediocrity: get too good and you will be hit in ways that the two greats never were.
So now Crosby is out indefinitely with a concussion. Meanwhile, other greats are hurting too. Stamkos and Ovechkin are playing through injuries (we do not know how severe the pain is). Datsuyk is out hurt. Derek Roy, who was having a career year as a leader for the Sabres, is out. Andy McDonald, who has always looked younger than he is, is concussed. Kariya retired.
The enforcement of mediocrity has to stop, and progress will start when Colin Campbell is fired.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Excellent Move in Youth Hockey: Put PIMs in the Standings
In Minnesota youth hockey, Fair Play Shows Up in the Standings.
The "revolutionary feature is the fair-play point — an extra point in the standings awarded teams, win or lose, for each game in which they take fewer than a designated number of penalty minutes.
The fair-play point is in effect for all youth leagues outside of high school competition: boys and girls, starting from Mite, for players 8 and younger, through Junior Gold, for players up to 18. Minnesota is the only state that has it."
It works:
"Within a year of instituting the fair-play point, the number of penalties dropped sharply — particularly for fouls like hits to the head, high-sticking and roughing and fighting."
The "revolutionary feature is the fair-play point — an extra point in the standings awarded teams, win or lose, for each game in which they take fewer than a designated number of penalty minutes.
The fair-play point is in effect for all youth leagues outside of high school competition: boys and girls, starting from Mite, for players 8 and younger, through Junior Gold, for players up to 18. Minnesota is the only state that has it."
It works:
"Within a year of instituting the fair-play point, the number of penalties dropped sharply — particularly for fouls like hits to the head, high-sticking and roughing and fighting."
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
NHL Fails To Prevent Concussions
Concussions are increasing in the NHL. With Colin Campbell's corruption now widely known, the fault has to be partly his, and partly the NHL's for failing to fire him.
Part of the reason that concussion rates have risen is that they are being reported more, but the rate should be declining.
As the CBC notes, "The number of concussions reported by NHL players remains unchanged from last season despite the league's attempt to reduce the injury by creating a rule outlawing blindside hits to the head. Dr. Ruben Echemendia, the NHL's neuropsychologist, said Friday that 33 concussions had been reported as of Dec. 1 — the exact same number as a year ago. However, he was quick to note that it doesn't necessarily mean the rule change has been ineffective."
"The league has been tracking concussions since 1997 and typically sees about 75 reported each season — roughly half of which are the result of blindside hits."
It is absolutely true that individual players are taking consussions more seriously than ever before, as Tavares' story shows.
Still, it's a problem that the rate of concussions has not decreased.
The NFL is ahead of the NHL in researching the problem because about 61 percent of NFL players have had at least one concussion in their career, and some quarterbacks suffer a concussion every year. Evidence suggests that concussions are linked to Alzheimer's, but the link has not been proved. The possibility is as ominous for current NHL players as it is for current NFL players.
The NFL however, will find it harder to prohibit head shots than the NHL, as a recent NY Times op-ed by an ex-NFL player noted.
The Mayo Clinic says that the NHL should ban all hits to the head.
The injury that the NHL won't ever be able to stop completely is this: the skate to the neck. Here's what the stitches look like.
Lack of consistency
Still, the NHL is making its job needlessly tough by failing to suspend players in some obvious cases. Carcillo, for example, was surprised to avoid a suspension for this hit.
Of course, with Colin Campbell using his position to settle grudges rather than establish consistent rules, it's no surprise that the policy is inconsistent and even ridiculous.
Another source of concussions is hits from behind, especially boarding, but with the NHL failing to establish a policy on head shots, it's no surprise that other areas of concerns, such as hits from behind, are virtually ignored. Recently, NHL veteran Michael Nylander, playing in the AHL, had his neck broken due to a hit from behind and his career may be over.
Of course, the NFL is facing criticisms too. It's possible that changes to helmets could help -- personally I think they should be softer, more like protection and less like a weapon. But the NFL is not looking into the possibility at this time. Injuries mean that the NFL should not play more games and should cancel overtime, allowing games to end in a tie.
I hope that the leagues solve their problems. As one commentator said, "Just as football players have to get back to leading with their hands and arms, wrapping up tackles with old-school fundamentals instead of going for the kill shot, hockey players have to learn to stay low, stay in sight and hit appropriately. Concussions can’t be eliminated, but they can be reduced. It will take time, but it can happen."
What that article did not say is that the NHL needs someone who is not corrupt to lead the change.
Part of the reason that concussion rates have risen is that they are being reported more, but the rate should be declining.
As the CBC notes, "The number of concussions reported by NHL players remains unchanged from last season despite the league's attempt to reduce the injury by creating a rule outlawing blindside hits to the head. Dr. Ruben Echemendia, the NHL's neuropsychologist, said Friday that 33 concussions had been reported as of Dec. 1 — the exact same number as a year ago. However, he was quick to note that it doesn't necessarily mean the rule change has been ineffective."
"The league has been tracking concussions since 1997 and typically sees about 75 reported each season — roughly half of which are the result of blindside hits."
It is absolutely true that individual players are taking consussions more seriously than ever before, as Tavares' story shows.
Still, it's a problem that the rate of concussions has not decreased.
The NFL is ahead of the NHL in researching the problem because about 61 percent of NFL players have had at least one concussion in their career, and some quarterbacks suffer a concussion every year. Evidence suggests that concussions are linked to Alzheimer's, but the link has not been proved. The possibility is as ominous for current NHL players as it is for current NFL players.
The NFL however, will find it harder to prohibit head shots than the NHL, as a recent NY Times op-ed by an ex-NFL player noted.
The Mayo Clinic says that the NHL should ban all hits to the head.
The injury that the NHL won't ever be able to stop completely is this: the skate to the neck. Here's what the stitches look like.
Lack of consistency
Still, the NHL is making its job needlessly tough by failing to suspend players in some obvious cases. Carcillo, for example, was surprised to avoid a suspension for this hit.
Of course, with Colin Campbell using his position to settle grudges rather than establish consistent rules, it's no surprise that the policy is inconsistent and even ridiculous.
Another source of concussions is hits from behind, especially boarding, but with the NHL failing to establish a policy on head shots, it's no surprise that other areas of concerns, such as hits from behind, are virtually ignored. Recently, NHL veteran Michael Nylander, playing in the AHL, had his neck broken due to a hit from behind and his career may be over.
Of course, the NFL is facing criticisms too. It's possible that changes to helmets could help -- personally I think they should be softer, more like protection and less like a weapon. But the NFL is not looking into the possibility at this time. Injuries mean that the NFL should not play more games and should cancel overtime, allowing games to end in a tie.
I hope that the leagues solve their problems. As one commentator said, "Just as football players have to get back to leading with their hands and arms, wrapping up tackles with old-school fundamentals instead of going for the kill shot, hockey players have to learn to stay low, stay in sight and hit appropriately. Concussions can’t be eliminated, but they can be reduced. It will take time, but it can happen."
What that article did not say is that the NHL needs someone who is not corrupt to lead the change.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Head to Head in Yahoo Leagues? Watch Week of March 21
Here is the forecaster for the week of March 21, the first round of elimination in Yahoo playoff leagues. It shows the number of home and away games for each team, and whether or not they play on Saturday
Anaheim 3 A (Sat)
Atlanta 2 H 1 A
Boston 3 H (Sat) 1 A
Buffalo 2 H (Sat) 1 A
Calgary 3 A (Sat)
Carolina 2 H (Sat) 1 A -- TB B2B
Chicago 2 H (Sat)
Colorado 2 H 1 A (Sat)
Columbus 1 H 2 A
Dallas 1 H 1 A (Sat)
Detroit 3 H (Sat)
Edmonton 1 H (Sat) 2 A
Florida 4 A
Los Angeles 3 H
Minnesota 2 H (Sat)
Montreal 2 H (Sat) 1 A
Nashville 3 H (Sat)
New Jersey 3 A (Sat)
New York Islanders 2 H (Sat) 1 A
New York Rangers 2 H 1 A (Sat)
Ottawa 1 H 3 A
Philadelphia 3 H 1 A (Sat)
Phoenix 3 H
Pittsburgh 2 H 2 A
San Jose 1 H 2 A (Sat)
St. Louis 1 H 2 A (Sat)
Tampa Bay 1 H 3 A
Toronto 3 A (Sat)
Vancouver 3 A
Washington 2 H 1 A
Anaheim 3 A (Sat)
Atlanta 2 H 1 A
Boston 3 H (Sat) 1 A
Buffalo 2 H (Sat) 1 A
Calgary 3 A (Sat)
Carolina 2 H (Sat) 1 A -- TB B2B
Chicago 2 H (Sat)
Colorado 2 H 1 A (Sat)
Columbus 1 H 2 A
Dallas 1 H 1 A (Sat)
Detroit 3 H (Sat)
Edmonton 1 H (Sat) 2 A
Florida 4 A
Los Angeles 3 H
Minnesota 2 H (Sat)
Montreal 2 H (Sat) 1 A
Nashville 3 H (Sat)
New Jersey 3 A (Sat)
New York Islanders 2 H (Sat) 1 A
New York Rangers 2 H 1 A (Sat)
Ottawa 1 H 3 A
Philadelphia 3 H 1 A (Sat)
Phoenix 3 H
Pittsburgh 2 H 2 A
San Jose 1 H 2 A (Sat)
St. Louis 1 H 2 A (Sat)
Tampa Bay 1 H 3 A
Toronto 3 A (Sat)
Vancouver 3 A
Washington 2 H 1 A
Friday, November 19, 2010
Which Other Players Are On Campbell's Concussion List?
It's official: the NHL is corrupt.
Mark Savard was an extremely talented player when Colin Campbell was an incompetent manager of the NY Rangers, getting rid of the talent and keeping the deadwood. He seemed to be particularly nasty to Russians like Sergei Zubov.
The fans are calling Campbell some unpleasant names. The real answer is this: fire colin campbell.
The dispute between Savard and Campbell appears to have been expunged from the internet, but it was bitter and real. Savard was traded. He did well in Calgary and then years later became a franchise player and league leader in Boston. In 1998, Savard was sixth on the team in points, and the Rangers missed the playoffs due in part to Campbell's consistent incompetence.
Who else does Campbell hate? Some suggest Avery. I wonder about Brodeur. In 1998, the Rangers drafted Malhotra, who is now a key part of Vancouver. Does Campbell hate him too?
There are two other players from that team who are still around. Knuble now plays for Washington. MacLean is the coach of the Devils.
Mark Savard was an extremely talented player when Colin Campbell was an incompetent manager of the NY Rangers, getting rid of the talent and keeping the deadwood. He seemed to be particularly nasty to Russians like Sergei Zubov.
The fans are calling Campbell some unpleasant names. The real answer is this: fire colin campbell.
The dispute between Savard and Campbell appears to have been expunged from the internet, but it was bitter and real. Savard was traded. He did well in Calgary and then years later became a franchise player and league leader in Boston. In 1998, Savard was sixth on the team in points, and the Rangers missed the playoffs due in part to Campbell's consistent incompetence.
Who else does Campbell hate? Some suggest Avery. I wonder about Brodeur. In 1998, the Rangers drafted Malhotra, who is now a key part of Vancouver. Does Campbell hate him too?
There are two other players from that team who are still around. Knuble now plays for Washington. MacLean is the coach of the Devils.
Monday, October 18, 2010
11 Reasons Why The NHL Must Take Head Shots Seriously and Take Better Care of Youth
11 more news stories show that the NHL has to take head shots seriously. With the Pominville incident, in which the league shows that it thinks a head shot is as bad as making a rude sexual gesture, the league showed it does not take the problem seriously.
The league must defend the players or it will eventually be held liable, when the inevitable death of a youngster or concussion of a marquee player occurs. Networks could be held liable too.
1) Muscle Injuries Rattle an Oregon High School: Two dozen Oregon high school football players who went to a hospital last week complaining of sore and swollen muscles — including three who required surgery — probably suffered from an extreme version of a muscle syndrome caused by intense exercise, sports medicine experts said Monday. Youngsters need to be pushed less -- at least, they need to not get muscle damage from anaerobic exercise.
2) College football player commits suicide, had brain disease.
3) Fox TV announcers including Aikman fail to ask tough questions when injured player returns to a football game.
4) A study showed that college players sustain more total hits to the head in practices than in games. "During a full season of practice, each team averaged 2,500 total hits to the head that measured as significant blows (50 to 79 g’s of force) and about 300 hits to the head that were considered in the concussion-causing range (80 to 119 g’s). Each team experienced almost 200 practice collisions that measured above 120 g’s, which experts have likened to crashing a car into a concrete wall at 40 miles an hour."
5) Could we be witnessing the demise of American football as we know it? "The pressure is on football, at all levels, to deal with recent revelations that concussions are more dangerous and pervasive than most people had thought."
6) Despite Law, Town Finds Concussion Dangers Lurk. It's difficult to prevent concussions in teenagers playing football.
7) The House of Representatives is considering action. (But it's Congress -- could take years, unless a young person dies.)
8) Former ref Kerry Fraser blasts NHL on head shot policy, consistency. Kerry Fraser was one of the best.
9)You can sustain a life threatening injury from falling off your bicycle, even while wearing a helmet.
10) Video: Carolina coach miffed after Foligno headshot non-call. There was no suspension.
11) Rutgers Player Is Paralyzed Below the Neck
The league must defend the players or it will eventually be held liable, when the inevitable death of a youngster or concussion of a marquee player occurs. Networks could be held liable too.
1) Muscle Injuries Rattle an Oregon High School: Two dozen Oregon high school football players who went to a hospital last week complaining of sore and swollen muscles — including three who required surgery — probably suffered from an extreme version of a muscle syndrome caused by intense exercise, sports medicine experts said Monday. Youngsters need to be pushed less -- at least, they need to not get muscle damage from anaerobic exercise.
2) College football player commits suicide, had brain disease.
3) Fox TV announcers including Aikman fail to ask tough questions when injured player returns to a football game.
4) A study showed that college players sustain more total hits to the head in practices than in games. "During a full season of practice, each team averaged 2,500 total hits to the head that measured as significant blows (50 to 79 g’s of force) and about 300 hits to the head that were considered in the concussion-causing range (80 to 119 g’s). Each team experienced almost 200 practice collisions that measured above 120 g’s, which experts have likened to crashing a car into a concrete wall at 40 miles an hour."
5) Could we be witnessing the demise of American football as we know it? "The pressure is on football, at all levels, to deal with recent revelations that concussions are more dangerous and pervasive than most people had thought."
6) Despite Law, Town Finds Concussion Dangers Lurk. It's difficult to prevent concussions in teenagers playing football.
7) The House of Representatives is considering action. (But it's Congress -- could take years, unless a young person dies.)
8) Former ref Kerry Fraser blasts NHL on head shot policy, consistency. Kerry Fraser was one of the best.
9)You can sustain a life threatening injury from falling off your bicycle, even while wearing a helmet.
10) Video: Carolina coach miffed after Foligno headshot non-call. There was no suspension.
11) Rutgers Player Is Paralyzed Below the Neck
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Along With Miller, I'm Furious About the Pominville Hit Too
My gf and I were watching the free NHL Center Ice preview, taking in the gamecast from her home town Buffalo, when her favorite player, Jason Pominville, was crushed to the ice from behind. Unconcious before he hit the ice, he sustained a concussion and was carted off on a stretcher. His wife was with him as he was evaluated by team doctors. Their baby's first birthday is less than a month away.
Today, we learned that the NHL regards this assault as the equivalent of a rude gesture. The NHL handed down two 2 game suspensions. One went to James Wisniewski for a rude gesture. The other went to Niklas Hjalmarsson for the hit on Pominville.
Sabres goalie Ryan Miller and coach Lindy Ruff said they expect the league to take care of this by handing down a real suspension, but if not, they can take care of the Blackhawks when they play them next, on Saturday, in Chicago.
The NHL has to understand that if it permits this, it's liable for the consequences.
The NHL has to choose whether it wants to deliver a game of skill or the WWE.
Today, we learned that the NHL regards this assault as the equivalent of a rude gesture. The NHL handed down two 2 game suspensions. One went to James Wisniewski for a rude gesture. The other went to Niklas Hjalmarsson for the hit on Pominville.
Sabres goalie Ryan Miller and coach Lindy Ruff said they expect the league to take care of this by handing down a real suspension, but if not, they can take care of the Blackhawks when they play them next, on Saturday, in Chicago.
The NHL has to understand that if it permits this, it's liable for the consequences.
The NHL has to choose whether it wants to deliver a game of skill or the WWE.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Players Who Underperformed Last Year and Should be Undervalued in the Current Draft
One easy way to underperform is to be injured. Some players who were injured might get injured again and should be avoided in HTH formats but are valuable in Rotisserie, where you're not really penalized for games lost to injury. Top of the list of players who are not valuable in HTH, in my opinion, is Edmonton's Ales Hemsky. He played at a point per game pace, but for barely more than 20 games, and could do the same this year.
Top of my list of players who were hurt but should bounce back is Paul Martin. The Devils defenceman reminded me a lot of Brian Rafalski, who left the Devils and became a reliable point producer in Detroit. Martin landed in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh rotates its lines so much that [silly centrifugal force analogy], making it difficult to pick any forward there other than Crosby, Malkin, and Stall (I like Kennedy too, especially since he's dual position eligible, but he plays a high risk game and gets injured). Martin is likely to get a large number points -- and he'll get more when Gonchar get injured, as he inevitably will. There is certainly a risk that Martin will get injured too -- there's also a possibility that his point production, which was close to 0.5 per game for the past two years, will increase. If he can make 0.7 points per game, he could be one of the best defensemen in the league.
As far as I know, only ESPN allows you to sort players by points per game.
Another player who shows up in this list is Tyler Ennis, who is dual position eligible (C,W) in Yahoo. He not only averaged nearly a point per game in the regular season -- Ennis also played significant minutes in the post season and got points. Yahoo ranks him highly, but he's a risk because he may not continue to get the ice time. Take him, but not in the first few rounds.
Patrik Elias is a tough call. He played barely more than 50 games last year, but has the potential to be one of the league's elite players (especially if the Devils play him on a line with Kovalchuk, as Fischler would like). As it is, he may play with Arnott and Langenbrunner, who are certainly good linemates. Elias is also dual eligible (C,W) so I think he's worth taking, in spite of the injury risk. In addition to other issues, Elias never fully recovered from the food-borne hepatitis he caught in the Czech Republic.
I would stay away from Mark Savard. Unlike other players in this article, Savard suffered a concussion, not broken bones, and I do not believe he will ever fully heal. Furthermore, since Savard is a key player for Boston, opponents will hit him in the head. He played about 40 games last season and could play the same amount this year.
Next, Max's favorite player, Johan Franzen. Franzen is a phenomenon. He's a joy to watch on the ice. If he plays a full year (for him, that's 74 of 82 games), he'll be well worth an early draft pick. I think he can do it, but don't take him in the first two rounds. However, he played only 27 games last year.
I believe that Milan Hejduk, who played barely over 50 games last year, will play a full season this year on a rejuvinated Colorado Avalanche team. Don't expect PIMs from him, but he'll deliver shots and power play points. He will be encouraged to perform as his contract ends this year.
Players who have moved
Two new players have arrived in Boston, and expectations are extremely high. I have always liked RW Nathan Horton. Last year, he was even dual eligible (C,W). I think he's one of the best all around players in the NHL, and he's very young, with lots of potential. Some Boston bloggers think he might get over 50 goals this year. I agree -- he might. He also might get 25. So if he's available after a few rounds, by all means take him, but don't take him in the first two.
Many are ignoring Defenceman Dennis Seidenberg, possibly because he comes from Carolina and Florida, who are not winning teams. But look at the splits for Seidenberg's performance last year: just over 0.5 points per game with Boston, the team he's with now, after getting close to 0.35 points per game with his previous team. I believe Seidenberg could get 0.6 points per game. He'll take few penalties but will get power play time, shots, and, on his new team, should deliver an excellent +/-.
Jason Arnott has had injury-shortened seasons in each of his last two years, playing a little over 60 games. But reunited with Elias (his line on the cup-winning team was Elias - Arnott - Sykora), he could deliver a signficant quantity of points. Like Elias, he's an injury risk. If he plays with Elias and Langenbrunner, his shots should go down, but he might survive the season. He'll move from the top line in Nashville to the second line in Jersey.
Kovalev is the enigma of hockey (ever since he broke his foot years ago). I have no idea how he will perform in Ottawa.
Ty Conklin is a good goalie. Don't assume that Halak has the starting position nailed down, unless the coach is swayed by the differences in their contracts. Conklin might get traded. Halak's contract is long term and Conklin's ends this year. On the other hand:
Players with short contracts
Players with short contracts will want to prove themselves.
The Flyers have Carter, Zherdev, and Carcillo only through the end of this year. I expect full PIM production from Carcillo and SHPs from Carter.
Chara's contract with the Bruins also ends this year. He will get an A for effort this year, but I cannot predict whether the effort will be in PIMs and hits or in points.
Calgary's defense has Ian White and Mark Giordano up for contract renewal at the end of the year. Both are point producers on defense, but valuable mostly as late picks. Curtis Glencross is the kind of player you may be able to pick up on the waiver wire. His contract also ends this year.
Plenty of players in Chicago will be up for renewal at the end of the year. I would focus on Brent Seabrook, who is good as your third or fourth defenceman, assuming that Chicago can still win games after losing so many key players in the offseason.
Dallas' best player, Brad Richards, has a contract that expires this year. He will perform. I just hope he does not get hurt.
In Detroit, Lidstrom's contract ends this year, but I expect him to play as he always has. If Detroit is smart, they'll sign him to a 2 or 3 year contract. Also up for renewal are the contracts of both goalies, Howard and Osgood. I think Howard will do well and Osgood will melt.
Los Angeles' two best D-men, Doughty and Williams, have contracts ending this year. Also, sniper Ponikarovsky is on a short leash, with a one year contract, but if he and the coach argue, Ponikarovsky could see little ice time on a team that has skill and depth.
In New Jersey, last year's surprise D, Andy Greene, will have a contract up for renewal. Given the nature of the team and the fact that Greene currently makes so little, I think Greene might get traded. Keep an eye on his status. Also up for renewal will be the captain's contract, but I think Langenbrunner will put in the 100% effort he always does.
On the Island, last year's sniper Moulson has one year left on his contract and Konopka, who delivered the highest PIMs per game last year, is on a one year contract.
My favorite Phoenix D (good for third or fourth on your team), Keith Yandle, is in the last year of his contract, but so is most of the team.
Most of Vancouver's defense is in the last year of their contract. Rumors say that Bieksa wants out. I like Salo, but he gets hurt, so I generally avoid this team's D.
In Washington, numerous interesting players are in the last year of their contract: veterans Poti and Knuble as well as young hotshots Laich, Fleischmann, and Semin. It will be an interesting year for the Capitals, Max.
Top of my list of players who were hurt but should bounce back is Paul Martin. The Devils defenceman reminded me a lot of Brian Rafalski, who left the Devils and became a reliable point producer in Detroit. Martin landed in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh rotates its lines so much that [silly centrifugal force analogy], making it difficult to pick any forward there other than Crosby, Malkin, and Stall (I like Kennedy too, especially since he's dual position eligible, but he plays a high risk game and gets injured). Martin is likely to get a large number points -- and he'll get more when Gonchar get injured, as he inevitably will. There is certainly a risk that Martin will get injured too -- there's also a possibility that his point production, which was close to 0.5 per game for the past two years, will increase. If he can make 0.7 points per game, he could be one of the best defensemen in the league.
As far as I know, only ESPN allows you to sort players by points per game.
Another player who shows up in this list is Tyler Ennis, who is dual position eligible (C,W) in Yahoo. He not only averaged nearly a point per game in the regular season -- Ennis also played significant minutes in the post season and got points. Yahoo ranks him highly, but he's a risk because he may not continue to get the ice time. Take him, but not in the first few rounds.
Patrik Elias is a tough call. He played barely more than 50 games last year, but has the potential to be one of the league's elite players (especially if the Devils play him on a line with Kovalchuk, as Fischler would like). As it is, he may play with Arnott and Langenbrunner, who are certainly good linemates. Elias is also dual eligible (C,W) so I think he's worth taking, in spite of the injury risk. In addition to other issues, Elias never fully recovered from the food-borne hepatitis he caught in the Czech Republic.
I would stay away from Mark Savard. Unlike other players in this article, Savard suffered a concussion, not broken bones, and I do not believe he will ever fully heal. Furthermore, since Savard is a key player for Boston, opponents will hit him in the head. He played about 40 games last season and could play the same amount this year.
Next, Max's favorite player, Johan Franzen. Franzen is a phenomenon. He's a joy to watch on the ice. If he plays a full year (for him, that's 74 of 82 games), he'll be well worth an early draft pick. I think he can do it, but don't take him in the first two rounds. However, he played only 27 games last year.
I believe that Milan Hejduk, who played barely over 50 games last year, will play a full season this year on a rejuvinated Colorado Avalanche team. Don't expect PIMs from him, but he'll deliver shots and power play points. He will be encouraged to perform as his contract ends this year.
Players who have moved
Two new players have arrived in Boston, and expectations are extremely high. I have always liked RW Nathan Horton. Last year, he was even dual eligible (C,W). I think he's one of the best all around players in the NHL, and he's very young, with lots of potential. Some Boston bloggers think he might get over 50 goals this year. I agree -- he might. He also might get 25. So if he's available after a few rounds, by all means take him, but don't take him in the first two.
Many are ignoring Defenceman Dennis Seidenberg, possibly because he comes from Carolina and Florida, who are not winning teams. But look at the splits for Seidenberg's performance last year: just over 0.5 points per game with Boston, the team he's with now, after getting close to 0.35 points per game with his previous team. I believe Seidenberg could get 0.6 points per game. He'll take few penalties but will get power play time, shots, and, on his new team, should deliver an excellent +/-.
Jason Arnott has had injury-shortened seasons in each of his last two years, playing a little over 60 games. But reunited with Elias (his line on the cup-winning team was Elias - Arnott - Sykora), he could deliver a signficant quantity of points. Like Elias, he's an injury risk. If he plays with Elias and Langenbrunner, his shots should go down, but he might survive the season. He'll move from the top line in Nashville to the second line in Jersey.
Kovalev is the enigma of hockey (ever since he broke his foot years ago). I have no idea how he will perform in Ottawa.
Ty Conklin is a good goalie. Don't assume that Halak has the starting position nailed down, unless the coach is swayed by the differences in their contracts. Conklin might get traded. Halak's contract is long term and Conklin's ends this year. On the other hand:
Players with short contracts
Players with short contracts will want to prove themselves.
The Flyers have Carter, Zherdev, and Carcillo only through the end of this year. I expect full PIM production from Carcillo and SHPs from Carter.
Chara's contract with the Bruins also ends this year. He will get an A for effort this year, but I cannot predict whether the effort will be in PIMs and hits or in points.
Calgary's defense has Ian White and Mark Giordano up for contract renewal at the end of the year. Both are point producers on defense, but valuable mostly as late picks. Curtis Glencross is the kind of player you may be able to pick up on the waiver wire. His contract also ends this year.
Plenty of players in Chicago will be up for renewal at the end of the year. I would focus on Brent Seabrook, who is good as your third or fourth defenceman, assuming that Chicago can still win games after losing so many key players in the offseason.
Dallas' best player, Brad Richards, has a contract that expires this year. He will perform. I just hope he does not get hurt.
In Detroit, Lidstrom's contract ends this year, but I expect him to play as he always has. If Detroit is smart, they'll sign him to a 2 or 3 year contract. Also up for renewal are the contracts of both goalies, Howard and Osgood. I think Howard will do well and Osgood will melt.
Los Angeles' two best D-men, Doughty and Williams, have contracts ending this year. Also, sniper Ponikarovsky is on a short leash, with a one year contract, but if he and the coach argue, Ponikarovsky could see little ice time on a team that has skill and depth.
In New Jersey, last year's surprise D, Andy Greene, will have a contract up for renewal. Given the nature of the team and the fact that Greene currently makes so little, I think Greene might get traded. Keep an eye on his status. Also up for renewal will be the captain's contract, but I think Langenbrunner will put in the 100% effort he always does.
On the Island, last year's sniper Moulson has one year left on his contract and Konopka, who delivered the highest PIMs per game last year, is on a one year contract.
My favorite Phoenix D (good for third or fourth on your team), Keith Yandle, is in the last year of his contract, but so is most of the team.
Most of Vancouver's defense is in the last year of their contract. Rumors say that Bieksa wants out. I like Salo, but he gets hurt, so I generally avoid this team's D.
In Washington, numerous interesting players are in the last year of their contract: veterans Poti and Knuble as well as young hotshots Laich, Fleischmann, and Semin. It will be an interesting year for the Capitals, Max.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Childhood concussions have doubled in 10 years
A story in the NY Times reports on a new study:
"The number of child athletes taken to emergency rooms with sports-related concussions doubled over a recent 10-year-period, a new study reports, even though participation in team sports decreased slightly during the period, from 1997 to 2007."
This must change
"The number of child athletes taken to emergency rooms with sports-related concussions doubled over a recent 10-year-period, a new study reports, even though participation in team sports decreased slightly during the period, from 1997 to 2007."
This must change
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Should the rules of hockey be different for kids?
Medical doctor, NHL coach say kids shouldn't learn to hit until later teen years says the headline. But commenters on The Hockey News website say that children should be allowed to hit each other when playing hockey.
I hope that more studies of this issue get funded -- and that the results are made public.
I hope that more studies of this issue get funded -- and that the results are made public.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Link Between Head Injuries and Lou Gehrig's Disease
It seems obvious that head injuries would do all sorts of nasty things to the body, but here's more proof of that.
I hope professional sports will start to take this issue seriously.
I hope professional sports will start to take this issue seriously.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
World Cup Soccer: Paraguay 0 Spain 1
The only good thing about this game is that this is the score I predicted in Fantasy. One of the strangest games ever, with numerous poor and inconsistent decisions. The referee should have been the "man of the match" because his erratic performance eclipsed everyone else.
Still, Villa's goal, scored off both posts, was superb.
Still, Villa's goal, scored off both posts, was superb.
World Cup Soccer: Germany 4 Argentina 0
My Argentine friend tells me that this game showed that Maradona is a player, not a coach. I think that this stage of the finals showed that Europe has the money to spend on their national teams, and that the money tells.
Germany is a superb team. Although I'll be rooting for Spain and then Holland, I expect Germany to win this World Cup.
One note of caution -- although Argentina did not score on Germany's goalie, he did not impress.
Germany is a superb team. Although I'll be rooting for Spain and then Holland, I expect Germany to win this World Cup.
One note of caution -- although Argentina did not score on Germany's goalie, he did not impress.
World Cup Soccer: Holland 2 Brazil 1
Finally, a game whose result I accept. A brilliant game puts Holland through to the final, where they are likely to face Germany but might face Spain. This is the game that got Dunga fired -- but taking the joy out of Brazilian soccer is a far greater crime than an "early" exit from the World Cup.
World Cup Soccer: Uruguay-Ghana Penalties
The game was played by the rules, and Uruguay's performance got them through to the next round, but with Suarez on a red card, and after playing the extra 30 minutes, Uruguay appear even more likely to lose their next game.
World Cup Soccer: Germany 4 England 1
England were clearly missing Rio Ferdinand. Also, as a fan of Liverpool, I can say that Crouch, Heskey, and David James have no place on England's national team.
That said, the Germans played a superb game -- a game that should have been tied 2-2 but for yet another terrible refereeing decision made possible by corrupt FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Love the game, boycott FIFA. Blatter must go.
That said, the Germans played a superb game -- a game that should have been tied 2-2 but for yet another terrible refereeing decision made possible by corrupt FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Love the game, boycott FIFA. Blatter must go.
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