Six divisons
If we must keep six divisions, the easiest change is to move Winnipeg and Toronto to the West and move Dallas and Nashville to the South, which looks like this:
Atlantic: PHI, PIT, NYR, NJD, WAS
Northeast: NYI, BOS, MTL, OTT, BUF
South: DAL, NSH, TB, FLA, CAR
Central: TOR, DET, CHI, CLB, STL
Northwest: CALGARY, EDM, COL, WPG, MIN
Pacific: VAN, ANH, LA, SJ, PHX
If the Islanders then move to Kansas, bring Columbus East and you get
Atlantic: PHI, PIT, CLB, NJD, WAS
Northeast: NYR, BOS, MTL, OTT, BUF
South: DAL, NSH, TB, FLA, CAR
Central: TOR, DET, CHI, KANSAS Islanders, STL
Northwest: CALGARY, EDM, COL, WPG, MIN
Pacific: VAN, ANH, LA, SJ, PHX
I think that a three conference system would work well.
Here are my three conferences (feel free to suggest others): Northeast, West, and South. Each has 10 teams:
South
Carolina, Florida, Tampa Bay, Nashville, Dallas, St. Louis, Columbus, Colorado, Minnesota, and Phoenix
Northeast
Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo, Boston, NY, NYI, NJ, Washington, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia
Northwest
Toronto, Detroit, Chicago, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, San Jose, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Winnepeg
Playoff system:
Two possibilities: each conference winner ranked 1 2 3, followed by the remaining teams from any conference to 16.
Top 2, 3, or 4 teams in each conference make the playoffs. As long as there are matchups within a conference then teams match up within conference.
Examples:
If in round one, the three conferences provide 4 4 and 8 teams, round 2 they provide 2 2 and 4 teams in round three they provide 1 1 and 2 teams, and then the conference final is the winner of the deepest conference vs. the winner of the other playoff series.
In gets more complex if the three conferences provide 5 5 and 6 teams. The fifth ranked teams of two conferences play each other. In round 2, the conferences provide 3 2 and 3 teams. Again, the third ranked teams from two conferences play each other. In round 3, the conferences provide 2 1 and 1 teams, so then we're back at the situation above?).
Note that you could argue that giving the last placed team an opponent who is another last placed team benefits those last place teams. So you might, instead, pit the middle teams against each other. In the case of two conferences providing 5 teams each, each conference's third ranked team would play off against each other. In the case of two conferences with 3 teams each, the second ranked teams would play off against each other.
Change the number of games played in a season
I would advocate 76 games: each team plays 4 games against the 9 other teams in conference, and 2 games against each of the other 20 teams -- but if each team plays each conference team 4x plus every team in one other conference 2x plus every team in the third conference 1x you end up with 66 games a year, which would be better for our frequently injured players.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
When Gregory Campbell Gets His Stanley Cup
Could Colin Campbell please retire?
He is corrupt. The NHL needs a new head of discipline so that it can finally establish a real rule to protect players against concussions.
He is corrupt. The NHL needs a new head of discipline so that it can finally establish a real rule to protect players against concussions.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Press Begins to Argue for an End to Head Shots
Although Wyshynski is right that visors should be mandatory and seamless glass should be eliminated, he's on the wrong side of hockey history when he writes: "Not banning hits to the head across the board is, ultimately, a good thing, because it would severely limit the physicality with which the game is played. The NHL did the right thing by drawing a line in the sand and saying the cheap-shot plays that target a player's head gotta go."
Wyshynski's more recent posts have been counterproductive.
The truth is that it is wrong to ask the referee to decide about the player's intention in any particular hit. It's even worse to ask the corrupt Colin Campbell to make that judgment.
He does get some interesting posts (and a lot of profanity) when he asks readers if violence made them consider quitting the NHL.
Recognizing the need for change
Back in the real world, The Montreal Gazette says that hockey's management "isn't using its head": "No suspension for Boston's Zdeno Chara, nada. Once again the National Hockey League had a chance to send a strong message to protect its players, and once again it blew the call. It's a miracle this decision, or non-decision, didn't launch a modern day version of the 1955 Rocket Richard riot in Montreal. Then again, in a sense, it did."
This after hockey's general managers decided not to ban head shots -- but did call for longer suspensions.
One former general manager and current blogger for The Hockey News called for the league to recognize a distinction between the violent and the dangerous, saying that the league needs to eliminate danger, not violence. Dangerous hits -- those that can end careers -- include hits to the knee, ankle, and head. Player can come back from bruises and even broken arms but the league has recognized that head and knee injuries can end a career (the league has failed to crack down on ankle injuries).
Journalists outside of the profession are quicker to call for change. Bob Herbert of The New York Times said that the NFL needs to protect players' heads.
It seems possible that the NFL will act before the NHL does and if that happens -- the NHL general managers will take the blame for failing to crack down on danger and for failing to fire Colin Campbell.
Wyshynski's more recent posts have been counterproductive.
The truth is that it is wrong to ask the referee to decide about the player's intention in any particular hit. It's even worse to ask the corrupt Colin Campbell to make that judgment.
He does get some interesting posts (and a lot of profanity) when he asks readers if violence made them consider quitting the NHL.
Recognizing the need for change
Back in the real world, The Montreal Gazette says that hockey's management "isn't using its head": "No suspension for Boston's Zdeno Chara, nada. Once again the National Hockey League had a chance to send a strong message to protect its players, and once again it blew the call. It's a miracle this decision, or non-decision, didn't launch a modern day version of the 1955 Rocket Richard riot in Montreal. Then again, in a sense, it did."
This after hockey's general managers decided not to ban head shots -- but did call for longer suspensions.
One former general manager and current blogger for The Hockey News called for the league to recognize a distinction between the violent and the dangerous, saying that the league needs to eliminate danger, not violence. Dangerous hits -- those that can end careers -- include hits to the knee, ankle, and head. Player can come back from bruises and even broken arms but the league has recognized that head and knee injuries can end a career (the league has failed to crack down on ankle injuries).
Journalists outside of the profession are quicker to call for change. Bob Herbert of The New York Times said that the NFL needs to protect players' heads.
It seems possible that the NFL will act before the NHL does and if that happens -- the NHL general managers will take the blame for failing to crack down on danger and for failing to fire Colin Campbell.
Looking back at Matt Cooke
So, is Matt Cooke chicken excrement, as Roenick said? Was the suspension long enough?
Clearly, the short suspension of Matt Cooke sent the message that head shots are okay.
Clearly, the short suspension of Matt Cooke sent the message that head shots are okay.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Colin Campbell is Killing the NHL
The NHL needs to enforce the rules consistently, and Colin Campbell will ensure that never happens. The hit by Chara on Pacioretty was deliberate and nasty. But the Boston Bruins had purchased several insurance policies.
First, they hired Campbell's son Gregory. After the hit on Savard, the Bruins knew that Campbell was for sale. Savard angered Campbell when Campbell was the incompetent manager of the NY Rangers. Campbell let many great players go, most of them Russian (such as Zubov), but none left with more rancor than Savard. Savard wanted more money and Campbell would not give it to him. Years later, Savard had proved Campbell wrong by becoming one of the game's best players, when Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke effectively ended his career with a deliberate concussion-causing hit.
Zubov was let go because he angered Campbell by insisting on not playing with a broken wrist.
Colin hated Savard because his son Gregory had hit Savard in the face with his hockey stick. In a note to referees, Campbell called Savard "a little fake artist," in effect calling open season on hits to Savard.
Cooke received no punishment for ending Savard's career in March of 2010. During the summer of 2010, the Bruins acquired superstar Nathan Horton and also Gregory Campbell from Florida in exchange for several valuable draft picks and underrated defenseman Dennis Wideman.
In Campbell, the Bruins acquired not only a fourth line player earning less than a million dollars per year. They also acquired a license to kill from Colin Campbell.
The Bruins increased their investment in Colin Campbell by helping him get a contract extension that's work $35 million over five years.
The NHL has to change.
Campbell's policies are a joke to some, but they cause real harm to the league, the players, and the sport.
Even journalists in Toronto, hockey's corporate HQ, are losing their patience. "The league did once kick out two players – both with the Bruins – for life. But that was for gambling back in the 1940s. In 2011, it is the league itself that is gambling. But not on games – on lives."
The game is getting ridiculous and Campbell's part of the problem. "If it wasn't embarrassing, it was at least another extremely awkward moment for the NHL, vis-à-vis its Director of Hockey Operations, Colin Campbell, and the involvement of his son, Gregory, in Thursday night's WWE-style game between Boston and Dallas. It had to be awkward for Commissioner Gary Bettman to see his chief of discipline forced to recuse himself from meting out punishments for a game that had several fights -- three within the first four seconds -- and one cheap, blindside hit that earned its perpetrator a four-game suspension."
Mario Lemieux has threatened to leave. "If the events relating to Friday night reflect the state of the league, I need to rethink whether I want to be a part of it."
Lemieux needs to stay, Campbell needs to leave, and someone in hockey journalism or among hockey's owners needs to call out Colin Campbell.
First, they hired Campbell's son Gregory. After the hit on Savard, the Bruins knew that Campbell was for sale. Savard angered Campbell when Campbell was the incompetent manager of the NY Rangers. Campbell let many great players go, most of them Russian (such as Zubov), but none left with more rancor than Savard. Savard wanted more money and Campbell would not give it to him. Years later, Savard had proved Campbell wrong by becoming one of the game's best players, when Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke effectively ended his career with a deliberate concussion-causing hit.
Zubov was let go because he angered Campbell by insisting on not playing with a broken wrist.
Colin hated Savard because his son Gregory had hit Savard in the face with his hockey stick. In a note to referees, Campbell called Savard "a little fake artist," in effect calling open season on hits to Savard.
Cooke received no punishment for ending Savard's career in March of 2010. During the summer of 2010, the Bruins acquired superstar Nathan Horton and also Gregory Campbell from Florida in exchange for several valuable draft picks and underrated defenseman Dennis Wideman.
In Campbell, the Bruins acquired not only a fourth line player earning less than a million dollars per year. They also acquired a license to kill from Colin Campbell.
The Bruins increased their investment in Colin Campbell by helping him get a contract extension that's work $35 million over five years.
The NHL has to change.
Campbell's policies are a joke to some, but they cause real harm to the league, the players, and the sport.
Even journalists in Toronto, hockey's corporate HQ, are losing their patience. "The league did once kick out two players – both with the Bruins – for life. But that was for gambling back in the 1940s. In 2011, it is the league itself that is gambling. But not on games – on lives."
The game is getting ridiculous and Campbell's part of the problem. "If it wasn't embarrassing, it was at least another extremely awkward moment for the NHL, vis-à-vis its Director of Hockey Operations, Colin Campbell, and the involvement of his son, Gregory, in Thursday night's WWE-style game between Boston and Dallas. It had to be awkward for Commissioner Gary Bettman to see his chief of discipline forced to recuse himself from meting out punishments for a game that had several fights -- three within the first four seconds -- and one cheap, blindside hit that earned its perpetrator a four-game suspension."
Mario Lemieux has threatened to leave. "If the events relating to Friday night reflect the state of the league, I need to rethink whether I want to be a part of it."
Lemieux needs to stay, Campbell needs to leave, and someone in hockey journalism or among hockey's owners needs to call out Colin Campbell.
In Football and Hockey, Players Fear Concussions
Terribly sad stories recently. Two football suicides have been connected to brain injuries, that of 21 year old Penn State player Owen Thomas and of retired Chicago Bears pro player Dave Duerson.
"Duerson sent text messages to his family before he shot himself specifically requesting that his brain be examined for damage, two people aware of the messages said. Another person close to Duerson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that Duerson had commented to him in recent months that he might have C.T.E., an incurable disease linked to depression, impaired impulse control and cognitive decline."
"Owen Thomas was in the early stages of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a disease that has been linked to depression and impulse control, primarily among NFL players."
The NFL has donated $1 million -- which is pocket change for the league -- to Boston University School of Medicine's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.
The NHL should match the donation, because it has the same problems. NHL professional fighter Bob Probert died at 45. "Hockey's enduring tolerance for and celebration of fighting will almost certainly be tested anew now that Probert, more pugilist than playmaker, has become the first contemporary hockey player to show C.T.E. after death."
Probert knew that something was wrong. "Probert, however, knew the 16 seasons of pounding he absorbed as one of the league's foremost pugilists as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings had taken a toll. Before he died of a massive heart attack, Probert asked family members to forward his brain to researchers known best for studying concussions in football players."
The NHL needs to act. Clearly, appeals based on the health of the players and of the sport won't work, so journalists who care are pointing out that the NHL should act in order to preserve its own financial health.
The first thing that the NHL should do is to enforce the rules clearly and consistently, and to fire the man who's currently in charge of enforcement, the corrupt Colin Campbell.
"Duerson sent text messages to his family before he shot himself specifically requesting that his brain be examined for damage, two people aware of the messages said. Another person close to Duerson, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that Duerson had commented to him in recent months that he might have C.T.E., an incurable disease linked to depression, impaired impulse control and cognitive decline."
"Owen Thomas was in the early stages of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a disease that has been linked to depression and impulse control, primarily among NFL players."
The NFL has donated $1 million -- which is pocket change for the league -- to Boston University School of Medicine's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy.
The NHL should match the donation, because it has the same problems. NHL professional fighter Bob Probert died at 45. "Hockey's enduring tolerance for and celebration of fighting will almost certainly be tested anew now that Probert, more pugilist than playmaker, has become the first contemporary hockey player to show C.T.E. after death."
Probert knew that something was wrong. "Probert, however, knew the 16 seasons of pounding he absorbed as one of the league's foremost pugilists as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings had taken a toll. Before he died of a massive heart attack, Probert asked family members to forward his brain to researchers known best for studying concussions in football players."
The NHL needs to act. Clearly, appeals based on the health of the players and of the sport won't work, so journalists who care are pointing out that the NHL should act in order to preserve its own financial health.
The first thing that the NHL should do is to enforce the rules clearly and consistently, and to fire the man who's currently in charge of enforcement, the corrupt Colin Campbell.
Head Shots are Killing the NHL
Too many great players have concussions. Unlike broken bones and teeth, these head injuries may never heal. Every new injury carries with it the risk of permanent paralysis or even death.
The NHL All Star game was harmed by the absence of Sidney Crosby. "Crosby is far from the only player to miss time or even the all-star game because of a concussion - according to team releases and media reports, more than 30 players have suffered concussions this season, including Edmonton all-star Ales Hemsky - but the Penguins star's injury has sparked greater debate about how the NHL regulates hits to the head and handles a growing need for concussion awareness."
Players are critical of NHL policy. Florida Panthers star David Booth said, "over time, I think they'll get more strict because there are still a lot of injuries now, the best player in the game is affected."
So many players have had concussions this year that you could create an All Star team with them:
Centre: Sidney Crosby, Brad Richards, Marc Savard, David Krejci, John Tavares, Bryan Little
Left wing: Johan Franzen, Andy McDonald, David Perron, Max Pacioretty, Rene Bourque
Right wing: Marian Gaborik, Ales Hemsky, Jason Pominville, Mike Knuble
Defence: Drew Doughty, Mike Green, Brad Stuart, Toni Lydman, Dan Hamhuis, Andrej Meszaros, Nick Schultz
Goal: Jonas Hiller, Ondrej Pavelec
But the NHL believes instead that violence should be encouraged. "Hockey is a tough, physical game, and it always should be. But what happened Friday night on Long Island wasn't hockey. It was a travesty," Lemieux said. "It was painful to watch the game I love turn into a sideshow like that."
Kudos to those hockey journalists who are tackling this important issue. The solution is simple: "legislate it out."
The NHL All Star game was harmed by the absence of Sidney Crosby. "Crosby is far from the only player to miss time or even the all-star game because of a concussion - according to team releases and media reports, more than 30 players have suffered concussions this season, including Edmonton all-star Ales Hemsky - but the Penguins star's injury has sparked greater debate about how the NHL regulates hits to the head and handles a growing need for concussion awareness."
Players are critical of NHL policy. Florida Panthers star David Booth said, "over time, I think they'll get more strict because there are still a lot of injuries now, the best player in the game is affected."
So many players have had concussions this year that you could create an All Star team with them:
Centre: Sidney Crosby, Brad Richards, Marc Savard, David Krejci, John Tavares, Bryan Little
Left wing: Johan Franzen, Andy McDonald, David Perron, Max Pacioretty, Rene Bourque
Right wing: Marian Gaborik, Ales Hemsky, Jason Pominville, Mike Knuble
Defence: Drew Doughty, Mike Green, Brad Stuart, Toni Lydman, Dan Hamhuis, Andrej Meszaros, Nick Schultz
Goal: Jonas Hiller, Ondrej Pavelec
But the NHL believes instead that violence should be encouraged. "Hockey is a tough, physical game, and it always should be. But what happened Friday night on Long Island wasn't hockey. It was a travesty," Lemieux said. "It was painful to watch the game I love turn into a sideshow like that."
Kudos to those hockey journalists who are tackling this important issue. The solution is simple: "legislate it out."
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Detroit Fans Are Okay
It's okay to boo sometimes.
Detroit's fans are the most supportive I've seen. I've seen them rock the house when their team scored a goal to make it 3-1 againt.
Detroit's fans are the most supportive I've seen. I've seen them rock the house when their team scored a goal to make it 3-1 againt.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
NHL All Star Game Sucks Again
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.
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.
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.
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