A Strange Season Indeed
Don’t stare directly into the sun. Keep away from power lines. Watch both ways before you cross the street. Those are just some of the things that make sense and keep you aware and alive.
You know what doesn’t make sense? Everything that has happened up to now in the NHL. Anyone who claims they predicted the Habs to lead the East at any point during the season should be evaluated for psychological testing (Claudio).
Unpredictability works its way into the hockey pool too. One day, you’re on top of the standings and feeling good. The next day, a few players are out long-term and you’re bleeding points (Steve). The reverse can also happen, but this situation can lead to temporary confidence (Nick). Is your lineup deep enough to contend for an entire season? Are you alert — and willing — to make moves if someone should go down? Do you know the way to San Jose (Joe L.)?
Is there any other franchise that is benefiting more from the shortened season than the Maple Leafs? Many thought Nazem Kadri was never going to be an everyday player. Maybe Tyler Bozak truly is the number No. 1 center Toronto has been missing. Now imagine Toronto with both Joffrey Lupul and Jake Gardiner in the lineup.
If the Flames fall down and no one watches, is there anyone around to care? Calgary may have started off poorly, but a couple skaters are grabbing attention. Alex Tanguay leads the club in scoring, Jiri Hudler has shaken off the extended European layover, Curtis Glencross tops the charts in goals, and Roman Cervenka provides a nice veteran complement.
Ottawa… may the last man standing please turn out the arena lights? Eight days after their best player, Erik Karlsson, was carried off the ice, the Senators watched their all-world goaltender carted off the ice. The Senators are already missing several premier players including Karlsson, Spezza, Michalek and Cowen. Yet, the MASH unit still finds a way to win.
As for Edmonton, the Oilers have an absolutely lethal power play thanks to Justin Schultz. The problem with the Oilers is that they also have to play the game at even strength, but they’re at the bottom of the Western Conference despite having one of the most exciting attacks in the league. How crazy would it be if the Oilers won the draft lottery again? Better yet, how wonderful would it be if Nick wins the hockey pool draft lottery after having won the past two seasons?