NHL Franchise Boys

We always said we wanted our franchise pool to to mimic the NHL and I think we got more than we bargained for. Friday night was certainly a night of controversy and like any close-knit family we discuss, we learn from our mistakes, we forgive and we move on! What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger… except maybe for that Cage aux Sports food which almost killed me!!!  

The NHL made a controversial decision Friday not to suspend New York Rangers star Rick Nash for his hit on Florida Panthers forward Tomas Kopecky. Arguably, a similar hit made by Joffrey Lupul on Victor Hedman earlier in the week resulted in a two-game suspension, and Alex Edler’s charge on Coyotes goalie Mike Smith Thursday night also resulted in a two-game suspension.

“It was a rotten hit, but not a suspension.  It absolutely should have been a two minute minor, and probably should have been a five,” said Shanahan, in a phone interview on Friday. Shanahan doesn’t have to suspend every player, but sometimes “rotten hits” need a strong message. This seems like one of those times and another instance of a missed opportunity to take a stand and send a message. It’s unfortunate but we all make mistakes…. let’s learn from them.

The NHL officially notified its teams this week about its latest realignment proposal that would see the League go from six divisions to four divisions and introduce a form of divisional playoffs instead of the current conference system. The plan needs approval from the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the League’s Board of Governors. If it passes, it would take effect for the 2013-14 regular season.

Schedule
It depends on whether you’re in a seven or eight team conference.
For the sevens (Midwest and Pacific) it looks like this:

• 32 games vs. Eastern Conference (one home, one away vs. each opponent).
• 21 games vs. other division in Western Conference (teams with the extra home game will be rotated every season).
• 29 games vs. own division (you will play one team four times instead of five).

For the eights (Atlantic and Central), it looks like this:

• 28 games vs. Western Conference (one home, one away).
• 24 games vs. other division in Eastern Conference (teams with the extra home game will be rotated every season).
• 30 games vs. own division (you’ll play two teams five times, and five teams four times).

Playoffs
It is no longer the top eight teams per conference that qualify. Instead, the top three teams in each division are automatic qualifiers. They will be seeded 1, 2 and 3. The No. 4 seeds have some potential for crossover. Those spots will be given to the next two teams with the highest point total. The team with fewer points would play the higher-seeded No. 1 within its conference. The Stanley Cup final will remain Western Conference vs. Eastern Conference. Last year, the NHL considered the idea of putting the final 4 highest-remaining seed against the lowest, with no consideration for geography. That’s gone, which is too bad, because I was looking forward to a Montreal – Boston final at some point. Oh well, I still like this proposal better than the status quo. Let’s hope it gets approved.

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?