Not to start off negative on this awesome fall day, but I find it very hard to get into these European games for some reason. First off if any of you listened to the first game on XM yesterday it was as if the game was being played in a church. Secondly, with pre-season still going on elsewhere, I just can't make the complete mental shift...don't get me wrong, I get why the NHL is doing this. I am a huge proponent of a European division in the NHL, but still it just doesn't feel like the real season is going...That's me...How about you?
Well yesterday we asked "8 Burning Questions" about these Four Teams. It is still too early to find clear answers...but let's look at the early returns..
#1 Can chemistry come from all of these changes in Tampa?
There were some moments yesterday that were encouraging, but it will take at least a month to judge
#2 Speaking of Transition...do the Bolts have a transition game?
NO. A Resounding NO. As I have said, the many moves that have been made in Tampa were great PR and Fun to follow, but the ONLY moves in my opinion that will be "game changers" is the decision to give up on Dan Boyle. I know there were bigger issues and that the perception that Boyle held the team hostage last season played a big part...but Boyle's leverage was more than what I feel is perceived in Tampa. It wasn't about "losing Boyle for nothing" it was about "LOSING HOCKEY." Just look at the Bolts with Boyle last year and without him. Yesterday getting doubled up in shots 41-21 is EXACTLY the Lightning without Boyle last year. But I have little doubt that the Lightning will be better and Mike Smith was outstanding
#3 Can the Rangers shake off a shaky pre-season?
So far so good. Very impressive defensively
#4 Is Lundqvist healthy?
So far, so good. yesterday was not a good indicator.
#5 Can the Pens repeat despite many changes?
Scuderi was huge and will need to be...Yesterday they looked good against a Sens team that is much stronger than anyone wants to admit.
#6 Can Malkin play like a #1 in the #2 Spot?
So far so good. Malkin was very good yesterday.
#7 Ottawa Goaltending?
still undecided. The Sens did NOT get timely goaltending. It's all about momentum saves..
#8 Ottawa attitude under Hartsburg?
I liked what I saw, Especially from Kuba, who most Sens fans will tell you played a more even game than was gotten from Meszaros last year.
Rumours.
Gaborik...
Despite what seems to be impending doomsday in the Gaborik situation I am hearing that all is not lost and a deal could still be inked in the final hour. It will be a real gut-check for both sides this week.
A source informed me that Gaborik may want to play for a specific team and will not sign an extension unless he is traded to that team. The source told me that team is believed to be between Pittsburgh, Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal, and Washington.
I keep hearing Habs rumours dominating this game. I also am hearing Rangers rumours, but unless Gabs wants to re-sign there I doubt the Rangers would be willing to give up what is needed.
The Penguins aren't trading Malkin or Staal for Gabs, but the Pens will be the favorite to land Gabs if he still is unsigned come trade deadline.
Bryan Berard
Watching Berard in the pre-season in Philly I grew increasingly impressed by his play. I watched Bryan play on the Island last year and he is a skilled players who needs to play with skilled players. In Philly he was playing with skill and that speed-up suited him VERY well. He is clearly in the best shape he has been for awhile and made several quick transitional plays that led to Flyers goals. In Philly, Bryan was simply a victim of a very crowded d-corps, but I have ZERO doubt that he will land elsewhere. An experienced, puck moving guy playing like this WILL be in the NHL. I am looking at you Tampa, Buffalo, and St. Louis...
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