Conversation With Future Hockey Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan

I recently spoke with NHL Vice President of Hockey and Business Development and future Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan, on the topic of the increase in size of equipment and concussions in the NHL. We discussed numerous aspects of the dilemma, including reminiscences to when he played, his opinion on the way young hockey players are raised with physical play, and more! Here’s a piece of the transcript of the conversation.

Alan Bass: How much of an effect do you think the increase in size of pads has on concussions in the NHL?

Brendan Shanahan: I think it’s a difficult thing to actually collect data on. But I can say that there are probably a whole lot of theories that people can attribute the increase in head injuries – including just better awareness and better education from the players, and reporting from the teams from when I played. But I have to actually, among other things like the playing environment, rules, and things like that, I think the sizing has played a psychological effect in a way, on the behavior of players, starting at a young age. All I have to do is watch my son. The first time he put on shoulder pads, he wanted to go run into walls, because he just thought it was hilarious that it didn’t hurt. We’ve actually, in partnership with the union and Mathieu Schneider, have posted that questions. At what point are we over-protecting, and is the net result of over-protecting just turning them into weapons. Also, have we created a culture of players that don’t ever apply the brakes because what used to hurt, running into other players’ heads or missing a player and hitting the boards, now a player doesn’t feel it. We’re looking for a balance here, and that seems to be the key word, between protection and over-protection.

AB: When you played, because of the equipment being much smaller, did it hurt to lay your shoulder into someone?

BS: It certainly hurt if I didn’t line a guy up correctly, or if he sidestepped me and I went into the boards. It was just a respect and fear that I had that I needed to hit a player correctly. Unlike other sports, we don’t have out of bounds. We have a hard, protective exterior, where we can’t have players run out of bounds. I do think that, as I approached the boards, I knew that I certainly needed to apply the brakes a little bit. I don’t think we’re looking for equipment that will hurt players when they deliver hits. But I do think that if you hold your hand over fire long enough, you should get burned a little bit.

AB: Because of the increase in size of equipment, it seems that players are willing to lunge their bodies into another player, since they aren’t going to get hurt by it. Do you agree with that?

BS: It’s a theory, and it’s a theory that I want to explore further. I think there’s some merit to that, but I don’t think it’s something you can say, “I know this to be an absolute truth.” But it’s a theory that I agree with and something that I want to explore further.

AB: In your opinion, do you think the number of injuries saved by a decrease in equipment size would outweigh any added injuries from that decrease?

BS: My own personal opinion – and Mathieu Schneider from the union feels the same way – is that we don’t want to put any player in harm’s way. We don’t want to rob Peter to pay Paul. I certainly think we would all agree that if we had to choose between being able to remember my name when I’m 60, as opposed to being able to serve overhand when I’m 60, I think I’d rather protect my brain. But to just want to say, “Let’s take shoulder pads off, we don’t care about shoulders.” We care about all parts. There’s a responsibility to seek a balance, and to me, that’s the key. And sometimes it makes sense. There are some people that believe putting a stop sign on the back of kids’ jerseys help, and that’s a great idea. But there are also people that believe that it taught kids to play the game with no fear of being hit from behind, and they didn’t learn what we learned as young players, which was never turn your back on the play when you’re two feet from the boards. If you had to turn your back on the play, you made sure you were against the boards. Sometimes no good deed goes unpunished. I think we did create, over the last decade, better shoulder pads. The lighter, their safer, their bigger. But at what expense? The wheels are in motion from the union and the NHL to request from the manufacturers to find that balance, to find something that is protective, it has absorption qualities, but not so much projection qualities. And we’ll see where that goes.

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

Flyers Still Optimistic, Despite Heartbreaking Loss

After a comeback reminiscent of historic Game 7 of the 2010 Eastern Conference Semifinals fell short, the Philadelphia Flyers suddenly find themselves behind the eight-ball, on the brink of an upset that would knock them out of the playoffs and stun the hockey world. It would be very easy to look at the series scores and say, “Oh well, we tried our best.” But the Broad Street Bullies are still ready to fight.

“We just have to go play good hockey like we did the last two periods, and we’ll win,” said Claude Giroux.

A notable problem last night was the Flyers’ defense, which seemed to collapse too quickly and give up too many second chances to the Buffalo Sabres. Luckily, most of those chances failed to find the back of the net. Unfortunately, the one that did was the one that came off of Tyler Ennis’ stick in overtime. The game-winning goal came after an Andrej Meszaros whip around the boards failed to be picked up by Matt Carle. The puck went to the point, then was passed along the blue line, where the original shot was taken. Michael Leighton kicked the puck to the opposite side, directly onto Ennis’ stick, with Carle a good five-to-ten feet away from the play and unable to disrupt the follow-up shot.

“The puck came down the wall and I remember chipping it out, and it just didn’t get out,” said Carle. “I didn’t see Ennis behind me, and it was such a bang-bang play, that there wasn’t much for us to do.

“You have to have a short-term memory. And we need to be on all four cylinders tomorrow when we get to Buffalo…guys are excited to get up there, and then get back here for Game 7 in our building.”

One of the bright spots from Game 5 was James van Riemsdyk, who continues to excel under pressure in this quarterfinal series. He scored the first goal in last night’s game to spark the three-goal comeback – similar to the goal he scored against the Bruins last postseason to spark the same exact three-goal comeback. The organization has challenged JVR’s game all year, even making him a healthy scratch for a few games at a time to prod him to pick up his game. And he’s done just that.

“I think once we got that first goal, everyone started to play better,” said van Riemsdyk. “It’s going to take everyone raising their game to the next level to win the next two games.”

With regards to the struggling power play, the Flyers were practicing the umbrella with Kimmo Timonen at the point, Giroux and Mike Richards on the sides, Daniel Briere behind the net, and van Riemsdyk at the point. Yet there is no decision on what the man-advantage will look like when the puck drops tomorrow.

“We’ll have to see. It’s another option we have to look at. If that’s where they want me to be, then I’ll look forward to wreaking some havoc in front of the net.”

Nikolay Zherdev, after a year in which he played just over 50 games due to being benched, was arguably the best Flyer in last night’s loss to the Sabres. He was all over the ice, both on the offensive and defensive side of the puck. Zherdev had numerous takeaways, a couple hits, and seemed to be in the right position almost every shift.

But more importantly, coach Peter Laviolette has a difficult decision to make for Sunday’s do-or-die Game 6. After starting Sergei Bobrovsky in Games 1, 2, and 3, then Brian Boucher in Games 4 and 5 – and pulling Boucher for Leighton in Game 5 – who starts on Sunday? With no room for error, both the goaltenders and the coach understand what weight this decision carries.

“Without commenting on anything [regarding who is starting in Game 6],” said Laviolette, “Brian is a veteran goaltender in the league and has done an excellent job. He’s proven that he can come back and play.”

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Mock Draft: The First Ten Picks

With the draft lottery complete and the draft order not changing at all from the final regular season standings, it is time for the draft speculation to begin! For the second year in a row, the Edmonton Oilers have the first overall pick.

1. Edmonton Oilers

With the first pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Edmonton Oilers select, from Skelleftea HC, defenseman Adam Larsson.

Although his offensive statistics don’t blow anyone away (nine points this season in 37 games, 17 points last season in 49 games), it’s his all-around game that impresses the scouts. After all, Pavel Datsyuk scored just eight points in 24 games in his draft year in Russia’s Elite League, yet has risen to become one of the best players in the world.

“This guy’s puck game, power play-type game, is way ahead of Hedman’s at this age,” one scout from an Eastern Conference team told NHL.com. “His puck game has always been the same. He’s a cool customer again out there. That’s his forte. He just never panics. He is just such a big, thick kid already at his age.”

2. Colorado Avalanche

With the second pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Colorado Avalanche select, from the Kitchener Rangers, left wing Gabriel Landeskog.

Although his statistics don’t stand out like other top-ranked prospects (Landeskog has scored 112 points in 114 career Ontario League games with the Kitchener Rangers), it is his all-around play, both with and without the puck, that make scouts lick their chops at the prospect of drafting the Stockholm, Sweden native. “Not only was Landeskog one of the top scorers in the Ontario League through early December,” wrote The Hockey News columnist Ryan Kennedy, but he was also consistently throwing stiff hits, blocking shots and even fighting when he felt a teammate had been wronged.”

3. Florida Panthers

With the third pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Florida Panthers select, from the Red Deer Rebels, center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a hot commodity these days. As a possible first overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Western League star has done just about everything but win a Memorial Cup. The 18-year-old, Burnaby, BC native finished the WHL season fourth in scoring, with an unthinkable 75 assists and 106 points in just 69 games. He also helped lead his team to their first playoff berth since the 2006-07 season.

4. New Jersey Devils

With the fourth pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the New Jersey Devils select, from the Drummondville Voltigeurs, center Sean Couturier.

Couturier has grown to 6-foot-4, 191 pounds in recent years. But his game has also grown while playing for the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Jumping right onto the scene in his first season (2008-09), Couturier never looked back, amassing a career total of 223 points in 184 QMJHL games (including 96 this season, the second-best on his team and fifth-best in the league). The 18-year-old center has had the spotlight on him for years now, but is still being compared to stars such as Carolina Hurricanes center Eric Staal and his brother, Pittsburgh Penguins center Jordan Staal. As a 17-year-old in the Q, Couturier became the first player to lead the league in points at that age since Sidney Crosby did so in 2004-05.

5. New York Islanders

With the fifth pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders select, from the Niagra IceDogs, defenseman Dougie Hamilton.

The Toronto, Ontario native has been a stellar force on the Ontario League blueline since he joined Niagra as a rookie last season. This season, he was a plus-35 in 67 games – a huge increase from his minus-8 rookie showing. He also contributed 12 goals and 58 points to help lead his team to a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

At 6-foot-4 and 193 pounds, Hamilton is a tall, lanky defenseman who still has room to bulk up a bit. But there is no doubt that the youngster can play the game. And regardless of what scouts say, he’s even stronger this year than he was last. “It becomes more fun being able to push guys off the puck,” Hamilton said in an NHL.com interview. “When you’re stronger it’s easier to do that. I realize I’m able to do that this. I do have fun with it. I do have fun battling with guys in corners. I like doing it.”

6. Ottawa Senators

With the sixth pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Ottawa Senators select, from the Prince Albert Raiders,center Mark McNeill.

McNeill has been wowing scouts across North America with his impressive ability to make plays and power his way to the net. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound center leads his team with 49 assists and is second with 81 points in 70 games.

“He’s one of those kids that has the ability to do so many different things,” Raiders coach/GM Bruno Campese told NHL.com. “He’s got so much upside to him. … He’s a powerful skater and has great hockey sense. He’s got very good basic skills and he’s got the ability to be a real tough person to play against. He’s got the mental capabilities to understand the game as well.”

 

7. Atlanta Thrashers

With the seventh pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Atlanta Thrashers select, from the Saint John Sea Dogs, center Jonathan Huberdeau.

The 6-foot-1, 155-pound, St-Jerome, PQ native did not so much show up with a bang in his 2009-10 rookie season, scoring just 35 points in 61 games. However, playing on the top line in Saint John this year, he has been one of the most successful major junior players in the continent – scoring 43 goals in the process. Not bad for a kid whose experiences began on a speed skating rink, struggling to keep up with the rest of the group.

“He’s still not the fastest, but I’d certainly label him the craftiest on our team,” Saint John coach Gerard Gallant told NHL.com. “There are other guys on our team quicker…But when Jonathan has the puck, he’s very quick and makes good decisions. He goes East-West, North-South all the time.”

8. Columbus Blue Jackets

With the eighth pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets select, from the Saint John Sea Dogs, defenseman Nathan Beaulieu.

Many have argued that Beaulieu is one of the top-two defensemen in this year’s draft, along with Adam Larsson. The top-rated defenseman in the Quebec Major Junior League, Beaulieu is one of the most NHL-ready players for this summer’s draft. However, he was extremely disappointed when, after an impressive showing at the Canadian World Junior camp in August, he wasn’t invited to join the team for the international tournament in January. But Beaulieu claims he understands that he’s still young and will use it as motivation to make the team next year.

That’s assuming he doesn’t go pro.

“He’s gotten better, bigger and stronger,” Sea Dogs coach Gerard Gallant told NHL.com. “He’s playing a lot better defensively but he’s pressing for his points. He’s a guy who gets a lot of opportunities because he jumps into the rush very well.”

 

9. Boston Bruins (from Toronto)

With the ninth pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins select, from Northeastern University, defenseman Jamieson Oleksiak.

The tallest and biggest prospect for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft is also ahead of most players his age’s development. The 6-foot-7, 244-pound gargantuan defenseman is manning the blueline for Northeastern University at age 18.

Playing for the Chicago Steel of the United States League, Oleksiak took a while to develop his game. Far from an offensive defenseman, Oleksiak scored just two goals and 18 points in three seasons in the USHL. His total plus/minus rating was a minus-3.

This year, however, he has scored four goals and 13 points in 38 games, in addition to an even plus/minus rating.

ESPN writer Gare Joyce compares Oleksiak to Norris Trophy winner and Boston Bruin giant Zdeno Chara, in that both, at this age, were tall and thick – already filled out. But in terms of skill, Oleksiak more closely resembles Buffalo Sabres blueliner Tyler Myers.

“A player with that sort of frame needs to build strength and fill out,” said an NHL scout in an interview with ESPN.com. “It’s hard for major junior kids to do the gym work in season but college kids can with just games on weekends. The Northeastern program is good for getting kids to the gym year-round. You can see that (Oleksiak) has made real progress from one year (in the USHL) to the next (as a freshman) on conditioning.”

10. Minnesota Wild

With the tenth pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Minnesota Wild select, from the Portland Winterhawks, left wing Sven Baertschi.

Baertschi has been tearing it up for the Winterhawks. After struggling to put up points in Switzerland’s B-League last year, the 5-foot-10, 185-pound forward posted 34 goals and 85 points for the Winterhawks this season – leading all rookies. His plus-23 rating also speaks to his ability to play on the defensive side of the puck. Oh, and remember that stereotype that Europeans don’t play physically? Seventy-four penalty minutes for Baertschi helps to dispel that notion with this kid.

“It’s fair to mention him in the same breath as [Ryan Nugent-Hopkins] over the course of the night,” wrote Gare Joyce of ESPN.com of Baertschi’s performance in the CHL Prospects game. “He has great speed and a great hockey sense. He was the target of a lot of after-whistle abuse from frustrated Team Cherry defensemen, stuff that should have and would have drawn penalties in any other game. Still, it was a good indication that Baertschi isn’t very much fun to play against.”

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Playoffs: Eastern Conference Playoff Preview

The NHL quarterfinals are upon us! The busiest playoff round is also, in my opinion, the most fun of them all. And what more fun than some fun predictions? Feel free to argue, disagree, yell, scream, or whatever you want to do to get your point across. After all, it’s playoff hockey.

1. Washington Capitals vs. 8. New York Rangers

Records:

Washington – 48-23-11 (107 points)

New York – 44-33-5 (93 points)

Season series:

New York – 3-1-0

Washington – 1-2-1

Washington Offense vs. New York Defense:

Washington: 224 GF (9th in East)

New York: 198 GA (3rd in East)

Washington’s offense consists of mainly their top line of Ovechkin-Semin-Backstrom. Although the line has compiled 204 points this year, They aren’t contributing as much as usual. Granted, there is much more commitment to defense this year than in seasons past. But if you look at the Capitals’ depth, there isn’t much. Just three players scored 20 goals, and just one other forward hit 45 points. Compare that to New York’s defense, which has been solid almost all season (just three full-time forwards had a negative plus/minus rating), and it’s tough to see the big three of Washington scoring numerous goals against the Rangers. Advantage: New York

New York Offense vs. Washington Defense:

Washington: 197 GA (2nd in East)

New York: 233 GF (7th in East)

The Rangers may not have a 55-point scorer, but they have five skaters with over 40 points and five 20-goal scorers. True, they will be without Ryan Callahan, one of their best leaders and most productive all-around players. But all season, the Rangers have dealt with the naysayers and have refused to give up. Giving up won’t be the problem in this series, though. The Capitals’ defense is the second-best in the Eastern Conference and they can now count on their forwards to play solidly on both ends of the ice. A healthy and rested Mike Green will help the Capitals shut down the Rangers, who, albeit with greater depth, will fail to score more than three goals per game. Advantage: Washington

Goaltending:

Capitals fans might not want to hear it, but their goaltending, although solid, is not nearly as good as the Rangers. Braden Holtby had a great year, but was recently sent down to the Hershey Bears. Michal Neuvirth looks to be the playoff starter, and although he had a 2.45 goals against average this season, his save percentage was a so-so .914. On the other side, Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best goalies in the world. With another 35-win season, a .923 save percentage and an incredible 11 shutouts (two of them against the Capitals), King Henrik can dominate the Capitals (and did, giving up just three goals in four starts against them this season). Advantage: New York

Coaching:

Although Bruce Boudreau has something that John Tortorella doesn’t – a Jack Adams Trophy – Torts has something a bit better – a Stanley Cup ring. In the four games the two teams faced off this year, Boudreau had trouble getting his top line off when Marc Staal and Dan Girardi came on the ice. Tortorella is a masterful bench boss and can match up against the best of them. Advantage: New York

Edge:

From a fellow writer: “The rangers style of play and their top players are more willing to do those things you need to do to win playoff hockey. Look at the top-three scorers on Washington: Ovechkin, Semin, and backstrom, two of which play on the same line, and have gotten shutdown by Staal and Girardi the entire season. Ovie hasn’t scored a goal against the Rangers all season.

“On the Rangers’ side, you don’t have distinguished stars (unless you count Gaborik), but their offensive players (Boyle, Dubinsky, and Stepan) are hard-working guys who play a grinding style of hockey that works in the playoffs. The Rangers block more shots than the Capitals realize, and will be able to stop Washington’s dynamic offense.” Rangers in six

2. Philadelphia Flyers vs. 7. Buffalo Sabres

Records:

Philadelphia – 47-23-12 (106 points)

Buffalo – 43-29-10 (96 points)

Season series:

Philadelphia – 2-1-1

Buffalo – 2-2

Philadelphia Offense vs. Buffalo Defense:

Philadelphia: 259 GF (1st in East)

Buffalo: 229 GA (8th in East)

The Flyers lead the league with seven 20-goal scorers and nine 15-goal scorers. Nine players have 40 points and only two regulars have a negative plus/minus rating (and they’re both on the fourth line). It is almost inarguable that the Flyers have the best offensive depth in the NHL – as long as they consistently show up during the series. Advantage: Philadelphia

Buffalo Offense vs. Philadelphia Defense:

Philadelphia: 223 GA (7th in East)

Buffalo: 245 GF (4th in East)

The Sabres can match up fairly well with the Flyers’ offensive depth. Buffalo has six 40-point players and four 20-goal scorers (and six 15-goal scorers). However, every single full-time Flyers’ defenseman has a positive plus/minus rating this season, and that’s having played half the year without future Hall of Famer Chris Pronger. Assuming Pronger is ready to play in the quarterfinal, he will give the Flyers a much-need advantage, both physically and emotionally, over a Sabres offense that has struggled to reach its full potential since Daniel Briere and Chris Drury jumped ship. Advantage: Philadelphia

Goaltending:

Ryan Miller. ‘Nuff said. Advantage: Buffalo

Coaching:

Peter Laviolette has a Stanley Cup ring and has turned this Flyers organization around since showing up on the scene last season. Lindy Ruff is the longest-tenured coach in the NHL, but has yet to have significant playoff success. When Laviolette is in charge, it’s tough to find a harder-working team than the Flyers. Advantage: Philadelphia

Edge:

The biggest question mark in this series is not the Flyers’ goaltending, as people expect. It is, in fact, the Flyers’ heart and consistency. If they come out playing like they did at the start of the season and around the All-Star break, they will beat the Sabres in five games – maybe even in a sweep. But if they come out like they have the last month of the season, in which they struggled to clinch the Atlantic Division, there’s almost no chance of surviving. Give Peter Laviolette the benefit of the doubt, though. He’s done this before.

Philadelphia in six

3. Boston Bruins vs. 6. Montreal Canadiens

Records:

Boston – 46-25-11 (103 points)

Montreal – 44-30-8 (96 points)

Season series:

Montreal – 4-2-0

Boston – 2-3-1

Boston Offense vs. Montreal Defense:

Boston: 246 GF (3rd in East)

Montreal: 209 GA (5th in East)

The Bruins have had great offensive depth for years. It doesn’t help that Marc Savard is injured again, but there are plenty of alternatives up front: David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron, and more. With ten 40-point scorers, the Bruins can match up with any team. The Canadiens’ defense, on the other hand, has been solid all season, minus a few blowout losses (including two to the Bruins). Last season, Hal Gill was the star of two consecutive series, shutting down three of the best players in the game en route to a Conference Final berth. But can Montreal’s blueline hold up against the Big, Bad, Bruins? Advantage: Boston

Montreal Offense vs. Boston Defense:

Boston: 195 GA (1st in East)

Montreal: 216 GF (12th in East)

Boston has some of the best defense in the league, but that can be more attributed to their goaltending than their defense. They do have one of the top blueliners in the world in Zdeno Chara and a great supporting cast in Tomas Kaberle. However, their depth on the blueline gets shaky one you get down to the second pairing. Montreal’s offense wasn’t the best this year, but they have great depth – almost as much as they had last season. Five 40-point scorers, nine 30-point scorers, and nine players with at least ten goals. It may come as a shock, but Montreal can take over these games. Advantage: Montreal

Goaltending:

Tim Thomas will most likely win his second Vezina Trophy this offseason (or so the buzz around NHL GMs goes). He had a record first half, at one point having a save percentage over .950. He ended with a 2.00 GAA an a .938 save percentage. Carey Price, however, has played 15 more games and having a solid .923 save percentage and a 38-win season. He has come up big all season for Montreal and has his confidence back now that the organization has given him confirmation that he is their goalie of the future, and not Jaroslav Halak. This one’s close, but you have to give the new guy the benefit of the doubt. Advantage: Montreal

Coaching:

Claude Julien is one of those coaches that gets every ounce of effort from his players on an almost-nightly basis. However, Jacques Martin is a great coach and has kept the Canadiens relevant through a time when many thought their goaltending would not hold up enough. Martin also took his team to the third round last season when no one gave them a chance. He has more playoff experience than Julien, and although he doesn’t have a Jack Adams Trophy under his belt, his team seems to respond to crunch time when it matters more (see: Boston Bruins collapse vs. Philadelphia Flyers). Advantage: Montreal

Edge:

This is going to be the closest series of the quarterfinal. This might be the biggest rivalry in the Eastern Conference right now, and it can only get worse (better, for the fans) with a tough playoff series. No one gave the Canadiens a chance last year against the Penguins and Capitals. This year, they’re going to be given the chance against the Bruins. Montreal in seven

4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 5. Tampa Bay Lightning

Records:

Pittsburgh – 49-25-8 (106 points)

Tampa Bay – 46-25-11 (103 points)

Season series:

Pittsburgh: 2-2

Tampa Bay: 2-2

Pittsburgh Offense vs. Tampa Bay Defense:

Pittsburgh: 238 GF (5th in East)

Tampa Bay: 240 GA (11th in East)

Sidney Crosby was en route to one of the best NHL seasons in recent memory, while Evgeni Malkin was averaging close to a point per game, before both were knocked out. Malkin will not be back, while there’s a chance Sidney Crosby could play in the first round. With or without them, Pittsburgh’s offense has been consistent all season and has matched up well against every other team. Tampa Bay’s defense is extremely porous and could be torn apart by just one mistake. Advantage: Pittsburgh

Tampa Bay Offense vs. Pittsburgh Defense:

Tampa Bay: 247 GF (2nd in East)

Pittsburgh: 199 GA (4th in East)

Tampa Bay has two of the best players in the league this season in Steven Stamkos and Martin St-Louis. After that, however, it drops off. Almost one-third of Tampa’s goals this year were scored by that duo. Pittsburgh’s defense has been strong enough all season and has the ability to shut those two players down. If Stamkos or St-Louis can’t get on the board in every game, the Lightning will have little-to-no chance to win. The only chance they have is if they can match their first line against Matt Niskanen and/or Deryk Engelland, both of whom were not completely solid in the defensive zone. But it is doubtful Dan Bylsma will allow that to happen. Advantage: Pittsburgh

Goaltending:

Marc-Andre Fleury has won a Stanley Cup and has been to two Stanley Cup finals. He’s been strong between the pipes again for the Penguins, and gave them the confidence to take chances in the offensive zone without fear of letting one up. Dwayne Roloson looks to be the playoff starter for the Lightning, and although he’s had success in the past, at times he looked shaky this season in Tampa. The Lightning need him to come up big this series, but there is almost no chance he outshines Fleury. Advantage: Pittsburgh

Coaching:

Guy Boucher came flying onto the scene this season, surprising the hockey world by leading the Lightning to a fifth-place finish and challenging for the Southeast Division crown. However, take into account the amount of talent he already had on his roster. On the other side of the equation, Dan Bylsma has been the best coach in the league all year – and that’s not debatable. If he doesn’t win the Jack Adams Trophy, it will be a disgrace to the PHWA. Without two of the best players in the world, he was just one game away from stealing the Atlantic Division away from the Philadelphia Flyers. He can match up against any team and could outcoach Punch Imlach. Advantage: Pittsburgh

Edge:

Pittsburgh has the clear advantage over Tampa Bay in this series, regardless whether or not Crosby is in the lineup. However, Tampa held their own throughout the season against the Penguins, and it is difficult not to expect them to do the same all series. Nonetheless, the Penguins’ deep blueline and spectacular goaltending, which led them to a Stanley Cup just two years ago, will continue to lead them through the first round of the 2011 postseason.

Pittsburgh in six

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

NHL Draft Lottery 2011: Five Teams that Most Need a Lucky Break

The draft lottery is one of the most complicated events of the NHL season. From the outside, it seems simple – whoever’s ball gets picked wins the lottery. Simple, right? Think again.

To prepare for the lottery, each eligible team (every team that missed the playoffs) is given certain combinations of fourteen balls numbered one through nine. The number of combinations each team receives is based on their finish:

30th……….. 25.0% (250 combinations)

29th……….. 18.8% (188 combinations)

28th……….. 14.2% (142 combinations)

27th……….. 10.7% (107 combinations)

26th………….8.1% (81 combinations)

25th………….6.2% (62 combinations)

24th………….4.7% (47 combinations)

23rd………….3.6% (36 combinations)

22nd………… 2.7% (27 combinations)

21st………….2.1% (21 combinations)

20th………….1.5% (15 combinations)

19th………….1.1% (11 combinations)

18th………….0.8% (8 combinations)

17th………….0.5% (5 combinations)

The lottery then takes place, which consists of four balls being selected in order. The number it creates determines who wins the lottery. However, whatever team wins may only move up a maximum of four spots. Therefore if the team in 23rd place wins the lottery, they will get the fourth overall pick. But if the 28th overall team wins the lottery, they select first. The 30th overall team is only allowed to move down to second place – no further. Therefore, since, even if a team 25th to 17th place wins the lottery, the 30th team still retains the first overall pick, the team who finishes in last place has a 48.20% chance of drafting first overall. The next three teams’ chances of selecting first is equal to their probability of winning the lottery.

So although the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, and Ottawa Senators all have chances to draft first overall, they are not the only teams that need a good showing at the lottery. Other teams could use the lucky break of moving up in the draft, in hopes of perhaps selecting that next franchise player.

Florida Panthers

2011 Record: 30-40-12 (72 points) – 28th overall

One of just two teams to miss the playoffs every year since the lockout (Toronto), the Panthers have some pieces in place to develop a solid, perennially-contending team in the next few years. On their NHL roster, they already have some great future players, including defensemen Dmitry Kulikov and Keaton Ellerby, forwards Niclas Bergfors, Jack Skille, Michal Repik, Shawn Matthias, and Evgeny Dadonov, and more. In the system, they have defenseman Erik Gudbranson – who may become a franchise blueliner – and goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who will replace Tomas Vokoun anytime now and become an NHL star. They even have a couple forwards in Nick Bjugstad and Quinton Howden who will most likely be able to step in sometime in the upcoming years.

But Florida is still missing that superstar forward that can lead them back to the playoffs. Although they would be drafting fourth overall if they stand still (which would still bring in a phenomenal player), by winning the 2011 NHL draft lottery, they would draft first overall and have the opportunity to select a future superstar such as Drummondville Voltigeurs center Sean Couturier, Red Deer Rebels center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, or even Kitchener Rangers left wing Gabriel Landeskog. Any of those three (who each could go first overall in June) would be a great addition to an already vibrant group of NHL prospects. The addition of this one piece could eventually propel the Panthers from prospect-filled, promising team, to talented, contending organization.

Ottawa Senators

2011 Record 32-40-10 (74 points) – 26th overall

The capital of Canada is in for a long, tedious rebuild. Finishing 26th overall and with almost $38 million committed to just 14 players for 2011-12, newly-extended GM Bryan Murray will have a lot of work on his hands. His goalie of the future in Robin Lehner is not yet ready to play on a nightly basis, while his offense is aging and his defense is just mediocre. Although in the system are a couple talented players like defensemen David Rundblad and Jared Cowen, the Sens are struggling in the prospect department. And with head coach Cory Clouston and assistants Greg Carvel and Brad Lauer recently dismissed, it leaves room for the Senators to start from scratch and allow a new coaching staff to begin grooming the young team into another mold of Stanley Cup contender – the kind they had a few years ago when they were three games away from a Stanley Cup championship.

The player Bryan Murray would love to draft is defenseman Adam Larsson, who is a great candidate to go first overall to whichever team has the selection. Larsson, a future franchise defenseman, could help quarterback a power play unit, and can dominate the defensive zone with his two-way play.

New Jersey Devils

2011 Record: 37-39-5 (79 points) – 25th overall

After a horrid start to the 2010-11 season, the New Jersey Devils were very close to coming back and breaking through the playoff line in the standings. However, their luck ran out, and they ended up finishing 25th overall, with a losing record, for the first time since the 1995-96 season. Their defense is still fairly talented, especially with the defensive system they continue to play (they gave up just 207 goals, eighth in the league). However, their offense is simply terrible (171 goals for, which is 19 behind the second-worst offensive team in the league). That can be partially attributed to superstar Zach Parise’s absence for the majority of the season, but the Devils are still struggling to hold on, specifically with little cap room and Parise becoming a restricted free agent this offseason.

In the system, the Devils are lucky to have center Jacob Josefson, who will most likely turn out to be a 50- to 60-point scorer on the Devils’ first or second line in the upcoming years. They also own the rights to defenseman Jon Merrill, who, after a successful freshman year of school in which he took Michigan to the National Championship game, will eventually become a top-6 defenseman for the organization. However, other than those two, the Devils do not have much depth on the farm, and need a solid forward through the draft to bring them back to legitimacy. Moving up to the second spot overall (by winning the lottery) would allow them to draft a player like Sean Couturier, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog, or even Saint John Sea Dogs center Jonathan Huberdeau.

Minnesota Wild

2011 Record: 38-35-8 (84 points) – 22nd overall

If the Minnesota Wild win the draft lottery, they will move up to the fifth position in the NHL draft. And with a scarcity of prospects in the organization, the Wild need to draft someone – anyone – that can help them out within the next year or two. With two solid goalies on the NHL roster, Minnesota needs either a forward or an offensive defenseman to help them out.

Drafting fifth overall, they won’t be able to get one of the top forwards in the draft. However, there will still be plenty of talent available when they step up to the podium. Players such as Niagra IceDogs defenseman Dougie Hamilton, Portland Winterhawks forward Sven Baertschi, or even USNTDP forward Brandon Saad, could all be great fits in the Minnesota organization. The Wild are still in a rebuilding stage, so none of the players they draft are going to drastically change the face of the team. But the right choice and a bit of luck with the ping pong balls could set the organization on the right path for the next few years.

Columbus Blue Jackets

2011 Record: 34-35-13 (81 points) – 23rd overall

After making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history a few years ago, the Columbus Blue Jackets once again find themselves struggling in the standings, after finishing in last place of the always-tough Central Division and in 23rd place overall in the league. By winning the lottery (just a 3.6% chance, but still possible), the Blue Jackets would move up to the fourth overall spot, and garner an opportunity to select a budding winger, perhaps someone like USNTDP right wing Tyler Biggs, who could develop into one of the top players from this year’s draft in three or four years.

If the thought of Biggs doesn’t sound good to GM Scott Howson and his hockey operations staff, perhaps Kitchener Rangers forward Gabriel Landeskog could slide down to fourth overall. If Landy is already taken, then Saint John Sea Dogs center Jonathan Huberdeau could challenge prospect Ryan Johansen for the number one center spot on the Blue Jackets’ roster. Along with Johansen in the system are left wing Nikita Filatov, who still has potential (if Columbus decides to hold onto him this summer), defenseman John Moore, who is succeeding in the American League right now, or even left wing Matt Calvert, who had great luck in the Canadian League, and his now developing his skill in the AHL. Whichever way the ping pong balls fly on Tuesday, Columbus would love to find their number being shown by deputy commissioner Bill Daly before the night is up.

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

 

E.J. McGuire: Class Act All The Way

When I was sitting at my desk Thursday morning, I was almost distraught to read the text message that said NHL Central Scouting Director E.J. McGuire had passed away at the young age of 58, after succumbing to cancer. I met E.J. for the first and only time while I was working for The Hockey News in Toronto in the summer of 2009, while at the NHL Scouting Combine. I was shocked at how considerate and respectful he was, as many people in a position as high as his are often snooty, rude, and simply don’t care what anyone has to say to them. E.J, however, when I introduced myself to him, stopped what he was doing, and partook in a 10-minute, in-depth conversation about the draft and his love of prospects.

It was apparent from speaking with him face to face that he simply loved the game, loved what he did, and was willing to talk as long as possible about his work. After I asked him numerous questions about his position, he began asking me about my short life in the hockey industry, and seemed genuinely interested to do so. He listened intently as I gave concise answers, hoping to hear him share more of his wisdom with me before my bosses at The Hockey News called me over for an assignment. Fortunately for me, he was the one that had to excuse himself, when CBC, TSN, and other journalists surrounded him, requesting interviews  – and he granted each and every one.

A few weeks later, I had the privilege of interviewing him over the phone for an article I wrote on the art of drafting goaltenders. I spoke with him for more than 25 minutes, almost in awe at the brilliance that came through the phone and into my ear. He seemed to know everything about every prospect I asked him about, whether they were draft eligible in three years, or whether they were drafted five years ago. When I hung up from him, I looked down, and noticed that I clicked the wrong switch on the phone, and failed to record any of the conversation.

Although the thought came into my mind that I completely blew my first big story that my editors had assigned to me, I was not even slightly upset, because I was simply still reminiscing over every word E.J. had said to me — and conveniently, remembered many of the quotes he gave, with no aid of voice recorder or pen and paper. After my article was published, I sent him an email with the link to the piece. And I’ll never forget the phone call I received from him afterwards, in which he congratulated me, wished me well, and told me how happy he was to meet someone who loved the game as much as he did. I can’t remember a time since when I’ve received a greater compliment from anyone.

Often times fans will claim, “I can do a better job than this GM or that broadcaster or so-and-so commissioner.” And many times, that may be true. But I’ll promise you this: no one was better at doing his job than E.J. McGuire. He was so well respected in the hockey industry, that when he was diagnosed with cancer, and certain media members found out, he requested they not reveal it to the public for the privacy of his family. Every single member obliged. They all loved him so much, that they didn’t dare disrespect his wish for his personal life not to be invaded. That’s the kind of person every sports league needs in their front office, and the NHL was lucky to have him for as long as they did.

Although the death of E.J. is a sad day for the hockey world, and a tragedy for the world of scouting, it is important to also celebrate his life and what he contributed to the game. I doubt anyone in that position will ever be as loved and respected as E.J. was, but that’s more a compliment to E.J. than an insult to anyone else that holds the job. My condolences go out to E.J.’s family and friends, in addition to the entire hockey community who were privileged to know him for so long.

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

Resurfacing the Ice: NHL Concussion Problem Tougher to Deal With Than You Think

In the northeast United States, there’s an NCAA college hockey program that has been very successful in recent years. In the last five seasons, they have reached their league’s championship game three times, winning it once. They continuously finish close to or in first place at the end of each regular season. Their players consistently finish toward the top of the league’s scoring leaders. Their entertaining contests, each and every weekend, often garner the highest attendance among the school’s sports teams.

One of their best players – and a team captain – has won the league’s MVP trophy, in addition to the team’s rookie of the year award when he was a freshman. Watching him fly around the ice this season, you would never know that he was in the midst of the worst injury of his career – a concussion that would leave him unable to even do schoolwork when the season was complete.

But there was only one person that knew he was hurt for most of the year: himself. Through the majority of the season, he played with a concussion. And when he thought he was better, he suffered another, even more serious head injury when he was hit with a check in practice. These concussions were just two of nine (that team management knew of) the team dealt with this year. None of the players were out of action for more than two months.

___________________________________

When people talk about dealing with concussions, they often simplify it. “Make them sit out for the rest of the year, no matter what,” suggests one fan. “Why don’t they realize that their future is more important than playing a couple games right now?” asks another. “The coach should hold the player out until the coach is 100 percent sure he’s ready to play,” a final fan offers. Those suggestions are all well and good, but it doesn’t exemplify what a dedicated athlete thinks about first.

“My team is the number one thing to me,” the aforementioned college player said. “At different points of the year I had a separated shoulder and ligaments torn in my right foot as well. The concussion was just another example of keeping it to myself and not letting my teammates down. I have only four years of college to play hockey, and I’m going to make every single one of them count. If I sit out, my team struggles. I am letting my team down by not being out there. If I can still play at a high level, I’m going to play.

“The only time I really felt okay was on the ice. Off the ice I had constant headaches and irritability when it came to concentrating and very bright rooms. But all I wanted to do was play hockey.”

It’s very easy to say what should happen, in an ideal world. In an ideal world, there would also be world peace and no disease, poverty, death, taxes, or anything else of the ilk. Many, who have never been a part of a competitive team at the college, major junior, or pro level, fail to understand the chain of events that occurs when a player has a concussion. In college or major junior, players are trying desperately to win and make it to the next level. And for some reason, when a player plays through a head injury, the response is often “What dedication!” instead of the more logical “What an idiot!”

In the pro game, many players are working on an annual basis, never knowing if they’ll get an opportunity when their current contract runs out. If a third- or fourth-liner suffers a concussion in his contract year, he is much more likely to return before he’s completely healed, because if he doesn’t there might not be a job for him the next season. If a star player is knocked out of competition, there isn’t necessarily the threat of him not finding a job the next season. But he also knows that without him, his team has a lesser chance of making the playoffs or winning a championship.

“I don’t want to end up having long-term issues later on in life and those close to me kept reminding me of that,” said the college player. “But I guess athletes can be stubborn. I just wanted to win, at any cost. I battled injuries all year that no one knew about. The drive to win kept me going. I have all summer to recover.”

And what if a professional team misses the playoffs due to multiple impact players out with concussions, and because of it, ownership decides to clean house and fire the GM and his entire hockey operations staff? This leaves scores of ordinary people waiting in line to pick up an unemployment check, while numerous players, when new management comes in, could be on the move when trades are made.

The point is, it’s difficult to state the answer to this crazy, variable-filled concussion equation, because there are so many factors in it that it’s most likely never going to be fixed in any contact sport, let alone the NHL. But oversimplifying the problem and suggesting answers that just won’t work are not what the sport needs. It needs knowledge, understanding, and the ability to see it from every perspective.

“The idea that the issue is simple or black and white is so untrue because every concussion is different. The first one I suffered, I was dizzy and had trouble with bright rooms. My second was one where loud noises and concentrating became difficult. Every concussion affects someone differently.”

When a team trainer inquired about the possibility of him having a concussion, he claimed he was fine. She suggested to him that if he felt any worse he should stop playing immediately, and made him promise that he would seek medical attention once the season was over.

“[The team trainer has] known me for three years. She knew I wouldn’t have been truthful with the coaches or doctors. She was just concerned for me. She knew there was nothing she could have done to stop me from playing. I was going to play until I physically couldn’t anymore.”

Author’s Note: This article is not intended to suggest that it is okay to play with a concussion. It is simply intended to show that the issue is not as black and white as many are making it seem. The issue of concussions is a serious one that needs to be addressed by hockey leagues throughout the entire world, regardless of age group. Any player with a concussion should not, by any means, return to action before they are fully cleared by the team’s medical staff and coaching staff.

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.