NHL 1 Week In: How's your team doing?

[Ravenseye]

Well it's been 7 days. Most teams have played 3 if not 4 games already. How are your boys doing? What teams are surprising you in week 1?

My boys the Penguins aren't doing so hot with a 0-1-3 record, but those three overtime losses were the result of really bad defensive play during the games keeping the other teams in the game. The loss to New Jersey was definately deserved, Brodeur was awesome. The gamea gainst the Bruins was a delight of a shootout. The other two overtime losses to Carolin and Buffalo were also good fun games.

Overall I like how hockey looks. If they keep calling the interference I'll be happy. Fast up and down hockey, breakouts, two line passes. Fantastic. Even the shootout doesn't bother me, It was exciting.

I look forward to the game against the Flyers on Friday, should be a good one.

Oh also, Crosby. He's magnificent. One of the leader scorers in the NHL now after the first week. Scored at least a point in each game played. Great plays, great passing, great effort and strength. Truly a star in the league for years to come. Perhaps the best player they field game in game out, and that includes going against Lemeiux, Recchi, Palffy et al.

Thibault's goaltending was questionable.

Anyway, how are your boys doing? I'd be interested to see how you feel about your teams and how the games have been, since I don't get to watch all the games for each team.

[LisaM]

1. 3-1, unfortunately the one loss was to Vancouver.

But they (Red Wings) look good! I like the goalie situation, the team has a lot of speed, the new and young players are scoring goals, and the defense is at least adequate. I am very glad they are calling the interference, though I am not sure that I like the restrictions on the goaltending.

As far as the shootout goes, I'm not sure how I feel about it. The Wings have not been involved in it yet.

[Ravenseye]

12. I agree about the goaltender restrictions

I like reducing the pads, but limiting where they can play the puck behind the goal line...I dont' know, that seems a bit too much. Calling the interference is huge, as well as allowing 2 line passes, and the new rules for delayed offisdes, and icing. Really keeps the flow up I think.

[Cush]

2. Caps: 2 W 3 L

all of their losses have been blowouts (7 - 3 / 8 - 1 / 7 - 2). Their two wins were close ones (3 - 2 / 3 - 2)

the only real bright spot: Ovechkin

some Ovechkin clips here: http://www.rh71.com/projects/ovechkin/

[On the Road]

8. I Saw the First Loss to Atlanta

Frankly, I have low expectations for this year. The best hope is that the younger player develop rapidly and that a successor to Kolzig is established.

[madrchsod]

3. the blackhawks-need i say more?

my team is the rockford illinois "ice hogs". cheap parking, seats,food ,and drinks plus they actually win games!

[marbuc]

4. Caps fan here

Enough said. Though Ovechkin is dong very well, also among the league leaders in scoring with 4 goals and 2 assists. The future looks bright, but the present not so much.

[Democrats_win]

5. The NHL is back? When did they leave? Just kidding. No longer a fan.

[Ravenseye]

11. You're missing some good hockey

Very fast excellent hockey. The rules changes make a big difference. Each game I've seen so far has been really great to watch.

[LisaM]

16. "No longer" a fan, or really "never" a fan?

I really missed the game last year. Much more than I would miss basketball, for instance.

[Oreo]

6. CLOUTIER! CLOUTIER! CLOUTIER!

YOU SUCK!

Sorry.. couldn't help myself. The Wild are suprising a lot of people. The home opener was an amazing 6-3 win against the Flames. A road trip out west handed Gretzky his first win as a coach and gave another win to LA. Both wins were decided by a goal.

Last night, they returned home to give the hated Canucks a 6-0 drubbing. Risebrough and Lemaire built a speedy team and I think it may just pay off with the new rules. We'll see if they're for real tomorrow when the Wild play the Nucks AGAIN at home.

Gaborik (their best player) hasn't played a game yet but is expected to return Sunday against the Ducks.

[sniffa]

7. no idea

i can't find anything on the nordiques. :shrug:

fuck it, i think i'LL just become a jets fan.

[Ravenseye]

10. What about the Whalers

Wouldn't they be closer to you? Easier to get to home games?

[imouttahere]

14. Go Jets! Go Nords! Go Whalers!

They will all be back, someday.

[imouttahere]

9. Very pleased, Gainey knows what he's doing....

last night's Habs-Trashers broadcast started with Daren Eliot saying that the Habs have only one line (um, what about Ryder-Ribiero line?) but the lobotomy wore off as the game went along and he recognized at least that the Habs are well-coached and have a great system defensively and their collective skating ability will serve them well in the new NHL. I should have known that Eliot would be clueless when I was reminded that he writes for SI.com, not exactly known for their hockey expertise.

Anyway, all and all I am please with the Montreal season thus far, and I think we will be in the thick of it all season.

I hope that the pants-wetters who were so excited about Atlanta after two blowout wins against the Caps have come back to earth. Fact is, when Atlanta has to play a team that actually knows how to play some defense, they aren't such world-beaters. IMO, they don't have all the pieces to the puzzle, which requires more than a bunch of offensive-minded snipers.

[frylock]

13. kings are atop of the smythe division..

with a 3-1 record. Taking on the Red Wings tonight.

[imouttahere]

15. I used to pull for the Kings, but....

as long as they have Sean Avery, I won't be attending any of their games. And I predict that they won't beat Edmonton again this season.

[sk8tenn]

17. Won't anyone show some love for the Preds?!

5-0, Sullivan is the top offensive player right now, Kariya is eye-candy who can play.....What's not to like?