Author: sportsjerseyscanada

NHL Goaltenders: The Key to a Stanley Cup

Like winning any trophy in professional sports, a lot of work has to go into building a championship team and that begins with management. The general manager of a hockey team is the one in charge of putting together a hockey team that can win the Stanley Cup. This process takes years. Everyone knows the first and second overall picks who are most likely a high profile forward (I think we all can name a few of those) or an exceptional defenceman and then start to build your team around them.
What you won’t hear about is the goaltenders who are picked with the 207th overall selection, like Dominik Hasek who ended up with six Vezina trophies, two Hart trophies and two Stanley Cups. Being a goaltender in the NHL is one of the hardest jobs in sports. With not having the fame and fortune early on in your career like Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Connor McDavid, most goaltenders have to wait years to perfect their skills to be at the top of the NHL ranks. Here is a look at some of the goaltenders that are claiming their stake to take their teams all the way to the Stanley Cup.
Statistically, the best goaltender on the best team in the league is Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals. He has seven more wins than the second place goalies on this list of whom you will soon read about. Holtby was selected 93rd overall by the Capitals in the 2008 NHL draft. After eight years it looks like Holtby is ready to try to lead his team all the way. I think the Capitals are a great team and it took a lot to get to where they are but I also think Holtby will have to win some playoff games by himself and that comes with experience, which he is lacking. Look for him next year after he has some tough games.
Pekka Rinne is on this list because he is a world class goaltender and has the ability to ‘steal’ any game that he starts. The Nashville Predators locked up their prize goaltender to a huge deal and for good reason. He is an absolute workhorse for the Predators and is the NHL leader in time on ice and tied for games played. If Nashville can score at least two or three goals they have the ability to win every game with Rinne in net. He was taken with the 258th overall pick.
The New York Rangers were able to steal Henrik Lundqvist with the 205th overall pick in the 2000 draft. He has since been nominated for the Vezina trophy three times and is the first goalie to win at least thirty games in his first six seasons. The Rangers are playing good hockey now and are jockeying for home ice advantage in the playoffs. If Lundqvist is on his game then there is no better goalie in the NHL today and gives the Rangers a chance every night.

The first three goaltenders are being written about because they have been stable throughout the years or have just started on the big stage in the NHL. The two that I have left off are Corey Crawford of the Chicago Blackhawks and Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings. These two goalies are not just world class goalies like the previous three, but they have the intangible benefit of having the ultimate experience of both winning and losing on the biggest stage imaginable. Whichever one of these goalies comes out on top, you can be sure that we will have a fun time watching them.

Coach’s Challenge Here To Stay

There’s at least one definitive thing coming out of this year’s General Managers Meeting in Boca Raton, Florida, the coach’s challenge is here to stay. With a moderate amount of grumbling and controversy surrounding the new rule everyone around the NHL was looking to the GMs to take a stand and they have clearly done just that. The 30 GMs in attendance stood by the new rule unanimously, though some small changes might be in order.

The coach’s challenge was adopted during the off-season as a way to use video reviews for goals that may have come about from goaltender interference or offside plays. A coach may challenge a ruling on the ice at which point the officials will review video footage of the goal and make a decision to overrule or not.

In general the move has been seen as a positive step in correcting the most flagrant, game-changing errors but it hasn’t been free from controversy. Many coaches and players have argued that the tiny 6” tablet the officials are using to review the video is too small to be effective. There are also complaints that challenges are being used as a “strategic time out”, allowing a team to regroup and rest while the officials are engaged in a review. Some simply state that the game stoppage at such crucial junctures interrupts the game flow.

Despite the controversy, the GMs felt strongly that the system was working. Of the more than 200 challenges this season nearly 80% of the on-ice decisions were upheld. There were very few challenges where the group disagreed with the officials. “You’ve gotta to look back at the reason we did these coach’s challenges originally was to try to take care of the egregious mistakes. We’ve certainly done that,” said Chicago GM Stan Bowman. “There’s been no (incidents) where everyone afterwards is thinking ‘Boy we got that wrong.’” Edmonton Oilers GM Pete Chiarelli agreed, “For all of us the coach’s challenge has been a very useful tool.”

No system is perfect, however, and the GMs agreed on a few areas where changes might be made to strengthen the review process. One seemingly simple idea is to get a larger screen for the officials to watch the video on. There has also been discussion of sending the review decision back to the NHL war room in Toronto but most GMs seem to think that’s overkill. Said Chiarelli, “We talked about that a little bit but I don’t see that happening. I think we’re getting it right for the most part.” One change that everyone agreed should be immediately implemented is the placement of two cameras at the blue line to help clear up any off side ruling challenges. “That’s the one in-season tweak we can make. It’s not a rule change, it’s just helping make the process better,” said Colin Campbell league director of hockey operations.

In the end the consensus was clear, video reviews of controversial goals are a good thing and despite a few minor issues the rule is accomplishing what it set out to do. The Coach’s Challenge looks to have a long and prosperous life in the NHL.

Is the NHL as squeaky clean as its drug-testing failures indicate?

As far as major league sports go, the NHL is considered to be pretty clean when it comes to the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). In fact, just five players have been banned under the league and players’ association drug policy in the past 10 years. Two of those suspensions have been handed down this season though as 24-year-old defenceman Jarred Tinordi of the Arizona Coyotes was just hit with a 20-game ban on March 11th after failing a drug test. Shawn Horcoff of the Anaheim Ducks received the same punishment earlier this campaign while other players suspended in the past were Zenon Konopka, Sean Hill and Carter Ashton.

But some people feel the NHL isn’t as clean as its image suggests and the drug-testing system is too lax. There are approximately 800 NHL players on the ice during any given season with the average salary being about U.S. $2.6 million. Major League Baseball has suspended a minimum of 35 players since 2007 and the NFL claims that well over 100 players have failed tests. On the other hand, the NBA is also relatively clean with just eight players being banned. This leads many fans to believe the NHL is more or less squeaky clean in regards to illegal substance use. While MLB has suspended star players over the years such as Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun, those failing drug tests in the NHL have been fringe or journeymen players.

It’s possible that fourth-line NHL players are worried about losing their jobs and are trying to get an edge on their competition by taking PEDs. On the other hand, MLB stars are accused of cheating as a way to earn bigger contracts and get their names in the record books. Most NHL’ers who fail drug tests claim they didn’t knowingly take illegal drugs, but do admit they were given a list of all banned substances and are responsible for what they put into their bodies.

These players then release statements apologizing to their clubs, teammates, families and fans. They sit out 20 games and forfeiting the salary for those contests and then get on with their careers. The mandatory punishment for a first-time offender in the NHL is 20 games, which equates to about a quarter of a season while MLB hands out an 80-game ban, which is close to half a season and the NFL hands out a four-game ban for a first offence, which is also a quarter of a season.

The NHL and the players’ association agreed to a drug-testing program when they signed the last collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Drug tests can take place during the playoffs as well as the offseason to keep players on their toes. But critics point out there isn’t enough overall testing being done. Each team is tested just twice a year with the first test in training camp and the second taking place during the regular season. In addition, an individual player can be asked to take a random test during the regular and post seasons as long as it’s not on a game day.

During the offseason the NHL is allowed to test a maximum of just 60 players, which isn’t many considering the number of players in the league. The NFL performs approximately 14,000 tests per year. Also, NHL players tested in the offseason are given two-week’s notice beforehand. Since it’s not impossible to mask PED use, this gives an individual adequate amount of time to prepare. The actual testing is performed by a committee consisting of NHLPA and league representatives as well as a doctor nominated by each organization. However, under the current CBA, the league doesn’t test for HGH (Human Growth Hormone).

There are numerous hockey insiders and ex-players, such as Georges Laraque, who believe there is much more illegal-substance abuse going on in the NHL and there should be more testing. The NHL will have to wait for the next CBA to introduce more comprehensive tests though and the league recently announced it may consider adding cocaine and other recreational drugs to the banned-substance list. Currently, just one-third of NHL drug samples are tested for drugs such as cocaine. There have been several high-profile incidents of drug possession with NHL players over the past few years and this could be an effective way of reducing them. 

The Beasts Of The West

The NHL playoffs are approaching quickly. With less than 20 games to go until the battle for the Stanley Cup begins, teams are starting to get chimed in and refine their game. We’re going to take a look at a few of those teams, specifically the top contenders in the Western Conference.
There’s five main beasts in the West: Chicago, Dallas, St. Louis, Anaheim, and of course, the Los Angeles Kings. Chicago and LA are the consensus favorites, as per usual, to make it to the West final. That being said, Anaheim, Dallas and St. Louis will all have something to say about that. Let’s take a closer look at all five of these teams and a couple of their strengths and weaknesses.
Chicago Blackhawks
The defending Stanley Cup champions, the Chicago Blackhawks. What’s there to say? They are a very well rounded team that got even more dangerous at the trade deadline. They are the clear cut favorite to come out of the West, and undoubtedly the deepest team in the NHL. The additions of Ladd, Fleischmann and Weise at the deadline pushed this team over the top. I don’t believe there is a weakness on this team. Their third pairing on defense might be a minor concern with Van Riemsdyk and Gustafsson, but the Hawks tend to ride Seabrook and Keith come the playoffs.
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars will go as far as Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn take them. Dallas isn’t a particularly deep team, and they will run into trouble against teams like Chicago and LA that run a four line attack. That being said, Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn have shown they can put up some goals in a hurry. Dallas is a fun team that can score in bunches, but in a playoff series against a grinding team, they will be in some trouble. I don’t like their forward depth, and I am not a huge fan of their defensive core. Hamhuis would have been great shutdown defenseman for them, but they chose to go with Russell.
St. Louis Blues
It seems like we’ve been waiting forever for this team to finally break out and go on a playoff run. Will this year be that year? They have the defensive core to challenge any team in the West on any given night, and they do have the game changers in Tarasenko and Steen. St. Louis is one of those teams that just needs to click at the right time. Jake Allen seems to have cemented himself as the #1 goalie they have always needed. We won’t know till April when it counts. I’m looking at depth on this team, can Jaskin, Lehtera and Fabbri contribute in a tight 1-1 game in the third period?
Anaheim Ducks
They have been the best team in the NHL since Christmas. The Ducks have looked like a team on a mission in 2016, and they’re a scary proposition for any team heading into the playoffs. Getzlaf, Perry and Kesler are all playing their best hockey and if they keep it up, they’re a frightening foe to face in the first round. John Gibson and Frederik Andersen seem to have the net on lockdown, the young defensive core could be the make or break come April.  Lindholm and Vatanen will be key pieces if the Ducks are to go far, are they experienced enough?
Los Angeles Kings
If there’s any team specifically built for the playoffs, it’s the LA Kings. They grind, grind, grind and grind some more. Anytime I want to prove a point when discussing this team, I look at the series with San Jose when they were down 3-0. They grinded the Sharks down and by the time game 4 rolled around, the Sharks were done. They were up 3-0 in the series, but they were exhausted. The Kings rolled through them the next four games onto a series win. This is a very heavy, and deep team, built for a grinding war. They added Lucic in the summer, they also added Luke Schenn and Vinny Lecavalier via. trade during the season. Any team facing them in the playoffs better be ready for a grinded out war. A minor concern of mine would be the fire power against a team like Chicago. Kopitar, Carter and Lucic are very capable of scoring, but the Hawks have a bit more offensive talent deep into the line-up.

I hope you enjoyed the analysis.

The World Cup of Hockey

The World Cup of Hockey, to be played in Sept. 2016 in Toronto, is an eight team tournament showcasing the world’s best hockey players. The eight teams participating include: Canada, United States, North America, Sweden, Russia, Finland, Czech Republic and Europe. Team North America is differentiated from Canada and the U.S. as it will consist strictly of players 23 years and younger. Team Europe will be comprised of players from European nations other than those that have a full squad. Now that initial rosters have been released, here is a look at each team.

            Team Canada: The winner of the last two Olympic gold medals, the Canadian team is the projected favorite for this tournament once again. The team is full of All-Stars including Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, Duncan Keith and Shea Weber. The only potential weakness is projected starting goalie Carey Price who is dealing with lingering injuries and may be rusty when games start. Even if he can’t play though, backups Braden Holtby and Corey Crawford are more than capable of filling in.

            Team United States: The United States has gotten so close to success in the last two Olympics, but twice had their dreams dashed by Team Canada. This team is a mix of veterans like Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler and Zach Parise and new blood including Dustin Byfuglien and Justin Abdelkader. General Manager Dean Lombardi did not pick only big name scorers, but looks to have built a more balanced squad to match Canada’s.

            Team North America: This team will likely be the most interesting and fun group to watch. Filled with lesser known but highly talented players like Jack Eichel, Connor McDavid and Aaron Ekblad, this team could surprise in this tournament.

            Team Sweden: Featuring 83 current NHL players and coming off a silver medal in the Sochi Olympics, the Swedes are a potential threat to win it all this time. Led by Henrik Lundqvist in goal and reigning Norris trophy winner Erik Karlsson and his defensive colleagues, it will be extremely difficult to score against them. While their offense isn’t as strong as some other teams’, they should be able to contain their opponents and get some low scoring victories.

            Team Russia: Loaded with scoring potential (Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, etc.), the Russian club will be able to light the lamp as well as anyone. The problem lies in their defense and goaltending. They will likely have to win some high scoring games to advance.

            Team Finland: Finland is lacking offensive firepower, with none of its forwards scoring at least 20 goals this season. To have a chance, they will have to rely on veteran goaltenders Tuukka Rask and Pekka Rinne to carry the load.

            Team Czech Republic: Lacking scoring punch and top tier defensemen, the Czech team will have an uphill battle to compete. The most interesting storyline is a player not on the team, Jaromir Jagr. Jagr stated two years ago he was done with international competition. If he changes his mind though, he would be the player to watch.

            Team Europe: The first 16 players picked for the team come from seven different countries. While they have a balanced roster, the main question is how will total strangers with little practice time play together?

Early Early Playoff Preview

The Stanley Cup playoffs are so close, you can almost smell the hipster playoff beards. No matter how deep your love of vulcanized rubber, this is what we have been waiting for since training camps broke eons ago. There are still several playoff spots up for grabs, and seedings will change, but if the playoffs started now, here are some of the most intriguing matchups of the first round.
Western Conference
Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks
Ducks have been nothing short of spectacular.  In February they were practically unbeatable, going 12-1-1, and sit only two points behind the L.A.Kings for the Pacific Division lead after a horrific start to the season.
San Jose has played well, but have had little success this season against the mighty Ducks (see what I did there), posting a 1-3-0 record. The Sharks won’t complain if Anaheim stays hot and gets a higher seed. No team in the league wants the steamrolling Ducks in the first round.
Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks
If you haven’t been paying attention, for some odd reason, the Wild have had Chicago’s number this season. There’s still two games left on the docket between these teams. But right now, Minnesota is 3-0-0 against the defending Stanley Cup champs, including a 6-1 ass-kicking in front of 50,000 in a February 20, 2016 Stadium Series game.
Of course, the Wild actually have to make the playoffs to realize a potential Earth shattering upset. They sit tied for the last spot with the Colorado Avalanche, and had a brutal stretch after the New Year, dropping 13 of 14 while getting coach Mike Yeo fired. But they’ve played better under interim coach John Torchetti and should they sneak in, they could give the Blackhawks a test.
Eastern Conference
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals are in total cruise control for the number one seed. Now imagine the tension if the Caps have to face a resurgent Sidney Crosby AND a healthy Evgeni Malkin in the first round.  All those regular season wins would mean nothing if Pittsburgh could push the Capitals to an extended six or seven game series. Washington has to reach the conference finals this postseason, or heads could roll on the National Mall.
New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers
Who doesn’t love it when New Yorkers fight each other? This one is long overdue. The Islanders and Rangers haven’t tussled since 1994 when the Rangers broke through and won the Stanley Cup. 

The Isles have taken the first two contests this season with two to play. Both games were tight, and a playoff series would be no different. Should this series become reality, expect it to go seven, with the edge going to the Rangers, who will be able to lean on their recent playoff experience to pull out a win.

Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel: Believe the Hype

            The 2015 NHL entry draft came with an unusual amount of fanfare, largely because the top two prospects were potential “gamechangers”. Not since the 2005 draft that featured Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have two players in one draft been considered so special. These two future stars, Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, were selected by the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres respectively. Centers McDavid and Eichel, both only 19 years old, will forever be linked by their draft status and have already shown they were worthy of the attention. 

            Edmonton’s young gun, McDavid, has had a bit of a rocky rookie season. He was able to play in only 13 games before breaking his left clavicle and missing the next 37. In his limited playing time however, he has been nearly unstoppable. As of February 29, he has 29 points in only 27 games and is scoring on an incredible 18.2% of his shots. The Oilers’ roster is filled with top young talent due to their lottery luck, but McDavid is the true star.

            Eichel has been able to stay healthy the entire season, and is showing he was also worthy of the top pick. On a team lacking many offensive weapons, he has managed 41 points in 63 games. Not to be outdone by McDavid’s success, Eichel has picked up his play significantly recently, scoring 25 points in his last 26 games. The Sabres were one of the worst teams in the NHL the last two years, but Eichel is playing a major role in turning the franchise around.

            Unfortunately for fans, the two play in different conferences and rarely meet head to head. The first such meeting will take place on March 1st in Buffalo. McDavid was injured for the previous matchup between the teams on Dec. 4th. Eichel scored in that game, but his team fell 4-2.

            While we won’t see them facing off a lot, we may see them as teammates soon. No, neither one will be traded, but both could be on the 2016 World Cup of Hockey under 23 team from North America. Taking place later this year, this tournament showcases the best players in the world, and barring injury, it is a sure thing that both McDavid and Eichel will make the squad.

            Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin have been two of the premier hockey players for the last ten years, but it will soon be time for them to step aside. With Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel on the way, the game will be in good hands.

NHL Goalie Equipment: Why It Needs To Stay Big—Not Smaller

If you were an NHL goalie would you want smaller equipment based upon how fast and hard players can shoot the puck, whether it’s a blazing slap shot, or a hard snap or wrist shot?
The talent level in today’s NHL is heads above what it was; not just many decades ago, but within the last 5 years. And along with that the talent and skill level of goalies has skyrocketed as well.
Going back to the question I asked in the first paragraph—would you want smaller equipment if you were in the NHL?
I would say they don’t want smaller equipment if they don’t want to be injured. The second reason they want to do this is the lack of scoring in today’s NHL. It’s entertainment value they’re looking at.
If they want more scoring they better have better snipers in today’s NHL. That’s all there is to it. It takes practice, practice, practice. If they aren’t willing to do that then the NHL will most likely have the major companies who produce goalie equipment, reduce the size of pads, chest protectors, arm pads and even the size of protective pants.
Ex-NHL player Nick Kypreos chimed in on this and talked about the glove, and when it was used as a catching glove. He talked about the goalies in the 70’s who actually used the glove to catch pucks. In today’s NHL it seems to be used as a blocker, like the blocker on the other hand. This I do agree with Kypreos on, but only on this.
I must reiterate what I said before, if you reduce the size of protective goalie equipment, you risk injury that much more because of the ability of players to shoot the puck well over 100 miles per hour, and very hard.
Here is what I think should be done with the goalie equipment. By the way if they reduce the size of goalie equipment for NHL goalies that the same will done for minor pro leagues, top junior leagues and every other league that major goalie equipment makers produce.
Here is what they should do with current goalie equipment. They should redesign the equipment so it’s not as bulky and more streamlined. Not make it smaller. The same level of protection needs to be kept.
That way you reduce the numbers of injuries.
The Pet Peeve Of NHL Goalie Equipment: The Size Of Pads
This has been a thorn in the side of players, NHL officials and every other person who’s against large and bulky goalie equipment which supposedly reduces the ability of players to get the puck past a goalie and into the net.
The size of actual goalie pads has decreased over the years and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, or CBA has lets face it, dictated that a cap on the width of a goalie pad. That width limit is 28 centimeters. Or for those in the USA, almost 12 inches.
That I don’t have an issue width. The pad width that is. Where I have an issue is the length of the goalie pad. Yes, I realize there is an actual knee pad they wear underneath the pad to protect against errant pucks making their way between the goalie pad and the knee. There has even been some controversy on the size of the internal knee pad being too big. But goalie pads need to be bulkier in the knee area for protection purposes. Or streamlined design wise. Not smaller height wise. A goalie can’t win in the NHL anymore.
Protection doesn’t seem to be the riding factor anymore. Entertainment value for the bucks fans shell out does. That’s all fine and good. But where the issue is, is having proper protection.
The Height Limit On Goalie Pads:
Here’s some more craziness, or lunacy set forth by the supposed brain trust of the NHL, limiting the height of goalie pads. Five years ago the NHL put into place a rule where the pads could only be 55 percent of the distance between the center of a goalie’s knee and their pelvis.
Basically a leg pad can go only halfway up the thigh, and that’s why I think you require more protection from goalie pants. The powers that be in the NHL don’t seem to understand the absolute necessity of total protection for goalies.
By the way the limit on the height of goalie pads was reduced another 10 percent, to 45 percent in the last two years. Pure nonsense.
And at times goalie pads and equipment have been measured by NHL officials at random. Almost like out of the blue audits by the tax man.
It’s almost like, ”Here I am NHL, come measure my equipment.”
Next, they’ll be measuring the length and width of a goalie mask and neck protector to see it falls within league measurements and parameters.
In ending, two things need to happen here. Players have to be better shooters. They shoot harder than ever, but can’t hit the open pockets of the net a goalie does not cover. That means practice, all the time.
This may be a bit of lunacy on my part, but why not have a coach for shooting? Why not?
As for the size of equipment, like I said it has to be redesigned and streamlined, and not made smaller.
I live in a city where one of the major manufacturers of NHL goalie equipment is, and I actually should do an interview with them, and find out their thoughts on all of this.
But one piece of equipment that needs reshaping and design is the goalie mitt, glove, what ever you want to call it, so goalies aren’t using it mainly as a blocker, and are actually catching pucks. One other thing as far as streamlining and redesigning goes, it will make it easier for mobility purposes if pads, chest protector and arm pads are redesigned as well.

I played goalie in minor hockey in the 70’s, and understand the need for protection even if the NHL wants to keep it’s head in the sand.

Which Teams to Watch Out For in the Playoffs

With the trade deadline approaching it is time for the teams hoping to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs to try and acquire whichever pieces of their respective puzzles they need. Some teams need a backup goaltender. Some need a right shot defenceman or perhaps a second or third line center. There are always a variety of players available and when a team makes the right moves it could be the difference between hoisting the Stanley Cup and hoisting your golf bag. Here is a look at a few teams that could be sipping from Lord Stanley’s mug in June.
Washington Capitals
Starting with the best record in the league going into the trade deadline, the Washington Capitals are playing their best hockey in a decade. A lot of a team’s success can be attributed to their goaltender and Washington is no different. Braden Holtby is leading the league in wins, has a .924 save percentage and a 2.17 goals against average, all near the top of the league. Goaltending aside, the Capitals have the most prolific scorer in this generation in Alex Ovechkin. With 39 goals and more to come, Washington, on paper, has the offence and defence to go all the way. What has yet to be seen is if they have the heart and stamina that other teams like Chicago and Los Angeles have shown in recent years.
Vegas Odds: 13/4  Prediction: Lose in Stanley Cup final
New York Rangers
A lot of people are looking at the Florida Panthers as the number two in the Eastern Conference but I think they are still a little inexperienced in the playoffs. This is where the New York Rangers get the edge. They have the experience and depth to make a run in the playoffs. They will most likely make a play for an experienced forward and possibly another defenceman and coupled with arguably the best goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist they have a good chance to make it far into the playoffs.
Vegas Odds: 15/1  Prediction: Lose in Eastern Conference final
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings started the season a little slow but have come around as of late and are playing some good hockey.They are winning more consistently and find themselves four points clear of the Anaheim Ducks and five ahead of the San Jose Sharks in the extremely tough Pacific Division. Always a team to fear in the playoffs, Los Angeles still has their core of players that won the Stanley Cup in 2012 and 2014. This core includes Anze Kopitar, Jonathan Quick and Norris Trophy candidate Drew Doughty who are all more than capable of bringing their ‘A’ game in the playoffs.
Vegas Odds: 10/1  Prediction: Lose in Western Conference final
Chicago Blackhawks
Last year’s Stanley Cup Champions look very similar to the Chicago Blackhawks of this year and that spells trouble to the rest of the teams that make the playoffs. One point behind division rival Dallas, the Blackhawks are firing on all cylinders. Although they don’t have much room to work with in terms of salary cap space they don’t have a lot of holes to fill in their roster. In fact they were in a similar situation last year and they found a way to win with the team that Stan Bowman built and that Joel Quenneville coaches. They have a tremendous amount of depth players to compliment their talented core players like Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Artemi Panarin and with Corey Crawford playing great and now the addition of two-time champion Andrew Ladd, there is no stopping the Blackhawks. Oh yeah, and Patrick Kane is lighting up the NHL right now.

Vegas Odds: 13/2  Prediction: Win Stanley Cup

NHL Expansion

Las Vegas and Quebec City
Which will get an NHL franchise if any?
But Seattle was also a contender I thought would make a better candidate for the NHL, and have more hockey fans dedicated to a team as well. But I don’t think that’s going to happen.
The two front runners seem to be Quebec City and Las Vegas. I am making a prediction that Vegas gets it before anyone.
The first three important aspects of expansion are—will the owners own the arena, who owns the team and can they support it financially along with the demographics of the city, state or province that they want to expand in. This excerpt I took from an interview with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly who was on Sportsnet.
There are two cities as I said; really in the running for NHL expansion, Las Vegas and Quebec City. But ask yourself, why aren’t there any 4 major pro sports teams in the city of Las Vegas, despite it being the
epicenter for sports betting and sports books.
The NHL seems to think that it will persuade sports fans to become fans of hockey and watch the NHL, when that’s far from the truth. They’re looking more for market share. They already went into a number of US based markets and faltered money wise—like Phoenix and other markets such as Florida, Carolina, Nashville and Columbus thinking any market is a good hockey market, as long as the owners have mega bucks, and can get an initial season’s ticket base to satisfy the NHL governors, which consist of the owners of the top teams in the NHL, and the NHL executive committee.
One of the main aspects of applying to become the owner of an NHL franchise is giving actual statistical proof the team and business will be profitable. Not just can be. And they have to have a long term vision for the team and the community that actually will work. The governors will always have the final say, not Gary Bettman or Bill Daly who are the NHL Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner respectively.
Does Vegas And Quebec have the numbers to actually be profitable?
Las Vegas has major tourism and gambling, and casinos are the biggest employer in the area. And sports is big amateur and minor pro wise, but not one of the 4 major pro sports has an actual team in Vegas.
Now, as far as Quebec City goes, it’s hockey crazy, but doesn’t necessarily have the population base to support a team. Where as Vegas might, I said might be able to. Gambling on hockey is a tough game handicapping wise, and NHL players gambling in Vegas could be an issue as well as outcome of games being influenced by sports books, or criminals.
The Canadian Dollar’s Major Drop A Big Problem For Canadian and US Teams?  
One other big issue looming over all this is the Canadian Dollar. I looked at what the Canadian dollar is worth today. It’s 74 cents US. That costs Canadian teams more to operate and contribute less to league revenues as well. Players are paid in US dollars for the most part, and an even bigger fee was the team expansion fee of approximately 500 million dollars;which in Canadian dollars is $678, 210, 000.00
That’s 678 million 210 thousand guys.
If you’re canadian like myself you’re thinking you’re getting more money because of the exchange rate. You are, but all that money has to be turned over into US dollars, which leaves very little to play with and actually make a profit with. If you could pay your players in Canadian dollars and make a lot of money through other sources—such as ticket sales, events, concessions, team merch and so on to pay for all this, and come out ahead financially would do a lot to alleviate some of those money woes possibly.
I didn’t say being an NHL owner was a bed of roses awash in cash.
One of the only positive’s out of all this is, Quebec City has an arena in place already, and if the did not would result in many 100’s of millions more to pay out.
This all sounds very depressing but that’s the cost of owning a major pro sports franchise even if you’re a billionaire. There is only so much money to be spread around.
Before I leave this subject, chances are the American teams making the most will be propping up not just Canadian teams because of the weak Canadian dollar, but further expansion into Las Vegas or Seattle could mean further diminishing of league revenues. Especially if major teams aren’t in the black. Like I’ve said in other articles I’ve written on league revenues, what if there were no lucrative TV contracts?
Chances are there would not be any expansion.
There are many variables as to whether a market is successful in getting a team. This includes territorial issues for Quebec. If they actually are successful, that is Quebecor—the company which is a huge media and communications conglomerate, in getting a team will most likely have to pay out fees called Indemnity fees. All that is is just a fee for invading someone’s territory. That team being the Montreal Canadiens.
Th same would happen if there was another team in the Toronto area. An indemnity fee to the Toronto Maple Leafs of many 10’s of millions. If not 100 million. I think that competition is good. What? Has no one heard of competition?
It’s done in all kinds of industry. Yet the NHL is worried about their cash cows being slaughtered. I think it’s a form of corporate welfare.
There are many variables in applying to become an NHL owner beyond being a billionaire. I think they’ll go into Vegas before Quebec which will take longer in the process. As well, a market entrenched already as a hockey mecca would do well, even if the population base is smaller and dedicated.
The NHL seems hell bent on convincing non-hockey towns to conform to becoming NHL fans.
Both Bettman and Daly said that the talent pool in the NHL is better than ever, but I know enough to know if you keep on expanding you’ll water down that talent pool eventually.
NHL expansion has to be very carefully done, because Phoenix didn’t fare so well, and one of the only reasons it’s still there is the cash infusion the owners received from the NHL to the owner Jerry Reinsdorf if I’m correct.
I love NHL hockey and grew up playing ice hockey in a small town in Canada. Whether or not Vegas or Quebec City gets an NHL franchise remains to be seen, and if it’s profitable.
Profitability is more important than aligning the divisions with a new franchise and having symmetry number wise in each division, for regular season games, and playoff rivalries. There is also the issue of revenue sharing which gets sliced even further—and if a team loses money that negatively impacts the whole NHL.
In the end successfully bidding and ultimately acquiring an NHL franchise doesn’t guarantee a thing.
But being in a hockey based community that can support ticket sales and make the team and community prosper will have a greater effect on society, and the NHL.
Would have been interesting to hear from an actual Vegas Sports book on how viable they think the NHL in coming to Las Vegas would be.

We’ll see in the coming months.