I will be posting a TOP 10 Rankings for the NHL every week so you are able to read and crtique. I was able to watch every game on the electric saturday the NHL had. I also saw quite a bit of the weeknight games thanks to my Center Ice program and live online feeds. A few teams stick out to me this week, but a few have some glaring issues. In the Southeast the Capitals look to be the best team in the world but may exit the playoffs late again as their goaltending is still good – not great. The Penguins look ok, but I cannot see them making it to the Cup finals again REMEMBER this would be their third in a row … Odds are against them.
1) Washington Capitals (2-0) : The Caps have outscored their opponents 10-5 this season. The Alexander’s are already in mid season form. The offense is the most explosive in the league no question.
2) Philadelphia Flyers (2-0) : Maybe the most underated team on the list and probably should be at number 1. This team has only given up 2 goals so far. Then again they played the Hurricanes to a 2-0 game. Although many will argue I see the Offense and Goal tending an issue long term, but Ray Emery has looked good so far.
3) St. Louis Blues (2-0) : If the season was two games long this team would be tops in the west. Their special teams are definitely special. The PP and PK along with clutch goaltending helps the team to a swedish sweep. Having a healthy Kariya and the never die attitude doesnt hurt either.
4) Pittsburgh Penguins (2-0) : The Pens get some respect from me in large part to them being current champs. MAF stole them a win in goal on friday night where the team let up after the start of the game. In their second game they beat the lowly Islanders in a shootout. This team does not impress me at all.
5) Montreal Canadiens (2-0) : Some free agents proving to be good so far. The Price is right as Carey has led this team to this start. I dont see this team going far with Markov gone.
6) Colorado Avalanche (2-0) : A hard working team has already peaked. As they wave goodbye to Super Joe they welcome Matt Duchene the 2010 Rookie of the Year.
7) New York Rangers (1-1): A powerplay that will rival the Caps and a young D core that will rival the Blues. The best goalie in the east this team will overachieve this season.
8 ) Chicago Blackhawks (1-0-1): Zurich really??? what am I thinking with the Hawks at 8. How about their shot production and the fact that Taxicab Kane looks really really good unfortunately.
9) Calgary Khabibulins … Flames (2-0) : The Bulin what… I really like Nikolai and feel really bad for him after seeing that misplay. Im on the edge of my seat as the Oilers almost take the lead of the Kipper but then FACEPALM… The Flames have good special teams but are possibly the worst even strength team Ive watched in this early season…
10) Boston Bruins (1-1) : A tough loss to the leagues best team and then wrecked the Hurricanes. Flyers score 2 on the Canes and the B’s go nuts. The Bruins are good and will be near the top all year long.
Who ?
Matt Duchene is a beast. Anyone who knows hockey knows this guy is something special. If you have a chance to catch a Avalanche game on TV or in person please do as Matt Duchene is full of Oshie Energy.
Wheres Waldo ?
Teams who are expected to make the Cut… The Red Wings Goalie situation is comical. The Leafs are really in a tailspin already and the Islanders …. well I feel bad for the Islanders and their fans. It is a history rich organization that is getting bent over. Also the Kings have disappointed me they looked awful against the Coyotes.
