Sunday, February 20, 2011

Popularity on the Rise


Sheldon Souray has not seen NHL action in over a year. He has not played a full 82-game season in over three years. However, that is not enough to shy away a few NHL from franchises from claiming him off waivers, and bolstering their blue line. Sourays' cap hit for the remainder of the season is only 2.7 million dollars which would fit under most team's salary cap at this point of the season. Initial reports suggested Souray was likely heading to New Jersey, a team more than likely out of the playoffs with not much left to play for at this point. New reports today say the the Columbus Blue Jackets along with the San Jose Sharks have scheduled meetings with Souray to get his take on where he would go and want to play. He has been known to be demoted or sent down to a team and not play simply because he doesn't want to go there. The Devils, Blue Jackets, and Sharks dont want to take that risk and have a 2.7 million dollar cap hit on a player who isn't interested in playing for the team. The first team on the waiver wire that would have the chance to make the claim on Souray is New Jersey, followed by Columbus, and finally San Jose. Will be an interesting day to see where Souray ends up. My guess is the Sharks.

Flyers/Rangers Update


Boucher just went down in pain. Bobrosky coming in relief. If Boucher is seriously hurt, this could throw a huge curveball into trades that take place. Philly would have two choices. Either trying to deal for Vokoun from Florida, or calling Leighton back up, (Leighton would have to clear waivers to rejoin the team, and with all the teams in need of a goalie right now, it is highly unlikely Leighton would clear waivers.)

-Boucher allows a goal, ironically to Stephan, just a minute after he takes shot to the head from Stephan. He clearly is injured. Will see how long Philly decides to keep him in.

Deadline Update


-Am hearing the New Jersey may be putting a claim in on Souray sometime today.

-Hemsky asking price seems huge right now. Edmonton asking for a 1st round pick, NHL roster player, and a top prospect in the farm system.

-Schenn from LA to Toronto seems like it may be happening soon. Graboski alone with a pick may be the asking price for the Kings if they move Schenn.

Hockey Day In America (Update)


Best game on TV right now is the Rangers/Flyers game. Physical, fast paced hockey game with scoring chances going both ways. Really looking forward to the Pens/Hawks game at 330. Two teams struggling to find their way right now and the Hawks on the outside looking in for the playoff picture....

If the Caps pull the trigger and get Vokoun do they really become any more of a threat in the East? They have a weak back end on defense and Ovechkin is struggling to find his game right now. Vokoun will help them sure up the penalty kill, but they will not advance out of the east past Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and now Boston without going out and acquiring a strong D-Man. Deadline sits 9 days away. Should be an interesting week.

-Without picking up Vokoun and a strong D-Man on the market, say Lilies from Colorado, this is how the season will end up for Capitals fans....again.

Hockey Day in America


Lots of good games today for Hockey Day Across America 2011. Washington travels to Buffalo, Division clash between the Flyers and Rangers, Western Conference battle between the Red Wings and Wild, and finally the last two games of the night, Pittsburgh visits Chicago, and the Heritage Classic wraps things up at 630.

-Will teams be active today in making moves? 9 days until the trade deadline.

-Will Washington make a move to get Vokoun?

-Pittsburgh and Chicago have played each other once each of the past two years. The winner of that regular season game has gone on to be the eventual Stanley Cup Champion.