Random Musings

Saku Comes Home

Big props to the Montreal Canadiens fans for their warm welcome of Ducks C Saku Koivu. Koivu spent 13 seasons in Montreal, nine of them as team captain (who happens to be tied with Jean Bealiveau for longest-tenured captain), consistently produced, played with a blue-collar ethic, was a true leader, and was fan-friendly. There has never been a more popular, non native-Canadian Habs player ever.  The feeling is more than mutual. Koivu was admittedly nervous before this game, and described the plane's decent in to Montreal as if felt like he was coming home.  It's nice to see when a fan base truly appreciates what a player did for the team.

 

Evgeni Nabokov Waiver Wildness

While some people may see this is as an athlete being a baby, it really isn't. The Red Wings signed him for cheap (a very smart decision by GM Ken Holland, one of the best in sports) and had the back-up goalie Detroit needed for a the remainder of the season. The problem is he had to clear waivers first. The New York Islanders, who have  major goaltending issues themselves, are ahead of the Red Wings and claimed him. Nabokov can decline to report, and that's what he did. On the surface, this is a case of "Beggars being Choosers". The Islanders have the 3rd worst record in the league, the Red Wings are a top team in the West. Of course Nabokov is going to be disappointed. But why should he report to a team who will only play him when Rick DiPietro can't play (although that could be often), while the Red Wings would play him about 20 times down the stretch, in meaningful games, as Jimmy Howard gets back to top form. The Isles did send a private jet to pick him up in Oakland, so it's not like they aren't trying.

 

Marc Savard Heading Home

Marc Savard has only 2 goals and 8 assists this season. The reason is because he's only played in 25 games. Savard suffered ANOTHER head injury in yesterday's win over the Avalanche. Savard was hit into the corner boards by Avalanche D Matt Hunwick at the 3:19 mark, causing his head to snap into the glass. He was bleeding from the face as he was helped to the team's locker room. Savard missed 23 games this season already due to post-concussion syndrome and had just returned early last month. He's had numerous head injuries in the past, and at some point, he has to think about retiring before long-term damage is done (if it hasn't happened already).

 Peter Forsberg returning?

Ahh yes, the somewhat frequent Peter Forsberg quest back to the NHL. Although with Forsberg, it's much less annoying than when Brett Favre or Mats Sundin does it. You get the feeling he's doing it for all the right reasons. Forsberg would be a perfect veteran presence on a young team. Forsberg is a hockey icon in Denver and it would be a great PR move, too. Forsberg joining the team in February means you'll get his best 3-4 months in one spurt. In a tight Western Conference, he could be the difference in playing in to May.

 

 Will the real Alexander Ovechkin please stand up?

It's only one hat trick, and it's against the awful Maple Leafs, but has Alex Ovechkin finally woken up? It was his first multi-goal game since October 30th. While Ovie has delivered in the assists department (32 for the season - good for 13th in the league) at his usual numbers, his goal total leaves a lot to be desired (19 - good for a tie for 17th in the league). He manages to tie for 8th in points at 51, but he's paid to score goals. Maybe his performance at the Air Canada Center gets him going at the right time in the season for the Caps.

Random Trend

Take a look at the standings in each conference. Among non-playoff teams, the only two that are positive in the goal differential are Los Angeles (+16, makes sense) and the Florida Panthers (+3)...yes the Panthers. While there won't be any playoff games in Sunrise, FL this season, they are a young bunch that's starting to gel on the ice.  G Tomas Vokoun's five shutouts ranks 3rd in the league and keeps them in every game. They're a tough out every night. Florida is a game above .500 while only being 8 points out of 8th in the East.

The current playoff teams that are a negative in goal differential: (Tampa Bay -8; Atlanta -9; Anaheim -7)