The NHL's new leader
Did I jinx Alexander Ovechkin by calling him the League MVP? Or did I light a fire under the butt of Evgeni Malkin?
It looks like Sidney Crosby's injury has become a blessing in disguise. Evgeni Malkin has blossomed into a true superstar over the past month, since taking over the role as team leader in Crosby's absence. Rather than fall apart, the Pittsburgh Penguins have climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. After last night's 5-4 win over the Montreal Canadiens, they share the Atlantic Division lead with the New Jersey Devils and sit in a three way tie for second in the East with the Habs, now just one point behind Eastern Conference leading Ottawa.
Malkin scored a goal and added two assists, which brought his NHL scoring lead total to 82 points. He now has 21 points in his last 9 games. Food for thought. How scary is this team going to be when Sidney Crosby does return?
Quick Shave:
The New York Islanders won their sixth straight last night as Rick Dipietro made 32 saves to complete the 1-0 shutout victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Islanders recent streak has now brought them within a point of the final playoff spot in the East. Isles forward Chris Simon returned to action after serving a 30 game suspension for tap dancing on Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jaarko Ruutu's leg. The Buffalo Sabres have clearly turned their season around and continue to pile on the points after an easy 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs (who have clearly given up). The Sabres are in seventh place in the East with 68 points. The Philadelphia Flyers are in freefall right now. They dropped their ninth straight last night to the San Jose Sharks 3-1, and dropped out of the playoff race into the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference. Flyers forward Simone Gagne is out for the rest of the season with concussion problems, and there will be no help coming from Peter Forsberg whose comeback is highly unlikely. Recent acquisitions Martin Biron in net, and Daniel Briere have not met expectations, and I perhaps cursed them by saying they would make the playoffs this year. Rumor has the Flyers desperate to make a deadline deal to help salvage their season and playoff hopes. Keep an eye on them.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Either you jinxed Ovechkin or I did when I traded for him in our fantasy league. I still expect him to get 60 goals, but yeah...Caps have been slowing down a little.
Very interested to see what happens with the lines once Crosby comes back. I don't think you can break up Malkin-Malone-Sykora right now, same as I don't think you let Fleury take Conklin's spot as the number one goalie. So, I'm guessing it'll be Crosby-Armstrong-???. They've got guys who can fill that spot, but I also wonder if now's the time to make a trade for a winger for the playoff run. Eh??
Posted by: Stache | February 23, 2008 09:59 AM
Hossa would look pretty good riding shotgun with Crosby no?
Posted by: Cap | February 24, 2008 09:35 AM
Yeah, but I don't see it happening. I think Hossa's too expensive for the Pens, both in what they'd have to give up to get him at the deadline and then what he'd cost to sign in the off-season. I'd rather them get a mid-level guy at this stage and then sign Malkin to a long contract in the off-season.
Posted by: Stache | February 24, 2008 05:02 PM