tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215652504344172254.post6182639075302629950..comments2024-01-15T09:53:40.089-05:00Comments on Black Aces: Sens Show No Mercy In Steeltown .... Keep Kuba Revisited .... And A Set Of Cut-Rate Game NotesJeremy Milkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09719907099819957578noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215652504344172254.post-9525127606452958582012-01-11T08:15:10.323-05:002012-01-11T08:15:10.323-05:00Anonymous,
I agree with your assessment re: Kuba....Anonymous,<br /><br />I agree with your assessment re: Kuba. However, it isn't if Brian Lee can fill his role, the question is if Jared Cowen can fill his role. It will be Cowen that gets Kuba's minutes. I think he showed quite admirably that he will be able to fill that role earlier in the season when Kuba was out injured. That leaves Lee and Carkner slotting into the 5/6 spots on D. I think in this scenario, you'd also see Borowiecki, Wiercioch & Gryba play a couple of experience games down the stretch.<br /><br />My opinion is that the team has set a goal of long term, consistent competition for the Stanley Cup. Not a short term goal of playing a few games at home in the playoffs this year. Despite the surprising success of the team this season, I think the team needs to remember those goals. What serves the team better in light of its long term goal is to get the 2nd round pick (or more) that Kuba is worth and give NHL experience to its developing defenseman. Despite the valuable experience that can be gained from a playoff run, I think the NHL experience gained from the playing time of youngsters will serve the team just as well. Also, just because you trade Kuba in no way means that you're throwing in the towel on the playoffs. If the kids can step up and get it done in his place, and you're adding future assets; what's the hold up?<br /> <br /><br />As for Gretzky, my understanding is that he is actually owed money in salary from when he was coaching the team, not from an ownership loss of investment. I do agree with you that it is a shame he isn't involved with the league in any regard. I wonder if their is some friction between himself and the NHL front office that is keeping him from being involved in the game. If that is the case, here's hoping the CBA is a big win for the NHLPA & the owners decide to clean house of Bettmen & Daly. Gretzky is the game's greatest ambassador. He should be involved.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12126330979834432144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215652504344172254.post-66396549969223454172012-01-11T01:07:44.869-05:002012-01-11T01:07:44.869-05:00Is hitting really down significantly? The numbers ...Is hitting really down significantly? The numbers in Stevenson's piece worked out to a 4% decline. To me, that's not significant. I'd bet that on a year-to-year basis that hitting varies, up and down, by at least as much.<br /><br />I went to NHL.com and looked up some stats. The following is a list of teams that led the league in hitting since 03-04.<br /><br />03-04 Ott 1889 (shocking!!! who said we were soft)<br />05-06 Tor 1805<br />06-07 Car 1949<br />07-08 Nyr 2137<br />08-09 Nyr 2312<br />09-10 Dal 2338<br />10-11 Nyr 2333<br />11-12 LA 1171 (projects to about 2300) <br /><br />So among the top hitting teams, hitting has been steadily increasing over the last few years, and has declined very slightly this year.<br /><br />Now this is just the top teams, not league wide. But in the context of increasing every year, who cares if it slightly dips this year.<br /><br />A lot of chatter has been about the direction of hitting in the game. Well the direction since the lockout is clearly up.<br /><br />Let's look at the team's that hit the least since 03-04.<br /><br />03-04 Min 700<br />05-06 Min 846<br />06-07 Colorado 964<br />07-08 Edm 1130<br />08-09 Van 1315<br />09-10 Buf 1388<br />10-11 Buf 1505<br />11-12 SJ 684 (projects to about 1400)<br /><br />So even at the bottom end, teams are hitting more when you look at the stats over an eight year period. Again, Stevenson's right in that there is a decline from last year. In my opinion, it's pretty minor when you compare it to other years.<br /><br />I didn't run the numbers for the whole league, but I'd bet that it's the same story. Maybe that's why concussions are up. There is significantly more hitting than ever before.<br /><br />Incidentally, you know how Ottawa has carried the soft label for a while. The stats show that perception is not reality. Except for last year, Ottawa has consistently been near the top of the league in hitting.<br /><br />03-04 1st 1889<br />05-06 2nd 1765<br />06-07 3rd 1843<br />07-08 3rd 1802<br />08-09 7th 1923<br />09-10 9th 1939<br />10-11 25th 1658<br />11-12 7th 1001 (projects to about 1850)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215652504344172254.post-70231228884829592912012-01-11T00:29:58.999-05:002012-01-11T00:29:58.999-05:00When did Foligno start channelling Mario Lemieux? ...When did Foligno start channelling Mario Lemieux? Unbelievable goal. Gotta see more of that.<br /><br />As for Kuba, I think it's too early to decide and it's also a little uncomfortable to talk about because I think most people are cheering for the guy. He's playing well and everybody wants that to continue.<br /><br />To me, the decision is not only about Kuba in isolation. It's about if the other guys can pick up the slack with Kuba gone. Specifically, can Lee fill the role.<br /><br />If the sum of all the parts gives you pretty much the same defence, then you make the move. Also, who says the return for Kuba is only a second or a third?<br /><br />Dustin Penner netted a first, a prospect, and a conditional pick. Tomas Kaberle netted the same. You can never underestimate what a desperate team will give up to make a deal, especially if they think they are close to challenging for the Cup.<br /><br />The great thing is that all the interests are aligned. If the Sens do really well, and Kuba does really well, then they probably don't move him. But that's also the scenario where someone may give us a great offer for him. A good problem to have, in my books.<br /><br />I'm a big Gretzky fan. I don't know all the facts about his situation with the NHL, so I may be way off base. But, my understanding of the situation is that he was part of the Coyotes ownership group. If that business deal went sour, why does the NHL have to bail him out.<br /><br />I think Gretzky, the hockey player, is royalty, and should be treated as such. But, Gretzky the business man should be responsible for his own investments, not the NHL.<br /><br />Gretzky, the hockey player, did so much for the NHL. The NHL should make him feel special. They should give him a role that attempts to show appreciation for what he did for the NHL. Pay him a good salary or help him get a franchise, if he wants one, or whatever else.<br /><br />But, this idea that they should backstop his business losses, I don't buy it. If Gretzky bought into the Blue Jackets tomorrow, and then they declare bankruptcy next year, should the NHL bail him out there also. I think Gretzky should be responsible for his own investment decisions.<br /><br />That said, I don't know the all the facts in his dealings with the NHL. So maybe he does have a legitimate beef.<br /><br />My read on the re-alignment thing is that it's posturing from the NHLPA. It's just being used as a bargaining chip for the CBA negotiations. It'll happen.<br /><br />I have a comment about hitting, but I'll post it in the next comment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com