Battle Of Hudson

In my Vlog last night on YouTube, I discuss why I’m looking forward to next year’s Outdoor Hockey Polooza.

There are few better than Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk. Copyright Getty Images

When one watches Pavel Datsyuk skate on the ice, it’s like watching a magician trick the opposition into submission. The 34-year old Russian dynamo has made a career out of turning players into bad actors in his human highlight reel. When he finishes off one of his brilliant rushes, it’s referred to as ‘Datsyukian.’

He can beat you so many ways. Once he has the puck, it’s impossible to take it from him. It’s amazing to think that the Red Wings selected Datsyuk in the sixth round of the ’98 NHL Draft. In a draft that produced stars such as Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards, nobody has better point production than Datsyuk. With 41 points in 41 games this season, he’s hiked his career total to 759 in 773 games. The breakdown is 253 goals and 506 assists. Most impressive is his play away from the puck where he’s posted a plus-223. It’s no fluke with Datsyuk only having one minus year over an 11-year career. His brilliant play has been rewarded with the Selke for the league’s best defensive forward.

What separates Datsyuk is his ability to play at an elite level without breaking the rules. A four-time Lady Byng winner for most gentlemanly, he has only 200 penalty minutes. He’s one of the few stars who gets it done without controversy. You’ll never see any stick work from him or any post whistle shenanigans that even the game’s best gets involved in. What’s more. Datsyuk is a proven winner who’s been an integral part of two Stanley Cups in Hockeytown. He won it as a rookie in ’01-02 on a veteran team led by legendary Red Wing captain Steve Yzerman. After Stevie Y retired, Datsyuk and another former legend Nick Lidstrom teamed with Henrik Zetterberg to win Lord Stanley again in ’07-08. He finished with 23 points (10-13-23) and went plus-13.

The Red Wings find themselves in a dogfight for the final spot in their final year out West. They’re currently tied with the Blue Jackets with each having 47 points. Detroit hasn’t missed the playoffs since ’89-90, holding the longest active streak in North American sports at 21 consecutive seasons (1991-2012). Datsyuk has done his part pacing the Original Six club in goals (13), points (41), plus/minus (+15), power play goals (7) and game-winners (6). On any other team, he’d be a regular for the Hart Trophy. However, neither he nor Zetterberg have ever won the prestigious award. In fact, the Wings have only had one MVP since Gordie Howe dominated the sport with six. Sergei Fedorov won it in ’93-94 wearing the Winged Wheel for the historic franchise’s only Hart winner since ’62-63. Howe has won six of their nine with the other two going to famed linemate Sid Abel of The Production Line and Ebbie Goodfellow.

With a year left on a contract that pays him $6.7 million, Datsyuk can turn unrestricted in the summer of 2014. He’ll be a young 35 due to not playing right away like Lecavalier or second overall pick David Legwand. Another player who came up earlier is Scott Gomez, who’s near the end. It’s hard to picture Datsyuk in another uniform even though I’d go bonkers if he ever came to Manhattan. The game’s most electrifying player is arguably the best overall with probably Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin ahead of him. Both are younger and in their primes.

If a player pulls off a highlight reel goal or beats a goalie badly in the shootout, it’s referred to as ‘Datsyukian.’ Datsyuk is the all-time career leader in the shootout. He leads active skaters with 33 goals edging former Devil Zach Parise. Datsyuk has converted 33-of-71 shootout attempts (46.5 percent) with Parise second at 46.4 (32-of-69). Ten of his 33 have decided shootouts. When he’s up, everyone stops and watches because they want to see what he’ll do next. There’s not another player like him. I’d pay just to see him skate. He’s one of the smartest players ever. A man among men who in the blink of an eye can takeaway the puck and shift from defense to offense. Before you know it, it’s in the back of your net.

Datsyuk is strong along the boards. The puck sticks to his curve like a magnet. He doesn’t shy away from physicality, often winning battles despite his 5-11, 197 frame. Need a face-off win. Just ask No.13, who’s over 55 percent in 2013 and 53.9 percent for his career. He’s the kind of caliber player who can impact the game without tallying a point. That’s how dominant he is with and without the puck. Entering tonight’s match against Calgary, it’s his 774th career game. When it’s over, he’ll be 226 shy of 1,000. At nearly a point-per-game clip, he’s 241 away from 1,000. Even if he never reaches it, in my book he’s already a future Hall Of Famer. One of the best players Russia’s ever produced.

One day, Datsyuk’s former teammate Fedorov will be recognized in Toronto. In a year where they finally elected Pavel Bure, there’s plenty of room for two of the best two-way hockey players of our generation. Fedorov should have remained a Red Wing. Hopefully, Datsyuk won’t make that same mistake. Like Yzerman and Lidstrom, he belongs in Detroit. Appreciate the brilliance as long as we can.

Copyright Getty Images/by H. Rumph Jr.

It’s the worst case scenario. A game they needed and the Rangers lacked the edge necessary against a hated rival. The Flyers aren’t making the playoffs. You wouldn’t have known it by how hard they competed. They were hungrier all night and sent the Blueshirts to a crushing 4-2 loss in a sea of orange.

With every game being critical, the Rangers can’t afford to let up. They did against an opponent they’ve owned. They entered winning 11 of 12 and were well rested. It didn’t matter. It was the Flyers who wanted it badly. They spoiled the fun. While every team around them took care of business, the Rangers fell behind by two in a dismal first. Brayden Schenn and Erik Gustafsson scored for Philadelphia.

Finally playing with more desperation, the Rangers got back in it. Mats Zuccarello netted his first from John Moore. Zuccarello took a Moore pass and beat Steve Mason from the right circle. Then, something asinine happened that made no sense. Inexplicably, Arron Asham fought Jay Rosehill less than a minute after Zuccarello cut the deficit to one. If you just scored, you’re not supposed to fight. Asham’s boneheaded move sealed what’s been an awful year. Even if you side with him when it comes to his war of tweets with Scotty Hockey, it was uncalled for and provided the Flyers a lift on home ice. Scotty’s 100 percent right about Asham, who’s proven how clueless Glen Sather is. If they miss the playoffs, it’s on Slats.

Ironically, the Rangers got a power play thanks to Scott Hartnell. If there’s one area that’s defined this club, it’s the lack of cohesion on the man-advantage. Time and again, they fail. Not to harp on a broken record. But Henrik Lundqvist has referenced the lack of special teams. It rared its ugly head again. Our powerless play went zero-for-five. The Flyers cashed in on one-of-two with Kimmo Timonen’s power play goal holding up as the winner. That’s the difference. After killing off a Ryan McDonagh minor, Ryane Clowe was called for boarding. Listening to our radio broadcast, Kenny Albert and Dave Maloney agreed that it was at best questionable. It didn’t matter. They had a job to do and failed miserably. Who else but Brad Richards was beaten cleanly by Claude Giroux off a draw, leading directly to Timonen beating Lundqvist for a 3-1 Flyers’ lead.

It didn’t matter that the Flyers cut off the ice and mugged our guys to protect the lead. Does anyone actually believe our PP would’ve come through? They stink. Have all year except for a couple of occasions. Following another powerless failure, Derek Stepan scored to pull the Rangers within 3-2 with 12:32 left in regulation. He came back after hurting himself on a previous shift. Stepan had no problem going to the front of the net and finding a Ryan Callahan rebound, sneaking it past a screened Mason. Derick Brassard made a great play to keep the puck in with his right skate. Callahan wisely took a shot that caromed to Stepan, who instantly shot. If more players on this roster played like them, maybe they wouldn’t be in this predicament.

Rick Nash had a second straight poor effort. He threw away the puck aimlessly and didn’t spark Richards after being moved up due to Brian Boyle leaving the game in the first. Both our highest paid forwards turned it over right into the teeth of the Flyers’ D. There was a stretch when Mason, who stood on his head, was visibly shaken. The Rangers never applied pressure. They never tested him. Zuccarello had the best chance after Mason saw the trainer and miraculously continued with Mr. Universe warming up. Clowe fed Zuccarello in front but Mason made a great kick save. Stepan had the other opportunity, just missing on a tip with over two minutes left. That’s as close as they came.

Despite out-shooting the Flyers 17-3, the Rangers lost two draws including Giroux beating Stepan, which led to Jake Voracek scoring into an open net at 19:46 to seal it. A damaging loss. With Winnipeg prevailing in a shootout over Tampa Bay, they’re tied for eighth with us. The Jets own the No.1 tiebreaker with 20 ROW compared to our 17. The Rangers remain in eighth due to having one extra game left. Don’t forget Buffalo, who remained four out. The Senators and Islanders each won, extending their lead.

Here are the updated East Standings:
                    GP      Pts   ROW
1.Penguins  42        64      29    
2.Canadiens 42       57      23  
3.Capitals    43       50      21
4.Bruins       41      56       22
5.Leafs         43      53       24
6.Senators    42      50       18
7.Islanders    43     49        19
8.Rangers     42     46         17
9.Jets            43     46         20
10.Sabres      43     42         13
11.Flyers      43     41         18
12.Devils      42     40         13
13.Lightning 43     38         16
14.Canes      42      36        17
15.Panthers  42      32        10

We’re coming down to the homestretch. Similar to the triple crown, you ride your horse till the end. At least that’s what Ranger and Islander fans are hoping as their respective teams chase the playoffs. Each is back at it tonight with pivotal games against teams who trail them in the standings. 

Patriots’ Day is a special day in Boston. Spanning five decades, one of the great states celebrates the historic Battles Of Lexington and Concord by holding two traditional sporting events. The Boston Marathon and the annual 11 AM Red Sox game at Fenway Park. 

Henrik Lundqvist stretches to make a save. Copyright Getty Images/by Craig Ruttle

There are moments that can define seasons. Even turn them. For the 2013 Rangers, let’s hope tonight’s 1-0 overtime win over the Islanders before a raucous Nassau Coliseum is one of those games we look back on.

For 63 minutes, the Battle Of New York lived up to the hoopla. It was two teams not giving an inch. This was playoff hockey. No matter what side you were on. It was the kind of game that had you on the edge of your seat. From ferocious hitting to goal posts and great saves, the Rangers and Islanders played a great game. Hopefully, they’ll both make the playoffs. It’s much better for one of the classic rivalries that’s been overshadowed in recent time. Both teams are in the hunt as a frenetic shortened season hits its peak.

The Rangers prevailed thanks to their best player, Henrik Lundqvist. The Swedish King lived up to his name by stopping all 29 Islander shots for his first shutout. It was exactly the kind of virtuoso performance he’s been supplying to help the Blueshirts to a 5-1-1 mark over their last seven. Considering how well the Islanders played, they needed every last one along with Lundqvist’s best friend, the goal post to prevail. The Islanders still earned a valuable point to stay in seventh with 47 points. The Rangers remained eighth with 46, pulling two ahead of idle Winnipeg.

For a long time, it seemed it was destined for a shootout. Another game that wouldn’t be decided the old fashioned way. Following a strong kill from the Islanders on the Rangers’ fourth power play, Dan Girardi played the hero. Teamed with a shaky Ryan McDonagh all night frustrating John Tavares, Girardi took a great Derick Brassard backhand feed and beat Evgeni Nabokov inside the far post for the game’s only goal at 3:11 of overtime. His first goal in 28 games. Ironically, the other came against the Islanders on 2/14. The response was mixed with the Ranger contingent erupting while Islander fans headed for the exits.

In all honesty, Islander fans had nothing to be ashamed of. Their team carried the play thanks to an aggressive forecheck that pinned our team in. In particular, the Isles’ second line of Frans Nielsen, Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo dominated shifts. Bailey missed on some great chances. Okposo had a step on Girardi in the final minute of regulation but slashed him to go to the box. As usual, the Ranger power play got nothing accomplished. They took the collar in four chances. The Islanders didn’t score in their two either. The penalty killing from both sides along with splendid netminding from Lundqvist and Nabokov kept them off the scoreboard.

The hitting was about even and each team sacrificed limb and limb. Outside of a strong push from the Rangers during the first half of the second, the Islanders had the puck. They out-shot us 28-18 in regulation and clanged three posts, including a cross bar by Colin McDonald in the third. The Blueshirts also came close on a power play when Derek Stepan deflected a Ryan Callahan try off the left post. Video review confirmed that it never came close to crossing the line.

I’ve seen fans on the losing side complain about the officiating. Granted. Neither Rob Martell nor Paul Devorski got in the way of the action. The veteran crew called eight penalties, including coincidental minors on McDonald (elbow) and Arron Asham (rough). McDonald elbowed Steve Eminger along the boards and Asham overreacted- negating a power play. The refs missed calls, including Carl Hagelin holding Tavares’ stick with the Islanders star center eventually getting nabbed for a rough. McDonagh later was irate for an interference call after he was cross checked. They also didn’t catch a high stick on Tavares.

It was that kind of game. A lot was going on during and after whistles. They didn’t pick up everything. However, they allowed the two teams to play, which is how it should be. You don’t want a penalty fest. There were no fights but plenty of scrums with Travis Hamonic giving Rick Nash a crosscheck and Okposo later yapping at Nash between the benches. Nash was shutdown by Hamonic and partner Andrew MacDonald, who saved a goal by blocking Callahan’s shot with Nabokov caught out of net by Brassard. In fact, Nash missed a few shifts late in the third due to a lazy back check that allowed Tavares to get his only good chance. He came in two-on-one but Lundqvist got a piece of his shot with the glove. Hank was sharp all game. He saved their bacon.

Ironically, our best forwards were Brian Boyle and Darroll Powe. Both checkers stepped it up. Boyle has been bashed all season. But he was very active physically and outstanding defensively. Powe, who is still without a point after being acquired from Minnesota for Mike Rupp– had his best game. He nearly scored with Nabokov stoning him on a rebound. He also threw his weight around. The only player who was ineffective was Asham, who on his birthday struggled. He took a bad penalty early and passed up a couple of opportunities to shoot. A team wide epidemic. So, it’s not only him.

One of Lundqvist’s best stops came on Matt Moulson late in the first. Moulson got to a rebound in front and chipped the puck towards the net but a sprawling Lundqvist kept it out with his glove. If his save on Nazem Kadri the other night was special, so too was his work in Uniondale. A place he enjoys playing in. Nabokov denied Nash on a stuff try and closed the door on Hagelin.

I figured it’d take a weird bounce to beat either goalie. Instead, Brassard took a Mike Del Zotto feed in the neutral zone and drew two Islanders at the blueline and led Girardi perfectly. He caught Bailey flatfooted and Danny G ripped a great shot to beat Nabokov.

NY Puck 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Dan Girardi, NYR (OT winner at 3:11, 2 blocks, +1 in 29:13- superb)
2nd Star-Travis Hamonic, NYI (2 SOG, 2 hits, 2 blocks in 23:02-best defenseman on ice)
1st Star-Henrik Lundqvist, NYR (29 saves incl. 22 the first 2 periods-clutch)

After five big games today, we came closer to getting a clearer picture in the Eastern playoff free-for-all.  Pittsburgh’s win coupled with the Bruins and Habs’ losses put the Pens in comfortable position for the top seed in the East, while the Northeast remained as is with the Habs one point ahead of the Bruins for the #2 seed.

1. Pittsburgh 64 points (29 ROW), 6 games left

2. Montreal 57 points (23 ROW), 7 games left

4. Boston 56 points (22 ROW), 7 games left

In the Southeast, a wild game between the Caps and Tampa saw the Caps get an all-important two points with a 6-5 OT win against the Lightning, despite blowing a 5-1 lead!  With each team having six games remaining, the Caps are now four points ahead of the Jets for the #3 seed.

3. Washington 48 points (20 ROW), 6 games left

— Winnipeg 44 points (20 ROW), 6 games left

Toronto further solidified their playoff position with a convincing win against the Habs, while in the night’s biggest game the Rangers squeezed out a 1-0 OT win over the rival Islanders on Long Island in a spirited contest even I got into a bit (especially when you have Jiggs McDonald doing the Isle telecast).  I’m sure Derek will have more on that game when he comes down from cloud nine.

5. Toronto 51 points (23 ROW), 7 games left

6. Ottawa 48 points (17 ROW), 7 games left

7. Islanders 47 points (18 ROW), 6 games left

8. Rangers 46 points (17 ROW), 7 games left

————————————————

9. Winnipeg 44 points (20 ROW), 6 games left

(yes I’ve now removed the Devils from the bubble, now a de facto seven points behind of the eighth seed and having to pass the Jets too with just seven games remaining, their chances are slim and none just like the other East teams who are just waiting to be eliminated)

Toronto 5, Montreal 1

Washington 6, Tampa Bay 5 (OT)

Carolina 4, Boston 2

Pittsburgh 3, Florida 1

Rangers 1, Islanders 0

Upcoming games (4/15 – no relevant East games tomorrow)

Devils at Toronto 7 PM

Ottawa at Boston 7 PM

Philadelphia at Montreal 7:30 PM

Both the Isles and Rangers don’t play again until Tuesday, when the Isles take on the Panthers in their home finale before finishing the season with five straight on the road, while the Rangers head to Philly against a comatose Flyers team that may or may not decide to awaken to try to play spoiler.

With the season already winding down, it’s time to look at one of the more intriguing award races. The Norris is regularly handed out to the league’s top defenseman. The Post-Lidstrom edition still features some prominent names. Let’s break it down further:

1.P.K. Subban, Habs

34 GP 11-23-34  +11 26 PIM 7 PPG

Subban leads all blueliners in scoring with 34 points. Of his 34, a good chunk have come on the power play. Montreal possesses one of the best with PK teaming with Andrei Markov at the points. Subban has 23 power play points. He has a lethal cannon that can devastate goalies. Remember, he held out. What if he didn’t miss time? It’s hard not to rank him first based on the production. But he’s had help from Markov, who’s always been overlooked. Markov ranks fourth in D scoring with 26 points. Will that take away some votes from PK?

2.Kris Letang, Pens

29 GP 3-26-29 +12 8 PIM

When the Pens have Letang in the lineup, they’re a much better team. How much better? Pittsburgh is a ridiculous 23-6 when he plays. He’s the unquestioned defensive leader. At a point-per-game clip, Letang is always involved offensively. Of course, he benefits from their talent, featuring Hart front runner Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. But Letang is more than just an offensive guy. He logs big minutes for Dan Bylsma and the team has won their last 11 with him. It’s Letang who is their most important player.

3.Ryan Suter, Wild

40 GP 4-25-29 +1 22 PIM

When Suter opted to leave Music City for St. Paul, he took a beating due to wanting to play with childhood pal Zach Parise. Some wondered how Suter would fare without Shea Weber. It’s Suter who’s outperformed his former teammate. Anchoring a blueline that doesn’t give up much, he plays in every situation and has continued to perform well. Suter got off to a slow start. But since being teamed with rookie Jonas Brodin, he’s been a rock. His 29 points place him third in team scoring trailing only Mikko Koivu (33) and Parise (32). Suter also plays physical as evidenced by his 59 blocked shots. His play makes him a top candidate.

4.Oliver Ekman-Larsson Coyotes

41 GP 3-18-21 +7 24 PIM

The man known as OEL in hockey parts is already emerging as one of the best defensemen. Ekman-Larsson doesn’t have the sexy stats of the others playing for defensive oriented Dave Tippett. However, he has 21 points and helps Keith Yandle anchor the D in the Desert. OEL does everything well, making him one of the best overall blueliners. He has 64 hits and 37 blocks. If the ‘Yotes get in, he’ll be a big reason why.

5.Andrei Markov, Canadiens

40 GP 8-18-26 -6 10 PIM

Finally back healthy, Markov has reclaimed his place as one of the top defensemen in the game. If not for all the injuries, he probably would’ve been up for a Norris already. With Subban getting most of the press, Markov has been overlooked. His fantastic start is what sparked the Habs’ resurgence. The man can skate with the best of them and can be counted on under Adams candidate Michel Therrien. His minus-six rating along with Subban will probably leave him out of the mix. But he’s still awfully important to Montreal’s playoff aspirations.

6.Duncan Keith, Blackhawks

40 GP 2-21-23 +17 29 PIM

A former Norris winner hasn’t gotten the attention of the other candidates. But on the league’s best team, shouldn’t Keith be mentioned? He has always been rock solid. Anchoring a strong back end with Brent Seabrook, Keith deserves more credit. His 23 points are right there in terms of production and his plus-17 are among the best. He’s also blocked 54 shots. On a great team, Keith has been overlooked along with Francois Beauchemin. Those are the dark horses who’ll get left out.

Everyone knows about the season Chicago’s had – undefeated in regulation through their first twenty-four games, current leader for the President’s Trophy with a 31-5-4 record (66 points) through 40 games.  With the nucleus of a team that won the Cup just three years ago, the Hawks are among the favorites to do it again.  Their only real question mark is whether goalies Corey Crawford and Ray Emery can keep up their strong regular season play, and who will actually start the playoffs as the #1.  Emery’s come back from the dead – again – to post a shining 15-1 record with three shutouts, a 1.90 GAA and .924 save percentage.  Crawford’s numbers are almost as good, and he’s the goalie the Hawks have more invested in monetarily and for the future.

One of the biggest surprises – and under-the-radar stories – is taking place in Anaheim where Bruce Boudreau has had the Ducks playing at an elite level since taking over midway through last season.  Anaheim came into this season in a bit of turmoil with franchise players Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry set to go UFA, but the Ducks got off to a strong start and were able to re-sign both their key pieces in-season (what a novel concept, wish we’d do it more often).  Overseas goalie Victor Fasth has been a revelation in his first NHL year, going 14-4-1 with three shutouts, a 2.17 GAA and .923 save percentage.  Fasth gave the team a needed lift when starter Jonas Hiller struggled early, but both goalies have shared the load for the most part.  Like in Chicago, goaltending is still a question mark for the Ducks come postseason time though, in what may finally be the last go-around for ageless winger Teemu Selanne.  Or maybe not.

Vancouver struggled early without key players such as Ryan Kesler and got caught in the middle of a well-chronicled and messy goaltending situation, but Kesler’s return has helped propel the Canucks past the Minnesota Wild to gain a bit of a foothold for the #3 seed.  Will Cory Schnieder be able to hold up in the postseason though?  Or will coach Alain Vigneault pull the plug at the first sign of trouble and go to Roberto Luongo?  More importantly, will it even matter?  Goaltending wasn’t really the problem in Vancouver’s wipeout last postseason.  

Goaltending isn’t a question for the defending Stanley Cup champions (at least inasmuch as we know who’s in net), but Conn Smythe winner Johnathan Quick has struggled so far this year coming off of offseason surgery, and in the first year of a new ten-year deal, posting a 2.55 GAA and .897 save percentage.  Ironically backup Johnathan Bernier‘s had the far better year, going 9-2-1 and is a big part of the reason the Kings are in a comfortable position as opposed to the dreaded bubble.  LA’s defense got hurt by the injury to Willie Mitchell early on, but their trade deadline acquisition of Robyn Regehr, and continued improvement by younger defensemen such as Slava Voynov and Jake Muzzin have helped the Kings keep rolling along after a slow start.

San Jose has had an up-and-down year, but for a team currently in a playoff spot, they were able to reload for the future by dealing off pending UFA’s Doug Murray and Ryan Clowe, neither of whom was playing a big role on the Sharks this year.  Their forward depth hasn’t really been all it’s cracked up to be, with guys such as the well-paid Martin Havlat (a potential buyout candidate at the end of the season with three more years left on his deal and declining production) and post-buyout signee Scott Gomez failing to impress, but goalie Antti Niemi and their defense – coached by old friend Larry Robinson – has carried the load thus far for the fifth-seeded Sharks.

I don’t remember whether St. Louis was my preseason pick to win the Cup or just the Western Conference, but either way I had them making a big run this year.  It hasn’t really materialized yet as they’ve struggled all year, particularly in goal where Jaroslav Halak‘s been in and out of the lineup due to injuries (and had a down year because of it) and Brian Elliott‘s flopped after a career year last season.  If it wasn’t for young Jake Allen filling the void to the tune of a 9-4 record, the Blues might be on the outside looking in.  Especially with an offense that has a lot of solid role players, but not really that one guy that can carry the load for any length of time.  Chris Stewart leads the team with 31 points in 40 games, and their next-best guy (Alex Steen) has a mere 25.  St. Louis is currently five points up on ninth place though, so they should still be able to make it.

The less I can say about the Minnesota Wild, the better off I’ll be.  Cold hard facts are that Zach Parise and Ryan Suter have lived up to their paychecks thus far in year #1 of their 13-year marriage, and their absence has clearly been felt by both teams that they left.  Parise leads the team with 15 goals (second in points with 32, just behind the always underrated Mikko Koivu) and Suter has 29 points in 40 games, proving that there is indeed life after Shea Weber.  Currently the Wild actually have one of the most stable goaltending situations in the West with Nicklas Backstrom having another solid year and the unquestioned starter there.  Minnesota’s only concern with Backstrom is long-term, the fact that Backstrom isn’t signed past this season.

Minnesota and the Detroit Red Wings of all teams, are sitting on top of the bubble.  The Wild have 46 points with 8 games left, while the proud Wings have 45 points with just 7 left – and two points ahead of a trio of teams knocking on the door for the postseason.  Detroit’s one team I pegged right before the year, the fact they’d struggle without vet leadership like Nicklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom (not to mention their contributions as players) but still had enough talent to squeeze out a playoff berth.  They’ll have to work to get that playoff berth though, with Phoenix, Columbus and even Dallas post-Jagr still just two points behind.  Of the three, Columbus is the biggest overall surprise, hanging in the race mostly on the back of Vezina – yes you read that right – candidate Sergei Bobrovsky.  The Flyers castoff has carried a putrid offense and questionable defense on the brink of postseason contention with a sparkling 2.01 GAA and .931 save percentage, going 15-10-6 for a team where Vinny Prospal is the leading point-getter with a mere 24 on the season.

Surely the West playoff run will be every bit as tense as the East’s…but now I’ll largely give the forum to Derek to talk about the Rangers and the East playoff chase in-depth other than my nightly standings updates, since he’s the only one on here whose team ‘might’ make the playoffs at this point.