NHL This Week
The first week of this 2012-2013 Season was filled with high-octane hockey, bare-knuckle fighting, and bone crushing hits. NHL fans all over the United States and Canada were in hockey heaven once the first puck drop initiated the season on Saturday January 19, 2013.
After a whole week of NHL Hockey, plenty of stories have sprouted up amongst the teams and fans alike. One notable situation is that of the goaltending dilemma in Vancouver. Although other Western Conference Teams are cheering in the streets, more specifically Blackhawks fans, the goaltending problem in Vancouver is a serious issue Coach Alain Vigneault must address, and quickly at that.
Canucks’ goaltender Cory Schneider was dubbed the Canucks’ starting goalie this off-season and was talked up to beat out longtime veteran Roberto Luongo. However, on opening night January 19, in their game against the Anaheim Ducks, Cory Schneider did not live up to Vancouver’s expectations. Cory let up 2 goals in the first period alone, followed by 3 more goals in the second period. While Schneider let up 5 goals in less than two whole periods, the home crowd of Vancouver let him have it with their “Lou” chants echoing through Rodgers Arena.
However, Robert “Lou” Loungo did not help the Canucks’ situation, especially after giving up 2 more goals in the third period.
The Ducks rolled over the Canucks with a 7-3 victory to kick off the season. For their second game against the Edmonton Oilers, Coach Alain Vigneault decided to go with Robert Luongo to start in net, which would be the most obvious choice after Schneider’s performance. However, the Canucks lost once again in a shootout against the Oilers.
Within their first two games, the Canucks goaltending unit has let up 10 total goals. This, along with their defense, should be the main focus for the Canucks this season. If they actually plan on winning the cup this year, that is where they need the most focus.
Similarly, the Philadelphia Flyers have been struggling over the last week. Their current record is 2-4-0. This is a big deal for the other Eastern Conference teams since the Flyers are usually a top tier team. This is surprising considering the amount of talent on the Flyers’ squad with players like Giroux, Hartnell, Couturier, Briere, Read, and Voracek.
Now that the Flyers also have acquired other talented players like Luke Schenn, Eric Wellwood, Rusln Fedotenko, and Mike Knuble, there is no reason for their poor start. Philly needs to pick it up big time or else they may find themselves struggling for a playoff spot later down the road.
On the brighter side of the ice, other teams have found success during this past week. In the East, teams like Boston, New Jersey, Tampa Bay, Ottawa, and Pittsburgh have all had success early on this season. In the West, Chicago, San Jose, St. Louis, and Anaheim have also been finding success in their teams.
Blackhawks Update
Since opening night on January 19, the Chicago Blackhawks have been on fire! As of January 27, 2013, the Hawks have a record of 6-0-0. Starting the regular season off with six straight wins is a new franchise record the Chicago Blackhawks. This record was set on Sunday night when defenseman Nick Leddy scored an overtime goal against bitter rival Detroit Red Wings. The Blackhawks success as of late consists upon many different variables.
First off, one man to thank for the Hawks’ success is forward Marian Hossa. Not only has Hossa been playing up to the teams expectations, he has been playing beyond them. Now that he is healthy after the nasty hit delivered by Coyotes’ Raffi Torres from last season, Hossa has been an enormous threat on the ice. He currently has, as of January 27, 5 goals, and 3 assists, putting him at an 8 point total. Hossa’s 8 points go a very long way, most notably in a recent overtime-winning goal against the Dallas Stars when he delivered a “one-timer” past goaltender Kari Lehtonen. If Hossa keeps up his pace and stays healthy this season, the Blackhawks will keep their winning record going without a doubt.
Secondly, key players like Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Dave Bolland, and Patrick Sharp have continued scoring goals and delivering assists. If they continue to put up the stats as of late for the rest of the season, the Hawks will continue their onslaught on the road to the Stanley Cup.
Thirdly, goaltender Corey Crawford has been solid in net. He currently, as of January 27, has a Goals Against Average of 1.78 and a Save Percentage of .933. He needs to make a few minor improvements but other than that he has been a very dependable goaltender for the Hawks this season.
Lastly, the Hawks’ Defense has been very good in my opinion. Alternate Captain Duncan Keith, for example, has made some great plays including several goal saving attempts. He has also registered 3 points, among those being a great slapshot goal against the Detroit Red Wings on January 27. If the defense like Keith, Hjalmarsson, Seabrook, and Leddy keep putting up offensive stats along with their physical play, they can solidify the Blackhawks success this season.
Divison Leaders
In the Western Conference: Chicago Blackhawks (CENTRAL); San Jose Sharks (PACIFIC); Minnesota Wild (NORTHWEST).
In the Eastern Conference: New Jersey Devils (ATLANTIC); Boston Bruins (NORTHEAST); Tampa Bay Lightning (SOUTHEAST).
By: Frank Markasovic
Sports Editor
markasovic.f01@mymail.sxu.edu