Don’t look now, but we’re already three weeks into the NHL season. How did that happen?! Seems like just yesterday that we were arguing about whether hybrid icing was a good idea or not. Oh, right, that’s because we’re still arguing about it.
But we’ve seen some pretty good stuff so far. Sidney Crosby, to nobody’s surprise, has played outstanding, already taking a stranglehold on the Art Ross trophy, the Hart trophy, the Lester B. Pearson Trophy, the Vezina trophy, the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, and the Nobel Peace Prize.
And equally to nobody’s surprise, Patrick Roy took exactly one game to flip out at an opposing coach. ‘Nother day at the office.
(Note to Pepsi Center arena crew – replace the duct tape that was holding that window pane in place).
And as we’re already used to we’re still trying to get used to seeing a section of nhl.com devoted to the wildcard standings, we’re starting to get a bit of intel on teams. Some good, some bad. Some things we expected, some we didn’t.
It’s with that mindset that I’ve devoted this post to looking at three teams that have had a surprising start (either good or bad), which I’ve named the Patrick award candidates, and three teams that are who we thought they were (either good or bad), which I’ve named the Dennis Green award candidates.
Before I continue, I’ll let you click on this link so that you can fully grasp the meaning of the Patrick awards, and then this link so that you can fully grasp the meaning of the Dennis Green Awards.
(Waiting).
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(Still waiting).
Ok, good. Here we go.
Patrick Awards
Calgary Flames (4-2-2)
They’re 6th out of 7 teams in the Pacific Division, but at 4-2-2, they probably already have at least 3 more wins than most people thought they would at this point. When you look at their depth chart, you don’t really see a team that’s going to score a 6th-best 3.25 goals per game, but that’s exactly what they’ve done so far. Sean Monahan’s making a pretty strong case to stay in the NHL with 9 points in 8 games, and with only one game left in the standard rookie 9-game audition, it’ll be tough for Calgary to send him down. Hopefully, if they decide to keep him, his mental game won’t be affected by the Flames inevitable cool-down.
New York Rangers (2-5-0)
It’s not just that they’ve been losing, it’s how they’ve been losing. At 2-5-0, the Rangers have been outscored by a league-worst 18 goals. Welcome to the Big Apple, Alain Vigneault. Heck, they were so bad in their 9-2 loss to the Sharks that they pushed Marty Biron to retirement. Ok, not exactly, he did appear in another game after that. But I’ve created a parallel universe in which this Tomas Hertl goal is the last Biron ever allowed – you’re more than welcome to join me in said universe.
But come on. They’re a better team than 2-5-0. Just Henrik Lundqvist by himself should be able to get them to five-hundred. I expect them to turn things around in the not-too-distant future.
Colorado Avalanche (8-1-0)
When Patrick Roy isn’t pushing flimsily-held window panes at Bruce Boudreau, he’s leading his team to the best record in the Central division. The Avs have been really good thanks to great goaltending, solid defensively play, and the resurgence of Matt Duchene. 2013 first overall pick Nathan Mackinnon has been pretty good too, and suddenly Colorado looks to have a very promising future.
I just didn’t think they would be able to turn it around so quickly, but having watched them a few times now, I think they’re legit. Of the three teams in this category, I expect the Avalanche to be the ones with the best chance of carrying their surprise start; maybe they don’t win the Central, but they could make a run at the playoffs.
The Dennis Green Awards
St. Louis Blues (5-1-1)
Sure, they’ve played 5 of their first 7 at home, but the Blues are a good team and it should come to nobody’s surprise that they sport an early 5-1-1 record. One of the league’s quiet studs so far this year has been Alexander Steen, who is tied for 3rd with 11 points and does it all for Ken Hitchcock. I liked this team from the start of the year and nothing has changed my opinion so far. I really think they’re a Cup contender.
Pittsburgh Penguins (7-2-0)
Despite dealing with some key injuries (James Neal, Kris Letang), the Pens have been their usual high-flying selves, scoring an East-best 31 goals. It helps when you have Crosby and Malkin. Even Marc-André Fleury has been solid, recording an early 1.74 GAA and .930 save percentage. And in case you think the fact that Fleury has been so good should make me take the Pens out of this category, that’s not going to happen. Fleury is usually very good in the regular season, nothing new there. Just wait for the playoffs.
Buffalo Sabres (1-8-1)
A tough division and a lack of depth spelled a difficult season from the start for the Sabres, so this isn’t shocking. I don’t necessarily think they’ll keep a pace of one win for every 10 games throughout the season, but I don’t think they’ll get too far out of the basement either. If nothing else, this means even more Ryan Miler trade rumours. Too bad Edmonton’s on his no-trade list, because that’s the only spot that makes sense in the West, and it has potential to be a really good trade for both teams. I’m sure there’s interest among the Islanders, Lightning or Flyers, but I doubt Buffalo is trading him within their conference.
FANTASTIC FORE 