2008/09 New Jersey Devils Season Preview

October 8, 2008

4. New Jersey Devils Season Preview

Even with Brodeur in net I don't see this team making a lot of noise, especially in this tough division.

The Devils forward group is pretty solid with Patrik Elias, Brian Gionta, Zach Parise and Brian Rolston making up parts of the top 6. Dainius Zubrus, David Clarkson, Jamie Langenbrunner and rookie Petr Vrana will look to add some secondary scoring. Guys like Bobby Holik, John Madden and Jay Pandolfo will look to do their usual thing and play solid defensive hockey.

Once the strength of New Jersey, the defence isn't looking so strong nowadays. Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya will provide the offence from the blue line on the PP and will be looking to get some help from rookie Anssi Salmela. Colin White, Andy Greene, Sheldon Brookbank, Mike Mottau and Bryce Salvador round out the blue line.

Of course Martin Brodeur is in net for the Devils after yet another 40+ win season and Kevin Weekes is a solid backup option.

Despite having one of, if not the, best goaltender in the league, the Devils lack of scoring up front and lack of a stand out defenceman will keep them from challenging for 1st or 2nd in the division.

Written by CoreyS · Filed Under NHL | Leave a Comment

Top 5 Fantasy Hockey Goalies

October 4, 2008

Total Pro Sports - If you don't have a good goalie in net for your 2008-2009 fantasy hockey team them you might as well fold your team and ask your commissioner for your money back. Most fantasy poolies don't realize how important a goalie can be to your fantasy hockey team.

If your in a fantasy league where goalies receive 2 fantasy points for a win and 3 fantasy points for a shutout, then a top 2008-2009 fantasy hockey goalie will put your team over the top. Think about it, if your goalie wins 35+ games and gets 5 shutouts, thats a total of 85 points for your fantasy hockey team. Now you see how they can be more valuable them most players drafted in the first 3 rounds.

Lets take a look at my top 5 2008-2009 fantasy hockey goalies for your fantasy hockey team in the upcoming Hockey season.

Written by AnthonyP · Filed Under Fantasy Sports, Hockey, NHL | 3 Comments

Poggemon: Gotta Save’em All

September 28, 2008

Total Pro Sports - Back when Tuukka Rask was traded to the Boston Bruins during the 2006 draft for Andrew Raycroft it made most people shake their heads and wonder why the Leafs gave up so much for a one year wonder. It then turned the spotlight onto the Leafs 3rd round pick in the 2004 draft Justin Pogge. Justin had a disappointing first season in the AHL and it started to fuel a lot of differing opinions on the net minder. Some still say he's the future #1 for the Leafs while others say he'll be nothing more than a backup in the NHL. I say he still is the future #1 for the Leafs and suggest to the people that think otherwise to take a look back at Pogge's history.

Justin Pogge was just a young backup with the Prince George Cougars when he first joined the WHL. However, over time he became more familiar with the game and started to earn more and more starts. He eventually took over the #1 spot and flew up the draft rankings when the Leafs selected him 90th overall. He continued his excellent play into the next season and was traded to the Calgary Hitmen at the trade deadline which lead to his breakout season. In the 2005-06 season Justin posted an impressive 1.72 GAA, 11 shutouts and 38 wins to go along with his WJHC Gold, Tournament MVP and WHL & CHL Goaltender of the Year awards.

Written by CoreyS · Filed Under NHL | 4 Comments

Who’s taking home the hardware?

June 12, 2008

Tonight the National Hockey League hosted there annual NHL Awards in Toronto. Alexander Ovechkin was the big winner on the night, he took home 4 awards "The Art Ross, The Rocket Richard, and the Leaster B. Pearson awards."

2008 Trophie Winners

Hart (Awarded to the player judged best in the NHL)- Alexander Ovechkin

Vezina (Presented to the leagues top goltender)- Martin Brodeur

Norris (Awarded to the top defensemen in the league)- Niklas Lidstrom

Calder (Given to the rookie judged top in the league)- Patrick Kane

Lady Byng (Given to the leagues's most gentlemanly player)- Pavel Datsyuk

Frank Selke (Awarded to the top defensive forward)- Pavel Datsyuk

Jack Adams Award (Presented to the leagues best coach)- Bruce Bourdreau

Masterton (Given to the player who shows perserverance to hockey)- Jason Blake

Lester B. Pearson (Given to the NHL's top player voted by the NHLPA)- Alexander Ovechkin

Art Ross (awarded to the player who leads the league in scoring points at the end of the regular season)- Alexander Ovechkin

Maurice Richard (awarded annually to the leading goal scorer in the National Hockey League)- Alexander Ovechkin

William J. Jennings (awarded to goaltenders playing in a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals allowed)- Chris Osgood, Dominek Hasek�

Written by AnthonyP · Filed Under NHL | 1 Comment