Hockey Thoughts

Hockey season began two weeks ago, and I hadn't been on here to really give some thoughts about it in the early going, plus the Portland story.  So, to make it up...sort of, here's my take on some of the teams that I'm following:

VANCOUVER CANUCKS:  Yes, there is a Stanley Cup hangover, but no, it won't mean anything in the long run.  Remember, the Canucks didn't start too hot the past two seasons, yet they still won the Northwest Division.  No need to panic here.

CALGARY FLAMES: Until their 2-1 victory over Edmonton, the Flames had played well for the first two periods, yet failed to turn it on in the third period, as evidenced by the loss to the Maple Leafs last Saturday.  All hands need to be on deck as far as offense, and clearly, this is a make or break year for Jay Bouwmeester, who hasn't lived up to expectations since a trade in 2009.

EDMONTON OILERS: We know they're going nowhere this season, but you have to admit, you didn't see Ryan Nugent-Hopkins getting a hat trick this early in his career.  If he sticks around for the whole year, look for big numbers from Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle, if they stay healthy.

COLORADO AVALANCHE: Okay, raise your hand if you thought the Avs were going to win all five games of their recent road trip.  *waits a second* Put you hand down, liar!  This is what the Avs can be if Semyon Varlamov can stay healthy, something he couldn't do in Washington.  Of course, having Peter Mueller healthy again will also be a big factor here.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: So, James Reimer is continuing his great play from last season and Phil Kessel looks like a lock for 50 goals this season.  Whoa, there!  Let's see if both can keep up the pace by the All-Star Break, then we can talk.

MINNESOTA WILD: It's going to be another long year for Minnesota.  There's nothing here that suggests the offensive problems that have existed since the beginning of the franchise's tenure have been fixed.  Dead last in the division is possible, even with the Oilers occupying the same division.

OTTAWA SENATORS: They've been hemorrhaging goals in the first two periods, and yet, they could have taken at least one of those games with some great third period play.  This speaks more to the opposing team's penchant for letting the foot off the gas than the team's resiliency.  Ottawa has issues on defense, but that can be solved as the kids on the team (i.e. David Rundblad and Jared Cowen) learn the speed of the game at the NHL level.  They won't get far this season, but look out for this team in the future.