CBC-Sports

Rookies, Sabres big surprises of the first half

January 8, 2010 01:18 PM | Posted by   Cassie Campbell  

With the holiday season under wraps, the world junior hockey championship over, and all the surprises from New Year’s Eve now just stories, I thought I would come up with my own list of surprises from the first half of the NHL season.

5. Buffalo Sabres – I knew they would be decent as Lindy Ruff always makes sure that his teams are competitive, but I really didn’t think they would be second in the Eastern Conference. Most of that fate has to do with Ryan Miller who is first or second in just about every goaltending category, but there have been some nice revelations in other areas of their team too. Tim Connolly is healthy (surprise, surprise) and has played in all 42 games for the Sabres this season, leading their team with 34 points. Eight players have 20-plus points including rookie Tyler Myers who I believe has exceeded all expectations in his first season. My choice for Rookie of the Year! They have also found their depth in scoring with six players who have scored 10 goals or more.

4. Philadelphia Flyers – OK, I’ll admit it … I had them going to the Eastern Conference Final and, well, they’re currently sitting 10th in the East. I still have faith, but I am surprised to see them make this season so difficult. Coach John Stevens, who is one of the nice guys in the game, was let go and they still continued to struggle initially under new coach Peter Laviolette. With the additions of guys like Chris Pronger and Ian Laperriere I thought the additional veteran presence would help a younger leadership group.

3. Niclas Bergfors – WHO? I watched the New Jersey Devils play about 20 times this year and every game I watched, this guy was making a difference. Whether it was taking a hit to make a play or scoring a big goal he seemed to be the guy to do it for the Devils. He is second in rookie scoring behind John Tavares with 13 goals and 27 points. The amazing thing is that at any level he has played at previously he has never scored more than 22 goals and really probably was pencilled in to be a Devils depth player. He is proving that his selection in the first round in 2005 was no surprise.

2. Phoenix Coyotes – Admit it, like me, you thought they wouldn’t make the playoffs and with their history of second half collapses there is still time yet, but they seem to be a better team. The addition of veterans like Vernon Fiddler and Robert Lang have paid dividends and the fact that their goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov is among the best goalies in the league in every category has helped. Their coaching staff seems to have brought a style that works in Phoenix and Sean Burke as the goalie coach has helped Bryzgalov big time. Nice to see Shane Doan closer to a playoff run. My fingers are crossed for him.

1. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ power play – I don’t really need to write much here do I? The Penguins are basement dwellers in this category. Seriously, 30th overall! Any person who thought that a team with Crosby and Malkin could be last in the league on the power play must be a mind reader. Need I say more?

" Previous Post | Main
  •