Penner leaving Edmonton soon?

Get me out of Siberia!

In a move that would be worthy of the Oilers brass the last few years, there's rumors in the hockey world that Dustin Penner is being shopped by the Oilers. Right now the rumors is Dustin Penner is on his way to LA for Jack Johnson. Given the depth of extremely talented defensemen, the recent signing of Willie Mitchell, and the drama surround JJ's re-signing, it makes sense for the Kings. However, the Oilers would be absolutely stupid to get rid of their best player from last season. We'll keep following this rumor and see if anything comes of it.

2010-2011 Boston Bruins Preview

Thank the good lord (go ahead... we'll wait) that the Kovalchuk drama is finally over. Now we can move on to the pwnage we all shall be experiencing this Winter... well... those that are lucky enough to be reading these previews anyway. Today we analyze the Boston Bruins.

Boston Bruins

Or as I like to call'em, the Boo-Boos.

The Big Man in Beantown will once again be the catalyst for Bruins Success

Previous Year's Team Stats

39 wins, 30 losses, 13 OTL, 91 points, 14th overall in the league.

Team Analysis

To coin a completely original literary phrase, it's been the best of times and it's been the worst of times in Boston. The Bruins are arguably one of the best teams in the league on paper. However the Bruins are coming into the season on the heels one of the most epic choke jobs since the lock-out surrounded with serious questions about the integrity and core of the team. The Bruins will struggle to live up to their talent level and put the doubts to rest.

The Bruins boast one of the most dynamic forward corps in the league. The Bruins are rivaled only by the Penguins down the middle and have talent on both wings all the way down the depth chart. The buzz in Beantown this off-season has been about the acquisition of two forwards. Nathan Horton was brought in this off-season in trade that saw defenseman Dennis Wideman go the other way to Florida. Horton has arguably one of the best talent packages in the league and will have talented line-mates for the first time in his professional career. Look for Horton to have a career year if he can stay healthy. Boston will also receive a boost this season from 2nd overall draft pick Tyler Seguin. There's still some conjecture on where Seguin will play in Bruins line-up if even makes the team, but it's good money right now that he'll be somewhere in the top nine. Down the middle the Bruins offer perhaps the best playmaker in the league Marc Savard. Savard's career over the last six months has been the hockey equivalent to a roller coaster. From being the de facto offensive man in Boston, to sustaining the most dramatic injury since the Bertuzzi incident, to scoring a huge emotional overtime goal, to being the subject of massive trade rumors this off-season, Marc Savard has had it rough. However look for him to score another point per game campaign in Boston this season. Backing up Savard is talented Czech play-maker David Krejci. Krejci had an inconsistent campaign last season compare to his break out performance two seasons ago due to injury troubles and inconsistent line-mates. However with a clean bill of health and better line-mates look for Krejci to regain form this season. The Bruins also have Team Canada's shutdown center and supremely talented Patrice Bergeron as their toolbox player. On the wings the Bruins have 100 year old cyborg Mark Recchi who will no doubt ride shotgun with Seguin through much of the year. Left Winger and Boston folk hero Milan Lucic will look to improve on his injury plagued and largely disappointing season. Scorer Blake Wheeler, German Marco Strum, and boat anchor Michael Ryder will also look to slot into the top nine winger spots. 

The Boston Bruins are blessed to have former Norris trophy winner and perhaps the best defenseman in the world Zdeno Chara patrolling their bluelines. Chara is an absolutely fantasy hockey god and perhaps the best physical speciman to ever step onto NHL ice. Chara will put up another strong 40 point campaign while logging close to 30 minutes a night on the Bruins back-end. Joining him this season will be criminally under-rated Dennis Seidenberg who was acquired in a laughable trade with the Hurricanes last season. Seidenberg can play in all zones and will be on both Bruins special units while logging a significant amount of even strength ice time. Another under-rated defenseman on Boston's back-end is Andrew Ference who's the B's shutdown defenseman. The Bruins have a dramatically better record (28-16-7) with Ference in the line-up than without (11-14-6) him. Behind Ference is Johnny Boychuk who had solid debut last season and was considered by Sports Illustrated to be one of the five best free agent pick-ups. Boychuk will be a solid number four defenseman and will look to break the 20 point plateau in Boston this season. Boychuk also has the potential be a fantasy sleeper and this year's Andy Greene, if he gets time on the Bruins first power-play unit. Defensive-defenseman Mark Stuart and young defenseman Matt Hunwick will look to round out the Bruins defense.

The Bruins have the best goalie duo in the NHL. Tuukka Rask stole the starter's job from reigning Vezina winner Tim Thomas last season. Rask's performance launched his name into top five goalie debates. Boston will look for Rask to maintain his momentum and soldify his position as the Bruins number one. Tim Thomas has had perhaps the most up and down career of any NHLer in the modern era. From bouncing around the European leagues, to being the back-up in Boston, to winning the Vezina, to losing his job the very next season to young upstart Rask. Look for Thomas to get at least 35 games and play for long stretches if Rask's game hits a road bump at any time this season.

Team Trending

With the Bruins adding offensive punch and their young players being another year older, one would have to think they're the favorites in the NorthEast Division this season. However this team's destiny and questions don't lie in the regular season. One would think they'll improve from last season into being a top ten team in the league. However the question is will this team be able to standup to the pressure down the stretch and in the spring?

BVB Projected Opening Night Line-Up

Lucic-Savard-Horton

Wheeler-Krejci-Ryder

Recchi-Bergeron-Seguin 

Palle-Campbell-Thornton

Chara-Boychuk

Seidenberg-Hunwick

Stuart-Ference

Rask

Thomas

Player Projections

Forwards 

Marc Savard - 23 G/60 A 83 P
Nathan Horton - 40 G/35 A 75 P
Milan Lucic - 25 G/30 A 55 P


David Krejci - 20 G/40 A 60 P
Blake Wheeler - 20 G/20 A 40 P
Michael Ryder - 23 G/20 A 43 P


Patrice Bergeron - 15 G/40 A 55 P
Marc Recchi - 15 G/20 35 P
Tyler Seguin - 20 G/20 40 P


Daniel Palle - 12 G/10 A 22 P
Gregory Campbell - 3 G/10 A 13 P
Shawn Thornton - 1 G/5 A 6 P


Marco Strum - 15 G/15 A 30 P

Defense

Zdeno Chara - 10 G/40 A 50 P
Dennis Seidenberg - 6 G/30 A 36 P
Johnny Boychuk - 7 G/20 A 27 P
Matt Hunwick - 5 G/9 A 14 P
Mark Stuart - 3 G/8 A 11 P
Andrew Ference - 0 G/7 A 7 P

Goaltending

Tuukka Rask - 33-20-6 | 2.25 GAA | .925 Sv%
Tim Thomas - 13-7-3 | 2.55 GAA | .915 Sv%

It's finally over!!! THANK YOU GOD

Go on about your life mortals, nothing more to see here.

The NHL has announced that they have accepted the new Kovalchuk contract making Ilya Kovalchuk a Devil for the next fifteen years.

Leafs/Bolts Trade

No one knows who I am, LOL

Leafs trade Alex Berry and Stefano Giliati

to Tampa Bay

For Matt Lashoff

...Well at least it's hockey news...

I hate to spam...

You haven't even begun to become sick of me!

...but Darren Dreger just pointed out on his twitter that the proposed Kovalchuk contract of 100 M for 15 years equals out to a 6.66M salary cap.

Bahahahaha! =D

Toronto and Tampa Trade

Muahahahahaha!

A trade between Toronto and Tampa just happened two minutes ago. No Details on players involved, but we'll release it when we get it here on BVB.

Alex Berry is a part of this deal according to Andy Strickland.

Moaaarrrr Drama!!!

LOL, I'm never leaving the headlines!

Word around the league is the Devils have offered Kovalchuk a new contract just in the last fifteen minutes. Expect to have this resolved within 24 hours and finally we can all get with what's left of the rest of our lives. 99% chance Kovalchuk doesn't go to the NHL.

Rumor is the new contract 100 million over 15 years.

Ilya Kovalchuk situation heating up

Sick of hearing about me yet? LOL!!!

There's buzz going on out there in hockey land that Ilya Kovalchuk could be KHL bound unless his contract situation is resolved in the next 48 hours. Personally it sounds to me like tough talk to try to speed up this process which has made hockey fans plug their ears and hum show tunes to drown it out.

Read more here
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Ilya-Kovalchuk-exploring-KHL-options-as-decision?urn=nhl-265497

Svatos Pittsburgh Bound?

Headed for the Steel City?

There's buzz floating around out there right now that offensive winger and UFA Marek Svatos may be signing in Pittsburgh soon. Would make a smart low risk high reward for Penguins who don't have a lot of depth on either side of their franchise centers. Svatos would make a decent pair of hands to help fill the gap until a better solution is found. This also makes sense as the Pens have announced they will not bring back veteran scorer Bill Guerin next season.

2010-2011 Atlanta Thrashers Preview

Vaccum the cheetos dust out of the keyboard ladies, fantasy hockey is rapidly approaching. With Yahoo Fantasy Hockey opening up yesterday, leagues are rapidly forming all over the net. Hell, I'm already in three leagues myself now and will probably join another four or five. There just isn't enough ownage on the net, but that's why I'm here. Anyway today we're running down the Thrashers.

The Atlanta Thrashers

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!

LOL, no seriously... I'm like a 10 million dollar boat anchor

Previous Year's Team Stats

35 wins, 34 losses, 13 OTL, 83 points, 23rd overall in the league.

Team Analysis

The Atlanta Thrashers have undergone a significant face lift in the last year. Changing general managers from former used car salesman turned NHL executive Don Waddel to veteran GM Rick Dudley. Losing NHL franchise player Ilya Kovalchuk. The Thrashers also made significant trades with the reigning Stanley Cup Champions to bring in five of their former players. And the Thrashers are few years in one of the better youth movements in the NHL. 

The forwards corps of this team boasts a lot of youth, a solid combination of grit and skill, and a healthy supply of depth. However Atlanta doesn't boast much top end talent up front. Former 4th overall pick Evander Kane is the player to watch in Atlanta this season. Kane at 18 years old was able to put together a very respectable season in Atlanta last year and will look to build on it in the Thrashers top six. Bryan Little had a poor sophomore slump last season after breaking out with a 30 goal campaign in his first full season. This was largely because he had no talent to play with through much of the year. Look for him to improve to a 25 goal campaign this season with improved talent around him. Nik Antropov established himself as a legit first line player leading the Thrashers attack with 67 points in 76 games. Look for him to build upon those numbers as he again will carry the top line. The Chicago trades basically switched both teams depth players which resulted in Atlanta having one of the most solid second and third lines in the league. This group is rounded out by Andrew Ladd who should have a career year with an expanded role. The Thrashers also added Dustin Byfuglien (by far the most overrated player in the league right now) and talented grinder Ben Eager to round out their top nine. Prospects insane frenchman Patrice Cormier and recent draftee Alex Burmistrov will look to compete for a place on the Thrashers opening night roster. The Thrashers success in their offense will come from a balanced attack up front and hopefully their young players being able to rise to the occasion. 

The Thrashers have assembled perhaps one of the most talented young back-ends in the league. With Tobias Enstrom quietly emerging as a legit top pairing defenseman and rising star Zach Bogosian each taking another step last season. The Thrashers also added Johnny Oduya who will be a minutes eater and can play in all three zones. Ron Hainsey will be the Thrashers de facto shutdown defenseman and will get the bulk of PK time with Oduya. Rounding out this core will be Ritz Cracker's arch-nemsis Brent Sopel who will round out the Thrashers PP units. The Thrashers's sixth defenseman will most likely be rookie Arthurs Kulda who will cut his teeth on the NHL this season.

In net the Thrashers have 22 year old Ondrej Pavelec, who was the very definition of mediocre last season. The Thrashers have also signed journeyman goaltender (and Dwayne Roloson 2.0) Chris Mason. The Thrashers intend to platoon the two goalies and hope for Pavelec to take another step forward in his development. However look for Mason to take over the bulk of starts by the mid-point of the season. 

Team Trending

One has to think the Thrashers are trending upwards from their position last year. The addition of seven new players from their opening day roster and five players 23 or younger shows that the Thrashers are heading in a vastly different direction. The question and the story of the Thrashers this season will be will this new mix gel and lead to success. I think right now the Thrashers are a bubble playoff team as their young players will gain another year of experience and their new players will blossom with the potential of expanded opportunity. Look for them to come in somewhere around 14th to 18th place in the league.

BVB Projected Opening Night Line-Up

Kane Antropov Bergfors
Ladd Peverley Little
Byfuglien Cormier Eager
Thorburn Slater Machacek

Enstrom-Bogosian
Oduya-Hainsey
Kulda-Sopel

Pavelec

Mason

Player Projections

Forwards 


Nikolai Antropov - 25 G/50 A 75 P
Evander Kane - 30 G/ 25 A 55 P
Niclas Bergfors - 25 G/30 A 55 P


Rich Peverley - 25 G/40 A 65 P
Andrew Ladd - 25 G/30 A 55 P
Bryan Little - 20 G/25 A 45 P

Dustin Byfuglien - 20 G/20 A 40 P
Patrice Cormier - 15 G/20 A 35 P
Ben Eager - 10 G/15 A 25 P


Jim Slater - 8 G/ 8 A 16 P
Chris Thornburn - 5 G/ 10 A 15 P
Spencer Machacek - 5 G/5 A 10 P

Defense

Tobias Enstrom - 8 G/50 A 58 P
Zach Bogosian - 15 G/25 A 40 P
Ron Hainsey - 3 G/25 A 28 P
Johnny Oduya - 3 G/20 A 23 P
Brent Sopel - 2 G/16 A 18 P
Arturs Kulda - 1 G/7 A P 8 P

Goaltending


Chris Mason - 25-20-10 | 2.65 GAA | .910
Ondrej Pavelec - 11-8-8 | 3.30 GAA | .895

2010-2011 Anaheim Ducks Preview

Well we here at the BVB Blog are fantasy hockey addicts. With the temperature starting to come down outside and the complete lack of anything interesting to talk about in the hockey world, it must mean the dog days of summer are upon us with fantasy leagues opening soon. So as a means of warming up ourselves, why don't we take a look at a different team each day.

The Anaheim Ducks 

I was one letter off from being in trouble there...

Previous Year's Team Stats

39 wins, 32 losses, 11 OTL, 89 points, 19th overall in the league

Team Analysis

The Ducks have largely treaded water (no pun intended) since Burke's departure for Toronto a season and a half ago. The Ducks don't really have an identity as they're not the gritty skilled team that won the Stanley Cup in 2007 and they haven't really re-built in another image yet. The Ducks boast a talented forward group with two premiere forwards in their prime and a cast of talented secondary scoring. Getzlaf and Perry both look to be fantasy dynamos again this year as they'll be expected to carry the team. The Ducks also have an above average bottom six that will play an honest physical game. Look for the emergence of Dan Sexton this year to play a role on their third line. However the Ducks have a significantly weakened back end with the retirement of future Hall of Famer Scott Neidermayer. The Ducks have supplemented this lost by adding smooth skating Tony Lydman, gritty defensive defenseman Andy Sutton (which I don't really get...) and are looking to Lubomir Visnovsky and prospect Luca Sbisa to play tougher minutes. It looks like it'll be defense by committee in Anaheim this season. The Ducks are backstopped by Swiss netminder Jonas Hiller. Hiller is constantly placed in top ten NHL goalie lists. However, I have to be honest and say I don't really see that in him. Hiller has only been Anaheim's number one man for two seasons and set a career high in games of only 59 games last season. Also he's only been statistically middle of the pack playing behind hall of fame defensemen. I admit I don't see Hiller on a game by game basis, but I've never been that impressed from what I've seen. I wouldn't invest too much in him beyond a no2 goalie in any of my leagues. 

Team Trending

One has to think that the departure of Neidermayer will significantly hurt the Ducks in the standings. There's been whispers all off-season of the Ducks looking to make moves to improve their roster (Kariya and Bieksa have been mentioned in rumors) however at the time of this writing they've pretty much stood pat. The Ducks have 13 million in cap space right now but Bob Murray has been the very definition of average in his time as Ducks General Manager. I'd imagine the Ducks will come in somewhere around 16th-20th this season. 

BVB Projected Opening Night Line-Up

Ryan Getzlaf Perry

Blake Koivu Selanne
Beleskey Chipchura Sexton
Voros Marchant Parros

Visnovsky Lydman
Sutton Sbisa
Brookbank Mikkelson

Player Projections

Forwards 


Ryan Getzlaf - 30 G/65 A 95 P
Corey Perry - 35 G/45 A 80 P
Bobby Ryan - 40 G/30 A 70 P

Teemu Selanne - 30 G/30 A 60 P
Saku Koviu - 20 G/35 A 55 P
Jason Blake - 16 G/30 A 46 P

Dax Sexton - 20 G/20 A 40 P
Kyle Chipchura - 10 G/10 A 20 P
Matt Beleskey - 15 G/ 10A 25 P

Todd Marchant - 8 G/ 15A 23 P
Aaron Voros - 5 G/ 8 A 13 P
George Parros - 3 G/ 3 A 6 P

Defense


Lubomir Visnovsky - 17 G/30 A 47 P
Toni Lydman - 8 G/ 25 A 33 P
Luca Sbisa - 3 G/ 15 A 18 P
Andy Sutton - 5 G/ 8 A 13 P
Brendan Mikkelson - 1 G/ 10 A 11 P
Sheldon Brookbank - 0 G/ 6 A 6 P

Goaltending


Jonas Hiller 31-25-5 | 2.70 GAA | .910 Sv%
Curtis McElhinney - 10-7-4 | 3.00 GAA | .900 Sv%

Williie Mitchell Signs in LA

Money is more important than success to me.

Willie Mitchell signs with the LA Kings for the 2 years at 3.5 per. We wish Willie luck in the first round exits he's invariably going to be involved with the next two years of his career.

Raffi Torres signs with the Canucks 1 year for 1 million

WE GOT A RUMOR RIGHT!!! WOOOOO!

I can't believe that rumor proved to be true, lol. I guess that's the first hit for Balls Vs. Bettman.

sportsnetmurph

Im hearing the Canucks have bolstered their bottom six by signing Raffi Torres to a 1-year; 1-million dollar deal.

https://twitter.com/sportsnetmurph

Good addition for the Canucks bottom six. Torres averaged 13 minutes a game last season, scored 36 points (19-17), averaged 2:15 on the PP, 0:00 on the PK and threw 84 hits in 74 games. Should be solid secondary scoring to make up for the departure of Wellwood and Demitra. Should also add some grit which was noticeably absent in the Canucks bottom six last post-season. A little concerning though given the Canucks lack of penalty killing and Torres hasn't been on a PK unit in over three years.

Bryce Salvador on his way to Dallas?

Soon to be traded?

The New York post is reporting there may be a trade soon between the New Jersey Devils and the Dallas Stars.

Everson: "A source said Lamoriello is working hard at dealing worthy defenseman Bryce Salvador, who would be an important member of the team if his lack of a no-trade clause, coupled with his $2.9 million salary, did not make him a target to be moved to gain cap space.

Another source suggested the Stars as a likely destination for Salvador".

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/devils/devils_details_mySJXzIXFQhXwJ7VUKHwgJ#ixzz0xWx8HL9r

Luongo stepping down rumor gaining steam.

That's right, I run this bitch.

It's now being reported by Jeff Angus, senior hockey writer for Dobber Hockey that Henrik Sedin will be named the Canucks captain next season.

Henrik Sedin will be named captain of the Canucks. Team doesn't want Luongo w/ C any more, and he won't stand in way of the change.

http://twitter.com/angus_j/status/21957849347

      

Oh sweet rumors...

Canuck Bound?

There's a rumor going around that Raffi Torres has signed with the Canucks and will be announced tomorrow.

I'm not holding my breath though...

Patric Hornqvist Remember that name Patric Hornqvist

So my boy Patric Hornqvist finally re-signed with the Nashville Predators today. 9.25 million over 3 years (3.08 cap hit) and looks to be a center piece on their top line.

Keep your eyes on this kid. I stumbled on to him last season and was enthralled with his game. I've never seen anyone be able to dipsy doodle in close on the paint like he can. Not to mention last season was his first full year in the NHL and he was 23rd in goals scored and 14th in SOG. He's the supreme undercover fantasy hockey pick-up.

There will be more hype on Hornqvist in this blog as time goes along. But I just wanted to remind the good hockey fans out there to remember his name.

Interesting news on CDC

CDC is reporting that Willie Mitchell skated today with a couple of Canuck players. Interesting to see a free agent player wearing Canuck gear talking to the media. Does anyone really doubt right now that Mitchell is waiting for the Bieksa deal before re-signing with the Canucks?

Here's the link
Canucks TV

BUZZ on Capitals/Oilers

On his way to Washington?

Apparently there's strong rumors that a trade has gone down between the Washington Capitals and The Edmonton Oilers. No Details on who's available yet, but likely to be Souray.

I don't know what these rumors are about as the buzz from Edmonton press is that Souray is likely staying in Edmonton for the beginning of the season. 

Luongo may be eased out of Captaincy next season.

"No... seriously, the pressure destroyed me" - Roberto Luongo

There's buzz around the league that Roberto Luongo, Canucks Captain shall be eased out of the captaincy next season.

Gillis said he planned to talk to Luongo about it and then make a decision. I'm not sure whether that meeting has been held, but unless Luongo is adamant about remaining captain -- and I don't think he is -- look for a change to be announced sometime around training camp.

I'd be willing to bet a few sheckles that Henrik Sedin, the team's first Hart Trophy winner, will be the new Canuck captain.

This is being reported by Brad Zeimer at Canada Communities.
http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/puckworld/archive/2010/08/23/this-is-your-former-captain-speaking.aspx

Dustin Penner is Underrated

This is what a hockey monster looks like.

It's entirely Dustin Penner's fault that after making his name in the hockey world as an uber-skilled power forward and winning the Stanley Cup in his first season, that two of the most egotistical General Managers in the game decided to make one of the worst hockey deals since the lockout to send Penner from the Anaheim Ducks to the Edmonton Oilers.


...Actually it's not, however if you listen to Edmonton Oilers fans you would think Dustin Penner was the anti-christ. While Dustin Penner has had some lazy seasons in the past and has trouble carving out a niche in Edmonton, something special happened last season and everyone missed it. Last season in Edmonton, Dustin Penner became the player he was supposed to be. During the first twenties games of the season, Penner averaged almost two points a game and was leading the league in almost every offensive statistical category. Penner and Ales Hemsky combined to become the best offensive duo in the NHL. However once Hemsky got injured for the season by the quarter mark, Penner was saddled with bum line-mate after bum line-mate as Oilers head coach Pat Quinn was working through his Alzheimer's. It seemed every time Penner started to heat up, Quinn would shift his line mates around again removing any kind of chemistry or heat Penner was building. Penner did find some notable chemistry and explode again for about two weeks in the middle of the season when paired with Gilbert Brule, but that pair was broken up because it was working.


As the Edmonton Oilers went into free fall last season, Penner still was noticeable for his game by game work ethic (something he's always been criticized for) and was able to put together a hell of an offensive season despite playing on the maybe the worst team since the lock-out. Penner wound up with 32 goals, 63 points, and a positive rating on this team.


I'm trying to encourage all hockey fans out there to given Penner a look for their fantasy teams, especially because there's more talent in Edmonton this year and hopefully we'll get a full year of the Penner/Hemsky duo. But also I'm hyping Penner these days because he's something special. For years people have said he'd be one of the best players in hockey if he could just learn work ethic and aggression. Well from watching his play last season, Dustin Penner has arrived.


My opinion, Penner will knock down 40-40-80 this year.

...Someone wake me up when the summer ends...

Man has this been a slow day for hockey news. Only thing going on in the hockey world right now is the Basel Summer Ice Hockey Games which features a couple of european teams trying to out-trap each other. We also should be getting some buzz on Willie Mitchell soon (hopefully tomorrow) and there's buzz about potential Kevin Bieksa and Sheldon Souray trades on the horizon. Outside of that, wake me up when something interesting happens.