All but 4 teams were in action last night. Here are some of the things I noticed on the second hockey Saturday of this NHL season:
- John Tavares is the real deal. The passing and shooting skills have been obvious since we first started watching him in the OHL, but really what impresses me most is the way he moves his feet. He is an efficient skater that gets to where he's got to be and does it before anybody else. Tavares detractors would always point to his skating ability as the one thing he needs to improve, but trust me - he has a burst, and uses it when he needs to.
- The Kings are a solid club and will contend for a playoff spot this season. There are a plethora of top 9 forwards on this club and really a legitimate group of top 6 guys as well. The Ryan Smyth and Justin Williams additions really opened up things perfectly for Anze Kopitar who has proven to be a skilled skater, passer and scorer. Add in the blue line contribution Drew Doughty and you get a team that can make you pay
- Kyle Quincey and John-Michael Liles is one hell of a power play quarterback tandem for Colorado. Both guys can move the puck extremely well and are also a threat to score. The Avalanche will fight to stay in a playoff bubble scenario but on a game to game basis, you better stay out of the box if you want to beat them.
- The Penguins are looking like defending champions. Outside of their 3-0 loss to the Coyotes, Pittsburgh has demonstrated the ability to stay in and control games by using their entire lineup. Malkin and Crosby are a killer one-two punch, but last night we were reminded of just how deadly Sergei Gonchar can be on the power play point. Matt Cooke scored on a beautiful shot and played a physical, pestering game. The addition of Mike Rupp was key because it allows the 4th line to get a little more space in the shooting and passing lanes, which means more chances for a player like Pascal Dupuis - who skates and forechecks very well and could benefit from additional quick scoring opportunities.
- The Sharks have some issues and most of them lie in their own zone. Last season, San Jose's fantastic regular season was the result of a phenomenal power play, a balanced scoring attack and a quick breakout that rarely allowed opposing teams any second-chance opportunities. This season, the defensive zone pursuit has not been as consistent as it was a year ago. Luckily for Sharks fans, it seems like they will provide more than enough offense to make up for any defensive lapse.
- If we keep seeing Columbus get fantastic goaltending from both Steve Mason and Mathieu Garon, the Blue Jackets are going to be tough to beat. The team has bought into Hitchcock's defensive game and can still spring forwards up for scoring chances...and if there was any doubt, eliminate it now: Rick Nash is a superstar.
It was a busy night in hockey and I'm sure there was more to be noticed, but that's all for today. Stay tuned throughout the week for some of our regular spots (players of the week, fantasy hockey Friday) as well as additional pieces on the NHL and hockey in general!
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