Thursday, April 29, 2010

Ice Scoopz: Thursday Afternoon

*-> It looks like the unhappy Ottawa fans and media have started fueling the Jason Spezza trade rumors. Spezza who had an up and down season that followed suit with the Senators season has some disgruntled fans blaming him for the 1st round loss to Pittsburgh. It also doesn't help Ottawa is desperate for some offense and Spezza is one of the few good bargaining chips the Sens own. He also has a no trade clause that kicks in July 1st and a hefty salary at 6 mil to help fuel the rumors. Murray made it no secret he's looking for some offense but doesn't have much room to add while replacing Anton Volchenkov on defense. While it is theoretically possible its unlikely as Spezza is one of Ottawas few offensive sources and as for playmakers goes he's in the top 10 for centers. Though his giveaways and inability to cover top guys draws a lot of attention its not what he's there for. His job is simple to help setup and generate offense. He also in my opinion isn't as bad defensively as many say but he could work on his toughness and physical play which would quiet most critics about his dedication and effort (both which I believe he has).

*-> It looks like JP Dumont is willing to waive his no trade clause if the Predators are looking to dump some salary next season. The Predators have 4 players with no trade clauses next season and would like to bring in fresh legs and more firepower to help out its lowly offense. Dumont is the player who could bring in more return but the players injury woes may scare off any suitors. He also however is the Preds most consistent source of offense so a deal doesn't make sense unless some proven youth can be grabbed in return.

*-> The Devils are reportedly pushing hard to sign defenseman Paul Martin to a deal. The New Jersey management has made this their first priority in the offseason. Big Lou has also said he's trying to work out a Ilya Kovalchuk extension but its still being said Kovalchuks camp would rather take it to free agency or back to Atlanta for top dollar.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Scoopz, you and I each went 4-4 on first round predictions... what are you saying for the second?

Det in 7
Chi in 6
Bos in 7
Mtl in 6

CA

两人 said...

Hi, Welcome to our new shop~

Umi

Scoopz said...

I have very similar predictions for this round actually but a bit late. I like the Sharks in 7 over Detroit, The Hawks in 5 over the Canucks. The Habs over the Penguins in 6 and Philly in 6 over the Bruins.

The Sharks are way past due for a major series win while Detroit hasn't looked good this season. The Sharks have that extra gear this season while Detroit ether dominates or busts. Most of the offense stems from Zetterberg and Datsyuk.

While I like Canucks I don't think they have 2 upsets in them and yes LA is an upset in my books. For the Hawks goaltending could be an issue but I think their defense more than makes up for it. Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook are two of the next generations best, offensively and defensively.

Boston is offensively challenged this season as are the Flyers but the Flyers have the firepower waiting. A few injuries have left them but the youngsters are making up for the loss especially Claude Giroux.

Anonymous said...

Good call on the Habs... I think they have to win it in six. The Pens always show up to big games. Playing game 7 in Pittsburg would be the end of the Habs season, plus I think Martin's system will shut Crosby down. With Jordan Staal out, its easier to shut down the top two lines and worry less about bottom half offense.

Philly should be tied in this series I thought they deserved to win game 2. Richards is a real competitor and is winning me over these playoffs. Pronger on the other hand looks really old and slow. I'd rather have Luca Sbisa to be honest. For them to win, they need Carter to come back. I have no idea how bad his foot is though.

Chicago really outplayed the Canucks last night, good to see Hossa having a competitive playoff. It's hard to believe he still doesn't get the respect he deserves for his dominant two-way play and how he owns the puck. Guy is fast and strong, I always felt he was one of the most unstoppable guys in the league.

Wouldn't it be awesome if Heatley got a hemmoroid that kept him out of the playoffs and the Sharks lost in 7? You know you'd be smiling...

CA