State of the NHL, Followed by Leafs Preview

Before I get into the Leafs preview, let me spout off. Bear with me as I foam at the mouth on the few nonchanges the NHL has made. Yes, I said nonchanges, because technically the NHL did not change the slashing/psycho rule.

The problem I have is that the League should have been enforcing this rule for some time now. Because the League did not enforce the slashing rule, we have endured games of two hundred power plays. I just don’t get why they have not disciplined the officials for not calling the game right in the first place. The fact, the League enforcing the rule is good; the fact it took so long is stupid. The players look like a bunch of Keystone Cops learning to cope with the changes.

Now back to the Maple Leafs Preview.

Let’s call Mr. Mike Babcock the head chef.  

He starts with a base of Matthews, adds some spice with Hayman and Brown. He adds some more sugar with Marner, JVR, and Bozak.

Then he adds some flavoring with Nazem Kadri, Leo Komarov, and Patrick Marleau. Mr. Babcock has all of the ingredients for a 5-star dinner. It takes a chef to gather all the ingredients and mix them just right to make it work. Babcock needs to know when and how to add the ingredients.

The thing that makes the Leafs so dangerous is that they have the best second line in the League; JVR, Marner, and Bozak. The third lines can do a little supportive scoring.

The defense is another story; The Leafs lack a steady stay-home dman who can stabilize the Keystone Cops mistakes. Too many times, the Leafs were blowing leads, doing the silly things that give coaches grey hair. Reilly needs some help. Hainsey will have the biggest role in his career. Another leader, Gardiner, has to stop the mental breakdowns. With his offensive skills, he could be a star.

The goaltending is in good hands, to paraphrase an AllState commercial. Andersson is one of the best in the League. He is a great stand-up goalie, who covers his angles. McElhinney was stellar when he stepped in to give Andersson a rest now and then.

I expect the Leafs to get 100 points. I expect a second or third place in the division. 

Fantasy Time

Well, it is that time of year when Fantasy Hockey season rears its ugly head. Why do I say ugly? Because I suck, plain and simple; every year I am king of the last place. I tell everyone I don't care, but they just give me that look. You know, the look of pity. I hate that look. Okay, enough with feeling sorry for myself.

So let's try to pick the best player for each position. Some positions are obvious; well, mostly just one.  Everyone knows who is the best centre, but the other positions are not so apparent.

Centres 
Connor something... I can't remember... his name is on my tip of my tongue... Okay, that was tongue in cheek. McDavid is the best player in the League. He makes everyone around him better. He brings out the best in everyone. What is scary is he has no weaknesses; he does everything well. The best playmaker in the League. He is in a league all by himself.

Goaltending
When you're doing fantasy, this is a position you have to be careful with. You may not pick the best one. You have to consider the team. The goalie with the most wins may not be the best goalie in the League. For example, Price is probably the best goalie in the League, but are the Habs the best team in the League? This is a lot more difficult. I would probably pick Murry from Pit.  The Pens are a contender, and he will get most of the starts.

Best Defencemen
We all know the only thing that matters in Fantasy is points.  And you need to look no further than Ottawa's Erik Karlsson. He is the heart and soul of the Sens. Erik is good for 15-20 goals and 70-80 points.

Right Wing
Patrick Kane in Toronto is one of the best all-around forwards in the game. He does not do anything poorly. Patrick does everything for the Black Hawks. Especially in the special teams; his passing ability makes him deadly on the powerplay.

Left Wing 
As much as my Flames fans want me to pick a certain other left winger; I'm sorry, I must pick Jamie Benn. Jamie is an outstanding player who does everything right. He is one of the best playmakers in the game who can score with the best of them.  It does not hurt to have his buddy Tyler down with him either.

There you have it, my list of the best players at their respective positions.  Each the best in their game.  Bring on the season; I can't wait.

My Kingdom for a Defenceman

The title speaks for itself doesn't it?  The Maple Leafs lost too many one-goal games last season. The Leafs blew too many big leads simply because of nervous defencemen not sure of their responsibility.

The signing of Ron Hainsey will help, but he should not be a top defender. Ron will help with his experience and with a Stanley Cup ring. He will help the young kids and lead them by example.

His stats: four goals and eight assists with a minus eight. The Leafs need him to become an inspirational leader. A stay-home defender who is relentless at what he is expected to do. What is he supposed to do? Ron has to be the defencemen that say the puck stops here. He has to be the repairman in a house that is full of leaks.

It is common knowledge that the Maple Leafs need to trade some scoring. The Leafs are quietly shopping JVR, which may very well become louder and louder. The Bozak to the Pens trade no longer seems possible.

There have been whisperings of Bozak to the Rangers. The Rangers are in dire needs of a second-line center. Bozak fits the bill; the Rangers do have some young defense who might just fit the Leafs' needs.

I expect Nick Holden will be available, but again, I am not sure he fits the bill either. Nick would help he is not the repairman either. The Leafs have to consider shopping JVR. Like I said earlier, louder and louder. They are going to have to make it known.  Maybe they can discuss a deal with the Ducks. I am just spitting out names right now, but they need the help soon.

My kingdom for a defenceman.