At the end of 2011 there are two major plagues sweeping the
league. First is the firing of head coaches, with 6 fired already this season and
13 teams changing coaches in the last season and a half. Wow. But second and
more worrying is the amount of players missing game time with concussions. It
has been highlighted of late due to the number of high profile players missing
time with Savard, Staal, Pronger, Crosby, Michalek and Giroux among them.
Now I don’t necessarily agree that the number of concussions
has increased of late. I think it is more just that players are becoming more
and more comfortable admitting they have a concussion and also that the teams
realise it is better in the long term to deal with a concussion rather than have a player
play through it.
And don’t think it’s a coincidence that it seem to be more
often the classier players that end up on the IR list with concussions either,
these guys know that they can take their time to get right and will slip back
into the side. Whereas a guy on the edge of the team might be concerned about
his spot and so will play through symptoms, you just need to look at Colby
Armstrong for a possible example of this.
Anyway I just think it’s an unfortunate coincidence for the
league, that when they have cracked down on headshots it appears the instances
of concussions have gone up. I truly believe that the league is doing a great
job in this instance. Add to this the fact that the teams are taking greater responsibility
for the players’ wellbeing both short and long term and the players are also
starting to look after themselves more. However it just doesn’t seem to be
enough, as we as fans don’t get to see so many of the great players do what
they do best.
So what is the answer? From my point of view I think we need
to look at the headwear. Clearly the helmets are not preventing injuries when
there is any serious contact, so something has to be done. Now I know the manufacturers
are always working on improvements but I just don’t think 1-2% increased effectiveness
is going to cut it. It may be time for a revolution, maybe not quite as extreme
as a motorbike helmet but surely something along those lines would be more
effective. At least use that as a starting point. Maybe even a helmet that is
only good for one decent hit to the head and then it needs to be replaced. Sure
it would only be practical for the pros but that is all I am talking about.
Fair to say I probably don’t have the answer to this problem.
But all other stakeholders in the industry have stepped up to address the
issue, I just think it’s time for the equipment manufactures to do the same.
Winners and Losers
HBO. Another quality year of 24/7, this TV show really showcases
the game at its best. Haven’t seen the final episode of course and really feel
that might take the gloss off it a bit with the NHL trying to make it a close
game etc. but up until now it has been well worth a watch.
You’ve got to hand it to Teemu Selanne, he may be over 40
and playing in one of the worst teams in the league but he has still managed 36
points through 37 games. The reception he received in Winnipeg during December
was fitting and you could almost argue he should be cheered wherever he plays.
Tyler Seguin is the last winner of the month. You want a reason
why Boston is a serious threat to go back to back, then he is it. A handy
rookie last year, he has not only become the best second year player in the
game but a genuine two-way star.
The first loser of the month is Tampa Bay. Conference
Finalists from last year and they just cannot get going. Other gun teams from
last year started poorly but have all found their feet, not the Bolts. Another
mediocre month in December (6-6-1) leaves them about 7 points outside the
playoff hunt. Injuries have played a role but other teams have been hit harder
and coped better.
It seems no matter what Gary Bettman does he will always be
a loser in the eyes of those who follow the NHL. If he does something right
like the re-alignment, it is quickly forgotten. Or if anything at all goes
wrong like a dubious penalty awarded at the end of a tight game, we blame him.
Tough gig.
Final loser is Andy Sutton who copped another suspension in
December this time for 8 matches. You can argue whether you think it was worth
8 matches but with the Oilers starting to slide they really needed him in their
lineup. He is experienced enough to know that with his history he shouldn’t be putting
himself in a situation like that. You be the judge of what you think it was
worth.
Division Standings
In the Atlantic the
Rangers have taken over. They really are looking like a complete package and
with Staal back he can only add to that. Still not sold on them as a cup
contender but they are definitely in the mix. HBOs 24/7 did show me that
Tortorella is the real deal behind the bench, he was great. Very happy with my
$5 ticket on them for the division at the moment.
HBOs 24/7 also showed that the Flyers have a pretty decent
coach themselves in Peter Laviolette. Seemed very switched on in what little we
did see and I am sure he will have his work cut out for him now. My ongoing
concerns remain, Pronger out for season and Jagr picks up another minor injury.
Still think they are capable of missing playoffs, but this month has shown me
they are also capable of going all the way with a lot of luck. Oh and one more
thing Wayne Simmons is a quality player too. I remember being up close to watch
him beat up on Ryan Craig in Pittsburgh last year and thinking, “that’s the
first bit of skill you’ve shown all night”. Well he has really shown a hell of
a lot of skill since being traded to Philly and I imagine they won’t be moving
him on any time soon.
After I spoke of a fit Penguins outfit last month, the
injury curse struck immediately. It’s all about fitness for Pittsburgh, if they
can keep their key players on the ice and get Letang and maybe Crosby back then
they are amongst the top 2 or 3.
The Northeast is
still all about Boston. Going 9-3 in December and with no new injury concerns
to worry about they really are sitting pretty. The new cup favourites deserve
this status. This goal from Benoit Pouliot shows you just how confident and in
form the Bruins are at the moment.
Ottawa, Toronto and Buffalo are all still in the playoff
picture but not what I would consider genuine threats. This would have to disappoint
Sabre fans but hey they are just lucky to be still in with a chance of the
playoffs the way they have been playing.
Florida are still top the Southeast after a solid if not spectacular month going 7-5-3. They
had some big wins over San Jose and Boston but then lost by large margins to
both the Rangers and then Boston. You just have to hope they can stay solid
long enough to put another winning streak together to consolidate their playoff
credentials.
But just over their shoulder are of course the Capitals, you
knew it would happen at some point and it is happening now. The players all
seem to be pulling in the one direction and special teams are clicking and
slowly they are seeing more W’s than L’s. Mike Green returning from an injury
layoff a major plus but a slight concern over Backstrom, lets hope it’s not
another lengthy layoff especially if it’s concussion related.
And the other story is the Jets being just outside a playoff
spot. What a story that would be. I know I will cheering like mad for them to
be in the playoff picture come trade deadline just so they can make a move for Teemu.
With the Ducks well and truly done it is bound to happen. Can you imagine the
favourite son returning to lead them to the playoffs???? #gold
The Central is
proving to be the toughest division in the West with Detroit, Chicago and St
Louis all towards the top of the conference and Nashville not that far behind.
St Louis put a solid 7-4-3 month together and if they can keep doing that they
will lock a playoff spot up soon enough. A balanced offence that has many contributors
is the key for the Blues and it was veteran Jason Arnott’s turn for a big month
in December.
I am sure you all have some way of watching hockey so you
really all should make an effort to watch the Blackhawks at some stage.
Jonathan Toews is just brilliant to watch, he plays the game the way it should
be played. Not a bad supporting cast too.
Minus Carcillo that is, although I suspect if you watch them play
anytime soon you won’t be seeing him, suspension pending. #youtube
Well Vancouver are back and they basically have the Northwest in their grasp and further to
this are looking to take the conference. This is the all-conquering Cannucks we
know so well so, plenty of puckline wins for the rest of the regular season on
the march to a high playoff seeding.
What has happened to Minnesota? After riding high a month
ago they put together a 1-6-3 end to December (6-6-3 all up) to slip to 6th
in the conference. They have had a number of injuries with Setoguchi still out,
but it is the missing lesser known players that hurts the Wild more than most
other teams. They really do just rely on guys knowing their specific role on
the ice and performing it to perfection. A third line grinder is just as
important as your blue chip goal scorer. Kyle Brodziak is right up there with
Mike Rupp as my favourite player right now.
In the Pacific I
really just cannot get a read on LA, they are all over the place. The good news
is they are on top of the division and they have a new coach so hopefully Darryl
Sutter can get things travelling more consistently. Trending upwards.
San Jose could only put together a 6-4-3 month which is
still well below their capabilities but amazingly due to their schedule they
still have around 5 games in hand on their rivals. They will finish strong,
make no mistake.
Until next time, lets hope for a solid month on the punt.
@mal68au
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