On a might where the Eastern Conference playoff race picture could have gotten a lot clearer, it only got tighter.
Going into play last night, the Buffalo Sabres trailed the Carolina Hurricanes by two points and the New York Rangers by three. All three of these teams were in action, with the Sabres and Hurricanes squaring off in Raleigh while the Rangers played host to the Minnesota Wild at the Garden.
The beat case scenario for Devils fans, and fans of any team below Buffalo in the standings for that matter, would have been a Rangers loss in regulation, and a Sabres win also in regulation. If this had played out, Buffalo and Carolina would have been in a virtual tie and the Rangers only a point away.
The Wild did their part as they easily handled a struggling Rangers team who have looking unimpressive over the course over the past month. The 3-1 loss personified how the Rangers have struggled and scoring has come at a premium for the squad that out shot the Wild 41-19 during last night's contest.
In Carolina, the Sabres were able to strike first when Steve Montador score his fifth of the year from Tyler Ennis and Andrej Sekera. But Juri Tlusty equalized the game just over two minutes later with a talley of his own.
Brad Boyes, who scored in his first game with Buffalo against the Rangers earlier this week, put the Sabres ahead again with his second in as many games. Montador and Sekera would add assists on Boyes' 14th. The lead again would be short lived as Chad LaRose would level the two teams just over a minute later for he most offensively explosive period of the game.
Both teams would earn a point by way of heading to overtime, but the Hurricanes would walk away with the extra one as Jamie McBain would net the game winner. The win pushed the Hurricanes ahead of the Rangers for 7th in the Conference, keeping Buffalo in 9th by 2 points.
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Showing posts with label Minnesota Wild. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minnesota Wild. Show all posts
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Rangers are 1 of 4 teams in on Scuderi
Former Pittsburgh Defenseman Rob Scuderi is being coveted by four teams, including the New York Rangers, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune.
This would be the first major move following the trading, or salary dumping, of Scott Gomez to the Canadiens. Provided the deal is not similiar to the Wade Redden move of last summer, this would be a great addition for the Blueshirts.
Their top priority right now should be acquiring a 20-30 goal scorer, but suring up their backline will also help. The team has 3 significant Restricted Free Agents in Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Nikoli Zherdev, but other the Rangers would have ample time to decide whether or not to match any other offers from other clubs.
Scuderi put himself on the map with an outstanding performance this season, and an even better playoffs, where he was a critical component on the Penguins blue line, along with Sergi Gonchar.
The Wild and Stars are the two other confirmed teams, with the Lightning believe to be the 4th.
Prediction: As much as I could see the Rangers being Scuderi's new home, if the rumors of Tampa being in on the sweepstakes are true, I see him going there. They are again, stopping at nothing to get as much defense as they can, but they continue to forget you need to put pucks in the net to win, and Vinny Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Ryan Malone and Steve Stamkos cannot do it alone.
This would be the first major move following the trading, or salary dumping, of Scott Gomez to the Canadiens. Provided the deal is not similiar to the Wade Redden move of last summer, this would be a great addition for the Blueshirts.
Their top priority right now should be acquiring a 20-30 goal scorer, but suring up their backline will also help. The team has 3 significant Restricted Free Agents in Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan Callahan and Nikoli Zherdev, but other the Rangers would have ample time to decide whether or not to match any other offers from other clubs.
Scuderi put himself on the map with an outstanding performance this season, and an even better playoffs, where he was a critical component on the Penguins blue line, along with Sergi Gonchar.
The Wild and Stars are the two other confirmed teams, with the Lightning believe to be the 4th.
Prediction: As much as I could see the Rangers being Scuderi's new home, if the rumors of Tampa being in on the sweepstakes are true, I see him going there. They are again, stopping at nothing to get as much defense as they can, but they continue to forget you need to put pucks in the net to win, and Vinny Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, Ryan Malone and Steve Stamkos cannot do it alone.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Potential Offensive Targets
Marian Hossa - RW - Pittsburg Penguins/Atlanta Thrashers
'07-'08 salary: $7,000,000
Now, before you go and say "oh of course he made the list, he's on every one's wish list," hear me out. Thefourthperiod.com is reporting by way of the Bergan Record, that Marian Hossa is a potential target for the Devils when noon rolls around tomorrow, July 1st. By now, everyone knows Hossa's credentials, so i wont waste time nor space typing them all out.
I do like the fact that a respected New Jersey paper is saying that Hossa is a target for the Devils. I am, however, keeping a level head about the possibility as minimal due to a few factors. First, as has been stated in the article and in other places, New Jersey is a synonymous as a defensive minded squad. Brent Sutter is trying to transition the team into a new hybrid offensive minded style, but they're a dire work in progress. With that being said though, who better to help speed up the transition than an offensive gem such as Hossa? Secondly, the Devils, and more specifically General Manager Lou Lamoriello, NEVER EVER make the obvious moves that the fans hope for. He'll pull out some random signing who turns into a diamond in the rough. But, in recent years, those jewel quests have come up empty. Could this finally be the year when the Devils make a big splash?
Probability of Happening: 15%
Kyle Wellwood - C/W - Toronto Maple Leafs
'07-'08 salary: $950,000
Earlier this morning, I began writing about Wellwood as a potential free agent signing for the Devils. Wellwood is a solid forward, when healthy. In 06-07, he showed the signs of greatness by tallying 42 points in 45 games. His season, however, was cut short thanks to a sports hernia. Injuries plagued a below average 07-08 campaign, in which he played over half the season at 59 games, but tallied only 21 points. Around 230 PM today [June 24], Wellwood was placed on waivers by the Leafs along with Andrew Raycroft.
I think Wellwood, when healthy, is a spectacular player with great vision and above average speed. His tendency to be injury prone is a concern, but if you played for Toronto over the past few years, wouldn't you want to find a reason to not be on the ice too? The Devils should take a chance at him, 1 year at $1 million per could be a starting point to allow him to prove to the team he could remain healthy for an entire season.
Probability of happening: 0%
UPDATE 6/25: Wellwood was claimed today by Vancouver. They now hold his rights until July 1st, where he will become a Restricted Free Agent if he is not made an offer by the Canucks. If the Canucks do not make an offer [highly unlikely], Wellwood would become an Unrestricted Free Agent.
UPDATE 7/1: Wellwood is officially a member of the Canucks. Signing a 1 year deal worth just under $1 million.
Miroslav Satan - RW - New York Islanders
'07-'08 salary: $3,000,000
Satan was third on the Isles last season in points with 41. Considering how horrendous the Islanders offense was last season, Mike Comrie lead the team with 49, Satan's performance was not awful. In the 3 years he spent on Long Island, he amassed 66, 59 and 41 points, in order. He became expendable in Buffalo when he refused to get along with teammates in the club house but did not experience the same level of being disgruntled with the Islanders.
He should be accepting a contract lower than the $3 million he made last season. His point totals falling and his age, 33, is a good reason for his contract offers to come in under what he was accustomed to on the free spending Islanders under new owner Charles Wang. He hasn't regained the power play prowess that he had towards the end of his tenure with the Sabres, adding to the reasons for lower pay. I could see the Devils making an offer for some veteran experience, if not simply for the marketing rights and fun that could be had with having a guy who's jersey will say SATAN on the back of a New Jersey Devils jersey. Its too perfect.
Probability of happening: 20%
Brian Rolston - RW - Minnesota Wild
'07-'08 salary: $2,432,000
No question that Rolston is one of the most important individuals on the Wild roster. He is the only player who was captain multiple times during the season, Rolston has turned down his most recent offer from the Wild, indicating he will opt to become a free agent on July 1st. Since joining the Wild, Rolston has seen his stats go from career highs [79] to matching his numbers when he played with the Boston Bruins [64, 59], all in consecutive years. Even with 59 points, Rolston would have ranked second on the Devils last season, falling behind only Zach Parise
Rolston is due for a moderate raise for his performances over the past 3 years. His ability to amass points in a defensive system that the Wild have makes him even more appealing on the open market. The downside on Rolston is his age. At 35, the question of how many years does he have left in his legs, and how much are teams willing to pay out for that daunting question. While many sites are suggesting that Rolston can fetch upwards of $4 million per season, I think the Devils should offer no more than $3.5 million because of Rolston's age and possible declining ability, if they make a run at him at all.
Probability of happening: 25%
UPDATE 6/30: Rolston's rights have been traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning, who earlier today signed Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts, look to be in the get fixed quick mode under new coach Barry Melrose. Obviously, Tampa has until midnight to get a deal with Rolston done but if the Malone/Roberts deal is any precursor, this deal will be done, fast.
UPDATE 7/1: Rolston has told the Lightning that he will explore free agency. It has also been rumored that there are at least 10 offers on the table for him.
UPDATE 7/1: Rolston has signed with New Jersey, 4 years $20.25 million.
Darcy Tucker - LW - Toronto Maple Leafs
'07-'08 salary: $3,000,000
I have heard through both fan sites and a few of my sources that Lamoriello is interested in Tucker. While its nice to hear he actually has a game plan to start dipping into the free agent market, it bothers me that the only "big" name I have come across him being interested in is Tucker. The 33 year old scored 34 points, 18 of which were goals, for the Leafs last season.
Now, I'm not going to go on another Leaf bashing tirade that i had done with the Wellwood write-up, but I will point out this key fact: his 18 goals were 3rd on the Leafs, and would have been 5th on the Devils. With that being said, I like the thought of Tucker on the Devils. He's a pain in the rear like Janssen was, but he also has some semblance of offensive awareness.
Tucker is undoubtedly going to have to take a pay cut this season. The $3 million that he made last year was too much for the overhauling Leafs, and could be viewed as too much by other teams for a player of his age and a peaks-and-valleys career in terms of points totals. His stats have declined the past 3 seasons, but if the trend holds true, is due for an increase in '08-'09. I'd offer up 2 years, $2,500,000 per and if the money is to his liking but length isn't, I'd contemplate the extra year.
Probability of happening: 0%
UPDATE 7/1: Tucker signed with Colorado, 2 years, $4.5 million.
'07-'08 salary: $7,000,000
Now, before you go and say "oh of course he made the list, he's on every one's wish list," hear me out. Thefourthperiod.com is reporting by way of the Bergan Record, that Marian Hossa is a potential target for the Devils when noon rolls around tomorrow, July 1st. By now, everyone knows Hossa's credentials, so i wont waste time nor space typing them all out.
I do like the fact that a respected New Jersey paper is saying that Hossa is a target for the Devils. I am, however, keeping a level head about the possibility as minimal due to a few factors. First, as has been stated in the article and in other places, New Jersey is a synonymous as a defensive minded squad. Brent Sutter is trying to transition the team into a new hybrid offensive minded style, but they're a dire work in progress. With that being said though, who better to help speed up the transition than an offensive gem such as Hossa? Secondly, the Devils, and more specifically General Manager Lou Lamoriello, NEVER EVER make the obvious moves that the fans hope for. He'll pull out some random signing who turns into a diamond in the rough. But, in recent years, those jewel quests have come up empty. Could this finally be the year when the Devils make a big splash?
Probability of Happening: 15%
Kyle Wellwood - C/W - Toronto Maple Leafs
'07-'08 salary: $950,000
Earlier this morning, I began writing about Wellwood as a potential free agent signing for the Devils. Wellwood is a solid forward, when healthy. In 06-07, he showed the signs of greatness by tallying 42 points in 45 games. His season, however, was cut short thanks to a sports hernia. Injuries plagued a below average 07-08 campaign, in which he played over half the season at 59 games, but tallied only 21 points. Around 230 PM today [June 24], Wellwood was placed on waivers by the Leafs along with Andrew Raycroft.
I think Wellwood, when healthy, is a spectacular player with great vision and above average speed. His tendency to be injury prone is a concern, but if you played for Toronto over the past few years, wouldn't you want to find a reason to not be on the ice too? The Devils should take a chance at him, 1 year at $1 million per could be a starting point to allow him to prove to the team he could remain healthy for an entire season.
Probability of happening: 0%
UPDATE 6/25: Wellwood was claimed today by Vancouver. They now hold his rights until July 1st, where he will become a Restricted Free Agent if he is not made an offer by the Canucks. If the Canucks do not make an offer [highly unlikely], Wellwood would become an Unrestricted Free Agent.
UPDATE 7/1: Wellwood is officially a member of the Canucks. Signing a 1 year deal worth just under $1 million.
Miroslav Satan - RW - New York Islanders
'07-'08 salary: $3,000,000
Satan was third on the Isles last season in points with 41. Considering how horrendous the Islanders offense was last season, Mike Comrie lead the team with 49, Satan's performance was not awful. In the 3 years he spent on Long Island, he amassed 66, 59 and 41 points, in order. He became expendable in Buffalo when he refused to get along with teammates in the club house but did not experience the same level of being disgruntled with the Islanders.
He should be accepting a contract lower than the $3 million he made last season. His point totals falling and his age, 33, is a good reason for his contract offers to come in under what he was accustomed to on the free spending Islanders under new owner Charles Wang. He hasn't regained the power play prowess that he had towards the end of his tenure with the Sabres, adding to the reasons for lower pay. I could see the Devils making an offer for some veteran experience, if not simply for the marketing rights and fun that could be had with having a guy who's jersey will say SATAN on the back of a New Jersey Devils jersey. Its too perfect.
Probability of happening: 20%
Brian Rolston - RW - Minnesota Wild
'07-'08 salary: $2,432,000
No question that Rolston is one of the most important individuals on the Wild roster. He is the only player who was captain multiple times during the season, Rolston has turned down his most recent offer from the Wild, indicating he will opt to become a free agent on July 1st. Since joining the Wild, Rolston has seen his stats go from career highs [79] to matching his numbers when he played with the Boston Bruins [64, 59], all in consecutive years. Even with 59 points, Rolston would have ranked second on the Devils last season, falling behind only Zach Parise
Rolston is due for a moderate raise for his performances over the past 3 years. His ability to amass points in a defensive system that the Wild have makes him even more appealing on the open market. The downside on Rolston is his age. At 35, the question of how many years does he have left in his legs, and how much are teams willing to pay out for that daunting question. While many sites are suggesting that Rolston can fetch upwards of $4 million per season, I think the Devils should offer no more than $3.5 million because of Rolston's age and possible declining ability, if they make a run at him at all.
Probability of happening: 25%
UPDATE 6/30: Rolston's rights have been traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning, who earlier today signed Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts, look to be in the get fixed quick mode under new coach Barry Melrose. Obviously, Tampa has until midnight to get a deal with Rolston done but if the Malone/Roberts deal is any precursor, this deal will be done, fast.
UPDATE 7/1: Rolston has told the Lightning that he will explore free agency. It has also been rumored that there are at least 10 offers on the table for him.
UPDATE 7/1: Rolston has signed with New Jersey, 4 years $20.25 million.
Darcy Tucker - LW - Toronto Maple Leafs
'07-'08 salary: $3,000,000
I have heard through both fan sites and a few of my sources that Lamoriello is interested in Tucker. While its nice to hear he actually has a game plan to start dipping into the free agent market, it bothers me that the only "big" name I have come across him being interested in is Tucker. The 33 year old scored 34 points, 18 of which were goals, for the Leafs last season.
Now, I'm not going to go on another Leaf bashing tirade that i had done with the Wellwood write-up, but I will point out this key fact: his 18 goals were 3rd on the Leafs, and would have been 5th on the Devils. With that being said, I like the thought of Tucker on the Devils. He's a pain in the rear like Janssen was, but he also has some semblance of offensive awareness.
Tucker is undoubtedly going to have to take a pay cut this season. The $3 million that he made last year was too much for the overhauling Leafs, and could be viewed as too much by other teams for a player of his age and a peaks-and-valleys career in terms of points totals. His stats have declined the past 3 seasons, but if the trend holds true, is due for an increase in '08-'09. I'd offer up 2 years, $2,500,000 per and if the money is to his liking but length isn't, I'd contemplate the extra year.
Probability of happening: 0%
UPDATE 7/1: Tucker signed with Colorado, 2 years, $4.5 million.
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