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Q: Are the Canadiens the best team in the league?
A: If you’re going by the standings, yes they are the best team, however no one should put much stock into what the standings say in October. Having said that, the Habs are the most complete team in the league at the moment. They play as a unit on the ice, all of the players fit the system well, and they’ve managed to avoid the injury bug thus far. And they also have the best goalie in the world on their team, so that helps. I was skeptical over how much longer Michel Therrien would have success with this team, but right now he has them firing on all cylinders. The old adage in sports is that you aren’t as good as your highest high and you aren’t as bad as your lowest low. They’re going to lose some games. But every point counts no matter which month you’re in, and they’ve done very well for themselves building up this cushion so early on.
Q: Which team has surprised you the most, in a bad way?
The easy answer would be the Anaheim Ducks, because I picked them to win the Cup and they look awful right now. There’s too much talent on that team for them to be this bad, and the coach may end up paying the price if things don’t start to turn around. But I’m the most disappointed with the Calgary Flames. Although I knew their style of play last season wasn’t going to be sustainable, I thought they would be taking the next step forward this year. It seems as though they’re still playing exactly as they did last year except that now their miracle luck has run out. I know that a lot of people had predicted the Flames would take a big step back, but I’m one of the few who believed in them. I won’t give up on them yet. There’s a lot of skill and determination on that team. I think they’ll figure things out.
Q: Are the Detroit Red Wings going to end their playoff streak this season?
Every year since Nick Lidstrom retired, I have assumed the Red Wings would fall out of the playoff picture, but they always manage to find a way. Therefore, I’m reluctant to count them out. Having said that, they have a new coach, and a new system, and they’ve already been hit with injuries, so it’s no surprise they’re off to a slow start. I love the young players on this team. Guys like Tatar, Jurco, Larkin, Dekeyser, the Wings know how to find talent. There is certainly a divide between the young and old on this roster, and if the veterans can’t stay healthy they’re going to be in tough to secure a playoff spot. I’m not the biggest fan of their goaltending, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some trades mid-season. It’s hard to bet against this team, but this season may be one the biggest challenges they’ve faced in a while.
Q: Why haven’t the Lightning locked up Steven Stamkos long-term yet?
It could be one of two reasons. Either Stamkos himself isn’t convinced he wants to stay in Tampa, or the team isn’t convinced about investing a ton of money into him. You’d probably think they’re crazy not to keep this guy, but it’s not as far fetched as you think. Stamkos is an elite talent, there’s no doubt, but is he the franchise player they thought he would be when they drafted him? That isn’t a forgone conclusion yet. If you look at a guy like John Tavares as a comparable, there is that character and leadership to go along with the skill-level. I’m not saying Stamkos doesn’t posses those qualities, but it really seems like there’s something missing. The Lightning are also in a position where they feel that they have the kind of players to build a team around, and if the money or term isn’t working, they could afford to let a guy like Stamkos walk. Would they live to regret it if that happens? Possibly. But again, we don’t know if he even wants to stay. Not every player feels they want to stay planted with the team that drafted them. It would certainly be out of the ordinary for a guy of Stamkos’ caliber, but it could happen. Are they willing to break the bank for him? That’s the question. I’m sure the Lightning would like to get him signed, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if we see him with a new team either at the trade deadline or next season.
