Quarter Report: Crosby vs. Stamkos Show
Craig Custance - SportingNews.com
Dec 01, 2010
Here's a breakdown of the NHL's unpredictable first quarter:
Three most fascinating storylines
1. Sidney Crosby vs. Steven Stamkos
Last season, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Crosby and Tampa Bay Lightning sniper Stamkos tied for the NHL lead with 51 goals. They have carried the competition into this season. Stamkos has continued his emergence as one of the game's elite players with an NHL-leading 21 goals in 22 games. Crosby, meanwhile, leads the league in points and is in the midst of a 13-game point streak. After sharing the Rocket Richard Trophy last season, both are making a run at the Hart this time.
"All those top players want to be considered the best," Penguins GM Ray Shero told the Canadian Press. "Whether it was last year with the Rocket Richard when (Crosby) scored 51 and then Stamkos scored 51 as well -- I think between them it was a bit of a race. ... I would think (the scoring race) is in the back of their mind (now). They're cognizant of it."
2. Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens
When the season opened, there was no shortage of people who thought Montreal picked the wrong goalie with the trade of Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues. After dealing with boos through a shaky exhibition schedule, Price has won over fans to the point that he's leading all All-Star goalies in votes. And he's not even on the ballot. Price is 14-7-1 with a .935 save percentage and 1.95 goals-against average.
3. Surprises in the West
The Pacific Division standings seem upside down with the Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes at the top and San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings at the bottom. And even without Craig Anderson for an extended period, the Colorado Avalanche have been surprisingly competitive.
The biggest surprise might be the Columbus Blue Jackets, who returned essentially the same roster from last season but are pushing the Detroit Red Wings atop the Central Division. It's quite a turnaround for the Jackets, who tied for 27th overall last season.
"I haven't worried too much about what happened last year," new Blue Jackets coach Scott Arniel told Sporting News. "The coaching staff came in with a fresh approach and came in with a belief in these guys."
Three to watch in the second quarter
1. How will GM Lou Lamoriello solve the New Jersey Devils' problems?
You know things are desperate when it's suggested the best solution is to trade Martin Brodeur. Lamoriello has plenty of issues to handle. Does he have the right coach? Can he get Ilya Kovalchuk producing? When does Zach Parise get his contract extension? No pressure, Lou.
"I've always been from the school that pressure is what you put on yourself," Lamoriello said. "When it comes to pressure, if you allow the media or you allow the fans to put it on you, you should find another job."
2. Will Brian Burke fire his coach -- and friend -- Ron Wilson?
Two years in as GM, Burke has tried almost everything to turn things around the Maple Leafs. He has made blockbuster trades while adding Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf. He has signed high-priced free agents including Mike Komisarek. He has revamped the roster into one of the NHL's youngest, highlighted by the promotion of prized prospect Nazem Kadri.
Yet, the losing continues. So far, Burke has remained loyal to the only coach under his tenure, but at some point Wilson's job must be in jeopardy.
"You guys talk about this all the time," Wilson told reporters. "I've been asked maybe 50 times in the last three years. You're 0-for-50 ... 0-for-50. That's a pretty bad record."
3. What immediate impact will Donald Fehr have on the NHLPA?
It was quiet on the union front while Fehr toured the NHL teams before players voted on their new executive director. An announcement is expected soon that formally introduces him as head of the NHLPA, but his patience and insistence on meeting with players before taking the job was appreciated.
It also helped establish Fehr as a universally backed executive director. "It looks like everyone has confidence in that guy," Blue Jackets forward Derick Brassard said.
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Tracking the award candidates
A fast start by this group makes them front-runners for the NHL's biggest awards:
Hart Trophy: Crosby, Penguins
He topped our ballot last season and raised his game to another level after Pittsburgh's slow start this season.
Also in the discussion: Stamkos, Nicklas Lidstrom
Norris Trophy: Lidstrom, Red Wings
It's hard to believe there was retirement talk following last season.
Also in the discussion: Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins; Dustin Byfuglien, Atlanta Thrashers
Vezina Trophy: Price, Canadiens
There wasn't a goalie under more pressure than Price to start the season, and he leads the NHL with 14 wins.
Also in the discussion: Tim Thomas, Bruins; Jimmy Howard, Red Wings
Calder Trophy: Sergei Bobrovsky
He went from anonymous to the answer in goal for the Stanley Cup contending Flyers.
Also in the discussion: Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes; Cam Fowler, Anaheim Ducks
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