Emblematic

So over the last week, I've had to do research that involved reading state codes. In the process, I've run across a bunch of statutes designating state symbols and emblems for each state. As this is SIGNIFICANTLY more interesting than what I was researching, I looked into it a little more once I got home. Here are some of the random factoids I came across, one for each state.

Alabama, for some inexplicable reason, did NOT choose "Sweet Home Alabama" as its state song. Absolute travesty.
Alaska has a state flower. I wasn't aware plant life could grow up there.
Arizona has a state firearm, more proof that they need gun control laws there.
Arkansas wrote a three paragraph statute explaining how to say the word "Arkansas."
California has both an official gold rush ghost town and an official silver rush ghost town.
Colorado, despite not being particularly Southern, made square dancing the official folk dance.
Connecticut has both a state troubadour and a state composer
Delaware describes its state soil as "a coarse, loamy, mixed, semiactive, mesic, Typic Hapludult"
Florida has an official state tortoise, which strikes me as bizzarely specific.
Georgia has an official state prepared food: grits.
Hawaii's official fish is the "humuhumunukunukuapua‘a"; I would have gone with "rectangular triggerfish."
Idaho's state raptor, unfortunately, is a bird, not a dinosaur.
Illinois has its own state prairie grass.
Indiana, after MUCH consideration, chose limestone as its state stone.
Iowa's state seal includes a picture of "the citizen soldier, with a plow in his rear." Ow.
Kansas provides only 10 reasons why a government employee can deviate from the official state language: English.
Kentucky has designated an official state Tug-of-War championship.
Louisiana only recognizes the flag of South Vietnam, not the current Vietnamese flag.
Maine's state soft drink is "Moxie, a registered trademarked soft drink invented by Maine-born Dr. Augustin Thompson of Union that symbolizes spirit and courage."
Maryland's state sport is jousting. Badass.
Massachussetts is a particularly musical state: it has an official state song, folk song, patriotic song, glee club song, and polka.
Michigan has its own symbol for clean water; apparently Michigan clean isn't like any other clean.
Minnesotans love them some blueberry muffins, to the point where its the official state muffin.
Mississippi has a cuddly streak: the Teddy Bear is their official state toy.
Missouri likes the crayfish, but already had a state animal; they compromised and made it the state invertebrate.
Montanans were obviously having trouble sleeping, as they've designated an official state lullaby.
Nebraska made it a misdeameanor to "insult" the state banner.
Nevada must have rocks on the brain: they have a state rock, a state precious gemstone, and a state semi-precious gemstone.
New Hampshire is proud of its chinooks, the official state dog.
New Jersey's state colors are Jersey Blue and Buff; truly a situation to be proud of.
New Mexico made the hot air balloon its official aircraft.
New York designated the bluebird as its state bird; apparently the pigeon would be a little too on the nose.
North Carolina chose the venus flytrap as its official carniverous plant; Little Shop of Horrors is apparently not the state musical.
North Dakota's highest honor is the "Teddy Roosevelt Rough Rider Award." Bully!
Ohio has a state reptile, amphibian, and frog. Now, I haven't taken biology in a while, but I think a frog falls into one of those two categories.
Oklahoma lists the watermelon as its state vegetable. Um...about that...
Oregon has named the Portland Trail Blazers of 1990-91 as the official team of the state. So much for having hope for another championship...
Pennsylvania has both an official electric locomotive and two official steam locomotives.
Rhode Island is the only state with an official state yacht.
South Carolina's official dance is called the shag. That just SOUNDS naughty.
South Dakota isn't worried about carbs; they have an official state bread.
Tennessee has an official commercial fish, which is brought to you by Channel Catfish.
Texas stipulates a fine of up to $300 and up to 3 months in prison for "thrashing" the state tree.
Utah has a state cooking pot.
Vermont designated a state flavor; unsurprisingly, it's maple.
Virginia came up with one interesting way to have fun: an official Covered Bridge Festival.
Washington lists the Olympic marmot as its only endemic mammal. Nice marmot.
West Virginia chose something particularly pleasant as its state reptile: the timber rattlesnake.
Wisconsin believes that dairy cows are a "domestic animal." Not my first choice for a pet, but what do I know?
Wyoming's state Code includes the state code: Cowboy Ethics.

In summation, legislators have WAY too much time on their hands.

May all your hits be crits,
B

NHL Preview, Part 2: Western Conference

As promised, here is my Western Conference preview:

1.       Detroit Red Wings

What I like: The power play. Three guys scored 10 or more PPG last year, and you have to assume that Datsyuk would have done so too had he not missed a quarter of the season. They ranked top 5 in the league, and given that they were also top 10 in penalties drawn, the opportunities will be there.

What I don’t like: Depth on D. Take Lidstrom out of the lineup and things start to get ugly pretty quick. Kronwall isn’t a top guy yet and Brad Stuart isn’t exactly an offensive juggernaut. Add a non-descript bottom 3, and it could be problematic as the season progresses.
Endgame player: Lidstrom. Still a perennial Norris finalist on the other side of 40, his vision and passing is still unparalleled. Get him the puck late and he’ll help turn it into a goal.
Prediction: A whole year of Datsyuk and a bounce-back year from Howard pulls them ahead of Vancouver for 1^st in the West.

2.       Vancouver Canucks

What I like: The top guys. The Sedin twins and Kesler are the most lethal trio in the league, and the contrast of the twins’ finesse and Kesler’s grit make Vancouver tough to deal with when they’re all on the ice together. Even when they’re not, they make their linemates better, to the tune of 26 goals for Burrows.

What I don’t like: Luongo’s mental health. Lu has never been the most stable of individuals in big games, and you have to believe that losing last year’s Finals isn’t going to help him in that regard. While he’ll never be mentioned as an all-time big game goalie, he needs to at least stop being a hindrance for the Canucks to think about hoisting the Cup.
Endgame player: Kesler. A force during the Olympics, he had his second coming-out party during the playoffs, where he combined 19 points with nearly 80 hits. A real difference-maker and possibly the most clutch player on the team.
Prediction: Sheer star power allows the ‘Nucks to waltz through an otherwise putrid division.

3.       LA Kings

What I like: The goalies. One of the few situations in the league where two heads might actually be better than one. While Quick is the better of the two, Bernier could start for a lot of teams. LA has the luxury of using Bernier to keep Quick healthy and rested, which can only help them in the playoffs.

What I don’t like: The second scorers. LA was exposed in last year’s playoffs as a team with only one truly elite scorer when Kopitar went down late in the year. Mike Richards could be the one to step up, but he’s more effective when he doesn’t have to shoulder the scoring load; could the answer be Dustin Penner?
Endgame player: Richards. Richards is the best two-way forward in the league, and makes a difference in all three phases of the game. His leadership will be invaluable as the Kings try to go deeper into the playoffs.
Prediction: The Pacific goes down to the wire, but the Kings finally unseat the Sharks for the division crown.

   

4.       San Jose Sharks

What I like: The centers. Thornton is a world-class playmaker who centers one of the best top lines in the league. Logan Couture looked like the real deal last year, and should improve on what were stellar rookie numbers. Handzus is a solid role player who should improve the third line, and Desjardins showed promise in the season opener. Fantastic depth.

What I don’t like: The trade. While Brent Burns was a great pickup (and deserved a better chance to win than he was getting in Minnesota), the Sharks gave up over 100 points between Heatley and Setoguci. Will the enigmatic (and somewhat injury-prone) Martin Havlat find himself in San Jose?
Endgame player: Patrick Marleau. Marleau is a force to be reckoned with at the end of the game, as nearly a quarter of his goals last season were GWGs. Combine that with the potential for 40 PPP, and he’s the engine that makes the Shark offense go.
Prediction: The Sharks score enough to win until Niemi is back in game shape, en route to another 95+ point season.

5.       Chicago Blackhawks

What I like: The top PP unit. Pick 5 of these 6: Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook. Only Hossa scored fewer than 20 PPP, and he was only one short. When they’re on, they’re nearly unparalleled in their ability to make the opposition pay for lapses on defense.

What I don’t like: The penalty kill. The Blackhawks suffered when a man down last season, killing off fewer than 80% of penalties. This is odd considering the level of talent they are able to throw out there, but nevertheless an area that could use some serious improvement.
Endgame player: Toews. The Hawks’ captain has a knack for showing up when the team needs him the most, leading the team with 8 GWG. Though Kane scored the Cup winner two seasons ago, it is Toews who they turn to with time winding down.
Prediction: The chemistry issues and inconsistency of a season ago are mostly gone, and Crawford posts another solid season in net, keeping the Hawks comfortably in the playoffs.

6.       Anaheim Ducks

What I like: The top line. Perry, Getzlaf, and Ryan are the total package. They’re gritty, they can score, and they play tons of minutes. Their GVT last year ranked them as the 2^nd best top line in the league, only behind Vancouver. As they go, so go the Ducks.

What I don’t like: The depth. The second line isn’t awful, boasting Selanne and Koivu, but this team goes downhill FAST. The same GVT rankings that had the Ducks’ top line at second best placed the rest of the team below replacement level. That is awful, and I’m shocked that the Ducks didn’t do more to shore it up in the offseason.
Endgame player: Selanne. The Finnish Flash is the elder statesman on the roster, and enjoyed a career resurgence last season. He’s gonna need to do it again for the Ducks to not be scrapping for a playoff spot at the end.
Prediction: The top line scores and Hiller is stellar in goal, but the Ducks can’t avoid a low seed and a tough first-round draw.

7.       Columbus Blue Jackets

What I like: The additions. Columbus has been the Rick Nash show for way too long. Management finally wised up in the offseason, bringing in an explosive center for Nash in Jeff Carter, and rounding out the top line with the ageless Vinny Prospal. This takes the burden off second-line guys like Vermette and Umberger, and makes the Jackets a much deeper and better team.

What I don’t like: The goaltending. Steve Mason just doesn’t do it for me. He had a fantastic rookie season, but hasn’t posted a GAA under 3.00 in the two years since.  Compounding that with letting the relatively effective Garon go to Tampa in favor of Curtis Sanford, who hasn’t been in the league the last two years, doesn’t make much sense.
Endgame player: Nash. Regardless of who is around him, this is Nash’s show. He’s a highlight-reel guy who is unstoppable when he decides that he’s going to score. He’ll only get better with better teammates.
Prediction: The offense is downright potent, and Mason is solid enough to put the Jackets in the playoffs for the second time in their history.

8.       St. Louis Blues

What I like: The young defense. Even after letting Erik Johnson go in a trade last season, the Blues boast one of the best collections of young blueliners in the league. Shattenkirk and Pietrangelo both topped 40 points in their rookie seasons, and should blossom into high-end top 4 defensemen sooner rather than later.

What I don’t like: Chances allowed. The Blues allowed the second fewest shots in the league last season, behind the trap-happy Devils. Unfortunately, they allowed goals on 10% of their shots, in the mix with teams like Colorado, Columbus, and Edmonton. The Blues have a better goalie than any of those teams, but need to keep teams from getting quality chances.
Endgame player: Jason Arnott. I watched a lot of Caps games last year, and he was their best player by the end of the season. He’s still a great passer and has fantastic vision on the ice. A phenomenal pickup.
Prediction: The offense stays strong, the defense does a better job of keeping opposing shooters out of Halak’s lap, and the Blues end up back in the postseason.

9.       Nashville Predators

What I like: The goaltending. I don’t know how they do it. It’s like they have a goaltending assembly line in Nashville. Dunham, Vokoun, Mason, Ellis, and now Rinne. Rinne might be the best of the set, but even he has to look over his shoulder at Anders Lindback. As usual, it’s gonna be hard to score on Nashville.

What I don’t like: The offense. Problem is, it’s going to be equally hard for Nashville to score. There isn’t a thirty-goal guy on the roster right now, at least not yet. There are some intriguing young guys, but it’s hard to tell if any of them will take that next step.
Endgame guy: Shea Weber. That slap shot is a force to be reckoned with, and for a team that is going to struggle to generate offense, it is essential that the puck be on Weber’s stick at the end of games.
Prediction: Rinne is stellar, but he can’t do it all on his own, and the offense lets the Preds down.

10.   Minnesota Wild

What I like: The philosophy. The Wild finally realized that barely breaking 200 goals just wasn’t going to do it; it put WAY too much pressure on Backstrom to be perfect. So the Wild went out and made the splashiest trade of the offseason, picking up Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi. Now, their top line is intimidating, with Koivu having serious weapons in Heatley and Bouchard.

What I don’t like: The defense. The Wild have three defensemen with over 5 years’ experience and three guys with less than five between them. There are going to be some growing pains on defense, and Backstrom better be ready.
Endgame guy: Koivu. He’s posted better than 40 assists in each of the last three seasons, and with better passing options than he’s ever had (he and Gaborik never played 60 games in the same season) good things are on the horizon.
Prediction: Scoring will be up for the Wild, but they’ll give up just a few too many to make the postseason.

11.   Dallas Stars

What I like: The passing ability. Yeah, Brad Richards moved to greener pastures in New York, but even with his nearly 50 assists gone, Dallas has some great playmakers. Ribero topped 50 assists last year, and Eriksson wasn’t far behind. The setups should remain plentiful in Big D.

What I don’t like: The depth. Steve Ott is playing on the second line. That’s indicative of a lot of things, none of them good. It doesn’t get much brighter the lower down you go, with Vernon Fiddler centering the corpse of Radek Dvorak on the third line. Someone’s going to need to take the pressure off the top line.
Endgame player: Brendan Morrow. The captain does it all for Dallas, he’s both their goals leader and second on the team in hits. You need this kind of hard worker when the game gets close.
Projection: There’s just not enough secondary scoring and the division proves too tough for Dallas.

12.   Calgary Flames

What I like: The old guard. I kinda feel bad for Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff. Every year they show up, work their tails off, and see the team send another season down the tubes. Hard to believe that this was a Cup team not that long ago Hopefully management sees fit to either trade them or give them some help.

What I don’t like: The centers. Oh my. David Moss is the top guy, but he’s never topped 40 points in a season. Olli Jokinen is still here, somehow. Roman Horek draws third-line duty as a rookie, and Matt Stajan has never lived up to the hype created in Toronto.
Endgame player: Iginla. A 40-40 guy last season, he’s never played less than 70 games in any season. I think he’s a Hall of Famer and I’d take him on my team any day.
Projection: Occasional flashes of brilliance in a beige sea of mediocrity. Another long winter in Calgary.

13.   Colorado Avalanche

What I like: The young centers. Duchene has already proven himself to be a special talent, and Ryan O’Reilly showed signs of improvement. Stastny might be the best of the set, but he needs people around him to start scoring; he actually scored more goals last year than the year before, but registered 24 fewer assists.

What I don’t like: Scoring on D. The top two scoring D-men from last year, Liles and Shattenkirk, now ply their trades elsewhere. None of the defenders on the roster have recorded a 40 point season, though a few have gotten close. Given that the forwards are no great shakes, the Avs are gonna need someone on the backline to step up.
Endgame player: Varlamov. I liked Varly on the Caps, but he was always being pushed to the background. I think he’s solid in big games, not that he’s in any danger of playing in one.
Projection: Goalie and center are settled, but the lack of talent on the wings and on D doom the Avs.

14.   Edmonton Oilers

What I like: The youth. There are as many guys on this team under 21 as there are over 35. Most everyone seems to be younger than 27, and even with the 17 years of service provided by both Khabibulin and Smyth, the current roster has an average of 5 years of experience; take those guys out, and its less than 4 years. If nothing else, it will be fun watching the team mature.

What I don’t like: The goaltending. They’ve handed the reigns over to Devan Dubnyk, who hasn’t exactly set the world on fire since he came into the league. Oh well, better than the now-38-year-old Khabibulin, whose best years are WELL behind him.
Endgame player: Shaun Horcoff. The only constant on the roster left over from the last time the Oilers made the playoffs, Horcoff gives a solid effort every night. There are worse guys to have around a young team.
Prediction: Some great flashes from the developing talent, just too few and far between.

15.   Phoenix Coyotes

What I like: Shane Doan. Death, taxes, and Doan leading the team in points. Only these things are certain.

What I don’t like: The offense. I don’t know who is gonna score on this team. They’ve gotten a ton out of a bad roster in the past few years, mostly because of Bryzgalov. With their savior off to Philly, the offense is gonna get exposed early and often.
Endgame player: Keith Yandle. He’s improved upon his point total every year he’s been in the league. Though I think 50 assists is a bit much to ask, he’s one of the most dynamic players on the roster.
Prediction: Mike Smith doesn’t cut it in goal, and they can’t score. Division games will be painful to watch.

May all your hits be crits,
B

NHL Preview, Part 1: Eastern Conference

So I’ve been reading a lot of NHL season previews, and a few of the predictions have made me do a double take. The Leafs in the playoffs? The Devils? What it comes down to for me is the endgame: who is going to step up in the clutch and win you a close game? So, with that in mind, here is a preview of each team, in order of projected finish.

Note: I can’t predict the playoffs. I’m not even gonna try.

1.       Washington Capitals

What I like: The depth. Laich, Knuble, Semin, Johansson, Chimera. None of these guys are first liners, and there isn’t a one among them who couldn’t start for SOME team. Both Neuvirth and Holtby are promising young goalies, but they don’t have to shoulder the load.
What I don’t like: The history. On paper, the Caps have been the best team in the league for the better part of a decade, and have 0 Cups to show for it. Why should I start believing this is their year?
Endgame player: OV. When it comes down to it, your best players have to show up, and I think that (despite the reputation for choking), OV is a guy you want on your team at the end of a game.

Prediction: Another year, another top finish for Das Capitals, but they still need to prove it in the playoffs.

2.       Boston Bruins

What I like: The toughness. They lost some important guys during their Cup run, but they got through it, and I think that mental edge will help them immensely.
What I don’t like: The hangover. It’s hard to repeat in this league. There are some questions about whether they can score enough, and Thomas isn’t going to repeat his numbers from last season. It’s just not happening.
Endgame player: Thomas. On nights where the offense just isn’t clicking, I trust Tim Thomas to step up and keep his team in games. He’s done it night in and night out for several seasons, and he’ll do it again this year.

Prediction: The core from the Cup team shows no sign of a hangover, and they win their division with ease.

3.       Pittsburgh Penguins

What I like: The returners. As much as I dislike the Pens on principle, they showed a lot in overcoming the worst injuries in the league last year. They started the year without Jordan Staal, and ended it without Crosby and Malkin. Though Crosby’s not back in the lineup yet, when they do get fully healthy, they will be a scary team.
What I don’t like: The uncertainty. What if Crosby doesn’t come back? What if Fleury is the player we saw in the first few weeks of last season (and the one who cost me the fantasy playoffs)? Who is going to step up and score if the injuries continue?
Endgame player: Staal. I like the intensity with which he plays the game. He’ll keep you in it on his own with solid defensive play, as well as the ability to score.

Prediction: They stay relatively healthy, even though Crosby isn’t quite the same, and they squeak by the Rangers to win the Atlantic.

4.       Tampa Bay Lightning

What I like: The leadership. Boucher did some fantastic things with Tampa last year, but the Bolts boast some great on-ice leaders as well. LeCavalier and St. Louis are savvy vets, and Roloson brings a ton of playoff experience. Let those guys mentor the younger players, like Stamkos, and you have the potential for playoff success.
What I don’t like: The defense. Eww. Tampa might have been top 10 in goals last season, but they were 21^st in goals against and Roloson isn’t exactly getting any younger. They need to tighten up on the back-end or it could be a VERY long year in Tampa.
Endgame player: St. Louis. When you need a goal, look for the little guy in black. St. Louis has an uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time, and can make a play happen all on his own.

Prediction:  The scoring makes up for a leaky defense and Tampa takes the Caps to the wire in the divisional race.

5.       New York Rangers

What I like: The balance. Torts’ signature grit is in full force on this year’s iteration of the Blueshirts, but they’ve balanced it out with some guys who I believe can really score. Best of all, they can mix the two with guys like Boyle, Dubinsky, and Captain Cally; the Rangers are a team I wouldn’t want to face in the first round.
What I don’t like: The defense. I’m ok with the youth movement, I really am. But now, the injuries. Staal out indefinitely, Sauer not 100%, and some unpleasant looking preseason performances from guys like MDZ, Erixson, and Eminger. Maybe Mara is the answer. FEAR THE BEARD!
Endgame player: Lundqvist. Without him, the Rangers are probably out of the playoff hunt. Very few goalies can put a team on their back quite like the King.

Prediction: Hank will keep them in every game, and the secondary scoring improves enough to put them in the hunt for home-ice in the first round.

6.       Philadelphia Flyers

What I like: The defense. As strong a defensive corps as there is in the league. Guys like Pronger, Timmonen, and Mezaros are strong on D, but can also produce on the attack. Add a solid goalie like Bryzgalov to the mix, who should be overjoyed to be on a decent team, and it’s going to be hard to score on them.
What I don’t like: The scoring. In losing Richards, Leino, and Carter, the Flyers need to replace a lot of goals and I’m not sure exactly where they’re all going to come from. Giroux is world-class, but he’s more of a playmaker than a pure scorer. They’re going to need JVR and Hartnell to step up big time to compete.
Endgame player: Giroux. The man is dynamic. You need to constantly be worried when he is on the ice, either about his passing, or finding the back of the net on his own.

Prediction: They’ll benefit from Bryzgalov having the best D he’s seen since Anaheim, and will score JUST enough to make the playoffs.

 7.       Buffalo Sabres

What I like: The scoring potential.  Guys like Vanek, Pommenvile, and the returning Derek Roy can light the lamp, and did so 240 times last season, good for 9^th in the league. A full season of Brad Boyes and the addition of Leino can only help.

What I don’t like:  The signings. I’m not sure if the Sabres improved enough to keep up with the rest of the division. Ehrhoff and Leino are fine players who are being paid like superstars. I know the new owner is willing to open his wallet, which is great, but it needs to be done for the right guys.

Endgame player: Ryan Miller. Am I ever glad this guy is American. This guy played out of his mind in the Olympics and can beat you all on his own if he’s on his game.

Prediction: Miller’s determination keeps the Sabres in it, and the offense heats up in the second half to vault the Sabres into the postseason.

8.       Montreal Canadiens

What I like: The special teams. Top 8 in the league both on the PK and on the PP. I unabashedly love watching their power play. Unlike teams like the Pens or the Caps, who clearly try to get it to their top guys, the Habs have 5 guys who could unleash a shot at any time and have it find the back of the net.
What I don’t like: The scoring. For all their man-advantage goodness, the Habs finished in the bottom 3^rd of the league in goals per game. Only Gionta, Plekanec, and Kostitsyn got more than 20 last year. Price can only do so much; he’s gonna need help from up front.
Endgame player: Scott Gomez. Yea, I know, memories of some underperforming Ranger teams. Gomez is a guy who has led the league in assists before, and few guys set a rush up as well as Gomez, so it’s up to his teammates to turn those feeds into goals.

Prediction: Price again puts the team on his back, and the Canadiens emerge from a dogfight with a playoff berth.

9.       Carolina Hurricanes

What I like: The youth. Carolina only has 4 players on the roster on the wrong side of 30. Eric Staal, despite seeming like he’s been in the league forever, is only 26. Jeff Skinner is 19: this makes me feel both old and unaccomplished.
What I don’t like: The depth. Who on this team is going to score aside from Staal and Skinner? The only other guy who topped 25 last year was Eric Cole, and he’s in Montreal now. The team is going to have to rely on guys like Jokinen and Ruutu who have had great seasons in the past, but haven’t been able to do it consistently.

Endgame player: Cam Ward. Hurricanes goalies faced the 2^nd most shots in the league, and Ward stood in the firing line for 74 of those games. It is a testament to him that the Canes nearly made the playoffs last season.

Prediction: Skinner continues to mature and Ward is staunch, but the Canes fall out of it with a week left in the season.

10.   New York Islanders

What I like: The core. Grabner, Okposo, and Tavares are all under 25 and have shown flashes of brilliance. Comeau, Moulson, and Nielsen are all under 28. Add some talent from the minors as the year progresses, and I like the Isles’ chances in the near future.

What I don’t like: The goaltending. Huge question marks. Is Nabokov ready after basically taking a year off? Can DiPietro stay healthy? Is Montoya ready this time? A team that has three goalies frequently learns that they actually have no goalie.

Endgame player: Tavares. One short of 25 goals his rookie season, one short of 30 last year. With 20 PPG in two seasons, he’s a major reason to keep your composure against the Isles late in the game.

Prediction: Strong offensive seasons from the kids give hope to the Nassau faithful, but they trade Nabokov, DP goes down, and Montoya can’t hold the fort.

11.   Toronto Maple Leafs

What I like: The discipline. The Leafs were in the top 10 least penalized teams last year. However, this didn’t mean that they played passively: 8 guys topped 100 hits last year. Staying out of the box is crucial if you’re going to play a lot of tight games, which it looks like the Leafs will.

What I don’t like: The special teams. It’s a good thing that the Leafs stay out of the box because their penalty kill ranked 28^th in the league last year. Their power play wasn’t much better, falling 22^nd in the league. Reimer will help kill some penalties, but they’re going to need someone to step up and score on the man advantage.

Endgame player: Reimer. The first game of the season spoke volumes, shutting down a Montreal team with some solid scorers. He’s also shown the ability to stand tall when he’s not doing so well, like in holding on against Ottawa in game 2.

Prediction: Reimer is a revelation in his first full season, but the offense doesn’t give them enough to get the 8 seed.

12.   New Jersey Devils

What I like: Their top forwards. He might be a head case, but Kovy can score in bunches. Parise was hurt, but he’s shown some serious skills. Elias had a resurgent year last season, topping 60 points and making the playoffs.

What I don’t like: The depth. This team gets ugly in a hurry. Nobody aside from Kovy and Elias scored more than 14 last year, and two of their top 5 scorers (Rolston and ½ a season of Arnott) will be plying their trade elsewhere. Brodeur and the neutral zone trap better be in top form this year, or the Devs will be out of it in a hurry.

Endgame player: Brodeur. I don’t like him. But even his most ardent haters can’t deny that he’s an all-time great. Behind a lousy team last season, he posted a .900 SV% and 6 shutouts. That’s damn good.

Prediction: Brodeur is valiant and the top 4 forwards combine for 100 goals, but it’s just not enough.

 

13.   Winnipeg Jets

What I like: The city. Winnipeg needed a hockey team, and they’re going to shower this one with as much love as any fan base in hockey. Plus, I think the grit on this team is going to appeal to the fans, and will make going to Winnipeg problematic for opposing teams.

What I don’t like: The offense. Only Ladd scored more than 20 last year, and Byfuglien dropped off severely by the end. The rest of the scorers are suspect, though a full year of Blake Wheeler can only help. With some question marks in goal, I’m not sure if last season’s surprising start is repeatable.

Endgame player: Byfuglien. He’s a weapon unlike any other in the league: a defenseman who can score like a power forward. He had an unbelievable beginning of the season, but ran out of gas by the end. He’ll need to keep the pace up to keep the Jets in the playoff hunt.

Prediction:  Jets fans support the team fervently, and Pavelec makes more strides in goal, but the talent just isn’t there to make any noise in that division.

14.   Florida Panthers.

What I like: The plan. Dale Tallon threw a lot of money around in the offseason and will boast a team that looks almost entirely unlike the one that finished the last season. With some scoring potential in Fleischmann and Upshall, plus some guys with Cup experience like Campbell and Versteeg, there’s nowhere to go but up.

What I don’t like: The goaltending. Theodore isn’t a #1 anymore. Montreal was a long time ago. And I’ll be honest, I’m not sure who Jacob Markstrom is. Quite the downgrade from Vokoun and Clemmenson.

Endgame player: Upshall. The king of thankless tasks, going from Nashville to a low line in Philly, then being one of the leading scorers on a popgun Yotes offense. I think he makes a difference as a T6 guy in Florida.

Prediction: Tallon has his plan, but it takes a while for the team to jell. Next year.

15.   Ottawa Senators

What I like: The goaltending, I guess. The position was the most destabilized in hockey last year, with six different goalies getting a start in net. I liked Craig Anderson in COL, and I think he will bring a steady presence in net. Auld is an NHL-caliber backup, which wasn’t there last year.

What I don’t like: The inexperience. Among their 9 non-top line forwards, only two have played a 60 game season. There are going to be growing pains on this team. Lots and lots of them.

Endgame player: Jason Spezza. With Alfredsson’s decline, Spezza’s the only reliable scoring option on the team, and he’s gonna need to net quite a few to keep them in games.

Predictions: The less said about this season, the better. They draw the #1 pick in next year’s draft.

Western Conference preview is coming soon.

May all your hits be crits,

B