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As the calendar year turned to 2008, the National Hockey League fast approached the midpoint of its 2007-'08 regular-season schedule.
And like every season, there have been a few surprises — not only in the standings, and in the individual performances, but in the games and storylines that have played out over the first three-plus months of the new season.
...
Best acquisition
Not pleased with their netminding, the Coyotes on Nov. 16 acquired 27-year-old Ilya Bryzgalov on waivers from the Cup-winning Anaheim Ducks. He's not Ken Dryden, but Bryzgalov won his first four straight for the Desert Dogs, then followed four losses with another fine stretch in which he won five of seven. He looks capable of being a very important piece in finally making the Coyotes more than NHL road kill.
...
Most endearing moment
The Jan. 1 ''Winter Classic'' in Buffalo, bringing the Penguins and Sabres under the sky in Orchard Park, N.Y., was fabulous. More than 71,000 watched in the stands as snow fell, sometimes quite heavily, over the three-plus hours. Another 11,500 watched on TVs inside HSBC Arena, the Sabres' home rink. The league will do it again, and soon, most likely with the Canadiens and Leafs squaring off in either Quebec or Ontario. In a very crowded, and diluted, New Year's Day bowl schedule, the NHL provided the perfect "off-menu" treat.
...
Most surprising trade
These days, due to cap constraints, all trades are somewhat surprising. But no one predicted the Dec. 14 deal that saw the Ducks sending skilled pivot Andy McDonald to the Blues for veteran Doug Weight. Like all deals these days, money played a part — the Ducks in need of clearing McDonald's deal, worth about $3.5 million, off the books to pave the way for Nidermayer's return and for next year when many of their roster players will receive big pay boosts. Weight's deal terminates after this season. In his first seven games with the Quacks, Weight was a disappointing 1-2--3. McDonald, meanwhile, was 1-4--5 in his first five for St. Louis, but was sidelined a few games because of a chest injury.
...
Biggest train wreck
Experience an audio slide show of the best sports, news and space images from around the world and close to home.
The Los Angeles Kings. By mid-season, the distant sons of Triple Crown Line had all but locked up their fifth straight post-season DNQ. This is only GM Dean Lombardi's second season in charge in L.A., and his squad suffered a 21-point fall in the standings last season in his debut. Some interesting pieces here, including potential superstar Anze Kopitar, but thus far, it looks like a picture without a frame.
And like every season, there have been a few surprises — not only in the standings, and in the individual performances, but in the games and storylines that have played out over the first three-plus months of the new season.
...
Best acquisition
Not pleased with their netminding, the Coyotes on Nov. 16 acquired 27-year-old Ilya Bryzgalov on waivers from the Cup-winning Anaheim Ducks. He's not Ken Dryden, but Bryzgalov won his first four straight for the Desert Dogs, then followed four losses with another fine stretch in which he won five of seven. He looks capable of being a very important piece in finally making the Coyotes more than NHL road kill.
...
Most endearing moment
The Jan. 1 ''Winter Classic'' in Buffalo, bringing the Penguins and Sabres under the sky in Orchard Park, N.Y., was fabulous. More than 71,000 watched in the stands as snow fell, sometimes quite heavily, over the three-plus hours. Another 11,500 watched on TVs inside HSBC Arena, the Sabres' home rink. The league will do it again, and soon, most likely with the Canadiens and Leafs squaring off in either Quebec or Ontario. In a very crowded, and diluted, New Year's Day bowl schedule, the NHL provided the perfect "off-menu" treat.
...
Most surprising trade
These days, due to cap constraints, all trades are somewhat surprising. But no one predicted the Dec. 14 deal that saw the Ducks sending skilled pivot Andy McDonald to the Blues for veteran Doug Weight. Like all deals these days, money played a part — the Ducks in need of clearing McDonald's deal, worth about $3.5 million, off the books to pave the way for Nidermayer's return and for next year when many of their roster players will receive big pay boosts. Weight's deal terminates after this season. In his first seven games with the Quacks, Weight was a disappointing 1-2--3. McDonald, meanwhile, was 1-4--5 in his first five for St. Louis, but was sidelined a few games because of a chest injury.
...
Biggest train wreck
Experience an audio slide show of the best sports, news and space images from around the world and close to home.
The Los Angeles Kings. By mid-season, the distant sons of Triple Crown Line had all but locked up their fifth straight post-season DNQ. This is only GM Dean Lombardi's second season in charge in L.A., and his squad suffered a 21-point fall in the standings last season in his debut. Some interesting pieces here, including potential superstar Anze Kopitar, but thus far, it looks like a picture without a frame.
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