SnoTap Red Light District: NHL Weekly Wrap-up

Fear not ladies and gentlemen for the NHL has returned once again to the Tap.  For all those who love the bladed sport and for those who can't stand it, or stand on skates for that matter, I'll be doing my best to provide a weekly "cup check" on the scene around the NHL. 

The "Roy-volution" in Denver 

Roy brings a fiery new attitude to the Mile High City.

I've been a fan of the Colorado Avalanche since the Patrick Roy (Pronounced: wah) days. The good news is that he's back in his first season as the head coach of the team, a young team loaded with talent that has responded in a big way. The Avs lead the NHL and its newly revamped Central Division (more on that in a second) with 24 points (12-2-0) in 14 games and possess the second best goal differential in the NHL (+21) trailing only the San Jose Sharks (+25) in that category. Most impressive in all of it is that they are the only team remaining with an undefeated record on the road (6-0-0). I want to think that the clock won't strike midnight for this team's chariot ride, but with a new coach and young stars, it's usually only a matter of time. Keep your eye on Matt Duchene (age 22), Paul Statsny (age 27), and the Swedish Sensation, Gabriel Landeskog (age 20), who will carry the load for this team.

Quick Hits

Sid the Kid Still Reigns: Through 16 games Sidney Crosby continues to dominate the NHL. With Sidney Crosby, as it was with Wayne Gretzky, they're great at setting up their teammates. He leads the league with 23 points (8 G, 15 A) and it's no surprise the Penguins find themselves at the top of the Metropolitan Division.

Conferences Align: It was mentioned earlier that the NHL had realigned its Eastern and Western Conferences by constructing new divisions in an attempt to simplify their geographic regions. The East is home to the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions, both comprised of 8 teams. The West is composed of the Central and the Pacific Divisions, both occupied by 7 teams. 

Stars in Sochi: For what it's worth I am most excited about the idea of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Men's Hockey in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics was invigorating and heart-wrenching (for Americans). This is a Golden Age for talent across the world as it relates to ice hockey. There will be some tremendous games throughout, but we all know the USA seeks a rematch against our northern neighbors. If there's a hockey god somewhere...

Don't skate with your head down.

LuceCannon