NHL at the Quater Pole

We are ¼ threw the NHL season so I compiled a list of 6 things I have loved about this season so far

Sid and Geno- Finally, knock on wood, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are healthy at the same time. It’s been awhile. At this writing they’re one and two in the league in scoring and putting on a clinic most nights. It is so much fun to watch. I bet for non Penguin fans too, except those in Philly. The spring maybe another story but for now let’s all enjoy greatness

The Blackhawks- The have not succumbed to the Stanley Cup hangover and look like a team on a mission to go back to back. Sure they may take a night of, who doesn’t but they haven’t taken the fall off like most Cup winner do.

Patrick Roy- He has invigorated the Avalanche. He has got their young stars (Duchene, Stastny, Landeskog, MacKinnon) to play at a high level and gotten the best out of his goaltenders.  Edmonton should have hired him.

Jagr and Selanne –Watching these Hall of Famers makes me feel young, because I was young when they entered the league. Jagr is passing immortals ( Mario, Stevie Y, Mess) and leading the Devils in scoring. Teemu is still playing with elegance and fire he had 2 decades ago.

Smaller nets- The smaller nets have made for more goals by giving gifted playmakers more space in Gretzky’s office.

Totorella in Vancouver- Having Torts in Vancouver means we don’t hear his asinine thoughts on a daily basis and it lets the NY Rangers be the fun, exciting team their roster should be.

And now things I have hated

Stamkos Injury- Steve Stamkos injury was horrific to see happen to anyone but when it happens to a superstar, in his prime it’s sad. Tampa was a playoff team when it happened now they are struggling

The Islanders- The Isles are at the bottom of a mediocre to put it nicely conference. I had hope for the Isles this year, They have a young superstar ( Tavares) a good coach and they play with speed and grit but the Vanek trade was stupid , their defense has been bad and their goaltending worse.

Attendance in Florida- They should just move already. Bettman has to suck it up. Those empty seats are an eyesore. If people in south Florida want to see live hockey they should do it when they’re visiting their relatives up north.

No touch icing- There’s too many icing calls. No touch has made the game safer so I’ll accept that aspect but go back to the “the pass almost connected”” wave off the icing .Icings slow the game down.

Headshots- I hate them all. Suspensions should start at 10 games