Post by bluesgm on May 23, 2007 22:15:25 GMT -5
1. Calgary, 26-6-4; MVP: Alex TanguayWhat need be said about Calgary that can't be explained through their record? That they could maybe use more points from Iginla? Stellar all around
2. New York Rangers, 24-10-4; MVP: Jaromir JagrGM Scarface is banking on his aging core. Thusfar, the investment seems fully worthwhile, with Jagr (28-28-56) playing out of his mind.
3. Florida, 21-15-4; MVP: Mike Van RynEasily the surprise of the season, the surging Cats are relying on aging vets like Nieuwendyk (23-24-47) to steer the ship.
4. Pittsburgh, 22-13-1; MVP: Henrik SedinSay what you will about Malkin's torrid pace, but the rookie surprise of the year has to be Pens grinder David Clarkson (3-10-13, +7), who plays with veteran poise
5. Toronto, 22-15-1; MVP: Michael PecaWith a new GM comes new blood; McCabe-for-Pitkanen trade will either make or break this surging club; defense-first mentality emerging
6. Ottawa, 18-12-8; MVP: Mike ComrieSay what you will about the explosive Sens top-line, their best player on the year has been the reborn Comrie (27-17-44)
7. San Jose, 19-14-4; MVP: Joe ThorntonIt will only be a matter of time before the surging Sharks overtake the slumping Kings in the Pacific; Rookie Matt Carle a force (4-16-20, +16)
8. Anaheim, 20-15-4; MVP: Teemu SelanneThe Pronger trade had GM's across the lead scratching their heads...and with right reason. The hope is Sullivan (12-14-26) can be a difference-maker
9. Vancouver, 21-16-1; MVP: Roberto LuongoIf you thought the Pronger trade was a head-scratcher...try justifying dealing Sidney Crosby. Vezina-bound Luongo had better watch his back
10. Los Angeles, 20-14-4; MVP: Patrice BergeronBergeron (24-25-49) is the centerpiece around which this planet revolves. If there was a Hart trophy to give away today, he would be a surefire nominee
11. Nashville, 18-15-4; MVP: Paul KariyaVokoun had a rough start to the year, and is only starting to recover. When he is 100%, the talent on this club (Briere, Stastny, Weight, Afinogenov, etc.) makes it scary
12. Chicago, 20-14-2; MVP: Nikolai KhabibulinThe Hawks are experiencing an offensive lull, with only Havlat (17-19-36) exceeding 30 points. Can thank Khabibulin for spot.
13. Atlanta, 19-18-2; MVP: Pascal DupuisThe Crosby factor will re-energize the club, and the city. Dupuis defensive prowess has been overlooked, and is deserving of Selke consideration
14. New Jersey, 19-15-2; MVP: Martin St. LouisA team with this much firepower is surprisingly mute, with their defensive play (89 GA, 3rd in League) the most impressive, and telling, stat
15. Edmonton, 20-15-0; MVP: Ales HemskyQuietly putting together a respectable year, the Oilers, while still in need of top tier D, are rallying around the solid play of keeper Roloson
16. Phoenix, 18-14-3; MVP: Jeremy RoenickDesert Dogs are relying on the re-emergence of Roenick (11-18-29) and the solid-as-a-rock defense of Derek Morris to steer them towards the big dance
17. Colorado, 18-16-3; MVP: Marek ZidlickyAcquired in the Stastny trade, Zidlicky (15-12-27, +7) has solidified himself as an All-Star on the Denver Blueline. Sakic (16-24-40) an ageless wonder
18. Washington, 18-17-2; MVP: Alex OvechkinIf there is a center with a cushier job than Kris Beech (2-23-25 playing between Ovechkin and Semin), I'd like to meet him. Irregardless, Caps are in the hunt
19. Carolina, 18-17-3; MVP: Rod Brind'AmourFor the 'Canes to stay in the thick of things, they need a consistent offense, and an even more steady defense (127 GA 2nd worst in League)
20. Philadelphia, 18-16-2; MVP: Sergei GoncharFor the Flyers to keep up what has been a rather hot pace of late, they need scoring from more than just Nagy (15-18-33) and D-man Gonchar
21. Detroit, 17-16-3; MVP: Henrik ZetterbergThe unfortunate part about the Red-Wings mediocrity is that they do it while their cornerstone Lidstrom (11-18-29) is in the twilight of a great career
22. Boston, 16-15-3; MVP: Marc SavardThe emergence of Savard/Frolov as an offensive pairing holds promise for the future for the B's...if their meek goaltending situation fails to do the same
23. Buffalo, 18-18-0; MVP: Ryan MillerThere is simply nowhere else where so much talent (Richard, Forsberg, Nash) is used for such little offensive output (98 GF, worst in East)
24. New York Islanders, 15-18-3; MVP: Alexei YashinThe play of Yashin (21-24-45) has GOT to be a breath of fresh air to Isles management. Shame their defense has yet to hold up its end of the bargain.
25. Dallas, 16-20-2; MVP: Sergei ZubovPerhaps nowhere is there more puzzling a struggle than in the Dallas net, where Marty Turco looks lost. Zubov on an island alone in the +/- department
26. Montreal, 15-19-2; MVP: Alex KovalevThe message from Habs management to disgruntled but excelling forward Sergei Samsonov (9-23-32): be part of the solution, or we'll lose the problem.
27. Tampa Bay, 14-21-2; MVP: Chris DruryThe league's best GA (79) could be better aided by an improved offense (a league-worst 82 GF). Some offensive help for Drury and Zubrus would be a start
28. Columbus, 15-19-2; MVP: Sergei FedorovThe hope was that the acquisition of Lecavalier (16-7-23) would provide Columbus with an excellent 1/1A center spot. The reality is far different
29. St Louis, 14-20-2; MVP: Manny LegaceHeroic Goaltending from Legace (2.03 GAA, 2nd in League) not enough for a team clearly in rebuilding stage: can't wait to see Erik Johnson on that backline
30. Minnesota, 14-21-2; MVP: Pavol DemitraTough to explain the futility of the Wild. Could have to do with a meager defense or poor goaltending. Gaborik (20-10-30) needs to do SO much more
1st All-Star Team
Ovechkin (WSH)/Bergeron (LA)/Jagr (NYR)
Ohlund (ATL)/Zubov (DAL)
Kipprusoff (CGY)
...and to see Kipper representin' on the 1st All-Star team. 
