SB Nation - Dany Sabourin

Best (and worst) Free Agent signings by the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2000-09

Hooks Orpik — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:00:19 -0000

Yesterday we took a look at the draft picks, and by popular requests, here's a look at free agency hits and misses.

Free agency has been a tool that Pittsburgh hasn't used much. In the early part of the decade they couldn't afford the spending sprees that drunken GM's went on (like Bobby Holik's $45 million over 5 seasons back in 2002). Then when the salary cap was in effect, they could only afford to add bit pieces and stay under the cap.

Still, we have some guys to review and question -- either how they got the money they did or how the Penguins got such a steal! Yours, after the jump

Worst

#5 - Mark Recchi (signed in summer 2004, two year contract, signed in 2006, signed in summer 2007 one year deal with $1.75 million cap hit)

The term wasn't bad, but the player didn't mesh. Recchi played exclusively with Sidney Crosby, and it didn't seem like he had enough gas in the tank to keep up. Recchi was traded and won the Cup with Carolina in between his stints in Pittsburgh this decade, but by the start of the 2007-08 season he had only 8 points (and 2 goals) in the first 19 games and the Pens waived him.

#4 - Miroslav Satan (signed in summer 2008, one year contract $3.5 million cap hit)

Satan was another player that didn't work out. Though he wasn't terrible with 17 goals in 65 games, that isn't exactly awful, but who envisioned the team waiving him and having him play out 10 games in the minors to stay under the salary cap? Not the ideal situation for either party, though credit Satan's class of never complaining throughout the whole ordeal.

#3 - Dany Sabourin (signed in summer 2007, two year contract with a $512,000 cap hit per season)

Signed back from the Vancouver organization to be a reliable backup, Dany Sabourin was more of just a backup. His presence and contract kept Ty Conklin in the minors in '07 and Sabourin faired so rough the Pens decided to trade him away in '09 after he gave up 3+ goals in eight of nine appearances (some of them in relief).

#2 - John LeClair (signed in summer 2005, two year contract with a $1.8 million cap hit per season)

A part of Craig Patrick's post-lockout re-tool, the 36 year old winger was added to the Penguins. While he had a decent first season with 51 points in 73 games, LeClair was in full decline. He'd only score 2 goals (and 7 points) in the first 21 games of the 2006-07 before it was over. LeClair was waived, placed re-entry waivers, then unconditonally released by Pittsburgh and that was the sad end to a once stellar career.

#1 - Zigmund Palffy (signed in summer 2005, three year contract with a $4.5 million cap hit per season)

Palffy broke the number 1 rule, so he ends up at #1. He literally quit on the team, walking into the GM's office on an off-day and announcing "retirement". Shockingly, he's played in Slovakian league the past two seasons. Palffy had 42 points in 42 games with the Pens and seemed to be a decent fit with Crosby and the Pens. Whether he didn't like then-new coach Michel Therrien's defensive systems, or the losses in Pittsburgh or just felt tired of dealing with NHL level physical abuse, he quit and he's the goat of goats. (The NHL allowed his salary to come off the books upon his "retirement", if you were wondering).

Best

# 7 - Mike Rupp (signed in summer 2009, two year deal for $825,000 cap hit per year)

Ray Shero made an under the radar signing that set off alarms here, but now we see why. Rupp's been a great teammate, wiling to fight if someone's been wronged. But he's also shown an undiscovered scoring touch, scoring 9 goals in his first 32 games in a Pens jersey, when he'd only scored 27 goals in his whole 325 game career prior.

#6 - Matt Cooke (signed in summer 2008, two year deal for $1,200,000 cap hit per year)

Faced with the dilemma of having their resident sand-paper, gritty penalty killing forward demanding a three year contract, the Penguins let 33 year old Jarkko Ruutu go to Ottawa and brought in a very similiar player in 30 year old Matt Cooke. Cooke formed a bond with Tyler Kennedy and Jordan Staal, kills penalties well, and can pitch in limited offensive help.

#5 - Jay McKee (signed in summer 2009, one year deal for $800,000 cap hit)

McKee was looking to raise his profile around the league after being bought out by the St. Louis Blues. That gave him some money, so he didn't need a lot from his new team. The Penguins were needing a defensive replacement for departed players in Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill. Win meet win. And when everyone wins, the Penguins win.

#4 - Ty Conklin (signed in summer 2007, one year deal for $500,000 cap hit)

Conklin was signed as pure depth; he'd start the year in the AHL and only make his way up when Marc-Andre Fleury fell to injury. But when Conklin was in, the Penguins season was in the balance. Conklin went 18-8-5 with a 2.51 GAA and near-league leading .923 save percentage. He breathed life into the Pens season and once Fleury was back they took it within two games of winning it all.

#3 - Mark Eaton (signed in summer of 2006, $1.6 million cap hit per year; signed summer 2008, $2 million cap hit)

One of Shero's first moves in becoming GM of Pittsburgh was signing over a guy he knew from Nashville. Eaton hasn't disappointed, so long as he's been healthy, being a valued part of the Penguins' Stanley Cup winning team. He ranks this high on the list for his years of service, as well as being signed to reasonable contracts twice.

#2 - Petr Sykora (signed in summer 2007; $2.625 million cap hit per year)

Sykora chipped in 53 goals in two regular seasons, including 28 PP markers, and six more in the playoffs. Who could forget the 3 OT game to force a Game Six versus Detroit in the Stanley Cup final in '08. He was signed to score goals, and that's what he did, up to the point it was obvious he didn't mesh into Dan Bylsma's aggressive, skating heavy system.

#1 - Sergei Gonchar (signed in summer 2005; $5 million cap hit per year)

Amazingly, this was considered one of the worst contracts in it's infancy, as Gonchar had a difficult time adjusting to his new team and the unorganized system employed by former coach Ed Olczyk. But once he settled in and the team grew around him, Gonchar blossomed from an offensive-defenseman into a well-rounded #1 guy and leader of a Stanley Cup winning team.

So there you have it. Mind you, these weren't nearly all the signings, and I didn't consider re-signings (like bringing back Gary Roberts or Brooks Orpik) even though that possibly could be considered in-bounds. There's more good than bad, because, well I think the Penguins have managed free agency pretty well. It's not a staple of their team building philosophy, but that's by design. For the most part, free agency was used to augment the existing roster with bits and pieces. The one year it wasn't (2005), it's probably no coincidence that 2 of the 3 most noteworthy contracts are in the "bad" column.

Bruins send more players down to Providence

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 14:22:31 -0000

More photos » by Darren Calabrese - AP

Bruins placed goaltender Dany Sabourin on waivers with the intention of sending him down to the Providence Bruins.

Browse more photos »

The Bruins announced another round of cuts yesterday in order to trim their roster down in preparation for opening night. The Bruins placed the following players on waivers with the intention of sending them down to Providence: Dany Sabourin, Drew Fata, Drew Larman, Andy Wozniewski, Trent Whitfield, and Guillaume Lefebvre. The Bruins signed Lefebvre to a one-year deal prior to placing him on waivers. These players will all need to clear waivers before being assigned to Providence.

The Bruins also assigned four players with two-way contracts to Providence. Kirk MacDonald, Jeff LoVecchio, Adam McQuaid, and and Mikko Lehtonen will all head down 95 to join the AHL club.

Bruins hold on to beat Maple Leafs 3-2 in preseason action

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:35:01 -0000

More photos » by Darren Calabrese - AP

3 months ago: Boston Bruins' Steve Begin's helmet falls off during a fight with Toronto Maple Leafs' Andre Deveaux, right, during first-period NHL preseason hockey game action in Toronto on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Darren Calabrese)

Browse more photos »

The Bruins were able to hold on to edge out Toronto 3-2 in an exhibition game Wednesday night. The B's got goals from Steve Begin, Brad Marchand, and Andy Wozniewski, while Patrice Bergeron added assists on 2 of the Boston goals. Dany Sabourin made 25 stops to earn the win.

Tyler Bozak and Viktor Stalnerg found the back of the net for the Leafs.

The Bruins return to preseason action Saturday afternoon at 4:00 when they play host to the New York Rangers at TD Garden.

B's set to take on Leafs in preseason tilt

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:59:17 -0000

More photos » by Chris Young - AP

Browse more photos »

The Bruins are in Toronto tonight to take on the Maple Leafs (7:00, NHL Network). Most of the players that sat out last night's game will play tonight, plus Blake Wheeler, Matt Hunwick, Adam McQuaid, Vladimir Sobotka, Byron Bitz, Brad Marchand, Jamie Arniel and Tuukka Rask will also dress. Steve Begin, Patrice Bergeron, Drew Larmen, Andy Wozniewski, Mark Stuart, Dennis Wideman, Shawn Thornton, Derek Morris, Michael Ryder, Jeff LoVecchio, Guillaume Lefebvre, and Dany Sabourin round out tonight's lineup. Sabourin will get the nod in the Boston cage tonight.

Vesa Toskala and former Bruin Joey MacDonald will split time in goal for the Leafs tonight. The Leafs are dressing 1st round draft pick Nazem Kadri and offseason addition Garret Exelby. Expect to see a few dust-ups tonight, as the Leafs have decided to dress tough guys Colton Orr, Andre Deveaux, Phil Oreskovic, and Jay Rosehill. Christian Hanson (son of Slap Shot's Dave Hanson) and former Bruin Jason Allison are also expected to dress tonight for the Leafs.

Every ticket to tonight's game was given away for free by the Maple Leafs and Coca-Cola (there's a promotion you will never see in Boston). The game will air on NHL Network tonight at 7:00. I figured since we can actually watch this game on TV, we would do an open thread. Feel free to stop by here for the Public Skate (open thread) starting an hour before puck drop. For more on the Leafs, check out Pension Plan Puppets.

2009-10 Boston Bruins Season Preview

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:23:06 -0000

I was planning on writing my big season preview closer to the start of the regular season, but James Mirtle and the SBN Hockey crew decided to have 2 blogs write season previews for each the 15 days leading up to the start of the regular season (one from the East and one from the West each day). The order was determined by alphabetical order, so here is your early edition Bruins season preview.

2008-09 Season Recap

The B's surpassed all expectations last season, finishing first in the Eastern Conference with a regular season record of 53-19-10 (116 points) and regaining mainstream relevance in the Boston sports landscape. Goaltender Tim Thomasand defenseman Zdeno Chara both had career years in '08-'09, winning the Vezina and Norris respectively. 08-09 also saw the emergence of several young players including David Krejci (22-51-73), Phil Kessel (36-24-60), Blake Wheeler (21-24-45), Matt Hunwick (6-21-27, +15), Milan Lucic (17-25-42, 1 broken pane of glass) and Mark Stuart (5-12-17, +20). Offseason signing Michael Ryder proved the doubters wrong by potting 27 goals, while playmaker Marc Savard led the team in points (88) and assists (63).

The Bruins roared into the first round of the playoffs by dismantling the hated Montreal Canadiens in 4 games. However, the Bruins would hit a roadblock in the second road when the ran up against the Carolina Hurricanes. The B's took the Canes to 7 games, but ultimately Carolina would advance...on a goal from Scott Walker of all people.

Who's In

The Bruins didn't dive head-first into the free agent market this offseason but they were able to make a few additions that should help the hockey club.

Derek Morris (D, free agent signing)
The Bruins seemed to be lacking that highly-coveted puck-moving defenseman last season and struggled at times trying to start the attack from their own end of the rink. Hopefully, Derek Morris can be that guy for the B's this season.

Steve Begin (F, free agent signing)
Steve Begin was the guy that B's fans loved to hate when he was wearing Bleu, Blanc, et Rouge, but they will probably love him now that he is in Black & Gold. He a Grade A pest that will create traffic in front of the net and provide plenty of grit. Begin will likely fill the role vacated by Stephane Yelle...only with a little more nasty.

Tuukka Rask (G, call up)
The much-heralded goaltending prospect will likely get a crack at being a full-time NHL player this season. The 22 year old Finnish puckstopper will likely be the backup to Tim Thomas this season.

Dany Sabourin (G, free agent signing)
The Bruins signed Sabourin to give the Bruins some depth at the goalie position. It's never a bad thing to have another goalie with NHL experience.

Marco Sturm (LW, return from injury) and Patrice Bergeron (C, return from injury)
OK, so Sturm and Bergeron aren't technically additions to the team but it will be nice to have these guys healthy and back in the line-up.

Other Depth Additions: Matt Dalton (G), Trent Whitfield (C), Andy Wozniewski (D), Drew Larman (C), Drew Fata (D)

Who's Out

Aaron Ward (D, traded to Carolina)
The veteran defenseman was shipped back to his former team in a salary dump move. I have to say I am going to miss Ward Wednesdays on Toucher & Rich.

Steve Montador (D, signed with Buffalo)
The Steve Montador experiment didn't go exactly as planned.

Shane Hnidy (D, signed with Minnesota)
I can't say I am really sad to see The Sheriff leave town.

Phil Kessel (F, RFA/expected to be traded or sign elsewhere)
All summer long there has been a lot of speculation regarding Phil Kessel's future in Boston. At this point, it looks like #81's days in The Hub could be numbered.

Manny Fernandez (G, UFA/still looking for a team)
The oft-injured veteran goaltender was contemplating retirement after the Bruins let him walk at the end of the season, but decided to test the free agent waters. So far, there has not been any nibbles for Manny.

P.J. Axelsson(LW, UFA/signed with Swedish team)
The Bruins decided not to re-sign the long-tenured Bruin and P.J. returned to his home country. Axelsson's game started to decline a bit in the last few years, but his presence on the PK will be missed.

Stephane Yelle (C, UFA/signed with Carolina)
Yelle was solid defensively and at the dot last season, but I think others can fill this role just fine.

Team Strengths

Like most Claude Julien teams, the Bruins are strong in their own end of the rink and play a puck possession game, however that doesn't mean that they can't put the puck in the net. The Bruins are returning a solid nucleus of young talent with an extra year of experience under their belts. On paper, their goaltending is the strongest it has been in years, but this is the first time that Tim Thomas has been called upon to be the definitive starter. Hopefully, he can prove that last season wasn't a fluke.

Team Weaknesses

Last season, the Bruins did not fair well when they ran up against a team that forechecked aggressively. The Bruins need to do a better job off creating offense from the defensive zone and moving the puck. Derek Morris could help them out in this area. Depth on blue line could be an issue for the Bruins at some point during the season. Other than the top 6 defensemen, the B's don't have a lot of D-men with NHL experience. Also, if Kessel is sent packing, the Bruins will need to find a way to make up for his 36 goals. The penalty kill also took a big hit when PK specialist P.J. Axelsson left for Sweden.

Depth Chart

This is what the lineup could look like this year:

Milan Lucic - Marc Savard - Michael Ryder
Blake Wheeler - David Krejci - Mark Recchi
Marco Sturm - Patrice Bergeron - Chuck Kobasew
Shawn Thornton - Steve Begin - Byron Bitz/Vladimir Sobotka

Zdeno Chara - Derek Morris
Andrew Ference - Dennis Wideman
Matt Hunwick - Mark Stuart

Tim Thomas
Tuukka Rask

Depth/Minor League Forwards: Mikko Lehtonen, Jamie Arniel, Zach Hamill, Drew Larmen, Jeff LoVecchio, Jordan Knackstedt, Brad Marchand, Matt Marquardt, Trent Whitfield, Levi Nelson, Yannick Riendeau

Depth/Minor League Defensemen: Johnny Boychuk, Drew Fata, Andy Wozniewski, Andrew Bodnarchuk, Adam McQuaid, Jeff Penner, Zach McKelvie

Depth/Minor League Goaltenders: Dany Sabourin, Kevin Regan, Adam Courchaine, Matt Dalton

Predictions

This is the part I hate most about writing a season preview, because everyone can look back a few months from now and tell him how much of an idiot I am. I'm going to say that the Bruins will finish 3rd in the East (1st in the Northeast).

I'm looking forward to another great season of Bruins hockey and I hope you will all join me here at Stanley Cup of Chowder all season long.

Poll

So, what do you think? How will the Bruins finish in the East this year?

1st

118 votes

2nd

107 votes

3rd

48 votes

4th

14 votes

5th

3 votes

6th

3 votes

7th

1 votes

8th

2 votes

Miss Playoffs

3 votes

299 votes | Poll has closed

Could Sabourin battle Rask for #2 spot?

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:38:04 -0000

Entering training camp, everyone thought Tuukka Rask was set in stone as the back-up to Tim Thomas with the big club but according to Claude Julien, the #2 spot between the pipes is up for grabs. Julien believes that Dany Sabourin could just as easily be the back-up to Tim Thomas.

"I think Tuukka has to understand that he has a great opportunity here. He's got to seize it. He's got some competition. There's a guy by the name of Sabourin that's got some experience in this league and we've got some young guys pushing, as well. Realistically, it's probably more Sabourin/Rask competition [to] see who will be working with Timmy this year."

- Bruins Head Coach Claude Julien

While Julien is saying all the polite things to the media, "one prominent sports radio personality" that a Bruins-employed blogger would not mention by name has more faith in Rask. The unnamed sports pundit, who I can only assume is the same guy that is rumored to be banned from The Garden press box by Jacobs & Co. has even implied that Rask could battle Thomas of the starter's spot.

Despite the media clichés being batted around by Claude Julien, I think the back-up gig is Rask's job to lose. Sabourin might see some time up in Boston at some point this year, but Tuukka will be the #2 goaltender with the big club. I think Rask is ready to play at the NHL level. Some B's fans wanted to see him in Boston full-time a lot sooner, but I am glad that the Bruins gave him enough time to develop without rushing him up to the NHL level too soon. Tuukka Rask gained a lot more out of playing every night in Providence than rotting on the bench in Boston.

We'll see what happens in the battle between the guy with too many letters in his first name versus the guy with not enough. You can never have enough goaltending....or consecutive vowels.

Pick The Rival: The Northeast Division

Yankee Canuck — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:53:46 -0000

So far we've established that Vancouver fans have a bit of a problem when it comes to Ovechkin and the Caps as well as anyone donning a Rangers ~~dress~~ jersey.

Let's close out the East and turn our rival attention at the Northeast Division. Come along as we review what is commonly accepted as Vancouver's worst trade in franchise history, take a peek at a line brawl or two, remember the glorious "Vote For Rory" campaign with enough time left over to still hate on Alexander Daigle and watch Greg Adams send the Canucks into the Stanley Cup Finals in 1994.

Boston Bruins

Franchise Record: 106GP, 24W, 65L, 15T, 2OTL, 65pts

June 6, 1986 anyone? Maybe the exact date doesn't ring a bell, but a deal for Barry Pederson in exchange for some clown a mother named Cam Neely and a 1st round pick that turned into Glen Wesley probably should. For good reason, many still call this Vancouver's worst trade ever since it's not often a team that can't score loses the prototypical power forward of his generation. Not that Pederson was bad (two back to back 50 assist seasons ain't bad at all) but Cam Neely he wasn't. Pederson was traded a few seasons later to Pittsburgh where he won a Cup in 1991. Cam would go on to be the man in Boston, land in the HHOF in 2005 and - most importantly - give you a reason to like seabass again.

In the past decade Vancouver is 4-4 with three ties and two OTLs against Boston. However, Vancouver has failed to score against Boston since a 5-2 win in 2005; in 2006 Boston blanked them 2-0 and early last year Tim Thomas shut them down again in a 1-0 snoozefest.

Fun fact: Glancing at the franchise records shows the Bruins are one of a few Northeast teams that have historically pwned Vancouver. The Bruins have scored the third highest goals against the Canucks (4.07 a game) while, in return, the Canucks have scored the fourth fewest goals per game against the Bruins (2.78 a game). You'll have to wait until we get to the West to figure out, historically speaking, who Vancouver can't score against even if their lives depended on it.

And, for no particular reason, here is second-timer-around Dave Scatchard forcing then-Bruin Joe Thornton into his first fight (I forgot Thornton used to look more like a surfer than a hockey guy):

Buffalo Sabres

Franchise Record: 107GP, 44W, 43L, 19T, 1OTL, 108pts

Buffalo and Vancouver have hooked up for a few notable trades: Mogilny for Peca, Wilson and a first rounder (that turned into Jay McKee) in 1995, Brad May for Geoff Sanderson in 1999, Mika Noronen for a pick in 2006, Taylor Pyatt for a pick in 2006 and finally the Holy Bernier for a pick in 2008. Vancouver is 6-4-1-1 in the past decade against the Sabres though, honestly, none of them truly jump out at me except one: two years ago Dany Sabourin came ridiculously close to winning his first NHL game before the Sabres (then the best team in the East) stormed back, scored in the final minute of the game and won 4-3 in the SO. Let's not forget Rory Fitzpatrick either, the blue collar defenseman who gained notoriety three seasons ago during the "Vote For Rory" All-Star Ballot laughter we all had, laying the groundwork for Montreal's ballotbox stuffing initiative last year.

Fun fact(s): The Canucks first ever franchise road victory was a 4-1 win in Buffalo in October 1970. In that same game, Canucks goalie Dunc Wilson stopped the team’s first penalty shot against the Sabres Paul Andrea.

Also, in 1996 Mogilny became the 4th player in history to score 50 goals for two clubs (Buffalo/Vancouver). Hell Buffalo also can add Pat LaFontaine to that group too (NY Islanders/Buffalo)

Lastly, I present you this gem of a line brawl from over a decade ago. Forget Chicago, this one has it all: besides the Messier-led Vancouver team getting smoked, Sean Burke is hitting something that isn't his wife, you have Brashear jumping Peca and then another Sabre before it's all over, a young looking Hasek happy as hell he's on the bench and the announcer ends the clip telling Keenan and the Canucks to basically go fuck themselves. Bonus points: if you look real quick at the end of the clip you'll see a confused looking Bure on the bench too. Again, an absolute beauty.

Montreal Canadiens

Franchise Record: 112GP, 27W, 72L, 13T, 0OTL, 67pts

Les Habitants is probably the extent of my French language capabilities (wait, not true, I can probably say 'Les Miserables' correctly after two failed attempts).

I suspect the Canadiens will be an instant vote for some just based on cultural or regional hate. I can dig that (I dig all kinds of irrational hate). But let's look at the positives: in 1990, Montreal was kind enough to trade Jyrki Lumme to Vancouver for a second rounder that turned into Craig Darby who Vancouver would later reacquire in 2005 but never use. A year later they sent over Gerald Diduck for a fourth rounder (Vladimir Vujtek). Both Lumme and Diduck were big pieces to the 94 team (and Lumme is up there with Ohlund in franchise defenseman point records). In 1996 the Habs sent over Donald Brashear which guaranteed some McSorley-esque fun for a few seasons.

And in recent years Vancouver has been dominant over Montreal: 12-5-1 since 1999. In fact, up until last year's lame 3-0 loss, Vancouver hadn't lost to Montreal since November 30, 2000.

Now the bad news (which I'll put under the fun facts thereby making it seem more upbeat than it really is):

Fun fact: Vancouver's first trip to the playoffs came in their fifth season (in the old Smythe division). They won the division and earned a bye, so they lead off the second round against the Canadiens who beat them in five. The Canucks first ever playoff game? A 6-2 loss in the Montreal Forum. I haz a sad.

Stepping back, look at the franchise record between Vancouver and Montreal above. See those 67 points? That represents the worst points percentage Vancouver has historically against any team. In other words, when considering the frequency of games and the win/losses over the past four decades, no one beats Vancouver more efficiently than Montreal. I'll wait while you grab the gin. No need for the glass, just imbibe from the bottle.

Now that I have you upset, let's get a smile back on yer mug with another old school line brawl (I think it's from 1987) and wait until 4:35 for some, um, quality Montreal trim to make a showing. Heck let the video run until the end for some bonus Jets/Flyers violence too.

Ottawa Senators

Franchise Record: 25GP, 13W, 10L, 2T, OTL, 28pts

Another Canadian team, so here's another chance to cultivate some family-friendly hatred. Case in point:

Ottawa Senators: Probably the worst and gayest team to ever play a game in the NHL.

If you ignore the Shannon/Nycholat deal from last summer, I believe there's only been one other trade between Vancouver and Ottawa and that involved your favorite duct-taped soul Sami Salo. Back in 2002 Vancouver acquired Glass Joe in exchange for Peter Schaefer which turned out to be a good deal since Salo is still (some would say regrettably) a top four player while Schaefer spent last year playing for the Providence Bears (Boston's AHL affiliate) and was bought out by Boston this past June.

Some notables have split time between the two teams, including the original third Sedin Magnus Arvedson, Jarkko Ruutu, Grant Ledyard, Bryan Smolinski and Brad Isbister (snicker).

In the past decade Vancouver has an 8-7 record against Ottawa and hasn't lost to them since March 2004.

Fun fact: Alexander Daigle's short lived entertainment company, Imposter Entertainment, has the most annoying website navigation I have ever seen. And, if you're so inclined, his email address is still listed. Do wish him the best with his HC Davos career.

Also, just to annoy Zanny, here's Naslund going end to end against the Sens:

Toronto Maple Leafs

Franchise Record: 128GP, 54W, 50L, 22T, 2TL, 132pts

The last Canadian team in the division (alphabetically anyway) is probably the one that's going to irk the most folks. I'm the worst person to explain the Leafs hate because I'm a xenophobic American who can't read and owns many, many firearms. Could be the whole "center of the universe" thing or maybe it's literally maple leaf envy, I don't know. I'd say ask Zandberg but he used to like the Leafs so I'm afraid we're both equally useless.

The Leafs were kind enough to send over Tiger Williams and Jerry Butler in exchange for Rick Vaive and Bill Derlago in 1980. Tiger Williams is heavily respected in Vancouver lore (though his particular brand of goal celebrations looks creepier with age). I couldn't validate something I saw on Wikipedia, but they claim Williams still holds the record for most penalty minutes in the playoffs for both teams (not too far a stretch considering he still holds the league career record for most PIMs by a single player). Fast forward to 1995 when Toronto swapped Mike Ridley in exchange for Sergio Momesso (Ridley played two seasons for Vancouver before retiring while Momesso's stop in Toronto was a forgettable 54 game affair). The teams have had a number of smaller deals over the years (for failed prospects on both sides) and fans for both will forever be able to bicker when the names Felix Potvin, Kyle Wellwood, Mats Sundin and Brian Burke come up. Fine, Dave Nonis too.

In the past decade Vancouver is an even 8-8-2-2 against the Leafs but hasn't been on the losing end against them since 2003.

Fun Fact: Vancouver's first ever NHL victory? The second game in their inaugural 1970 season, they beat the Leafs at home 5-3. Wayne Maki scored two goals in the effort.

And since we already brought up Potvin, enjoy watching Greg Adams beat him in the second OT of the 1994 Western Conference final to send Vancouver into the SCF against New York:

Poll

Who is Vancouver's biggest Northeast division rival?

Boston Bruins

29 votes

Buffalo Sabres

15 votes

Montreal Canadiens

50 votes

Ottawa Senators

7 votes

Toronto Maple Leafs

196 votes

297 votes | Poll has closed

A Quick And Early Look At The Northwest Division Rivals

Sean Zandberg — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 07:59:19 -0000

NHL.com has just listed the Canucks as one of their top 10 teams on the rise, saying:

Losing Mattias Ohlund could hurt, but that was buried under the important re-signings of the Sedin twins. Roberto Luongo is at the top of his game and will be motivated by the opportunity to get hot and start for Canada in the Olympics. Alex Burrows, Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa and Alexander Edler only are getting better. Mikael Samuelsson, signed away from the Detroit Red Wings can make the power play better.

Convincing, huh? No not really. However, are the Canucks really worse off on paper than last year? Not really. I just find it odd that the writer calls them a team on the rise when they already won the Northwest Division title. Alas, you never know what can happen, and so many variables are involved (like what division rivals are doing in the off season).

Note: No other Northwest Division teams made the list.

Here's a quick look at how the other teams in our division are shaping up this summer. NOTE: **Yes, every other team in the NW has made a coaching change, as the guys quickly reminded me)** But I'm just focusing on the player additions.

CALGARY FLAMES

IN: D Jay Bouwmeester, F Fredrick Sjostrom

OUT: D Adrian Aucoin, F Todd Bertuzzi, F Mike Cammalleri, D Anders Eriksson, F Jamie Lundmark, F Warren Peters, F Andre Roy, D Rhett Warrener

Cap Spending: $54.29 million

Adding the coveted Bouwmeester meant that the Flames had to part ways with Mike Cammalleri. They have so much money invested in Bouwmeester, Phaneuf, Jokinen, Iginla and Kiprusoff that they can spend no more. They are now thick on D and more shallow up front. I still think the addition of Olli Jokinen at the deadline was a joke, yet he may rack up the points this year as he plays more with the team. Who knows. Glad they have him and not us.

Better or Worse? Potentially worse. Secondary scoring may be quite tough to come by beyond Iginla, Jokinen and Langkow.

EDMONTON OILERS

IN: G Nicolai Khabibulin

OUT: F Ales Kotalik, G Dwayne Roloson, G Dany Sabourin, D Jason Strudwick

Cap Spending: $51.40 million.

Not much change here except between the pipes, where Khabibulin may be an upgrade over Dwayne Roloson. I say "may be" because the Oilers are a run and gun team. Khabby is going to see a lot more quantity and quality shots in Edmonton. Let's see how he fares with that.

Edmonton's fate lies with the health of Sheldon Souray and Lubomir Visnovsky. They have over $13 million invested in those 2 defencemen. Madness I say. Up front they have a lot of young guys who may find their stride after sophomore seasons and what-not.

Are they going to add Dany Heatley or not? He could change the Coilers' fortunes.

Better or Worse? About the same.

MINNESOTA WILD

IN: F Martin Havlat, potentially F Kyle Brodziak (RFA), D Greg Zanon, G Wade Dubielwicz

OUT: D Marc-Andre Bergeron, D Kurtis Foster, F Marian Gaborik, F Krys Kolanos, F Corey Locke, F Bryan Lundbohm, D Tomas Mojzis, G Nolan Schaefer, D Jesse Schultz, D Martin Skoula, F Stephane Veilleux,

Cap Spending: $51.43 million

I am still laughing at the Wild letting injury-prone Marian Gaborik go and then acquiring injury-prone Martin Havlat. I don't care if Havlat played 81 games last season. Look at his track record. Plus it was a contract year. Let's start placing bets on how many games he plays this year. I'll start the betting with 55 games.

The Wild need more help up front, and they may just get that as trading Josh Harding is imminent.

Better or Worse? Worse

COLORADO AVALANCHE

IN: D Tom Preissing, D Kyle Quincey, G Craig Anderson, and Potentially 1st Round Draft Pick Matt Duchene

OUT: F Tyler Arnason, F Jesse Boulerice, F Ben Guite, F Ian Laperriere, F Matt Hendricks, F Per Ledin, D Aaron MacKenzie, D Lawrence Nycholat, G Andrew Raycroft, F Joe Sakic, F Nathan Smith, D Daniel Tjarnqvist, F Brian Willsie, F Cody McCormick

Cap Spending: $49.71 million

It's all about rebuilding for the Avalanche. especially up front. The goaltending and defence are set and more experienced. Canucks fans may get a good look at Matt Duchene, a former teammate of Cody Hodgson. It will be a mighty surprise if the Avalanche make the playoffs this year, but at least they are taking the right steps. Losing Sakic's presence will hurt, just as it did last season, but at least they have an upgrade in goal adding Craig Anderson.

Better or Worse? A bit better. They can't be any worse than last year's 69 points.

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Considering how often we play these teams each year I'm feeling optimistic. But you can never take any of these teams for granted. The Canucks are going to have to play better against lesser teams than they did last year.

Like I said, this is a quick and early look at these teams. They still have lots of summer left to tinker with their rosters.

Bruins sign Drew Fata and Dany Sabourin

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:35:24 -0000

The Bruins have added some depth by signing defenseman Drew Fata and goalie Dany Sabourin. Both players were signed to one year deals. The terms of the deals have not been disclosed.

Drew Fata is a physical stay-at-home defenseman. Fata, who will turn 26 later this month, has been a career minor leaguer, but had a few cups of coffee with the big club. He appeared in 8 regular season NHL games for the New York Islanders between 2006 and 2008. In 75 games split between the Binghamton Senators and San Antonio Rampage this season, Fata recorded 16 points (7-9-16) and 141 PIMs. According to HockeyFights.com, Fata had 13 fighting majors this season. It looks like this move was made to fill out the roster down in Providence and add a little grit to the Baby B's blue line.

Drew Fata

#0 / Defenseman

Height: 6-1

Weight: 220

Born: Jul 28, 1983

This is not the proudest moment of Drew Fata's career:

Dany Sabourin has 57 games of NHL experience between the pipes with a career record of 18-25-4 and a GAA of 2.87. He appeared in 19 games for the Pittsburgh Penguins this year, compiling a record of 6-8-2 with a 2.85 GAA and .898 save percentage. He was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in January, but was waived by the Oilers shortly after the trade. I would expect Sabourin to end up in Providence this season. My guess is that the logic behind this signing was to have a goalie with some NHL experience as an insurance policy. I think it is still safe to assume that Tuukka Rask will be the backup to Tim Thomas in Boston next season.

Dany Sabourin

#30 / Goalie

Height: 6-4

Weight: 200

Born: Sep 02, 1980

2009 NHL Free Agency / Teams by Cap Space / Unsigned UFA's and RFA's

Robert L — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:19:41 -0000

This is a listing of NHL teams by order of remaining cap space as of July 4. The Islanders top the list with approximately $23M left to spend. The Sharks have just under $2M remaining. The list is helpful in determining which team are closest to filling out their 2009-10 lineup. As one can see, there is much work to be done at both ends of the spectrum. The numbers figures are based on totals given by NHL Numbers.com.

1 - New York Islanders: $23.265 (18)

UFA: Andy Hilbert C 28, Dean McAmmond C 36, Mike Sillinger C 38, Thomas Pock D 27, Yann Danis G 28, Joey MacDonald G 29.

RFA: Nate Thompson C 24, Jeremy Colliton C 24, Jamie Fraser D 23, Jack Hillen D 23.

2 - Phoenix Coyotes: $21.972 (18)

UFA: Brian McGrattan R 27, Dmitri Kalinin D 29, Ken Klee D 38.

RFA: Nigel Dawes L 24, Joakim Lindstrom C 25, Enver Lisin R 23, Scottie Upshall R 25, Daniel Winnik C 24, Keith Yandle D 22.

3 - Atlanta Thrashers: $19.599 (15)

RFA: Eric Perrin C 33.

UFA: Kari Lehtonen G 25, Colby Armstrong R 26, Jim Slater C 26, Boris Valabik D 23.

4 - Nashville Predators: $17.913 (16)

UFA: Radek Bonk C 33, Scott Nichol C 34, Greg de Vries D 36.

RFA: Ryan Jones R 25, Antti Pihlstrom L 24,.