I was thinking it might be helpful to create a Photo Meme gallery of sorts, so we could have one simple thread to refer back to in the future for a well timed photo meme gag in future comment threads.

I don't think it necessarily matters if the photos contain former Capitals. It would still be fun to have those handy as well.

 
Some examples I could locate quickly:

Feel free to post others in the comments below. If you have one that drops an F-Bomb, could you also provide one that adheres to the FX network's language guidelines as well? Thanks in advance to everyone for their help.

I know that several regulars have started their own Beard-A-Thon profiles. Some of us did it as an excuse to give work. Others, as an excuse for girlfriends or wives. But at the end of the day, we're all doing it to help support local youth hockey via Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena. From the Washington Capitals Beard-A-Thon page: 

 

Washington Capitals Charities will be donating all proceeds from the 2011 Beard-A-Thon to Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena. Fort Dupont is the only public indoor ice arena located in Washington, D.C., and the only skating facility in the area that provides free or subsidized skating programs to children. Its Kids On Ice programs provide free figure skating, hockey and speed skating lessons to vulnerable and economically disadvantaged youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn these sports. Lessons learned on the ice, such as teamwork, respect, hard work and discipline, translate to lessons learned in the classroom and beyond.  Friends of Fort Dupont Ice Arena partners with public and private schools, summer camps, churches and local community organizations to promote and deliver its programs to more than 7,000 children per year.

 

So for those who don't mind sharing, post your profile link below. If readers are so inclined, they are welcome to make a donation. It's all in good fun, and it supports a good cause. But at the end of the playoffs, we only hope our bears turn out as awesome as this one

via 3.bp.blogspot.com

Through a series of pre (and early season) polls, readers of the rink voted to predict the final 2010-2011 Eastern Conference standings. So...how did we do? 

Our Predictions to the left, actual standings to the right in bold. 

1) Washington Capitals 1) CORRECT!

2) Pittsburgh Penguins 2) Philadelphia Flyers (+3 above predicted finish)

3) Boston Bruins 3) CORRECT!

4) New Jersey Devils 4) Pittsburgh Penguins (-2 below predicted finish)

5) Philadelphia Flyers 5) Tampa Bay Lightning (+2 above predicted finish)

6) Buffalo Sabres 6) Montreal Canadiens (+4 above predicted finish)

7) Tampa Bay Lightning 7) Buffalo Sabres (-1 below predicted finish)

8) Ottawa Senators 8) New York Rangers (+1 above predicted finish)

9) New York Rangers 9) Carolina (+3 above predicted finish)

10) Montreal Canadiens 10) Toronto (+3 above predicted finish)

11) Atlanta Thrashers 11) New Jersey (-7 below predicted finish)

12) Carolina Hurricanes 12) Atlanta Thrashers (-1 below predicted finish)

13)  Toronto Maple Leafs 13) Ottawa Senators (-5 below predicted finish)

14) New York Islanders 14) CORRECT!

15) Florida Panthers 15) CORRECT!

We were only correct on 4 out of 15 results, and were strong at the very top, and very bottom of the conference predictions. 

We predicted within 1 standings position for 3 others teams (Buffalo, New York Rangers, Atlanta Thrashers). 

The teams that disappointed us the most were New Jersey who finished 7 spots below their predicted finish, and Ottawa who finished 5 positions lower. 

The team that was most under estimated was Montreal, who finished 4 positions higher than predicted. I think many of us were still feeling bitter about being Halak'd in the playoffs, and expected the team to regress after trading the playoff hero to St Louis. 

So who were your biggest surprises of the season? Disappointments? 

Was this a fun enough exercise for us to do all over again heading into next season?

Original Posts

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #1  

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed # 2

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #3

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #4

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #5

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #6

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #7

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #8

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #9

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #10

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #11

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #12

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #13

Prediction: Eastern Conference Seed #14

Most Caps fans should remember this from Game 5 of the Washington Capitals/ New York Rangers series in 2009

Torts Gone Wild ! Torterella Suspended Game 6 Stanley Cup Playoffs vs Capitals (via HockeyBash)

Naturally, members of the Japers' Rink community worked together to generate an appropriate response, and the original Operation Poncho was put into action for game 7. 

via i339.photobucket.com

Dan Steinberg blogged about it, fans were featured in photos that appeared on news sites all over the world, and we all celebrated as the Capitals won in dramatic fashion in game 7. 

With the Rangers coming to town, I propose we do our part as fans to try and get under Torterella's skin a little, right from the start of the series. We need a community wide effort to locate and purchase some ponchos, preferably red, to distribute along with some signs to the Capitals fans seated behind the visiting team's bench before games 1 and 2.

I've only looked in 2 stores so far, but have been unable to find anything besides clear see through ponchos. Red would obviously be more noticeable, so if you have the time, see what you can find in stores near  you. 

Let's keep the efforts organized in the comments section. Who is with me?

Toronto locked up #13 in our predictions, probably about where most would have predicted they'd end up BEFORE the season began, if I hadn't neglected my duties. I know some people, including me, thought they could compete for a 7 or 8 seed, but thought it was unlikely. It'll be interesting to see how this shakes out. 

Final Poll: Who finishes 14th, and by default, who finishes dead last

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2)  Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688

3)  Boston Bruins: (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: .$63,108,332.  Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

4)  New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

5)  Philadelphia Flyers:  41-35-6, 88 points, 3rd in Atlantic, 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,459,763. Cap space (including bonuses) $877,737.

6) Buffalo Sabres: (45-27-10, 100 points, 1st in the Northeast, 3rd in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $55,517,024. Cap space (including bonuses) $4,822,976

7) Tampa Bay Lightning:  34-36-12, 80 points, fourth in the Southeast, 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $53,034,416. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,820,584.

8) Ottawa Senators : 44-32-6, 94 points, 2nd in Northeast, 5th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,220,833. Cap space (including bonuses) $604,167.

9) New York Rangers:  38-33-11, 87 points, 4th in the Atlantic, 9th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll:  $57,751,667. Cap space (including bonuses) $3,260,833.

10) Montreal Canadiens: (39-33-10, 88 points, 4th in the Northeast, 8th in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,046,727. Cap space (including bonuses) $778,273.  

11) Atlanta Thrashers (35-34-13, 83 points, 2nd in the Southeast, 10th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10).

Current CapGeek.com cap payroll:  $46,466,666, cap space (including bonuses) $17,388,334. 

12) Carolina Hurricanes:  (35-37-10, 80 points, 3rd in the Southeast, 11th in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $49,945,833. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,469,167

13) Toronto Maple Leafs: 30-38-14, 74 points, 5th in the Northeast, 15th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $64,129,166. Cap space (including bonuses) $-274,166.

Continue reading this post »

Carolina falls into the 12 spot. 3 teams, two polls left. Have at it. 

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2)  Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688

3)  Boston Bruins: (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: .$63,108,332.  Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

4)  New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

5)  Philadelphia Flyers:  41-35-6, 88 points, 3rd in Atlantic, 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,459,763. Cap space (including bonuses) $877,737.

6) Buffalo Sabres: (45-27-10, 100 points, 1st in the Northeast, 3rd in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $55,517,024. Cap space (including bonuses) $4,822,976

7) Tampa Bay Lightning:  34-36-12, 80 points, fourth in the Southeast, 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $53,034,416. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,820,584.

8) Ottawa Senators : 44-32-6, 94 points, 2nd in Northeast, 5th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,220,833. Cap space (including bonuses) $604,167.

9) New York Rangers:  38-33-11, 87 points, 4th in the Atlantic, 9th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll:  $57,751,667. Cap space (including bonuses) $3,260,833.

10) Montreal Canadiens: (39-33-10, 88 points, 4th in the Northeast, 8th in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,046,727. Cap space (including bonuses) $778,273.  

11) Atlanta Thrashers (35-34-13, 83 points, 2nd in the Southeast, 10th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10).

Current CapGeek.com cap payroll:  $46,466,666, cap space (including bonuses) $17,388,334. 

12) Carolina Hurricanes:  (35-37-10, 80 points, 3rd in the Southeast, 11th in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $49,945,833. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,469,167

Continue reading this post »

The Atlanta Thrashers take the 11 seed. 4 teams remain. Who will finish 12th?

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2)  Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688

3)  Boston Bruins: (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: .$63,108,332.  Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

4)  New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

5)  Philadelphia Flyers:  41-35-6, 88 points, 3rd in Atlantic, 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,459,763. Cap space (including bonuses) $877,737.

6) Buffalo Sabres: (45-27-10, 100 points, 1st in the Northeast, 3rd in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $55,517,024. Cap space (including bonuses) $4,822,976

7) Tampa Bay Lightning:  34-36-12, 80 points, fourth in the Southeast, 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $53,034,416. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,820,584.

8) Ottawa Senators : 44-32-6, 94 points, 2nd in Northeast, 5th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,220,833. Cap space (including bonuses) $604,167.

9) New York Rangers:  38-33-11, 87 points, 4th in the Atlantic, 9th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll:  $57,751,667. Cap space (including bonuses) $3,260,833.

10) Montreal Canadiens: (39-33-10, 88 points, 4th in the Northeast, 8th in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,046,727. Cap space (including bonuses) $778,273.  

Current CapGeek.com cap payroll:  $46,466,666, cap space (including bonuses) $17,388,334. 

Continue reading this post »

The Montreal Canadiens take a couple steps back from the final playoff spot to the 10 seed. Who will be on their heels at 11?

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2)  Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688

3)  Boston Bruins: (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: .$63,108,332.  Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

4)  New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

5)  Philadelphia Flyers:  41-35-6, 88 points, 3rd in Atlantic, 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,459,763. Cap space (including bonuses) $877,737.

6) Buffalo Sabres: (45-27-10, 100 points, 1st in the Northeast, 3rd in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $55,517,024. Cap space (including bonuses) $4,822,976

7) Tampa Bay Lightning:  34-36-12, 80 points, fourth in the Southeast, 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $53,034,416. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,820,584.

8) Ottawa Senators : 44-32-6, 94 points, 2nd in Northeast, 5th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,220,833. Cap space (including bonuses) $604,167.

9) New York Rangers:  38-33-11, 87 points, 4th in the Atlantic, 9th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll:  $57,751,667. Cap space (including bonuses) $3,260,833.

10) Montreal Canadiens: (39-33-10, 88 points, 4th in the Northeast, 8th in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,046,727. Cap space (including bonuses) $778,273.  

Continue reading this post »

In the closest voting we've had thus far, the New York Rangers squeaked by the Montreal Canadiens by just 3 votes for the right to be our predicted #9 seed. 6 teams left to sort through. Who finished #10?

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2)  Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688

3)  Boston Bruins: (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: .$63,108,332.  Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

4)  New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

5)  Philadelphia Flyers:  41-35-6, 88 points, 3rd in Atlantic, 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,459,763. Cap space (including bonuses) $877,737.

6) Buffalo Sabres: (45-27-10, 100 points, 1st in the Northeast, 3rd in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $55,517,024. Cap space (including bonuses) $4,822,976

7) Tampa Bay Lightning:  34-36-12, 80 points, fourth in the Southeast, 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $53,034,416. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,820,584.

8) Ottawa Senators : 44-32-6, 94 points, 2nd in Northeast, 5th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,220,833. Cap space (including bonuses) $604,167.

9) New York Rangers:  38-33-11, 87 points, 4th in the Atlantic, 9th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll:  $57,751,667. Cap space (including bonuses) $3,260,833.

Continue reading this post »

The predicted playoff teams have been set. Only one team from last season's top 8 will be on the outside looking in. Who are the best of the rest? Let's start by voting on the #9 seed below.

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2)  Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688

3)  Boston Bruins: (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: .$63,108,332.  Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

4)  New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

5)  Philadelphia Flyers:  41-35-6, 88 points, 3rd in Atlantic, 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,459,763. Cap space (including bonuses) $877,737.

6) Buffalo Sabres: (45-27-10, 100 points, 1st in the Northeast, 3rd in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $55,517,024. Cap space (including bonuses) $4,822,976

7) Tampa Bay Lightning:  34-36-12, 80 points, fourth in the Southeast, 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $53,034,416. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,820,584.

8) Ottawa Senators : 44-32-6, 94 points, 2nd in Northeast, 5th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,220,833. Cap space (including bonuses) $604,167.

Continue reading this post »

The Tampa Bay Lightning are the first team voted into the top 8 that didn't make the playoffs last season. Will the final playoff seed be a new comer as well? Or will the Ottawa Senators or Montreal Canadiens squeeze into a post season berth?

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2)  Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688

3)  Boston Bruins: (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: .$63,108,332.  Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

4)  New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

5)  Philadelphia Flyers:  41-35-6, 88 points, 3rd in Atlantic, 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,459,763. Cap space (including bonuses) $877,737.

6) Buffalo Sabres: (45-27-10, 100 points, 1st in the Northeast, 3rd in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $55,517,024. Cap space (including bonuses) $4,822,976

7) Tampa Bay Lightning:  34-36-12, 80 points, fourth in the Southeast, 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $53,034,416. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,820,584.

Continue reading this post »

With the the Buffalo Sabres winning the vote as the predicted #6 seed, we have yet to see any non playoff teams from 2009-2010 predicted to play more than 82 games this season. Will that change with final two seeds? Or are we simply expecting a shuffling of the deck of last year's playoff teams?

*NOTE - I updated the New York Rangers salary cap space information in lieu of Wade Redden departure from the team via waivers. 

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2)  Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688

3)  Boston Bruins: (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: .$63,108,332.  Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

4)  New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

5)  Philadelphia Flyers:  41-35-6, 88 points, 3rd in Atlantic, 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,459,763. Cap space (including bonuses) $877,737.

6) Buffalo Sabres: (45-27-10, 100 points, 1st in the Northeast, 3rd in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $55,517,024. Cap space (including bonuses) $4,822,976

Continue reading this post »

According to the votes, Japers' Rink commenters (and lurkers) expect 3 Atlantic Division teams to finish in the top 5. With only 3 playoff spots remaining, who else will make the cut?

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2)  Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688

3)  Boston Bruins: (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: .$63,108,332.  Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

4)  New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

5)  Philadelphia Flyers:  41-35-6, 88 points, 3rd in Atlantic, 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,459,763. Cap space (including bonuses) $877,737.

Continue reading this post »

According to 55% of our voters, the New Jersey Devils are the predicted 4th seed in the Eastern Conference, in the first poll that wasn't a complete blow out . Who will finish 5th? Vote below, and be sure to support your vote with comments.

Previews for the remaining teams are included below. Refer to the original post HERE for all 14 Eastern Conference teams. 

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2) Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688

3) Boston Bruins: (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: .$63,108,332.  Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

4) New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

Continue reading this post »

3 polls, 3 runaway winners. The Boston Bruins joined the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins as predicted division champions in the East. How will the rest of the conference shake out? Vote below, and be sure to support your vote with comments below.  Now is where the voting should get a little more interesting. 

Previews for the remaining teams are included below. Refer to the original post HERE for all 14 Eastern Conference teams. 

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2) Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688.

3) Boston Bruins:  (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: $66,087,771. Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

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The Pittsburgh Penguins were voted in as our predicted #2 seed, joining the Washington Capitals at the top of the Eastern Conference. With representatives from both the Southeast and the Atlantic representing the top two seeds, the third seed must be the Northeast division winner. The remaining Southeast and Atlantic teams will return to the poll beginning with the 4th seed.

The original predictions post, with previews for all 15 eastern Conference teams can be found HERE. Previews for the remaining teams are included below. 

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

2) Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688.

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In a shocking twist, Japers Rink community voted the Capitals as the likely #1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and now it's time to vote for the #2 seed. Since the top 3 seeds in the conference are division winners, the remaining Southeast teams will be left out of the poll until its time to vote for seed #4. 

Be sure to discuss your vote in the comments section. For mini previews on teams already voted in, and for results of the first place vote, refer to the original post HERE.

The Japers' Rink Community Predicted Eastern Conference Standings

1) Washington Capitals (54-15-13, 121 points, 1st in the Southeast, 1st in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $54,931,796. Cap space remaining (including bonuses) $5,318,204. 

remaining teams:

Atlanta Thrashers (35-34-13, 83 points, 2nd in the Southeast, 10th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10).

Current CapGeek.com cap payroll:  $46,466,666, cap space (including bonuses) $17,388,334. 

Key additions: Dustin Byfuglien (trade, Chicago), Nigel Dawes (UFA, Calgary), Ben Eager (trade, Chicago), Andrew Ladd (trade, Chicago), Chris Mason (UFA, St. Louis), Freddy Meyer (UFA, Islanders), Fredrik Modin (UFA, Los Angeles) Patrick Rissmiller (trade, Rangers), Brent Sopel (trade, Chicago)

Key losses: Maxim Afinogenov (UFA, SKA St. Petersburg, KHL) Colby Armstrong (UFA, Toronto), Evgeny Artyukhin (UFA, unsigned), Johan Hedberg (UFA, New Jersey), Slava Kozlov (UFA, unsigned), Pavel Kubina (UFA, Tampa Bay), Clarke MacArthur (UFA, Toronto), Marty Reasoner (trade, Chicago), Todd White (trade, New York Rangers)

Anybody who thinks the Thrashers are dead in the water in the post Kovalchuk era should think again. Atlanta finished the year a respectable 7-5-2 in their last 14 games without their departed captain. A flurry of off-season activity saw them add goalie Chris Mason, several players from the Stanley Cup winning Blackhawks, and a handful of other servicable NHL vets. Despite the heavy player turnover, their most important off-season move may have been "promoting" long time GM Don Waddell to a different front office position.

While they lack elite talent up front, but the Thrashers have added size and grit to the lineup that will make life difficult for opposing defensmen. Atlannta boasts a respectable young blue line that could surprise, and a capable tadem in net with a likely platoon of Mason and Andrej Pavalec. They might not be the most talented team in the East, but they should be able to hang close and give teams with superior skill fits throughout the course of the season.  

Boston Bruins:  (39-30-13, 91 points, 3rd in the Northeast, 6th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-10)

Current Capgeek.com  cap payroll: $66,087,771. Cap space (after bonuses): $-3,087,771

Key additions:RW Nathan Horton (trade, Florida), C Tyler Seguin (2010 draft), C Gregory Campbell (trade, Florida)

Key losses: D Dennis Wideman (trade, Florida), C Vladimir Sobotka (trade, St. Louis)

After scoring the second most goals in the league in 2008-2009, the Bruins finished 2009-2010 second to last in goals for. Their leading scorer? Patrice Bergeron with 19-33-52 in 73 games, which would have been good for 7th overall on the Capitals. The Bruins underperformed from top to bottom, but injuries to Marc Savard (41 GP) and Milan Lucic (50 GP) were a significant part of last seasons goal scoring problems. With recent reports that Savard is suffering from post-concussion syndrome, should Bruins fans fear the worst? Or will  #2 overall draft pick Tyler Sequin pick up some of the slack.

The Bruins are led defensively by Norris Trophy winner Zdeno Charra and Dennis Seidenberg, but look a little thin in the bottom two pairings. Tuukka Rask took over the starting goal tender position from Vezina winning Tim Thomas, who looks to rebound from a disappointing season. Thomas had off season hip surgery but should beready for camp.

Buffalo Sabres: (45-27-10, 100 points, 1st in the Northeast, 3rd in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $55,517,024. Cap space (including bonuses) $4,822,976

Key additions: D Jordan Leopold (UFA, Pittsburgh), D Shaone Morrisonn (UFA, Washington), C Rob Neidermayer (UFA, Anaheim), D Tim Conboy (UFA, Carolina)

Key Losses: D Toni Lydman (UFA, Anaheim), D Henrik Tallinder (UFA, New Jersey), LW Raffi Torres (UFA Vancouver), C Tim Kennedy (UFA, NYR)

Ryan Miller had an outstanding season en route to his first Vezina trophy, Tyler Myers had an outstanding rookie season en route to the Calder trophy, and the Sabres spread the scoring around in a season that saw 13 different players on their final roster finish with double digits in goals. Tim Connolly finally stayed healthy and put up 65 points in 73 games after playing in only 98 games total over the previous 3 seasons.

Still, there were points of concern for the Sabres. Thomas Vanek regressed, scoring 12 fewer goals and 11 fewer points than in 08-09 (in only 2 fewer games), and saw his PPG production cut in half from 20 to 10.That's not the type of production you want to see from your $7.143 million dollar man. After failing to qualify the previous 2 seasons, the Sabres lost in the first round of the playoffs, despite Ryan Miller's .926 save %.

The fowards remain essentially intact this season from last, while the blue line will have a new look with Leopold and Morrisonn replacing long time Sabres Tallinder and Lydman. What impact will the new look D have on Ryan Miller?

Carolina Hurricanes:  (35-37-10, 80 points, 3rd in the Southeast, 11th in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $49,945,833. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,469,167

Key Additions: Anton Babchuk (UFA, Avangard Omsk), Joe Corvo (UFA, Washington), Patrick O'Sullivan (UFA, Edmonton).

Key Losses: Rod Brind'Amour (retirement), Tim Conboy (UFA, Buffalo), Manny Legace (UFA, unsigned), Brian Pothier (UFA, Genève-Servette HC), Ray Whitney (UFA, Pheonix)

The Hurricanes have missed the playoffs for two consecutive years. Can they reverse the trend this year? Despite their overall lack of success in the standings, the Hurricanes have given the Caps a pretty hard time as both teams finished last season 3-1-2, after Carolina finished 3-2-1 against the Caps in 08-09. With the loss of Ray Whitney, the Hurricanes appear to be trending slightly dowards offensively as their only significant off season addition up front is the recently signed Patrick O'Sullivan.

Among the returning forwards, Jussi Jokinen easily had his most productive season of his career leading the team with 30 goals, and was especially deadly on the power play with 10 goals and 14 assists with the man advantage.Eric Staal struggled but managed to average exactly a point per game thanks to a particulatly strong finish with 9 points combined in the Hurricane's 80th and 81st games of the season before a goose egg and -4 in the season finale against Boston.

Defensively the Hurricanes remain pretty solid with the return of Anton Babchuck from the KHL. Joe Corvo also hit the reset button, after a forgettable stint in Washington. While power play quarterback Joni Pitkanen notched 19 points on the power play, he'll look to rebound from an unimpressive -11. Tim Gleason should continue to be a steady stay at home presence in front of goalie Cam Ward, who must remain healthy for the Hurricanes to have a shot at the playoffs.

Florida Panthers: (32-37-13, 77 points, 5th in the Southeast, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $51,155,000. Salary cap space (including bonuses) $9,520,000.

Key Additions: Steve Bernier (trade, Vancouver), Christopher Higgins (UFA, Calgary Flames), Nathan Paetsch (UFA, Columbus), Marty Reasoner (trade, Chicago), Dennis Wideman (trade, Boston)

Key Losses: D Keith Ballard (Trade, Vancouver), Gregory Campbell (trade, Boston), Nathan Horton (trade, Boston)

New GM Dale Tallon takes over after serving as the Blackhawks GM from June 2005-July 2009. He inherits a roster that is surprisingly over $50 million considering the lack of "big name" players beyond goalie Tomas Voukoun. That salary figure starts to make sense when you realize a player like Rotislav Olesz signed a 6 year, $18.5 million contract after the 07-08 season, his reward for a putting up 26 points in 56 games as a 22 year old. Olesz followed that "breakout" season with 9 points in 37 games in 08-09 and 29 points in 78 games in 09-10. He's on the books through 2013-2014.

Still, the Panthers have some decent (albeit not All Star level) young talent on the roster. David Booth is only 25,Stephen Weiss is 27, and skilled blue liner Dmitry Kulikov averaged over 17 minutes a game as a 19 year old. They also have the aforementioned Vokoun in net, who gets a lot of well deserved love around these parts, and is sure to be a hot commodity around the trading deadline if the Panthers are out of the running for a playoff spot.

It will be interesting to see what happens if the Panthers are hovering around the playoff bubble at the end of February. Will the front office roll the dice as they did with Jay Bouwmester and shy away from a trade in pursuit of a playoff spot, or will they look to the future and trade their stud goalie for picks and prospects?

Montreal Canadiens: (39-33-10, 88 points, 4th in the Northeast, 8th in the Eastern Conference)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,046,727. Cap space (including bonuses) $778,273. 

Key Additions: Alex Auld (UFA, New York Rangers), Dustin Boyd (trade, Nashville), Lars Eller (trade, St. Louis), Jeff Halpern (UFA, Los Angeles), Alexandre Picard (UFA, Carolina), Kari Ramo (trade, Tampa Bay)

Key Losses: Jaroslav Halak (trade, St. Louis), Dominic Moore (UFA, Tampa Bay), Paul Mara (UFA, Anaheim), Glen Metropolit (UFA, EV Zug, Switzerland), Sergei Kostitsyn (trade, Nashville),  Cedrick Desjardins (trade, Tampa Bay)

The Canadiens shocked the hockey world last April by....well, let's not dig up those old memories. In a surprise move, Montreal shipped RFA goalie (and 2010 playoff hero) Jaroslav Halak out of town, and handed Carey Pricesole ownership of the starting goalie position that the two had shared over the past couple of seasons. They also locked up Tomas Plekanec for 6 years, and expect rookie defenseman PK Subban to make a run at the Calder trophy this season. 

Speaking of defense, Andrei Markov is recovering from knee surgery to replace a torn right ACL, suffered during a hit by Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke. Markov appears to be aiming for a December return, about two months earlier than expected. How Montreal fares defensivley in Markov's absence in the meantime will be interesting to watch, although they managed well enough with him only suiting up for only 45 games last season. 

Which Montreal team will we see on the ice this season? The team that caught fire en route to the conference finals, knocking out the Eastern conference's two most hyped teams in the process? Or the team that backed into the playoffs with a pair of overtime losses? Oh and Scott Gomez is making $8 million this year. Seriously. 

New Jersey Devils:  (48-27-7, 103 points, 1st in the Atlantic, 2nd in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $63,108,332. Cap space (including bonuses) $-2,968,332

Key additions: Anton Volchenkov (UFA, Ottawa), Henrik Tallinder (UFA, Buffalo), Jason Arnott (trade, Nashville), Johan Hedberg (UFA, Atlanta)

Key losses: Paul Martin (UFA, Pittsburgh), Rob Niedermayer (UFA Buffalo), Yann Danis (UFA, unsigned), Matt Halischuk (trade, Nashville), Mike Mottau (UFA, unsigned), Martin Skoula (UFA, Omsk, KHL), Cory Murphy (UFA, VSCLions, Switzerland), Andrew Peters (Buyout, Florida)

The drama surrounding Ilya Kovalchuk's contract extension was the story of the summer. What is often overlooked is the coaching change that saw Jaques Lemaire replaced by long time Devils player (and assistant coach from 02-09) John MacLean. Given the long history and familiarity with Maclean, goalie Martin Brodeur doesn't see the switch from Lemaire to MacLean as a big change. However, given their $102 million dollar investment in Kovalchuk to go with speedy Zach Parise, the Devils may end up playing a more attacking style than opponents have seen in the past.

The blow of losing of Paul Martin, who only played 22 games last year due to injury, has been softened by the acquisitions of Volchenkov and Tallinder. While the Devils still have a very respectable blue line, Brodeur is now 38 years old and has played in more games than any other goalie in NHL history. If he breaks down, will Hedberg be able to hold down the fort?

New York Islanders: (34-37-11, 79 points, 5th in Atlantic, 13th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010)

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $44,776,650. Cap space (including bonuses) $19,078,350.

Key Additions: Mark Eaton (UFA, Pittsburgh), Andy Hilbert (UFA, Minnesota), Milan Jurcina (UFA, Washington), Zenon Konopka (UFA, Tampa Bay), Nino Niederreiter (Draft), P.A. Parenteau (UFA, New York Rangers), James Wisniewski (UFA, Anaheim)

Key losses: Sean Bergenheim (UFA, Tampa Bay), Martin Biron (UFA, New York Rangers), Richard Park (UFA, Geneva-Severette, Switzerland), Freddy Meyer (UFA, Atlanta)

The John Tavares era began last season on Long Island. Tavares started the season strong with 19 points in his first 21 games, finished strong with 18 points in his final 13 games, but had a forgettable middle portion of the season. Overall, his 54 points in 82 games was respectable but not spectacular for a rookie, though his strong finish to the season should give Islander fans hope that he'll continue to progress this season.

Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey and the awesomely named Nino Niederreiter give the Isles some talented young forwards to go with Doug Weight, who is retuning for a 19th NHL season. There is also Matt Moulson who came from nowhere to score 30 goals last season, and Mark Streit who had a solid all around year on the blue line, averaging nearly 26 minutes a game, adding 49 points and an even plus/minus on a team that got outscored by 42 goals last season.

If Rick DiPietro can stay healthy, and if the Islander's youth movement continues to progress, can this team surprise the NHL? Even if he is healthy, will DiPietro be anything close to the player he once was, after playing in only 13 games over the past 2 seasons?

New York Rangers:  38-33-11, 87 points, 4th in the Atlantic, 9th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $65,621,667. Cap space (including bonuses) $-4,059,167.

Key Additions: Martin Biron (UFA, New York Islanders), Derek Boogaard (UFA, Minnesota), Steve Eminger (trade, Anaheim), Alexander Frolov (UFA, Los Angeles), Tim Kennedy (UFA, Buffalo), Todd White (trade, Atlanta) 

Key losses: Olli Jokinen (UFA, Calgary), Alex Auld (UFA, Montreal), Donald Brashear (trade, Atlanta), Jody Shelley (UFA, Philadelphia), PA Parenteau (UFA, New York Islander), Aaron Voros (trade, Anaheim), Patrick Rissmiller (trade, Atlanta), Stephen Valiquette (UFA, HC CSKA Moscow, KHL)

This was one of the rare free agency periods that the Rangers did not make a ton of noise, aside from the collective groans you heard over the 4 year, $7 million contract given to Derek Boogard. The Rangers recently took care of their off season priority by signing RFA Marc Staal to a 5 year extension. The signing of Biron also gives the Rangers the  best backup goalie Henrik Lundqvist has ever had. Will Lundy get a little more rest this season, or will he continue to play 70+ games?

The addition of Frolov should help give their offense a boost. A top line of Frolov, Prospal, Gaborikis certain to put up some points. The second line featuring Dubinsky and Callahan is always tough to play against.

The biggest question facing the Rangers right now is how to get under the salary cap. After finalizing Staal's extension, Cap Geek has the Rangers at slightly more than 4 million over the salary cap. Will Wade Redden be given the Michael Nylander treatment? Will he just be sent outright to the AHL? Or will the Rangers make a different move, and keep Redden around?

Ottawa Senators : 44-32-6, 94 points, 2nd in Northeast, 5th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,220,833. Cap space (including bonuses) $604,167.

Key additions: Sergei Gonchar (UFA, Pittsburgh), David Rundblad (trade, St. Louis), David Hale (UFA, Tampa Bay),

Key losses: Anton Volchenkov (UFA, New Jersey), Matt Cullen (UFA, Minnesota), Andy Sutton (UFA, Anaheim), Shean Donovan (UFA, unsigned), Jonathan Cheechoo (UFA, Dallas)

The Senators played the Caps tough in the regular season finishing 3-1-0 (the Caps were 1-1-2), and gave the Penguins a run for their money in the first round of the playoffs. They'll start the 2010-2011 season with a roster very similar to their pre trade deadline roster from last season. Ottawa essentially swapped Volchenkov for Gonchar on the blue line, and allowed trade deadline acquisitions Cullen and Sutton to walk, along with Cheechoo who was bought out by the team in June.

The goaltending situation will be fun to watch. Brian Elliot won the starting job and played well enough in the regular season, but was replaced midway through game 4 of the playoffs by Pascual Leclaire, who also started games 5 and 6. Leclaire had a poor regular season in 2009-10, but could create a goalie controversy with a strong camp, although injuries have always been a concern for the former Blue Jacket.

Philadelphia Flyers:  41-35-6, 88 points, 3rd in Atlantic, 7th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $59,459,763. Cap space (including bonuses) $877,737.

Key additions: Andrei Meszaros (trade, Tampa Bay), Nikolai Zherdev(UFA, Atlant Moscow, KHL), Matt Walker (trade Tampa Bay), Sean O’Donnell, Jody Shelley (UFA, New York Rangers), 

Key losses:
Simon Gagne (trade, Tampa Bay), Arron Asham (UFA, Pittsburgh), Riley Cote (retired), Ryan Parent (trade, Nashville), Ray Emery (UFA, unsigned)

A season that began with high expectations, saw the Flyers sneak into the playoffs at the last day of the season...in a shoot-out no less. The Flyers got hot, took care of the Devils in 5, erased a 3 games to none deficit against the Bruins in round 2 and played all the way to the Stanely Cup Finals, before losing 4 games to 2 to the Chicago Blackhawks. 3 of those 4 losses were by a single goal.

What Blackhawks team can we expect in the regular season in 2010-11? The trade of Simon Gagne to Tampa Bay  was offset by the addition of Zherdev, who is on the hook for 3.25 million less this season than Gagne. Mesazaros may be overpaid, but the Flyers bottom pair will be better this season than last, and the defense as a whole should be among the best in the league. With Michael Leighton and Brian Boucher as this season's goaltenders, the D better live up to the hype.

The Flyers should remain strong up front, with 3 lines that can score on any given shift. Jeff Carter and Mike Richards look to bounce back after mildly disapointing seasons from an offensive standpoint. Daniel Briere may not be living up to his contract, but he's still a threat to score every game he's healthy enough to suit up for. After playing in 75 games last season, Briere may have put the injury bug behind him. 

Pittsburgh Penguins: 47-28-7, 101 points, 2nd in the Atlantic, 4th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $57,717,312. Cap space (including bonuses) $1,682,688.

Key Losses:Mark Eaton (UFA, New York Islanders ), Ruslan Fedetenko (UFA unsigned), Sergei Gonchar (UFA, Ottawa), Bill Guerin (UFA, unsigned, invited to Philadelphia camp), Jordon Leopold (UFA, Buffalo), Jay McKee (UFA, unsigned) Alexi Ponikarovsky (UFA, Los Angeles)

Key additions:Aaron Asham (UFA, Flyers), Mike Comrie (UFA, Edmonton), Paul Martin (UFA, New Jersey), Zybnek Michalek (UFA, Phoenix)

Defense was the story of the off season for the Penguins. On the first day of free agency, Pittsburgh grabbed 2 of the most coveted UFA d-men and waved goodbye to longtime power play quarterback Sergei Gonchar. The penguins top 4 D will match up well against any team in the league, with Goligosky and Lovejoy rounding out the bottom pair.

Offensively, the Penguins are looking for a bounce back year from Evgeni Malkin. Malkin did not look like the same player that won the Conn Smythe in 2009, but still managed 77 points in 67 games. The game of musical chairs continues on the wings with Mike Comrie signing for the league minimum for the chance to play with Crosby and/or Malkin, as Guerin, Fedetenko and Ponikarovsky head elsewhere.  

Goaltending duties will be shared again by Marc-Andre Fleury and Capitals sleeper agent Brent Johnson. What else is there to say? The Penguins are still strong down the middle, have an improved D and should continue to be among the top teams in the East.

Tampa Bay Lightning:  34-36-12, 80 points, fourth in the Southeast, 12th in the Eastern Conference.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $53,034,416. Cap space (including bonuses) $10,820,584.

Key additions: Sean Bergenheim (UFA, Islanders), Brett Clark (UFA, Colorado), Chris Durno (UFA, Colorado), Dan Ellis (UFA, Nashville), Simon Gagne (trade, Philadelphia), Pavel Kubina (UFA, Atlanta), Dominic Moore (UFA, Montreal), Marc Pouliot (UFA, Edmonton), Mathieu Roy (UFA, Florida)

Key losses: Brandon Bochenski (UFA, Barys Astana), Todd Fedoruk (UFA, free agent), Kurtis Foster (UFA, Edmonton), David Hale (UFA, Ottawa), Zenon Konopka (UFA, Islanders), Andrej Meszaros (trade, Philadelphia), Antero Niittymaki (UFA, San Jose), Alex Tanguay (UFA, Calgary), Dan Ellis' Twitter Feed (Greg Wyshynksi & fan backlash)

The Steve Yzerman era begins in Tampa Bay. The top two scoring lines are as good as any in the league, though the bottom two lines are nothing to get excited about. Still, if you're a Tampa Bay fan, you have to like the direction the team is heading. Adding Gagne, while moving the Mesazaros contract was a steal for Tampa Bay, assuming Gagne can stay healthy. Stamkos was a breakout player last year, and will continue to rack up the goals as long as opposing penalty killers leave him wide open for one timers on the power play. If the Lightning want to crack the playoffs, they'll need Lecavalier to show some life and start living up to the huge contract extension he signed two summers ago.

Defensively, Kubina replaces Mesazaros, which is a step up for Tampa Bay. Victor Hedman won't be able to drink legally until December 18th of NEXT year, but will continue to eat up over 20 minutes a night. Still 19 years old, the number 2 pick of the 2009 draft played reasonably well in his rookie season, and should continue to get better.

In goal, the Lightning will be rolling a capable tandem of Mike Smith and Dan Ellis. Smith has battled injuries, inconsistency (and puck handling) since arriving in a trade with Dallas. Ellis is no stranger to playing in a platoon after spending 3 years averaging 36 games a season in Nashville. While Smith is the presumed starter, it wouldn't shock me to see the two goalies essentially split starts through the first couple months of the season.

Toronto Maple Leafs: 30-38-14, 74 points, 5th in the Northeast, 15th in the Eastern Conference in 2009-2010.

Current Capgeek.com cap payroll: $64,129,166. Cap space (including bonuses) $-274,166.

Key additions: Kris Versteeg (trade, Chicago), Colby Armstrong (UFA, Atlanta), Brent Lebda (UFA, Detroit), Mike Brown (trade, Anaheim)

Key losses: Garnet Exelby (UFA, unsigned), Wayne Primeau (UFA, invited to training camp), Viktor Stalberg (trade, Chicago),  Mike Van Ryn (Retired), Rickard Wallin (UFA, Farjestad, Sweeden), 

GM Brian Burke continues to rebuild the Maple Leafs, who appear to be going "thin and green" at center. Versteeg is a quality second line player, and Armstrong will add some character (and flying elbows) to the lineup. Rookie Nazem Kadri could wind up as the second or third line center this year, and his attempt to jump into the NHL will be the story to watch in Toronto this training camp.

As you would expect from a Burke built team, the Leafs are solid defensively, but need newly minted captain Dion Phaneuf to improve and re-gain the form that made him one of the most talked about young d-men in the game.Luke Schenn is another young and promising blue liner looking to take a big step forward. Schenn won't turn 21 until November, and saw improvement from his rookie season but was still plagued by the inconsistencies that you'd expect from a young defenseman. The subject of nearly constant trade rumors, Tomas Kaberle is still a Leaf and will continue to rack up points on the power play. 2009 free agent acquisition Mike Komisarek only managed to play in 34 games last season, and had a rough start pverall to his career in Toronto, but may benefit from having Phaneuf in town to take some of the pressure off.

In goal, J.S. Giguere and Jonas Gustavsson will be splitting time between the pipes. Giguere has been up and down for the past couple seasons, but is expected to begin the season as the starting goalie. Gustavsson arrived from Sweeden with a lot of hype, but had a season derailed by a heart ailment. He appears to be in good shape heading into camp.

Ever read an expert's NHL prediction column and thought "heck, I could do better", or "what in the world was that person smoking"?

With training camp finally underway, I figured now is a perfect time for the Rink Rats to weigh in with OUR predictions of the final 2010-11 NHL standings. Why let the professionals have all the fun? Sure some NHL rosters will change between now and opening night, but to do this right, and allow ample time for debate, we should get started.

Every couple of days (or so), I'll post a new poll, with teams in alphabetical order. A brief summary will be featured for each team, and will include last year's results, key off season moves, and a look at some of the questions or issues facing that team.  As teams get voted in, they'll be removed from the subsequent polls. The brief write ups for each team will be featured in each post for easy reference. 

At the end of the regular season, a follow up fan post will compare our predictions to final results. Keep in mind we're voting based on predicted "seeding". That means the top 3 seeds should be the 3 division winners. 

Corey Masisak has done a great job previewing Eastern Conference team’s from a Capitals perspective here and I referred to his work to double check my own tracking of off season movement around theleague.  Definitely worth a look if you didn't click through his recaps over the past few weeks. 

But now....it's our turn. 

Continue reading this post »

Aiden is a little boy who hasn't even seen his first birthday, but is already involved in a fight that most of us rink rats (thankfully) can't relate to. 

This past spring, Aiden was diagnosed with Rhaddomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer. He is now battling through a 43 week chemotherapy/radiation cycle in which he and his family need to travel back and forth from DC to Boston for treatments. So far, the news has been good and Aiden is responding to the early stages of Chemotherapy. 

To help Aiden and his family in their time of need, friends have planned a series of local fundraisers in the Northern Virginia area, including an upcoming auction which is being held on July 31st in Leesburg, VA.

Check out the auction home page HERE

There will be some very cool Capitals related merchandise available to bid on.

The Capitals community relations department were kind enough to donate a signed Mike Knuble puck.

My friend Melissa trains with Dynamic Sports Performance, which is run by Capitals strength coach Mark Nemish, who was able to secure Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison autographed game/practice used sticks for the auction.

Brian Pothier is a client of a company another friend of the family works for, and he kindly donated signed gloves & a signed game used helmet.

Natalie R provided an Autographed Michal Neuvirth puck

I am donating some Capitals Bobbleheads (Alex Ovechkin, Bruce Boudreau) as well as a trio of tickets to the Capitals vs Islanders on 10/13 (shout out to Marc from Faceoff Hockey Show for one of those tickets).

Turnituptoeleven donated an Alex Ovechkin signed puck

Someone else donated a Caps Jersey autographed by the entire 09-10 team. 

Non Capitals related items will also be available including

- MMA autographed memorabilia from Frankie Edgar, Randy Couture, Frank Mir and more

- Washington Redskins, Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles tickets & Items, 

- Frank Vincent (Goodfellas, Casino, and Sopranos star) signed baseball bat.

- 1 hour studio time with 106.7 The Fan's Junkies.

- Golf passes, Spa packages.

Additional details are below. Hope to see as many of you as possible!

When: July 31, 2010

Where: National Conference Center

18980 Upper Belmont Place

Leesburg, Virginia 20176-1245

(703) 729-8000

www.conferencecenter.com

Time: 1-4pm

Cost: $5 entry fee (all proceeds go towards Aiden)

Details: There will be a silent auction beginning at 1pm and ending at 3:30pm. We will have pizza on hand for sale with all proceeds going towards Aiden.

******************************UPDATED******************************

Screen grabs of Full Auction item list (to date) pdf below....

Auction Items Part 1 (winery, entertainment, vacation & Misc items)

Auction Items Part 2 (hockey & baseball items)

Auction Items Part 3 (golf, football, MMA/UFC)

Auction Items Part 4 (NASCAR, other sports, apparel)

Full PDF item list available for download HERE (apologies for the times delay until you can download, I'm open to suggestions of better places to put the list)

Truth is the Ovechkin hit on Campbell, or some form of it, happens in almost every game, but if there's no injury, there's no penalty.-@TSNBobMcKenzie 3:40 PM Mar 15th via web

Do you guys honestly think that Ovechkin hit happens every game? Look at the force with which he heaves a player from behind into the end boards… that’s not a common occurrence.

Blogging on hockey at Globe on Hockey

by James Mirtle on Mar 16, 2010 2:11 PM EDT 

Yes James, I do...and in the first period of tonight's game, we saw one of those plays at least twice. The second time I noticed it, I paused my DVR, took out the old moderately intelligent phone and snapped a couple photos to share. 

via i339.photobucket.com

Shaone Morrisonn is chasing a puck back towards the net, with Florida Panther forward Michal Repik in hot pursuit

via i339.photobucket.com

Morrisonn goes to play the puck and Repik finishes his check.....from behind. 

If Morissonn's skate hits a rut, he might end up in the same condition as Brian Campbell. If Morrisonn takes an unexpected  route towards the front of the net, he might end up in the same condition as Brian Campbell. Instead, Morrisonn does what usually happens on those kinds of plays and goes to the boards. You almost ALWAYS see a player go to the boards or behind the net.

The purpose of this FanPost was not to cast blame on Brian Campbell for his injury. My only point is that Ovechkin was simply doing what every hockey player is taught to do. Skate hard, and finish your checks. This is something you see game in, game out, without incident.

Ovechkin/Campbell had an unexpected and unfortunate result and will be remembered for the rest of their careers and beyond. Morrisonn/Repik will be forgotten within a week by everyone who read this FanPost, and sooner by those who didn't. They both began as common hockey plays, if only they both had ended as one. 

Sorry for the rush job on this particular post, but an old grade school friend of mine co-hosts a radio show on WJFK on Saturdays with Brian Mitchell Saturday mornings at 10 am.  LISTEN

He called me yesterday to pick my brain about the Olympics and the NHL shutting down for a couple of weeks, assuming I was going to be upset about it. He was shocked when I told him how excited I was about seeing the best in the world competing against the best. 

He comes from more of a basketball/baseball background and mentioned Mark Cuban's issues with players competing in international competition since one his the Mavericks star players got hurt. A lot was also made about the Red Sox and Yankees not being terribly thrilled with their players competing in the World Basebeall classic. 

He thought the fans would be scared of their players getting hurt, would be upset about going without games for 2, and fear that their team would lose focus with the playoffs coming up in a couple of months.

I argued that we know how much it means to the players,  and that as hockey fans, we love having a chance to see the best in the world play in a pressure packed situation.  

What say you, fellow rink rats?