The season is three days old and I couldn't be happier. It's been great being able to watch several games since Thursday, and if you've been missing out on great action, today is the day to catch up. 15 games on today, including Florida and Chicago, which is on right now. Chicago leads 2-0 thanks to goals by Brian Campbell and Patrick Kane, who has four points already in just one and a half games. Apparently the taxi cab incident is doing nothing to his game.
Yesterday's announcement about Shanahan does not sit well with the Devils, who are entering this season without Gionta or Madden, two huge losses for the team. Pair that with Brodeur being another year older, and star-backup Clemmenson gone, and there are major question marks in New Jersey. The team is in the market for a winger and I'm hearing they could get one sooner than you'd think. The Devils kick off their 2009/2010 season tonight against early-season Stanley Cup favourite Philadelphia. How good did Ray Emery look in game one?
Game of the night? Could be St. Louis and Detroit who put on a hell of a show last night. I think St. Louis will make the playoffs this year and will put up a much better season than last year. A healthy Johnson and Kariya make this team A LOT better instantly.
Another great game today should be Carolina and Boston. Both teams started the season off with a loss and will be looking to rebound and get a tick in the win column. I know a lot of people disliked my prediction of Carolina badly missing the playoffs, but really, without Cam Ward, where would this team be?
Andrei Markov, as we told you yesterday, is out up to four months after surgery to repair a torn tendon. This is HUGE for the Habs and their playoff chances are going to be directly impacted by this. The team has shown interest in semi-retired d-man Patrice Brisbois, but in no way is he a replacement for Markov, who was Montreal's best player last season.
The Leaf being shopped the most? Lee Stempniak. Also, looks like Jeff Finger will be in for Toronto tonight, with Ian White likely watching for the press box. I'm sure that will be confirmed in our forums in the next few hours so check back there.
Get in front of your television and watch some hockey, there are going to be some dandy games taking place today.
If you are interested in blogging for us, please send me an email to cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com. We've already had some great people sign up, and we'd love to add you to the team. This is going to be a great year, so get involved!
