Jay's NHL Corner

Players Who Have Something To Prove!

2006-07-26T22:33:00.000-04:00

Entering the 2006-07 season there are always players who have something to prove for various reasons. For instance Todd Bertuzzi still has some doubters, Bertuzzi was the main name that sent Roberto Luongo (arguably one of the best goalies in the league) to Vancouver, and as a result the Panthers probably expects him to be one of the best forwards in the NHL next season to prove that the Panthers got good value for trading their best player. Anyways here are my top 5 NHL players with something to prove next season, not to the media and the fans but mainly to themselves, their team, and other players in the league.

1. Ed Belfour – Belfour’s situation is really a matter of proving he can still play in the NHL at the ripe old age of 41. His biggest hurdle to overcome will be his constant back injuries which forced him to miss 19 games last year, and probably affected his play somewhat. But this year he did pass the medical exam, and his stint this year with the Florida Panthers could very well be his last season if he does not improve on his .892 save% last season along with his unimpressive 3.29 GAA. The Panthers do not expect him to replace Roberto Luongo and does not have nearly the same pressure he had playing in a hockey city like Toronto, but he will still have to battle young goaltender Alex Auld for the number 1 spot. One thing on Belfour’s side is that he thrives after coming off of sub-par seasons. Before signing with Dallas in the summer of 1997, Belfour was coming off of one of the worst years of his career. His record was 14-24-6 in a split season with Chicago and San Jose. Next season Belfour came back as strong as ever, sporting a .916 save% along with an amazing 1.88 GAA. His strong play helped Dallas to their first ever Presidents Trophy (given to the team with the league’s best record during the regular season). One year later he was magnificent in helping the Dallas Stars win their first ever Stanley Cup. After a disastrous 2001-02 season, Dallas decided to let Belfour test the free agent market and replace him with Marty Turco. Belfour was signed by the Leafs during the offseason, a team in desperate need of goaltending after losing their top goalie, Curtis Joseph, and Belfour did an exceptional job replacing him. He turned in a career-high .922 save %, and finished with 37-20-5 record, and was a candidate for the Vezina Trophy (for best goalie of the year). He followed that season up with another great one, in which he was named team MVP. Now he has a chance to respond with a young team in Florida, with a lot of offensive talent, but not the greatest defensive players, and will probably be facing 30+ shots a night. Panthers have a lot of young talent, and could sneak into the playoffs if Belfour can put up the numbers we are used to seeing.

2. Jeremy Roenick – Roenick without a doubt had his worst season ever last year (J.R. would probably admit it you himself) with the Los Angeles Kings, who looked like a threat to win the Pacific early on but injuries ultimately took them completely out of contention in the end. Roenick said one of the main reasons he was struggling last year was that his skates were not sharpened probably with the Kings like they were with his previous NHL teams. Some may think it is a lame excuse, but when asked about it in interviews about it being the “dog ate my homework” excuse, he took it pretty offensively. However, bringing up the past is not in his agenda , Roenick is dedicating himself during the offseason to get back to the dominant player he used to be, and wants to prove all his critics wrong , and show he is not at all washed up. Roenick is waking up at 5:30am 6 days a week to get back into shape with his physical trainer, and I think has made the right choice in going back to a city that will fully embrace him in Phoenix. I have always been a big fan of Roenick’s (mainly for his on-ice play), and it should be interesting to see him play under Wayne Gretzky. Phoenix definitely has the talent level to surprise a lot of people next year, and considering the injuries they were dealt last year I was pretty impressed with the games I watched them play. They are however missing a good voice in the dressing room, and that is what Roenick can provide along with his play on the ice. Although Roenick wants to put up good individual numbers, his ultimate goal is to finally win a Stanley Cup, so if he can help the Coyotes become a contender, I think he will be successful in proving all his critics wrong.

3. Eric Lindros - well Lindros had an alright season by his standards for the Leafs last year, that is when he actually played. When the Leafs best player, Mats Sundin, went out with an injury in the first game of the season Lindros came in and took over...then of course like usual, he got injured. Lindros only ended up playing in 33 games, and racked up a decent 22 points. Lindros still is motivated to do more, but first he has to prove he can stay healthy. The positive that he can take out of last year was that it was his wrist that landed him on the injury list and not a concussion problem. Lindros will have a big role on the Dallas Stars, taking over Jason Arnott's role on the 2nd line, and could be critical in giving the Stars a much needed offensive punch. If Lindros has another injury-filled season, his career could finally come to an end, but with a player as talented as him it seems like he may have nine lives or something.

4. Sean Avery - I was really surprised that the Los Angeles Kings re-signed him. But again, despite his off-ice dilemmas, he did his job pretty well on the ice. I always thought of him as just an agitator who gets under the opposing team's skin, but last year he showed he could provide some offence too, and I was also impressed with how hard he hustles out there. He had an impressive 39 points in 75 games (and only say impressive because he's a checking line forward). Although he did not intentionally try to, he did end up taking attention away from his team at times (and I mean when the King were playing well) with his remarks off the ice. Avery needs to has to keep some of his emotions under control off-the ice and learn from the mistakes he made last year. If avery could do that then maybe people will stop seeign him as more than just a young punk with a big mouth.

5. Cristobal Huet - This is a guy the Habs obviously have a lot of faith in, it gave them the confidence to go ahead and trade former MVP, Jose Theodore. Huet was definitely the main reason Montreal made the playoffs. He finished the year with a solid 2.20 GAA, and a .929 save%, only question is can he do this for 50+ games during the regular season? Huet showed he can do it when it counts in the playoffs, don't really care if the Canes came back from a 2-0 deficit in the series, Huet was still pretty solid and gave the Habs a chance to win in every game. His play kind of reminded me of how Mikka Kiprusoff came to the Flames during the 2003-04 season, and unexpectedly turned into one of the best goalies in the NHL. In 2005-06 Kipper proved it was no fluke, as he captured the Vezina trophy, and led Calgary to its first division title in over a decade. Hopefully Huet can do the same for the Habs.

- Tsn.ca Top Stories RSS Tsn.ca Canada's Sports Leader http://www.tsn.ca/ - Bouwmeester gets two-years, $4.35 million http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172429 - An arbitrator has awarded Florida Panthers' defenceman Jay Bouwmeester a two-year settlement worth $4.35 million. Bouwmeester would make $2.1 million this season and $2.25 million the following year. Bouwmeester, 22, had 5 goals and 41 assists for 46 points in 82 games with the Panthers last season. NHL Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:24:20 GMT - Briere gets $5 million in arbitration http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172126 - Buffalo Sabres star Daniel Briere has been awarded a one year, $5 million settlement through arbitration. The two sides had been trying to work out a long term deal, but were unable to reach an accord before the arbitrator's ruling. The Sabres have 48 hours after their final arbitration hearing (scheduled for August 4) to accept the settlement or reject it and allow Briere to become an unrestricted free agent. There remains a chance that Briere could be traded. NHL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 20:30:46 GMT - Sens re-sign Neil just ahead of hearing http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172400 - The Ottawa Senators avoided arbitration with Chris Neil on Wednesday, re-signing the gritty winger to a multi-year deal the day his hearing was scheduled. Financial details were not released, but the Canadian Press reported that it was a three-year, $3.3 million package. NHL Wed, 26 Jul 2006 11:32:16 GMT - Red Wings agree to deal with Markov http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172414 - Free agent defenceman Danny Markov has agreed to terms with the Detroit Red Wings, a source told The Canadian Press on Wednesday. The 30-year-old spent last season with the Nashville Predators, a team as deep as any on the blue-line. He had 11 assists and a plus-9 rating in 58 games last season. NHL Wed, 26 Jul 2006 10:44:43 GMT - Gomez awarded $5 million for 2006-07 http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172350 - An arbitrator has awarded New Jersey Devils forward Scott Gomez $5 million US for the 2006-07 season. The Devils have 48 hours to decide whether to retain Gomez for next season or walk away from the deal and make him an unrestricted free agent immediately. NHL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:09:21 GMT - Sharks sign Bell and Ehrhoff http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172333 - Forward Mark Bell and defenseman Christian Ehrhoff agreed to terms on contracts with the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. Bell, who signed a three-year deal, was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks two weeks ago in a three-team trade that sent defenceman Tom Preissing to Ottawa. NHL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 15:39:08 GMT - Oilers sign Hemsky to six-year pact http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172338 - The Edmonton Oilers have signed right wing Ales Hemsky to a six-year, $24.6 million contract, avoiding an arbitration hearing scheduled for Friday. Hemsky is the third player that the Oilers have agreed to terms with prior to the NHL's arbitration process. Centres Shawn Horcoff and Jarret Stoll signed with the Oilers earlier this month. Hemsky led the Oilers in scoring last season with 77 points. NHL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 17:30:08 GMT - Panthers sign Belfour; Roberts staying http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172336 - Goaltender Ed Belfour signed a $750,000 US, one-year contract with the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, extending his career after undergoing another back surgery. NHL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 18:48:28 GMT - Stars' GM Armstrong gets 3-year extension http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172346 - The Dallas Stars signed general manager Doug Armstrong to a three-year contract extension on Tuesday. Armstrong had two years left on his deal and is now locked up through the 2010-11 season. Financial terms were not disclosed. Armstrong, 41, served nine years as an assistant general manager under Bob Gainey before being promoted to GM in January 2002. NHL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 18:42:45 GMT - Senators re-sign Kelly to one-year deal http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172340 - The Ottawa Senators have re-signed centre Chris Kelly to a one-year contract. In his first full season with the Senators and in the NHL, Kelly played in all 82 regular-season games, scored 30 points. NHL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 17:26:56 GMT - Islanders accept award decision on York http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=172339 - The New York Islanders have accepted an arbitration award and have signed centre Mike York to a one-year contract. An arbitrator awarded York $2.85 million for the 2006-07 season on Saturday. The team had 48 hours to accept or decline the deal. If the Islanders walked away, York would have become an unrestricted free agent. NHL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 17:26:28 GMT - Diedrick wants to prove worth in Montreal http://www.tsn.ca/cfl/news_story.asp?ID=172345 - Canadian running back Dahrran Diedrick wants to show that he has more than just an impressive football resume. Released by the Edmonton Eskimos last week, Diedrick signed with the Montreal Alouettes looking to prove he can be an impact player in the Canadian Football League. CFL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 18:00:24 GMT - Mariners designate Everett for assignment http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172431 - The Seattle Mariners finally admitted they made a mistake bringing in Carl Everett this past offseason. Everett on Wednesday was designated for assignment by the Mariners, who now have 10 days to trade or release the disgruntled designated hitter. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:31:45 GMT - Reds sign Hatteberg to extension http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172430 - Scott Hatteberg's solid play this season helped cement general manager Wayne Krivsky's future with the Cincinnati Reds. On Wednesday, Krivsky decided to reward his first baseman. The Reds agreed to a one-year contract extension with Hatteberg, one of Krivsky's several shrewd acquisitions this past offseason. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:08:42 GMT - Colon leaves game with elbow irritation http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172428 - Los Angeles starter Bartolo Colon left after the first inning of the Angels' game at Tampa Bay on Wednesday with right elbow irritation. The right-hander gave up four runs and four hits, including home runs by Rocco Baldelli and Ty Wigginton. He was replaced by Kevin Gregg. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 13:59:41 GMT - Devil Rays' Kazmir to miss next start http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172422 - Tampa Bay Devil Rays left-hander Scott Kazmir will miss his scheduled start Friday night against the New York Yankees because of shoulder soreness. The Devil Rays do not consider the problem serious and expect the 22-year-old Kazmir to pitch next Tuesday against Detroit. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:09:16 GMT - Yankees acquire Fasano from Phillies http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172420 - The New York Yankees on Wednesday acquired backup catcher Sal Fasano from the Philadelphia Phillies. Fasano, 34, had been designated for assignment by the Phillies on July 22. In 50 games, he hit .243 with four home runs and 10 RBI. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:02:24 GMT - Burnett takes the mound against Mariners http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172417 - A.J. Burnett tries to win back-to-back starts for the first time in a Toronto uniform when the oft-injured right-hander takes the mound tonight for the Blue Jays, who play the finale of a three-game series with the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 11:09:33 GMT - Blue Jays pound Mariners http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172386 - Roy Halladay joined Boston's Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett as the majors' only 13-game winners as the Toronto Blue Jays beat Seattle 12-3 on Tuesday night to snap the Mariners' three-game winning streak. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 02:43:00 GMT - Red Sox shell Athletics http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172391 - Manny Ramirez homered for the second straight game to help Curt Schilling earn his 13th victory a night after teammate Josh Beckett became the majors' first 13-game winner, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Oakland Athletics 13-5 on Tuesday. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 01:50:09 GMT - Dodgers' losing streak extends to seven http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172387 - Mike Cameron hit a two-run homer, Adrian Gonzalez drove in three runs and the San Diego Padres beat Los Angeles 7-3 Tuesday night to extend the Dodgers' losing streak to seven games. Cameron also threw out the potential tying run at home plate in the sixth to help Chan Ho Park get the win against his former team. Park (7-6) allowed three runs and 10 hits over six innings, striking out three and walking none for only the second time in his last 19 starts. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 01:21:18 GMT - Pujols' homer leads Cards to win http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172382 - Albert Pujols hit his 33rd homer, Chris Carpenter scattered seven hits over 7 1-3 innings and the St. Louis Cardinals beat Colorado 1-0 Tuesday night to hand Jason Jennings the first complete-game loss for a Rockies pitcher at home in franchise history. Pujols hit a 1-1 pitch from Jennings into the right-field stands in the sixth. That was all the Cardinals could manage against Jennings, who allowed four hits and two walks. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:05:19 GMT - Teahen leads Royals over Orioles http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172375 - Mark Teahen of St. Marys, Ont., hit two homers and drove in a career-high five runs to lead the Kansas City Royals over the Baltimore Orioles 7-5 Tuesday night. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 23:30:27 GMT - Mussina survives as Yankees top Rangers http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172376 - Mike Mussina made it through a sporadic six innings for his 12th victory and Aaron Guiel homered in the second straight game for the New York Yankees, who made the most of their four hits in a 7-4 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night. MLB Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:30:14 GMT - Santana outduels Contreras in Twins win http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172372 - Johan Santana outpitched Jose Contreras, and Jason Bartlett hit a three-run homer as the surging Minnesota Twins pulled within a game of the slumping Chicago White Sox with a 4-3 victory on Tuesday night. The Twins have won 33 of their last 41, while the White Sox suffered their 11th loss in 14 games. Chicago is 7½ games behind first-place Detroit in the AL Central and the Twins are another game out in third. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:59:15 GMT - Diamondbacks edge Phillies in 11 innings http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172354 - Carlos Quentin hit a solo homer in the 11th inning to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night. Quentin hit his third homer of the season leading off the inning against Ryan Franklin (1-5), the seventh Phillies pitcher. The Phillies walked 11 batters and starter Ryan Madson tied a major league record with four wild pitches in one inning. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 23:28:44 GMT - Harang outpitches Clemens in Reds' win http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172373 - Aaron Harang outpitched Roger Clemens on Tuesday night and dominated the Houston Astros for the third time this season, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-0 victory. Harang (11-6) allowed four hits and struck out six with one walk in eight innings. He held the Astros to five hits in victories on April 29 (6-3) and June 2 (14-3). MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 23:09:18 GMT - Tigers' Van Slyke generalizes Latinos http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172381 - Detroit Tigers first base coach Andy Van Slyke made generalizations about Latinos on Tuesday in questioning the managerial approach of Ozzie Guillen of the Chicago White Sox. Speaking on Sporting News Radio, Van Slyke was asked about Guillen's outburst toward White Sox pitcher Jon Garland, whom the manager took to task in the dugout for not retaliating in a beanball war with Vicente Padilla of the Texas Rangers on Sunday. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 23:54:10 GMT - Pirates spoil Sheets' return with Brewers http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172369 - Jeromy Burnitz hit a pair of home runs and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-1 Tuesday night to ruin Ben Sheets' strong return from the disabled list. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:43:13 GMT - Nationals hold off Bonds and Giants http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172359 - The Washington Nationals held a much-booed Barry Bonds in check, overcame two homers by Ray Durham, and used a five-run third inning of their own against Matt Morris to beat the San Francisco Giants 8-6 on Tuesday night. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:15:38 GMT - Indians chase Rogers off the mound http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172367 - Kenny Rogers didn't make it out of the first inning when Cleveland scored seven runs and the Indians held off the Detroit Tigers long enough for a 12-7 victory Tuesday night. Rogers (11-4) walked three and didn't retire any of the first seven hitters while being roughed up for a season-high seven runs and five hits in his shortest outing in more than 13 years. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:33:12 GMT - Zambrano does it all as Cubs beat Mets http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172363 - Carlos Zambrano hit his fourth homer of the season and won his eighth straight decision, leading the Chicago Cubs to an 8-6 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night. Aramis Ramirez homered again and drove in three runs as Zambrano and the Cubs beat Tom Glavine for the second time in 11 days. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:15:21 GMT - Wigginton leads D-Rays over Angels http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172361 - Ty Wigginton homered and drove in four runs and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays stopped Ervin Santana's seven-game winning streak with a 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:11:13 GMT - Ross blasts pair as Marlins edge Braves http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172360 - Cody Ross homered twice and Anibal Sanchez won a matchup of unbeaten rookie pitchers, lifting the Florida Marlins over the Atlanta Braves 2-1 Tuesday night. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:06:59 GMT - Brewers acquire Graffanino from Royals http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172355 - The Milwaukee Brewers acquired Tony Graffanino from the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday to shore up their injury-riddled infield. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 21:09:59 GMT - Dodgers deal Perez to Royals for Dessens http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172335 - The Los Angeles Dodgers dealt pitcher Odalis Perez to the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after saying they had no plans to trade the disgruntled left-hander. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:59:30 GMT - Vernon Wells on the shelf again http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172356 - Centre-fielder Vernon Wells was out of Toronto's starting lineup for a second straight game on Tuesday night with a sore back. Wells' back locked up during batting practice before Monday's series opener in Seattle, but he was optimistic after the game about playing on Tuesday. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 21:11:57 GMT - Nationals place Vidro on DL http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?ID=172347 - Washington Nationals second baseman Jose Vidro went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring, and infielder Bernie Castro was recalled from triple-A New Orleans before Tuesday night's game against San Francisco. MLB Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:08:37 GMT - Raptors waive Williams to add Jones http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story.asp?ID=172419 - The Toronto Raptors announced Wednesday that it had signed free agent guard Fred Jones and released Alvin Williams, who has played just one game in the past two years because of knee problems. Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said the team had agreed to a "settlement" with Williams and have put him on waivers. NBA Wed, 26 Jul 2006 11:41:07 GMT - Celtics sign Pittsnogle to free agent deal http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story.asp?ID=172415 - Free agent Kevin Pittsnogle has signed a two-year contract with the Boston Celtics, his agent said Wednesday. Pittsnogle, a six-foot-11 centre who is West Virginia's career three-point leader, was passed over in June's NBA draft along with Mountaineers teammate Mike Gansey. Both played for the Miami Heat in a summer league, and Gansey signed a two-year deal with the Heat. NBA Wed, 26 Jul 2006 10:50:00 GMT - Iverson expected to stay a Sixer http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story.asp?ID=172385 - Allen Iverson wants to stay with the Philadelphia 76ers and it looks like the former MVP is going to get his wish. Sixers president Billy King told The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News on Tuesday he has taken Iverson's name off the trading block and expects the all-star to be with the team at the start of training camp. ''I've pretty much said that I expect him to be with us at the start of training camp,'' King told The Philadelphia Inquirer in a story posted on its Web site. ''Our conversations with other teams at this point going forward do not include him.'' NBA Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:47:54 GMT - Raptors roster completely retooled http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story.asp?ID=172342 - How quickly a roster can be remade. Bryan Colangelo has completely revamped the Raptors over the past few weeks. The Raptors president and GM wasn't kidding when he said recently it's ''safe to say that when you come to opening night next year you're going to see an entirely different team, almost one through 12.'' NBA Tue, 25 Jul 2006 18:38:11 GMT - Raptors sign second-round pick Tucker http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story.asp?ID=172337 - The Toronto Raptors have signed guard-foward P.J. Tucker to multi-year contract. Tucker, 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, was an early entry candidate for the draft after three seasons at the University of Texas. NBA Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:45:27 GMT - Lerner in bidding war for Aston Villa http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story.asp?ID=172397 - Local businessman Michael Neville submitted a 64-million-pound ($134 million Cdn) bid Wednesday to buy Aston Villa. Neville's bid comes amid reports that Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner was flying to Britain to make his own bid for Villa. NFL Wed, 26 Jul 2006 10:04:05 GMT - Bengals' Thurman suspended four games http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story.asp?ID=172421 - Bengals middle linebacker Odell Thurman has been suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policies. Thurman's suspension is the latest embarrassment for a team that has had four other players arrested in recent months. NFL Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:04:02 GMT - Chargers reach Cromartie agreement http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story.asp?ID=172357 - The San Diego Chargers on Tuesday agreed to terms with cornerback Antonio Cromartie on a five-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed. NFL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 21:14:12 GMT - Raiders sign first-round pick Huff http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story.asp?ID=172362 - First-round pick Michael Huff signed a $22.5 million US, five-year contract with the Oakland Raiders on Tuesday that guarantees the safety $15 million. NFL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:12:12 GMT - Bengals offer Jones six-year extension http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story.asp?ID=172358 - In a move to secure Carson Palmer's blind side, the Cincinnati Bengals offered left tackle Levi Jones a $40-million US, six-year contract extension Tuesday. NFL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 21:39:15 GMT - Vikings bolster secondary with Dwight Smith http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story.asp?ID=172352 - Less than a week before the start of training camp, the Minnesota Vikings made a move to bolster their secondary. The Vikings on Tuesday agreed to terms with free safety Dwight Smith. NFL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 20:35:22 GMT - Panthers terminate rights to Meadows http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story.asp?ID=172351 - The Carolina Panthers released offensive lineman Adam Meadows on Tuesday, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. NFL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 20:30:50 GMT - Packers sign Cory Rodgers http://www.tsn.ca/nfl/news_story.asp?ID=172349 - The Green Bay Packers signed wide receiver Cory Rodgers, an all-American kick returner from Texas Christian, on Tuesday. NFL Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:31:37 GMT - Ochoa among leaders at Evian Masters http://www.tsn.ca/golf/news_story.asp?ID=172425 - Lorena Ochoa, Mi Hyun Kim and Shani Waugh shot 6-under 66 to share the lead Wednesday after the first round of the Evian Masters. In sweltering temperatures that reached 33 C at the Alpine layout, Ochoa - the LPGA's top money winner this season - birdied seven holes but bogeyed the 15th. Karrie Webb was one shot behind after a 67. Maria Hjorth, Laura Davies and Se Ri Pak all shot 68. Golf Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:01:50 GMT - Montgomerie out of Players' Championship http://www.tsn.ca/golf/news_story.asp?ID=172393 - Colin Montgomerie pulled out of the Deutsche Bank Players' Championship on Wednesday. Montgomerie, who missed the cut at the British Open at Hoylake last week, told tournament organizers he did not want to be "in a competitive environment, preferring to spend time practising elements of his game which need attention." Golf Wed, 26 Jul 2006 09:24:19 GMT - NASCAR champ Parsons battling cancer - http://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_story.asp?ID=172418 - Former NASCAR champion Benny Parsons has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The 65 year old says he was diagnosed two weeks ago and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment. No word on his prognosis. Racing Wed, 26 Jul 2006 11:42:45 GMT - Opinion: IRL breathes sigh of relief - http://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_story.asp?ID=172398 - That long, loud sigh of relief you hear in the distance is coming from everyone in the Indy Racing League. Racing Wed, 26 Jul 2006 10:03:41 GMT - IRL to test out new Iowa race track - http://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_story.asp?ID=172392 - If they build it, will they come? That's what officials of the new speedway in Iowa are hoping. The IRL has scheduled a private test session on August 2 at the new 7/8 mile tri-oval in Iowa to see if the facility is suitable for a race next year. Racing Wed, 26 Jul 2006 09:00:07 GMT - VANOC: Venues for 2010 Games on schedule - http://www.tsn.ca/olympics/news_story.asp?ID=172348 - Many of the alpine and nordic venues for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games remain rustic. But John Furlong, chief operating officer for the Vancouver Olympic Games Organizing Committee (VANOC), is pleased with how much construction has been completed and remains confident the venues will be completed on time and within budget. Olympics Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:26:08 GMT - Krajicek reaches quarter-finals in Budapest http://www.tsn.ca/tennis/news_story.asp?ID=172427 - Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands beat Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-1 Wednesday to advance to the Budapest Grand Prix quarter-finals. The second-seeded Krajicek, sister of 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek, forced a second-set tiebreaker after trailing by three games. Tennis Wed, 26 Jul 2006 13:18:03 GMT - Perry beats Hantuchova at Stanford http://www.tsn.ca/tennis/news_story.asp?ID=172384 - Shenay Perry will have a familiar second-round opponent at the Bank of the West Classic. Perry authored up an upset Tuesday night with a 6-2, 0-6, 6-3 victory over fifth-seeded Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia in the $600,000 Tier II hardcourt tournament. Tennis Wed, 26 Jul 2006 01:54:11 GMT - Goldstein upsets Hewitt in L.A. http://www.tsn.ca/tennis/news_story.asp?ID=172343 - Paul Goldstein, a journeyman professional who has never cracked the top 50 on the ATP Tour, scored one of the biggest wins of his nine-year career Tuesday night, upsetting former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt of Australia, 6-4, 6-4, in the first round of the Countrywide Classic tennis tournament. Tennis Wed, 26 Jul 2006 01:58:23 GMT - Castano advance in Budapest http://www.tsn.ca/tennis/news_story.asp?ID=172353 - Top-seeded Colombian Catalina Castano and reigning champion Anna Smashnova of Israel highlighted Tuesday's first- round winners at the $145,000 Budapest Grand Prix. Smashnova beat Castano in last year's finale here. Tennis Tue, 25 Jul 2006 20:38:24 GMT - Youzhny advances in Austria http://www.tsn.ca/tennis/news_story.asp?ID=172327 - Mikhail Youzhny did not give up after a dreadful start Tuesday at the Generali Open. The eighth-seeded Russian rallied past Argentine Martin Vassallo Arguello, 0-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-2), to reach the third round of the $816,600 claycourt event. Tennis Tue, 25 Jul 2006 19:20:00 GMT - Lerner in bidding war for Aston Villa http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/news_story.asp?ID=172397 - Local businessman Michael Neville submitted a 64-million-pound ($134 million Cdn) bid Wednesday to buy Aston Villa. Neville's bid comes amid reports that Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner was flying to Britain to make his own bid for Villa. Soccer Wed, 26 Jul 2006 10:04:05 GMT - Italian clubs to continue appeals http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/news_story.asp?ID=172424 - The fallout from Italy's match-fixing scandal isn't over yet. Despite the final appeals rulings in the case, Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina say they will continue to fight their punishments. Juventus, the hardest hit of the clubs, plans to go to court to contest its relegation to Serie B after losing its appeal. Soccer Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:31:44 GMT - Madrid ups ante in bid for Dutch star http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/news_story.asp?ID=172395 - Real Madrid has reportedly increased its offer for Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to 15 million euros ($21.5 million Cdn). Madrid sports director Predrag Mijatovic's bid to United's chief executive David Gill on Tuesday was the club's final offer, sports daily As reported Wednesday. Soccer Wed, 26 Jul 2006 09:30:33 GMT - Milan, Madrid fighting over Kaka http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/news_story.asp?ID=172394 - AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has called Real Madrid's new administration "bandits" for attempting to lure Brazilian midfielder Kaka to the Spanish club. Galliani addressed his remarks to Madrid's new president Ramon Calderon, sports director Predrag Mijatovic and his assistant Franco Baldini. Soccer Wed, 26 Jul 2006 09:28:50 GMT - Lazio, Fiorentina reinstated to Serie A http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/news_story.asp?ID=172334 - Lazio and Fiorentina have been reinstated to Serie A but Juventus remains in Serie B following their appeals against the sanctions imposed on them as a result of the match-fixing scandal. Soccer Tue, 25 Jul 2006 15:44:02 GMT

Carolina Hurricanes a One Year wonder?

2006-07-26T02:03:00.000-04:00

The Carolina Hurricanes made a lot of so called "NHL Experts" look foolish last year. Not only did anyone not consider them a Cup contender, but they also picked them to finish near the bottom of the basement in 2005-06. But one must wonder if the Hurricanes can continue their success next year, I am nopt saying last year was a fluke, because I can honestly say that they earned it 100% . They were very consistent all year, fit perfectly into the new NHL, and they managed to overcome the injury to one of their best scorign threats in Erik Cole. Only reason I ask why they might be a one year wonder is because the roster will not look the same in 2006-07, and they will have a lot of holes to fill if they plain on contending again next year.

Lost Players During the Offseason

1.Martin Gerber - Although Gerber may have been forgotten during their stanley Cup run, you can give him some credit for the Hurricanes season success. He started 60 games during the regular season, one of only 11 goalies to do so. He had a sparkling record of 38-14-9, and had a decent Save % of .906 in his first season as a starting goalie. After Cam Ward's performance in the playoffs though it was obvious that the Hurricanes had no intention of using Martin Gerber as a their number 1 goalie next year. In need of a new number 1 starter, the Ottawa Senators picked up Martin Gerber to help them contend for the top spot in the Eastern Conference next season.

2.Aaron Ward - One of the many unsung heroes on the Hurricanes' defensive line, Ward is a fearless competitor, and showed the heart of a lion as he relentlessly battled through injuries during the 2006 finals. He blocked shots, threw big hits, and got his team going with that all important first goal in game 7 of the finals. Ward decided to sign a 2-year contract with the New York Rangers during the offseason, and hopes to help them capture the Atlantic Division.

3.Doug Weight & Mark Recchi - Two players that GM Jim Rutherford felt were the final pieces to the Hurricanes Stanley Cup team, and were basically exceptional players playing on very sub-par NHL teams before being traded to Carolina. Both were expected to basically be rented to the Hurricanes for the playoff run, and that is what happened, as both players went back to the respective teams (St.Louis and Pittsburgh) during the offseason. Both Recchi and Weight played pretty well during the playoffs. After Weight took a costly penalty during OT in game 6 vs. Buffalo (in which Buffalo ended up capitalizing on) he promised his teammates he would respond big-time in game 7, and he came through on that promise. The Hurricanes were in desperate need of a quick goal to tie the score in the 3rd period of game 7. Weight took a great feed from Ray Whitneyto tie the game at 2 , and the Canes took control the rest of the way on route to an eventual 4-2 win. Recchi got his big goal in game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals on the road against Edmonton, where he scored the game-winner to put the Canes up 3-1 in the series. Both players were key parts of the teams power-play, and will be missed somewhat

4. Matt Cullen - This guy amazed me in every game I saw the Canes play. He is like a roadrunner on the ice, and is totally built for the new NHL. I usually criticize the Rangers for their signings, but this one happens to be a smart one. Cullen is better than his stats show, he can carry the puck into the offensive zone with ease, fight along the boards, and is very creative with the puck. He was also one of Carolina's best pointmen on their dangerous power-play during the post-season. He was also best player on the ice during game 7 of the Cup Finals in my opinion. I think the Canes are really going to miss this guy once the 2006-07 season starts rolling along.

Who Can Step Up?

That is the main question, the Hurricanes did not do too much to replace the players they lost during the offseason. They picked up veteran Scott Walker in a 3-way trade, but I don't think he will be able to have a huge impact next season. So it looks like the Canes will need to look to their top players, and young talent to pull through.

Hopefully Erik Cole will be back to the form he was last year before he was delivered that brutal hit from behind from Brooks Orpik and give Carolina a 40-goal season. Rod Brind'Amour has to be the dominant player he was last year, being a workhorse at both end of the ice, and being dependable key situations. A player that could have a big impact is 20-year old Andrew Ladd, a former first round pick in 2004, Andrew Ladd knows how to get physical with his size and strength. He will most likely see himself on the Canes third line, with increased ice-time Ladd might have a 20-goal season. Another player who could step up is winger Chad LaRose. Yea, he did not produce much offensively on Carolina's checking line, but his role on the team last season was not meant to be a goal scorer. LaRose was more of a penalty-killing/defensive forward. But believe it or not he was actually a very talented scorer in his junior days, and put up some good numbers with Carolina's farm team. If he gets the opportunity to get some playing time with some of Carolina's talented forwards he may start showing some of those great offensive instincts at the NHL level.

Another question mark for the Canes, is their goaltending. Can Cam Ward bring the same calmness and poise we saw in the playoffs to the 2006-07 regular season? I would not bet against it, but in case he does not I look for John Grahame (a pickup by the Hurricanes during the offseason to backup cam Ward) to rebound from a horrible season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. I expect Grahame to respond with a better season under Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette. I could sense that Ligthning coach John Tortorella, who ridiculously criticized the goalie in public on numerous occassions, negatively effected his on-ice performance.

Although the 2005-06 Carolina Hurricanes were a pleasure to watch, I cannot help but put a big question mark next to them on how they will do next season. I trust that NHL Executive of the Year, Jim Rutherford , did what is right for his team during the offseason, and I am sure Laviolette and captain Rod Brind'Amour will have the team focused on competing hard from day one of training camp. But there is no telling how well the voids will be filled in the lineups, and if the team chemistry will still be as strong as last season's was. I will be rooting for them in hopes of cementing them as legitimate contenders for the next decade, making the Southeast Division no longer a big joke.