Hockey World Blog

All Things Hockey

Posts Tagged Scottie Upshall

2011-12 NHL Season Preview: Florida Panthers

Sep 11

Posted by EB in Season Previews | No Comments

Key Offseason Additions: Scottie Upshall, Tomas Kopecky, Tomas Fleishmann, Kris Versteeg, Sean Bergenheim, Brian Campbell, Ed Jovanovski, Jose Theodore

Key Offseason Losses: Dennis Wideman, Marty Reasoner, Michael Frolik, Tomas Vokoun

Last Season Ranking: 15th in East

Stephen Weiss and David Booth are the only 2 from last year's top 6 forwards. Might need an ice breaker.

Stephen Weiss and David Booth are the only 2 from last year's top 6 forwards. Might need an ice breaker.

Offense: The Florida Panthers have made a complete overhaul of their team replacing four of their top six forwards. Sometimes too much change is a bad thing, but with the team missing the playoffs year after year, change is just what the doctor ordered.

Scottie Upshall has had a respectable 30 point per season career, but for many, believe he is capable of doing a lot more. The difficulty for Upshall is staying healthy which has seen him play all but one full season over his career. A fast, strong skater, it will be nice to see if he pairs up with Stephen Weiss and David Booth. If so, his fantasy stock could rise as a sleeper pick.

Florida’s additions were nothing of any great superstars, but of all talented players that can chip in. Going with the thought that the sum is greater than the parts, the team has added depth with Tomas Kopecky, Tomas Flesichmann and Kris Versteeg. Together, the three combined for 48 goals, 71 assists to total 119 points. This should greatly improve the Panthers top two lines if the new players can gel with one another.

Defense: Like the offense, the Panthers have tweaked their top two defensive pairings.

Puck moving defenseman Brian Campbell is capable of putting up 50 points if he can stay healthy. The forecast may not look so good as he has had shortened seasons for the past two years.

Veteran Ed Jovanoski has been added and will balance the team out with some grit and hard work. He is a player you at to play against but would love to have on your team. A downside he is getting older, but the positive, he plays younger than what he is.

The Panthers still have some talented players that will pair with either of the two previous mentioned. Dmitry Kulikov is coming into his third season as a professional and looks to better his last year’s stats of 6 goals and 20 assists. Similarly, Keaton Ellerby is also coming into his third season as a professional and had 2 goals and 10 assists last year. Both young players will help ease the burden of old age on the added veteran defenseman.

Goaltending: The Panthers have always had a good goalie, but never a team in front of him. Tomas Vokoun has headed to the Washington Capitals as the Panthers have picked up Jose Theodore to take the number one spot. Theodore had some great seasons in Washington, notching 62 wins in 104 games played over two seasons. Although he is the same age as Vokoun, Theodore looks to be more acrobatic and should add greater value to the team.

HWB Playoff Prediction: Not playoff bound. Oh how we miss you Florida, please return sometime soon to the playoffs with your rubber rats.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Free Agents at a Bargain Price

Jun 28

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

In a few days the hockey world will regain some life with the opening of free agency on April 1st. As a fan, you want your team to make the right moves to put your favorite team in Cup contention. Here are 3 free agents you want coming to your team.

Tim Connolly

1. Tim Connolly

At a decent 4.5 million cap hit last year, expect his salary to go down. After sustaining multiple injuries over the years, most recently a head injury, some teams may not want to risk it. Still though, if healthy, Connolly could be a valuable asset. He is able to play either center or left wing, and would do best as a second liner. In his last 4 years, Connolly has been able to put up 40+ points in each of them. The majority of his career has been with the Buffalo Sabres, but if given a shot at consistent playing time mixed in with some power-play chances, Connolly could easily put up a 50 point season.

2. Scottie Upshall

The speedy 27 year old has yet to his his peak in his career. If given solid playing time on the second line with a play-making center, Upshall could easily hit 25 goals and assists to match. His cap hit is the best of the three with a low 2.25 million. There really is not much downside to this guy, he just needs some direction and the chance to play.

3. Cory Stillman

At 37 years of age Cory Stillman is not a young buck anymore. Factor in he doesn’t have many more years left, Stillman’s modest 3.5 million cap hit could be negotiated down on a playoff contending team. The winger and power-play man has 2 Stanley Cups under his belt, racking up 39 points last season in 65 games played. In his hay day he was a 50+ points player and has a career high of 80 points. Sure he will not put up those numbers, but nearing 40 points in a complete season is not a far fetch.

Tags: , , , ,

Phoenix Coyotes Tops the Pacific Division

Nov 24

Posted by EB in News, Soap Box | 1 Comment

As if you thought I would not touch on this topic?

The Phoenix Coyotes are now the new leader in the Pacific Division. With a record of 11-5-5 for 27 points, the team seems to have settled in. Things did not come easy though for the Coyotes as in the month of October they were a sad 3-4-3, 9 points out of a possible 20. Some were worried, even myself, that maybe the team was a fluke last year.

This is not the case as the team is currently on a tear with a 7-1-2 record in their last 10 games played. Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov is starting to regain form; 6 wins in a row. New addition Ray Whitney leads the team with 15 points, Wojtek Wolski is getting his scoring hands back and forwards Radim Vrbata and Lee Stempniak each have 13 points a piece and a +6/+5 rating.

The team is playing well and still has some room to grow. Youndg defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson is still finding his way, forward Scottie Upshall has not been up to his normal scoring ways, and even captain Shane Doan has yet to lead the team as a captain should.

The Phoenix Coyotes are back on track and look to keep up their impressive streak of wins. The Pacific division is tough with the likes of the Los Angeles Kings and the slumping San Jose Sharks, but expect the Coyotes to contest for the top spot throughout the whole year. Come playoffs, the only thing these desert dogs have to worry about is not matching up against the Detroit Red Wings.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Hockey World Blog Season Previews 2010: Phoenix Coyotes

Sep 17

Posted by EB in Season Previews | No Comments

Key Offseason Losses: Matthew Lombardi, Zbynek Michalek

Key Offseason Additions: Adrian Aucoin, Eric Belanger, Martin Hanzel, Taylor Pyatt, Lee Stempniak, Ray Whitney, Wojtek Wolski

Last Season Ranking: 4th, West

Offense: The Phoenix Coyotes surprised a lot of fans last year and look to wow a few more this upcoming season. The team has 4 solid lines that all can score. Those expected to top the points for the Coyotes are Wojtek Wolski, Shane Doan and a healthy returning Scottie Upshall. Added last year Lee Stempniak looks to continue his point per game production (18) with the club after netting only 30 points in 62 games played with Toronto last season. New comers from free agency veteran Ray Whitney and playmaker Eric Belanger look to add the depth and skill to make the Coyotes one of the most deep teams in the NHL.

Rookie defensman Oliver Ekman-Larsson will be a player worth watching at the young age of 19 this season with the Coyotes.

Rookie defensman Oliver Ekman-Larsson will be a player worth watching at the young age of 19 this season with the Coyotes.

Defense: Like the offense, the team’s defense is also one of the deepest defenses. Last season the Coyotes were one of the top goals scored by defense. The team is lead by tough nose Ed Jovanovski, a strong supporting cast, and better yet, top defensive team point getter Keith Yandle is expected to line with rookie Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Oliver, at age 19,  is a player to watch for this season coming from Sweden. A skilled puck handler and playmaker offensively, as well as a very sound positioning defensive style that likes to pick some pockets.

Goaltending: As if it could get any better, it most certainly does. Netminder Ilya Brysgalov very well could be one of the top goaltenders next season. Posting a 42-20-0 record in 69 games started, was 6th best in goals against average (2.29) as well as second to only Martin Brodeur in shutouts with 8. Backup netminder Jason LaBarbera will be a solid replacement when Ilya needs some rest.

Season Outlook: Perhaps my viewpoint of the Coyotes is a little biased, this I am aware of. Despite that, in a non-biased assessment, the Coyotes could very well put up another 100 point season, lead the Pacific Division over the tough San Jose Sharks, and perhaps even challenge for Western Conference leader.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Phoenix Coyote’s Trade Deadline Acquisitions Paying Off

Mar 8

Posted by EB in News | 1 Comment

Wojtek Wolski looking good in his new uniform with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Wojtek Wolski looking good in his new uniform with the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Phoenix Coyote’s made a big splash on NHL trade deadline day. The team, who was expected to be run out of town this year, has had an impressive year thus far. Coyote’s fans were a little down after then team point leader Scottie Upshall was hurt and not to return for the rest of the season,  but now fans can cheer as the Coyote’s stocked up not only for the rest of the season, but for the upcoming playoff run. Here is a run down of those additions.

Wojtek Wolski has 2 goals and an assist in the two games played under a new jersey. In addition, he has a +3 rating and the game winning goal against his former team the Colorado Avalanche. Wolski was a stud in his Junior career earning the Ontario Hockey League’s MVP in the 2006 season. The trend seems to be continuing, and at the young age of 24, it is only expected he will get better and better.

Derek Morris returns home as he played with the Coyotes for 5 seasons from 2003-2009. The tough defenseman has put up a power play assist, +3 rating, and has already been in a fight. Morris’ physical presence in front of the net will assist in keeping it clean for goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.

Mathieu Schneider has yet to play a game with the Coyotes and is currently playing with their AHL affiliate the San Antonio Rampage. The veteran defensman has been in question of his capabilities at his age, but optimist think he will be a good addition especially come playoff time.

Lee Stempniak entered the league at the tender age of 19 with the St. Louis Blues and posted an impressive 27 points. Since then, he has had a high of 52 points, but averages more around 35 points. Since joining the Coyotes, Stempniak has a point in each of his two games, a +3 rating, and 3 shots each game. Stempniak’s point production should be solid, making the third line even more dangerous than what it is already with the likes of sniper Robert Lang.

I cannot say I know too much about young center Petteri Nokelainen, but it seems he will be playing on the fourth line. Many people overlook the importance of this line thinking of it as less ice time away from better lines. True as that may be, those lines do need rest, and a good fourth line does not only give them that rest, they also keep pucks from going in the net. Nokelainen is currently sporting a balanced +/- rating, not scoring any goals, but not letting any in.

The Phoenix Coyote’s made some great steps to improving their already solid team. As much as I love my home team the Wing’s, I will be rooting for the Coyote’s this year in the playoffs. Let’s go Yotes!

Tags: , , , , , ,

Phoenix Coyotes

Sep 17

Posted by EB in Season Previews | 1 Comment

No greater is the need to have a winning season other than right now for the Phoenix Coyotes. With the future of the team in question, the team must go on and is doing so.

The team has made only few acquisitions to increase depth and talent. Starting with goalie, Jason Labarbera has signed with the team. Last year Labarbera split his time between two clubs, the L.A. Kings and the Vancouver Canucks. Combining his stats, he posted 8 wins, 10 losses and 6 overtime losses in 28 games with a .901 save percentage. His expectations should be no more than providing a solid back up position to starting goalie Ilya Bryzgalov.

The Phoenix Coyote’s seem to be transitioning into a more puck moving club, as they have gotten rid of their enforcers. Last season Daniel Carcillo was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, as this season they have decided not to sign right wing Brian McGrattan to the Calgary Flames. The Flames have also picked up Nigel Dawes off of waivers from the Coyotes.

Perhaps the only two other players to make note of that will be joining the Coyote’s roster is that of defenseman Adrian Aucoin and the return of forward Radim Vrbata.

Aucoin holds an Olympic silver medal from 1994, played in the NHL All Star game in the 2003 – 2004 season and is a solid defenseman. The veteran defenseman will be able to provide wisdom and knowledge to the relatively young defense of the Coyote’s, as well as production on the power play.

Young forward Peter Mueller will be reunited with the return of winger Radim Vrbata.

Young forward Peter Mueller will be reunited with the return of winger Radim Vrbata.

The return of Radim Vrbata should ignite some offensive sparks with young forward Peter Mueller.  Vrbata winged a line of then rookie Peter Mueller. Together they were able to provide an offensive threat, combining for 49 goals, 61 assists totaling 110 points.

The Coyote’s have the talent to be a good hockey team. Captain and excellent two way player Shane Doan, up and coming Scottie Upshall, as well as veteran assistant captain Ed Jovanovski. The team was on pace to make the playoffs last season, only to fall hard and ending in 13th place. With the club’s future in question, even the question of Wayne Gretzky being head coach, the team could be an absolute wreck with the side distractions, or have an excellent season later to be made into a sports motivational movie.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,