Western Canadian Hockey League

Jets Starting to Soar
 

There is plenty to cheer about on the ice as well for Winnipeg.
 
Just over two seasons ago, the Winnipeg Jets came back to town. While fan jubilation could not ever capture how great that was for the city of Winnipeg, the on ice product was hardly something worth cheering for.
 
The Jets were the discarded roster from the Vancouver Canucks, who finished dead last in the season standings only to see the Atlanta Thrashers line up -full of talent such as the Sedin brothers- move in, and the old Canucks head to Winnipeg.
 
Though it's just a few seasons later, the Jets are now no longer a WCHL doormat. Several new faces have brought a lot of positive change and the Jets are eager to try and reach the playoffs for the first time in the most recent edition of the teams history.
 
Even an off-season which was very quiet didn't stop the Jets from improving themsleves, oddly enough via the waiver draft. The Jets bolstered a suspect defense by claiming the likes of Paul Mara and Robyn Regehr, while also adding two-way centre Matt Cullen. Blassed with a hefty chunk of salary cap space in a time when few teams hve much wiggle room, the Jets were also able to acquire puckmoving blueliner Mike Green from the Montreal Canaidens for a draft pick and minor league blueliner Paul Postma.
 

Former WCHL Cup champion Matt Cullen, and defenseman Mike Green are key cogs to a new Jets line up.
 
All in all, the Jets look to be stronger, and deeper, than in seasons past.
 
"We needed to upgrade the blueline and we did just that by adding three solid, veteran defensemen," noted General Manager Darren Mathieu.
 
Regehr is expected to be a key cog on the penalty kill for Winnipeg, while Green is likely to help kick-start the powerplay, giving immediate boosts to both of the special teams units.
 
Mathieu noted the club is still eager to upgrade the top lines for the Jets to give them a better offensive punch, and the club has been linked in rumours to Carolina Hurricanes centre Joe Thornton, though his $11 million salary is likely to scare away many buyers.
 
What seems more likely is the Jets will work the phones to land another scoring winger, unless a hopeful like Bobby Butler can crack through at the NHL level with the offense he's shown in college and the minor league levels.
 
The lack of offense has reared its ugly head early, with the club managing just one goal -a powerplay tally at that- in their first two games. Despite the brilliant efforts of netminder Craig Anderson, the Jets have lost both games, being outscored 6-1.
 

The Jets will need Craig Anderson to be tall in net this season.
 
"We can't have that, we need to do more at putting the puck in the net," said forward Travis Zajac, a Winnipeg native and one of two forwards on the team with five shots so far this season. "We can't allow this to get ahead of us."
 
In total, Winnipeg has just 39 shots in two games. Expect Green to help with that, as the blueliner has a proven track record of piling up th points and can log 23 minutes per game.
 
In the meantime, the improvement will have to come from within for the Jets.
 
"We have the right group here to get the job done, we just have to get the job done," noted forward Jordin Tootoo.
 

Travis Zajac leads the Jets in shots with five, but like most Jets forwards he still has yet to find the back of the net.

Capitalizing on a Mistake


There could be reason for excitement in Washington this season.

If any team should be excited about celebrating New Years', it's the Washington Capitals.

After failing to make the playoffs last year, the Capitals found themselves presented with a gift, wrapped neatly with a big red ribbon on its forehead in the waiver draft. Despite not picking until selection number eight, the Capitals landed starting goaltender, and two-time Vezina Trophy nominee Pekka Rinne, who had been wiaved by the Dallas Stars.


Pekka Rinne or Mike Smith? Who will win the goaltending musical chairs competition in Washington?

Rinne had just been signed this past off-season by the Stars, but an over-addition of salary left the Stars in desperate need to get below the salary cap befre the waiver draft, and they elected to waive the all-star netminder. A combination of a lack of roster space and cap space led to seven other teams being forced to pass on the star before Washington was able to grab him.

"We are estatic to get him," announced Capitals General manager Wasson. "He gives us a proven number one netminder and a chance to compete every night."

Wasson went on to add that the club still haven't decided if Rinne or Mike Smith, added over the summer from the Ottawa Senators, would be the starting netminder for the club. While Wasson woudln't comment, it does seem likely one of the two goaltenders will be moved via a trade soon.

"This gives us a lot of options, and a trade is one of those options. We'll weigh all options heavily before making a decision."

Smith got the nod for game one on the regulr season and managed to pick up the win despite making just 14 saves.

With a solid top two lines and a dependable defense, the Capitals feel the dramatic shoring up of their weak spot in net last year will allow them to overcome the obstacles which held them out of the playoffs last season.

"We have a solid team here, and when they added Smith I felt like they had a good enough crew to take a run at the playoffs. It's a big reason why I signed here," noted Jay McClement, arguably Washington's biggest free agent pick up.


Jay McClement is happy to be in Washington, and Mike Smith was a big reason for that.

It's a lot of work to do though, as Washington finished 28 points out of a playoff and 12th overall in the Eastern Conference, going 32-42-8 last season.

But there's reason for optimism. Washington missed the playoffs largely on the fact they allowed 254 goals aganst. Of all 16 playoff teams, only the Detroit Red Wings allowed more goals at 258, while the most scored upon Eastern Conference team was the New York Islanders, who allowed just 226 goals. In fact, Washington allowed the third most goals against in the entire conference, just ahead of Toronto (256). Carolina allowed 280 goals last season to lead all Eastern Conference teams.

If Rinne and Smith can cut that total down, and the offense can find a way to improve even slightly from the 211 goals they scored last year -ranking 13th as well in the conference- things will be better for the Capitals this season. Expect Jordan Eberle to be a key that cause, as he certain be promoted from the farm shortly. The young winger is viewed by many to be one of the most promising players in the game.


Jordan Eberle figures to be a key offensive cog for Washington this season.

Moving Van
 

Stopping the puck will be a huge task for Jaroslav Halak in Vancouver this season.
 
It's been a lot of ups and downs for the Vancouver Canuck faithful over the years, and the hope is this isn't a fresh set of downward spirals coming this season.
 
The Cancks were once a model of inability to capitalize on a plethora of telent. Under the inaugural reign of General manager Iain Murray, the Canucks built up a strong team year after year, only to have it washed away with post-season failures, often at the hands of the Minnesota Wild. After Murray's tenure ended, the Canucks went through both highs and lows, the lowest being a few seasons ago when they inished dead last in the WCHL by a country mile, barely eclipsing 30 points.
 
In a geographic shuffle however, the Canucks were given a boost in fortunes, seeing the Atlanta Thrashers squad move to Vancouver, with the old Vancouver Canucks shuffling off to Winnipeg to become the Jets.
 
The Canucks effectively went from the league's worst team to a top 10 squad with the signing of a few league documents. Once again though, the Canucks were unable to make much happen with that talent, and now, after yet another General Manager change, the Canucks are hoping they'll find their way out of the desert quicker than Moses did.
 
Indeed, Vancouver is coming off a season in which they missed the playoffs by eight points, going 34-39-9, and did virtually nothing in the off-season. Now they find themselves at a significant crossroads, trying to get the most out of aging team while wondering if some of that team, including future Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger, will be staying with the club long-term.
 

If Chris Pronger can be his all-star self, the Canucks could make a big move in the Western Conference.
 
The man tasked with guiding the ship is newly minted General Manager Dylan Schwark. He won't have an easy task in front of him, with a few key players set to be free agents after the season and a few others tied into no movement contracts. Several bloated contracts meanwhile have the Canucks with just over $1 million in wiggle room under the salary cap.
 
"We have the team in place now to make the playoffs, I know that," said Sedin sister Henrik. "We have a great top line, a great second line cetre in John Tavares, a very experienced defense, and a legit number one netminder in Jaroslav Halak. We have the pieces, but we could use to make some adjustments."
 
Those adjustments will need to come more significantly on defense. Oddly, with a blueline that features Chris Pronger, Alexander Edler, Ed Jovanovski and Brent Burns, the Canucks surrendered a whopping 276 goals last year, fourth most in the Western Conference. That number could be much better.
 

Opponents don't like playing aganst Alexander Edler. The hard-hitting defenseman is part of a very under-performing Canucks blueline.
 
Improving the defensive posture of the forward ranks would help, with very few players looking like Selke Trophy candidates, but the addition of Jamie Langenbrunner should help in that regard. Another positive would be the addition of a legitimate backup netminder. Andy Chiodo hardly proved very effective last season, and wasn't able to give Halak much support or time off.
 
While cap space is an issue, expect to see defenseman John Carlson get plenty of ice time for the Canucks this year as well. The young blueline stud figures to give the Canucks a boost now, and also down the road as the 20-year-old is only getting started and certainly would help Vancouver improve their defense.
 
There is plenty of reason to be positive in Vancouver, but there's no guarantee that this tea won't hit the skids again. The one who will decide whether that happens or not is Schwark.
 

For all the talk about improvement, the Canucks will only go as far as the Sedin twins can carry them.

Getting Iggy With It
 

For once the Leafs have a lot to celebrate... maybe.
 
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been bad for pretty much the entire leangth of time the WCHL has existed. Making the playoffs has been a challenge and, outside of a miracle run to the WCHL finals one year, the Leafs have had no post-season success.
 
So one may find it interesting to see one of the games greatest all around players deciding to lace the skates up for the Leafs.
 
Jarome Iginla, arguably the biggest free agency prize this off-season, signed on the Leafs yesterday, inking a five-year, $5-million deal to suit up in the blue and white.
 

Jarome Iginla brings a big name to the Leafs for the first time in a while.
 
"Growing up in Canada, everyone dreams of playing for the Leafs someday, I'm glad I got a chance to do that, to make that dream come true. It was a great incentive to play in Toronto," said Iginla.
 
$9 million a season was also likely a great incentive as well.
 
While Iginla will fill a big void for the Leafs, he is one piece of a large puzzle that is still far from being filled.
 
The Leafs are likely still another four forwards and two blueliners away from having nearly enough depth and skill to make a legitimate playoff run in the uber-tough Eastern Conference. Remember, this is a conference which last season seen every playoff team finish with at least 100 points.
 
"It's going to be tough but we hope to have the players in palce to not just survive, but to thrive," said Leafs General Manager Tony Bezdeck.
 
Bezdeck has likely been the off-seasons busiest GM. Aside from the Iginla signing, Bezdeck has also been widely reported to be involved in bidding on other high profile free agents, and has swung several deals, sending out players such as Kyle Brodziak and Ales Hemsky. Ondrej Pavelec meanwhile is rumoured to be on the block as well, meaning the Leafs could have an entirely new look come next season.
 

Ales Hemsky sits dejected after hearing he has been traded to Boston.
 
"We had to make changes, said Bezdeck. "We finished well outside the playoffs last year, we weren't even close. We can't accept that, we have to do better and to do better changes had to be made."
 
Another important factor is that for once, the Leafs might actually have some depth in the farm system. with veterans like Tim Brent likely tagged for time with the Toronto Marlies. Having skilled players to recall in case of injury could go along way in helping the Leafs hold on in a playoff push.
 

Tim Brent expects to provide some valuable depth for the Leafs this season.
 
But it will all be for nought if the Leafs don't continue to pick up pieces in free agency. Rumoured involvement includes Pekka Rinne and Chris Kunitz, both of whom would cost a lot but also provide a lot to the Leafs.
 
"We're not done yet. I'd be shocked if we don't have another big announcement to make, maybe several," said Bedzeck with a smile.
 

Is Pekka Rinne Toronto-bound?

Lightning Finally Strikes
 

It was a positive year for the Lightning for the first time in a long time.
 
After years of trying, but falling well short, the Tampa Bay Lightning finally reached the WCHL post-season this year.
 
And they picked a great year to do it, joining seven other teams in the Eastern Conference to reach 100 points, making it the toughest crowd of playoff teams in WCHL history.
 
"It was a proud moment for us," said Tampa Bay General Manager Mike Osterloh. "We worked hard at this, and everything sort of clicked this season."
 
A big part of that click was the play of netminder Jimmy Howard. The at times maligned goalie rallied to post a career year with the Lightning, and was a darkhorse contender for a Vezina Trophy nomination.
 

Jimmy Howard's play on the ice has been as hot as the women he's dated off of it.
 
"It was great to help the team win, and hopefully this is just the tip of the iceberg," said Howard.
 
While Tampa Bay didn't fare well in the playoffs, losing to the New York Rangers in five games in the opening round, Tampa Bay served notice they are the precipice of becoming another force in the East.
 
To do so though, they must not let this level of improvement go for waste. A solid core needs to be further augmented with support, and how Osterloh deals with that will be vital.
 
Some help on the wings would do wonders, and Tampa Bay must find a way to handle the volitile Dany Heatley situation. The veteran winger, who is also a veteran of trade demans, has issued yet another one, asking to be moved by the Lightning. Heatley's demand was made before the mid-way point of the season, yet Tampa Bay didn't let it become a distraction. Whether they can remained focused through next year is not a guarantee so expect Tampa Bay to move the sniper before the drop of the puck next year.
 

Dany Heatley can't wait to get out of Tampa Bay. He's also eager to get out of whatever team he gets traded to as well.
 
"I really don't like it here. Frankly I don't like it anywhere, but especially here. Tampa Bay sucks. Nothing but women in bikinis, 80-degree temperatures all the time, lots of sun and I play hockey for millions a season. This place stinks," said Heatley.
 
Flipping Heatley for a deal involving a winger is likely a key for the Lightning, who have little cap space to play with and have hardly even been seen on the free aget scene. This is in stark contrast from previous seasons.
 
"We don't think the answer lies in free agency. We'll see what can do to improve from within," said Osterloh.
 
Within includes the likes of forward Bobby Butler, defenseman Bobby Sanguinetti and netminder Anders Lindback.
 

Anders Lindback figures to be a key piece of the Lightning future.
 
"We think we can fill what we need from within, but we'll see what's out there as well and do what's best for the team," said Osterloh.
 
For the first time, that thought process worked last season. Will it work again?

Rangers Lonely No More


The New York Rangers are the Season 15 WCHL up Champions

For a while, Andrew Don must have been feeling like the jilted bridesmaid.

The New Rangers General Manager had spent several year forming a solid team built around a young, talented core of elite hockey talent. A few veterans were sprinkled in for good measure, such as Shane Doan, and it appeared all was in place for a Cup run.

But after several playoff failures, and two times being defeated in the WCHL Cup final, Don must have felt like maybe he was destined to be forever the bridesmaid; never the bride.

"It's hard not to doubt yourself," admitted Don. "We knew we had the right team but at times we started to wonder, are we missing something here."



If what was missing was consistency, the Rangers more than found that this year. After a bit of a bumpy start, the Rangers roared through the reagular season, destroying teams in their wake enroute to claiming the Presidents Trophy with a 126-point season. Unlike other teams who have had to face adversity in the playoffs, the Rangers dealt with none of that either, first besting the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games after taking a 3-0 series lead, then knocking off their cross town rival Islanders in round two. For the second straight year the Rangers swept the Islanders, this time using three straight overtime victories to seal the job.

"Even though we swept them, they were the toughest challenge," said team captain Shane Doan. "Usually you don't win three straight overtime games, and we could easily have lost one or two of those. We lose two of them, it's a 2-2 series, not a 4-0 sweep. We have to tip our hats to them, they re always a tough test."

The Rangers then topped the Ottawa Senators in five games before getting past the Calgary Flames in five games as well in the finals. Not surprisingly, the Rangers capped off their cup run with an overtime victory in game five against Calgary to seal their first WCHL title.

"This is incredible, I feel lik I'm on top of the world right now, I just can't describe this," said forward Tomas Flieschmann, who scored the cup clinching goal in game five.

Flieschmann was the teams top scorer in the post-season, scoring 23 points, including five goals. Of those five goals, three were game winners, helping to put him into consideration for the Conn Smythe award. But there was little doubt who would claim that award.

"Henrik Lundqvist, please step forward to accept the Conn Smythe award," WCHL Co-Commissioner Kurt Fulmore stated in front of a capacity crowd of 21,500 at the GWC Gardens. Outside of the roar which nearly blew the roof off the Gardens following Flieschmann's overtime heroics, the cheer for Lundqvist's Coon Smythe award was the loudest of the post-season filled with nothing but postives for the Ranger faithful.


The Flames had no answer for Henrik Lundqvist this time around, scoring just eight goals in the five game finals.

"This is amazing," said Lundqvist. "We've been striving so hard for so long to get to this point, this means so much to be a big piece of helping us get the WCHL Cup."

It is a season which will go down in the ages as one of the best of all time. Next year will be a hard act to follow.

"We're just going to enjoy the glow of this for a while, but then we'll get back to work. The WCHL never rests, so we can't either," said Don.

When asked about a possible repeat, Don was smug.

"I thought it would be hard, but I seen Ryan (McClanahan, Colorado General Manager) and Kurt (Fulmore, San Jose General Manager) do it, so it must be pretty simple."

Signing the Blues

Goals were hard to come by in St. Louis
 
After some high-priced dips into the free agent pool the past few seasons, the St. Louis Blues had high hopes for theis season.
 
Those hopes weren't realized however, as Season 15 turned into a disaster from the start.
 
St. Louis stumbled to a 4-15 start to the season and never recovered. While the club poted a valiant 30-25-8 record after that poor start, they could undo the damage that had been done, largely the result of some weak efforts from some high-priced players.
 
"We did not get the bang for the buck from some guys," said General Manager Jesse Funk. "We knew we overpaid to a degree, you have to to get someone in free agency, but we didn't come cose to getting what we paid for this year."
 
While forwards Marian Gaborik and Curtis Glencross finished first and fifth respectively in team scoring this year, the duo combined for just 57 goals and 109 points despite receiving $19 million in salary. That represents just under 30 per cent of the team salary cap going to those players, and not nearly enough scoring coming back. Add in $8.5 million for Niklas Backstrom and $5.65 million for defenseman Robyn Regehr and the Blues find themselves very top heavy with salary going forward and not nearly enough to show for it.
 

The Blues will need a lot more from Marian Gaborik and Curtis Glencross.
 
While Backstrom and Regehr performed admirably, those four players salary equates to $33.15 million, or over half of the salary cap. As a result, St. Louis is left trying to fill their lower lines with bargain basement salaries, and often the skill level matches the salary.
 
How St. Louis finds some cap room could be the ultimate question this off-season, as to do so would likely mean one of the big four salaries is on the move.
 
In the mantime, St. Louis needs to figure how to get more from their unacheiving offense which ranked 26th in goals last season. The powerplay would be a good place to start, as the Blues finished dead last on the man advantage, scoring at just a 10.87 percentage. Gaborik managed just six powerplay tallies all season.
 
Shots are also an issue, with the Blues finishing 26th in the league in shots for while ranking 24th in shots against. Comparing shots for versus shots against, St. Louis finished 28th, besting only the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks.
 
"We need to get more pucks to the net," said Gaborik, whose 215 was the top mark on the etam last year. "If we get the puck on net more often, maybe it'll stay out of our end as well."
 
St. Louis does have some players in the minors who are expected to challenge for a roster spot next season, namely Roman Horak and David Rundblad, but none are likely to stimulate the offense in their first season. With only $450,000 approximately in cap space as well. it's likely to the trading block the Blues shall go this off-season.
 

David Rundblad is a future face of the Blues franchise.
 
"We have to be creative. We don't hve a lot of wiggle room," said Funk.