Showing posts with label Elias. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elias. Show all posts

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Enter Sydney

New York Rangers - Pittsburgh
Another go anywhere game. It isn't all happy over in Crosby-land, but the Pens are still plenty dangerous. Many fingers point at M.A.Fleury, but the offense isn't quite as prolific as it was last season either. Perhaps if the O was keeping it in the opposition zone a bit more, the defense and MAF wouldn't be as pressed! I sure hope the O doesn't find anything on this night.

The Rangers have been crossing over...finding some offense...at least creating opportunities. Let's hope that stays true. They did pretty well at home* to the Isles...if not for some defensive lapses they would have won that game. As is they got NO POINTS...it hurt and now this game is that much bigger. The Pens haven't found themselves yet, thus, this game is more of a winner.

NYR needs to pepper the Pens' goalie as they did Biron the other night. They need to make better decisions in their own zone when heavily forechecked. The way Trent Hunter ran around, Gary Roberts could be a force...albeit an old one.

other games to watch...
New Jersey - Philidelphia
Can't not watch another opportunity to see Brodeur face quality scoring chances. Philly can certainly light the lamp. It will be interesting to see if their defense can stop the two lines of NJ and by that i mean, Parise's line and the other line without Elias. As i have mentioned before, i hope Elias finds a connection with a linemate but until he does he is going to be a huge PUZZLE this season.

Tampa Bay - Carolina
Always a good game between these two. Carolina SHOULD waltz around this one-punch shadow boxer. However, never has TB been easy for the Canes...at least in my memory. Wallin will be out for a few more weeks and that hurts the Canes a lot...hopefully that won't be a glaring hole for them tonight. Lecavalier is pretty awesome and opens a lot of space for St Louis or whoever else he is out there with.

Montreal - Boston
This should be a good battle. Boston coming off a tough, tight loss cannot be taken lightly. Montreal has played some good hockey as well. I will be interested in this matchup. Kovalev is playing well.

Ottawa - Washington
The way the caps have been playing as of late, this game might be the blowout of the night. Gerber could get a shutout too...or Emery or whoever.

Vancouver - Calgary
Even with Vancouver's lack this season, i always pay attention to a game between these two. Besides, isn't Iginla alone worth watching!?

Okay i guess it goes without saying, but this season has been about as predictable as say a tornado sighting. Other than Ottawa and Detroit, every team seems to hit spots where they can't win and it doesn't matter if they are playing Phoenix or Washington or San Jose or Anaheim...what's the reason!?

* we all know that Nassau is the vacation home for the Rangers' fans

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

New Jersey: P.Elias

Reading the boards that i read, i have seen people coming down on Elias. Even to the extent of benching him. (perhaps it would motivate him...but better, the entire team)

It is interesting that in this new system, the Devils have yet to get Elias producing. It is odd, i think Elias would be producing something no matter where he is! I love this guy. BUT perhaps the effects of losing a pure passing, smooth skating center - Gomez, shows that Elias can't create his own opportunities?! I don't know. I expect that Sutter would mix lines up until they find someone to get Elias the puck in good situations.

Maybe Langenbrunner will get him going.

More to be seen - i hate New Jersey, but i like this guy. I hope he can turn it around without any benefit to the Devils! (that would be too good...and impossible.)