IS THIS THE FALLEN LEAVES YEAR? It’s at the moment 57 years as a result of the NHL’s wealthiest group, the Toronto Maple Leafs, received aStanley Cup Can you suppose it– majority a century! Of coaching course, want springtimes timeless with Queen City followers and this yr isn’t any numerous. Our Toronto reporter Mark Nussbaum truly thinks that this IS the yr. Here he informs us why: “We have elite goaltending for a change and superior coaching in Craig Berube who won a Cup in St.Louis. He’s brought ‘accountability’ and, as a result, we have the most disciplined defense in my memory. Finally, this squad comes to play every night and knows how to battle adversity.” (Seems to me we have now truly listened to that observe previous to.”
REMPE BECOMING A REGULAR: Ever since getting back from his suspension, Matt Rempe has been a mannequin citizen. It’s no coincidence that the Rangers fourth line has gained stature in that point and Rempe’s ice time has just about doubled. This isn’t any joke. The Blueshirts document with The Skating Giraffe is a top-heavy 24-7-4. (Doubters, please take discover.)
ANOTHER SIMON AUDITION IN NJ: Simon Nemec, who’s a giant a part of the Devils’ future, was promoted for final night time’s sport in Newark. Checking Nemec out on the Vegas victory, Solon was not impressed with the prospect. Then once more, it was just one sport and Simon was solely minus one.
RECOMMENDED READING: Veteran writer and Hockey News contributor Ronnie Shuker crossed Canada from East to West and again. He stopped at each doable hockey venue and the result’s his fabulous ebook “The Country And The Game– 30,000 Miles Of Hockey Stories.” (A should for each Beer Leaguer.)
RECOMMENDED COACH OF THE YEAR: The Hockey News Yearbook had Washington ending fifth within the Metro. Right now the Caps may very well be a robust Cup contender. Alex Ovechkin – as at all times – will get tons of credit score. But The Maven says how about The Adams Award for Spencer Carberry who’s executed wonders behind the bench. (My 18-year-old grandson, Ariel, says he remembers Carberry teaching the AHL Hershey Bears. “Spencer was excellent in Hershey and maintaining it entering D.C.”)
THE Q QUESTION IS PUZZLING: Last October it appeared as if it was solely a matter of time earlier than Joel Quenneville was employed to switch a fired NHL coach. He was – as THN Yearbook famous – “At the first of NHL coaches-in-waiting.” Sad to state, nevertheless Q nonetheless is ready. Meanwhile, Joel’s earlier employer in Chicago, Stan Bowman, is using the crest along with his Oilers.
