On the Ice -- Thursday
By Judd Hall
The trade deadline has come and gone in the NHL. And those newly acquired pieces should be on the ice by now for their respective clubs. Two teams in particular made major moves on Feb. 26, but will that translate into instant success?
Ottawa at Philadelphia
Were you surprised that the Senators didn’t move Ray Emery at the deadline? So was I. However, it’s hard not to blame Ottawa for keeping him though, seeing as its lost eight of 12 games this month. That includes a 2-4 mark in the Sens’ past six matches. At least the ‘under’ has been a solid bet for the public, going on a 6-1 run.
Philadelphia was just happy to get a victory last Monday night on the road versus the Sabres, 4-3, in overtime. The win snapped a 10-game losing streak the Flyers were stuck in. Philly has also seen the ‘under’ hit often with a 4-2 record in its last six tilts.
The Flyers have lost their last six matches at the Wachovia Center this season.
Ottawa is 5-2 in its last seven head-to-head meetings with the Flyers, with the ‘over’ going 4-3.
Philly is 6-2-1 when they get two days off following a win.
New York Islanders at Atlanta
The Islanders looked like they were setting up to make a playoff run recently after winning six straight games. However, New York has dropped its last two games to keep itself just two points out of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Still, the Isles have seen the ‘over’ go 6-3-1 since Feb. 7.
Atlanta doesn’t appear to have much to play for right now after giving up Marian Hossa to the Penguins for some highly valued prospects. So the thoughts of the Thrashers snapping their four-game slide currently could be a pipe dream. Bettors have been able to cash in on the ‘under’ with them recently as it’s went 2-1-1.
The Thrashers have seen the ‘under’ go on a 5-1 run in their last six home contests.
One thing Atlanta has going for itself is a 3-1 mark when facing off with the Islanders, with the ‘over’ going 3-1 as well.
New York Rangers at Carolina
The Blueshirts are playing some solid hockey right now by winning four of their last five matches, cashing the ‘over’ in three of them. A lot of New York’s success can be attributed to Jaromir Jagr actually figuring out to score again, picking up eight points in his last five appearances.
Carolina may look like its on the way out in terms of the Southeast Division, but they still have won three straight contests, with the ‘over’ going 2-1. And the ‘Canes got forward Tuomo Ruutu right on the ice on Tuesday after picking him up from Chicago. Ruutu even picked up an assist in his first match for the Hurricanes, too.
New York has gone 5-2 in its last seven road tests this season. And the Rangers are 4-2 in their previous six matchups with Carolina, with the ‘under’ going 5-1.
Carolina is 9-6 this year when getting a day off after a victory. The Hurricanes have seen the ‘over’ register a 19-10 record this season under this situation.
Pittsburgh at Boston
The Penguins had a mini losing streak going…sure, they picked up a point in each, but a loss is a loss. Well, Pittsburgh bounced back with a solid 4-2 win over the Isles last Tuesday. Penguin netminder Ty Conklin was spot on versus New York’s offense, stopping 50 of 52 shots on goal.
Pittsburgh also got a big boost with the addition of Hossa to its lineup for Thursday’s clash. However, they had to give up Angelo Esposito and Colby Armstrong. Esposito has the makings of a top-flight star in the NHL; while Armstrong was a good friend of Sidney Crosby…Time will tell how that could hurt in the long run.
The Bruins are on a tear right now, winning four consecutive bouts. And if they can play their cards right, have a legitimate shot at gaining home-ice for the first round of the playoffs.
Boston is 1-4 in its last five home games this season. However, the B’s have gone 6-4 in their last 10 meetings with playoff eligible teams.
Chicago at Dallas
The Blackhawks recently had their two-game win streak clipped on the road against Anaheim, 6-3, on Feb. 24. Nothing new considering Chicago is just playing out the string as the playoffs seem just out of reach of the young club. Bettors have enjoyed high scoring affairs with the ‘Hawks as the ‘over’ is 5-2 in their last seven tests.
Dallas just got a lot stronger at the trade deadline by picking up Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist from the Lightning. Richards gives the Stars a proven goal scorer. Meanwhile, Holmqvist is an inexpensive backup for Marty Turco between the pipes. They join a franchise that’s won five of their last six matches, with the ‘over’ going 3-2-1 in that time.
The Stars have won three of their last four head-to-head tilts with Chicago as the ‘over’ cashed tickets in two of those affairs.
Chicago is 7-7-1 in games where it plays on back-to-back nights.
Phoenix at St. Louis
The Coyotes have seen the ‘under’ hit in four consecutive games this year.
St. Louis is in a funk, losing four straight with the ‘under’ going 3-0-1.
Phoenix is 3-0 versus the Blues recently, with the ‘under’ cashing in each time. And the ‘Yotes are 7-5-1 when playing on consecutive evenings.
Los Angeles at Edmonton
The Kings and their fans have resigned themselves to the old motto “wait until next year” one more time. It’s hard not to blame them right now since Los Angeles has dropped three of its last four games. However, the betting public has enjoyed some large scoring nights recently as the ‘over’ is 5-1 in the Kings’ past six fixtures.
Edmonton is just above respectability right now, going 4-3 in its last seven tilts. However, the Oilers have won five straight at home.
Los Angeles has won three of its last four contests against the Oilers.
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New York Islanders vs. Atlanta Thrashers
- The New York Islanders and the Atlanta Thrashers will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Philips Arena.
The Islanders were doubled 4-2 by the Penguins last time out, at -110 odds. The six goals made it OVER the posted total of (5.5).
Frans Nielson and Ruslan Fedotenko scored in a losing effort.
The Thrashers were blown away 5-1 by the Canadiens last time out, as +180 road underdogs. The six goals were a PUSH against the posted total of (6).
Ilya Kovalchuk scored the lone Thrashers goal in the loss.
Current streak:
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Atlanta has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 30-27-7
Atlanta: 29-31-4
New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing Pittsburgh are 8-2
After a loss are 2-8
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-5-2
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing Montreal are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
NY Islanders are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the NY Islanders last 9 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Islanders
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 14 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Next up:
NY Islanders home to Philadelphia, Saturday, March 1
Atlanta at Boston, Saturday, March 1
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Boston Bruins
- The fans at TD Banknorth Garden will be treated to a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins when they take their seats on Thursday.
Ty Conklin made 50 saves and the Penguins scored twice in the third period to come away with a 4-2 win over the Islanders last time out, at -110 odds. The six goals made it OVER the posted total of (5.5).
Evgeni Malkin, Jeff Taffe, Jordan Staal and Connor James added the goals for the Penguins.
Tim Thomas made 22 saves to post the shutout in the Bruins 4-0 win over the slumping Senators on Tuesday. The Bruins won the game as +100 underdogs, while the four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Zdeno Chara scored twice, while Shawn Thornton and David Krejci added the other markers for the Bruins.
Current streak:
Boston has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 36-21-7
Boston: 33-23-6
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-3-1
Before playing Ottawa are 4-6
After playing NY Islanders are 5-5
After a win are 4-6
Boston most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Ottawa are 6-4
After playing Ottawa are 2-8
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 12 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Boston is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Boston is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Pittsburgh
Next up:
Pittsburgh at Ottawa, Saturday, March 1
Boston home to Atlanta, Saturday, March 1
New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- The New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at RBC Center.
The Rangers defeated Florida 5-0 as a -200 favorite last time out. The five goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 23 shots he faced for the Rangers, while Scott Gomez had a goal and two assists in the win.
Sergei Samsonov scored both goals, including the game-winner to lead the Hurricanes to a 2-1 win over the Devils last time out. The Hurricanes won the game as +105 underdogs, while the combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Cam Ward stopped 23 shots for the win.
Current streak:
New York has won 2 straight games.
Carolina has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 32-24-8
Carolina: 33-28-5
New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Florida are 7-3
After playing Florida are 5-5
After a win are 5-5
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing Carolina
NY Rangers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
NY Rangers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Carolina is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Carolina's last 7 games when playing NY Rangers
Carolina is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
Next up:
NY Rangers home to Philadelphia, Sunday, March 2
Carolina home to Tampa Bay, Saturday, March 1
Ottawa Senators vs. Philadelphia Flyers
- The Ottawa Senators and the Philadelphia Flyers will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Wachovia Center.
The slumping Senators were shutout 4-0 by the Bruins last time out, as -120 favorites. The four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Martin Gerber made 25 saves in the loss for the Senators.
Daniel Briere scored the shootout winner on Monday, as the Flyers edged the Sabres 4-3. The Flyers won the game as +160 underdogs, while the combined score was a PUSH against the posted over/under (6).
Jeff Carter and Scott Hartnell scored the other goals for the Flyers.
Current streak:
Ottawa has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Ottawa: 36-22-6
Philadelphia: 31-25-7
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Boston are 7-3
After playing Boston are 6-4
After a loss are 4-6
Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After playing Buffalo are 3-7
After a win are 6-4
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Ottawa's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Ottawa is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Ottawa's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Ottawa
Next up:
Ottawa home to Pittsburgh, Saturday, March 1
Philadelphia at NY Islanders, Saturday, March 1
Phoenix Coyotes vs. St. Louis Blues
- The fans at Scottrade Center will be treated to a game between the Phoenix Coyotes and the St. Louis Blues when they take their seats on Thursday.
The Coyotes were shut out 1-0 by Patrick Lalime and the Blackhawks on Wednesday, as +110 road underdogs. The team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Ilya Bryzgalov made 24 saves in the loss.
The Blues fell 3-1 to the Stars last time out, as +110 underdogs. The four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5).
Keith Tkachuk scored the lone goal in the loss.
Current streak:
St. Louis has lost 4 straight games.
Team records:
Phoenix: 32-27-5
St. Louis: 28-25-10
Phoenix most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-3-1
Before playing Chicago are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-5-2
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Dallas are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
Phoenix is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Phoenix is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Phoenix is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 8 of St. Louis's last 12 games at home
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Phoenix
Next up:
Phoenix home to Calgary, Saturday, March 1
St. Louis home to San Jose, Saturday, March 1
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Dallas Stars
- The Chicago Blackhawks and the Dallas Stars will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at American Airlines Center.
Patrick Lalime made 32 saves for the shutout in the Blackhawks 1-0 win over the Coyotes last time out. The Blackhawks won the game as -130 favorites, while the team's played UNDER the posted over/under (5.5).
Jason Williams scored the lone goal in the win.
Marty Turco made 27 saves and the Stars scored three times in the third period in a 3-1 win over the Blues on Tuesday. The Stars won the game as -130 favorites, while the four goals were UNDER the posted over/under (5).
Loui Eriksson scored twice and Jere Lehtinen added the other marker for the Stars. Mike Ribeiro collected a pair of assists in the win.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Chicago: 30-27-6
Dallas: 40-22-5
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-6-1
Before playing Edmonton are 6-4
After playing Phoenix are 1-9
After a win are 6-4
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing St. Louis are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago's last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Dallas
Dallas is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Chicago
Dallas is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Dallas is 15-4-1 SU in its last 20 games when playing Chicago
Next up:
Chicago home to Vancouver, Sunday, March 2
Dallas home to Nashville, Saturday, March 1
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
- The Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Rexall Place.
Mike Cammalleri and Anze Kopitar had a goal and two assists apiece for Los Angeles in its 6-5 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.
Chicago won as +100 road underdogs as the game played over the 6-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Robert Nilsson scored the shootout winner on Tuesday, as the Oilers defeated the Red Wings 4-3. The Oilers won the game as +130 underdogs, while the final score made it OVER the posted over/under (5).
Tom Gilbert, Geoff Sanderson and Fernando Pisani scored in regulation.
Current streak:
Edmonton has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Los Angeles: 26-34-4
Edmonton: 29-30-5
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Dallas are 4-6
After playing Chicago are 4-6
After a loss are 8-2
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Detroit are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 7 games on the road
Los Angeles is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
Los Angeles is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Edmonton is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Next up:
Los Angeles at Colorado, Saturday, March 1
Edmonton home to Columbus, Sunday, March 2
NHL
OTTAWA (36-22-0-6, 78 pts.) at PHILADELPHIA (31-25-0-7, 69 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
OTTAWA is 4-8 ATS (-9.2 Units) in February games this season.
OTTAWA is 11-15 ATS (-13.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 2-7 ATS (-7.5 Units) in road games after a division game this season.
OTTAWA is 17-17 ATS (-15.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OTTAWA is 4-8 ATS (-10.3 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 53-92 ATS (-185.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-34 ATS (-23.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 6 or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-10 ATS (-12.7 Units) in February games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 5-9 ATS (-8.4 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-10 ATS (-9.9 Units) in home games when playing with 2 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-18 ATS (-13.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-6 (+0.7 Units) against the spread versus OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
OTTAWA is 6-5-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.4 Units)
NY ISLANDERS (30-27-0-7, 67 pts.) at ATLANTA (29-31-0-4, 62 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 20-37 ATS (-18.5 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 4-14 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 63-116 ATS (+253.9 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 6-5 (+1.3 Units) against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 6-5-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.0 Units)
NY RANGERS (32-24-0-8, 72 pts.) at CAROLINA (33-28-0-5, 71 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 111-115 ATS (-69.6 Units) in home games second half of the season since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 6-5 (+1.0 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 6-5-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.2 Units)
PITTSBURGH (36-21-0-7, 79 pts.) at BOSTON (33-23-0-6, 72 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 33-29 ATS (+73.8 Units) in all games this season.
BOSTON is 14-9 ATS (+23.7 Units) second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 13-8 ATS (+21.6 Units) after a division game this season.
PITTSBURGH is 84-67 ATS (+163.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-5 ATS (+18.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 48-28 ATS (+85.3 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-4 (+3.8 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 7-4-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.8 Units)
CHICAGO (29-27-0-6, 64 pts.) at DALLAS (40-22-0-5, 85 pts.)
DALLAS is 40-27 ATS (+77.0 Units) in all games this season.
DALLAS is 32-9 ATS (+19.0 Units) in a home game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
DALLAS is 11-2 ATS (+7.9 Units) in February games this season.
DALLAS is 17-7 ATS (+9.0 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more this season.
CHICAGO is 20-23 ATS (+61.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 15-12 ATS (+31.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 59-54 ATS (-55.7 Units) in home games after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-4 (+0.5 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 7-4-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-1.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
PHOENIX (32-26-0-5, 69 pts.) at ST LOUIS (28-25-0-10, 66 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 44-74 ATS (-36.4 Units) in February games since 1996.
PHOENIX is 32-31 ATS (+71.8 Units) in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 1-9 ATS (+11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 9-2 (+6.0 Units) against the spread versus ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-2-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.7 Units)
LOS ANGELES (26-34-0-4, 56 pts.) at EDMONTON (29-30-0-5, 63 pts.)
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 10-34 ATS (+49.9 Units) after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-23 ATS (+35.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
EDMONTON is 9-3 ATS (+12.5 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
EDMONTON is 43-54 ATS (+99.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 6-5-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.6 Units)
Deadline deals leave winners and losers
By: Chance Harper
It was a busy day in the NHL Tuesday, and the eight games played were just a small part of the action. The 2008 trading deadline has come and gone with 44 players and 23 draft picks being swapped around the league. The full impact won't be known until long after this year's Stanley Cup is decided, but the Washington Capitals and Altanta Thrashers get high marks for their upgrades.
They didn’t pull their punches at the NHL trade deadline. Tuesday’s long list of moves is populated by some of the higher quality players in the league. These trades aren’t a zero-sum game, but we tend to frame them in the context of winners and losers nonetheless.
Let’s do just that from a handicapping perspective.
Winners
Washington Capitals: Goaltender is the most important position on the ice, and the Capitals just got a major upgrade in the crease. Cristobal Huet is the odd man out in Montreal, as the Canadiens let him go to Washington for the princely sum of a second-round draft pick. Huet had a .916 save percentage for the Habs, much better than Olaf Kolzig’s league-worst .888. This should get the Capitals into the playoffs.
Atlanta Thrashers: Atlanta sent Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito and a 2008 first-round pick. The Penguins get the best player in the deal, which conventional wisdom says makes Pittsburgh the winner. But the forward-looking Thrashers might not have to wait that long for this trade to pay dividends. Armstrong and Christensen both have upside and could be ready to assume larger roles in Atlanta.
Losers
Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are mired at the bottom of the Western standings, but they’re also 35-29 against the spread. They’re likely to do worse from here on in after dumping Brad Stuart and Jean-Sebastien Aubin for draft picks. Combined with last week’s decision to send Jaroslav Modry to Philadelphia for a third-rounder, L.A. is now an even worse defensive team than before – which was already dead last in the league at 3.28 goals per game. The rebuilding continues.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Playing for the Maple Leafs is still something to be proud of, except in the eyes of Toronto haters, and their numbers are legion up north. Mats Sundin wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause, claiming that he always wanted to win the Stanley Cup as a member of the Leafs. GM Cliff Fletcher was still able to shed Chad Kilger, Hal Gill and Wade Belak for draft picks to get Toronto’s own rebuilding project underway.
Coming up on the ice
Chicago at Dallas
It’s going to take a game or three to get an understanding of what Brad Richards can do for the Dallas Stars. He was the centerpiece of one of the biggest trades to go down Tuesday, going to the Tampa Bay Lightning with Johan Holmqvist for Mike Smith, Jussi Jokinen, Jeff Halpern and a fourth-rounder. Richards is a reliable goal scorer with five 20-goal seasons in his first six years in the NHL; however, he’s only a decent upgrade over Jokinen (14 goals in 52 games thus far), and it cost the Stars a possible goalie of the future.
Chicago’s future is here. The Blackhawks were a buyer this year, grabbing Andrew Ladd from Carolina in exchange for Tuomo Ruutu. The question is how much of a workload the Hawks will assign Ladd, the fourth overall pick in 2004 with nine goals in 43 games of just 11 minutes and 45 seconds a night. Check in on the practice notes coming out of the Windy City to see what plans coach Denis Savard has in the making.