Hockey Season Game 20ish

As we approach the quarter point of the Season it has been interesting to watch the games with the different rules. The games are more open and exciting, it is a real pleasure to watch an end to end run without some big lumbering defenseman who is too slow to keep up trying to either clutch or use their stick to stop the flow of the offensive player. It does take some getting used to with all the penalties but the teams are adjusting and flow of the games is at a much higher tempo.

Are there any surprises? I guess some of the goalies who are underachieving such as Khabibulin, Brodeur and Lalime or maybe it is not the goalies but the lack of team cohesion. Each of these teams are finding it a challenge to win games. Some of the goalies getting it done Legace, Vokuon and Kiprusoff all have 11 wins at this point and their teams are at or near the top of the league. Detroit is leading the league with great team play and even though they have lost 2 in a row I do not believe they will stray far from the top of the standings due to their talent and mix of young and veteran players. Speaking of young players their are some really exciting players who with the one year lockout were able to develop and are now able to play at the NHL level and shine.

My team Calgary had a bad start but are currently on a 8 game winning streak and are moving up the standings. Calgary is not only winning games by playing a total team concept they are beating the best teams in the league with 2 wins over Vancouver and the win over Detroit. They have shown a defensive style which is still exciting to watch.

Overall I am very excited by the changes and even though I am a hockey purist I must admit the shootout makes the games more exciting.