Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Trade deadline maddness!

Today was the NHL trade deadline, and as usual, there was drama that gives sports watchers some great water cooler fodder. Here's my take on some of today's big deals...

Todd Bertuzzi: (FLA to DET): This one was a bit of a shocker to me today. While I didn't find it surprising that Bertuzzi was on the move, I was floored to see him end up in Detroit. Bertuzzi is a cancer in the dressing room, so while he would have fit in well with the NY Rangers, I have to question if the same holds true for Detroit. I just don't see it. Good luck to the Wings. You're going to need it with this head case on your hands.

Ryan Smyth (EDM to NYI): Even though I'm a Calgary Flames fan, it's still sad to see Smyth headed out of Oil town. The Oilers have lost Pronger, Peca and Smyth over the last year, a great core for any team in the NHL. It just goes to show how quickly you can go from on top of the world to the bottom of the barrel.

Bill Guerin (STL to SJ): Bill Guerin is a big-time clutch player that will only make the San Jose Sharks that much stronger. He adds grit, playoff experience and even more scoring touch. An asset to be coveted this time of year to be sure, and perhaps the best pick-up of all at the deadline.

And lastly, for Canucks fans, here are my comments on their recent acquisitions.

Bryan Smolinski (CHI to VAN): A proven veteran that's a solid pick-up. He should certainly be of help at both ends of the rink.

Brent Sopel (LA to VAN): Is this the same Brent Sopel that fans would boo when he got the puck during his last stint in Vancouver? Enough said.

And just to comment on the Canucks strong play of late, yes, they have looked good. There is no doubt there. In saying that, they lost their second in a row tonight which at least makes me feel a bit better.

My Calgary Flames are only two points back so I could see this being a real fight down to the wire. If only the Flames could win on the road. Heck, I'd take 500. While they are 26-6-1 at home, the Flames are 7-15-8 on the road. Among the worst road records in the NHL. Sigh.

2 comments:

opinionator777 said...

Why do I have a bad feeling that the Bertuzzi deal is going to come back and burn my Canucks in the butt?

BL said...

Is this the same Brent Sopel that fans would boo when he got the puck during his last stint in Vancouver?

Yes, I remember his habit of constantly giving up the puck in his own end. Let's hope he's become a smarter player.

Why do I have a bad feeling that the Bertuzzi deal is going to come back and burn my Canucks in the butt?

Burn us? Right now, it probably stands as the greatest trade in franchise history.

Yes, the Canucks could end up facing the Wings in the playoffs, but the sole reason why it looks like they will make the playoffs is Roberto Luongo.

The fact that Florida practically gave Bertuzzi away ought to indicate just how badly they got burned in the Luongo deal.