Exciting Winter Classic Preludes

The second annual Winter Classic (to be held 1/1/2009 at Wrigley Field in Chicago) is fast approaching and if their first two games are any indication the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings are going to put on quite a show. In their first match-up the Blackhawks built-up a 4-2 lead only to see that slip away resulting in a 6-5 shootout win by Detroit. Saturday night the two teams collided again with Detroit taking the early lead only to lose it to Chicago who again earned a 4-2 lead over Detroit. And again, much like the first game, Detroit battled back and ultimately got the best of Chicago in a shootout 5-4. Watching the established stars in Detroit (Zetterberg, Lindstrom, Hossa, etc.) face-off against rising stars like Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane is extremely entertaining; it is kind of a way of looking into the game’s present and while also seeing where it is headed in the future and boy does the future look bright. Having played two close games has only increased the anticipation of the game as the intensity level has taken a major leap as Detroit has frustrated the young Blackhawks who badly want to get over the hump that is the Red Wings—healthy animosity is building. If this all holds up the National audiences in the U.S. and Canada and those watching around the world are in for a real treat.

Sharks Equipped for Championship Run

The San Jose Sharks continued to roll over the weekend with a 6-5 come-from-behind win against the home-standing Chicago Blackhawks. There are so many things I love about this team it is incredible. They have the obvious advantages that come with experienced guys like Jeremy Roenick, Joe Thorton, and Patrick Marleau and great goaltending by Evgeni Nabokov. Perhaps more importantly are the things that accompany the leadership these guys provide, which makes the team really stand out; first is the incredible play of first year man Devin Setoguchi who leads the team in goals with 10. His on-ice energy and intensity is second to none and while he may not keep up this scoring tear he is on all season it appears as though the Sharks have struck gold in Setoguchi. Furthermore, the solid play of backup netminder Brian Boucher has been impeccable. Boucher was 4-1 in five starts with a 1.49 goals against average along with a stellar .940 save percentage going into Sunday’s game. The Sharks play a very good defensive style of hockey but also showed Sunday night that they can win high scoring affairs when the opportunity presents itself. It is early in the season but thus far the Sharks have shown they have bought into new head coach Todd McLellan’s system and they have confidence in one another on the ice. Every player knows their role and they play it very well. The Sharks have an incredible 31 points in 19 games and have all the makings of a championship team.