Playoff time, baby!

Yes! The most wonderful time of the year in all of professional hockey is here....THE PLAYOFFS! In deciding what to blog about the playoffs, I chose not to offer up my picks of who will take it all. Mainly because I am taking part in a big money playoff pool with some good buddies of mine, and lets just say, competition is fierce and I don't want to give my opponents any sort of advantage.

Anyways, while most of us will be cheering for our favorites to go all the way, here are some things to look out for when you sit down to watch the race for Stanley:

1. The San Jose Sharks: as Mark Twain wrote, "For whom the bell tolls", that title can be plastered all over the Sharks. This is it for them. Make or Break. Do or Die. They have the team to win the Cup, but can they finally climb over that hump that is the 2nd round? For the last two seasons, the Oilers and Red Wings have prevented the Sharks from advancing to the Conference Finals. With head coach Ron Wilson's job on the line, he will undoubtedly do everything he can to bring glory to Silicon Valley. But more importantly, keep an eye on Patrick Marleau. This could be his last go at the Cup as captain of the Sharks. If the team fails once again, Marleau could be packing his bags.

2. Alex Ovechkin: Hart, Art Ross and Rocket Richard. These are all the three trophies Ovechkin will win this season. Could he add Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe to that list as well? Hmm, probably not. But you never know. Either way, keep an eye out for "Ovie". Reaching the postseason has been a long-time goal for him, and considering how much energy he has during the regular season, imagine how well he'll play in the playoffs. Something magical could happen in Washington.

3. Minnesota Wild: one word...Underrated!

4. Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames: for the past 3 Stanley Cup Finals, Canada has had a Canadian team in each one. Can these two Canadian playoff teams make it four in a row? Obviously, I'm cheering for the Sharks in the first round. So I won't even bother talking about the Flames. As for the Habs, this could be a team headed for the holy ground. They are playing well, they do possess a dynamic powerplay, and are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NHL. If anything, the fans in Montreal deserve a long playoff run. If you watched last nights game versus the Leafs, those fans are amazing!

5. Pittsburgh Penguins: I believe this team has only two seasons to enjoy the abundance of riches it currently possesses. They have to win the cup now. I just don't see them keeping all of these talented players after next season, as Malkin and Staal will need brand new contracts. Thus, players such as Sykora and Hossa only have a season or two to work their magic with this team. While they may resemble the Oilers Dynasty of the 1980s, they won't have as much time to win it all. So watch how well they perform this time around, especially Crosby, who will be playing hurt.

6. Ottawa Senators: what can I say about this team. After going 15-3 to start the year, they were among the worst teams in the LEAGUE from that point forward. After seeing Alfredsson and Fisher out of the lineup due to injuries, the Sens are entering the postseason without keep playoff performers. Unless this team makes it past the second round, a complete shake up will take place during the offseason, starting with GM/Head coach Bryan Murray. With the Penguins as their first round matchup, perhaps Murray is already getting his bags packed. I hear Dubai is nice this time of year.

Kudos to the Caps!

The Capitals have just clinched the Southeast Division, which is almost hard to believe if you remember that the team was sitting near the bottom of the conference standings towards the middle of November. After hiring Bruce Boudreau, this team has made a complete 180.

They only won 6 games in the month of February and hope was lost that this team could make the playoffs, let alone take the division crown. But after only losing 4 times in the month of March and recently winning 7 straight plus going 11-1 down the stretch, this team worked their butts off to make the postseason.

It looks like the team will face the Senators in the first round. Keep in mind, the Caps sweeped the season series and the way the Sens look right now, they could do the very same thing in the postseason. Regardless of what the Caps do, they will be an exciting team to watch. How can they not be when you have the best player in the league, Alexander "Ovie" Ovechkin. His exuberance and love for hockey will make watching this team in the playoffs simply irresistible. I now hope they do face the Sens, because then the games will be broadcasted throughout Canada. And imagine how exciting it will be if the Caps face the Pens in the next round? I've started the praying...

Where do the Oilers go from here?

My hometown team, the Edmonton Oilers, recently ended their 2007-08 season by knocking out their division rivals the Vancouver Canucks out of the postseason race. Apart from that great achievement, their entire season was an interesting one to say the least. They set a club record in man games lost to injury, had a terrible first half to the season and were at one point 14th in their conference. But through a remarkable feat of adversity and perseverance, the Oilers made a push for the playoffs. Only to fall short with time not on their side.

Nevertheless, the year was a success for them. Rookies, such as Gagner, Cogliano, Gilbert, Nilsson (how about that Ryan Smyth deal now?) and Grebeshkov, stepped up. While the emergence of "back-up" goalie Mathieu Garon surprised a lot of people. They will have plenty to look forward to for the following season, but the offseason does provide a few questions.

What will the Oilers do with upcoming restricted free agent in Jarret Stoll? The veteran had a terrible season (-23 and 36 points). Even though he did turn it up later on in the season, I attribute that to his supporting cast picking up their game as well. I would say Stoll is a guy who needs a new change of scenery. Don't get me wrong, I love his heart and character. But from what I've seen, he has never truly been the same player since the end of the 2006 playoffs. He has battled concussion problems and has never found consistent teammates for an entire season. Plus, he has even been a healthy scratch for a small stretch this year. No matter where he ends up, he is a great asset to have. But with the talent coming up in the Oilers ranks, he is an affordable asset they can part with.

Another question mark is Joni Pitkanen. While he did have some bright moments in Edmonton, he did succumb to injury more than he would have liked, which affected his performance. Since he will be an RFA this offseason, there may be some teams who will pull a "Lowe" and sign him to a deal the Oilers are unable to match. Personally, the Oilers shouldn't hold their breath with Pitkanen. While I love the way he skates and joins the rush, I would find him more of a liability as he will command at least $3.5-4 million a season, and that is too much for a guy who has yet to play a full season in his entire career.

Next, the Oilers have to look at their grit. I found they were sorely lacking in that department this season. Yes, Moreau and Torres were absent for a large chunk of the season. But, I still feel other teams were taking advantage of our star players even when they were in the lineup, especially Hemsky. Zach Stortini is terribly overrated and couldn't fight a dead chicken. The Oilers should attempt to go out and find an enforcer who can instill fear in opponents if they try and go after the Oilers best players.

In terms of potential RFAs/UFAs the Oilers should go after, there are a couple players I like:
- Daymond Langkow: he's a center who could easily replace Stoll. Langkow plays with a chip on his shoulder and can still assist in the offence. Having played with Iginla, Tanguay and Huselius, he knows how to play with talented players. So that shouldn't affect the flow of the young and gunning Oilers. Did I forget to mention he was born in Edmonton?

- Kristian Huselius: very talented winger, who does go into droughts here and there. But I would like to see this guy play with Gagner and make a lethal second line for the Oilers. Considering Calgary has to let either him or Langkow go this offseason due to cap problems, the Oilers can try and snag one from their provincial rivals.

- Miroslav Satan: some of you may be surprised by this one, but this guy can be a consistent goal scorer. Heck, the Oilers drafted him, so they know what he can do. To continue from the Huselius comment, I really like this guy to play with Gagner. I feel the Oilers are seriously lacking a second line sniper, and Satan wouldn't be too expensive for them.

- Michael Ryder: if they don't get a hold of Satan, I like Ryder on the Oilers squad. He's a decent skater, with size. More importantly, he's got a great shot. Like Jarret Stoll, Ryder is in dire need of a scenery change. He's had a horrible season in Montreal, after coming off back-to-back 30 goal campaigns. I hate sounding like a broken record, but Ryder with Gagner and Nilsson, sounds like a perfect combination.

While there are other players I want the Oilers to go after, I feel the above selections are the most reasonable and won't cost them too much. Their defence is fine, as long as it stays healthy for an entire season. Goaltending is stabilized for now with Garon and Roloson. If Roloson decides he wants out and to play where he will get lots of ice time, the Oilers could vouch for a new backup/1A goaltender (Huet? Toivonen? Hedberg?). Their young guys in Drouin-Deslauriers and Dubnyk are not quite ready for primetime.

Chris Pronger: Goon or enforcer?

Well, we are all allowed to make mistakes now and then. I will admit I made one with Chris Pronger. A while back, I acknowledged his committment to the Ducks organization by stepping in as an assistant coach while head coach Randy Carlyle was absent and Pronger was recovering from a jaw contusion. But after last night's atrocious stomp on the calf of Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, I will retract my previous statement.

For those of you who didn't see this incident, during the second period of last night's game between the Ducks and Canucks, two Canucks players went in to check Pronger along the boards behind the Ducks goaltender. One of those Canucks was Kesler, who fell to the ice after the check. As soon as he hit the ice, Pronger appeared to blatantly stomp on Kesler's leg. Keep in mind, Pronger was wearing a skate and the blades are razor sharp. Kesler was not injured on the play, but both he and Pronger are very fortunate that nothing extreme resulted from this. Nevertheless, I am shocked at how the NHL decided today that no disciplinary action is needed for Pronger.

Earlier this season, Chris Simon was suspended 30 games for his stomp on Pittsburgh's Jarko Ruutu. In that situation, Ruutu did not receive any damage to his leg, but the NHL felt it was necessary to suspend Simon, a repeat offender. Yet, with Pronger, the NHL for some reason felt there was no clear evidence to say he meant to "stomp" on Kesler. From video replays, it shows Pronger doing one of two things: either he was trying to gain momentum to head down the other side of the rink by 'revving' up his right foot OR he was stomping Kesler's leg like a raw piece of meat.

Chris Pronger is a great defenceman, no question about that. He can score, hit and block shots effectively. But with all his foolish acts in the last two seasons with the Ducks, it's becoming clear Pronger plays with a massive chip on his shoulder. Whether it was the cheap elbow shot on Dean Mccammond in last season's Stanley Cup Final or last night's stomp, Pronger is quickly becoming a major pest to teams across the NHL.

As bitter as I am in the way Chris Pronger left Edmonton, I am starting to see the benefit of not having him play for the 'Copper and Blue' anymore.

Curtain Call: Yankee Stadium playing host to the Rangers?

The New York Yankees will be playing their final season in historic Yankee Stadium during the 2008-09 MLB season. Usually, when such a storied stadium closes its doors, you would expect a baseball game to be the last sporting event to take place. But just this past week, it appears the NHL is close to finalizing a deal to host the final sporting event at Yankee stadium with an outdoor NHL game featuring the New York Rangers.

An opponent has yet to be determined, but it makes sense to have the Rangers square off against their subway rivals, the New York Islanders. It would be a ratings bonanza for the NHL, especially in America, to have both New York franchises go head-to-head in the final event at Yankee Stadium.

But does staging on outdoor hockey game do justice for one of the greatest landmarks in the history of sports? Now, I do not watch baseball, nor care much about the sport. However, it is hard for me to imagine seeing Yankee Stadium close its doors to the sounds of bodychecks and slapshots over the more common sounds of fans singing along to "Take me out to a ball game!" during the 7th inning stretch. Obviously, the NHL is mainly using this opportunity to bring in more American viewers. I can't see how they could fail at doing so, since they will not only attract hockey fans, but fans across the sporting world.

But you have to feel for the Yankee faithful, who are used to seeing the likes of Jeter, Ruth, Jackson, Mantle, and Dimaggio create history. Now, instead of picturing the "Bronx Zoo" close down to America's favorite pastime, they will have to witness Canada's game invade their beloved holy ground. I sympathize for them. If the last event to be held at Rexall Place (home of my Edmonton Oilers) were to go to an indoor CFL game, I would be pretty upset. There is a ton of hockey history in Rexall Place, and to see it all washed away with an event that most of Canada pays no attention to is like a kick in the balls. This is very similar to what will take place in New York all for the sake of ratings and increased revenues.

Eastern Conference: Who will make the cut?

With playoff season slowly approaching, teams are competing hard to either push for a playoff spot or get home ice advantage. When looking at the standings, there some teams we know for sure that will make a trip to the postseason, but how about those teams who are sitting on the borderline?

In the Eastern conference, there are 7 points separating 6th place from 11th place. Currently, the Bruins, Rangers, Flyers, Sabres, Islanders and Capitals occupy those spots respectively. I guess you could throw the Hurricanes in that mix since they are leading the weak Southeast Division and are only 3 points ahead of the Caps. So only 4 of these seven teams will make the playoffs, but determining which four is a bit of a mystery.

Making the playoffs at this point in the season has a lot to do with momentum, which some of these teams possess. One in particular are the Buffalo Sabres. They have been playing great hockey as of late and have won some key matchups, most recently against the 8th place Flyers. There has been a rebirth of offense from the Sabres, led by Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy and Jason Pominville. Although their goaltending and defence haven't been spectacular, for them points are key, so a win is a win. So they are definitely a team I see taking a jump in the standings over some of the teams.

One of those teams I see the Sabres leaping over are the Philadelphia Flyers, who have been absolutely horrendous for the second half of the season and have just recently come out of a 10-game losing streak. I do have to give them some credit since they have been battling injuries to a lot of their key players (i.e. Lupul, Richards, Gagne). But they have also been struggling with getting consistent goaltending and stable defense. I just don't see this team keeping their playoff hopes alive, especially with the other teams they are competing with.

The Boston Bruins and New York Rangers are two teams that will definitely make the postseason and of which one of these two teams could surprise a few teams. Boston has already surprised fans across the league with their new defensive style and steady play of goaltender Tim Thomas. While the Rangers may have finally found their offensive touch that was sorely lacking for the first half of the season. Scott Gomez and Chris Drury have made up for the lacklustre performance of captain Jaromir Jagr.

The only downside to both teams is consistency. The Bruins have sorely lacked in the scoring department for most parts of the season, they seriously can't rely on just Marc Savard and Zdeno Chara for all the offence, or can they? The Rangers, on the other hand, need to tighten up on defense and goaltending. The Rangers do not possess any elite talent on defense, which has resulted in unreliable play throughout the season. This has sorely affected the way Henrik Lundqvist has performed, who could also improve in his department. Nevertheless, both of these teams possess tremendous potential to advance in the playoffs and knock off some of the favorites. For me, I like the Bruins---defense and goaltending wins you games, regardless if you can only score one or two goals.

The New York Islanders are just way too inconsistent to make the postseason. They are a streaky team, who can win five straight but then go on a six game losing streak. You can blame most of this on their inability to score night in night out. Throw in the fact most of the defense they had at the beginning of the season are sitting up in the press box due to injury, can't convince anyone they have a chance to play in the postseason, let alone win a round.

The Washington Capitals really don't need to worry too much about the teams mentioned above as much as they should just focus on the performance of the Hurricanes. The Caps currently sit three points back of the 'Canes and have a great chance to take their division and claim the third seed in the playoffs. The team made some great depth transactions during the trade deadline (getting Matt Cooke was a very underrated move) and having the NHL leading scorer on your team can't hurt either. Washington faces the Canes two more times in the next month, where their playoff futures will most likely be determined. As long as the team can play consistent hockey and win those two matches against the Canes, I can see them making the postseason for the first time since the 2002-03 season.

Struggling Sens: Razor's Edge

If someone were to tell you back in early November, that the Sens would be struggling this badly late in the season, you would think this someone was an idiot. That Sens team through the first 25-30 games, were unstoppable. Experts across the NHL were comparing them to the legendary Montreal Canadiens of the mid-1970s. There was already talk that this Sens team was not feeling any ill effects of their Stanley Cup Finals loss to the Anaheim Ducks last season. It was clear at that point, that they were going to head back to the Finals and take what was theirs.

Oh, how things change ever so quickly.

Fast forward to the beginning of March, the Sens are no longer sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings. No longer do they look like the Goliath of the Eastern conference, but now just an average team struggling to find their path. Goaltending has been abysmal, their top 3 players have all struggled with injuries and just recently, their head coach was fired. It really couldn't get worse in Sens Nation right now.

But it will, since I just can't see this Senators team make another run to the Finals this season. Even though they will make the postseason, they just have not played with the character and drive they displayed for the first quarter of the season. I blame this a lot on Ray Emery, who has been the 'cancer' on this team. We all know his history and the distractions he has caused for the Senators. But, you have to think, the Senators organization has to know when to say "enough is enough". If I were Sens owner, Eugene Melnyk, I would be losing my cool right about now with Emery. After signing him to a large contract after last season, expectations were high for 'Razor'. But he struggled with off season wrist surgery and battling with Martin Gerber for the #1 position. Throw in all his late arrivals for practice, Emery has really done nothing positive for this team.

I would really be treating Emery as if this were his last season with the Senators. I would believe that the Sens are going to gauge Emery's performance from now until the end of the season to see where Emery fits into the team's future. Without a drastic change in his maturity and on ice performance, Emery's days in a Senators uniform are numbered. This is a team that could've dealt him at the trade deadline for a more reliable goaltender and shifted attention to more important matters (winning perhaps). But clearly, the Sens ownership does not want to admit they made a mistake with Emery.

Nevertheless, I predict the Senators will not make it past the second round of this year's playoffs. Unless, their goaltending improves tremendously, they receive more scoring from their depth players (where the heck did Mike Fisher go?) and their elite players can stay healthy. Otherwise you would have to assume Melnyk is going to have to make a few drastic changes in the makeup of this team, as it is starting to look a lot like the pre-trade deadline Tampa Bay Lightning

Anaheim Ducks: Character team

I was just reading on TSN.ca about the results of the game between the Flames and Ducks on Feb. 29. As much as I dislike Chris Pronger and the way he exited Edmonton, I give him marks for showing up for the game and assisting the coaches during the match. He suffered face lacerations and a jaw contusion the previous Sunday against the Blackhawks. He is expected to be out for at least a week. Most players use this as an excuse to either stay home or watch the game from the pressbox. But since Ducks head coach had the flu, and the team was one coach short, Pronger stepped up and served as an assistant coach.

I find that very admirable of Pronger, who is known as having a rough demeanor. But this displays how close and committed this Ducks team truly is. Clearly they have regained their form from their Stanley Cup win over the Senators last season. With this act of dedication by Pronger, and the way they appear almost unbeatable, you have to assume the NHL will have their first Cup repeater in the last 10 years.

Feb 28 Fantasy Tips: Pickups

FOLLOWING CONCENTRATES ON WAIVERS FOR THE PUCKINEH? YAHOO FANTASY LEAGUE:

FORWARDS

- Brandon Dubinsky: NYR- Center--Jaromir Jagr has been struggling this entire season, partly because he could not gel with any of the centers the Rangers had in their arsenal. Then comes along Dubinsky in his first full season. He has developed chemistry with Jagr and has picked up 8 points (4 G 4 A) in his last 6 games. Through in the fact he provides PIM, he can be a great late season boost to a team in need of offensive stats.
- Word of warning: for those concerned with obtaining more powerplay points (PPP), Dubinsky is not seeing a whole of powerplay time. Obviously, this is due to the amount of talent on the Rangers roster.

- Sean Avery: NYR - LW--everyone knows Avery's a pest and provides tremendous PIMs. But recently, while also playing with Jagr, he has posted 10 points (7 Goals!) in his last 10 games. So definitely a worthy pickup for anyone looking for goals, +/-, and PIM.
- Avery has actually had a respectable year statistically, although it is a contract year for him. Either way, a great pickup regardless, as the Rangers are playing really well right now as they are trying to achieve home-ice advantage for the playoffs.

- Niklas Hagman: DAL- LW--most of you probably had no idea who this guy was prior to this season. Heck, maybe you still don't know anything about him. But with Brad Richards in Dallas and Hagman playing on the same line, Hagman is looking to benefit. He already has 2 Goals against Chicago in Richards first game, so things look promising.

- Sam Gagner: EDM- C--I had to throw in a hometown player. He has enjoyed a huge boost in minutes since Shawn Horcoff went down with a season-ending injury. Combine a recently-ended 9 game point streak and plenty of ice time, Gagner is not looking to be slowing down anytime soon. He is a must have for those GMs looking for a boost in assists and PPP.
- The benefit with Gagner at this point point of the season is that the Oilers are on the outside looking in for a playoff position. Their main goal to well enough to avoid finishing in the bottom 5 so that the Ducks don't get a great draft pick. Thus, MacTavish probably won't stay true to his "juggling" act of the lines, and will keep Gagner on the 1st unit with Penner and Hemsky. Nevertheless, keep an eye on Gagner's minutes. The moment you see his minutes drop, could be time to bench him.

- Patrick O'Sullivan: LA- C--a second year forward, having a respectable sophomore season. But recently, he has been placed on a line with Alexander Frolov and Michael Cammalleri and they have gelled. All three have been on fire, especially O'Sullivan--13 points in his last 11 games (5 goals). The Kings are not playing for anything this year, so expect O'Sullivan to continue receiving plenty of ice time with LA's top talent.
- Keep in mind, this guy was traded from Minnesota for Pavol Demitra in the 2006 offseason. So he must be a talented player!


DEFENCE

- Niklas Kronwall: DET-D--this is strictly a short term solution, as the Wings just activated him off the IR. Since the Wings are having their share of injuries on the blueline, Kronwall (who is an offensively minded d-man) will be seeing a large share of minutes in the next couple of games for the Red Wings. More importantly, he can provide a boost to the Detroit team who have been struggling to score, especially on the powerplay.
- If his injury is making you hesitant, look at Derek Meech from the Wings as well. He has 3 assists in the last 4 games, all on the powerplay.

- Joe Corvo: CAR-D--Corvo was overshadowed by Wade Redden and Chris Phillips in Ottawa, but now has all the limelight in Raleigh. He has put up huge minutes in Carolina, while also providing occasional PPP. I would recommend him as an emergency pickup in case of an injury to your starter D-man.

NHL Fantasy News

Marian Hossa (RW) - Pittsburgh Penguins: SUFFERS MCL SPRAIN

- Midway through the first period against the Boston Bruins, Hossa had a knee-on-knee collision with a Bruin. He immediately hobbled, under his own power, to the Penguins locker room.
- AMS: Since the Pens do not have Hossa signed to any deal and gave up a lot to get him, this could be a huge loss for the team depending on how long the injury keeps Hossa out of action (so far its a Grade 1 MCL Sprain--supposedly not a severe injury, but he will be out a week or two). OUCH!

Martin Havlat (RW) - Chicago Blackhawks: Suffers another injury (surprise?)

- Apparently it is a shoulder injury and it could call for season-ending surgery. Yawn! Not like this catches anyone off guard.

Richards Trade

To Dallas: Brad Richards, Johan Holmqvist
To Tampa Bay: Jussi Jokinen, Mike Smith, Jeff Halpern

I would be very excited to be a Stars fan right about now. This trade is perfect for the Stars as they did not have to give up any of their future, while acquiring a Conn Smythe winner and former captain in Richards. He will add tremendous depth and character to this already formidable team. The biggest factor that Richards adds to the Stars is his character. He will not command the spotlight or become a 'cancer' in the lockeroom. This Maritime native is a proven winner and will be re-invigorated to prove his former organization wrong about letting him go. In addition, with Mike Modano nearing the end of his career, Richards is the perfect replacement who can lead this team back to the high ground.

Adding Holmqvist to the goaltending duties is strictly to give Turco a back-up, although not the most reliable goalie compared to Mike Smith. Either way, this Dallas team has become a serious playoff contender, already joining Anaheim, Detroit and San Jose as the West's elite teams.

For Tampa, this organization just can't find a legitimate goalie. Ever since Nikolai Khabibulin exited Florida after winning the Cup in '04, the Lightning have really struggled in that department. Apparently, Mike Smith is the goalie of their future. While he is a great back-up, it will take some time before he can become a proven starter. So in the short term, the Lightning are in the same position as before but were able to shave Richards $7 million salary off their cap. It's clearly a long-term goal of Tampa's to become a contender in the East. While it shouldn't be too hard to achieve that goal, since the Southeast Division is the weakest in all the league, goaltending makes or breaks a team and the Lightning are miles from the holy land.

But who won the deal? No brainer on this one. Dallas, plain and simple. One word: Richards.

Hossa Trade

To Pittsburgh: Marian Hossa, Pascal Dupuis
To Atlanta: Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, Angelo Esposito and 1st round pick

We all knew that Marian Hossa was going to be traded, but just not to Pittsburgh. While the Pens gained a bonafide sniper, it came at a hefty cost when you consider Hossa is just a rental player. Losing Armstrong and Christensen may not affect their scoring, but it could affect the grit and nastiness that is essential in making a run in the post-season. What this trade does for the Pens, is provide 2 solid lines that most Eastern Conference defenses will have a tough time defending. You can expect Hossa to play wing with Sid the Kid, upon his return from a high ankle sprain, and Gary Roberts completing that first line. While I expect the second line to be centered by potential MVP candidate Evgeni Malkin, with Sykora and Malone on the wings. Yikes! sucks to be the team who has to face them in the first round. But where those two lines take the Pens past that is up in the air. The rest of the talent pool is a bit lacklustre with only Jordan Staal (who is underachieving this season) and veteran Pascal Dupuis as potential post season role players.

Overall, this is strictly a short term trade for the Pens organization. Marian Hossa (who is a UFA after this season) will not sign with the Penguins after this season as the team has to eventually re-sign upcoming RFA's Malkin and Staal. The organization will definitely have to re-sign those two and it won't come cheap, especially for Malkin (expect $8-10 million over 5-6 years). They are clearly looking to win now by acquiring Hossa. It makes me wonder who is really calling the shots? General Manager Ray Shero, or executive/former owner/former franchise player/2-time Stanley Cup Winner Mario Lemieux?

On to the Thrashers. Although, they received a couple of 3rd line players and a prospect who may or may not pan out, they at least gained some credible depth players that will benefit them long term. They are slowly developing a core group around the franchise player (Kovalchuk), but still need a few missing pieces (playmaking center??). Nevertheless, this organization is still years away from being considered a legitimate contender. Apart from Kovalchuk and a few promising rookies, this team lacks some serious talent. But I can't blame anyone else but GM Don Waddell for that as he made some questionable moves (e.g. letting Marc Savard walk a few years ago in the offseason and then giving away a lot of the team's future to acquire Keith Tkachuk during last season's trade deadline). Either way, this was a trade they had to make.

Who won it? Well, that is left to be determined until we see how the Penguins perform in the postseason this year. Hossa has a horrible playoff history (13 goals in 51 postseason games), but this is the best supporting cast he has ever had in his career. So this may be the beginning of something special!