Pressing questions for the NHL's second half
Eight pressing questions for the second half of the NHL season:
1. Are the Nashville Predators for real?
The Predators are on the rise because they have exceptional goaltending and one of the NHL's most skilled defenses. Under coach Peter Laviolette, their offense is significantly improved.
That's enough evidence to conclude they're for real.
The only caution is they are new to the circle of contending teams. History says it takes time in that circle before a team is ready to take the next step.
2. Will the March 2 trade deadline be active?
It will be as wild as usual.
The Los Angeles Kings need a defenseman to ease the loss of suspended Slava Voynov. The Pittsburgh Penguins want a scorer. The Detroit Red Wings want a puck-moving right-shot defenseman. The Colorado Avalanche need an offensive defenseman. The Toronto Maple Leafs would make a bold move.
If the New York Rangers can't re-sign Marc Staal, they face a difficult decision of whether to keep him or trade him. Because they are a contending team, it would be difficult to part with such a key player. But the offers could be very attractive.
The Washington Capitals have to make a decision about Mike Green, the kind of puck mover teams are seeking. The Penguins are in the same situation with Paul Martin, although Olli Maatta's injury might close the door on trading him.
The Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes can supply some talent. Teams are interested in Arizona's Antoine Vermette or Shane Doan and Buffalo's Tyler Myers. Edmonton's Jeff Petry is in demand. The Hurricanes could deal Jiri Tlusty or Andrej Sekera.
3. Can the Red Wings get Mike Babcock re-signed?
Not before the end of the season. The coach doesn't have to make any decisions before the summer, and why would he? He probably wants to see his options, just as free agent players do.
The best guess is he will stay in Detroit. Owner Mike Ilitch won't nickel and dime him on a contract. Plus, the Red Wings have a promising team, much more than the Maple Leafs.
The Maple Leafs might pay Babcock more money, but would the extra dollars be worth the extra hassle of being in the Toronto spotlight?
By his own admission, Babcock has a desirable situation in Detroit. Why would he leave it? Both Toronto and Philadelphia come with more personnel problems and pressures than he faces in Detroit.
4. Are the New York Islanders better than the New York Rangers?
We can't say that yet. The Islanders lead the Rangers in the standings, but they are new to this neighborhood of winning. The Rangers are seven months removed from a trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
The Rangers are simply proven, particularly on defense and in net.
The Islanders have upgraded their defense and goaltending, and they have ample scoring. But let's see playoff results before we draw any conclusions.
5. Will the Minnesota Wild trade for a goaltender?
They will if they want to give themselves a reasonable shot to make the playoffs.
The Wild give up the third-fewest shots on goal but have the league's second-worst save percentage.
The Sabres might be a good trading partner because goalies Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season.
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6. Will there be another coach firing?
Philadelphia's Craig Berube and Minnesota's Mike Yeo seem vulnerable, but Flyers management has stood behind Berube and the Wild have sent out strong messages that Yeo is safe.
If they stay put, it's possible there would be no other changes before next summer. The other coaches with teams out of the playoffs seem safe for now.
7. Will Buffalo, Edmonton or Carolina end up with the No. 1 pick?
How about none of the above? The NHL changed its draft lottery odds, so there's only a 45% chance one of the three worst teams will end up with the No. 1 pick, down from 58% a year ago. The bottom line: There's a 55% chance that a team not ranked in the bottom three will get their choice of either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel, both of whom are projected to be franchise centers. If the season ended today, there's an 8.5% chance the No. 1 pick would go to the Florida Panthers, Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames or Colorado Avalanche.
8. Who are the teams to beat for the Stanley Cup?
The Blackhawks have to be considered the favorite.
They rank sixth in goals per game and first in goals against, first in penalty killing and fourth in 5-on-5 scoring. They have the NHL's best transition game. This is a deep roster that owns 57 playoff wins in the past six seasons.
If the Kings make the playoffs, they're a threat to repeat. They have a playoff style team, overflowing with grit and perseverance. They understand what it takes to make a successful climb.
The Anaheim Ducks have been consistently effective, and don't count out the Rangers. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist, plus their speed and experience are important.