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January 23, 2007
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
Kubina’s big deal hasn’t paid off yet
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Winger Darcy Tucker and defenseman Tomas Kaberle deserve mention, but it’s Mats Sundin who has been Toronto’s most vital cog. “Mats makes those around him better,” said coach Paul Maurice. “Just being out on the ice with him causes an elevation in the games of those around him.” The proof is in the points. Tucker, Alexei Ponikarovsky and recently Alexander Steen have flourished when skating alongside him. Sundin has averaged more than a point per game. MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER The Leafs are on the hook for $20 million over four years for defenseman Pavel Kubina and thus far, he hasn’t been a $5-million player. He was suspended for the first game of the season, then missed more than a month with a knee injury. His return was delayed…
Sophomore Vanek leading the herd
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER The balanced Sabres are having such a sensational season, you can make a compelling argument for several first-half MVP candidates. But Thomas Vanek has been the most consistent and impressive performer. The sophomore winger led the Sabres with 22 goals through 41 games and had gone back-to-back games without a point only twice. But Vanek’s most impressive stat has been his plus-minus. Benched in the playoffs last season for not committing himself on defense, he was the highest-rated forward in the NHL at plus-22. MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER Dmitri Kalinin had two goals and 14 points through 41 games and while those numbers aren’t paltry, they’re pedestrian for a player many pegged as a future star on the blueline a few seasons back. Kalinin is an inconsistent enigma that…
Niedermayer’s head always in the game
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER With goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere and defenseman Chris Pronger falling victim to injuries near mid-season, defenseman Scott Niedermayer edged right winger Teemu Selanne as the Ducks’ first-half MVP. Niedermayer’s game is as much about his steely resolve and unwavering focus as his many physical gifts. “I’ve never really seen him too off his game,” said right winger Rob Niedermayer, Scott’s younger brother. “I think if you talk to any of the elite in the NHL, that’s probably what you’ll find. A lot of it is mental.” MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER After his heroics in the playoffs last season, Ilya Bryzgalov appeared to be Anaheim’s goaltender of the future. If so, the future is a ways off. Bryzgalov missed 17 games with a groin injury and was inconsistent when he did play.…
Laaksonen’s game Antti offense
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER It has almost become a cliche, but Joe Sakic has to get the nod as the Avalanche’s best player so far. The captain, voted the starting center on the Western Conference all-star team, had a strong, point-a-game first half. He is probably the NHL’s most respected player at this point, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, a Conn Smythe winner, Olympic gold medalist and Olympic MVP. He didn’t miss a game in the first half, playing about 22 minutes a contest, and led the team in scoring. MOST DISAPPOINTING PLAYER Antti Laaksonen scored 16 goals for the Avs last season. But through the first half, he had just one goal and was a frequent healthy scratch by early January. His performance has been mystifying; nobody takes better care of…
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