Richards Deal Looks Better, & How ‘Bout Hossa?!

Brad Richards registered a franchise record 5 assists in his debut with the Dallas Stars. Meanwhile, Hossa played approximately 10 min and sprained his MCL when he was cutting across the middle of the ice.

I have made no secret that I think the Penguins gave up way too much to acquire Hossa, and that this would be a bad trade they would eventually regret. Now I want to make it clear that I am not happy that Hossa is injured, that is something I find disrespectful, and I never want to take joy out of anyone getting hurt. This is a misfortune for the Pens, but I am sure they should be able to do without Hossa for awhile.

On the other hand, the Stars, whom I feel made an amazing trade to get Richards. They gave up their back-up goalie, couple depth guys in Halpern and Jokinen, and a 4th rounder. In return, a Conn Smythe winner and proven play-off performer and a back-up goalie to replace theirs. The other beauty in this trade, is that Richards is still under contract for next season, meaning that past the post-season, he will remain with the Stars, as opposed to just being a rental player.

Apparently Stars’ co-GMs know a thing or two about how to deal with the deadline. They didn’t give up their future, but still managed to get better right now and put themselves right up there with the powerhouses of the West.

I cannot wait for June to come around, so that we can finally see the fruitations of all the trades that happened on Tuesday. Only then can we evaluate which teams were winners, and which were losers.

Canadiens Putting Hopes With Rookie Goalie: Part 3 & Hossa Hurts His Knee

Everyone knows that Canadien’s GM, Bob Gainey dropped a bomb on the hockey world they other day when he traded his Number 1 All-Star goalie, and therefore putting the teams season on the shoulders of rookie, Carey Price. Gainey has a serious love affair with Price. He drafted him way high than he was expected to go, and now this. Gainey is a smart hockey man, and I am sure he knows what he is doing.

Carey Price, who I think is making a solid case for the Calder so far this season, says he is ready to step in and be “that guy” for the Habs. He is insanely cool under pressure, and he has the skills to back it up, that was evident when he helped Canada win the World Juniors. But we have to honest, everyone was shocked when Huet (pronounced Whuo-ette or something like that now,) was traded.

If there is one team that can ride a rookie to a championship though, it is the Habs. They did with Ken Dryden back in the day, and then proceeded to do it again with Patrick Roy.

Can they do it again though? I would highly doubt it. Granted the Canadiens are making a solid push in the East right now, I just find it hard to believe that any Eastern team can knock off the powerhouse teams of the West.

If there is one thing that is for sure, it is going to be interesting to see how the rest of the season works out for Les Habitants. I know I’ll be keeping an eye on it, and the other thing that I’ll be watching, is who that 2nd draft pick turns out to be. I personally thought a guy like Huet could have garnered more than a 2nd rounder, but then again, the Ducks gave Bryzgalov away for free.

//update//

Marian Hossa sprained his MCL tonight in a 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. Wow, that deal is looking greater by the minute. This does suck for the Penguins though, but I kind of find myself not feeling bad for them. Hopefully he isn’t out too long, and then Sid the Kid can come back too, and we can see just how potent the Penguins will be, and if they have a legitimate shot at taking the East and getting their hands on the Holy Grail.

Breaking News: John Paddock Fired & the Dumbass Penguins

Just saw on The Score that Ottawa Senators Head Coach, John Paddock has been fired. This is something that had been talked about yesterday at the deadline, but apparently last night’s 4-0 loss, coupled with the 5-0 loss to the Leafs the game before were the last strings.

The word is that the players had quit on Paddock, and if you had watched the game last night, this was evident.  These losses cannot be blamed on either tender, as both goalies played terribly in those games. The defense was terrible, and the league’s highest scoring line has been useless.

I don’t really care what the Sens do from here on out, I do not think they have a chance to win the Cup, and that brings me to my next topic.

Everyone is trying to call out who won and lost at yesterday’s deadline. If you ask me, the biggest loser has to be the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Yes, they won the Hossa sweepstakes. Honestly though, giving up a core player in Armstrong, a prospect/depth guy in Christensen, and a prospect(iffy?) in Esposito, and in addition a 1st round pick. In return they get a player that is terrible in the post-season, a guy they won’t be able to afford at the end of the season. The Penguins are modeling themselves after the Tampa Bay Lightning, and yesterday when the Bolts traded Richards, and are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, its obvious that isn’t working.

The other kicker about the Penguins is that yes, with this addition they have a legit shot at winning the East, but even if they win that, they are fucked in the Stanley Cup Final.

The way the West powered up yesterday, there is no chance that the East wins the Cup again this season. As easily as the Sens walked through the East, and then got trampled by the Ducks.

The Ducks are a better now than they were last year, the Stars are a better team, the Wings are a better team. The West is clearly better, and the Pens have ZERO chance to take home the Cup.