15 players and things an old Leaf fan likes that are going on in the hockey world right now

Goodness knows there is enough negative  stuff to talk about in the world, and sometimes even in our small corner of the universe where we chat hockey.  But there are some things I’ve noticed lately that I like in our little hockey corner, and this seems as good a time as any to share some feelings—and get your feedback at the same time.

1. I have a lot of admiration for Daniel Alfredsson and love his decision to suit up for Sweden at the upcoming World Hockey Championships.  I know, I know, he is one of the “hated Sens”, but he has certainly earned my respect over the years.  He is a competitor and, despite advanced age and a very serious recent injury, he is playing for his native country one more time.  Hats off to a guy who has certainly done Ottawa (and Sweden) proud over the years, and never whined that he needed to leave to go somewhere else to “win”.
2. Similarly, Zdeno Chara just saw his defending Cup-champion Bruins lose a heart-breaking 7-game series in OT, and despite that—and the fatigue the guy has to feel after the team’s excruciatingly long playoff run a year ago—he will play through injuries and give everything he has as a member of the Slovakian national side.  The guy is a dedicated athlete.
3. Speaking of the Bruins, I realize a number of Leaf followers hate Boston as a team, and I recognize the recent history in light of the much-debated “Kessel trade”.  But I want to give credit where credit is due.  Peter Chiarelli had a big job to do when he took over a few years ago after leaving the Senators organization.  He has constructed a tremendous team in Beantown.  They won a Cup a year ago (and have played forever without one of their best players, Marc Savard), and almost as importantly, he has developed a core of young players (Lucic, Krejci, Seguin, Marchand, etc.) that should carry this team for some time to come.  They have a young stud defenseman on the way in Doug Hamilton. And while they will likely move Tim Thomas this summer, they have Rask and a highly-regarded kid goalie in the minors right now seemingly ready to step in.  It won’t be easy to replace a guy like Thomas—I don’t think they could have won without him last season, no way.  But they should be very competitive for years to come, even if he goes.
4. I admire the way the Predators have handled their delicate “curfew” situation.  Kostitsyn and Radulov know better.  The Preds have suspended both players, and I’d be surprised if they see much ice the rest of this series (or season).  This is an organization, under Poile and Trotz, that demands maximum effort—and attitude— from players.  If you don’t buy in, you don't play.  They’d rather lose a series than sell out their principles because they “need” the offense those two guys might contribute.  Good for them.  I’d like to think the Leafs would do the same.
5. Pavel Datsyuk is another guy who could have a million legitimate excuses for skipping the World Championships.  This guy has been hurt a lot this season, has played countless playoff games for the Red Wings over the past decade, yet here he is again, anxious to play for Russia.  Bravo.
6. Speaking of Russian guys, kudos to Kovalchuk. I have been a vocal and constant critic of Lou Lamoriello’s move to acquire the offensively gifted winger in the first place, and his subsequent decision to retain Kovalchuk with an insanely long and costly contract.  While I still believe it will not prove to have been a wise decision, long-term, for the Devils, I credit Kovalchuk for trying to improve himself.  He has played through painful injuries in the playoffs so far, and now he simply can’t continue—at least for the moment.  I’ve always loved watching him play.  While he has been a coach-killer in his career, he seems to have at least met DeBoer half-way in New Jersey this season.  Hopefully he gets healthy enough to play again before the Devils face elimination.
7. Whatever criticisms I have had of Darryl Sutter as a General Manager, he has demonstrated again he certainly can coach.  His Kings are playing the hockey of their lives.  (It helps to have a goalie who is in some kind of “zone”.  If Quick ever falls out of that zone, we may get a better sense of how good the Kings really are…)
8. I was not a fan of Dale Hunter as the new coach in Washington.  In fact, I was convinced  that if they did not make the playoffs (they very nearly did not) that he was going to be on the first bus back to London and his junior team—his true hockey love.  But whether one likes his methods or not (including playing Ovechkin, what was it, 13 minutes the other night?) he has navigated the waters beautifully and coached the Caps to some playoff success.  I hated him as a player.  He was a dirty guy (see Pierre Turgeon incident), but he was a survivor and a player you much preferred on your team, as opposed to the opposition.  Right now,  he’s winning with a rookie goalie.  Credit to him.
9. I really like the fact that Holmgren, last summer, had the guts to move two high-end “leaders”—Carter and Richards—and re-build an already solid team.  Despite losing Pronger and having goaltending that makes you want to put your hands over your eyes most nights, the Flyers are competing to make the "final-four" again.  I can’t tell you exactly what their “model” is (focus on the draft, trades, UFA’s, build from the goal out…) but whatever it is, it makes them competitive pretty much every year.  Good for Holmgren.
10. I have to include the Senators on this list.  I’ve said it here before:  I honestly thought they would be fortunate to win 15 games this season.  I looked at their goaltending and their overall roster in October and thought…c’mon, you’re kidding, right?  You know, Spezza as a “leader”.  800 year-old Alfie.  Anderson in goal.  A bunch of no-names?  I thought Bryan Murray should have been fired, not given a new contract.  But the Rangers, as top seed in the East, were life and death to beat the Senators in the first round.  Leaf fans can only hope Carlyle will deliver the same here next season with an infusion of talent from the Marlies.
11. Young Capitals prospect Kuznetsov has decided to stay in Russia for two more years to play in the KHL.  He says he talked to his parents and thought it was the best thing for his development.  Good for him.  Maybe he’s making more money at home.  Maybe he would have ultimately made even more here.  I have no idea. But if he and his family believe (he’s only 19) this is the best thing for him and for his development, great.  I applaud his choice.  Not everyone has to play in the NHL right away.  In fact, more kids might benefit by not being rushed.
12. I honestly never thought Jaromir Jagr would play in the NHL again (or that anyone would want an old, broken-down, one-way ex-superstar), much less actually have an impact come playoff time.  But he has been a good worker most nights for the Flyers.  He’s not a superstar every night anymore but he doesn’t have to be. 
13. I don’t have a huge rooting interest when it comes to the NHL playoffs  this spring (I have a lot of respect for the way the Predators have done business from Day One, but can’t say I’m passionately cheering for them…) but I wouldn’t be unhappy if something good happened for Shane Doan in Phoenix.  The guy has been a good hockey soldier for years and rarely has got to play in the playoffs.  Usually, he’s playing for Canada at the Worlds at this time of year.  But he looks awfully good right now on a team that is surprising a lot of people, including me.
14. Three outstanding coaches are up for NHL coach-of-the-year.  I’m not a big Hitchcock guy, but I respect his passion and ability as a coach.  But in my mind, the best coach in the league isn’t even on the ballot this year, and that’s Dave Tippett in Phoenix.
15. I’m really looking forward to watching John Tavares, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jeff Skinner and of course Andrew Ladd and Evander Kane from the Jets at the World Championships.  But my favorite already is Jordan Eberle.  Having watched him develop in his junior days and representing Canada, and now in his time with the Oilers, he’s my new “Captain Canada”.  (Meanwhile, if it catches our fancy, Leaf fans can watch possible future Leaf Ryan Getzlaf in action for Canada as well....why not dream?)

There are many other nice things going on in hockey these days (like Ray Whitney still being an impact player in the playoffs at the age of 40) so feel free to comment on any of the above, or share some additional thoughts about anything you like that’s happening.

And thanks to everyone who visits VLM even when the Leafs are “out”!