NHL Midseason Report

After another disheartening loss by my New York Rangers, let's take a look at some midseason reports:

Biggest Surprise Team: Anaheim Mighty Ducks - Teemu is back in full form and the Ducks are tops in the west and alternating with the Buffalo Sabres for best in show. They have also dealt with some huge injuries, such as both goalies and top defenseman Chris Pronger. So all in all, biggest surprise.

Least Surprising Team: Buffalo Sabres - Who didn't see this one coming? A bunch of quick young guys who work hard under coach Lindy Ruff? Clutch to success. They also have stellar goaltending from American all-star Ryan Miller. They do lack size, but in the current NHL that is not a problem.

Best Offseason Acquisition: Brendan Shannahan and the New York Rangers - One of the most exciting old time hockey players to watch. He has stepped in and played an important leadership role in an all too soft European hockey team.

Biggest Offseason Bust: Todd Bertuzzi and the Florida Panthers - At the heart of the Luongo trade, Bertuzzi has seldom played and been plagued by injuries all season. The Panthers continue to be bottom dwellers and lack leadership.

Most Likely Blockbuster Move: If the St. Louis Blues and Tampa Bay Lightning fall back off the wagon, wait for some big names to be moved from there. Bill Guerin, Keith Tkachuk, Martin St. Louis, and Vincent Lecavalier are all suceptible to a move.

Least Likely Blockbuster Move: Don't expect the San Jose Sharks to be as likely as some reports to move a goalie. Neither Nabokov nor Toskala have truly established themselves as the number one and until that happens, they are in a similar spot to Buffalo.

Craziest Deadline Team: The Philadelphia Flyers continue to be an anomaly and depending on how bad their slide is, don't be surprised to see captain Peter Forsberg and co. to be moved at the deadline.

Most outrageous prediction for 2008: It's bold thinking ahead, but you heard it here first: Sidney Crosby will be a New York Ranger after next season. Why? How? Well I have a scenario. Crosby is a bright kid, and realizes the Penguins are not a stable franchise. Additionally, he can truly show his skills in a big market like New York, not Pittsburgh. And if the Pens move? He is not going to go to Kansas City or Portland! The Rangers can max their offer to him after next season when he is a restricted free agent.