Battle News

October 21, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

Over the past 24 hours, there has been some news made by Battle teams. Cue laziness! Well, at least I did finally see Watchmen over a buddy’s last night. Pretty cool concept. I love movies like that with alternative universes. Plus the whole 1985/Nixon theme was unique along with the scrumptious Malin Akerman, who btw looks totally different dark than blonde. They did a nice job with her eyes/makeup and wardrobe.

The volumptious Malin Akerman in Watchmen.

How many have seen it? It rated pretty high on IMDB scoring 7.9 out of 10. We’ll go just a tad under at 7.5/10. I still prefer Dark Knight but Watchmen deserves recognition. Billy Crudup was good as Dr. Manhattan but Jackie Earle Haley stole the show as the masked Rorschach, who should be up for Best Supporting Actor even though I don’t care for that stuff.

Okay. Enough movie talk! After all, this is supposed to be a blog about hockey. Particularly our four Battle clubs with three two idle tonight as we await the second Battle of Hudson tomorrow at MSG. So, what’s going on? The Islanders look to finally get in the win column against the notorious slow starting Candy Canes at The Coliseum later. Since Carolina stinks on the road (0-3, outscored 14-4 following Marty SHO 102), it should be no problem for John Tavares and Co. Right? Not exactly. Cam Ward owns a 9-2 career record versus them and was in for a series sweep last season. Carolina outscored the Isles 24-9 and have won 11 of the previous 15 (11-3-1) meetings. In fact, they’re 16-5-2 in Long Island since relocating from Hartford. Yikes.

Something has to give. The Canes aren’t exactly lighting it up with only 14 goals thus far along with a 2-4-1 mark. But the Islanders aren’t any better getting just 13 in half a dozen that’s seen them go 0-3-3, dropping three straight in regulation by a combined 12-5. Most troubling is that if Tavares or Matt Moulson don’t score, nobody else is. They’ve scored seven of 13 with Kyle Okposo getting just one. He’ll be on another line tonight to try to balance things out. The Isles need more from Josh Bailey, Sean Bergenheim, Blake Comeau and Rob Schremp. It would also be nice if Brendan Witt could keep up. Our guess is Martin Biron in net cause he’s played better than Rollie lately. We’ll see.

In other Battle News, the Sabres dealt forward Daniel Paille to the Bruins for a third round and conditional pick next year. Paille became the odd man out in Lindy Ruff’s crowded lineup that’s produced well. This must mean Thomas Vanek is close to returning. They visit Florida tonight looking to rebound from their first regulation defeat. It’ll indeed be Miller Time! No. Not this one unfortunately.

Meanwhile, Paille moves to Beantown playing for an archrival where the former 2002 first rounder tries to help a team that’s struggled offensively. The B’s just lost offensive leader Marc Savard (4-6 weeks) due to a broken foot and are also minus Milan Lucic (broken finger), who had successful surgery and also could miss around the same time. It should also be noted that the B’s dealt Chuck Kobasew to Minny for two prospects and picks. Suddenly, a team strength isn’t anymore and there’s no Phil Kessel to save them. It’ll be up to David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron, Marco Sturm, Michael Ryder, Mark Recchi and Blake Wheeler to pick it up. With the Bruins just 3-4-0 so far and nicked up, it’s a chance for both Buffalo and improved Ottawa to increase their lead.

Meanwhile, the Rangers have given vet blueliner Mathieu Dandeneault a tryout with Hartford for the seventh defense slot. We’ve always been a fan of his since his Detroit days where he helped them win three Cups. Since the lockout, the 33 year-old vet spent the last four seasons in Montreal where he was serviceable. He’s a decent skater capable of contributing. Dandy would be a nice addition. If Tort needs an option to bench someone, he can step in and also play up front if needed. In the mean time, the club who’s keeping impressive Michael Del Zotto will look to bounce back tomorrow versus the Devils. Both Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan were given today off as each are under the weather. Something to keep an eye on.

And finally, as expected, Cory Murphy cleared waivers to Lowell following a dubious stint with the Devils in which Andy Greene outplayed him by a country mile. Greene is a perfect 4-0 in the lineup while Murph went 0-3. That’s on the line in the second Hudson Battle manana. Patrik Elias still looks a couple of weeks away with Nov.7 the possible target date. Will Jacques Lemaire again split up ZZ Popp with Travis Zajac centering Nicklas Bergfors and Matt Halischuck? Based on what we’ve seen, it’s our belief that Zajac doesn’t need Zach Attack or Langs to be effective. He looked good with Bergfors, who’s been dangerous lately while searching for his first NHL goal. The kid does have two assists but we like his skating and compete. It’ll come soon.