Bruins step it up; Wings make push
USA TODAY Sports hockey columnist Kevin Allen gives reasons the NHL stretch run will be highly entertaining:
1. BRUINS SURGING
The Boston Bruins seem to be entering the dress rehearsal phase for a big playoff show. They have won 12 in a row, two shy of the 84-year-old franchise record, and are finding different ways to win every night. During the streak, coach Claude Julien’s Bruins have given up two or fewer goals 10 times. The Bruins are crazy deep up front, and Jarome Iginla is playing like he did in his prime. He has 11 goals during the streak.
2. WINGS’ QUEST
The Detroit Red Wings’ playoff streak appeared ready to stop at 22. Too many injuries, too much inconsistency. But the Red Wings, using a roster deep in minor league call-ups, have somehow scrapped and clawed to stay in contention for the final spot in the Eastern Conference. Coach Mike Babcock’s work to keep this patchwork team in contention might be some of his best.
3. LATE TO PARTY
The Washington Capitals went 2-0-1 on the challenging California trip against the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks. They won in San Jose for the first time since 1993 and are back in the playoff race.
4. OVI ALWAYS ENTERTAINING
What’s interesting about the Capitals’ success is that they have been surging without Alex Ovechkin being forced to carry the load. He has two goals in his last 12 games. He’s also minus 14 in those games. He has 46 goals this season but is also minus 31. Is he more likely to reach 50 goals or minus 40? It’s a fair question.
5. MARTY WATCH
Martin St. Louis has played 10 games without scoring a goal for the New York Rangers. No one would have guessed that. His skill should be a perfect fit for Alain Vigneault’s coaching style. He’s clearly pressing. Ryan Callahan, who went to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the deal, has two goals and three assists in nine games.
6. SOLID REPLACEMENT
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero’s deadlineday deal to acquire Lee Stempniak from the Calgary Flames for a third-round pick didn’t create a seismic disturbance in the hockey world. But he has turned out to be an able linemate for Sidney Crosby. He has two goals and five assists in 10 games. More important, he seems to understand how Crosby plays. He could end up being the best deadline-day acquisition.
7. COYOTES HOT IN DESERT
The Phoenix Coyotes have gone 7-3 in their last 10 games to put themselves in playoff position. They are displaying scoring depth. Six forwards will be above or around the 20-goal mark, led by Antoine Vermette, who has 23. The Coyotes rank last in attendance, but they drew more than 17,000 for their last game against the Bruins. The new Coyotes ownership group has worked to make this franchise succeed in the desert. The Coyotes need to make the playoffs.
8. BEWARE OF SHARKS
San Jose has been consistently good all season, but the Sharks seem to be peaking at the right time. This is a well-constructed team. Joe Pavelski deserves MVP consideration, Todd McLellan deserves coach of the year consideration and Doug Wilson should be in the hunt to be GM of the year. This team’s defensive game is better than most seem to realize. The offense is layered, and the goaltending can get the job done.