I was downright giddy Thursday night over NHL hockey with must see pucks everywhere.
Five out of eight games were decided in overtime or a shootout, we saw the goal of the year (CLICK FOR AMAZING GOAL), a player get knocked unconscious (CLICK FOR BIG HIT), and a slaughter in Calgary (Chicago Blackhawks 7, Flames 1).
In Carolina, the league’s two worst teams—the Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs—scored twice in the final 30 seconds including the tying goal with 2.9 ticks left on the clock to force extra time.
You want a good gauge on how great this night was? The buzz on NHL action at ESPN around midnight was greater than the excitement over Dolphins running back Ricky Williams’ 3 touchdowns that probably won fantasy football players their week 11 games after just one night.
Now, with each team having played roughly 20 games we’ve reached the quarter pole of the season—exactly what did we know and what have we learned?
We know Alex Ovechkin is the league’s best goal scorer, but we didn’t know just how great he is. In 15 games so far this season, he has 15 goals and despite missing over two weeks with a shoulder injury, he still leads the league in shots on goal with 87. Assuming he stays healthy the rest of the way, there’s no reason to believe he can’t reach 70 goals and another Hart Trophy will be in Ovechkin’s hands.
I knew the L.A. Kings would be better this year, I never imagined they’d be this good or Anze Kopitar would rapidly become one of the game’s elite. With 14 goals and 32 points, Kopitar would win the MVP for players not named Ovechkin.
We know the Blackhawks are one of the best teams in the league, but we didn’t know just how good they would be. Star winger Marian Hossa hasn’t even touched the ice yet and the hawks are 13-5-2. Personally, I thought they’d have to merely tread water until Hossa made his debut. With his return imminent, it’s time for the league to be very afraid of the uprising in the windy city.
The Blackhawks already rank near the top of the league in goals per game, 2nd in goals against per game (47 goals allowed in 20 games) and have the top penalty killing percentage in the league–all while being hit hard by injuries thus far (Adam Burish, Ben Eager, Jonathan Toews, Dave Bolland and Brent Seabrook) have all missed multiple games. 
Not only are they emerging as a legitimate cup contender but this might be the best coaching job of Joel Quenneville’s career. He’s the early nominee for coach of the year.
On the flip side, we knew the Maple Leafs would be bad—3 wins in 20 games is another story. However, we didn’t know the Carolina Hurricanes would be giving Toronto a run for their money in the battle for the top draft pick in 2011. Last year’s eastern conference runners-up have 4 wins in 21 games and their best player (Eric Staal) and star goalie (Cam Ward) are both on IR. It’s already time to focus on Duke and UNC hoops in Raleigh.
Sure, number 1 overall draft picks could go the way of Alexander Daigle or Patrik Stefan, so while it’s safe to say we knew Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos would be a star we didn’t know he’d be the main attraction in Florida. With 14 goals already and the aforementioned goal of the year, Stamkos has quickly become a force. 
On the other hand, nobody knew about the rapid decline of teammate Vincent Lecavalier. Coming off a poor season, the Lightning signed their veteran center to a multi-year extension, which was supposed to put his mind at ease by ending any and all trade talk. Lecavalier has responded with 4 goals and just 18 points in 19 games and is no longer an All-Star caliber player.
Meanwhile, we knew Islanders rookie John Tavares—the No. 1 overall pick in 2010—would be good. There were too many Sidney Crosby comparisons for him to disappoint. Yet, he’s somehow exceeded expectations. While his 9 goals and 10 assists are mighty impressive, we could not have known he’d be able to lift his lifeless franchise out of the cellar and into the hunt for a playoff spot. Keep in mind, this is still without goalie Rick DiPietro, who still hasn’t played this season but is nearing a return. Could there be playoff hockey on Long Island? The fact that this question is even legitimate is completely shocking. 
Finally, we all know hockey is a physically grueling sport that can be dangerous at times but dirty hits and concussions have entered dark territory. The NHL needs to find a way to better protect its players or we’ll soon be reading about permanent brain damage like NFL legends battle with. We don’t know how the NHL can do this—maybe bigger helmets or stricter penalties and suspensions? Whatever the solution, it better come quick.
We know there’s still plenty to learn with many months remaining, but early reviews on the first quarter are looking good—we know the 2009-10 season could be one for the ages.
