TFHL POWER RANKINGS - First Quarter Edition

What can I say - it was a boring afternoon at work today! To fill that boredom, I put together the first addition of the TFHL Power Rankings. If you don't agree with me, feel free to leave a comment :)

1 – Bobcats – It’s hard to argue against the reigning TFHL champs as the number one team at the quarter mark of the season. Currently in the midst of an 8 game winning streak, the Bobcat’s are the team to beat in the East – and the West…

2 – Blackhawks - Despite what the standings show, the Blackhawks are currently the TFHL 2^nd best team, and are the class of the West. Their GF total contrasted with their GA numbers is bested only by the Bobcats.

3 – Spirit – Speaking of GF/GA totals, the Spirit aren’t far behind. Currently the league’s best defensive team, they’ve backed it up with some impressive offensive numbers to justify their #3 ranking.

4 – Renegades – Well, standings have to count for something, and that’s what brings the Renegades in at number 4. It appears there’s been luck on the Renegade’s side thus far this season, and although they are impressive defensively, their offensive numbers are comparable to the bottom dwelling Aces and Blades. It will be for the Renegades to prove that they belong at the top

5 – Pain – The Pain have been the victims of some bad luck thus far, but their 107 goals for are enough proof that this team is better than the middle-of-the-pack team shown in the standings. This team has some potent offence that will keep them rolling once the hockey gods begin to smile on them once again.

6 – Raiders – The Raiders have been holding steady, and are in the midst of a 7-2-1 run in the last 10 games. The concern with this squad however is their near equal GF and GA. Unlike the Pain, the luck could turn the other way for the Raiders if they can’t improve this ratio.

7 – Ice – The Ice are arguably the best defensive team in the TFHL which has paid off for them in the standings, however scoring has been a concern. Is the best offence a good defense? We’ll have to wait and see…

8 – Saints – Taking the opposite approach to the Ice, the Saints subscribe to the theory that the ‘best defense is a great offence’. Their 109 goals is tops in the league, but the Saints are being hurt in the standings by also allowing an embarrassing 100 pucks to hit the back of their own net. Also worth a mention is the long-term injury suffered by superstar centre, Chris Higgins. We’ll have to see how this affects the Saints as the season progresses.

9. – Rednex – The perennial underdogs, the Rednex are off to a relatively good start this season. They benefit from one of the leagues best goaltenders in Brent Johnson, but will it be enough? They may have to acquire some scoring help before the trade deadline if they intend to compete in the playoffs.

10 – Clubbers – The Clubbers are a tough team to evaluate – they’re neither good nor bad – they’re just consistent. They’re the vanilla ice cream of the TFHL – not going to surprise you, but you know what to expect every time. Who knows – they could be this year’s sleeper team to contend for the cup.

11 – Flames – Like the Clubbers, the Flames aren’t that exciting, but they’ve figured out how to win. They are one of the stingiest teams in the league for giving up goals, so if they can keep that up, the Flames could be dangerous down the stretch.

12 – Achaeans – Another middle-of-the pack team that has something to prove. They won it all 2 seasons ago which has to count for something. Free agent addition Milan Hnilicka has been a pleasant surprise in net, but if he begins to falter, the Achaeans could be in big trouble.

13 – Apocalypse – Another unspectacular but steady hockey club in the TFHL. Taking advantage of some solid goaltending, they are kind of in the same boat as the Achaeans – one groin injury away from disaster.

14 – Mauraders – It’s a good thing the Mauraders know how to keep the puck out of their own net, because they sure don’t seem to have a clue how to put it in their opponents. Only the lowly Canucks and Misconducts have scored less goals thus far, but if they can continue their solid defensive play, the Mauraders should be able to stick around.

15 – Wheat Kings – The Wheat Kings are a much better team than the standings suggest. Fully expect the Kings to go on a run sooner than later, and with a very active GM at the helm, I’m sure we’ll see some in-season moves to fill the gaps.

16 – Hurricanes – The Canes are another one of those teams that is better than the standings suggest. A recent spat of injuries has hurt the team – especially to defenseman Brian Campbell whose out for 3 months – we’ll have to see how well their offence can make up for the weakened blue line.

17 – Patriots – The Patriots are on shaky ground, lucky to be holding onto 8^th place in the East. Their 105 goals against is among the worst in the league, and their goal production isn’t exactly stellar either. The Pats need some help in net – if they don’t make some moves, there is no way they will be around for the post season. If they do add a clear number one net minder, this team has a lot of offensive talent that could post a scary amount of points if somebody would wake them up.

18 – Misconducts – The Misconducts have been one of the unluckiest teams this season when it comes to injuries. Currently on the sidelines are Segei Anshakov, Paul Kariya, Dan Snyder, Rossario Ruggeri and Shawn Belle. Fortunately they do have some depth, but it’s hard to ignore the absence of those key players. We’ve got them at 18 on the list only because of the injuries – if this team can get healthy, there’s no reason to think that they can’t go on a mid to late season run.

19 – Colt 45 – This team is one that looks solid on paper, but for whatever reason aren’t getting it done in the wins column. Their defense is respectable, but if they can’t find a way to score some goals, it could be a very long season for this squad. Maybe it’s all that malt liquor shipped over from the sponsors…

20 – Blades – The Blades defense is their downfall, although their scoring isn’t so hot at this point either. There are going to be a bunch of teams fighting for that last playoff spot this season, and without making some improvements, the Blades could have one of the biggest uphill battles in the league.

21 - Sioux – The Sioux have been underperforming thus far, and it’s showing. With guys like Eric Staal and Jaromir Jagr in the line-up, one has to wonder why they aren’t posting any points? They will need to find a way of jump-starting their offence if they hope to see the post season in the tough Western conference.

22 – Aces – The Aces are a mystery. They’ve been hovering around the top of the standings for the last few season, and on paper, improved over the off-season with some key trades and free agent signings. This team was built for offense at the expense of defense, and unfortunately this strategy has resulted in neither. Having one of the best goalies in the league means nothing if your defense has more holes in it than a slice of swiss cheese. Look for the Aces to shake things up with some big trades in the near future.

23 – Owls – Another team that looks good on paper, but unfortunately for them, there are a lot of teams in this league that look good on paper as well. If they can’t close the gap between goals scored and goals allowed, this is another team that will be dusting off the golf clubs early this year.

24 – Canucks – What can you say about the Canucks? They’re just plain bad, and that was before they suffered a barrage of key injuries. At least there’s a number one draft pick in their future…

PR - Wheat Kings

KNOCK ON WOOD: FIRST QUARTER REPORT

After the usual tentative start, the Wheat Kings are starting to play respectable hockey. At game fifteen pre-season expectations had been dashed, but a solid string of games have pulled the Wheaties back to near .500.

Overall the Wheat Kings are performing well to acceptable in most areas. The offence has been solid with the anticipated combination of Steve Bernier and Nik Bergfors giving the Kings their first legitimate second line threat. On the first line, Dimitri Kazionov and Josh Hennessy have been the Kings most consistent players this season - with only a minor injury to Kazionov keeping him out of the point and goal scoring leaders.

With Joel Kwiatkowski out for almost the whole season and Jason Smith missing a two weeks with a minor ACL tear, the Kings defence was seriously overwhelmed throughout much of the first fifteen games. This was further aggrevated by the weak showing of Cam Barker and Karol Rachunek - Barker has been sent to the minors and Rachunek has somewhat improved playing along Mark Stuart. If veterans Slava Suchy and Mike Rathje had not stepped up, the Kings may have had it much worse.

Goaltending has been suspect, but seems to be stabilizing. Thomas Vokoun started the season shaky, giving way to Byron Dafoe who played so-so for a couple games then wretched for the rest. However, Vokoun started to play well before he was promply injured. Jamie Howard was called up and has played some excellent hockey, acting as a catalyst to the Kings recovery. The Kings will have to make a hard decision soon whether to send Howard back to the farm for his promised season of development, or keep him up, again, on the pro somewhat prematurely.

The following players are on the market:

Player PO HD IT SP ST EN DU DI SK PA PC DF SC EX LD OV Ag Salary Y
Mattias Ritola RW R 70 74 71 78 74 90 73 71 72 72 75 44 48 77 20 600,000 2
Byron Dafoe G L 71 82 77 93 87 51 84 66 83 25 25 69 65 76 36 1,500,000 3
Karel Rachunek D R 80 67 80 72 63 87 71 75 66 69 53 44 34 75 28 281,250 1
Byron Bitz C L 56 70 70 56 50 75 73 78 69 70 77 51 47 75 22* 600,000 1

Bitz would be a little more tricky; looking for either a defenceman or RW with good DF for Ritola (if older, I'd want picks or something to equalize the deal)

PR - Saints

Saints' SuperStar Will Likely Miss Most of the Regular Season

After today's 6-4 win against the Rednexs in which Christopher Higgins moved into a tie for #1 in the TFHL scoring race at 26 pts in 20 games, Higgins was hit from behind into the boards by Petr Vrana. Vrana was ejected immediately as Higgins continued to lay unconscious on the ice. It seems that Higgins suffered a serious concusion but no official reports have been released from the Saints organization. However, it is clear according to GM Geoffrey Young, that Higgins won't be returning for a long time to the Saints active roster ("CD 17"): "Frankly, I'm shocked...when a guy receives a hit like that, your heart stops beating for a second. I am also sickened to hear that Vrana hasn't received a single game suspension for this act. Higgins was not only the star and captain of this franchise but also one of the best scorers in league."

Today Higgins tied first place in the scoring race with the Spirit's Zach Parise. Also, the Saints became the top offensive team in the TFHL when they scored 6 Goals for today and past the Pain. Young: "I don't think our offence will be useless without Higgins this season but it will take a bit of a hit. But we have great depth in scorering with Bouchard (#3 in goals), Sjostrom, Getzlaf, Falardeau, Kobasew, and not to mention the defensive scoring from Blake (#2 in D scoring), Gonchar and Ballard.

It is rumoured that Young will likely bump Arnott up to #1 centre and Roenic to #2 centre and perhaps start veteran Sakic as 3rd line centre. It is official though that while Higgins is out for most of this season, Sakic will be the acting captain once again. Higgins is out "indefinitely" so he will miss at least 3 months so GM Young added that the goal is to get a home playoff spot this year and prepare for Higgins return to lead us to the Cup.

PR - Pain

GM Elliot responds after a morning skate to news teams, on the topic of GM
young's comments. "Well after I had a few chuckles I realized this Hamlet
like response although odd, was indeed one big compliment. He managed to
call us an unstoppable Biblical force, and through sheer envy name called me
a pain in the ass. I would just like to thank Mr. Geoffrey Young, because I
did not know I had such a profound affect on your daily life. Although I do
not underestimate the many sarcastic tones and the blind mockery, I must
thank him for the uplifting speech. I must add I have seen an improvement in
his offence, it was not hard to notice. The question really is, can he keep
his offence together or will he get that itch to trade. We all know he
suffers from the Young gene, the very dangerous trade syndrome. He acts as
though he is worn out, or should I say a worn out donkey, but yet he has
more energy than anyone in the game. He also said that I am Anti-Geoffrey
Young. Have some more faith my friend, I only dislike your brother ;););)
anagram (ALPILE). Well we shall see how good his offence really is on Day
61. I say bring your Boondock Saints, because you will need a lot of fire
power to purify this Leviathan."


www.TSN.ca

PR - Saints

Yes, soon to return is the infamous Saints PRs which, of the last couple seasons, has been increasingly absent from the TFHL scene. But now that the league management has been shuffled, there are rumours that GM young's interest in the blessed Game of l'hockey has increased and once again he see's light at the end of the tunnel. To avoid purgatory and not to relinquish curiousity to a state of limbo, I announce to you - the great and faithful TFHL demos - that I vow to return to the noblesse oblige vocatio of writing great PR's. The first, is but a sample, but here it goes.

Proverbs teaches us, that a great donkey is a great donkey, but more admirable than the former is the donkey who is admirable but yet decrepid...

which leads me to this point. Yes, the Pain is great, and this anti-Geoffrey Young, by a similar name but yet not as splendid and charming, the Geoff Lord of Elliot, has cause for celebration for his great Leviathan the Pain (who I must admit have never succeeded in the TFHL before) are admirably leading many offensive categories.

But this great donkey is not as great as sick donkey. And yes, the Saints are such a sick donkey for at a sub-.500 record, the Saints are rivalring the offence of the Pain in the ass, errrr donkey...sorry, mr.elliots Pain...

So here are the facts, I have heralded the rise of the Saints in the east for many seasons but this year I will do nothing of the sort. Rather, I will just admit that despite being pitifully pathetic defensively, I claim such - that the Saints are superior offensively to any team in the league. To prove this now infallibly and for all future generations to venerate - witness the facts:

despite being sub-.500...the saints:

- Are 2nd in Goals For, closely behind the Pain
- have 4 players in the top 25 of scoring in the TFHL (compared to the Pain's pitiful five in top 30 psssh)
- the Saints, like the Pain, have 9 players with 10 or more points
- and unlike the Pain's Championship management and coaching, the Saints possess a staff which, although never making it past the 2nd round of the playoffs, always impresses the femme fatales with our chivralry and geniune charm

The point of this all, beware the Saints....for as the great boondock saints profess:
And shepherds we shall be for Thee, my Lord, for Thee.

Power hath descended forth from Thy hand.

That our feet may swiftly carry out Thy command.

We will flow a river forth on to Thee,

and teeming with souls shall it ever be.

In nomine Patris, et Filii

et Spiritus Sancti.

To translate to thee laymen - it's Ass kicking time!

PR - Pain

Through 14 games the Michigan Pain have picked up 24 of a possible 28
points. The Pain are having their best start in franchise history and look
to continue early season success through the entire season. We have taken a
look at the most dangerous team in the TFHL and did some statistical work on
the group; check out the numbers.

0.924 - Giguere's leading save percentage
1 - Eric Daze tied for number 1 in goals
2 - Team loses
3 - players in the top 10 of scoring
5 - players in the top 30 of scoring
9 - players with 10 or more points
12 - Team Wins
13 - Paille +/- tied for first
15.1 - Team league leading shooting percentage
16 - Parise's league leading total of assists
23.5 - the number one powerplay percentage
31 - Lowest amount of goals in the league
62 - Most goals in the league

Surely if the Pain keep up the sensational numbers they will be on track for
a record breaking year. But as GM Elliot has told us, the season is long. "I
am very happy with the start we have had. The guys are palying well together
but more importantly they care and work hard every shift. As a GM you hope
that your team can play like this all the time but the fact is we will go
through some cold spells just like everyone else. The difference is how fast
we will recover from those bad stretches. We have to stay focused the whole
season. I am a firm believer that to have playoff success you have to stay
focused the entire regular season. You can not expect to win the TFHL cup if
the players, coaches and GM do not work the whole season; You need to have
your A game going into the playoffs. Tomorrow will be a test for us as a
team. We play the second place Gades; a true test. Tomorrow coach Wilson
will give Giggy a rest and start veteran Trevor Kidd in goal for his second
start of the season. We would love Giggy to play every night but its just
not possible at this high level. He needs a rest now and again." Lundberg
and Meszaros will be game time decisions. On another note the Pain's farm
club cut 5 players and signed 4 new players to one years deals in hopes to
help with the teams struggles.

Michigan Press