NHL Stock Up/Stock Down: The First 8th of the Season!

Oh hi there.

So yeah, hockey everybody. This is the blog that goes with the podcast that we’ve yet to do yet this season. Jobs people. Jobs. Anyway, we’re just about 1/8 into the 2014-15 season so everything I’m about to write about could be irrelevant shortly. Here’s a short list of what’s good and not so good so far.

Stock Up: Pretty Ricky

While the Rangers might not be off to the greatest of starts, Rick Nash certainly is. Although slowing down a bit, he has 9 goals on the season and has willed the Rangers to the mediocre start they’ve had. After his sudden disappearance during the playoffs that would’ve had Robert Stack searching for answers, he’s come on strong and hopefully keeps it up.

Stock Up: Corey Perry (and the rest of the Anaheim Ducks)

11 Goals, leads the league, enough said really. We all know he’s good and damnit he’s killing it. The real story though…

ANDERSEN!!!

NO, NOT THAT ONE.

FREDERIK ANDERSEN:

Ah yes, that’s the one. After getting rid of both Hiller the Thriller and Viktor Fasth in the offseason, the big question for the Ducks coming in was would it be John Gibson or Frederik Andersen in goal. Andersen has answered the call. He’s posted a 7-1 record and currently leads the league with a .941 SV% & 1.60 GAA. With John GIbson going on IR, expect it to be the Andersen show in Anaheim for the time being.

Stock Up: Brooklyn

Pour one out for the Coliseum. I’ll miss that place. Battling the stupid LIE traffic just to take advantage of dirt cheap tickets to see some good hockey players. Seriously. Wanna see Nathan MacKinnon on 11/11? Have at it.

But seriously, it’s starting to come together. The core of John Taraves, Kyle “Didn’t make the USA roster chip on his shoulder” Okposo and now Brock Nelson have come together. A pair of trades that brought Nick Leddy over from Chicago and Johnny Boychuk in from Boston has worked wonders so far and let’s not forget the goaltender upgrade of Jaroslav Halak and Chad Johnson from Nabokov/Poulin dumpster fire combo. Some good depth play from Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolay Kulemin, Frans Nielsen and Josh Bailey and this trade is looking better than the 2012-13 team that almost upset the Penguins in the playoffs.

Stock Down: Turn Down for (No) Goals

I actually feel pretty bad for Roberto Luongo so far. He’s quietly (because he’s in Miami) putting up solid numbers (4-2-3, 2.11 GAA, .932 SV%) but the Panthers have just 15 goals in 10 games so far while your rookie defenseman Aaron Ekblad is doing all the work. Wasn’t expecting the team to be any good but come on, can it get worst?

Oh.

Why yes it can. The Buffalo Sabres have shockingly (not) scored just 16 goals in 13 games. I mean my god, just look for yourself at the awfulness.

You keep skating them into the ground though Ted Nolan.

Stock Up: Minnesota Wild

A fringe playoff team that almost up ended Chicago in the playoffs are playing like that belong now. Answer: Darcy Kuemper.

He’s playing out of his mind (besides that bananas Rangers comeback). He’s 6-2 with a 1.62 GAA, .930 SV% and 3 shutouts. As said by yours truly in the preview video, the Wild play as a team and have tons of chemistry that goes a long way in hockey. I hope they stay this good, they’re a fun bunch to watch.

Stock Way The F**K Up: Vancouver Canucks.