NHL Offseason Preview (Part 1 of 2 -- Draft)

NHL Off-Season Preview (Part 1 of 2)

Call me biased because of my love of the sport, but the NHL may have the most interesting off-season of any professional league. It is a frenzied summertime filled with hearsay, misinformation and a few jaw-dropping moves that leave you scratching your head.

Would you like an early example? Jaroslav Halak, who led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals over the President Trophy winning Washington Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin and the defending Stanley Cup Champions with Sidney Crosby – traded. That’s right, traded, for two prospects. What’s more, he was traded to the Blues, who may have had the best goaltender in the Central Division. So now Chris Mason is out of St. Louis and looking for work, and Halak will watch Carey Price tend net (again, only the Montreal brass know why) for the Habs.

With all that said, here is a preview of what may happen before the ice freezes again in 2010. The preview will break down the draft in part one, and free agency in part two. You may find that this preview leaves you with more questions than answers – just like the NHL off-season usually leaves me.

NHL Entry Draft – June 25

The biggest question surrounding the NHL entry draft is who will go number one, Taylor (Hall) or Tyler (Seguin). As a die-hard Oilers fan, who is willing to drive 5 hours in a blizzard to watch them lose in Minnesota for the 41st time in a row, I will attempt to remove my bias.

There is no question that these two players are the best in the draft. The questions are: Who is better? And who will be a better pick for the Oilers? The answer: both. Ok, ridiculous answer, but really, these two players are great in their own right.

Taylor Hall is an incredibly gifted offensive player who will work in the same vein as John Tavaraes and Steven Stamkos. Many experts say Hall is the more “NHL ready” player heading into the draft. He was part of a silver medal-winning Team Canada and was the Memorial Cup MVP in juniors this season. In fact, his Windsor Spitfires ran Seguin’s Plymouth team right out of the playoffs. Seguin couldn’t find the back of the net, and Hall was the leading scorer in the series.

However, the blast from the Spitfires fueled the argument that Seguin had no help in Plymouth and that he must be a talented player to tie Hall for top scoring honours (notice the ‘u’ like the Canadians would do?) in the OHL. Also, Seguin tops the NHL Central Scouting Service list. According to the CSS, Seguin is an offensively talented player who can play a solid two-way game…exactly what the Oilers need in a top line centre (I’m really rolling with the “proper” English).

To answer the first question, neither player is really better than the other at this point, only time will tell. The second question is what the Oilers really need to address. Oilers fans have been clamoring for a top line centre for years. Seguin fits the mold, but Hall has some flex to his game, and could move to centre, if necessary. The Oilers also have some depth (or at least players) up the middle. Sam Gagner and Shawn Horcoff fit the mold, but do not produce. They may be aided by the addition of top picks Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson and Jordan Eberle.

The dramatics will probably fall off once the Oilers make their selection. The Boston Bruins, who will laugh their way into next season with a pick that should have gone to Toronto, will gladly accept whoever the Oilers don’t select. Many rumors were swirling that the Bruins might try to move up and take the Oilers first pick, or try to move out of the second pick. Boston had the 15th pick to play with, if indeed they wanted to move up, but traded that pick to Florida as part of a package for Nathan Horton (well worth it in my book).

After Taylor and Tyler are gone (notice my ordering), the third pick belongs to the Florida Panthers. Many experts see a string of defensemen going in the third through tenth picks, including American Cam Folwer, who played with Hall in Windsor. Depending on who selects Fowler and fellow OHL defenseman Erik Gudbranson, who is being compared to Dion Phaneuf and Chris Pronger, don’t expect to see them in the NHL right away.

By saying that Fowler and Gudbranson won’t be in the NHL right away, I mean no disrespect. Most NHL defensemen take more time to develop. The lone exception over the past few years would be Drew Doughty who was selected 2nd overall by the L.A. Kings in 2008. The player taken behind him by the Atlanta Thrashers was Zach Bogosian. Bogosian has by no means, had a bad first two years, but is nowhere near his potential.

Speaking of those who try to keep the puck out of the net, you might expect to see a goaltender go in the top ten. After all, look at how important Halak and Anti Niemi were to their teams. However, NHL GMs always seem to be gun shy about taking a goalie in the first round, with good reason. A player like Steve Mason (who may have been one of the best rookie NHL goaltenders in modern history) only comes along so often – plus, Mason was drafted two years before he played in the NHL, in the third round. Jack Campbell, who was in goal for the Americans, when they won gold in the IIHF World Juniors, will probably be the first goalie taken, and may not see NHL action for three to four years.

The final question to ponder in this Friday’s draft will be the “Russian effect.” Since Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin, a good Russian has been hard to find. In the past three seasons only Alex Cherepanov (17th overall in 2007), Nikita Filatov (6th by Columbus in ’08) and Viktor Tikhonov (28th by Phoenix in ’08) have been taken in the first round. Cherapanov died tragically in a KHL league game and Filatov and Tikhonov have been incredible disappointments. This may be bad news for Russian forwards Vladimir Tarasenko and Evgeny Kuznetsov, who may plummet because of the stigma of Russian players defecting to the KHL and a lack of work ethic. Then again, it may be good news for a team in the mid-to-late first round, or early second round, that may pick up a steal.

If that wasn’t complicated enough for you, up next is the free agency period, which begins on July 1. Unrestricted Free Agents, Restricted Free Agents, and trades will highlight the early part of July. My preview of that is to come soon.

Until then, with my bias back in place, Edmonton – PLEASE take Hall!

-MP

2010 FIFA World Cup Primer & Predictions

2010 FIFA World Cup Preview and Predictions

Adam Warner

Group A: France, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay
Group B: Argentina, Greece, South Korea, Nigeria
Group C: Algeria, England, Slovenia, USA
Group D: Australia, Germany, Ghana, Serbia
Group E: Cameroon, Denmark, Japan, Netherlands
Group F: Italy, New Zealand, Paraguay, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, Ivory Coast, North Korea, Portugal
Group H: Chile, Spain, Honduras, Switzerland

Group A: The host team has never failed to make it out of the group stage. That will change this year in South Africa. Maybe one of the more underestimated groups in the tournament. Mexico is playing very well. El Tri just beat Italy, who I hear wasn't too bad in the last cup. Uruguay has a couple fierce strikers. I have a feeling Forlan will be feeling it tomorrow against France. Speaking of the French, not even all the perfume in Paris will cover up the stinch that the 1998 World Cup champs will leave in South Africa. Raymond Domenech is a dead man walking. He makes Ozzie Guillen seem calm. His players hate him, the fans hate him, the country hates him. Mexico could end up being a "sleeper" team. I know they're Mexico, so tough to call them a sleeper, but noone is talking about them, and they've gone through a lot just to get here (3 managers). Huge advantage opening up against the Spring Bucks, as they should be able to get their feet under them nicely with a full three points.

Prediction: Mexico, Uruguay

Group B: A group that should and will be dominated by Argentina. They have the best player in the world in Messi, who will create havoc running around up top for all opponents. South Korea is always tough to play against. Very technical and very disciplined. Nigeria will have plenty of fans on hand playing on their continent, but it's one of the weaker Nigerian sides in recent Cups. Greece will be tough to play against, some may consider them the second favorite in this group. I don't. I see this group coming down to goal differential for second place.

Prediction: Argentina, South Korea

Group C: Everyone talks about how big the US-England game is. It's not the biggest game of the tournament for the US. Yes, it would be nice to win, or take a point. I don't see either of those happeneing. The U.S. need to worry about Slovenia. Not getting a full result in that game would be detriemental to their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. I think the US will advance, but I'm not real confident. Oh yeah, Algeria. I don't know a lot about The Fennecs but they beat Egypt in a playoff to get here.

Prediction: England, errrr...US (grimacing)

Group D: Without a doubt the toughest group from top to bottom. Could unfold a lot of different ways. I can't see the battered Germans not winning the group, but Serbia will push them for the top spot. Michael Essien is a huge loss for Ghana, a country that won the the U20 World Cup last year. The Socceroos will be physical. Didn't look impressive against the U.S. last week. Had a great run in Germany in 2006, falling to the eventual champs, Italy, in the Round of 16 on a very controversial pentaly call in the box late in the match, giving Italy the 1-0 win.

Prediction: Germany, Serbia

Group E: A lot of people think the Dutch can do what no other European team has done on the World Cup Stage, win a title in the southern hemisphere. It's winter in South Africa, so I think the condition are ideal for a European team to do it. The Netherlands is nasty. Sneijder, Van Persie, and Van whoever else they have. Huge opening match against their near neighbors Denmark. Whoever wins that has a huge upper hand to go on and win the group. Japan has ruled Asian football for a while, but has to get through three very good sides to advance. Cameroon has Eto'o running around up top. He will score, but unlike the Ivory Coast,the Lions don't have the defense to survive the group.

Prediction: Netherlands, Denmark

Group F: Somebody tell Italy this isn't the 30 and older World Cup! The reigning champs were old in 2006, and here we are four years later with most of the same squad. A very favorable draw sets them up nicely in the group stage (Slovakia, Paraguay, New Zealand). New Zealand isn't good. Paraguay will be playing inspired soccer. Striker Salvador Cabanas was shot in the head at a bar in Mexico this January. He was their leading goal scorer and is lucky to be alive. Slovakia-Paraguay winner will decide who joins Italy in advancing out of the group. Would be huge for Slovakia, who is making its first World Cup performance.

Prediction: Italy, Paraguay

Group G: Sorry North Korea. Their goal differential for the tournament might end up being -15! Brazil will hang a six spot on them. One of the more intriguing groups. Brazil is Brazil. They could field a second team that would make it to the quarters or further. Who isn't rooting for the Ivory Coast. They seem to be everyone's sentimental favorite. It's funny to hear people talk about Drogba not playing and the Elephants being done. He's a pivotal part, but this is a team that has some ballers. Toure's, Kalou, Eboue, Gervinho. Is it possible that Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo, go home early? Yes.

Prediction: Brazil, Ivory Coast

Group H: Don't need to be an expert to figure this group out. It has the best team, with the best players, playing in the best leagues throughout the world. Chalk Spain up with a full 9 points in group play. Forwards, Villa and Torres, are too good for this team not to make it to the semi's if not win it all. They will score goals at an alarming rate. Honduras is just happy to be there, you're welcome for the U.S. tying Coast Rica on the final day of CONCACAF qualifying to put you through. Fun fact about Switzerland: they didn't allow a single goal in the 2006 World Cup and won their group, finishing ahead of France. I'm really pulling for Honduras to make it out, but I see Chile coming through instead.

Prediction: Spain, Chile


If my predictions hold true to form these are the matchups for the knock out stage:

Mexico vs. South Korea
England vs. Serbia

Netherlands vs. Paraguay
Brazil vs. Chile

Germany vs. US
Argentina vs. Uruguay

Italy vs. Denmark
Spain vs. Ivory Coast

Mexico vs. England
Netherlands vs. Brazil
Germany vs. Argentina
Italy vs. Spain

Brazil vs. England
Argentina vs. Spain

Spain vs. Brazil


Spain prevails in a tight final over Brazil with amazing playmaking.

Golden Boot Winner: Lionel Messi, Argentina.



Lionel Messi will look to add more hardware to his collection as he leads strong but inconsistent La Albiceleste side into South Africa.

Matt Panure

Group Stage Predictions (Advancing teams listed in predicted order of finish within group)

Group A - France, Mexico
Group B - Argentina, Nigeria
Group C - USA, England
Group D - Germany, Serbia
Group E - Netherlands, Cameroon
Group F - Italy, Slovakia
Group G - Brazil, Ivory Coast
Group H - Spain, Swizerland

Semi Final - France vs. Netherlands, Spain vs. Argentina

Final - Netherlands over Argentina - I love the completeness of the Dutch. They can score from the front line and the midfield, they can defend and they can make the opponent play their game. Love the Argentines, but at some point the dysfunction that led up to the World Cup will bite them. They'll be lucky to get to the title game if they can't find some better chemisty...fast.


Golden Boot - Lionel Messi, F Argentina - Best player in soccer right now, hands down. My apologies to Christiano Ronaldo who said everyone would hate him because he's "too good." Messi won't be on that list of people.

Breakout Star - Wesley Sneijder, M Netherlands - had a great season with his club team Inter Milan, pushes the pace will. Can supply the forwards with good scoring chances and can cash in on his own.

Jordan Kuehne

Group Stage Predictions

Group A: Perhaps one of the hardest groups to get a grasp on, Group A promises to remain in question until the last set of games are played alongside each other on June 22nd. Featuring four sides that have upside as well as the potential for a trainwreck of disaster, Group A could conceivably go several different ways. With that being said, it would take an inspired effort from the Bafana Bafana to avoid becoming the first host nation to be knocked out in the group stages. South Africa has a featured attacker in Steven Pienaar that can wreak havoc in the midfield but doesn’t offer much else in the form of a present threat on the pitch. While the vuvuzelas and raucous atmosphere will provide fans with hope, South Africa faces long odds to advance. France may be the group’s undisputed favorite, as well as the undisputed villian after Thierry Henry's infamous handball that robbed the Irish, but they have been in horrible form leading up to the World Cup and will face two squads that are poised to counter and counter fast in Uruguay and Mexico. With a new attack courtesy of besieged coach Raymond Domenech, Les Bleus better find a solution for their dormant offense swiftly or they will be on a flight back home to Paris much sooner than anticipated. El Tri, on the other hand, is red hot entering the event, taking a friendly from the Swiss 3-1 and dominating defending champion Italy 1-0 a few weeks ago. While the opening match against South Africa is tricky, El Tri should be able to navigate to victory and advance as long as they can finish their chances. The opening match for Uruguay is crucial, as three points or a draw against France provides a platform to leap into the knockout stages. On the foot of star striker Diego Forlan, Los Charruas will look to reclaim past glory (two prior World Cup victories – most recently in 1950).

Matchup to Watch: Uruguay vs. France, Friday, June 11th, 1pm CST (ESPN)

Prediction: Mexico, Uruguay, France, South Africa

Group B: Poor, poor South Korea. They drew the wrong group in Group B, that’s for sure. A group that’s flush with varying playing styles, Group B promises to be entertaining at the very least. Argentina and reigning FIFA player of the year Lionel Messi lead the charge as Diego Maradona looks to navigate past his own craziness as well as a strong Nigerian side into the second round. That wont be much of a problem for the Argentines as they should cruise into the round of 16. South Korea will almost certainly bring up the rear in this group unless Chu-Young Park can channel the magic of 2002 and somehow lead the Taeguk Warriors into the knockout stages. The group’s second spot could boil down to a June 17th matchup between Greece and Nigeria. Greece, a defensive-oriented squad looking to convey its shocking 2004 Euro Championship into sustained global success, will try to distract its nation from the debt crisis for a few weeks with solid ground-based soccer and strong counter attacks that give them a viable chance in all three fixtures. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will challenge through the air with pure athleticism and deft passing paced by star John Obi Mikel as they vie to come through on their home continent and please their loyal legion of supporters.

Matchup to Watch: Greece vs. Nigeria, Thursday, June 17th, 8:30am CST (ESPN)

Prediction: Argentina, Nigeria, Greece, South Korea

Group C: While far from the most difficult group of the tournament, Group C will likely be the most watched globally. And the reason is two-headed and simple: The United States. England. Certainly the most anticipated game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup has to be Saturday’s matchup between the Yanks and Fabio Capella’s Three Lions. A critical game to start, the U.S. must look for at least a draw if they truly hope to advance or have a chance at winning the group. The game that might be even more important though comes the following Friday between the Yanks and a Slovenia squad that loves to pack it in and play defensive-minded soccer. The U.S. is favored over Slovenia and an African Algeria squad and the public will be looking for them to advance to at least the group stage this year after a massive letdown in 2006. In order to make it out of the group, the United States players must play cohesive soccer and minimize midfield turnovers, especially against England. Hitting on the counter will be crucial to their chances as well as Landon Donovan looks to key rallies with the elusive Jabulani and set up a hopefully healthy Jozy Altidore up top. The big question falls on Bob Bradley as to who he puts up top with Jozy. Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley, and Hercules Gomez all offer their own pros and cons that must be considered on a matchup by matchup basis. England, meanwhile, should advance with relative ease if they manage a result against the Yanks. Algeria really needs three points off Slovenia or at worst, a draw, or their tournament might be over shortly after it began. The critical game will be on Friday, June 18th as the U.S. plays Slovenia. That game may determine who takes the second spot or even wins Group C outright.

Matchup to Watch: U.S. vs. England, Saturday, June 12th, 1pm CST (ABC)

Prediction: England, U.S., Slovenia, Algeria

Group D: While Group F got the global recognition and the immediate designation with the self-sufficient moniker of “Group of Death”, the deepest group in the tournament is probably Group D. With four sides easily capable of defeating each other and questions looming all over, Group D will almost certainly come down to the final set of games. Germany will be the prohibitive favorite but the Germans are young and don’t have the homefield advantage that paced them to a third-place finish in 2006. The second youngest side in the tourney, the Germans do return their two stars from ’06 in Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski. Look for the two of them to work in tandem and wreak havoc on opposing backlines throughout their stay in South Africa. Serbia could push Germany but they open up with a key matchup against the youngest team in the tournament, Ghana. The Black Stars will be looking to repeat their magical run of ’06 and need three points off of Serbia to get off on the right foot. Without Michael Essien, that might be asking a lot of the U20 World Cup champs though, as they’ll rely a lot on Asamoah Gyan’s wizardry to open up holes in opposing defenses. Serbia will however feature a strong defense and some on-point striking. Tbe Serbians did look horrible in a friendly against a rather weak New Zealand squad at home though, losing 1-0 to the All-Whites and getting booed off the pitch. Meanwhile, rounding out the deep and talented group will be the Socceroos who, like Ghana, will be looking for a repeat of their 2006 trip to the round of 16. The Aussies will be seeking vengeance after an '06 tournament where they were thwarted by eventual champion Italy and the refs in a game they easily could have won. Leading Australia into South Africa will be the venerable star Tim Cahill and his sidekick Harry Kewell, both of whom registered tallies in Germany four years ago. Kewell's coming off a calf injury that may play a role in his time on the field as well as his fitness level. Look for Australia to try and play the counter game and run their possessions through Cahill out wide. Injuries will play a role in this group as Ghana’s absence of Chelsea superstar Essien and Germany’s loss of their respected captain Michael Ballack leave both squads looking for leadership and a playmaker. Australia's Kewell is in question and Serbia hasn't looked good leading into the tournament so there are many questions to be answered on the pitch. Group D is honestly wide open and could go many different ways; definitely an exciting group to watch.

Matchup to Watch: Truly, every game in this group is a "matchup to watch" but if you're looking for a particularly juicy fixture, check out Ghana vs. Germany, Wednesday, June 23rd, 1pm CST (ESPN)

Prediction: Germany, Australia, Ghana, Serbia

Group E: Another wide open group, Group E promises to be vibrant and will feature many different styles of football. The possession-based ground passing game of the Netherlands is renowned as is their ability to put the ball in the back of the net. Japan, a World Cup regular out of Asia, will look to collect their first win in the tournament off home soil with their defensive-minded game. Denmark combines a solid back line with strong midfielders and will be looking to advance out of the group after failing to qualify in 2006. Finally, another favored African side, Cameroon, will look to find some inspiration on their home continent and whip up a run reminiscent to the memorable 1990 showing that ended in the quarterfinals. Cameroon must nick three points off of Japan in their opening match as the Dutch should handle the Danes if everything goes according to plan. If star striker Samuel Eto’o can pilot the Indomitable Lions to an early victory, the second spot will be Cameroon’s to lose. If, however, the Japanese can find a way to shut down the Cameroon attack and steal a point or even find a miraculous three, the group will be wide open as expected. The Netherlands should advance with ease as they will surely be eyeing the knockout stages; the group stages rarely challenge the Dutch who come into the tournament unbeaten since September 2008 and considered amongst the favorites to win the whole thing. Cameroon is a strong representative of the host continent and behind their star Eto’o, will be hoping to steal the group and possibly rally into the quarters. Japan must ride their strong defensive shape and timely passing to manage to score a rare goal if they intend to advance. The group could come down to the middle match pitting Cameroon against the Danes as a win for either side would give them the upper hand in the chase for the runner-up spot and a position in the knockout stages.

Matchup to Watch: Cameroon vs. Denmark, Saturday, June 19th, 1pm CST (ABC)

Prediction: Netherlands, Cameroon, Denmark, Japan

Group F: FIFA World Cup defending champion Italy resides in Group F and they bring with them what the Azzuri fans hope is experience and sage wisdom instead of just geriatric physical disabilities. With the core of the 2006 championship team well intact, even if their clubs don’t look on them as highly as four years ago, the Italians will look to make another deep run and ideally become the first repeat champs since Brazil. They drew the right group to start that potential run off in as a meager group welcomes perennial underachievers Paraguay and Slovakia to the world’s biggest stage as well as an overmatched New Zealand side. Italy should have no problem advancing out of the group and, if manager Marcelo Lippi ensures that they show up, should collect a fairly nonchalant and unchallenged nine points. The second spot in this group should come down to the matchup between Paraguay and Slovakia. The Paraguayans are desperate to become a soccer powerhouse in Central America and they have a tragedy to overcome after their star striker, Salvador Cabanas, was shot in a Mexico City nightclub. Paraguay will look to rally around their recovering star and deliver an inspired performance on the field but it wont be an easy task against a Slovakian side that starts off with the All Whites of New Zealand. Paraguay must find a way to put the Jabulani in the back of the net behind Oscar Cardozo and their defense must be up to the task of shutting down opposing strikers, including Slovak star Stanislav Sestak. Slovakia has a solid defense powered by 6’3 Martin Skrtel roaming in the back and keeper Jan Mucha who just transferred to Everton. Slovakia must nick three points off New Zealand in their opening match if they hope to move past the group stages. New Zealand will look for a hopeful draw after they shocked Serbia in a recent friendly behind the strike of star Shane Smeltz. The All Whites offer Smeltz, Ryan Nelson, and little more so they will have to find some inspiration from the 2006 showing by Trinidad & Tobago if they are looking to stake a claim to the round of 16.

Matchup to Watch: Slovakia vs. Paraguay, Sunday, June 20th, 6am CST (ESPN)

Prediction: Italy, Slovakia, Paraguay, New Zealand

Group G: The prohibitive choice for the proverbial “Group of Death” moniker in 2010, this group features three star-laden teams, two of which are star crossed, and an also-ran in North Korea. Behind the managerial talents of Dunga and his defensive-minded soccer that has the 2014 host nation in an uproar, Brazil is once again considered a heavy favorite to win the FIFA World Cup. They certainly will be tested in two of their three matchups in the group stage but shouldn’t have much trouble advancing with Julio Cesar in net and Kaka roaming around the pitch. With the Canarinho likely staking claim to a spot in the group stage, the Ivory Coast and star Didier Drogba must get a result and hope for the best against Portugal’s talent-laden lineup and their superstud Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo and the Portugese have the talent but they may not have the cohesion to advance, struggling through qualifying and barely making the tournament before lacking effort and resolve in their buildup. Drogba, meanwhile, must overcome a broken arm if he hopes to play in the crucial opening fixture against the Portugese and spur the Elephants on to victory and the knockout round. North Korea is just along for the ride and literally has no chance of advancing through the group; they’re simply there for experience. Potentially the climax of the entire group stage, the opening fixture featuring two inconsistent but supremely talented sides in the Ivory Coast and Portugal will be a lot of fireworks and serious drama as the outcome will likely determine the tournament success for each side.

Matchup to Watch: Ivory Coast vs. Portugal, Tuesday, June 15th, 8:30am, (ESPN)

Prediction: Brazil, Ivory Coast, Portugal, North Korea

Group H: This group houses the tournament favorite, Spain, and La Furia Roja will likely be tearing through this group and extending their group winning streak to 10 games when all is said and done. Featuring a veritable all-star lineup, Spain has lost just once in 49 games -- to the U.S. in last summer’s Confederations Cup – and will probably not be pushed by a group featuring Switzerland, Chile, and Honduras. Xavi, Iniesta, Torres, and David Villa all power a strong Spanish side that is anchored by their world-class keeper Castillas. The chase for the second spot meanwhile should be exciting and full of intrigue. If the Swiss can somehow steal a point off the Spanish in their opening match, they’ll be in the driver’s seat, but that may be asking too much from a team that just lost their star striker, Alexander Frei, to injury. With a strong defense – zero goals in 2006 before losing on PK’s to Uruguay in the round of 16 – the Swiss will certainly be in each match; scoring goals will be the problem. Chile is on a run of their own entering this World Cup, having won seven straight games in the buildup and featuring a strong side with plenty of attacking power to push the pace against Spain and the other two teams. Look for the Chileans to take three from a happy-to-be-here Honduras squad that shouldn’t push them much. If Honduras can manage a point or steal three however, they’ll be in the driver’s seat moving forward. The second spot will likely come down to the matchup between the Swiss and Chile.

Matchup to Watch: Switzerland vs. Chile, Monday, June 21st, 8:30am (ESPN)

Prediction: Spain, Switzerland, Chile, Honduras

Blackhawk Captain 'Toews'ed the Hockey World

Jonathan Toews has just recorded the best season in hockey history. A look at his statistic line may have you saying, “Wait, you’re going to say this is better than Gretzky’s 92 goal season in 81-82? Better than his 215 points in 85-86?”

Well, yes I am.

We can agree that this was nowhere near the strongest statistical season in hockey history. Toews totaled a modest 68 points, one short of his career best set last season. His 25 goals were good enough to tie for 47th in the NHL with the likes of Andrew Brunette, Mason Raymond and Niklas Hagman. They were less than half the total of the NHL’s leading goal scorers Sidney Crosby and Steve Stamkos (51).

Although he led his team in scoring during the 2010 Olympics, a total of eight points hardly seems earth shaking. Those eight points were good enough to tie Pavol Demitra of Slovakia for the best total in the tournament.

The stat line is where the “mediocrity” of Toews’ season ends.

A total of 23 players get the honor every four years of snatching Olympic gold. Toews was one of the 23 not only lucky enough to take the gold, but lucky enough to make the Canadian team, which normally has the most question marks swirling around it prior to opening ceremonies.

To make the team is one thing, to perform is another. Sidney Crosby may forever be heralded as the hero who brought the gold to Canada with his overtime winner in the gold medal game. But let’s refer to the fourth paragraph. Toews led the team in scoring; a team that had its doubters after falling to the Americans in round robin play and drew the offensively power-packed Russians in the first knockout round. After the gold medals were handed out, Toews was named as the best forward in the tournament.

Out of 23, one stood tall. Toews could have rested on his laurels for the remainder of 2010, but when he got back to his day job, the Blackhawks were fighting for a division title and top bidding in the NHL playoffs. With the Blackhawks slumping after the Olympic break, fans and teammates looked for to Toews to summon the power of the C on his jersey.

The Blackhawks found their stride and, after a brief scare from Nashville, cruised past the Canucks and Sharks into the finals.

Only the Philadelphia Flyers stood in the way of Toews’ Blackhawks and the destiny of a team who only three seasons ago had the first draft pick in the NHL entry draft. With key contributions from his Team Canada blue liners, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, and a couple of yankees, Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien, the Blackhawks sealed their fate with a game 6 overtime win.

As Gary Bettman was showered with boos from Philadelphia fans, everyone knew that Toews would be the first to grasp Lord Stanley’s hardware. With 29 points in the playoffs, tied with the great Dennis Savard for most in Blackhawks history, Toews seemed to be the only logical choice for Conn Smythe honors. As sure as Patrick Kane was that his game winner eluded Michael Leighton, Toews snagged the honor of winning the Conn Smythe.

So let’s backtrack. Olympic gold medal – not bad. Best forward in the Olympics – ok, now we’re paying attention. Captaining the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and a championship – this kid is probably heading to Disneyland. Winning the Conn Smythe to top it all off – priceless…never mind, we’ll stay away from that cliché.

However, when Toews finally hits the links this summer (which seems to be the typical behavior for NHL players after an exit from the season), he’ll have more hardware on his mind than a nine iron and a lob wedge. How can he next reflect and realize how surreal this season was?

Certainly the Hart, the Rocket Richard and other individual awards have their worth, but the Conn Smythe is normally awarded to the best player on the best team and is accompanied by Lord Stanley, with some exceptions (i.e. John Sebastian Giguere for the Ducks when they lost to the Devils). And to be the best forward in the WORLD while snatching gold in your home country?

Life must not be too bad when you’re the best player on the best team. It must be great when you’re the best player on the best two teams, and everyone who looks at the record books sees your name glaring at the top in 2010. This season will be tough to top, and the opportunity only comes every four years. I’m guessing Toews will still be around in 2014 to defend his titles.

-MP

Welcome to the Hot Corner!

Welcome to the Hot Corner, an all-inclusive sports blog centered around the idea of analysis, roundtable discussion, and feature pieces about sports.

It is only fitting that the Hot Corner comes to being during one of the best times to be a sports fan. Just look at what's going on around us in the teeming landscape of sports: The Stanley Cup just concluded as the Chicago Blackhawks ended a historic drought. The NBA Finals are tightly contested between two historic teams squaring off for the 12th time (Beantown vs. LA). The World Cup is set to begin tomorrow morning as the keys to the global stage are once again handed over to FIFA and for the first time ever, an African nation will host the World Cup. NASCAR, Major League Baseball, and college baseball are heating up while the PGA Tour readies for the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Wimbledon is on the horizon as the struggle over the #1 spot in tennis is waged between Nadal/Federer. And who can ignore the rapidly changing landscape of college sports as conferences rush to realign?

No matter what you follow, it's an amazing time to be a sports fan. Here at the Hot Corner, a tremendous trio of writers looks to serve your sportings interests on a regular basis in all of these sports and more.

The lineup:

Me, myself, and I. Jordan Kuehne: an aspiring journalist and diehard sports fan practically since birth, it has always been a goal of mine to provide commentary and analysis of all sports on a readily-available platform. Consider that goal achieved. I will be attending the University of Illinois in the fall for news-editorial journalism and will be focused on becoming a sports journalist in the immediate future. I currently work at the Rockford Speedway as their writer and media director.

Matt Panure: A hockey wizard that knows the sport from top to bottom, Matt also dabbles in many of the sports above and frequently follows soccer, auto racing, and football. Matt has cut his teeth at several Midwestern racetracks and has experience in journalism, receiving his degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The founder of a series of innovative short track racing power rankings, Matt will bring his sense of humor and some significant sporting chops to the table for THC. Matt currently works as the announcer and media director for the Mid-American Stock Car Series, as well as track announcer for Norway Speedway, Wisconsin International Raceway, and Escanaba's new track in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Matt recently made his return to the ASA Midwest Tour as well.

Adam Warner: A self-professed tennis and soccer lover, Adam grew up in Ohio and went to college at a small school there, receiving his degree in broadcast journalism. Adam is the point man at WTVO-17 in Rockford now, sharing the reins with Scott Leber as they help to provide sports news for residents around the stateline area. Full of knowledge in a variety of sports, Adam's professional experience and critical analysis will provide valuable insight for THC.

Between the three of us, and perhaps a guest blogger every once in a while, The Hot Corner promises to be an edgy and exciting sports blog that provides commentary on anything and everything in the sporting world.