Mid Year Top 5 List

[Solracer]

Since The years is half done I though I would share my top 5 things that have surprised/impressed me about the canes.

5. The Home Record - it always seemed the canes were a better road team, but they truly seem to be protecting the house...

4. The FA Pickups - I was one of the people who said I wished we did more, but Cullen, Kaberle, Whitney, Stillman, Hutch, Commadore and Oleg T. all seem to be what this team needed.

3. Goaltending - I knew we had something with Gerber, but he has continued to impress me, and Ward seems to be gaining his early season confidence back.

2. Eric Staal - What more can you say, even though he is in a little slump right now, he is still the man :).

1. Aaron Ward - I know some people are wondering why this is my number one, however he was one of the guys that I though would not adapt to the new rules, however the new rules have seem to make him even better at his job as he can play smarter and get it done. Aaron also seems to be skating better and is a shot blocking machine.

[Solracer]

Since The years is half done I though I would share my top 5 things that have surprised/impressed me about the canes.

5. The Home Record - it always seemed the canes were a better road team, but they truly seem to be protecting the house...

4. The FA Pickups - I was one of the people who said I wished we did more, but Cullen, Kaberle, Whitney, Stillman, Hutch, Commadore and Oleg T. all seem to be what this team needed.

3. Goaltending - I knew we had something with Gerber, but he has continued to impress me, and Ward seems to be gaining his early season confidence back.

2. Eric Staal - What more can you say, even though he is in a little slump right now, he is still the man :).

1. Aaron Ward - I know some people are wondering why this is my number one, however he was one of the guys that I though would not adapt to the new rules, however the new rules have seem to make him even better at his job as he can play smarter and get it done. Aaron also seems to be skating better and is a shot blocking machine.

[IceSaber]

I totally agree. My number 1 is the same. Aaron Ward has impressed me considerably. I'm also pleased with the bang for the buck that we got with the FA we picked up. Nice financial decision making. And nice mix of young and experienced guys on the team. Franchise building moves. IMO.

You forgot one, though. Everyone expected the leadership out of Rod, but did anyone see the points coming as they have? He hasn't produced at this pace since much earlier in his career. There was a glimmer of it in Kloten fo rthe few games he was there last year...but it's a nice surprise, don't you think?

[IceSaber]

I totally agree. My number 1 is the same. Aaron Ward has impressed me considerably. I'm also pleased with the bang for the buck that we got with the FA we picked up. Nice financial decision making. And nice mix of young and experienced guys on the team. Franchise building moves. IMO.

You forgot one, though. Everyone expected the leadership out of Rod, but did anyone see the points coming as they have? He hasn't produced at this pace since much earlier in his career. There was a glimmer of it in Kloten fo rthe few games he was there last year...but it's a nice surprise, don't you think?

[Shell]

definitely agree with both of you. I had high expectations for this season and they have surpassed them :D

[Shell]

definitely agree with both of you. I had high expectations for this season and they have surpassed them :D

[puckin_A]

wooo hoooo!! makes me so proud this year to wear my Ward jersy!

[puckin_A]

wooo hoooo!! makes me so proud this year to wear my Ward jersy!

[tommy]

Agree totally about the FA acquisitions. Stillman is incredible, especially as of late. Props to Laviolette, too -- the team mentality is obviously working wonders, and he has our boys' attention and respect.

[tommy]

Agree totally about the FA acquisitions. Stillman is incredible, especially as of late. Props to Laviolette, too -- the team mentality is obviously working wonders, and he has our boys' attention and respect.

[The Dude]

I was just going to mention Laviolette. You gotta give props to the coach, especially given the situation he walked into. It must be REAL hard to turn a team that had been so defensively-minded into a high-scoring offense. You've got to get people to un-learn and re-learn how to play the game, basically.

[The Dude]

I was just going to mention Laviolette. You gotta give props to the coach, especially given the situation he walked into. It must be REAL hard to turn a team that had been so defensively-minded into a high-scoring offense. You've got to get people to un-learn and re-learn how to play the game, basically.

[Chappy]

Nice list!

[Chappy]

Nice list!