Rokhed Hockey News

Updated Mar 17th

Rokhed Hockey News - Mar. 17th
By: Erik Schlottman

The RHL

Welcome to my first edition (of my version) - Inside the RHL. In this Issue, I will be taking a look at the league's current standings. Which teams are on the rise and which teams could fall out of the race if they do not get back into gear. I hope you will enjoy!

The Western conference is, as always, full of fire power and incredible strength. Last season, the 1 through 8 playoff teams all had over 90+ points. With the edition of the Pimps (formerly known as Kings), the race looks to be even more exciting than ever.

Detroit continues its trend of regular season power, reigning over the Minnesota Wild, who continue to climb up the western standings. The Pimps are in 3rd, with an uncomfortable drop of Oil(ers) in their patented "Pimp Juice", drink up boys, drink up. Everyone is just waiting for the Oilers to explode, and with good reason. Their roster is one of the best on paper. The Ducks have lost some ground on the Pimps, but can easily sneak back up there in a hurry. Apparently Dallas GM Nick Kaddie got the memo that the games count towards the standings, as he has put up an extraordinary 10-0-0 over his last ten games. CHO-CHO! The Preds lead by hot shot Bill Guerin are holding off the now Superstar-less Blue Jackets by a single point. The teams 9 through 15 are falling out of the hunt, but still have plenty, but not a whole lot of time to make up their ground, but it's not easy under pressure. It will be interesting to see how the top 4 teams in the west round out, especially with Dallas on a blazing hot streak.

Columbus and Nashville need to keep their eyes in the rear-view mirror, as the heartless singers of the Blues could pick up a melody and be right back up there. You can never under estimate the leadership of Steve Yzerman over in Phoenix, he can single-handedly bring a team to glory. Colorado's plans are to go for the future, as they announced their team is accepting all offers. Vancouver shows flashes of greatness some nights, and others, they show....not so good hockey. Kudos to San Jose, Chicago and Calgary for hanging in there.

The Eastern Conference showcases the two of the league's most elite teams, the Washington Capitals and the Boston Bruins. These teams have been neck and neck for tops in the conference for quite some time now, and with the return of Teemu Selanne, Boston is prime for the kill. The problem is, teams 3 through 10 have to fight tooth and nail just to stay in the playoff picture, as they are separated all by 10 to 14 points.

As mentioned before, the Capitals and Bruins will be the two teams fighting for top spot in the conference and in the league overall. The Rangers have overtaken the Atlantic Division lead over the Islanders who are trading away as predicted by the Hockey Gods. The Canadiens are fending off the Heatleys formerly known as the Forsbergs. The Lightning have managed to stay alive with Brett "the whole offense" Hull injured, who is expected to return in the next week. The previously mentioned Islanders are hanging onto the 7th seed, but they are trading for "future". New Jersey rounds out the 8th seed, with the Panthers right behind them.

Carolina and Ottawa are also lurking in the basement and hope to feed on any weak teams to gain ground. Philadelphia has made trades for the future as well, but with some nice talent on the roster, they may just get into the dog fight that is all set up. Pittsburgh has a chance to catch up, if they put a string of wins or wins-ties in a row without losing. Toronto has been up and down all season, losing by 1 goal here and there. Buffalo has been "without their Johnson" for a month or so, and they have been playing like it. Must be one awkward feeling, but Brett is used to it :)

Stay tuned as Inside the RHL will only get better and better!