Goaltending Not the Most Important?

Huh? What'd you say? For years everyone has been saying that the key to being good in the playoffs is goaltending. Wrong! The Ultimate Hockey Source is here to say that what turns just another team into the Stanley Cup Champions is secondary scoring.

Don't get me wrong, having a Crosby or an Ovechkin can certainly help your team go far. Past champions have proved this multiple times, what our past winners have also shown is that secondary scoring is just as critical.

Take a look at the 2008 Stanley Cup champs, the Detroit Red Wings. The Wing's top line (Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Holmstrom) combined for 5 game winning goals. Secondary scorers (Franzen, Hudler, and Samuelsson) combined for 8 game winners. That is two playoff series being won not by the big name players but by the back up guys.

Now look at the 2008 Pittsburgh Penguins, the Stanley Cup runner up. Despite going far the Pens couldn't win it all and I think I know why. Pittsburgh's top three (Crosby, Malkin, and Hossa) put up 75 points. Compare that to the second line (Sykora, Malone, and Talbot) that only had 34. One good line stood no chance against the Wings powerful four.

Do you need more convincing? The '07 Cup losers (Ottawa Senators) first line had 66 points while, the second had a measly 25.

So have some hope fans! Your team doesn't need an elite goaltender to win the prize (although it will help). Having a tough secondary can take any team all the way!

Stay tuned to the Ultimate Hockey Source for more hockey analysis.

Playoff Preview: Uh Oh New Jersey...

Fans of the NHL, get ready for one hell of a playoff! Today all the Eastern Conference playoff matchups have been set in stone and boy do they look good...

(1) Bruins

(8) Canadians

(2) Capitals

(7) Rangers

(3) Devils

(6) Hurricanes

(4) Flyers

(5) Penguins

Though, what may be most surprising is which series I think will be the best. Some will say the Bruins and Habs Original Six rivalry, others will point out the Battle of Philadelphia and a few might even say D.C. vs NY is the way to go. I'm here to tell you Jersey vs Carolina is the one you want to see.

Last time these two met in the playoffs the Canes pounded the Devils in just five games. This was also the year when Carolina went on to win the cup. I'm not saying their going to do it again but, a series win against New Jersey would certainly put them on the right track.

Some other stats include that in this season Carolina has won three out of the four contests versus New Jersey. In NJ's defense that one win came today in a 3-2 close contest.

Still, come playoff time if Brodeur plays like he can and the offense is scoring goals then the Devils will have no problem but, if the Canes pull a first round upset then don't say I didn't tell ya.

Playoff Preview: The Power 16

Now that we have our 16 playoff teams we can rank them first to worst.

Can the Bruins get it done this year?

The Power 16 Rankings

1. San Jose Sharks - Great season for the Sharks. Is this the year the Sharks will win their first Stanley Cup?

2. Detroit Red Wings- Another good 100 point year in the books for the Wings. The only thing in between them and a repeat Stanley Cup is their goaltending.

3. Boston Bruins- The Bruins lead the league in an important stat, Goals Against. Tim Thomas has the skill to lead his team all the way.

4. New Jersey Devils- The Devils have it all, a decent defense, a good offense, and an unbelievable goaltender.

5. Washington Capitals- Ovie and the gang are looking red hot coming into the playoffs.

6. Chicago Blackhawks- No cup in 48 years for the Hawks. With young guns such as Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews the wait might be over sooner than they think.

7. Carolina Hurricanes- 9-1-0 in the last ten. The Canes are looking good.

8. Vancouver Canucks- Luongo is a great goaltender. Good enough to lead his Canucks to the cup? We will see!

9. Calgary Flames- Any team that meets the Flames in the playoffs seem to have sudden misfortune. Maybe its because their tough style of play.

10. Pittsburgh Penguins- This team knows how to get there but this time they want to win it.

11. Philadelphia Flyers- Their offense might take them far but good goaltending is needed to go all the way.

12. Montreal Canadians- Not a great regular season but I have a feeling the Habs will stir up some trouble in the playoffs.

13. Anaheim Ducks- Have been on fire lately. Defiantly can upset in the first round.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets- Welcome to your first Stanley Cup Playoff!

15. New York Rangers- Rangers have a decent team but will have a very tough first round.

16. St. Louis Blues- What a late season comeback to get in the playoffs! Still I don't think they will go too far.

Why is Tonight is so Important?

Only 4 days remain in the regular season and this could be the most important one. 22 teams will play tonight making it possible for all the rest of the open playoff spots to be gone and if everything goes right San Jose will land the Presidents Trophy. Teams such as the Florida Panthers will have to win and hope for others to lose if they want a chance to play in late April. Stay Tuned to the Ultimate Hockey Source for analysis and predictions.

Trophy Predications: Calder Trophy

"The player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League"(1), otherwise known as the rookie of the year is one the NHL's most prolific awards. Have you ever heard of Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, or Patrick Kane? Well, they all started their NHL careers with a some hardware in their trophy case. In my eyes the rookie crowned in the summer of 2009 will be just as promising as the three winners before him. Here are the three players that can take home the trophy. Drumroll please...

Kris Versteeg 3rd Place

Chicago's finest Kris Versteeg leads rookies in points and has a modest plus-15. The Blackhawks prodigy knows how to put pucks in the net making him difficult for opposing defenses. Kris plays with a lot of confidence making him look like an experienced pro. This breakout season is only the beginning for the long career Versteeg has ahead of him.

Bobby Ryan 2nd Place

Anaheim has been patiently waiting for this young gun to develop. Bobby Ryan was taken 2nd overall in 2005 and has had high expectations set before since the beginning. Ryan has racked up 45 points in just 53 games! He makes great plays, which very few players on the Ducks can do. Bobby Ryan is an important player to the franchise and could be a key asset in the playoffs.

Steve Mason Calder Winner

Last but not least is Steve Mason. Mason stepped in and sent Pascal Leclaire packing to Ottawa after his injury. 1st in shutouts and 2nd in GAA are some of the staggering numbers the Ontario, Canada native has put up. Through 50 games Mason has 29 wins and looks like he will lead the Blue Jackets to their first ever playoff performance. This rookie is the real deal and a lock for the Calder Trophy.

Trophy Predications: Hart Memorial Trophy

The Hart Memorial Trophy is by far the most important individual award in the NHL. Winning this award will put your name on a long list of celebrated hockey players. I give you the Ultimate Hockey Source's nominees for the one and only MVP Trophy...

Alexander Ovechkin 3rd Place

He will win the Maurice Richard, maybe the Art Ross, but not the MVP honor. Alex Ovechkin is one of the premier players in the National Hockey League but even his 50+ goal season won't put the Hart Memorial Trophy in his hands.

Evgeni Malkin 2nd Place

It is safe to say that Evgeni Malkin has replaced Sidney Crosby as the Penguins number one. Another 100+ point season for him proves him to be one of the best in the game. This Russian superstar still doesn't beat out our other Russian superstar, Pavel Datsyuk.

Pavel Datsyuk Hart Memorial Winner

Pavel Datsyuk is the most underrated player in the NHL. He is in the top of league in assists and points and defiantly the offensive leader of the Red Wings. He puts amazing moves that leaves opposing defenses in awe. Congrats Pavel on another great season!

Playoff Race

Here our the teams that haven't clinched a playoff spot but still can...

Western Conference

Eastern Conference

Who's Hot, Who's Not

The Hot List

Carolina Hurricanes- Watch out Eastern Conference the Canes have won eight straight and their not stopping.

Boston Bruins- Congrats Bruins for clinching the East. Up next Stanley Cup?

Detroit Red Wings- The Wings have won at least 50 in their past four seasons. They are tied with only two other teams in history to accomplish this feat. Good job Babcock!

The Cold List

Colorado Avalanche- Their eight losses in a row ties the franchise record set in 1992 when they were called the Quebec Nordiques.

Tampa Bay Lightning- After picking up the first overall draft pick of 2008 the Bolts might repeat after an embarrassing 2009 season.

Minnesota Wild- Today the Wild lost a very important game which puts a huge dent in their playoff chances.

Historical Game May Take Place Tonight

On October 7th, 2000, the Columbus Blue Jackets played their first game in the National Hockey League. Almost nine years later they can clinch the playoffs for their first time in franchise history. At 8:00 pm (EDT) Columbus will face off against their Division rivals, the Nashville Predators. This victory won't come easy on account of the Predators are fighting for a playoff berth. Good Luck Blue Jackets!

Playoff Preview: Why the Panthers will Make the Playoffs

The regular season is quickly coming to an end, causing teams to try an cram in as many wins as they can so they

can make the playoffs. This takes us to the bottom of the Eastern Conference where the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadians, and Florida Panthers are battling for only two spots. I am very confident Montreal will make it but, who will get the final spot?

It has been almost a decade since the Panthers have last qualified for the playoffs. That stat doesn't stop me from saying that this is the year. Finally, fans will see their team play in late April and maybe even early May. The question is why am I saying this so confidently? Look below and find our for yourself.

Eastern Conference Standings

7. Montreal 90 pts 5 games remaining

8. New York 89 pts 4 games remaining

9. Florida 87 pts 5 games remaining

The Rangers will be finishing off the season against teams such as Boston, Montreal, and Philadelphia while the Panthers play the Thrashers twice. Sorry Rangers, this is how I think the standings will play out.

Predicated Eastern Conference Standings

7. Montreal 95 pts

8. Florida 93 pts

9. New York 91 pts

Leave a comment and voice your own opinion. Stay tuned to the Ultimate Hockey Source for more hockey analysis.