A few things I think I think, Part 3

In House:

1. The Canucks need somebody that's not from Sweden to score. Kesler might be learning if last night's three point performance is any indication that he feels like producing under a 1.9 million dollar contract. But the occasional goal from the likes of Burrows and Bulis won't cut it. There has to be more production for the Nucks to have any sort of success.

2. In relation to number 1., Brenden Morrison has to reach the 65 point mark, and score about 25 goals. There are way too many pass first players on the team, and he is one of them.

3. I retract my top 6 defensemen in camp, and place Patrick Coulumbe ahead of Bourdon. It might be better that young Luc plays one more year at the junior level. If it wasn't for Coulumbe's amazing play, remember this guy was a walk on, this decision couldn't be made.

4. I don't think it really matters who's on the fourth line. The fact is it's just going to stink.

5. Overall, not many good impressions thus far in the preseason. With a 1-5 record the Canucks aren't looking like the "dark horse" candidates experts are predicting. Luongo will have to have the season of his career for the Canucks to go somewhere this season.

Out House, or Rest of the League:

1. Rookie prospect Brett Sterling of the Atlanta Thrashers has some of the best hands in the world. I used to play roller hockey against this guy and the things he did with the puck most NHLers could only begin to imagine. But, he is only 5'6 (I'm thinking even 5'4/5'5) and so odds are he'll be in the AHL this year. Too bad for fans, he would fill the highlight reels that'll be yearning for Tim Connolly.

2. Again, I mentioned it before but the key to the Northwest is goaltending. Every team has an unarguable excellent number 1. The biggest question is which team has the best backup, just in case someone falters or gets injured. Come playoff time backups are essential. Note: review the Carolina Hurricane's and the Ottawa Senator's last post-seasons.

The Canucks of course have Luongo, but if something happens can the 38 year-old Wade Flaherty be relied upon in an emergency? My answer is no. Look to see Nonis address the situation accordingly.

The Flames went out and acquired Jamie McLennan after losing faith in struggling Brian Boucher. But same question arises with this much travelled veteran backup, is he good enough to fill in? Hard to tell. He's a great back up that hasn't been able to stay consistent. He had a fairly good run with the Flames in 2003-04 before the lock out, but it wasn't good enough to win games for the Flames. That's what Kiprusoff does best, and what the Flames now rely upon. So, the answer is no, come playoffs it's Kipper or bust.

Manny Fernandez and Dwayne Roloson were the best 1-2 punch in the league for three years until Rolly got traded to Edmonton. With Fernandez as the undisputed number one and a more potent offense up front the Wild look like a contender for the playoffs. The Wild have two guys fighting it out for second spot, Niklas Backstrom the Finnish veteran, and Canadian youngster Josh Harding. While Harding has the inside track, Backstrom has the pro level experience. Both of these guys are a huge question mark when it comes to the NHL.

Will we see Jose Theodore of 2001 or Jose Theodore of 2005? Whichever the case may be, the Avalanche will play him at least 60 games. The Avs, have in my mind the best relief in Peter Budaj. He played extremely well in his 29 starts last season posting 2.86 GAA, with a .900 SV%. If in fact Theodore falters Budaj will be there to soften the load and perhaps split games with the unconfident veteran.

"Rolly the Goalie" came into the spotlight in 2005-06, after being traded to the Edmonton Oilers before the trade deadline. Without the untimely injury in game one of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes we might be still talking about Kevin Lowe's excellent move that turned the Oilers season right around, and helped them capture the Stanley Cup. But words die slowly when 'almost' is mentioned. The back story of course is that Jussi Markannen was unable to " get the job done " as number two. That was a lofty task to ask for an inexperienced backup, but one that he will be asked if the situation arises again this year. The Oilers will hope he can get it done this time if needed. My guess, no way.

3. If preseason numbers have any indication of who's the team to beat, and I argue there's a good case, here's how it'll look like atop each division:

Atlantic: New York Rangers (4-1)
Northeast: Boston Bruins (4-2)
Southeast: Tampa Bay (2-0-2)
Northwest: Edmonton (5-1)
Central: Chicago (6-0)
Pacific: San Jose (5-1)

Which one does not look like the others? ...If you picked Boston I'll give you a 1/2 point.