Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Trade Analysis and Thanks!



1) WE at Fauxrumors before we analyze the recent sabres-Islanders transaction want to send out a HUGE Thank you to our sources who allowed us to alert our readers about the trade days before it transpired! One especially loyal source gave us most of the details we were able to share with you.  If not for these folks we wouldn't be able to relay our now world famous faux-rumors. A big heart felt Thanks!

2) As for the trade, we believe the Islanders over paid, and in general lost the trade for a variety of reasons.  The aspect that won't become apparent right away is the immediate loss of team chemistry the Isles dealt away with Matt Moulson.  Although his production has gone under the radar, his numbers  compared to Thomas Vanek are comparable. So in that regard the trade is a wash in our opinion. However, in addition to probably ruinng team chemistry for a lateral move, and not addressing the true team need-defense- Garth Snow also dealt away 2 potentially big draft picks. A first rounder in 2014 and a 2nd in 2015. We're told the Isles have the option to push the 1st round pick to 2015.

3) Nice coup for Buffalo who  have no post season hopes.  The acquisition of Moulson gives them another chip to trade before the deadline to a contending team looking to bolster their PP AND they also pocket 2 high draft picks. One of which could end up being a 'lottery pick' if the Isles once again stumble in November.  The only way the Isles win or even break even here is if Vanek propels them into the post season and they win a round, AND they can re-sign him for a reasonable size and term deal. All of those scenarios are improbable. The Isles could slip into the playoffs but it would be highly unlikely they would advance with this defense. Its also unlikely Vanek would settle for anything less than what he'd get on the open market next summer when the salary cap might exceed 70 million. We're talking 8 years 65+ million, or even more.  In our opinion the Isles will rue the day they made this deal and add that to the Neiterreiter debacle, Snow will have managed to squander 2 big assets!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Week 4 Results

Week 4 is in the rear view mirror. Not quite as good as we had been doing the first 3 weeks. For the night we went 6-5 to bring the 4 week total to 30-16, a .652 winning percentage. Still well above where we expected.  Additionally, we won our 'lock' to go 4-0 on the young season. Look for us back here next week when 13 games are up for grabs.
As always keep it here for all the latest!

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Week 4 Picks


1) Amazingly we are over a month into the 2013-2014 season.  Tonight there are 11 big games to be decided. As always we make our picks of each. Thus far this season we have gotten off to a very fast start going an impressive  24-11 for a winning % of .685, and 3-0 in our weekly 'locks'. Here are today's picks

Phoenix VS Edmonton: Coyotes

New Jersey VS Boston: Bruins


Toronto VS Pittsburgh :Penguins

San Jose VS MontrealSharks

NY Rangers VS Detroit: Redwings

 Tampa Bay VS Buffalo: Lightning  (Lock of the Week)

 Philadelphia VS NY Islanders: Flyers

 Winnipeg VS Dallas: Stars

 Minnesota VS Chicago: BlackHawks

 St. Louis VS Nashville: Blues

 Calgary VS Washington: Flame

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Sabre Trade Ratteling



1) The word we are hearing from around the league is that a few teams are already on the verge of making a deal. One western scout tells Fauxrumors that we should expect a "significant trade" before the week is out, or certainly soon thereafter. While he wouldn't go on the record to identify the player(s)/teams involved he did hint it was 2 Eastern teams that have been at or near the bottom of the standings.

 2) We weren't content to let that rumor stand so we have been digging furiously since that report/source first gave us that info 48 hours ago. So we started asking further to other trusted sources who have broken other deals with us in the past and from what we can discern one of the teams is definitely the Buffalo Sabres. Now, while that's hardly shocking it seems quite early to already be throwing in the towel, but this source tells Fauxrumors that the potential return on this soon to be UFA player would be so much more than they could get later in the season that they are going to be proactive and try to consummate the deal sooner rather than later

 3) The first thing we assumed was that this must involve goalie Ryan Miller, who is set to be an UFA and hasn't been shy about wanting a fresh start elsewhere. However we are hearing it is more likely to be their other high value trade target in Thomas Vanek! Vanek, like Miller is set to become a UFA this next summer and would probably be a prized addition to a team making a Cup run. However, as stated earlier, the Sabres have apparently been offered more than they feel they would have otherwise received were they to wait till February. We're also told the Sabres would be willing to eat some of Vanek's salary to entice a low budget team. When we heard that we immediately thought could this potential deal involve the NY Islanders? Stay tuned to Fauxrumors as this develops.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Week 3 Results

A big night of NHL action is completed. For the day we went a very strong 9-4 to bring our season total to 24-11 for a winning % of .685. A very fast start indeed!  Additionally we remain unblemished on our Locks, winning that match to go to 3-0. Look for us back here again next Saturday when there will be 11 games to be decided.
As always keep it here for all the latest!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Week 3 Picks



1) Already into the 3rd Saturday of the NHL season.   Lots of games on tap with 13 on the schedule. To remind folks we bring a very strong record of 15-7  or a .682  winning %

Pittsburgh VS Vancouver : canucks

 Edmonton VS Ottawa  : Senators

Colorado VS Buffalo  : Avalanche

Nashville VS Montreal : Habitants

 Boston VS Tampa Bay :Bruins  (Lock of the Week)

Florida VS Minnesota  Panthers

New Jersey VS NY Rangers  Devils

Carolina VS NY IslandersHurricanes

Washington VS Columbus :Capitals

Chicago VS Toronto: BlackHawks

Phoenix VS Detroit: Redwings

 San Jose VS Calgary: Sharks

 Los Angeles VS Dallas: Kings

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Who Gets The Ax First- 2013 Edition



1) A popular annual post we do here at Fauxrumors is our annual 'Who will Get the Axe First. With the season underway the inevitable discussions will commence as to what coaches are on the proverbial 'hot seat'. With that in mind we'll go through the 30 current coaches and discuss who is pretty secure (as NHL coaches go), who is teetering on the brink, and the rest in between.

 2) If this season is anything typical, about 25-30% of the current head coaches will no longer have their jobs by this time next season. Like in previous years, we'll simply go alphabetically in the East then in the West: To simplify/quantify this we will use a scale 0-10. Zero-being very safe, and 10-being close to out the door. At this stage there are no 10's (yet)
 
 East
 Claude Julien (Boston Bruins)- (1) The reigning Eastern Confrence champs/ Stanley Cup runner-up coach, Claude is still quite safe  Barring an incredible collapse he should have little trouble finishing out the season as the B's bench boss

 Ron Rolston (Buffalo Sabres) (5) Entering his 1st season behind the Sabres bench, he is in a very bad spot as a rookie head coach.  The team will likely be a bottom feeder. The GM who hired him (Regier) is also on the hot seat, so he easily could be one and done(if he lasts that long!

Kirk Muller (Carolina Hurricanes) (3) Entering his 4th NHL season, Kirk should be safe if the teams stays in the playoff hunt. If its south, and players like Semin play uninspired then Kirk might not make it through the season before Rutherford cans him.

Todd Richards (Columbus Blue Jackets) (3) After their near miss in making the playoffs last spring and a new look management team expectations in Columbus are to see that improvement to contunue.  If for some reason they struggle and take a step backwards Todd might be the scapegoat

Mike Babcock (Detroit Red Wing) (2) Entering his 10th season guiding the Motor city sextet, Mike is one of the best in the business. However the team's old guard now retired/getting old, the lineup is in flux so a playoff spot not a guarentee for the first time in memory.  Still, unless they fall into the bottom escelan Mike's job should be safe

 Kevin Dineen (Florida Panthers) (5) The highly successful AHL coach enters his3rd season the NHL. Now that the management has spent a few bucks they want results If they get off to (another) slow start Dineen might be watching games on TV

Michel Therrien (Montreal Canadians) (4) Seldomly are Habs' coaches less than a 4 as they play in the hockey pressure cooker known as Quebec. They always expect to make the playoffs, but few are expecting a Presidents trophy so as long as they hang around the top 6- 8 or so, Michel should be safe. Besides he can speak French!

Peter DeBoer (NJ Devils) (6) As we remind folks these are the Lamarello Devils where no coach is safe no matter the record it seems. DeBoer is a good coach who may be entering his 4th season with the team. If the Devils don't stay in the top 8 and appear destined for a bottom finish, which in our opinion is entirely possible, Peter won't see April

 Jack Capuano (NY Islanders) (3) There are some expectations now, especially with last springs excitement, but realistically they still are lacking in many areas. However as long as the team competes hard and doesn't embarrass themselves early on with a long losing streak, Jack should be OK.

 Alain Vigneault (NY Rangers) (3) Usually Ranger coaches had been always in jeopardy of losing their jobs, but after the Torts-Alain 'trade' the coach will be given some limited latitude to put in his own system with his new team. So as long as the BlueShirts stay in the top 8 Alain should be safe.

 Paul MacLean (Ottawa Senators) (3)Now in his 4th season as  head coach who theoretically should have little to worry about, but playing North of the border you are always under the microscope.  We believe he should be OK

Peter Laviolette (Philadelphia Flyers) (7) Very, high expectations along with what we think are the  players getting increasingly tired of Peter. Laviolette's caustic personality might mean Peter's  job could be tenuous.  If the preseason is any indicator, it might be sooner rather than later

Dan Bylsma (Pittsburgh Penguins) (3) Not long ago was one of the safest coaches in the East. The former Jack Adams winner runs a tight, loyal and successful team. Liked equally by the stars and grunts. Not an easy task! However, with recent playoff disappointments, a prolonged losing skid could make dan vulnerable for the first time in years.

Jon Cooper (TB Lightning) (2) The only situation we can see that would make new coach Cooper vulnerable is if the Bolts get off to a aweful start. Unlikely, since we believe they will be quite better than last season. Jon should make it through the season unscathed.

  Randy Carlyle (Toronto Maple Leafs) (5) Unlike all Canadian cities, where hockey coaches are under intense scrutiny, the pressure in TO is exponentially higher. With last springs surprise surge there will be expectations. If not met, the former Norris Trophy and Cup winner in Anaheim might again be looking for work

 Adam Oates (Washington Capitals) (3) Even in town-mediocrity, they expect a winning season every now and then. If the team stays relevent, and with their talent they should stay in the race Otes job will be secure for the regular season anyway



 West

  Bruce Boudreau (Anaheim Duck) (2) The team had a rebirth since Gabby came on board 3 years ago. Despite playoff failure we can't see the team letting him go unless they struggle mightily early on, and with that lineup, that seems unlikely

Bob Hartley (Calgary Flame) (3) Few realistcally expect the Flames to compete in the tough Western Conference for a playoff spot so while the Flames might finish 12 or less in the west, Bob's job probably would be safe for the season

 Joel Quenneville (Chicago Blackhawk) (0) The two time and reigning Cup champ coach entering his 18th season in the league has one of the safest positions. With his league wide respect and recent success it would an off ice issue to have him lose his job

  Patrick Roy (Colorado Avalanche) (2) St. Patrick should be safe as he will have at least some measure of a Honeymoon in The Mile High City.  If the younsters buy into his system, the Av's might see a resurgence of success



  Lindy Ruff (Dallas Star) (2) After a near life time in the Buffalo organization. Lindy moves west to Dallas. Difficult team to get a read on. In some ways they are as good as any of the other playoff bubble teams, so unless they fall off the map, Lindy should be safe

Dallas Eakins (Edmonton Oiler) (4) Brought in to give solid no nonsense guidence to the 'kids' It may be exciting to the fans but management wants to see the team show signs of improvement. Howevera bottom overall finish won't sit well. Dallas better hope the kids start to mature

Darryl Sutter (Los Angeles King) (1)The man behind the bench for the past 4 seasons accruing a good 52- 29 record, and ofcourse a Stanley Cup. After a Final 4 appearence last spring and a loaded lineup returning, we fully expect Sutter to keep his job all season

Mike Yeo (Minnesota Wild) (4) Clearly the honeymoon period in Minny for Mike is over. The Wild have added expensive talent and the fans up north are as rabid as the come south of the border and another near miss and especially a bad start could be the end of yeo's tenure in the Twin Cities

Barry Trotz (Nashville Predator) (4) The only coach the franchise has ever known. Despite low playoff success he still manages to get his team to the post season despite a cap floor payroll and an anemic offense. The organization will probably only consider a change if they appear to be taking a huge step back.


Dave Tippett (Phoenix Coyote) (3) Now into his 6th season in the desert we believe the combination of his success coupled with therecent  franchise ownership turmoil will make Dave';s job safe through the season, barring a complete flop.

Ken Hitchcock (St. Louis Blues) (2) Unlike the past 2 years the pressure will be elevated this season. Fans are getting restless as the team seems ready to finally contend for a Cup.  Injuries have hurt but management and fans alike expect nothing less than a trip to the conference finals. Anything less and Cpt Kangaroo might be gonzo

Todd McClellan (San Jose Shark) (2) With a record of 220 108 the past 8 seasons, few coaches can boast such a winning % However post season success continues to allude the club.  Highly unlikely that Todd is replaced as coach during the regular season, but.  WE can see the team losing patience if they lose in the first round

 John Tortorella (Vancouver Canuck) (1) The former Cup/Adams winner (swapped with the Rangers coach) will probably survive almost any calamity that is thrust upon him this season. Unless The Twins' ask him to be fired(not gonna happen) his job is safe for the season!

.Claude Noel (Winnipeg Jets) (6) He is no longer a rookie head coach in the city's first season back with hockey.  The honeymoon is over.  If the team slides deeply out of contention and doesn't compete hard nightly Claude might be outed early.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Week 2 Results

Week 2 is through.  We had a decent night going a solid 7-4 on the day/night to bring the season total to 15-7 for a gaudy .682 winning %.  Additionally we got our lock correct to bring that stat to 2-0 on the young season.  Look for another round of picks next Saturday when a 'Baker's dozen' (13) games will be on the schedule. As always keep It here for all the latest!

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Picks- Week 2


1) Its week 2 of the new NHL season. Another busy day ahead with 11 games on the docket. We bring our 8-3 record or a  .730 winning % into the day.  Here are our picks.

Boston VS Columbus : Bruins

Toronto VS Edmonton : Maple Leafs

Detroit VS Philadelphia : Flyers

Pittsburgh VS Tampa Bay: Penguins

Colorado VS, Washington: Avalanche

Chicago VS Buffalo: BlackHawks (Lock of the Week)

St. Louis VS NY Rangers : Rangers

Nashville VS NY Islanders : Islanders

Minnesota VS, Dallas: Stars

 Montreal VS Vancouver: Habitants

San Jose VS Ottawa  Sharks

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Week 1- Results

1) Week one is in the books and on the day night we went a very strong 8-3.  Great way to start off the season for sure. We even got our 'Lock' correct.  WE will be back at it next Saturday when another 11 games will be at stake!
As always keep it here for all the latest!!

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Week 1 Picks


1) Yes, the NHL season is finally underway, and today/tonight is the first of our ever popular weekly picks. To review, we pick the winner of every game in the NHL each Saturday(usually the busiest day on the schedule)regardless of pnt spread. Our stated goal is to get as far above .500 as possible. Its harder than you think. Play along if you like. We also project one game as our "Lock of The Week". A game that we feel particularly strong about. So without further ado, here is the docket of 11 games:

 Boston vs Detroit: Bruins

 Toronto VS Ottawa Maple leafs

 Montreal VS Philadelphia: Flyers

 Columbus VS NY Islanders Islanders

Pittsburgh VS Buffalo: Penguins (Lock of the Week)

 Tampa Bay VS Chicago: Black hawks

 St. Louis VS Florida:Blues

 Dallas VS Washington: Stars

Anaheim VS Minnesota: Ducks

Vancouver VS Edmonton:Canucks

San Jose VS Phoenix: Shark

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

2013-2014 Season Predictions!



1)With the Off season thankfully now behind us its off to the first full NHL season in 2 years! As we have done since 2006, we at fauxrumors will dip our own toes into the pool of predictions. Whats new this season are the divisional format. Two divisions of 8 teams in the East, and 2 of seven teams out west. There still will be 8 teams qualifying for the post season, but there will be a vastly different format to pick those top 8. Only the top 3 finishers of each division are guaranteed a playoff berth. The remaining 2 'at large' bids could come from either division. Setting the stage for season long battles for playoff positioning, and hopefully a season's worth of top notch hockey for us fans.

2) Without further ado, here are projected order of finish for each of the 4 divisions with projected point totals next to each team.
 First The East:
 1) Boston-110
 2) Pittsburgh- 105
 3) Detroit- 103
 4) NY Rangers- 100
 5) Washington-98
6) Columbus- 97
7) Toronto- 95
8) Ottawa- 94
 ----------------------
 9) NY Islanders- 92
 10) Montreal- 89
 11) Philadelphia- 84
12) Tampa Bay- 80
13) Carolina- 79
 14) Buffalo- 75
 15) New Jersey- 74
 16) Florida- 70

 3) Now the West(Only 14 teams)
 1) Chicago- 111
2) LA- 107
3) Stl- 105
4) SJ- 102
5) Anaheim- 101
 6) Vancouver- 98
 7) Edmonton- 97
8) Nashville- 95
---------------------------
9) Colorado- 91
10) Minnisota- 82
 11) Winnipeg- 79
 12) Phoenix- 77
13) Dallas- 76
14) Calgary- 73
 
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