No time for junk, Mr. Sanford; Plus: Blue in St. Louis

Monday, November 24:

Blue in St. Louis: Steen and Colaiacovo for Stempniak

This trade reminds me of the Jack Johnson for Tim Gleason deal that the Kings made with an obviously distracted or confused Carolina GM Jim Rutherford, early last season.

With Lee Stempniak scoring at a point-per-game clip, why would Blues GM John Davidson send him packing? The Blues just pulled off an overtime victory at home against the Ducks with Paul Kariya, Andy McDonald and Pat Berglund on the sidelines due to recent injuries (in addition, defenseman Erik Johnson--Jack's brother--is likely lost for the remainder of the season).

Stempniak, 25, has three goals and 13 points in 14 games this season. Steen has two goals and four points in 20 games this season. Colaiacovo, who turns 26 this January, has never completed an NHL season, suffering from ankle, groin, knee, leg, wrist, concussion and other injuries. In six seasons, he's played in 111 NHL games.

Here's hoping that Davidson knows something that we don't, because Stempniak seemed to be the type of gritty guy on whom the Blues can lean. Perhaps the change of scenery will spark Steen and Colaiacovo. The snakebit Blues, who were expecting far more success than they've achieved this season, need a lift while they patch holes.

Looks to me like Stempniak was not the best subtraction.

Chicago's money is in the net

With over $12M in their nets, the Blackhawks were viewed as slightly crazy by critics at the beginning of the season. Nik Khabibulin (one of the league's three stars for the week ending November 23) is earning $6.75M, while off-season acquisition Cristobal Huet pulls down $5.625M.

Now, with the team ranked 11th overall in goals against, the heavy investment seems to be a sensible one.

Remember when the Ducks won the Cup, they had $13M wrapped up in two defensemen. When those D-men are named Pronger and Niedermayer, it makes sense. And it is making good sense for the Blackhawks to make such a heavy investment, too. Only this time, it's goalies.

But no one imagined that Huet and Khabibulin would be able to coexist. Turns out, they're solid. Huet needs to improve on his 3-3-1 record and 2.95 GAA, but his save percentage is at .900, and he'll likely finish strong. Khabibulin is a bounce-back performer, with a GAA of 2.51 and .920 SV%. Khabibulin stoned the Coyotes, Stars and Leafs to kick-off the Hawks' six game road swing with three straight victories.

Vancouver: No time for junk, Mr. Sanford

While Roberto Luongo is week-to-week with an adductor strain, forwards such as Pavol Demitra, Kyle Wellwood, Alex Burrows, Steve Bernier and Mason Raymond have given the 'Nucks its deepest lineup perhaps since their 1993 Stanley Cup Final appearance.

Bernier got off the schneid recently, potting his fifth tally after failing to stick with the Sedin twins on the first line. Demitra has five goals and four assists for nine points in the five games since his return from injury.

Some impressive youngsters are on pace for career-best seasons.

The 27-year-old Burrows (6-7-13) is on pace to shatter his career-best 31 points. Kyle Wellwood (8-2-10) has a new lease on life since leaving Toronto, and with eight goals is on pace to smash his best mark of twelve. Raymond and Kesler are also finding the net regularly.

With Luongo out of the lineup, goaltender Curtis Sanford (2.46GAA/.910SV%) sits on the hot seat. Sanford came in after Luongo's injury and helped the club defeat Pittsburgh at the Igloo. Now, it's time for Curtis to prove that he's no "Fred" Sanford, and won't serve up any junk performances. If Sanford can hold down the fort and give the 'Nucks a chance to get through Luongo's injury--assuming it's not season-ending--the Canucks will look awfully good come March, April...and beyond.