[Sohel]

Facing the Kings tonight to finish our best first month of the season since Lidstrom's retirement. Good sign for a team that tends to get stronger as the season progresses. Very happy with the overall speed and hustle of the team. Howard's being pushed by not one but two good goalies and as a consequence, is having his best start since his rookie season.

Defensively, Kronwall has been solid at both ends of the ice, and Ericsson has been an imposing presence in our own zone. DeKeyser and Smith have finally become quality NHL defemsemen, and Quincey has been good defensively. Sadly though, he has the most pathetic shot of any, and I mean ANY NHL defenseman in recent memory, and no matter how many he lets loose, those weak and inaccurate shots always end up comfortably handled whenever on goal. Pretty $hitty for what Kenny touted as an "offensive" defensemen. Kindl sucks and should be donated to say, the Maple Leafs for hidden talent their archaic philosophy simply doesn't allow them to recognize and patiently develop. There are real reasons behind their spectacular failures, but perennial losers are never willing to get past their arrogance, and rectify those issues. 1967 guys, 1967! Anyway, I hope Ouellet, Sproul, Marchenko, or Backman replace Bekub Kindl sooner rather than later.

Offensively, Nestrasil's gotta go down to the AHL, and Tatar must get his timing right SOON. Sheahan and Jurco are creating decent chances with their feisty forechecking, and it's just a matter of time before more of their SOGs find the back of the net. No complaints about the current and the next captain. Both Zetterberg and Nyquist have been very good, and with Datsyuk getting healthy and getting his timing right, we're likely to have a formidable offense with at least 3 point-per-game two way forwards going into our 24th consecutive playoffs, InshAllah. Both Tatar and Abdel Kader may join them by the end of the season. Franzen will never have that breakout season but I'll be happy as long as he elevates his lazy game in clutch situations. Kenny will NEVER be forgiven for losing Hossa in order to keep him. Defensively solid Abdel Kader has also been good offensively. Simply love our checking line. Glendening, Andersson, and Miller are very tough to play against. Their combined speed, toughness, and fearless persistence will continue to disrupt the opposition for years to come. That said, it would be nice to have a look at Mantha after the all star break. I have no doubt that a healthy Mantha will tear-up the AHL and earn that look with the big boys.