2/25/2008

In a time where money and success....

...rules, it is nice to see that some players remain loyal to their clubs even when the opportunity for a quick personal success arises.

Mats Sundin is staying with the Maple Leafs - at least for the remainder of the season. When absolutely everybody, myself included, was speaking about a trade, Mats Sundin officially stated that he's staying put. No Red Wings, no Sharks - just Maple Leafs. That is loyalty!

Mats Sundin is truly a great player and a great person. He's already made himself immortal in Toronto. If he decides to play next season as well, he might experience the beginning of a new era. Toronto will build something new and younger. Fellow Swede, Anton Stralman, will for sure be a vital part of the new Maple Leafs team. This season might not be over yet, but the Maple Leafs management are looking to 2008-09.

The Rangers demolished the Panthers, winning 5-0 in MSG. Henrik Lundqvist had a calm night, completing his 24th shutout in his NHL career. This is the second best, when it comes to Swedish goalkeepers in the National Hockey League. Tommy Salo is the no.1 Swede with 37 shutouts.
The constantly hated Marek Malik scored twice (his first two of the season), still being booed for his performance by the Garden Faithful.

"The Finnish Flash", Teemu Selänne, scored a hat-trick when the Ducks beat the Blackhawks, 6-3. This was goal no. 5,6 and 7 since his late comeback. Selänne has given the Ducks a boost and this might be enough for the former Disney-owned California team to mount a serious challenge for the Cup. I'd been hoping all season for the amazing Selänne to return and it was a happy surprise when he did.

No news on the trading front. Philadelphia Flyers has been a bit active during the last week. On Feb. 20 they shipped Jim Vandermeer (D) to Calgary Flames for their 2009 3rd-Round Draft Pick. And on the day before, they let their own 2008 3rd-Round Draft Pick go to the Kings in exchange for Jaroslav Modry (D). So, basically, they went +/- 0, if you ask me. Tomorrow is the last day before the deadline. It might not be that many big-names moving, as I have expected.

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