NHL 2015-16: Slap Shots

Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane in a game against the Vancouver Canucks at GM Place on November 22, 2009. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Chicago Blackhawks are the defending Stanley Cup champions, which usually means that they've got a big target on their backs.  But not this kind of target.  Patrick Kane is currently embroiled in an alleged rape scandal that's under investigation, even though he has yet to be charged.  The NHL and the Blackhawks are standing by Kane.  But with all the bad publicity other leagues have gotten about players who may or may not have committed acts of domestic violence, shouldn't Kane be kept off the ice unless and until this is cleared up?

The New York Islanders have moved to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  Apparently, Brooklyn's considered part of Long Island.  Or are they using the same logic the New York Giants and Jets do for playing in New Jersey?

Las Vegas and Quebec City are the frontrunners for NHL expansion within the next couple of years.  Seattle's still in the mix, but they might be better off waiting for the NBA to return.  So what is the NHL going to do with the struggling franchises they already have?

The two biggest-deal rookies--Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Jack Eichel of the Buffalo Sabres--take the ice this season.  If McDavid and Eichel lift their teams beyond sub-mediocre status and into Stanley Cup contention within five years, then mission accomplished.  If not, it's just further proof that tanking games for the chance to land a top draft pick isn't always a good idea.

Canada is the cradle of hockey.  It is in their life, their heart and soul.  It is their greatest contribution to Western civilization.  So how could they stand the Toronto Maple Leafs?

The three-on-three overtime period is the NHL's latest gimmick to avoid ties and reduce the number of shootouts during the regular season..  It won't do that, because exhausted teams will still be going through the motions for five minutes.  But it's a start.

The Minnesota Wild didn't do all that much to improve themselves over the summer, except to sign goaltender Devan Dubnyk to a new contract.  They have to hope he's more than a half-season wonder who got them into the playoffs.  Otherwise, it shouldn't surprise anyone if the Wild struggles through the season in a tough Western Conference, only to find they still couldn't compete with the Blackhawks or some other elite team.  Or make the playoffs at all.

Our choices for who will be in the playoffs come April:

EASTERN CONFERENCE  Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Briuns, Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals.

WESTERN CONFERENCE  Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars.