Blue biscuits

Some very various items to write about today.

The Dispatch reported that Stephan Legein has been released from the Crunch team to get started on his offseason conditioning.

This is probably much adu about nothing but it just strikes me kind of odd. Why not let the kid hang around the Crunch and see what it takes to be a winner? Can't he work out and do that at the same time?

I think realistically the Crunch just don't need him right now. They have enough players especially with Pineault and Sestito back from injury/suspension.

Team Canada vs. Team USA today at 3:30 p.m. EST! The first big test for both team's takes place today. Hitch, Nash, Leclaire, Chimera and the rest of Team Canada will face off against the US squad led by Kane, Mueller, Parise, Pomminville, Kessel & Brown. Both teams are 2-0 through round play thus far.

I think Canada will have to much for the US as they are a more seasoned and more talented, at least on paper, group. The US team, however, is young and hungry and for most of these players its their first time representing the stars and stripes at the World Championships. They will be hungry.

You can follow the game here. Just click on the game graphic in the banner at the top half of the page.

The Syracuse Crunch face off in game 3 of their second round series against the Toronto Marlies tonight. The Crunch are up 2-0 in the series after winning both game in Toronto. Tonight will be their first game of the round played at home.

The Crunch have gotten outstanding performances by their goaltender Karl Gohering and the offense has opened up a bit. The will look to continue the momentum tonight at 7 EST.

You can follow the game here. Or listen live here.

Here is an interesting nugget from Lindsay Kramer's Crunch blog:

Syracuse's current hot streak might be unprecedented in the history of the AHL.

Since Feb. 18, the Crunch has played 31 games, including six in the postseason. It has only lost once in regulation, in Game 4 to Manitoba. Overall, its record is 26 wins, one regulation loss, one overtime loss and three shootout losses.

The only comparable streak was turned in by Cleveland in 1948. That team was 21-0-6 in its last 27 games in the regular season and then went 8-1 in winning the Calder Cup. So it closed 29-1-6.

A new mock draft for you draft gurus like me out there. This one, like most, has us taking Luke Schenn with our 6th overall pick:

6. Columbus Blue Jackets•
Luke Schenn, Kelowna (WHL), D: Would compare more than favorably with last year's No. 5 overall, Karl Alzner, who went to Washington. (Schenn looks to have more offensive upside.)
Five-season projection: Top 4 defenseman, possibly top 2.

Its only a 14 team mock so Colorado's pick is not included.

What's interesting about this one is that this writer is projecting what the players will be 5 years from when they are drafted - not what they'll ultimately end up in the prime of their career.

As far as the Schenn pick I think it could easily happen. I do however disagree somewhat with the Alzner comparison. I think both are more defensive defensemen but I think Schenn is more physically imposing where Alzner is the more positional player.

Draft year statistics and profile:

Karl Alzner
2006-07 Calgary Hitmen WHL 63 8 39 47 32

Is an ultra-smooth defenseman who has good hockey sense and instincts, which define good players from the great ones. Has an active stick when shadowing the opposing team’s forwards. Plays with great position and is not shy about initiating contact.

Luke Schenn
2007-08 Kelowna Rockets WHL 57 7 21 28 100

Luke Schenn has incredible upside and at 6'2 210 he has the size to be a top blue line defenseman. Solid skater who holds well in his zone has good shot from the point and can make great outlet passes on the tape he has the ability to be a All-Star defenseman if he stays focused.

Alzner had almost 20 more points but Schenn had almost 70 more PIMs.

The full 14 pick mock can be found here.

Some good hockey on tap for today as we wait for round 3 of the Stanley Cup finals to begin and for me personally, to re-ignite my Detroit hatred.

-LTL