May 17, 2010
Dropping The Puck
Afternoon Columns

by Andrew Rothstein

How did the Canadiens upset the Penguins, a look at the quality of shots the Habs took, is Jaroslav Halak truly an elite goaltender, third round playoff predictions, a look at shot quantity and quality in the Habs-Pens series, a review of last night's victory for Philadelphia, the difference between Sean Avery and Alex Rodriguez, is Nicklas Backstrom's new deal below market value, will the Eastern Conference Finals matchup lead to a new era in which small forwards are sought out by teams, and the effect of defensemen on save percentage, relative to their teammates, at even strength.

• Gabriel Desjardins of Behind The Net Hockey wonders how the Canadiens defeated the Penguins.
• Puck Prospectus' Philip Myrland, who runs Brodeur Is A Fraud, takes a look at the Montreal Canadiens and shot quality.
• Puck Prospectus' Corey Pronman, who runs The Hock Project, asks whether Jaroslav Halak is truly an elite goaltender.
• J. Likens of Objective NHL gives his third round playoff predictions, as does Kent Wilson of Five Hole Fanatics.
• Tyler Dellow of Mc79Hockey looks at the quantity and quality of scoring chances in the second round series between the Penguins and Canadiens.
• Travis Hughes of Broad Street Hockey reviews Philadelphia's game one victory over Montreal.
• Tom Tango of Inside The Book explains the difference between Sean Avery and Alex Rodriguez.
• Mike Chen of From The Rink wonders whether Nicklas Backstrom's new deal is below market value.
• Steven Ovadia of Puck Daddy believes that the Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Flyers and Canadiens could usher in a new era in which teams pursue small forwards and place less of an importance on size.
• Vic Ferrari of Irreverent Oiler Fans looks at the effect of defensemen on save percentage, relative to their teammates, at even strength.

Andrew Rothstein is an author of Hockey Prospectus. You can contact Andrew by clicking here or click here to see Andrew's other articles.