I can't say that the NHL trade deadline is the most exciting moment of the season. However, there is always a glimmer of intrigue to be found between the hedge-betting and last-ditch reinforcing.
The two top teams in the West, San Jose and Detroit, are not expected to make any major moves tomorrow. Both clubs are loaded and ready for long playoff runs. Many hockey analysts have suggested that Detroit is in desperate need of a "star" goaltender. I tend to think that the goalie situation in Detroit has been blown out of proportion. Even if Detroit needed some shoring up between the pipes, they lack the cap space to deal without sacrificing at least a decent 2nd or 3rd line forward.
Looking down the Western Conference standings, I expect that Anaheim will be active tomorrow. As I write this, they are barely out of the playoffs in the massive logjam for the 4-8 seeds. However, they were recently involved in a big deal with Pittsburgh. Anaheim gained a solid defenseman for a winger, which Pittsburgh needed to complement Crosby's line. Now Anaheim has Niedermayer, Pronger and Whitney on their blue-line. Anaheim will probably ship out Pronger to either St. Louis or Boston.
Speaking of Boston, they will have a scary defensive pair if they acquire Pronger. Pronger at 6'6" 213lbs and Zdeno Chara at 6'9" 250lbs, and they both know how to throw around those massive frames.
In the East, things will probably be a bit quieter. Toronto will, once again, probably be a seller. It's sad to see a great franchise like Toronto wallow in mediocrity for so long. Hopefully, they can turn it around next season.
My favorite story in hockey last week was the return of Martin Brodeur. In his first three games back from an extended injury absence, Marty has three wins and two shutouts. I had my doubts, but I think he stands a good chance at breaking some of those amazing Patrick Roy records. Crazy French-Canadian goalies...
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