Hockeytalk with Barry Melrose

A few questions with the ESPN analyst/mullet man with some news and views thereafter. Because some people need their hockey fix.


SprungOnSports -Is Ottawa the clear favorite in the East right now?
Barry Melrose- I'd say so. Pitsburgh has started slow, I like Carolina, but others don't look good. I don't think anyone can argue that they're not.
-No argument here. The Penguins and Rangers need to get back in gear, but the 'Canes look good in a seemingly mediocre Southeast.


SprungOnSports-Can Paul Stastny become the next great Avalanche superstar?
Barry Melrose-He's pretty good--comes from a hockey family, obviously has an immense talent and great work ethic. The Avalanche have some great young players along with him. Their future is very bright.
-He's only 21 and leads Colorado in points with 13. The Joe Sakic age is quickly turning into the era of Stastny and Ryan Smyth to go along with vets like Sakic, Brunette, and Hejduk. The present and future are bright for the Avs.


SprungOnSports-What will the Senators do with Ray Emery?
Barry Melrose-Same situation as the Ducks--you're never in a hurry to get rid of a good goaltender. It gives Emery more chances to get ready to play and a chance to get hungry to play. They can afford to pay him and not hurt the cap. They're very happy with that situation right now.
-Martin Gerber is having a huge start to the season along with the entire team, and you never know when a Goalie will be on the fritz, and then they'll have Emery to take his place. Two capable goaltenders are always better than one.

The Rangers need to get back on track, and will try to do so against an 0-6 Thrashers team that just fired their head coach Bob Hartley. Saturday on CBC, Chicago takes on Toronto, followed by Edmonton and Calgary. The Flames could possibly deal Alex Tanguay to Montreal for a package of people or possibly Alexei Kovalev, according to the Calgary Sun. Boston battles Montreal Monday on Versus, the Rangers battle the Penguins Tuesday on the same station, while Colorado takes on Edmonton Tuesday on TSN. The next night on TSN, Detroit takes on Vancouver.