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Chat Reel: Darren Eliot
Analysts expects the Devils to repeat
Posted: Thursday April 12, 2001 3:54 PM
Updated: Thursday April 12, 2001 3:57 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NHL playoff chat with Darren Eliot. Welcome Darren and thanks for joining us.
Darren Eliot: Thanks for having me -- looking forward to chatting throughout the playoffs.
From John Bertieri in Natrona Heights, Pa.: I am wondering whether you think Johan Hedberg can take the Penguins anywhere in this year's playoffs? I personally believe he will turn into an all-star goalie, and will lead us back to the Stanley Cup. But of course I'm biased, being from Pittsburgh and all.
Darren Eliot: (laughs) Well, first of all Johan Hedberg is an interesting study. He has a lot of experience, but none at the NHL level. So if you're looking at history, only two rookie goalies since 1970 have ever led their team to the Stanley Cup Championship. Both played for Montreal -- Ken Dryden and Patrick Roy. So Hedberg would surely become the story of the playoffs if he were able to accomplish that feat. Personally, my feeling is that Hedberg and the Penguins will fall short of even leaving the Eastern Conference.
From phillymon: Do you think Ottawa is soft?
Darren Eliot: I do not think Ottawa is "soft." If you're looking for a definition of that term, they have motivation, they have skill and they've added some gritty players in Mike Sillinger and Curtis Leschyshyn. If you look at their season, they've played with discipline, and to say that they're going to fail because they're not tough enough is an easy and pat answer. In my opinion, I think it's inaccurate.
From pensfan: What are the key matchups we should be watching in tonight's Pens-Caps game? And who is going to be the surprise of the series?
Darren Eliot: You could start with the goaltenders. Olaf Kolzig had a poor performance last year against the Penguins. Then you're going to have to take a look at the toughness on the blue line of the Capitals, particularly Brendan Witt. Those are the key elements in neutralizing the offense of the top two lines of Pittsburgh. Offensively, the Caps are going to have to rely on those elements that made them successful all season. Namely, efficiency in the faceoff circle and strong special teams play. I think it's very important for the Capitals' confidence to win Game 1 on home ice in this series.
From Laney in Washington: If the Capitals fail to make it past the Penguins, do you see them actively involved in the free agent market or shopping an underachieving player like Chris Simon for a goal scorer?
Darren Eliot: I can't see them shopping Chris Simon since they just re-signed him this season. And second of all, they signed a goal scorer in Petr Bondra. They didn't have to go outside the organization, but you have to consider re-signing your own free agent as entering into the free agent market. Beyond that, if the Caps fall in round one, they'll have to address the overall mix of their team from the standpoint that they're getting rather old.
From Haley: Will Keith Primeau be back for the first round of the playoffs for the Flyers?
Darren Eliot: Unfortunately, reports are that Keith Primeau will not be available for the first round.
From pensfan: Will Kevin Stevens be ready for the series after his injury, and will he and his third-line mates have an impact on the Pens-Caps series?
Darren Eliot: I'm not sure if Kevin Stephens going to be available. If he is going to play on that third line, it probably would be significant, simply from the standpoint that the Penguins typically over rely on their top two lines.
From Evan Richet in Dalmeny, Sask.: Which first-round series will last the longest?
Darren Eliot: There are a few that stand the chance to go the distance. In the East, the Flyers and Sabres and in the West, you have the other 4-5 matchup, the Blues and the Sharks. Beyond that, a couple of other interesting matchups that could go six or seven games, the Dallas-Edmonton series and Ottawa-Toronto.
From Clarence Leung in Livonia, Mich.: Will Gary Bettman and the NHL realign each division similar to what the NFL will be doing upon adding new teams?
Darren Eliot: To the best of my knowledge, there are no plans for realignment in the near future.
From Gregory in Northville, Mich.: Will Ted Nolan be offered the coaching job for the Anaheim Mighty Ducks? Who else would be qualified to take over upon Guy Charron's departure?
Darren Eliot: Ted Nolan's name comes up for every vacant coaching position. I've heard Kevin Constantine's name, but overall, general manager Pierre Gauthiere says it's a wide-open field. They've had four coaches in the last three seasons. It might not be a matter of having the ability to pick or choose, but the Ducks may have backed themselves into a situation of not being able to attract the top candidates.
From Alison in Atlanta: What do you think will happen in the offseason for the Thrashers concerning the goaltending situation? Do you think they will keep Damian Rhodes at all or buy him out if they can't trade him? What about the possibility of Donald Audette returning?
Darren Eliot: With regard to Damien, I'd be surprised if they bought him out. Because even if you go out and acquire another goaltender, you're looking to add to your depth at that position, so getting rid of Damien wouldn't accomplish that. With regard to Donald Audette, he'll certainly test the free agent market and Atlanta has to be considered one of the top three suitors.
From Sunny in Atlanta: Who's your pick to win the Stanley Cup this season?
Darren Eliot: I've picked the Devils vs. the Avalanche to meet in the finals for three successive seasons. I picked New Jersey to win it last year, and I don't see any reason why they can't repeat this year.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Darren Eliot. Darren, thanks for joining us.
Darren Eliot: Thank you -- and we'll see you next week.
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