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Here's what to expect in NHL's second half

Ovechkin to run away with another goals title; Penguins might fire Therrien

Alexander OvechkinASSOCIATED PRESS
Washington's Alexander Ovechkin likely won't match last season's total of 65 goals, but he should win his second straight Rocket Richard Trophy, writes NHL Expert Kevin Dupont.


Q: What’s going on with Steven Stamkos in Tampa Bay? Don’t hear much about the No. 1 pick these days.
— Mary M. from N.H.
A: Consider the setting, Mary. The Lightning were a disaster out of the gate, and part of what got Barry Melrose canned was his unwillingness to give Stamkos meaningful playing minutes right from the start. As as result, Melrose got fired and Stamkos, playing more with Rick Tocchet and Mike Sullivan running the bench, had only 4 goals and 14 points (not to mention his minus-11) as mid-season approached.

We all know Stamkos is a talent. What we don't know is how soon the Bolts will stabilize after one of the most bizarre starts in NHL history. New owners, led by moviemaker Oren Koules, came in with the idea that they could turn over just about everything but the Zamboni and expect to win.

The tragedy here would be for Stamkos, who was scratched for the first time this season against Anaheim on Jan. 9, to turn into another Alexandre Daigle, whose career fell to pieces in the early years of the Ottawa Senators. Stamkos is more of a talent than Daigle, but the bumblings in Tampa are eerily reminiscent of what went on with Ottawa.

© 2012 NBC Sports.com  Reprints


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NHLI via Getty Images
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