NHL Status Check

I took a whiff outside here in Toronto, trying to smell playoff fever. All I got for my troubles was a cold and a reminder that the only playoffs the hometown Maple Leafs will see in April are when the Toronto Raptors play. As we near the conclusion of what has been an incredibly interesting season, let's glance again at the hype. Who lived up to it, and who was your own personal Bear Stearns. Ahh, but wait, there's a catch. This week I concentrate solely on this year's rookie class - one more bow down to Alexander Ovechkin can wait. I am bullish about this class. While it lacks an Ovechkin, Malkin or Crosby, it's a deep talented group that deserves a lot of praise. The NHL is in good shape thanks to this influx of talent.