Mid-Season Team Report Card: Whalers (Adam)

Calgary (CP) Now that we are at the halfway point, time to take a look at how each of the teams are doing. I've modified some sections from the previous report card. Hope you enjoy the read as I will try to be a tougher grader than before... and of course, toughest on myself at the end ;)

Click Here to view Adam's Pre-Season Report Card.

Significant Roster Changes:
+ Sidney Crosby
- Dion Phaneuf
- Ryan Getzlaf

Analysis:
Although giving up a lot, the Whalers landed the best franchise player possible and gives Adam a legit forward to build his team around. I'm sure Adam will agree that even though Zetterberg is good, his back has always been a problem and it is nice to breath easier with someone who can play every game.

Grades:
+ Forwards (C): Ranks 6th in G, 9th in A. The Whaler forwards have had a roller-coaster ride. This season has seen the development of young stars but may need a year or two more development to challenge in offensive categories. With Crosby though, this ranking will improve.
+ Defence (D+): Without Dion to anchor the D and Souray's injury problems, the Whalers have no real stars on the backend. If Adam can land one or two established defencemen using some of his younger star forwards, it may compensate for the loss of Phaneuf. Currently the defence contributes little to the Whalers offensive totals.
+ Goalies (A-): Ranks 1st in W, 4th in L. Kipprusoff looks to be his old self and as long as Biron and Gerber keep their end of the deal for the rest of the year, this will be the highlight of the Whalers season.
+ Special Teams (C-): Ranks 5th in PPG, 10th in PPA. With the loss of Souray and Dion, the special teams of the Whalers have taken a big hit. Crosby will make up some of the difference, but not all as the Penguins PP is run by Gonchar.
+ Goon Factor (C+): Ranks 3rd in PIMs. With the trading of Dion and Getzlaf, the Whalers also lost their two biggest PIM getters so their 3rd place ranking is deceiving. Ever since that trade, the Whalers PIM rate has declined and I suspect the rest of the pack to close that gap in 2 months.
+ Overall (C+): The Whalers are right in the middle of the pack, the exact place this blogger had them pegged. A 5th place battle should ensue between Ken and Jordan over the next couple of months for this team with a good outlook ahead.

Fur Engee (CP)