Nimitz News - Nov. 10, 2013

November 10, 2013

Vol. 39 No. 39

INSIDE: ITALY IN PHOTOS

PG. 6

PG. 8 MOLLY MARINE BIRTHDAY OF THE PG. 3 FEW AND THE PROUD

NIMITZ NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2013

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Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth Executive Officer Capt. John Cummings Command Master Chief CMDCM Teri M. McIntyre Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Karin Burzynski Media DIVO Ensign John Mike Media LCPO MCC Mike Jones Media Production Chief MCC Gregory Roberts Media LPO MC1 Michael Cole Editor MC3 George J Penney III Lead Designer MCSN Andrew Price Media Department MC2 Jacquelyn Childs MC2 Jason Behnke MC2 Devin Wray MC2 Ryan Mayes MC2 Alexander Ventura II MC3 Shayne Johnson MC3 Jacob Milner MC3 Christopher Bartlett MC3 George J Penney III MC3 Linda S. Swearingen MC3 Jess Lewis MC3 Vanessa David MC3 W. J. Cousins MC3 Derek Volland MC3 Phil Ladouceur MC3 Sam Souvannason MC3 Nathan McDonald MC3 Joshua Haiar MC3 Raul Moreno Jr. MCSN Kole Carpenter MCSN Derek Harkins MCSN Kaitlyn Haskett MCSN Eric Butler MCSN Siobhana McEwen MCSN Aiyana Paschal MCSA Kelly Agee MCSA Victoria Ochoa Nimitz News accepts submissions in writing. All submissions must be in by Friday, COB. Submissions are subject to review and screening.

“Nimitz News” is an authorized publication for the members of the military services and their families.

Its content does not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the Marine Corps and does not imply endorsement thereby.

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By Lt. Andrew Colvin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINE CORPS One of my most memorable moments from Marine Basic Training in San Diego includes sliding down from the top of an obstacle course rope slickened from blood and sweat. My own hands were bloody, the skin having torn off from the friction of the rope. My senior drill instructor, Staff Sgt. Watson, ran over screaming at me to get to the top again. Another drill instructor ran over in my defense, assuring him that I had indeed reached the top, even though it appeared I had begun to slide before slapping the wooden beam at the top. By this time, my platoon had already run off to the next event. As I sprinted off to catch up with them, my senior drill instructor was cheering me on.

That was twenty years ago. Just before graduating, as we prepared to proudly march onto the drill field, my drill instructors taught us, “You have earned the title of Marine: once a Marine, always a Marine!”

My service in the Marine Corps was only three years, however. To make a long story short, while a Marine Corps Reservist, I entered Mount Angel Seminary and pursued a vocation to the priesthood. That course led me to the Oregon Army National Guard Chaplain Candidate Program, but not without making a promise to God and myself that if I ever had the opportunity to serve Marines as their chaplain, I would never turn it down. That opportunity came in 2005

when my bishop gave me the option to be a pastor at Saint Patrick’s Church in Madras, Oregon or enter active duty military chaplain service.

Acting on my promise, I entered the Navy Chaplain Corps in 2006 and requested a Marine billet. Having proudly served with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 in Okinawa, Japan I am grateful to have had the opportunity to visit Iwo Jima twice as well as serve with MWSS 172 in Iraq in 2008.

Because every Marine is a basic infantryman and every chaplain is a non-combatant, I can no longer fight and carry an M16 assault rifle as I was trained to do twenty years ago. However, I will always bear the title of Marine with pride. Now, I engage strictly in spiritual combat, praying for our troops and providing the best pastoral care I can.

The Rev. Vincent Cappodanno, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for giving his life for Marines and a Corpsman on the field of battle in Vietnam, is my hero and inspiration. I recommend Chaplain (Cmdr.) Dan Mode’s book about his life, which you can find in the ship’s library: “The Grunt Padre.”

Sailors and Marines alike dedicate themselves to the virtues of honor, courage and commitment. God grant each of us the grace to live these virtues with distinction.

God bless you, Semper Fi and Happy Marine Corps Birthday!

OORAH!

THE BIRTHDAY OF

THE FEW AND THE PROUD

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STORY AND PHOTO BY MCSA (SW) KELLY M. AGEE

hey are a select group of people. They are a mighty three-in-one fighting force combining the sea, the land and the air. They are the few.

They are the proud. They are the Marines.

The Continental Congress originally authorized the corps Nov. 10, 1775 as a force of two battalions.

The “Death Rattlers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 will be celebrating the Marines 238th birthday today.

The celebration will feature a multitude of Marine Corps traditions, including the cutting of the cake and the singing of the Marine’s Hymn, which some Marines believe will be the best part of the celebration.

“It’s awesome when we sing the Marine Hymn,” said Cpl. Dylan Williams, a member of the honor guard.

“It just brings goosebumps to your skin.”

Another important tradition that will be featured is the cutting of the cake.

“A big Marine tradition is the cake cutting,” said Williams. “The guest of honor cuts the cake and first piece is given to the oldest Marine then the 2nd to the youngest Marine. The cake cutting symbolizes passing the Marine tradition down.”

Some Marines believe the significance of the Marine’s birthday is remembering those Marines who went before them.

“We’ve been around for a long time,” said Williams. “It’s to celebrate why we are here and to remember the thousands upon thousands of Marines that went before us. Our birthday is to remember the big battles and those who gave all.”

MARINES FROM VMFA-323 POSE WITH A .50 CALIBER MOUNT

The Marines have no shortage of important figures and events in their history. One example is Lt. General Chesty Puller who has been a huge influence on some Marines.

“He is a Marine’s Marine,” said Cpl. Kyle Hester.

“When a Marine thinks Marine Corps they think Chesty Puller.”

Puller is the most decorated Marine in Marine Corps history. His awards include five Navy crosses and participation in some of the bloodiest battles of World War II and the Korean War. “He is the greatest Marine of all time I would say,” said Williams. “He started off as an enlisted man in the Army and went to the Marine Corps. He valued the enlisted man so much more than the officer side. He understood the importance of the blood of the corps and he would never strive away from what makes us Marines.”

Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone is another larger than life icon in Marine history who held off more than 3,000 Japanese troops after his 15 man unit was cut down to just two other men.

“He showed the courage of the Marines,” said Williams. “You can be in the corps and hear his story for 20 years and every time you hear it you get chills. It is so powerful and it reminds you of what you would do for your brothers.”

To become a Marine some believe a person has to have certain traits.

“You have to never give up, choose to live by your core values; honor, courage and commitment and always remember you are a Marine,” said Williams.

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N I E I R M E O D A RO R A RD M CA E WA TH N

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he tradition of having a ‘Bull Ensign’ on board U.S. naval vessels probably originated with Adm. William “Bull” Halsey, who was known for his hard-charging, go-get-‘em attitude. Halsey was known to task his senior ensign with the assignment of boosting morale for other officers. Over time, the senior ensign became known as the Bull Ensign.

Nimitz’ Bull Ensign has been on board for just over a year, but he’s certainly no green horn when it comes to Navy life. Ensign Paul Winch has been in the Navy since 1996, when he enlisted as an air framer.

Winch spent the next 16 years assigned to various aircraft squadrons and deployed several times to various countries around the Middle East. Different commands brought the opportunities for new learning experiences, new ranks, and even new rates, thanks to forced rate conversions.

Having worked his way through the ranks to become a chief, Winch decided in 2010 to put in a limited duty officer (LDO) package. His package was accepted in 2011, and in April of the following year Winch found himself at LDO school. From LDO school, the road led to Aviation Maintenance Officer School in Milton, Fla., and then on to Nimitz, Winch’s first ship.

Winch said his experience meeting the ship was probably pretty similar to that of a junior Sailor.

“You look around and you don’t know the tack sys-

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tem,” said Winch, “it’s pretty overwhelming.” “You know where your office is, you know where your berthing is, and you know where the wardroom is. And then you have to kind of venture out and get lost on purpose to find your way about.”

While the environment was new, the opportunity to lead Sailors on board Nimitz was more familiar to Winch.

As the IM-4 and IM-5 Divisional Officer, Winch works daily with both enlisted Sailors and officers.

“When you start out in the shoes of the people that you lead, you have an understanding of where they come from,” Winch said. “You understand their trials and tribulations; the worries, the accomplishments – you understand how all that plays into what’s going through a Sailor’s mind when he or she is out here on the ship.”

Though Winch is nearly double the age of some of his fellow ensigns, he doesn’t let age stop him from teaching them, learning from them, and helping mentor them when the opportunity presents itself.

In May, Winch was appointed “Bull Ensign” of Nimitz’ wardroom – the perfect position for mentoring other officers. It was a situation Winch had mixed feelings about volunteering for.

According to Winch, the role of Bull Ensign is twofold. Probably the most obvious role of the Bull is pro-

mote camaraderie and morale in the wardroom.

“The Bull is granted extra leniency to tease the XO,” said Winch, “and expanded tolerance for shenanigans.”

This deployment has seen the XO’s door painted pink, and New York Yankees paraphernalia gifted to him anonymously. Though Winch won’t say exactly where those tricks originated, he did mention that captain J. J. Cummings ought to maybe stay on his toes for the remainder of deployment.

The Bull also organizes monthly movie nights for the wardroom, so officers can take a night to relax and unwind for a couple of hours.

The pranks, jokes and movie nights are all just smaller routes to accomplishing the bigger role of the Bull: mentoring other officers.

Winch’s mixed feelings about being the Bull came from the fact that he doesn’t consider himself to be the kind of person who revels in being in the spot light. However, being able to be active in the wardroom, and mentor other officers, was too important to pass up.

His experience as prior enlisted gives Winch an insight into the Navy that some other officers don’t have. But like any good mentor, Winch was quick to acknowledge that learning is a two-way street, and there is a lot for him to learn about being an officer.

“Although I’ve been in the Navy for a long time, I’m still a new officer,” Winch said. “I don’t know everything. I still seek guidance on a lot of things.”

In April, Winch will promote to lieutenant junior grade, and it will be time for him to pass on the horns to another ensign. A new Bull will bring new jokes, new ideas, and a new strategy to the wardroom. Winch, though, will still be there to help, provide insight, and offer advice on being the Bull Ensign.

“There are no tell-tale signs of how successful I will have been,” Winch said, “but I hope I can walk through the wardroom and see new friendships – see people spending time together who maybe really haven’t before. I hope I will have done something to build the camaraderie in the wardroom”

ENSIGN WINCH SITS AT HIS DESK.

NIMITZ NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2013

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BY MC3 (SW) GEORGE J. PENNEY

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BY MCSN ERIC BUTLER

BY FN AMANDA OVERTON

BY MC3 (SW) PHILLIP LADOUCEUR

NIMITZ NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2013

BY MC3 (SW) RAUL MORENO JR.

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BY MCSN ERIC BUTLER

BY MCSN (SW) AIYANA PASCHAL

FREE STORY BY MC3 (SW) PHILLIP LADOUCEUR

A MARINE TO

FIGHT

WOMEN IN THE MARINES PAST AND PRESENT

“I commenced to realize the meaning of sexism in the armed forces while I was a Marine Corps observer with the British army during the Battle for Britain. During a night bombing raid against London, I watched the women gunners in an anti-aircraft battery battle the incoming German planes. I suddenly asked myself, ‘Why aren’t our women – able, loyal, and patriotic as they are – permitted to participate in this fashion?’”

General Wallace M. Green, Jr. 23rd Commandant of the Marine Corps.

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Statue of Molly Marine at Paris Island, S.C.

COURTESY PHOTO

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COURTESY PHOTO

Pvt. Eleanor Nocito repairs an F4U Corsair at El Toro, Calif.

MCWR color guard in Washington, D.C.

Cpl. Essie Lucas and Pfc. Betty J. Ayers replace an engine at camp Lejeune, N.C.

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COURTESY PHOTO

n Nov. 10, 1943, a statue of Molly Marine was dedicated in New Orleans. The motto that went with it was the recruiting slogan used to attract women to the Marine Corp in World War II: “Free a Marine to Fight.”

At the time, bringing women into the armed forces for even the non-combat jobs they did fill was a controversial act only possible because of the great national emergency and need for ‘manpower.’

But though each generation forgets, women have participated in every war in American history. Wives of soldiers were part of the logistics that kept the Continental Army ready as a fighting force. Though they were not ever considered soldiers, they sometimes found themselves fighting.

Margaret Corbin was bringing water to cool the cannons at Fort Washington in 1776 when her husband was killed. She took his spot in battle, becoming the first woman to receive a pension for her service.

Over the decades that followed, up to World War II, a small number of women fought, and a larger number found other ways to serve. Many roles that now seem like traditional and fairly conservative roles for women, such as nurses, were originally considered to be scandalous and took over a hundred years for it to be seen as acceptable by society.

Although women served in World War I, it was in generally limited roles that seem not to have made enough of an impression to make service the norm.

But in World War II the need for personnel was so great that it was decided the country needed their women to serve.

On Nov. 7, 1942, the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve (MCWR) was created. The women who joined at that time had limited job opportunities. They began training without uniforms being ready, and they were allowed observations of weapons demonstrations, but not given actual training in weapons.

Many of the women who joined the MCWR were quite a bit older than your average recruit. Many had husbands, children and a few even had grandchildren.

But they were often treated as if they were young children themselves. For example, women on base were not allowed to have an automobile, even though men would be allowed to.

But what they wanted was to serve their country, and the women who joined the Marine Corps picked that branch for a reason.

One woman, Inga Frederiksen who applied for the Coast Guard during World War II was told by her recruiter that it was a good idea to avoid joining the Marines because they were ‘rougher.’ Hearing that, Frederiksen

knew she had to join the Marines.

We don’t always like unfamiliar things until we have a chance to get accustomed to them. Once people got used to the new Marines, they began seeing them as useful answers to problems created by a need for bodies in a large number of roles. According to Colonel Mary Stremlow’s overview of the MCWR, Free A Marine to Fight: “The Marine recruiting brochures in 1943 promised women openings in 34 job assignments: the shortsightedness of the planners can be seen in the final statistics recording women in more than 200.”

By the time the war ended women had done jobs that no one had imagined they could do. And though it was assumed that all the women were going to be demobilized after the war, when the war finally did end, a curious thing happened: requests for exceptions started happening.

Though the numbers were small, the women stayed past the deadline for the dismantling. And after 1948, the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act made the presence of women a permanent part of the Marine Corps.

Today, women in the Marine Corps have come a long way from the days when they asked women to ‘free a marine to fight.’ They serve in almost all job fields. With the repeal of the Direct Combat Exclusion Rule, the Marine Corps are researching what ground combat jobs might be opened to women.

Women are already being allowed to attend the Infantry Officer Course and the Infantry Training Battalion as a part of the research. The women who volunteer to attend do so knowing they will not be allowed into the infantry now, and there is no guarantee they would be allowed in the future. In essence, many are doing it simply out of pride.

And many have found themselves already fighting, despite the Direct Combat Exclusion Rule.

“You could have a supply female Marine in a supporting role, who just happens to be at the right time, right place,” said Capt. Veronica Polston, of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323. “She’s not necessarily organic to that squad but she could be in the same location if something were to happen, she’s on the front line. It doesn’t matter; every Marine is a rifleman. That’s our job. And we’re now able to execute that appropriately as we’re trained to do.”

One of the problems faced by personnel in MCWR was the fact that they were considered separate, but many male personnel didn’t consider them to be equal. In 70 years, we’ve finally moved forward.

“I think our expectations are more equal now and I would say it’s been like that since I’ve been in, on the larger scale,” said Polston. “A corporal is a corporal, a lieutenant is an lieutenant and a captain is a captain. There is no gender to that and our performance is based on our responsibilities to that rank.”

Early uniforms for the MCWR were either unpractical dresses or resembled men’s pajamas. Today’s uniforms have

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changed since then.

“Obviously our uniforms are a little different from the men’s now, but if you look at the uniforms back then from where we are now, they’re getting closer and closer to making our uniforms gender-neutral,” said Sgt. Jennifer Duke, also of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323. “So even things like our uniforms are over time becoming more and more gender neutral.”

The physical requirements for men and women have been different from the beginning, but there has been a steady march toward an equality of expectation.

In the 90s, for example, women only had to complete half the number of crunches and run half the distance as the men, said Duke. But by the early 2000s, women were expected to be able to do the same number of crunches and to run the same distance.

“I think more recently now, we’re seeing where women are being expected to meet the expectations that are pushed on men,” said Duke. “As of 2014, we have to do pull-ups for our PFT [physical fitness test] now. We only have to do eight as opposed to the guys’ 20, but be willing to bet that within 10 years we’re going to be getting up there closer to where the guys are expected to be.”

As the role that women play in Marine Corps continues to evolve in the coming decades, there is one thing that the story up to now tells us: Women Marines will continue to push and demand the chance to serve their country in new ways. And it will not be given to them. It will be earned by the example and effort of today’s women Marines. As the expectations rise, the opportunities expand.

“What I leave to those that come after me is to never give up, push past the obstacles. They’re never going to go away there is always going to be something else to push past,” said Polston. “Push past it, make it the norm, and find the next obstacle to move over.”

Duke thinks that one day people will look back and see that there was a time when women who could meet and exceed the expectations of their male counterparts were prevented from doing the same jobs. And that day isn’t far off.

“In a couple decades, people will look back and be like, ‘That’s crazy,’” said Duke. “I know females I went to boot camp with, if they were telling me they were infantry, I would be like, ‘Yup.’ Because physically, they’re stronger than probably half the men on the ship.”

“I hope, for the future, that there’s a female commandant, and the first female sergeant major of the Marine Corps, and then that it’s no longer the first, it’s just another sergeant major of the Marine Corps,” said Pohlston. “That’s what I hope.

“And it’s just a matter of time,” she said.

“In my five years’ experience, I’ve never once settled to be good on the female marine side of the house. ‘I’m not a female Marine, I’m a Marine,’” said Duke. “If I’m giving a hundred percent and they say she’s a great female Marine, I’m going to give a 110 percent.”

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Marines paint a M61A1 21mm machine gun of an F/A-18C Hornet of VMFA-323 . Photo by MCSN (SW) Kole Carpenter

EM3 FUTCH: FITNESS GURU STORY AND PHOTOS BY MC3 LINDA S. SWEARINGEN

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EM3 FUTCH POSES IN THE GYM.

he Navy has evolved over the years in many ways. One of the more recent adaptations the Navy has taken on has been developing a culture of fitness.

Instead of doing

the bare minimum mandatory workouts three days a week of short cardio sessions, pushups and sit-ups, one Sailor on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) has taken the Navy’s culture of fitness to the next level.

Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Vanessa L. Futch, of Hinesville, Ga.,

has been an assistant command fitness leader (ACFL) and fitness guru for Air Department’s V-4 Division for more than two years.

Futch has become somewhat of a fitness guru since she stepped on board Nimitz by writing work out plans to help fellow Sailors stay in shape and

getting certified as a TRX suspension trainer.

“I’m a certified trainer for the TRX suspension through the company that makes the equipment,” said Futch. “I got my certification by going to two days of training at the base gym in Everett about a year ago. The suspension training equipment is located in the hangar bay on the ship. Suspension training is a good way to exercise and approved by the Navy for workouts.”

In addition to TRX suspension training, Futch is a kettlebell enthusiast who trains several times a week with the kettlebells as an alternative to running on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike in the gerbil gym for cardio.

“The kettlebells are good for a full body workout: legs, arms, abs and back,” said Futch.

“The kettlebells we have on board range from 10 to 50 pounds. There are heavier ones located at the base gym in Everett. I’ve been doing kettlebells for about five years. I like them because they are an intense workout. They will wear you down. I use them in interval training with a timer and go straight from one exercise routine to another so it is a good cardio workout as well.”

According to Futch, the reason she works out is simple: it makes her happy. “[Working out] is something to do when you’re bored,” said Futch. “It keeps you in shape and I like helping people stay in shape.”

Futch admits that finding time to work out can be difficult while out to sea, but training in the hangar bay is a good alternative to those who want to try something different than going to the gym every day.

Besides her varied workout sessions throughout the week, Futch is also one of only two females on board Nimitz to be a part of the 600 pound club.

When Nimitz returns to its homeport of Everett, Wash., Futch said her immediate plans include becoming certified as a CrossFit trainer so she can teach the exercises to other Sailors on board. Futch’s more long term plans include opening her own gym and winning the CrossFit Games which are held annually in different parts of the country.

For those Sailors who are looking to become more fit and try different kinds of exercises outside of the norm, Futch offers some advice.

“I live by the words ‘train insane or remain the same,’” said Futch. “If you workout and you’re tired afterwards and your body is aching the next day you know you had a good workout.”

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NHL HOCKEY ROUNDUP

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By Steve Glansberg

ith the 2013 hockey season well underway, it’s time to catch up and see what’s going on in the league.

First, this marks the first season that the new playoff system is in place. Under the new system, the top three teams from each division receive an automatic playoff spot. This leaves two wild card spots per conference, which go to the remaining teams with the best records. That means that the divisional winner with the best record faces the wild card team with the worst record, even if that team is from another division.

The early part of the season can play a critical role in a team’s playoff chances, and the winners and losers are already becoming apparent. Let’s take a look at the standings so far:

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The Avalanche are shaping up to be the team to beat this year, surprisingly leading the league with a 12-1-0 record. They are setting themselves up nicely for the rest of the season.

Thanks largely to the efforts of Alexander Sheen, the Blues set themselves up as one of the league’s tougher opponents to beat. Their point totals may seem low, but that’s only because they have only played 12 games this season.

If it weren’t for some slight mistakes, the Sharks would be at the top of the league right now. Still, they’re the top scoring team and are looking as strong as ever.

After winning three tough road games, the Red Wings now have a 9-4-2 record. They have also shown themselves to be a team that can score from any line.

Despite their injuries the Penguins continue to find a way to win and are easily dominating the laughably bad Metropolitan Division. There is no reason why they won’t return to the playoffs this season.

The perennially strong Canucks are 10-5-1 after going 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and still find themselves ranked only fourth in the Pacific Division Standings. This division is full of contenders and is set for some great games as we reach the playoffs.

Even though they boast the worst power play in the league and have endured more than their fair share of injuries, the Ducks look strong offensively and have been stingy giving up goals.

The Maple Leafs are off to a respectable 10-5-0 record with a plus 12 goal differential, but they are also habitually beat up on in both shots and time of possession. Continuing success is going to elude them unless they address those issues.

If it weren’t for a rocky start, Chicago would be ranked higher than they are.

Still, the offense seems to have found its rhythm and Patrick Kane has been in top form.

Despite a rocky start, Josh Harding is looking much more comfortable in the net and their offense have seen improvement. They are slowly clawing their way out of the hole they dug for themselves, bolstered by a power play second only to Washington.

The Coyotes are looking very strong and are contenders for the top of the Pacific Division, arguably the strongest division in the league right now.

They’re offense is looking unstoppable coming off of four straight wins.

The Kings are keeping their heads above water, going 3-3-0 in their past six games, but that won’t be enough in the tough Western Conference.

The Lightning have quietly set the pace for the Atlantic Division with a 104-0 record after winning seven of their last nine games. They should continue to be a solid team barring any crucial injuries.

After tough losses to the Penguins and Islanders, the Bruins have slid to 8-5-0, and will need to step their game up if they want to repeat past successes.

Nashville continues to be hot and cold, blowing games on the road and redeeming themselves at home. With a 7-5-2 record, things are looking iffy.

The Jets have won exactly once in their past seven games and are well on their way to enjoying a long offseason this year.

After recently dropping two games in a row, the Canadiens are now tied for fourth in the Atlantic Division with the Bruins.

Try as they might, the Panthers just can’t find a way to win, and it doesn’t look like this is going to change any time soon.

Despite finally seeing some output from expensive pick up Thomas Vanek, the Islanders still look helpless both in the net and defending it.

Things are looking grim for the hurricanes this year. With star goaltender Cam Ward out for almost a month and a nonexistent offense, they are also ranked 26th in goals per game.

Even though they have a 7-7-0 record, the Caps have been missing Alex Ovechkin. They overcame a very slow start last season, and all of the talent is still there to make them contenders. It would be foolish to underestimate them at this point.

Despite the high hopes for this season, the Blue Jackets have had a disappointing start to say the least. However, if stars Sergei Bobrovsky, Marion Gaborik and Nathan Horton can start making noise all might not be lost just yet.

The Rangers have had it rough. With Madison Square Garden being renovated, they’ve played only five of their 13 games at home, but they’ve managed together to string together three wins in a row. Things are starting to look up for this team.

With one of the older teams in the league, the most the Devils have managed to put together is a two game win streak, which was promptly snapped by a very lackluster Flyers team. Good luck.

Ottawa is struggling this year and no one is more aware of it than the Senators. Despite their best efforts they are still struggling to find a formula for winning against even mediocre teams.

If it weren’t for Philadelphia and Buffalo, the Oilers would be taking the brunt for laughingstock of the league right now.

They have the dubious distinction of leading the league in goals against, as well. It would be a safe bet to count their playoff hopes as dead.

With Kari Lehtonen healthy things have started to go well for the struggling Stars.

Whether he can carry the team and stay healthy is a different concern entirely.

Still, they’ve managed to cling to a 6-62 record so there may be a glimmer of hope.

If you’re a Philadelphia fan right now, then your loyalty and long suffering are to be commended, but these compliments are about all you’re going to salvage from this season.

Also sporting a 6-6-2 average, things do not look well for the Flames this season. They are ranked 29th in goals against this season and have the worst save percentage in the league.

Well, the Sabres lead the major penalties so maybe should just watch boxing and try again with hockey son.

league in their fans this year next sea-

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