| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Guest0087 |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 13:14:07
Which Western Conference playoff teams from last year is most likely to fall out of the playoffs this year?
Add any other teams you think will fall out of the playoff picture in your comment, and let us know who you think will move up to take their place. |
| 40 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Guest0220 |
Posted - 08/12/2011 : 20:01:59
quote:
Originally posted by Guest0220
Columbus has the gritty players (Boll, Dorsett) and veterans (Prospal, Vermette, and Wiz) to succeed, and Mason has more experience than goalies like Crawford, who was a rookie at 25. Crawford will slump worse than Mason.
On chicago getting older I understand aquiring veterans is important for leadership. But when you add O'donnel, Mayers and Brunnette all of whom are over 36, thats getting older. These guys' ages will be catching up to them this year, especially later in the season.
Nashville sold off Franson, and Ward (I dont know why anyone would let him go after his perfomance in the playoffs) , and Weber is on the way. No one wants to play their and owners are penny pinchers.
----DEE |
| Guest0220 |
Posted - 08/12/2011 : 20:00:45
Columbus has the gritty players (Boll, Dorsett) and veterans (Prospal, Vermette, and Wiz) to succeed, and Mason has more experience than goalies like Crawford, who was a rookie at 25. Crawford will slump worse than Mason.
On chicago getting older I understand aquiring veterans is important for leadership. But when you add O'donnel, Mayers and Brunnette all of whom are over 36, thats getting older. These guys' ages will be catching up to them this year, especially later in the season.
Nashville sold off Franson, and Ward (I dont know why anyone would let him go after his perfomance in the playoffs) , and Weber is on the way. No one wants to play their and owners are penny pinchers. |
| Guest4312 |
Posted - 08/12/2011 : 13:46:09
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Chicago got older and slower?? Interesting opinion. Most opinions about Chicago include best teams to be knocked out in the first round and they improved.
1) interesting opinon... more like hilarious. chicago has without a doubt in my mind one of the top 3 strongest cores in the nhl kane, toews, kieth, seabrook, sharp, emerging crawford/ frolik, and added depth/ grit players. these guys haven't even hit their prime yet!!! getting slower lol rick nash and jeff carter are older than basically all of those guys.
2)for beans: only team knocked out in the first round that might put up a fight with chicago would be montreal, however i do agree chi is better. both those teams IMO were too good to be early playoff exits but did make for two great series with the canucks and bruins early on. (weird how both stanley cup finalists were so close to being 1st round exits)
3) anahiem vs. nashville round 1... anahiem 1 great line (ryan/perry/getzlaf) ... a much better combination than carter/nash/umberger or brassard. ryan/perry/getzlaf meet a shutdown defense pairing (sutter/ weber) and the rest is history. 1 good line doesn't mean jack. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 08/12/2011 : 13:10:13
As I said, name your terms. I will take just about any bet where I take CBJ to not make the playoffs.
Detroit did not get any better, but they also did not get any worse. They won the division last year, right??? So CBJ is playing catch up and has not come even close to catching up.
Chicago got older and slower?? Interesting opinion. Most opinions about Chicago include best teams to be knocked out in the first round and they improved. But you might be the only one who is correct.
Who has Nashville sold away??
I will agree with you that CBJ will have one tough line to play against. Unfortunately, to be a winning hockey team you need 4 lines, a defense, and a goalie. CBJ is missing 3 forward lines, a defense, and a goalie.
|
| Alex116 |
Posted - 08/12/2011 : 13:08:58
quote:
Originally posted by Guest0220
chicago has gotten, older and slower,----DEEE
Really?  Really? Well, i suppos EVERY team really has gotten older considering EVERY player is a year older and no team has picked up enough youngsters to make up for that. That's about the only argument you have for that statement! Kane, Toews, Keith, Seabrook, Sharp, Crawford, etc, etc are all still very young and just happen to form the core of a very good Chicago team! Look for them to compete for top spot in their division this season.
|
| Guest0220 |
Posted - 08/12/2011 : 13:02:05
Nash has never had a star caliber player to play with, and they made the playoffs in 08-09 without the new additions, this team is very young, and will surprise a lot. Detroit hasnt gotten any better this offseason, chicago has gotten, older and slower, and nashville is slowly selling everyone away. Columbus will be first in the central. a line of carter-brassard-nash or umberger-carter-nash. Sounds like one tough line to play against. Didn't umberger and carter play together in philly?
----DEEE |
| n/a |
Posted - 08/04/2011 : 05:27:12
Yeah, crazy as it sounds, I agree with Beans. Columbus is not making it.
I mean, anomolies do happen sometimes, against all expectation (Colorado making the playoffs a couple of years ago, when everyone were predicting them to be a bottom three team). But, they are extremely rare.
As stated, Mason would have to have a huge season in goal, the defence would have to have some career years, and all of the newly aquired talent would have to play at the same level as before, when they were all on winning record playoff teams.
I really, really don't see that happening.
In fact, for my keeper pool, I am trying to unload Carter (while his value is high). I predict a so-so season from him.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Guest4312 |
Posted - 08/03/2011 : 15:35:19
i don't think its the new players that will get columbus into the playoffs.... steve mason will have to return to calder form in order for them to make it. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 08/01/2011 : 13:44:55
I am really surprised about how many people are predicting such great things out of CBJ. This is a team who were 16 pts out of the playoffs last season and only COL and EDM were worse in the West. The finished 24th in the entire NHL in the standings, were 24th in goals for, 26th in goals against, 29th on the PP, and 22nd in PK. How does adding Weisnewski, Prospal, and Carter all of a sudden make this team good enough to make the playoffs??
This is the easy bet this season and it appears there will be multiple takers so I will call it out.
Columbus will not make the playoffs this season. Name your terms and I will take just about any bet that says that Columbus will make the playoffs. |
| nuxfan |
Posted - 08/01/2011 : 09:26:41
quote:
3rd - Columbus - Carter is the missing piece for Nash
CBJ winning the central division, over DET or CHI? Thats a stretch - I think CBJ is missing a few more pieces yet. |
| Guest0220 |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 23:00:30
1st - LA - Lots of scoring and Kopitar fnishes in the top 10 in points.
2nd - Van - Best depth in the NHL, goaltending tends to choke.
3rd - Columbus - Carter is the missing piece for Nash
4th - SJ - Less scoring than last year, better d however. They go deep into the playoffs.
5th - Anahiem - The big line will always work. If Etem makes the team, watchout!
6th - Chicago - Shaky goaltending and players from 20010 are slowly being moved to florida
7th - Minnesota - Heatley/Koivu/Setoguchi line proves to do the job.
8th - Nashville - Rinne wins vezina.
9th - Detroit - See the 06-07 Avalanche.
10th - St. Louis - Makes a solid run near the end, but falls short.
11th - Calgary - Overpaid, Old, Underachieving.
12th - Colorado - Varalmov has slow start, Giggy retires, Team breaks out next season.
13th - Edmonton - Dubnyk becomes number 1, builin retires, team trades high pick/prospect for star goalie.
14th - Dallas - Team cant do much without any offense. Benn however is teams bright spot.
15th - Phoenix. - At least next year they will be playing somewhere else.
----DEE
|
| Beans15 |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 18:25:54
My bad. Not only missed the grouped together bit but also missed Calgary at 11!
Wow, maybe I need another beer. |
| ryan93 |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 17:52:36
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
So I assume as there is no #8 team and Calgary is not listed in your synopsis that Calgary is in at #8???
I assume you're referring to Guest4004's list Beans? He has Colorado listed at #8, it's just that it's sort of grouped together with Nashville. And Calgary is listed, in at #11. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 15:29:42
So I assume as there is no #8 team and Calgary is not listed in your synopsis that Calgary is in at #8??? |
| Guest4004 |
Posted - 07/30/2011 : 22:04:30
1. Vancouver- Didnt lose a whole lot other than ehrhoff and should another great regular season
2. LA- Come out of nowhere and tear it up heading into playoffs. Richards gets 85-90 points
3. Chicago- Bounce back year when Keith becomes norris candidate again, goaltending the only issue
4. Anaheim- Big line is great and goaltending is solid
5. San Jose- has a weak year for them as burns and boyle are great but forwards dont want it, Couture leads team in scoring
6. Detroit- slowly falter, datsyuk has another career year and lidstrom hangs em up after early playoff oust
7. Nashville- Determination gets them in and Rinne is vezina candidate again
8. Colorado- I know what your saying but Duchene has career year, Peter Mueller comes back from surgery a point per gamer as he is with the avs (20p in 15gp) and Landeskog makes calder contention
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Phoenix- does all they can but goaltending kills them in the end
10. Columbus- stuck in a close race but need another year, Carter and Nash take a while to click but are lights out after christmas
11. Calgary- MAke a run at the end like last year but yet again iggy cant carry the team
12. St. Louis- good off season makes them a contender in an incredibly close conference, future looks good though with Schwartz and Tarasenko
13. Minnesota- Setoguchi outplays heatley with good year, Heater cant find the touch
14. Edmonton- This isnt the year yet where they make the playoffs but soon, eventually hopkins and hall both become 100 point men
15. Dallas- Brutal year gets them top 2 pick as they look to the future
6 to 13 are separated by no more than 7 points |
| fat_elvis_rocked |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 10:13:08
The West is a tough call, but here goes;
1) Vancouver Canucks
Status Quo, not only a great 70’s jam band, but the reason the Canucks will keep rolling along at the top.
2) San Jose Sharks
Addition of Burns and Havlat, nicely offset the loss of Heatley and Setoguchi, still a regular season powerhouse.
3) Detroit Red Wings
Another year older perhaps, but their core is still as good as any team in the league.
4) Los Angeles Kings
Richards and Gagne give them scoring depth and leadership. Never a bad thing.
5) Chicago Blackhawks
After last season’s end, fire sale, nicely rebuilding key role players.
6) Anaheim Ducks
A healthy Getzlaf, an improving Ryan, and Perry, ‘nuff said.
7) Nashville Predators
Mike Fisher cements the impression that the Preds portray, hard-working, disciplined and competitive. Should continue post season participation and build from last playoffs taste of success, however limited.
8) Calgary Flames
Based entirely on how they finished last regular season. Iginla played like a 25 year old,
and the Sutter break up, seemed to only inspire them to play hard. No reason it shouldn’t carry in to this season.
9) Columbus Blue Jackets – getting closer and Nash/Carter are dangerous, but not enough
10) St. Louis Blues – Chris Stewart will be a star, just not a playoff star
11) Minnesota Wild – always competitive, just not quite there yet.
12) Edmonton Oilers – gradually improving, nowhere to go but up from last couple years
13) Phoenix Coyotes – another tumultuous season behind scenes, shows in standings
14) Colorado Avalanche – Rebuilding? Retooling? Definitely Regressing.
15) Dallas Stars – lineup looks like NY Islanders west…Ugh!
|
| Guest4312 |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 09:25:13
i'm thinking the best thing that can happen is phoenix finishes dead last so that whichever canadian city gets the club after this year has a decent rebuild already underway |
| ToXXiK1 |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 23:21:52
Thanks, I stand corrected. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 08:00:54
quote:
Originally posted by ToXXiK1
1. Sj
2. L.A.
3. ANA
4. VAN
5.NASH
6. CHI
7. PHO
8. CAL
Rest are irrelevant.
This is impossible. The NHL's system has each division leader in the 1,2,3 spots (as @valanche stated)
If this is your prediction, it would be:
1 - SJ
2 - VAN
3 - NASH
4 - LA
5 - ANA
6 - CHI
7 - PHO
8 - CAL |
| @valanche |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 07:58:53
not sure how 3 teams all in the same division will be finishing in the respective division leader positions ... but you never know. i would say the chances of 3 teams from the pacific being 1,2,3 are about as likely as your prediction that phoenix makes the playoffs
66 is > than 99 |
| ToXXiK1 |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 02:25:14
1. Sj
2. L.A.
3. ANA
4. VAN
5.NASH
6. CHI
7. PHO
8. CAL
Rest are irrelevant. |
| Leafs81 |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 02:09:48
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
quote:
Originally posted by Leafs81
I would say that Phoenix falls out way out and they will end last in the league. How can they compete with Mike Smith in net.
1. Chicago Crawford looks good they have good acquisitions and still loaded with talent. They go to the Stanley Cup final
2. Vancouver Still the team to beat in the NW
3. Los Angeles Doughty will have a better year and the acquisition of Richards makes them better then SJ
4. San Jose A bit of a drop Niemi wont steal many games and they will rely on him more now that Heatley and Setoguchi are gone.
5.Detroit Aging but still really good and deep.
6. Calgary They are deep out front and this year will be different for Boumeester.
7. Minnesota Heatley and Koivu together will gel and they have a good enough goalie to steal some important games.
8.Columbus Finally Rick Nash has a center Steve Mason bounces back
Fighting for it are Nashville Anaheim and St Louis
Wow. 3 teams (Columbus, Minny, and Calgary) make the playoffs that didn't last year. So PHX, ANA, and NASH are out??
How many bets are you making this year??? Keep me in mind.....
Ok youre on Even though I really think Nashville could be the team to make me lose the bet. But heres the bet that I would agree with. Three teams in the western conference that made it last year doesnt make it next season. It doesnt have to be Nashville Phoenix and Anaheim that are out and it doesnt have to be Calgary Minnesota and Columbus that are in. The bet is at least three teams doesnt make it and three new ones are in. Lets leave the avatar option open for you and Slozo. The title ze have underneath that is posted as an automatic thats what will change. My worst team is the Canadiens so to humiliate me would be to say something like Carey Price is the best or Subban is way better then Schenn or simply Go Habs Go. Everytime I would post that would be written underneath. Actually you could chose what I should write. If you lose then I will chose something for you to write about the Canucks or Kesler as I think they are the team you despise the most or is it the Flames. Are you in? |
| n/a |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 10:57:54
[/quote]
Pavelski is 5'11''
[/quote]
And I said he was gritty and NOT TOO SMALL.
Your point?
I mean, in retrospect I probably should have said Couture instead of Pavelski . . . but whatever, man.
If you have anything meaningful to add on where San Jose fits in the Eastern Conference, we're all ears. 
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Jumbo Joe Rocks |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 10:27:22
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
quote:
Originally posted by Sensfan101
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Jumbo, I have to say that I have never read anything as bias as that in my life. I would suggest that 9 out of 10 99 out of 100 analysts would take your opinions of Havlat and Heatley as the exact opposites. Heatley is a player that can play both sides of the puck, play physical, and score. Havlat can score and that's it. It is Havlat who is one dimensional.
Heatley will be a loss, but not as substantial as some are letting on. But don't kid yourself. Havlat would have to have a career year to match what Heatley does on an off year.
Are you serious Beans? It's not like Havlat is a Selke candidate either but Heatley is one of the worst denesive players I've ever seen and he can play physical? Give me a break. And yes I would take Heatley over Havlat.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky
I think it's a bit of both here, myself.
I have seen Heatley actually play the body, give out checks, and be ok with physical contact. He is a skill player, so he doesn't need to do it . . . but he doesn't necessarily shy away from it. He is very average defensively, I'd say - which, for a very good offensive player, is great, in my books.
Havlat, on the other hand, is a very skilled player who I have seen time and time again shy away from the body big time. He avoids physical contact, and when you try to manhandle him, he just tries to deke you or pass instead of take a bit of a hit. He is an excellent stick handler though, so it does get him out of a lot of jams.
I would say that Heatley definitely has a MORE complete game than Havlat's . . . but that Heatley is far from having a 'complete game', if you catch my drift.
Where this fits in San Jose, and how much better or worse it makes them . . . I don't know. They certainly didn't need Heater to play gritty, not with Thornton and Marleau and Clowe and Pavelski there . . . all skilled forwards who are not too shy and not too small! So I think Havlat will do just fine, actually.
Who knows, we may see career numbers from both players, and they could meet in the playoffs, lol . . . now THAT would be classic entertainment!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Pavelski is 5'11'' |
| n/a |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 05:49:27
quote:
slozo i betya iggy scores 35 or more again this season you in?
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
No. Frickin'. Way.
And I am not betting against Selanne not getting 35 either, he's even worse . . . and I went against my own personal rule last year in doing this: I bet against someone I like. I really like Iggy as a player, really respect his game, and I brought the bad karma on myself to bet against him doing well, and I won't do it again.
We might think of something, but first, I'll settle on a bet with Beans, and I'll go from there.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| n/a |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 05:35:57
quote:
Originally posted by Sensfan101
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Jumbo, I have to say that I have never read anything as bias as that in my life. I would suggest that 9 out of 10 99 out of 100 analysts would take your opinions of Havlat and Heatley as the exact opposites. Heatley is a player that can play both sides of the puck, play physical, and score. Havlat can score and that's it. It is Havlat who is one dimensional.
Heatley will be a loss, but not as substantial as some are letting on. But don't kid yourself. Havlat would have to have a career year to match what Heatley does on an off year.
Are you serious Beans? It's not like Havlat is a Selke candidate either but Heatley is one of the worst denesive players I've ever seen and he can play physical? Give me a break. And yes I would take Heatley over Havlat.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky
I think it's a bit of both here, myself.
I have seen Heatley actually play the body, give out checks, and be ok with physical contact. He is a skill player, so he doesn't need to do it . . . but he doesn't necessarily shy away from it. He is very average defensively, I'd say - which, for a very good offensive player, is great, in my books.
Havlat, on the other hand, is a very skilled player who I have seen time and time again shy away from the body big time. He avoids physical contact, and when you try to manhandle him, he just tries to deke you or pass instead of take a bit of a hit. He is an excellent stick handler though, so it does get him out of a lot of jams.
I would say that Heatley definitely has a MORE complete game than Havlat's . . . but that Heatley is far from having a 'complete game', if you catch my drift.
Where this fits in San Jose, and how much better or worse it makes them . . . I don't know. They certainly didn't need Heater to play gritty, not with Thornton and Marleau and Clowe and Pavelski there . . . all skilled forwards who are not too shy and not too small! So I think Havlat will do just fine, actually.
Who knows, we may see career numbers from both players, and they could meet in the playoffs, lol . . . now THAT would be classic entertainment!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Pasty7 |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 19:30:19
i think they are both pretty one dimensional but i think the difference is Heatly is boat loads better than Havlat at that one dimension,,, like beans said Havlat and Heatly`s years were pretty similar last year yet Heater had his worst season since his rookie year and Havlat had one of his best years of his career......
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
|
| Sensfan101 |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 17:43:25
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Jumbo, I have to say that I have never read anything as bias as that in my life. I would suggest that 9 out of 10 99 out of 100 analysts would take your opinions of Havlat and Heatley as the exact opposites. Heatley is a player that can play both sides of the puck, play physical, and score. Havlat can score and that's it. It is Havlat who is one dimensional.
Heatley will be a loss, but not as substantial as some are letting on. But don't kid yourself. Havlat would have to have a career year to match what Heatley does on an off year.
Are you serious Beans? It's not like Havlat is a Selke candidate either but Heatley is one of the worst denesive players I've ever seen and he can play physical? Give me a break. And yes I would take Heatley over Havlat.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 13:39:11
quote:
Originally posted by Leafs81
I would say that Phoenix falls out way out and they will end last in the league. How can they compete with Mike Smith in net.
1. Chicago Crawford looks good they have good acquisitions and still loaded with talent. They go to the Stanley Cup final
2. Vancouver Still the team to beat in the NW
3. Los Angeles Doughty will have a better year and the acquisition of Richards makes them better then SJ
4. San Jose A bit of a drop Niemi wont steal many games and they will rely on him more now that Heatley and Setoguchi are gone.
5.Detroit Aging but still really good and deep.
6. Calgary They are deep out front and this year will be different for Boumeester.
7. Minnesota Heatley and Koivu together will gel and they have a good enough goalie to steal some important games.
8.Columbus Finally Rick Nash has a center Steve Mason bounces back
Fighting for it are Nashville Anaheim and St Louis
Wow. 3 teams (Columbus, Minny, and Calgary) make the playoffs that didn't last year. So PHX, ANA, and NASH are out??
How many bets are you making this year??? Keep me in mind..... |
| Leafs81 |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 12:40:35
I would say that Phoenix falls out way out and they will end last in the league. How can they compete with Mike Smith in net.
1. Chicago Crawford looks good they have good acquisitions and still loaded with talent. They go to the Stanley Cup final
2. Vancouver Still the team to beat in the NW
3. Los Angeles Doughty will have a better year and the acquisition of Richards makes them better then SJ
4. San Jose A bit of a drop Niemi wont steal many games and they will rely on him more now that Heatley and Setoguchi are gone.
5.Detroit Aging but still really good and deep.
6. Calgary They are deep out front and this year will be different for Boumeester.
7. Minnesota Heatley and Koivu together will gel and they have a good enough goalie to steal some important games.
8.Columbus Finally Rick Nash has a center Steve Mason bounces back
Fighting for it are Nashville Anaheim and St Louis |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 11:27:32
Jumbo, I have to say that I have never read anything as bias as that in my life. I would suggest that 9 out of 10 99 out of 100 analysts would take your opinions of Havlat and Heatley as the exact opposites. Heatley is a player that can play both sides of the puck, play physical, and score. Havlat can score and that's it. It is Havlat who is one dimensional.
Heatley will be a loss, but not as substantial as some are letting on. But don't kid yourself. Havlat would have to have a career year to match what Heatley does on an off year. |
| Jumbo Joe Rocks |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 10:56:42
Just saying alot of you are saying Heatley is a huge loss and Havlat is a downgrade but your wrong Heatley is a one dimensional player that tries to dangle around everyone and it works 1/20 times, he coughs up the puck ALOT and is as slow as cold molasses and cannot play defense. Havlat is a speedy two way player who can score, pass, play defense IMO it is an upgrade and they get an extra 2.5M in cap space
Losing Seto will not hurt because they still have plenty of scorers on their team it is his speed they will miss
As for Burns he is an all star defenseman that can take over for Boyle on the PK and is a great skater and can replace Boyle when he retires. |
| Pasty7 |
Posted - 07/17/2011 : 14:59:07
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Anaheim is another possibility, guest who mentioned it is right.
Can we expect for Selanne to have yet another miracle season at the age of 50? I doubt it.
That was a huge part of their success last year . . . have two lines, one awesome one, one very good one (Selanne, Koivu). With a failing second line, all the pressure gets doubled on the 1st line, and shut them down, you've got a win. Although, Hiller is a very solid goalie, hopefully he's out in the clear with his head/vision situation.
They could slip out . . . but someone would have to come on like gangbusters to take their place. Calgary? Could Edmonton put together an unexpected push? Could St.Louis finally put it together? Columbus? Who knows.
But besides Phoenix, if any other team falls out (Anaheim, wild prediction LA from me) mymoney is on Calgary as a replacement. Kipper and Iggy's last run.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
sloo i betya iggy scores 35 or more again this season you in?
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
|
| n/a |
Posted - 07/17/2011 : 14:11:46
Anaheim is another possibility, guest who mentioned it is right.
Can we expect for Selanne to have yet another miracle season at the age of 50? I doubt it.
That was a huge part of their success last year . . . have two lines, one awesome one, one very good one (Selanne, Koivu). With a failing second line, all the pressure gets doubled on the 1st line, and shut them down, you've got a win. Although, Hiller is a very solid goalie, hopefully he's out in the clear with his head/vision situation.
They could slip out . . . but someone would have to come on like gangbusters to take their place. Calgary? Could Edmonton put together an unexpected push? Could St.Louis finally put it together? Columbus? Who knows.
But besides Phoenix, if any other team falls out (Anaheim, wild prediction LA from me) mymoney is on Calgary as a replacement. Kipper and Iggy's last run.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| nuxfan |
Posted - 07/17/2011 : 13:27:02
quote:
They don't however, possess the best 1,2 centre combo as that title is held a little further east by my number 5 team.
I did say "arguably" 
quote:
I think Van will be a top team next year, but agree they'll have a bit of a cup hangover. My suspicion is that they'll start slowly and come on strong.
I don't remember the last time VAN didn't start slow - of the top teams, they regularly one of the worst teams in Oct and early Nov... |
| Guest5052 |
Posted - 07/17/2011 : 13:26:06
Some good points, so I thought I'd wade in.
I think Van will be a top team next year, but agree they'll have a bit of a cup hangover. My suspicion is that they'll start slowly and come on strong.
SJ is a deep team whose secondary players are getting better (Clowe Pavelski). and Havlat and Burns will make up for Heatley, especially last years heatley
Detroit. Often people expect a decline and they are getting older, but for me until it happens they still have too much talent and experience. They'll be good.
LA. I like the additions, Doughty and Johnson are studs on the back end and their pretty fun to watch. I like Gagne, even if they lost smyth. Not as gritty, but good speed still.
Chi. I am not sure they'll be up near the top. i think they have great quality, but lost some secondary support. Brunnette was a nice pick up.
Nashville. Someone said it, they often get overlooked but they keep showin up. at the very least they will be fight for a playoff spot and I think they get one.
StL. I think They are building the pieces of a decent team and maybe this year they take a step forward
Minny same thing as STl.
Ana are too reliant on one line (although a gem line) and they seem inconsistent. Obviously they have the talent to get there, but they might take a step back this year.
Clb. I am just not sold on this team yet. Good addition of carter, but it remains to be seen how well he clicks with Nash. Plus I dont really like their D.
Cal. Great run that ended just shy last year. I think this team has trouble knowing if it should try to get in the playoffs and hope for another run, or re-tool. If things dont go well early it may be the later.
EDM, building a great foundation. Hall Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins are great assets. Still I think they'll take time to develop as a team but they'll continue to improve, I think they'll be with 5 points of 8th this year.
Phoenix I think will miss out. I feel like they've exceeded themselves the past two years, but the moving saga and losing their goalie might prove too much. They are obviously well coached though.
Col and Dal I expect to be the anchors
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| Mario 66 |
Posted - 07/17/2011 : 13:01:40
1) Van - too much depth & a two goalie rotation that can steal games. Plus the division is still weak so Van will be able to steal a lot of easy points if they play to their ability. They don't however, possess the best 1,2 centre combo as that title is held a little further east by my number 5 team.
2) Chicago - depending on how well Kane plays when he returns, this team should battle for first all yr, with tones of speed, talent & stability in the defensive core. Whether or not Cory Crawford plays well will depend on how far this team goes.
3) LA - With Quick between the pipe's an a top 6 now as good as anyone's with a D core that is above average this team should be fun to watch this yr.
4)SJ - The loss of Setoguchi & Heatley will sting early on, but over the course of the season the addition of Burns will more then pay off. Goaltending will determine if SJ continues their old ways or make's it out of the West this yr.
5) Det - Datsyuk & Zetterberg (Best 1 2 centre combo) will lead this team as usual. Detroit will compete with Chic for the 2 seed all yr, but will come up short in the end. This team is to reliable in all ends of the ice & at all times not to be given the respect they deserve.
6) Anaheim - The big three will take them to were they need to go & if they youth on the back end can play at a comparable level to last yr they may take the 3 or 4 seed from LA & SJ. I have them finishing 6, because it will take a bit for Hiller to round back into his dependable form.
7) Nsh - Stellar goaltending & Solid defense will get them in as usual
8 - 15 - is a crap shoot in the west.
Every journey begins with a single step. |
| Guest7435 |
Posted - 07/17/2011 : 08:57:59
quote:
Originally posted by sahis34
1. L.A.
2. Chicago
3. Vancouver
4. San Jose
5. Anaheim
6. Detroit
7. Columbus
8. Edmonton
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9. Phoenix
10. Minnesota
11. Colorado
12. Dallas
13. Calgary
14. St. Louis
15. Nashville
Top 6 looks good though ordering is a crap shoot. 7-15 questionable especially the oil stained glasses vision with Edmonton squeaking in.
Not sure why Nashville is at the bottom. Unless you think they won't get Weber back. Phoenix just lost their all-star goalie and biggest difference maker and you still think they'll be 9th? Switch Nashville and St-Louis with Columbus and Edmonton and now you're talking. |
| semin-rules |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 16:39:38
1. Vancouver- The city will not like Loungo at the start and give him no love, but after an 8 game win streak, the fans will be back on his side and they will go to the conference finals once again
2. San Jose - With Burns in the lineup and no Heatley, the Sharks remain at the top right from the get-go
3. Chicago - Some nice 3rd line depth and with a desire to do one thing this year, beat the Canucks. Chicago plays some excellent hockey and faces Van-city in the conference finals, and prevails
4. Anaheim - Bobby Ryan and Getzlaf will have a fantastic year and if Selanne returns, it will make them that much better
5. LA - With some lovely new additions and hopefully the signing of Doughty, the Kings will be a force next year that wont be easy to stop
6. St. Louis - With all the additions of veteran talent on the Blues now, I feel that the young guys will learn from it and will take the team to the playoffs. Very excited to watch this team this year.
7. Detroit - the slowly aging Red Wings are almost at their wits. Lidstrom will have one more year, it will only be half decent, and the goaltending is what squeaks them into the playoffs
8. Columbus - Rick Nash will have a lot of fun this year and will score 40+ goals to lead the Blue Jackets to another playoff berth
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9. Minnesota - Wild fans are lovin their hockey all year and Heatley has a great year, but shaky goaltending leaves them a few points out of 8th
10. Calgary - Iginla gives it all he's got, but comes up short...again. Fans start too lose faith in their captain
11. Nashville - A mediocre year for the Preds, nothing special happens... already thinking about 2012-2013
12. Colorado - Once again, another disappointing year, Duschene has a great year however but had no team to back him up. end off the year very soft to get another good draft pick
13. Dallas - With the loss of Richards, my beloved Stars have no will power. Morrow and Loui have great years, but the team just isn't the same without Brad.
14. Edmonton - Still a few years from a great franchise, but halfway through the season, the oilers start to find out who they really are and NH finished off very strong
15. Phoenix - Shane Doan can't do it all himself and with no goalie and no fans, they have a year to forget |
| sahis34 |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 14:00:11
1. L.A.
2. Chicago
3. Vancouver
4. San Jose
5. Anaheim
6. Detroit
7. Columbus
8. Edmonton
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9. Phoenix
10. Minnesota
11. Colorado
12. Dallas
13. Calgary
14. St. Louis
15. Nashville
Go OILERS Go!!! |
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