| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Alex |
Posted - 02/02/2008 : 19:18:57
It is hard to believe that over 30 percent of the NHL has not won it all. Only the Atlantic Division can boast to have all its teams hold at least one franchise Stanley Cup. Which of the NHL teams that has never won a cup is most likely to win it first?
Habs get number 25 this year |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Antroman |
Posted - 02/10/2008 : 18:33:03
My sentimental pick would have to be Vancouver but realisticly I would say the Sharks have the best chance as currently constructed. This poll is pure conjecture on everyone's part so who really knows? If I did I would be hopping on a plane to Vegas with as much money as I could gather up. |
| Guest5575 |
Posted - 02/10/2008 : 09:38:44
If prior to the trade deadline Atlanta picks up Kaberle and Emery I think they have as good a shot as any team. I know they are trying to land Emery and a good defensman. Past those 2 holes in there line up they have veteran players mentoring these young stars and could be this years Tampa Bay. |
| semin-rules |
Posted - 02/08/2008 : 14:39:43
quote:
Originally posted by Guest2918
I AM A DIE HARD OTTAWA FAN OF A 15 YEAR VINTAGE. SINCE 1993 IVE TAKEN CRAP FOR CHEERING FOR THIS TEAM. THIS IS THERE YEAR IF THE MANAGEMENT GETS OFF THERE BUTTS AND TRADES UNCOMMITED EMERY FOR A GOOD BACKUP AND WRANGLES IN A WINGER FOR LINE #2. IF IM GONNA PICK A TEAM WHO HASNT WON EVER I GO WITH ATLANTA IF THEY END UP WITH A BONAFIED #1 GOALTENDER. THEY ARE COMMITED TO OFFENCE AND REALLY HAVENT HAD SOMEONE TO BACKSTOP THAT TEAM TO THE PLAYOFFS.
I would say LAST year was Ottawa's best chance of winning Stanley. Not This year, Emery is doing nohting, they are having injury probs, and other teams are just as good as them this year. Give it a few weeks and Montreal will be ahead of them.
~~~GO STARS~~~ |
| Guest2918 |
Posted - 02/08/2008 : 10:25:13
I AM A DIE HARD OTTAWA FAN OF A 15 YEAR VINTAGE. SINCE 1993 IVE TAKEN CRAP FOR CHEERING FOR THIS TEAM. THIS IS THERE YEAR IF THE MANAGEMENT GETS OFF THERE BUTTS AND TRADES UNCOMMITED EMERY FOR A GOOD BACKUP AND WRANGLES IN A WINGER FOR LINE #2. IF IM GONNA PICK A TEAM WHO HASNT WON EVER I GO WITH ATLANTA IF THEY END UP WITH A BONAFIED #1 GOALTENDER. THEY ARE COMMITED TO OFFENCE AND REALLY HAVENT HAD SOMEONE TO BACKSTOP THAT TEAM TO THE PLAYOFFS. |
| n/a |
Posted - 02/08/2008 : 04:39:33
Nashvillepreds - what you are saying about Michalek was sai about Cheechoo a year or two ago. Now look what's happened! Same with Setoguchi . . . bottom line, those three just don't have the talent or consistency of first liners, never mind skating with Thornton.
The problem with the sharks is, when it's the playoffs and things are tighter checking, and when Thornton becomes an even bigger target - you stop him, the Sharks are done. It didn't used to be like that with Marleau around and Cheechoo playing great, but it is now. I don't see them getting to the third round because of this, but it's nothing a super hot goalie can't change.
btw, I would TOTALLY choose the preds if they moved to Hamilton! 
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| nashvillepreds |
Posted - 02/07/2008 : 10:35:23
Nobody thinks the preds can win it all. Well I don't either.
The Sharks can win it in about 3 years, once Michalek is getting 80+ point seasons and Setoguchi is a solid second liner.
Ellis or Mason?
Go Preds Go! |
| n/a |
Posted - 02/07/2008 : 09:05:03
Alex - I picked Columbus because they have a couple of rising stars (Nash, Zherdev) for scoring, some great defence with good prospects fighting for jobs, A great young goalie, and most of all - a great coach with a history of winning. The whole team has bought into Hitch's system, and they have faded a bit from their fast start, but they still have a good shot at the playoffs. I think if they add a couple of more pieces, and wait a couple of years, they should be in the top second tier of teams.
As for the talk about the Habs - I hate it, but yeah - they are looking good, and Kovalev is the motor driving the machine. It'll be Koivu later in the playoffs . . . and if Plakanec and Kovalev can continue their strong play then - it will be big trouble for anyone they face.
I say they get knocked out first round though. 
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| andyhack |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 15:58:19
Forgetting Toronto's 40 year drought, here are some good (or at least not terrible) hockey cities who haven't won a Cup in ages (or at all) and who, in this Anti-Hab guy's opinion, would be a more interesting (and decent ) choice for a 7 year old to consider when deciding which team he or she will cheer for while growing up:
Minnesota
Boston
St. Louis
Vancouver
Ottawa
Chicago
Philadelphia (it's been over 30 years)
And yet you guys chose the 24 time Champs who win at least one Cup every decade (sometimes five, six or seven)! How sad ! Ho hum. Let's go with the winner. Well, you'll get your Cup, don't worry about that, but you'll never have the haaaart of a diehard Black Hawks or Blues fan.
I'm warming up for a weekend visit from my nephew. He's a diehard Hab fan. Just went to the drugstore to stock up on Extra Strength Tylenol for the weekend!
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| Pasty7 |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 15:24:21
quote:
Originally posted by Antroman
Hey Alex, I don't blame you but you are seriously getting on my nerves. LOL. Maybe, the Habs winning the cup isn't a bad thing because I am sure they are one of the teams Gary Bettman does not want to see win it. I am going to have to get a set of scales and put Bettman on the one side and the Habs winning the cup on the other. No matter which one holds the most weight I am still the loser though..... I detest them both!!!!
yeah but i'm sure we're on the same page antro when i say i'd rather see T.O (or mtl in your case) win then any of bettmans teams,, say the dallas stars or rangers i actually hate teams like this more then toronto and boston! i'd take toronto for a cup anyday over a team then can barely get 5000 people in the crowd because i know one thing forsure in boston in toronto god the people will love that cup,,,, the bars will be filled watching every minute of every game, the crowds will be enormous chanting for their team and instead of interviewing snoop dogg between periods on why he came to see the ducks play we interview someone of substance to hockey, in a way toronto falls into my top 10 teams in the league and boston too,,,, strange for a die hard hab fan no??
Pasty |
| Guest8372 |
Posted - 02/06/2008 : 14:11:17
quote:
Originally posted by Alex
They better win this year or next. Otherwise it will be the first decade without a cup! What a disgrace!
As much as I would like the Habs to win it all, they won't. Why? The team doesn't feel like the Habs team of championship years. Where is that Claude Lemieux or Brian Skurkland grit.
Also the offense revolves around Kovalev. This is most worrisome. AK unless is surrounded by a bigger top dog, disappears in the playoffs. However, this team is fast, reminds me of the Hurricanes fast in their championship year.
That D is quite mobile and quiet though not impressive as the big 3 era, but it is solid. I worry however about the goalies. I can't put my finger on it. It feels wrong. When I first saw Steve Penney or Patrick Roy play in their surprising playoff run, I thought wow, these guys got it. I don't have that feeling for this group of tenders. Maybe cause I'm older and see with less awe and wonder, I don't know.
If Montreal wins, I hope Montrealer's don't trash the city and become destructive in their revelry.
As for staying on topic, if LA gets a goalie and draft another blue chip blueliner, watch out. Washington needs about 2 more blue chip D-man and a new goalie in the next 2-5 years to compete.
SJ is ready in now and the next 3 years. But really who wants the Cup to stay in the US and in California no less? Not I. |
| Antroman |
Posted - 02/05/2008 : 21:31:00
Hey Alex, I don't blame you but you are seriously getting on my nerves. LOL. Maybe, the Habs winning the cup isn't a bad thing because I am sure they are one of the teams Gary Bettman does not want to see win it. I am going to have to get a set of scales and put Bettman on the one side and the Habs winning the cup on the other. No matter which one holds the most weight I am still the loser though..... I detest them both!!!! |
| andyhack |
Posted - 02/05/2008 : 17:24:48
Warning - I am in a weird mood - must be Super Tuesday!
This bitter, scarred multiple victim of the Evil Hab Empire will just add this:
LES HABITANTS ARE ALWAYS A CONTENDER. AS I'VE SAID BEFORE, GOD IS A HABS FAN! UNTIL THE FINAL SECOND OF THEIR LAST LOSS OF THE SEASON, THE FREE WORLD (or, at least, bitter Boston fans) CANNOT REST!
The so-called "drought" will, UNFORTUNATELY, end one day my friends, and when it does I will make A LOT of money, as I vowed in 1993 that I will never go away from another greedy celebration by Hab fans empty handed again!
By the way, only an arrogant Montreal fan could seriously call fifteen years a "drought". Anyone over 40 should be ashamed if they really feel upset if the Habs bow out without the Cup. Between 20 and 40 should feel a little silly, as you still got one Cup in each of the last two decades. I mean, as Buddy Fox asked Gordon Gekko in the movie Wall Street, "How many yachts can you waterski behind? How much is enough?"
And guys below 20, even though less objectionable than elder Hab fans, should still be asking themselves why they are cheering for a team that has won more championships than any other team in the history of sports. Use some imagination young guys. Don't any of you ever think, "Hey Chicago hasn't won in a while" or, if it has to be a Canadian team, "Hey wouldn't it be nice to see the Canucks win their first Cup?" What drives you young fellas to cheer for a team that has won SOOOOOO much in the history of the game that the Oxford Dictionary (South Boston Edition) has placed "Hab fans" beside the word "avarice"?
I told you I was in a weird mood!
Seriously though, the Habs have had a pretty good core of guys for a few years now. In 2004 Tampa Bay played really well to get by them. In 2006, they were more or less with Carolina, but Koivu's injury helped to do them in. Last year they had a really strong first half. Not sure what happened in the second half, but even with their troubles I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt that, had they beat the Leafs in that last game, they would have had as good a chance as anyone against the Sabres in the first round.
So Alex, fear not, your beloved Habs have a solid chance this year!
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| Alex |
Posted - 02/05/2008 : 14:03:07
I am the one who feels they could win. My signature is more of a desire than anything, but in all honesty, they truly could win it all.
Look at their consistency (much higher than Ottawa's), look at their depth, look at their wealth of assets they can dispose of when the time arises, look at how they buy in to the team concept, look at how they have cap room (as far as I know) look at their goalies, look at the standings, and oh yeah, look at the schedule. Two games upcoming against the Sens with the former playing hot and the latter missing its two best players.
If and when the Habs manage to come first in the east (unfortunately it is that or fourth with them... ) they will have for all intensive purposes smooth sailing through to the finals. And then, well ... I say ''I told you so''
Habs get number 25 this year |
| Antroman |
Posted - 02/05/2008 : 14:00:03
I have to go along with Beans on the fact Montreal is a bona-fide contender for sure. I believe I mentioned this in another post back before Christmas and I was sure I could hear the snickers through the air waves. I do not think Ottawa can compete with them simply because in the playoffs goaltending usually wins and unless the Sens get it together I can see them exiting. I have seen this Hab thing before and I believe it is happening again. Everybody else falls by the wayside along the way and Montreal with strong defensive play and excellent goalkeeping all of a sudden finds themselves in the finals against a badly beat up team and steals the cup. My worst nightmare for sure. The only chink I see in their armour is they need a little more team toughness, fortunately for them they have three weeks to fix this via the trade route. If they do it could very well be gag me with a spoon time once again. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 02/05/2008 : 13:35:04
quote:
Originally posted by leafsfan_101
I don't mean to be a downer but who on this forum actually believes Les Glorieux have enough depth on their team to win a Cup this year. I will be the first to say I don't.
I do! Montreal is 5th overall in the league and only 3 points behind the mighty Senators. They have the league's best PP and are 3rd overall in goals for. The play average to a little above average defensively and have one of the more stable goaltending tandems in the league. They have been consistant for most of the season and have avoided the long losing streaks.
That is all up to this point, and lots can happen between now and April. However, if the playoffs started today, they are in a group in what I would consider the 2nd tier. The 1st tier are teams like Ottawa and Detroit. The obvious favorites. Right behind them are San Jose, Anaheim, Philly, Dallas and Montreal. All those teams could win but are not the odds on favorites like the Sens and Wings.
Based on play up to this point, Montreal has a better chance than most to win it all. Not considering stats, Montreal is a Top 6 team in the league in my opinion. |
| leafsfan_101 |
Posted - 02/05/2008 : 12:47:33
I don't mean to be a downer but who on this forum actually believes Les Glorieux have enough depth on their team to win a Cup this year. I will be the first to say I don't. |
| PuckNuts |
Posted - 02/04/2008 : 15:52:34
I would have to go with San Jose. As it has been mentioned already, they have a young solid team signed for the next few seasons, and solid goaltending. With Joe Thornton's unselfish contract, San Jose has the best opportunity to pick up some great talent in the near future, trade deadline...
Washington has a problem with their goaltending, Kolzig will be 38 in April, and he is a UFA. How long will he last at a level where he can take this team to a Cup final, and win...
Vancouver has great goaltending, but the rest of the team seems to have a problem bring their game together at the same time.
Champions take chances, and pressure is a privilege.
Billy Jean King to Maria Sharapova
http://www.maldesigns.ca/top50since1967.htm
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| n/a |
Posted - 02/04/2008 : 07:55:41
Interesting topic. I voted for Minnesota Wild, as I think they are the soundest darkhorse team in the west.
San Jose is a close second for me, but because they rely too heavily on Thornton, they aren't my first pick. Vancouver is a possibility, especialy if they pick up some second line scoring before the deadline.
But if it doesn't happen in the next couple of years, I'll pick Columbus as the future team to win it all. Crazy, I know. Chicago would get my second vote for team of the future.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 22:22:53
There is more than Washington out there with great young talent.
LA will be good, Phoenix will be good, Edmonton will be good, Chicago will be good.
Between those 4 teams and Washington, all have wonderful futures with the youth they have.
San Jose is better than all of them, will be better than all of them in two years, and seeing how Wilson has built this entire team, they will be good in more than 2 years time.
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| Pasty7 |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 19:22:49
quote:
Originally posted by Alex
My only issue is, until 09-10, many other teams will remain strong including the Wings, Sens, Devils and lots more. San Jose will be a lot closer than Washington in that time but it is debatable if they can go all the way.
Washington will peak at the right time. I do not see many teams having as promising a future as they do and that means far easeir obstacles for the Caps than the Sharks. If San Jose gets some great consistent performance, no question they have what it takes. I am questioning how strong they can play against strong opponents.
And another thing -- '09 '10 is two years away! They have a closing window of opportunity as do many other teams including the always oh so close Sens who will be looking to cash in before they can not afford their roster.
I think San Jose will have a hard time going all the way. Close but no cigar in my mind
Habs get number 25 this year
09- 10 sanjose will still have a better team, mtl will have a better team,,, their will be a lot of teams young and strong you cant predic they will be the strongest,,, ufa's get signed 2 players mesh extremly well players have off years
Pasty |
| Alex |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 09:39:33
My only issue is, until 09-10, many other teams will remain strong including the Wings, Sens, Devils and lots more. San Jose will be a lot closer than Washington in that time but it is debatable if they can go all the way.
Washington will peak at the right time. I do not see many teams having as promising a future as they do and that means far easeir obstacles for the Caps than the Sharks. If San Jose gets some great consistent performance, no question they have what it takes. I am questioning how strong they can play against strong opponents.
And another thing -- '09 '10 is two years away! They have a closing window of opportunity as do many other teams including the always oh so close Sens who will be looking to cash in before they can not afford their roster.
I think San Jose will have a hard time going all the way. Close but no cigar in my mind
Habs get number 25 this year |
| shinnyafterschool |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 09:37:41
With Luongo, its only a matter of time before Vancouver wins. If Luc Bourdon can turn into a great defenseman I think that the canucks could start looking like the devils of the 90's. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 02/03/2008 : 09:35:19
Vancouver, I can agree with. I think they are a good team but not good enough to win it all. Minnsota is a good team but I don't think they can do it either. Maybe, but it will be tough.
But San Jose?? Not to even mention them??
Let me give you the reasons why San Jose is more likely to win the Cup before Washington.
1) Thornton, Marleau, Cheechoo, Michalek, and Setoguchi are locked up through 09-10 and all are 27 years old or younger. They are not even in their prime yet and appear to be playing together for a few more years.
Nabokov is there through 09-10 as well as Rivet and Carle. They have their core set for the next 3 years.
2) They are all young! SJ is the 7th youngest team in the league. Washington is a bit younger, but they have only Poti, Nylander, Clark, and Ovechkin signed through 09-10. And, Kolzig is a UFA this season.
3) SJ has $10 million under the cap this year!! They have money to sign big free agents if they need.
They are vitually the same age as Washington but are already locked in to play together longer and are already a good team. They have a couple of years of playoffs under their belts where Washington hasn't been in the playoffs since 02/03 and have missed the playoffs 4 of the last 5 season.
San Jose has a better coach, better GM, better players, and a much better chance of winning the Cup. Washington MIGHT be a Cup contender in a few years, SJ is a contender today! |
| leigh |
Posted - 02/02/2008 : 21:08:59
Your logic is a little off. You say Vancouver, Minnesota and San Jose won't make it to the finals and you say Washington is more likely. But Washington is the only of the 4 to not even be in playoff contention right now. |
| Alex |
Posted - 02/02/2008 : 19:19:32
Other options:
Colombus Blue Jackets
Florida Pathers
Phoenix Coyotes
Los Angeles Kings
St Louis Blues
First off, I did not include Ottawa because I count their silver seven era as making them Cup champions.
Second of all, I would say that the most likely team to win the cup is (and this may come as a surprise) the Washington Capitals.
Sure, they do not have the best team right now. But look, to win it all it takes the best team, not the best of the winless. San Jose is great, they will not go all the way. Ditto with Minnesota and Vancouver.
Washington though, is rebuilding, and how! You've got to think that they will reap the benefits of the 13 year Ovie deal. I say they can be legitimate contenders in the next five years. I don't see any other team having quite what it takes to be number one before that.
Habs get number 25 this year |
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