| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| redneck76ca |
Posted - 08/21/2009 : 14:08:59
Since I've joined this site I have noticed that the majority of the banter is with regards to the Leafs and the Habs. What I would like to know is what everyone's opinions are regarding ALL the Canadian teams and how they will fare in the 09/10 NHL Season. Predictions? Rankings? Which team will be tops and which team will be the bottom feeder. So, lets get this thing rolling.
What are your predictions? |
| 40 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| redneck76ca |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 18:03:54
quote:
Originally posted by JOSHUACANADA
quote:
Originally posted by Guest3341
quote:
Originally posted by Odin
Joshua, you were absolutely correct. The Sens were actually 1.3M over the cap. Now that Smith has retired, they actually have a little bit of cap space. They are looking at signing Sykora.
Sykora! Really! Man if that guy can play like he has in the past I say it would be a good pickup. I dont know why his play slided in Pittsburg.
Sorry this was my post. I dont know why I keep logging out. I'd be a HOF candidate if most of my post werent by a guest#.
I'm having the same log in problem as well. Don't know whats happening. |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 15:02:53
quote:
Originally posted by Guest3341
quote:
Originally posted by Odin
Joshua, you were absolutely correct. The Sens were actually 1.3M over the cap. Now that Smith has retired, they actually have a little bit of cap space. They are looking at signing Sykora.
Sykora! Really! Man if that guy can play like he has in the past I say it would be a good pickup. I dont know why his play slided in Pittsburg.
Sorry this was my post. I dont know why I keep logging out. I'd be a HOF candidate if most of my post werent by a guest#. |
| Guest3341 |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 12:19:59
quote:
Originally posted by Odin
Joshua, you were absolutely correct. The Sens were actually 1.3M over the cap. Now that Smith has retired, they actually have a little bit of cap space. They are looking at signing Sykora.
Sykora! Really! Man if that guy can play like he has in the past I say it would be a good pickup. I dont know why his play slided in Pittsburg. |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 12:14:50
While I do agree playing loose without the possibilty of a reward can happen, I think they were playing for 8th with 20-25 games left to play. Once that team got a taste of winning again it became contagious.
Biggest weakness I can see when looking at roster is the severe lack of defensive depth and no real quarterback for the powerplay on D. They are relying on Kuba and Campoli for the big shot. Would rather see a Chara Back there
You are one of the few who still consider them on the outside looking in. Most have expressed this team will be in the running for 8th some project them as high as 5th. Id be happy with another post season birth regardless of roster or positioning. |
| Odin |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 09:38:48
quote:
Originally posted by Matt_Roberts85
Riddle me this, Riddle me that, why do you think the sens won't fall flat?
Since about November of '07 the sens have been pretty much a laughing stock franchise. The once cup contenders have been terrible and have gone through 4 different head coaches in that time. I know that they played well down the stretch last year but we all know how easy it is to play well once you have nothing to play for (right Leaf fans?) Now, with pretty much the same core returning (switch Kovelev for Heatley) why do some think that the sens will be better?
Some will point to goaltending, other to the new coach, but I think that this franchise is such a mess right now that it will be hard for them to excel on the ice. I could be completley wrong and the sens get a great package for Heatley and they really help the on ice product and Kovalev plays like he did 2 years ago, but I still don't see enough culture change in Ottawa to convince me that this year will be much different than the last 2...
im sure some will disagree.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E".
Well, actually as it stands, they have Heatley, and Murray is talking trade deadline. The more this goes, the more it looks like Heatley will be a Sen for the foreseeable future. That would also be backed up by the apparent lack of bonafide offers.
That means with the addition of Kovalev, they could actually ice two good lines for a change: Heatley/Spezza/whoever(maybe Foligno?) and Alfie/Kovalev and probably Fisher. Not too bad. For those that are iffy about Heatley, remember the Olympics.
They also may finally have a bonafide #1 goalie in Leclaire and the coach did demonstrate that he maybe knows what he is doing. I say 'maybe' because I agree with your assertion that once you are eliminated you play much more loose. |
| Matt_Roberts85 |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 08:32:12
Riddle me this, Riddle me that, why do you think the sens won't fall flat?
Since about November of '07 the sens have been pretty much a laughing stock franchise. The once cup contenders have been terrible and have gone through 4 different head coaches in that time. I know that they played well down the stretch last year but we all know how easy it is to play well once you have nothing to play for (right Leaf fans?) Now, with pretty much the same core returning (switch Kovelev for Heatley) why do some think that the sens will be better?
Some will point to goaltending, other to the new coach, but I think that this franchise is such a mess right now that it will be hard for them to excel on the ice. I could be completley wrong and the sens get a great package for Heatley and they really help the on ice product and Kovalev plays like he did 2 years ago, but I still don't see enough culture change in Ottawa to convince me that this year will be much different than the last 2...
im sure some will disagree.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
| Odin |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 15:21:43
quote:
Originally posted by Guest3341
Still leaves them over if you count the bonus money, but I still think they will have a few 2 way contracts going back to the minors and not affect the cap. Way too many prospect centers signed and prospect D-men. What this team is lacking is some prospect winger to round out the mix. In the mean time the are going to have to develop a dual purpose winger out of some of these Center/D-men prospects.
The sky is not falling on Ottawa this season whether or not Heatly situation is solved early in the year or late. My wish is for him to find common ground with this team in preseason and remember why the top line was the most productive line for the last 4-5 years, and stay.
They ARE NOT over the cap, they are about 1.3M under.
Ottawa Sun: The decision by Smith will allow Murray and the Senators to wipe his $2.6 million salary off their cap this year. That gives the Senators some flexibility because the club was sitting about $1.3 million over the NHL salary cap. |
| Guest3341 |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 13:58:48
Still leaves them over if you count the bonus money, but I still think they will have a few 2 way contracts going back to the minors and not affect the cap. Way too many prospect centers signed and prospect D-men. What this team is lacking is some prospect winger to round out the mix. In the mean time the are going to have to develop a dual purpose winger out of some of these Center/D-men prospects.
The sky is not falling on Ottawa this season whether or not Heatly situation is solved early in the year or late. My wish is for him to find common ground with this team in preseason and remember why the top line was the most productive line for the last 4-5 years, and stay. |
| Odin |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 08:57:35
Joshua, you were absolutely correct. The Sens were actually 1.3M over the cap. Now that Smith has retired, they actually have a little bit of cap space. They are looking at signing Sykora. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 08:27:48
It's not possible for a tie. There is always a tie breaker. Just like in the NHL standings, if tied in points, head to head records. If still tied, Goals For, etc.
Same rules apply. When the Leafs are the team lowest of the overall standings comparative to Edmonton and Ottawa, I will win the bet.
 |
| Leafs81 |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 16:04:57
Go Slozo!!!
|
| n/a |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 09:58:18
Since Beans has two teams that have to beat my one team, in the very unlikely instance that all three teams tie, I will give it to Beans.
However, it ain't happenin'.
I think.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Alex116 |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 07:40:09
What happens if the three teams tie? Do you both have to change your pics? Or do the rest of us have to?  |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 08/31/2009 : 18:10:03
Nope wish away. I would expect nothing less.
However, with this bet now on the line, I might be forced to hope Hanley's rhetoric comes true and Toskala actually is the worst goalie in the NHL. And ACL injury to Kaberle wouldn't hurt much either.
|
| n/a |
Posted - 08/31/2009 : 18:05:50
(shakes hand)
DONE! 
This will be fun, at any rate. I really can't believe I gave myself the chance to have to feel the utter shame and ignomy of bearing the Sens colours . . . ugh. And I am the same as you Beans, whenever I bet on my Leafs, I generally lose, so even though the odds are with me (you need two teams to do better than my one), I am nervous. Good luck indeed!
Is it wrong of me wish injury to Khabibulin at this stage?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Matt_Roberts85 |
Posted - 08/31/2009 : 12:29:34
haha, can't wait to see how this turns out 
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 08/31/2009 : 12:11:56
Done. It's a bet
(Insert Hearty Manly Handshake here)
Although I am confident, I seem to lose bets involving Edmonton. Last time I made a similar bet, I was wearing a dress, bbqing burgers for all the people at work.
Good Luck Slozo. You are going to need it!
|
| n/a |
Posted - 08/30/2009 : 18:15:25
I got it!!!
Man, this one is soooo good, it'll be a classic.
Ok, let's take two of our most hated teams in the equation - for me, to be fair, it has to be Ottawa, as I already sort of cheer for Edmonton as my second team in the west. For you, I am guessing it is Toronto.
If I lose the bet, I change picture/icon to a logo of the Ottawa Senators, and have the byline "I Love Ottawa" on the bottom of every comment I post.
If you lose Beans, you change your picture/icon to that of theToronto Maple Leafs, and have the byline "I love Toronto" on the bottom of every comment you post.
The time that either of us would have to have this most hated of logos and horrid untruthful statement would be from the day after the regular season ends, to the end of the playoffs. Of course, this would have maximum effect, as the comments are always flying during the playoffs, and would be especially poignant if either the Leafs or Oilers or Sens actually made the playoffs.
A month of horrible pain and embarrassment for the loser, and a really good long months worth of chuckles for the winner.
What do you say?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 08/30/2009 : 15:46:40
That is the bet my Man. The wager........ I'll put some though into it. If you have any suggestions, I am open. |
| n/a |
Posted - 08/30/2009 : 07:35:50
Mm. Taking a look at it now, Edmonton's D is a bit better than I thought . . . but Beans:
I will take your bet.
So, if I understand correctly:
1. I win if Toronto finishes higher than either Ottawa OR Edmonton.
2. You win if Toronto finishes lower than both Ottawa AND Edmonton.
What'll the wager be?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| redneck76ca |
Posted - 08/29/2009 : 11:38:02
quote:
Originally posted by lyall
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
6. Edmonton
Sad to say, but I think this is the year when Edmonton hits rock bottom. I am not confident that Khabi can stay healthy at this age, their scoring is weak, and their D isn't great. They have over achieved almost every year, and I think this is the year they just don't perform, despite the coaching and managerial changes. 13th, sadly.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
I don't get how you think Edmonton has a "weak" defense.
Souray-------81GP-23G-30A-53P +1
Gilbert-------82GP-5G-40A-45P +6
Grebeshkov---72GP-7G-32A-39P +12
Visnovsky----50GP-8G-23A-31P +6
With Grebeshkov the lowest at .49 PPG. I's say the top 4 Defenseman in Edmonton are pretty solid.
Edmonton really lacks a shutdown defenseman. All four of the guys you listed other than Grebeshkov have weak +/- and then the rest are minus Staios -5, Smid -6 and Strudwick -4. Their dmen are good offensively but are suspect when it comes to defending their own zone. |
| lyall |
Posted - 08/29/2009 : 11:29:13
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
6. Edmonton
Sad to say, but I think this is the year when Edmonton hits rock bottom. I am not confident that Khabi can stay healthy at this age, their scoring is weak, and their D isn't great. They have over achieved almost every year, and I think this is the year they just don't perform, despite the coaching and managerial changes. 13th, sadly.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
I don't get how you think Edmonton has a "weak" defense.
Souray-------81GP-23G-30A-53P +1
Gilbert-------82GP-5G-40A-45P +6
Grebeshkov---72GP-7G-32A-39P +12
Visnovsky----50GP-8G-23A-31P +6
With Grebeshkov the lowest at .49 PPG. I's say the top 4 Defenseman in Edmonton are pretty solid. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 08/29/2009 : 08:59:54
That's not the bet. It's Edmonton over Toronto period. East or West is irrelevant. I am betting that Toronto is the lower in the overall NHL standings than Ottawa and Edmonton.
It's actually an odds bet in TO favor as they only have to beat one of the two teams for my bet to lose. |
| Guest4942 |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 15:18:48
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Nope - I am seeing Edomonton out of the playoffs for sure, Ottawa pretty sure to miss, but the rest of them make it. Might be close for the Leafs, Habs or Vancouver, but 4 out of 6 ain't bad, eh?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Mr. Slozo, are you gambling man?? Willing to put something behind this last statement. I mean. Toronto ahead of Edmonton??? The Leafs make the playoffs but the Oilers don't?? Same as Ottawa missing the playoffs??
My bet says that both Edmonton and Ottawa are ahead of Toronto in the standing at the end of the regular season. I agree that one or both might miss the playoffs, but I say that Toronto is the lowest in the standings at the end of the regular season of those three teams.
Interested??
Beans I'd be willing to take the bet that Toronto finishes higher in the the east (position wise) than the Oilers do in the west. And yes, there is no way the Oilers will make the playoffs while TO might have a small possibility IMO. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 14:43:46
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Nope - I am seeing Edomonton out of the playoffs for sure, Ottawa pretty sure to miss, but the rest of them make it. Might be close for the Leafs, Habs or Vancouver, but 4 out of 6 ain't bad, eh?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Mr. Slozo, are you gambling man?? Willing to put something behind this last statement. I mean. Toronto ahead of Edmonton??? The Leafs make the playoffs but the Oilers don't?? Same as Ottawa missing the playoffs??
My bet says that both Edmonton and Ottawa are ahead of Toronto in the standing at the end of the regular season. I agree that one or both might miss the playoffs, but I say that Toronto is the lowest in the standings at the end of the regular season of those three teams.
Interested?? |
| Guest4942 |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 14:43:04
1 Calgary - Everyone keeps saying they will lack scoring but I just don't see it, lets do some math here. They were without Jokinen for 63 games, in 57 games with Phx, he scored 21 and in 63 with Calgary that's at least 25. Suddenly you are only missing 14 of Cammalleri's goals. Lets go to the low end and say Bouwmeester scores 15 like he has the last 2 seasons and the goal deficit has already vanished. Should Phaneuf go back up to the 18 a season he averaged for his first 3, up from the measly 11 he scored last, the goals stand at a +8. Top this off by Jarome increasing on his 35 and Bourque staying healthy along with some new additions to the roster and I would bet money that Calgary has more goals scored this season than last. Oh and did I mention how good they will be defensively? Good season up and coming for Flames fans, Brent will coach this team 10x better than Keenan.
2 Vancouver - They showed a lot last year, both by how badly they need Luongo and how good they are with him. Although they lost some depth at the back end, they have proven in recent years that even with injuries, they are not slouches defensively. Given some added forward experience/depth and some up and coming youngsters and Vancouver fans will have another season to talk uninformed smack just because their team is successful. They could put up a decent fight for the NW division title but will likely finish 4th or 5th.
3 Ottawa - Yes there is controversy among the locker room, but in the off season they didn't really change much and have gained Kovalev up front. They will have a lot of offensive power and finally have a coach that seems to work for them. Heatley will play well as he has something to prove and I think he will be welcomed by the Ottawa players, if not the fans or media. They have a lot of potential and I could see them finishing as high as 5th but I feel more comfortable predicting 6th.
4 Montreal - They have certainly had a busy offseason, but they still look to be about as good as they were last. With so much change it is hard to readily predict what this team will accomplish during a full NHL season. I think they are slightly stronger than the leafs and have a chance of squeaking out another post season position. I see them battlling for the final few playoff spots, the east is going to be close this year.
5 Toronto - Toronto looks to be probably one of the most improved Canadian teams in the off season. A lot of big bodies and a fresh looking roster. They have a legit shot of finishing with a playoff spot, but no guaruntees. Toronto is a mediocre team at best, but so are a lot of teams in the east.
6 Edmonton - Sorry to say it but Edmonton fans will not have a lot to cheer for yet again this season. Although they are another Canadian team who looks a lot better in many aspects after the off season, they are still too young and do have the star quality of many other teams. I will eat my hat if they make the playoffs!
Comments on predictions are welcome! Anyone think I'm completely crazy? |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 12:36:55
I dont think Ottawa is 4million over I thought it was 1-1.5 over. You must be including the bonus money. As far as I know they have a few salaries included for 2way players who will be in the minors come season beginning and could trade away either Smith or Fisher if needed with a prospect or minor league centre that they cant find a roster spot. Ottawa seems to be knee deep in prospect centre-man.
Here is link to salaries http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=OTT |
| n/a |
Posted - 08/28/2009 : 04:32:21
Well, I think he might end up as a second line center, with the potential of being your first line center if by some miracle he decides to have a career season.
Meh, it was just a thought. You're right though, upon further reflection, I don't see Burke wanting a potentially poor second line center for over 4 mil a year.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| redneck76ca |
Posted - 08/27/2009 : 22:26:36
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Good point, Redneck, about Ottawa needing to deal someone if Heatley is staying . . . I know somone who mentioned that before, and I had forgotten it.
No one would take Fischer's contract, eh? Hmm . . . under 30 still, pretty decent sized center who could score 20 to 30 goals (higher if on the first line, obviously), somewhat rugged, coming off a bad year on a team which had a bad season. I tell ya, I wouldn't mind him in a Leafs uniform if the Sens were so desperate they had to deal him to their rivals.
About Calgary possibly disappointing - I don't see it. Talent laden offences have disappointed all the time, but barring several serious injuries, talent laden defences always make the team very solid. This is the reason I rate Calgary the highest (they have an underrated offence, you'll see now that Keenan is gone), and why I place the Leafs as getting in the playoffs. And, it's the reason I predict Ottawa continues to disappoint.
I remember that Ottawa team with a very good Redden, Chara, Volchenkov . . . they were a one line team with no depth on offense (although it was one of the best lines), but they had a very solid D. Now it's Kuba, Campoli, and an inexplicably 'dying' Chris Phillips. I just don't see any big changes on D to alter their team's horrible showing last year . . .
Nope - I am seeing Edomonton out of the playoffs for sure, Ottawa pretty sure to miss, but the rest of them make it. Might be close for the Leafs, Habs or Vancouver, but 4 out of 6 ain't bad, eh?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Ok, maybe there are teams out there willing to eat 4.2 million a year for Fischer IF he is their first line center. But seriously? Fischer a first line center? Which team is so bad that they'd take Fischer as a first line center? No way in hell its Burke and the Leafs, he's smarter than that. |
| n/a |
Posted - 08/27/2009 : 20:24:07
Good point, Redneck, about Ottawa needing to deal someone if Heatley is staying . . . I know somone who mentioned that before, and I had forgotten it.
No one would take Fischer's contract, eh? Hmm . . . under 30 still, pretty decent sized center who could score 20 to 30 goals (higher if on the first line, obviously), somewhat rugged, coming off a bad year on a team which had a bad season. I tell ya, I wouldn't mind him in a Leafs uniform if the Sens were so desperate they had to deal him to their rivals.
About Calgary possibly disappointing - I don't see it. Talent laden offences have disappointed all the time, but barring several serious injuries, talent laden defences always make the team very solid. This is the reason I rate Calgary the highest (they have an underrated offence, you'll see now that Keenan is gone), and why I place the Leafs as getting in the playoffs. And, it's the reason I predict Ottawa continues to disappoint.
I remember that Ottawa team with a very good Redden, Chara, Volchenkov . . . they were a one line team with no depth on offense (although it was one of the best lines), but they had a very solid D. Now it's Kuba, Campoli, and an inexplicably 'dying' Chris Phillips. I just don't see any big changes on D to alter their team's horrible showing last year . . .
Nope - I am seeing Edomonton out of the playoffs for sure, Ottawa pretty sure to miss, but the rest of them make it. Might be close for the Leafs, Habs or Vancouver, but 4 out of 6 ain't bad, eh?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
| Matt_Roberts85 |
Posted - 08/27/2009 : 13:20:40
quote:
Originally posted by JOSHUACANADA
Obviously I'm going to cheer for Ottawa, but really this team improved tremendously late in the season and improved their roster in the offseason. If they can get past or over the Heatly debacle with either a competing Heatly or good return for his value I think this team has something to prove.
Not to be a douche, but the sens played well once the pressure of making the post season was off. This was a very similar situation that the leafs have been in for the past 4 years. Once the season has gone to s*** and pretty much all hope for the post season is gone, the team starts to play loose and the record over the last 1/4 or so of the season looks great. Then you go into next season thinking you can continue with that momentum. I know the two situations aren't the same, but im just saying, be warned.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
| Matt_Roberts85 |
Posted - 08/27/2009 : 13:15:19
quote:
Originally posted by Guest3341
quote:
Originally posted by Matt_Roberts85
great analysis beans.,its hard to argue anything you said.
I really hope the sens stay out of the playoff race though... Leclaire and Kovalev are really going to have to be difference makers. The D is also going to have to do a better job of getting the forwards the puck. The addition of Campoli for a full season should help. If Mike Fischer can remember that he is Mike Fischer, that would be great for them as well.
I still think that the leafs are going to surprise people with their goal scoring. It doesn't look good on paper but the last couple seasons the experts have said the same thing. "aside from Sundin, who is going to score?" last year was even worse, "They dont have Sundin and have a no name batch of forwards". Im pretty sure that every year since the lockout the leafs have been top 10 in goal scoring and every year people say they cant score.
Their problem is keeping the puck out of the net. I wont go so far as to say they will make the playoffs, but I dont think they will be a bottom 10 team in terms of scoring.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E".
Matt's the fact they dont have snipers or a bonified 1st line means this team has had to play a wide open game to get the scoring in bunches you need to eek out a few games.
For instance last year the Leaf's finished tied for 10th in scoring without a bonified 1st or 2nd scoring line and the team finished dead last in goals against. In 2008 with a scoring line they finished tied for 11th in scoring but 26th in goals against. The year prior when the 1st line was clicking was tied for 6th and 24th against. I know that you can lay some of the blame on the goalies, but Toskala was not that bad.
If this team could get a offensive line going to take the pressure off the rest of the lineup to score they might be able to lower the goals against to a reasonable level to get this team in the playoffs.
I couldn't agree more.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
| redneck76ca |
Posted - 08/27/2009 : 13:03:27
One thing that must be pointed out is if Heatley isn't traded by the beginning of the season and reports to camp and starts the season with the Sens that the Sens will have to move approximately $4 million dollars worth of players salary for the Sens to be under the cap. To keep him means to lose atleast Fischer (and nobody will take him at his salary) and most likely another roster player. Even if Ottawa has improved they will still have to get worse before they can actually meet the salary cap. |
| JOSHUACANADA |
Posted - 08/27/2009 : 11:25:36
Actually Beans that is the same analysis i'd give for Vancouver this year. Maybe Loungo can produce another season similar to the late season driveand this team is tight defensively, but offensively the Sedins are not good enough, to propell this team to the top of the west or second round of playoffs.
My dark horse would be the Oilers this year. I think this team has a lot of room for improvement (ie potential) which they have not produce in the last 2 years. I lay the blame on the fight for the #1 goalie position, remarkable amount of injuries to key players and the less than stellar performance of coaching staff.
Obviously I'm going to cheer for Ottawa, but really this team improved tremendously late in the season and improved their roster in the offseason. If they can get past or over the Heatly debacle with either a competing Heatly or good return for his value I think this team has something to prove.
I really believe the Leafs are going to make the playoffs for no other reason than they improved more defensively than any other team in the East. If they can get confidence and a bit of luck offesively this team could be fighting for 7-8.
Montreal if they gel fast could push for 6-7 as the talent is there and they are not missing piece's. But if the recieve early and often setbacks on there 1st line or if the glue dont stick together this team could go down the drain fast.
I honestly don't think the flames will hold down the NW. I do think they will be in the fight but a few defensive gains and a few offensive losses with a new coach does not nessesarily make this team a lock for me just a tough team to play.
Thats my thought on The canadian content for the NHL right or wrong. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 08/26/2009 : 20:39:26
quote:
Originally posted by Guest7089
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Montreal is a sleeper. Seriously, no one can really know what a team with that many roster changes as well as a coaching change will do. There is no middle of the road here, they either feast or starve. They will either be near the top of the East or in the bottom 5 of the NHL. Personally, I think thier coach is far too good and their players far to talented and competative to be anything but good. But that's a risky bet.
I think I remember seeing this experiment last year with the Lightning. Although Martin is a better coach than Melrose.
Well, let's also not forget that Montreal's defense this year(on paper) is far superior to the TB defense last year. Also, far better goalie(again, on paper) in Montreal.
And Redneck, I agree with you. Bouwmeester might put in 20ish and Phaneuf might return to form. So, basically, you need another player to step up for Calgary to be as productive as they were last year, and that was not enough to ever look quality enough to get out of the first round. With some luck and some players stepping up that is. Calgary will not be the worst team of the 6 in Canada, but I think they will be the biggest underachiever based on most people putting them in the elite in the league. They will be average to above average through the regular season. They are not as good as Vancouver with a healthy Luongo, and the would be lucky to get out of the first round.
|
| Guest7089 |
Posted - 08/26/2009 : 18:56:09
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Montreal is a sleeper. Seriously, no one can really know what a team with that many roster changes as well as a coaching change will do. There is no middle of the road here, they either feast or starve. They will either be near the top of the East or in the bottom 5 of the NHL. Personally, I think thier coach is far too good and their players far to talented and competative to be anything but good. But that's a risky bet.
I think I remember seeing this experiment last year with the Lightning. Although Martin is a better coach than Melrose. |
| Guest3341 |
Posted - 08/26/2009 : 17:12:05
quote:
Originally posted by Matt_Roberts85
great analysis beans.,its hard to argue anything you said.
I really hope the sens stay out of the playoff race though... Leclaire and Kovalev are really going to have to be difference makers. The D is also going to have to do a better job of getting the forwards the puck. The addition of Campoli for a full season should help. If Mike Fischer can remember that he is Mike Fischer, that would be great for them as well.
I still think that the leafs are going to surprise people with their goal scoring. It doesn't look good on paper but the last couple seasons the experts have said the same thing. "aside from Sundin, who is going to score?" last year was even worse, "They dont have Sundin and have a no name batch of forwards". Im pretty sure that every year since the lockout the leafs have been top 10 in goal scoring and every year people say they cant score.
Their problem is keeping the puck out of the net. I wont go so far as to say they will make the playoffs, but I dont think they will be a bottom 10 team in terms of scoring.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E".
Matt's the fact they dont have snipers or a bonified 1st line means this team has had to play a wide open game to get the scoring in bunches you need to eek out a few games.
For instance last year the Leaf's finished tied for 10th in scoring without a bonified 1st or 2nd scoring line and the team finished dead last in goals against. In 2008 with a scoring line they finished tied for 11th in scoring but 26th in goals against. The year prior when the 1st line was clicking was tied for 6th and 24th against. I know that you can lay some of the blame on the goalies, but Toskala was not that bad.
If this team could get a offensive line going to take the pressure off the rest of the lineup to score they might be able to lower the goals against to a reasonable level to get this team in the playoffs. |
| Matt_Roberts85 |
Posted - 08/26/2009 : 15:32:27
great analysis beans.,its hard to argue anything you said.
I really hope the sens stay out of the playoff race though... Leclaire and Kovalev are really going to have to be difference makers. The D is also going to have to do a better job of getting the forwards the puck. The addition of Campoli for a full season should help. If Mike Fischer can remember that he is Mike Fischer, that would be great for them as well.
I still think that the leafs are going to surprise people with their goal scoring. It doesn't look good on paper but the last couple seasons the experts have said the same thing. "aside from Sundin, who is going to score?" last year was even worse, "They dont have Sundin and have a no name batch of forwards". Im pretty sure that every year since the lockout the leafs have been top 10 in goal scoring and every year people say they cant score.
Their problem is keeping the puck out of the net. I wont go so far as to say they will make the playoffs, but I dont think they will be a bottom 10 team in terms of scoring.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
| redneck76ca |
Posted - 08/26/2009 : 15:25:12
Beans- You made some great points about Horcoff with regards to his abilities (I've always been a fan of his play...the Oilers are my 3rd favorite team) and the scoring situation in Calgary. The loss of Cammi will be hurtful but J. Bo could very well make up 20 of those goals by himself, and that is from the back end. Throw in a return to form by Phaneuf and the Flames may only need one player to score 6 more goals than last year to make up the loss of Cammi. I am hard pressed to believe that they will finish lower than Montreal and Ottawa but who knows. I'd like nothing more than to have the Flames fall flat on their faces this year, I just dont see it happening. |
| Beans15 |
Posted - 08/26/2009 : 12:27:36
Ok, let's talk about Shawn Horcoff for a second. How many players in the NHL are their teams 1st line centre, 1st line Power play, 1st line penalty kill, #1 shut down player, and play over 20 minutes a game???? I'll answer that, it's very, very few. I would say less than 5. And let's face it, Horcoff will never be the offensive player that say a Pavel Datsyuk is, but he is a damn fine all around player. Ultimately, you really noticed a difference with Horcoff after Smyth left. Reason being is that Horcoff has played almost exclusively with Hemsky and another offensive player at even strength. This has forced Horcoff to be the defensive player on the line covering in his own end for Hemsky and or the other winger. This creates very limited offense but take nothing away from Horcoff, he does the job he is paid to do and he does it well. Most other players in the league that are asked to do what Horcoff does are not expected to contribute a point a game.
And as far as the Kids go, it's frustrating in Edmonton to say the least. For the past two season, Sam Gagner has finished the last 20 games of the season as a PPG player. He has started the first 60 games each season as less than a 0.5 PPG player. If he can find any kind of consistency, he can take Horcoff's spot as the #1 centre and Horcoff can be recognized for what he actually is. That being one of the top 3 2nd line centres in the NHL today. Nielsson is a very happy camper that MacT is gone, and I also think you will see better production out of Cogliano. MacT was making Cogliano into a 3rd line plugger when he should be a 2nd line supporting offensive player.
Now, the key with Edmonton this year, as it has been for the past 5 years in injuries. You have to remember that the Oilers played without their #1/2 defensemen for half of last year in Visovsky. Hesmky was injured with a concussion at times, and various other players were out. We can all agree that Edmonton does not have the talent to cover for many if any injuries. If mostly healthy for the entire season, this current Edmonton team will compete for 6thish in the West. If injured, they are no better than 9th.
And I emphatically agree with anyone who says that Calgary will sorely miss Camallerri this year. Jokinen and Iginla did not play well together last year at all because they are too much alike in their play and they have little to no depth at scoring. Don't get me wrong, they will be one of if not the toughest defensive teams next year, but who will score??? Only time will tell. I personally don't think they have the committee to even be able to score by committee.
Vancouver is solid again and will be better this year with Samualsson as another secondary scorer with Demitra. Luongo is still the life blood and when healthy, he can carry that team to the division on his own.
Ottawa was the best team in the NHL in the last 20-30 games. They will definately be better overall and I think way too many people have written them off and put far too much stock into this Heatley thing being a negative. The gotten better with Kovalev offensively and no one is considering that they have a bonified #1 goalie for the first time in 2 seasons with Leclaire.
Toronto will be one of if not the more physically agressive teams in the league. Beleive it or not, this long time Leaf basher is looking forward to watching the early HNIC games this year because of it. Unfortunately, there will be more nights that not where the Leaf fans are saying, "Great game to watch, very exciting, the only thing better would be if the Leafs won." Improve yes, playoffs, doubtful at best.
Montreal is a sleeper. Seriously, no one can really know what a team with that many roster changes as well as a coaching change will do. There is no middle of the road here, they either feast or starve. They will either be near the top of the East or in the bottom 5 of the NHL. Personally, I think thier coach is far too good and their players far to talented and competative to be anything but good. But that's a risky bet.
In order, the Canadian teams will be.
1. Vancouver
2. Montreal
3. Ottawa
4. Calgary
5. Edmonton
6. Toronto |
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