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4809 Posts |
 Posted - 07/12/2011 : 10:41:41
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Poll Question:
Which Eastern 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.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2011 : 10:58:30
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Here is my East breakdown
1 - Washington - Score, score, score and score. Finally they have a goalie who can make huge saves, play 70+ games, and steal games they should lose.
2 - Philly - How can a team trade away their 1st and 2nd line centres and still have the depth to compete for the East?? Ask Mike Holmgren. See Washington only with less scoring but a better defense.
3 - Boston - Boring, grinding, nothing flash but they win. THe Bruins are the cream of the NE by a wide margin.
4 - Pittsburgh - A better team than Boston but because of the system they will finish 4th. If Malkin finds his form from 2 seasons ago, they might finish 1st in the East. See Philly and Washington combined. The best team in the NHL if healthy.
5 - Buffalo - A solid team top to bottom, one of the best coaches in the NHL, and a Vezina caliber goalie. Only better than last year with the additions of Lieno and Ehrhoff. The lost of Connally will only hurt if Roy does not find pre-injury form or does not stay healthy. Vanek blows up this year and scores 40+ goals.
6 - Tampa Bay - A full season with a real goalie will be interesting. Not such a surprise team as they were last year, will Boucher have all the answers again. A good enough team to make the playoffs on the skill of Lecavalier, Hedman, St. Louis, and Stamkos alone.
7 - New York Rangers - The health of Gaborik is always a question but this team has quietly gotten pretty deep and one can't deny the addition of 90+ points with Richards. Still a little weak in the back end but Lundqvist makes up for that
8 - New Jersey - I think Brodeur plays just average this year but a healthy Parise, a motivated Kovalchuk, and the right coach behind the bench will get this team into the playoffs.
Outsiders (in order) are Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, NY Islanders, Carolina, Ottawa, and Florida |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2011 : 11:47:17
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just like last year everyone predicts the habs to finish on the outside looking, with the exception of Washington none of these teams through 82 games i feel are that much better than the habs, i think you could be right the habs could be out of it but i could just as easisly see them finish 4th, i don't think they can win the Northeast Boston and Buffalo being very strong but the habs are the 6th place team from last year and have not lost much of anything except Hammirlik but have Gained a healthy Markov and Gorges and a Erik Cole, all key players, an lets not forget the habs were not a team fighting like crazy to make the playoffs last season they were pretty solid in the 5 or 6th spot for the last month of the season, and as everyone pointed out the habs did this last season with players haveing the worst seasons of their career , do you think Cammalleri if he is healthy isn't gonna score 30 goals this season? i would not be surprised at all to see the habs in the 6 spot again this year, New Jersey will not make the playoffs btw
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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Guest4312
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Posted - 07/12/2011 : 11:48:19
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1) washington
2) pittsburgh
3) boston
4) buffalo
5) nyr
6) philly
7) montreal
8) tampa or new jersey
10, 11, 12) toronto, carolina, winnipeg |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2011 : 13:55:34
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quote:
Originally posted by Pasty7
just like last year everyone predicts the habs to finish on the outside looking, with the exception of Washington none of these teams through 82 games i feel are that much better than the habs, i think you could be right the habs could be out of it but i could just as easisly see them finish 4th, i don't think they can win the Northeast Boston and Buffalo being very strong but the habs are the 6th place team from last year and have not lost much of anything except Hammirlik but have Gained a healthy Markov and Gorges and a Erik Cole, all key players, an lets not forget the habs were not a team fighting like crazy to make the playoffs last season they were pretty solid in the 5 or 6th spot for the last month of the season, and as everyone pointed out the habs did this last season with players haveing the worst seasons of their career , do you think Cammalleri if he is healthy isn't gonna score 30 goals this season? i would not be surprised at all to see the habs in the 6 spot again this year, New Jersey will not make the playoffs btw
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
Montreal did not add the pieces that other teams did. Buffalo and Toronto both got better and that just in their division. Boston already was a better team than Montreal. Washington is better, Philly is better, Pittsburgh is better.
4th??? Are you kidding??? And NJ will make the playoffs. I will bet on that right now! |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2011 : 14:05:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
quote:
Originally posted by Pasty7
just like last year everyone predicts the habs to finish on the outside looking, with the exception of Washington none of these teams through 82 games i feel are that much better than the habs, i think you could be right the habs could be out of it but i could just as easisly see them finish 4th, i don't think they can win the Northeast Boston and Buffalo being very strong but the habs are the 6th place team from last year and have not lost much of anything except Hammirlik but have Gained a healthy Markov and Gorges and a Erik Cole, all key players, an lets not forget the habs were not a team fighting like crazy to make the playoffs last season they were pretty solid in the 5 or 6th spot for the last month of the season, and as everyone pointed out the habs did this last season with players haveing the worst seasons of their career , do you think Cammalleri if he is healthy isn't gonna score 30 goals this season? i would not be surprised at all to see the habs in the 6 spot again this year, New Jersey will not make the playoffs btw
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
Montreal did not add the pieces that other teams did. Buffalo and Toronto both got better and that just in their division. Boston already was a better team than Montreal. Washington is better, Philly is better, Pittsburgh is better.
4th??? Are you kidding??? And NJ will make the playoffs. I will bet on that right now!
Beans a healthy Markov is a much better than Erhoff, Markov played 7 games last year, and the habs finished 6th, Gorges is a top shut down d man and he missed more than half the year, Cole and Leino are very similar point totals so where did Buffalo get that much better than the habs>? and the habs finished ahead of them last year, and i didn't say they would finish 4th i said they could finish as high as 4th and it would not surprise me, if Malkin doesn't bounce back and Crosby is either still hurt or not the same the habs are a better team than the pens right there, and that is not to say the habs are better than the pens but over the course of a season players get hurt things happen new additons don't mesh well NJ is a perfect example of that last year, so as i said beans in the right circumstances the habs are good enough to be a 4th place team and at the same time they could be a 10th place team, you said the same thing last year beans everyone around them got better and they weren't good enough to make the playoffs, most of their top six had an off year and they finished 6th with a playoff spot rapped up for the last month of play, so like i said keep underestimating the habs, they have Goaltending as good as anyone in the conference and their d if Healthy matchs up with everyone in the conference aswell, and their top six plays a great system under Martin , they will be there,
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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TheRC
Rookie
105 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2011 : 21:07:45
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I'd be very careful about predicting Montreal success. For at least the past two years they have seemed to me like a team that has played above expectations. There are several very good players on Montreal of course, but nobody who really stands out as great, as there are on half a dozen other teams in the East who you'd consider "good" overall.
Everybody on the team has stood up and played their best for the past few years, and I grudgingly (as a Leaf fan) respect them for it) but even if they continue to do so, several other teams in the East are substantially improved by new acquisitions and/or the impending return of injured players. They may have finished 6th in the East last year, but the Habs were closer in points to 9th place than they were to 5th. I might wager on Montreal hanging on to one of the last playoff spots, but certainly not climbing higher than last year.
"If at first you don't succeed, you fail" |
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MrBoogedy
Rookie
Canada
195 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2011 : 22:07:04
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Everybody stood up and played their best? How does that explain the all time lows many players had last season? They may have played as hard as they could but they didn't play their best.
It's the same story every year, montreal is predicted out of a playoff spot, and then they "over-achieve" and get there. Well i say they're not over achieving as much as they are underestimated. Watch out, barring the injury bug i predict to see Montreal sitting between sixth and eigth. I think Cole will be a good fit, young players like Pacioretty and Desharnais are continuing to improve, as will Price,
I predict Buffalo waves to the playoff bus as it drives away, aside from that most things stay the same as last season.
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 04:51:51
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I really love how everyone has properly answered the question.
I'm being sarcastic.
So, Beans' prediction: Montreal falls out, New Jersey in (willing to bet on NJ being in). Not much change at all, actually.
Pasty: No comment on teams falling out, but Montreal stays in. Uh, ok, that's nice.
Guest 4312: Maybe Tampa Bay falls out to be replaced by New Jeresey, otherwise it's a shuffling of the deck.
TheRC: Montreal may stay in the playoffs. Ok, and . . . ?
Mr. Boogedy: Buffalo misses the playoffs, no word on who might replace them. sigh.
WHAT ABOUT THE QUESTION DID YOU NOT UNDERSTAND GUYS?!? 
Ok, here's MY answer. (mumble mumble)
Montreal falls out, barely. NY Rangers fall out. TB and Pittsburgh barely hang in there.
Toronto gets in, New Jersey gets in.
But I think the east will be even closer than the west was last year . . . with the last couple of games having 4 or 5 teams on the verge of either making or missing the playoffs.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 05:38:35
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
I really love how everyone has properly answered the question.
I'm being sarcastic.
So, Beans' prediction: Montreal falls out, New Jersey in (willing to bet on NJ being in). Not much change at all, actually.
Pasty: No comment on teams falling out, but Montreal stays in. Uh, ok, that's nice.
Guest 4312: Maybe Tampa Bay falls out to be replaced by New Jeresey, otherwise it's a shuffling of the deck.
TheRC: Montreal may stay in the playoffs. Ok, and . . . ?
Mr. Boogedy: Buffalo misses the playoffs, no word on who might replace them. sigh.
WHAT ABOUT THE QUESTION DID YOU NOT UNDERSTAND GUYS?!?
Ok, here's MY answer. (mumble mumble)
Montreal falls out, barely. NY Rangers fall out. TB and Pittsburgh barely hang in there.
Toronto gets in, New Jersey gets in.
But I think the east will be even closer than the west was last year . . . with the last couple of games having 4 or 5 teams on the verge of either making or missing the playoffs.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Slozo maybe through all my defense of the habs everyone missed what i was trying to say and actually what i was trying to say is pretty similar to what you just said,
I think Washington Philly Pitts Montreal T.O Carolina Tampa Rangers Boston Buffalo are all good enough on paper to be playoff teams and it will come down to which teams new additions gel the best and who stays the healthiest,
I think New jersey will struggle again and will not get good goaltending and i don't see Their top six as good enough, a new coach yet again this season, will Lou have to replace him behind the bench or will he get Lemaire out of retirement again?
Florida may push but i think they will taper off at the end and be unable to keep pace
Winnepeg similard to last year keeping pace all year but loseing ground at the end of the season
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 07:47:49
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I see, Pasty.
So can you answer the question then: who do you see as the most likely team to fall out of the playoffs, and what other teams may fall out, and which teams would be the ones to make it then?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Mario 66
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
360 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 09:24:32
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Slozo, not attempting to slight your statement or come across ignorant, but can you please educate all of us on why you believe the Pens hardly hold on? Were talking about a team that finished in the top tier of the entire league, while playing without two of the best players in the world for more then half the season! Just curious on how you came to such a conclusion
As far as answering the question at hand: Pitt, Buff, Wash & Philly will round out the top 4 & the bottom 4 will consist of the same other 4 that made the playoffs last yr (MTL, BOS, NYR & TB)
Simply put the teams in the lower half that missed the playoffs last yr have not done enough to close the gap & squeak into the playoffs (This includes the Leafs)
Every journey begins with a single step. |
Edited by - Mario 66 on 07/13/2011 10:33:27 |
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Guest4312
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Posted - 07/13/2011 : 10:40:53
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| i could see philly having a disastrous season and falling out of the playoffs... otherwise it will likely be tampa bay rolly is getting too old to handle a full season and they let too many players walk |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 10:50:41
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quote:
Originally posted by Mario 66
Slozo, can you please educate all of us on why you believe the Pens hardly hold on when they are ranked 2nd behind Van as the most likely to win the cup?? Were talking about a team that finished third in the entire league while playing without two of the best players in the world for more then half the season! Just curious on how you came to such a conclusion
As far as answering the question at hand: Pitt, Buff, Wash & Philly will round out the top 4 & the bottom 4 will consist of the same other 4 that made the playoffs last yr (MTL, BOS, NYR & TB)
Simply put the teams in the lower half that missed the playoffs last yr have not done enough to close the gap & squeak into the playoffs (This includes the Leafs)
Every journey begins with a single step.
Fair question, Mario. Yeah, I think it'll be a big, nearly disasterous drop for the Penguins . . . here's why:
1) Everyone got better (in division and conference), while they got worse.
2) I am predicting Crosby plays only half a season, or that he plays in a diminished form and is not himself. That still means he is a very, very good player . . . but not the same guy at all.
3) I am predicting Malkin will be a shadow of his former self, or miss significant time - real bad knee injury (tore both MCL and ACL, remember) and ligaments have a long recovery time, and are easy to re-injure. Says he'll be back for Sept, but my guess is it'll be longer.
4) Fleury will continue his spotty play, some may even suggest downward spiral.
Lots of iffy predictions there, but that is what I see. Their defence is still solid though, and even half a Crosby and half a Malkin should be enough to squeeze them in, even with all that.
BTW Mario - I think you predicting the same teams are gonna be in the playoffs is less likely to happen than my prediction. In fact, I'd almost like to find out if it has ever happened for the 8 teams coming from each conference format?
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 11:21:57
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So help me understand something Slozo.
Malkin under-performs.
Crosby misses half the year
Fluery is inconsistent.
So Pitt will fall.
Isn't that exactly what happened last year when Pitt was 3rd in the NHL points and 2nd only to Vancouver in wins????
I see you have a logic behind your point, but you logic is simply illogical considering you are saying last year will repeat itself and somehow Pitt will not succeed?? By the way, how, exactly, did Pitt get worse again??? |
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Guest9201
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Posted - 07/13/2011 : 13:00:45
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Philly drops out and the Hurricanes draw back in. It amazes me that so many people think Philly is actually better now than they were last seson. They are a bit better in net. Bryzgalov was the bench warmer when Giguere won the cup for the Ducks. While they are a lot less offensive without Richards and Carter and Lieno.
A side note I think Boston and Washington are going to have monster years. Can't imagine Bostons lineup with Savard being back next season and Segiun getting 60+ points. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 13:06:14
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Bryzgalov is one of the top 5 goalies in the league (wins, win %, save %, GAA) over the past 2-3 seasons.
Carter and Richards will be missed. Voracek will take up some of that slack. Van Reimsdyk and Giroux playing more than 3rd line minutes will take up some of the slack. Hartnell can take Leino's place in the first 2 lines.
Philly is still a very, very good hockey club. I see a lot of bets coming this year. TO's making the playoffs, Montreal making the playoffs, Montreal vs TO's offense, Philly's performance. |
Edited by - Beans15 on 07/13/2011 13:09:53 |
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Mario 66
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
360 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 13:35:13
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Slozo, lets do a break down of what Pitt acquired & what they lost. Out is Max Talbot & Mike Rupp of significance. In is Sidney Crosby & Evegeni Malkin
Can you give me a team that acquired even close to the talent we did? From Injury or free agency we are still acquiring players we didn't have for most of last yr.
Why does Fleury never garner any respect?? Was he not the hottest goalie the second half of the season or did Pitt just carry along like they didn't lose two superstars because of stellar offense.
As far as why I selected the same 8 teams as last yr is because the other teams never made moves that really sure up their weak area's while the Rangers, Habs & Sabres who finished in the lower half of the playoffs all had substantial pick ups or significant players returning from injury. I give the leafs a shot, but they picked up a Centre to run a first line that is more injury prone then Sami Salo. For that alone I believe they will battle all yr, but tail off in th end.
Every journey begins with a single step. |
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Guest4086
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Posted - 07/13/2011 : 13:44:16
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Washington still finished atop the east last year, even though Ovechkin had a sub-par season, Backstrom had a terrible season, and Green was injured a good chunk of the season. Assuming these three bounce back, plus the additions they've made thus far, and it's a good bet they finish on top again.
the rest as follows:
2) Pittsburgh
3) Boston
4) New Jersey (predict a big bounce back from them)
5) Tampa Bay
6) Philadelphia (will miss Carter & Richards down the middle)
7) Buffalo
8) Toronto (showing a little bias here)
with Carolina, NYR, Montreal, and even Atlanta just falling short of the mark. |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 17:20:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Mario 66
Slozo, lets do a break down of what Pitt acquired & what they lost. Out is Max Talbot & Mike Rupp of significance. In is Sidney Crosby & Evegeni Malkin
Can you give me a team that acquired even close to the talent we did? From Injury or free agency we are still acquiring players we didn't have for most of last yr.
Why does Fleury never garner any respect?? Was he not the hottest goalie the second half of the season or did Pitt just carry along like they didn't lose two superstars because of stellar offense.
As far as why I selected the same 8 teams as last yr is because the other teams never made moves that really sure up their weak area's while the Rangers, Habs & Sabres who finished in the lower half of the playoffs all had substantial pick ups or significant players returning from injury. I give the leafs a shot, but they picked up a Centre to run a first line that is more injury prone then Sami Salo. For that alone I believe they will battle all yr, but tail off in th end.
Every journey begins with a single step.
In is Sydney Crosby? From that 0 points he got last year?
No.
Crosby played half the year at an absolute runaway MVP level. Was out the other half.
He says he is coming back, he is practicing - all good signs - but we don't know yet for sure when, and in what capacity. Remember, when he said a week or two before the playoffs he'd be there? Yeah. Trust me, I want him back just as much as you do . . . but he is potentially one small setback from retirement.
Malkin might be back on the ice in September. When he starts playing, how long his rehab takes, not sure . . . but he might be back at full speed after the first month. Then we'll see again with him where he's at.
Fleury did play very well for the most part second half - and trust me, going back on PUH here, I had always rated him top 5 as a money goalie. No more. I saw the light this playoffs, and am no longer a believer in him as a top goalie.
Addressing Beans' point - again, valid point, but . . . how many times can a team go uphill against all expectation, all expert reasoning, and still succeed? That is why I make my prediction that this time, if the two centers are gone or diminished for a good portion of time . . . I think the team won't be able to do a repeat, miracle performance.
And it WAS a miracle performance, last year. I give them a tonne of credit. But I think they will still make it, but it'll be close, as they finish between 8-6th.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 17:26:24
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Okay, here goes.......and of course, this could change come Sept 
1. Washington - Finally with a goalie who while unproven in the playoffs, will be golden for them in the reg season.
2. Pittsburgh - I think Crosby comes back and doesn't take long to get back up to speed.
3. Boston - Like last year, takes till the last week or so to clinch div.
4. Buffalo - Misses div title in the last week.
5. Philly - Small step back as youngsters start slow, eventual gel mid season
6. TBay - Trade for goalie at deadline
7. NYR - Richards enough to keep them in the mix
8. NJ - Squeaks back in.
9. Montreal - Just misses, but like the last few years, they'll prob get in and i'll have underestimated them yet again!
10. Car - Almost, again.
11. Toronto - Reimer doesn't play his ass off all year at the rate he played this past season
12. Winnipeg - Do the fans even care that they missed the dance? They're still celebrating having a team again!
13. NYI - Still a couple years away
14. Fla - Yawn.....
15. Ottawa - Leaf fans are pissed as Ottawa looks to have a good shot at #1 overall.
Now, can we get on to the West so i can make my St Louis Blues prediction? |
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TheRC
Rookie
105 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 19:47:06
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Sorry Slozo, my post wasn't a direct answer to the main question in the thread, just a response to those upping Montreal. That said, I did vote for Montreal as the playoff team least likely to make it again next season. If I had to rank the East, I'd do it this way:
Pittsburg, Washington and Boston are the teams to beat, and I expect them to finish at or near the top.
A step below those teams I see Tampa, Philly and Buffalo as locks for playoff spots as well.
The last two playoff spots could go to NYR, Carolina, Montreal or Toronto. It'll be a tight race.
I feel that I should be putting New Jersey in that category too, but despite a list of potentially impressive parts I just don't think they combine to make a very good team. I feel the same way about the Rangers, to be honest, but Richards will provide a good pivot, and Lundvquist can still steal games in ways I'm not too sure Brodeur can anymore.
On the outside looking in are Winnipeg, NYI, and Florida. And Ottawa is finally as bad as they deserve to be. Last place. Calling it now.
"If at first you don't succeed, you fail" |
Edited by - TheRC on 07/13/2011 19:48:20 |
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MrBoogedy
Rookie
Canada
195 Posts |
Posted - 07/13/2011 : 20:57:33
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| To answer the question fully, as stated above I believe Buffalo will not be in a playoff spot at the end of the season, and I think one of the least likely teams will be there to replace em... Winnipeg. They might not be a force on paper and are missing a lot of key elements, plus they are going to have to deal with an arduous travel schedule, but I think the difference maker will be the heart and hype put behind the team... those fans are gonna be thirsty for hockey and i believe that at least in this first season I think Winnipeg surprises everyone and squeezes into a playoff spot at the end of the year. They'll narrowly take 8th, just knocking out Buffalo. I called Jojo's psychic hotline man... trust me , put money on this. |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2011 : 05:46:19
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex116
Okay, here goes.......and of course, this could change come Sept
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11. Toronto - Reimer doesn't play his ass off all year at the rate .
...
Now, can we get on to the West so i can make my St Louis Blues prediction?
Small point here, but I do believe your reasoning is a bit off here.
"All year"? Reimer started 35 games, played in 37, and made his very first start of the year on January 1, 2011.
The other goalies for the Leafs? Giguere, who put up an amazing record of 11-11-4, and Gustavsson, 6-13-2. Their combined record was 17 wins, 24 losses, 6 OT losses, for 47 games of no Reimer.
Now, you may figure Reimer's play will slip this year, and that's all a fine prediction and whatnot, and possible - but even if his play doesn't quite equal last year's 20 win, 10 loss, 5 OTL record over a full season - it'll still be a lot better than last year's stats from Giggy and Gustavsson.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2011 : 05:50:16
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quote:
Originally posted by MrBoogedy
To answer the question fully, as stated above I believe Buffalo will not be in a playoff spot at the end of the season, and I think one of the least likely teams will be there to replace em... Winnipeg. They might not be a force on paper and are missing a lot of key elements, plus they are going to have to deal with an arduous travel schedule, but I think the difference maker will be the heart and hype put behind the team... those fans are gonna be thirsty for hockey and i believe that at least in this first season I think Winnipeg surprises everyone and squeezes into a playoff spot at the end of the year. They'll narrowly take 8th, just knocking out Buffalo. I called Jojo's psychic hotline man... trust me , put money on this.
Love the line on Jojo . . . well, who knows really - Winnipeg is a bit of a wildcard in the Eastern Conference. I agree that they might just start off real strong, with all those crazy fans so pumped up to have hockey back, should be a rip roaring first few weeks (haven't looked at the schedule, but I sure hope the Leafs don't play them the first month).
But I can't see it, myself, them actually making the playoffs. They'd probably have to climb past all of Montreal, Toronto, New Jersey, Carolina . . . maybe even the Rangers - just to make it. It's tough to see them diong that.
But it'll be fun to watch if it does.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2011 : 05:59:30
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quote:
Originally posted by TheRC
Sorry Slozo, my post wasn't a direct answer to the main question in the thread, just a response to those upping Montreal. That said, I did vote for Montreal as the playoff team least likely to make it again next season. If I had to rank the East, I'd do it this way:
Pittsburg, Washington and Boston are the teams to beat, and I expect them to finish at or near the top.
A step below those teams I see Tampa, Philly and Buffalo as locks for playoff spots as well.
The last two playoff spots could go to NYR, Carolina, Montreal or Toronto. It'll be a tight race.
I feel that I should be putting New Jersey in that category too, but despite a list of potentially impressive parts I just don't think they combine to make a very good team. I feel the same way about the Rangers, to be honest, but Richards will provide a good pivot, and Lundvquist can still steal games in ways I'm not too sure Brodeur can anymore.
On the outside looking in are Winnipeg, NYI, and Florida. And Ottawa is finally as bad as they deserve to be. Last place. Calling it now.
"If at first you don't succeed, you fail"
Good answer! 
I am also a bit torn on New Jersey, myself. On paper, as long as Brodeur can even put up an average season by his standards, they are in.
But will Kovalchuk mesh with Parise coming back in the lineup? Will Brodeur finally start to break down? Will Parise potentially get traded because re-signing talks break down? Who is coaching?
Lots of questions, and frankly, too many for me too almost - except that, whenever you count out the Devils, Brodeur shows up to steal the show - which is why I have them sneaking in.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2011 : 09:45:45
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Addressing Beans' point - again, valid point, but . . . how many times can a team go uphill against all expectation, all expert reasoning, and still succeed? That is why I make my prediction that this time, if the two centers are gone or diminished for a good portion of time . . . I think the team won't be able to do a repeat, miracle performance.
And it WAS a miracle performance, last year. I give them a tonne of credit. But I think they will still make it, but it'll be close, as they finish between 8-6th.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
I can't think of a post made in the past 2 years that I can disagree with most. I mean, for a guy as bright and articulate as Slozo to not see Pitt for what they are is simply baffling to me.
Starting in net, MA Fleury has been one of the most consistent performers over the past 4 seasons.
Looking at defense, I would strongly suggest that Letang, Orpik, Martin, and Michalek are every bit as good a top 4 defensemen group as any in the NHL. Not saying best, but every bit as good. Top 5 to 10 easily
Looking at their forwards, without considering Crosby and Malkin (Staal, Kunitz, Neal, Letestu, Dupuis, Cooke, Asham, Kennedy) would be somewhere in the middle of the league in talent. When you add in 2 of the top 5 forwards in the NHL today into the mix, they are in the top 10.
How can a team 'overacheive" who have done the same thing year over year for the past 4 season?? Sure, many thought they would tank after Crosby and Malkin were both out and that was a surprise, but they are a good team regardless.
I slightly see your point but you are assuming both Crosby and Malkin are certainly out. Malkin is healthy today. Crosby is partipating in the same work-out schedule that he has in the summer for his entire career. What theory do you have as to why they are both going to be out long term??? |
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Guest4312
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Posted - 07/14/2011 : 10:41:38
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"but I think the difference maker will be the heart and hype put behind the team... those fans are gonna be thirsty for hockey and i believe that at least in this first season I think Winnipeg surprises everyone and squeezes into a playoff spot at the end of the year.. They'll narrowly take 8th"
I would bet they will be one of the best teams at home and one of the worst on the road (for this season at least with the horrible travel they will have to put up with).... as for the playoffs i could see it happening but i wouldn't bet on it. out of the top 10 teams in the east they have one of the worst goaltending |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2011 : 11:06:09
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Small point here, but I do believe your reasoning is a bit off here.
"All year"? Reimer started 35 games, played in 37, and made his very first start of the year on January 1, 2011.
The other goalies for the Leafs? Giguere, who put up an amazing record of 11-11-4, and Gustavsson, 6-13-2. Their combined record was 17 wins, 24 losses, 6 OT losses, for 47 games of no Reimer.
Now, you may figure Reimer's play will slip this year, and that's all a fine prediction and whatnot, and possible - but even if his play doesn't quite equal last year's 20 win, 10 loss, 5 OTL record over a full season - it'll still be a lot better than last year's stats from Giggy and Gustavsson.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Slozo...maybe i worded it poorly, or have read your reply wrong but i wasn't implying Reimer played the entire season last year. I was implying that he plays this whole season, but doesn't play 60+ games at the same rate / with the same success, as he did last year (in the games he did play). I see him taking a small step back and putting up closer to .500 numbers, thus leaving the backups to do as well or better to have the leafs at or around a .500 mark yet again (prob slightly better than .500).
Ignore the OT losses for a second and take the combined 17-24 record of the "other" goalies. Now, make it 21-20 assuming they won 4 more than they did and played at basically a .500 clip. With those 8 more points, the Leafs still miss the playoffs in a tie breaker to NYR. So, basically, if you get .500 hockey out of your backup(s), which i'd assume a team in the Leafs position would be happy with, Reimer would still need to play his ass off to get them in the mix.
All i'm saying is i think he struggles a little with the pressure this year and takes a small step backwards (if that's even fair to say, considering he only played half a season).
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Guest4086
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Posted - 07/14/2011 : 11:32:11
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| sure Reimer has to be good all year, but the one big thing that is keeping the Leafs on the outside looking in year after year is their PP & PK. finishing in or near the basement every year in these two categories is recipe for disaster. if these don't improve then it'll be 9th or lower again. |
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TheRC
Rookie
105 Posts |
Posted - 07/14/2011 : 13:01:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest4086
sure Reimer has to be good all year, but the one big thing that is keeping the Leafs on the outside looking in year after year is their PP & PK. finishing in or near the basement every year in these two categories is recipe for disaster. if these don't improve then it'll be 9th or lower again.
I actually consider that a reason for optimism. The Leafs' special teams have sucked pretty bad for years now. I wouldn't have believed it, but after Kaberle's performance with Boston during the playoffs it's hard not to suspect that his powerplay skills were grossly over-rated (or at least painfully predictable) and that over-reliance on his puck distribution was at least part of the reason for year after year of weak powerplays. There is some new blood on defense, and room for somebody to step up and fill the void created by Kaberle's departure. That may just improve things. Hell, there's really no way it could be worse!
Playing the same hockey as last year, which included a few good streaks, but just as many losing skids, and a bunch of close games where better specialty teams would have made the difference, I'm certain that *any* improvement in powerplay or penalty killing will translate to the half a dozen more wins the Leafs will need to squeeze in to a playoff spot.
I guess with the last of the old team he inhereted gone, we're going to find out if Ron Wilson can coach a powerplay or not.
"If at first you don't succeed, you fail" |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 05:14:37
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I don't want to make this a Leafs-talk-only thread here, as they aren't the only team on the playoff bubble that has a chance to make it this year.
I want to bring up the Rangers, who are another team that look, on paper, very much improved.
Is there a possibility for a massive failure by Richards here? It's not like it hasn't happened before in New York, and now that Brad is getting paid for the next 9 years guarantedd . . . I don't really see him making a big jump in his numbers. He's in his prime, and may play with Gaborik . . . but that isn't a guarantee of success.
Still, their defence has improved year by year, Lundqvist is still a top goalie that will steal games . . . and they look to be a playoff team no matter what, IMHO.
Question is, how high can they go? If the new offensive pieces gel . . . could they fight for the division, actually? No one has talked about it, but I certainly see it as a possibility.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 07:26:17
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I think the question about Richards is more about coming off the concussion than his effort and desire. But his health has been more than just the concussion. He has also broken his left hand and right wrist in the past.
Personally, I have a soft spot for the Rangers. Might go back from the old Oiler days and with so many former Oilers going to play there. I like the make up that team. I think Anisimov is slated for a break out year and I can see him playing with Richards and Gaborik. I like Callahan and Dubinsky a lot and that Boyle dude is huge and knows how to play defensive hockey. Their keeper is top notch-world class. However, I am not a huge fan of their defensive group. I think it's missing a key piece but I am not sure if it is a shut down guy or a puck mover. Regardless, they have been a playoff team in most of the past 5 seasons but often get there by the skin of their teeth. I think this year they move past that point and get in comfortably. I see them in and around the 6th spot. |
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Mario 66
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
360 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 08:24:54
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Slozo, its funny you bring up the Rangers, cuz I was about to make a thread on them as it appears many people have them missing the playoffs including yourself earlier in the thread.
I'm curious & this is to the general population who believe that the Sabres & Rangers will be on the outside looking in how two teams that have been steady playoff teams the last 5 yrs; minus a last day miss two yrs ago, acquires the likes of Brad Richards, Ehroff & Regher all of a sudden become weaker & unable to finish ahead of teams like the Devils, Hurricanes & Leafs?
Obviously, this does not include all & everybody's entitled to their own perspective, but I have the Rangers & Sabres battling the Flyers for the 4 spot, so I rather baffled that others could have them dropping so low. Please state your reasoning as to why those of you believe they will drop so low.
Every journey begins with a single step. |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 08:55:37
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quote:
I'm curious & this is to the general population who believe that the Sabres & Rangers will be on the outside looking in how two teams that have been steady playoff teams the last 5 yrs; minus a last day miss two yrs ago, acquires the likes of Brad Richards, Ehroff & Regher all of a sudden become weaker & unable to finish ahead of teams like the Devils, Hurricanes & Leafs?
I recall thinking that NJ would win their division at the beginning of 2010/11, and look what happened there. Who could have known a team that only got better in the offseason could suck so badly for the first 40 games?
Teams that make big changes in the offseason - even those that change for the best - can sometimes struggle out of the gate. BUF and NYR both made big changes this offseason, either in terms of number of new faces or calibre of new faces. The next question will be how do those big faces all mesh together to form a team? |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 10:45:14
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Same as what nuxfan just said. And I realise I did waffle a bit on the Rangers making or not making the playoffs this year.
Big changes which bring in star players is no guarantee of team success. See: Kovalchuk to New Jersey. See: Jokinen to Calgary. See Gaborik to the Rangers.
Players OFTEN underperform after signing long, large contracts.
Players often don't mesh with new teammates (although I would say it's easier for a playmaker as opposed to a goalscorer).
I just started getting a bit of a bad vibe about Richards, and I don't know if it was the media's fault or not, but . . . he seemed so spiteful of Dallas and Nieuwendyk; he seemed so greedy about the terms and money he was asking for; and he seemed to already have made up his mind, in the end, to play for the Rangers.
I am just not feeling the karma . . . and in the end, the Rangers could well miss out because of it. But it really is so hard to tell.
On Buffalo - same thing, except with defencemen, it's even harder to adjust, and I know this first hand watching Toronto's new and departed d-men. There is a longer adjustment period.
I think either one of Ehrhoff or young Leino will be a bust, IMHO. Leaning towards Ehrhoff.
But it's so hard to predict these things, and I could be way off . . . just like I was about Washington clearing room for Vokoun who
oh. wait. I was right about that one 
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
Edited by - n/a on 07/15/2011 10:49:11 |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 11:21:16
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I don't think I have a bad vibe about Richards - he is one of the pre-eminent centres in the league, and I think he'll end up doing well in NY. It just might not be next year, or next year might be an average year for him. He moves into the #1 centre role next year, and will be expected to find chemistry with Gaborik fast - and as we saw with Kovy last year, that doesn't always happen right away. I would not be surprised to see them struggle for the first 20 games or so, before finding rhythm.
As for BUF, I think Ehrhoff will see his production decline - he is coming from the top offensive team in the league - but I don't think he'll be a bust per say. I've watched him enough over the last 2 years to recognize that he has talent as an offensive defenseman, but also requires others around him to be good as well - Vancouver defensemen who play on the PP benefit a lot from the Sedin's and Kesler, so he's going to need to benefit from Roy/Pominville/Vanek. He is responsible defensively, and although he doesn't use his full size can throw his weight around. However, he would have to win the Norris trophy next year to even come close to living up to a 9M paycheque, and for that reason I think he will be seen as somewhat of a disappointment.
But I do think that both BUF and NYR will make the playoffs. I just don't see either one doing much better in the conference than they did last year. |
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Porkchop73
PickupHockey Pro
640 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 08:27:51
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My predictions for the East:
Pitt
Wash
Boston
Tampa
Buffalo
Philly
Montreal
NYR
Toronto
NJ
Carolina
Islanders
Winnipeg
Ottawa
Florida
The top 6 in the east are easy prediction IMO. Montreal to TO seperated by 2 points. NJ and Carolina finish in a tie 1 point back of TO. Ottawa and Florida will battle Edm in the west for the #1 pick at the end of the season. |
Edited by - Porkchop73 on 07/16/2011 08:29:03 |
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Oilearl
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
268 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 10:47:07
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1. Washington
2. Pittsburg
3. Boston
4. Buffalo
5. Tampa
6. NY Rangers
7. Philly
8. Carolina
9. - 15. in order NJ, Montreal, Islanders, Toronto, Florida, Winnipeg, Ottawa.
6 to 14 will be close and in the hunt for a playoff spot.
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ryan93
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
996 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 14:04:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
I think the question about Richards is more about coming off the concussion than his effort and desire. But his health has been more than just the concussion. He has also broken his left hand and right wrist in the past.
Personally, I have a soft spot for the Rangers. Might go back from the old Oiler days and with so many former Oilers going to play there. I like the make up that team. I think Anisimov is slated for a break out year and I can see him playing with Richards and Gaborik. I like Callahan and Dubinsky a lot and that Boyle dude is huge and knows how to play defensive hockey. Their keeper is top notch-world class. However, I am not a huge fan of their defensive group. I think it's missing a key piece but I am not sure if it is a shut down guy or a puck mover. Regardless, they have been a playoff team in most of the past 5 seasons but often get there by the skin of their teeth. I think this year they move past that point and get in comfortably. I see them in and around the 6th spot.
Dan Girardi & Marc Staal form one of the best shutdown tandems in the NHL today. Without question though, they could use a puckmover from the back end. It's looking less likely everyday that that guy will come from outside the organization, so the hope must be that either Tim Erixon or Michael Del Zotto can come in & contibute in a big way this season. |
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sahis34
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
591 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 14:55:15
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1. Washington
2. Pittsburgh
3. Buffalo
4. Tampa Bay
5. Boston
6. New Jersey
7. NY Rangers
8. Montreal
--------------------
9. Toronto
10. Winnipeg
11. Philly
12. Carolina
13. Ottawa
14. Florida
15. NY Islanders
Go OILERS Go!!! |
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Topic |
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Eastern Conference Predictions 
