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semin-rules
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1915 Posts |
 Posted - 07/16/2011 : 16:16:12
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1. Washington - solid tender will put them first and passed the first round
2. Pittsburgh - will look for something to prove after last year, Crosby will be flying
3. Boston - May start off a little hungover from last year but will bounce back in the second half and have another great season
4. Buffalo - If Miller can prove he wants to win, with their new additions, Buffalo will be right up there
5. Tampa Bay - After they sign Stamkos, and with their new goalies, they will be right where they were last year
6. NY Rangers - Brad Richards will not disappoint and score 40+ goals and lead the Rangers to a conference finals
7. Montreal - Solid team, can't really deny they are good, if Price stays strong.
8. New Jersey - After their dismal season, they will come out flying, slow down near the all-star break and barely make it in thanks to Brodeur.
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9. Philly - They are now going to be re-building and they put up a good effort but do not make it. Bryzgalov has a career year though.
10. Winnipeg - They come out flying in the first half, staying 5th and 6th in the conference for a long time, but start to lose a few games and then fall short in the very end
12. Toronto - They are doing all the right things, however need about one more year to make the top 16
13. Florida - Big changes down south, have potential to do well at the start of the year, putting up some wins, but the lack of fan support causes the team to lose focus and not care
14. Carolina - Not too many changes, Have a struggling season, just like NJ last year
15. Ottawa - Nothing is going right in the nations capital and I think one more year of another bad season and the oldies will be done and then the Sens will start the rebuild stage
West predictions coming up next :D
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Edited by - semin-rules on 07/16/2011 16:18:08 |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 09:02:36
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Semin, does that mean NYI are 16th?  Do you think they're so bad they're not worth mentioning or something?  |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 09:11:13
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex116
Semin, does that mean NYI are 16th? Do you think they're so bad they're not worth mentioning or something?
I am also wondering if there is no team good enough to be 11th??
Winnipeg will be 10th and Toronto 12th.  |
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Leafs81
PickupHockey Pro
735 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 10:46:29
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Ok I like those thread. Here it is
1 Washington the acquisition of Vokoun is all they needed this is their year. They will win the cup
2. Pittsburgh finishes off strong and fights for top in the east. Phillys centers are finally no match for Crosby and Malkin
3. Boston really what other team in the northeast could beat them. They are still young and Savard might be back.
4.NY Rangers. Even without Richards they were a good all around team. Lundqvist wins the Vezina.
5. Buffalo A well improved team and they have Miller
6. Philly Takes a step back but still has too much talent to be out.
7. Tampa Bay They will also take a step back after a great playoff run. They are looking for a backup and Stamkos struggles.
8. Toronto If if and if
Fighting for it are New Jersey Montreal and Carolina |
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semin-rules
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1915 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 13:04:57
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Haha oops
yes I think the Islanders fit very well into the ghost 11th spot.
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 05:07:19
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lets give it a whirl then
1- Buffalo Sabres - Best coached team in the eastern conference if not the league, top 3 goalie in the world, a couple key additions in the off season, predict Brad Boyes scores 35 this season
2- Washington Capitals - this team is just scary good
3- The pens Crosby will go on the same tear he was last year excaqpt this year he will do it for 82 games
4- Boston Bruins this team is deep really deep but look for Thomas to falter a little and Rask begin his take over
5-Philly despite the loss of their big centers they are deep enough
6- Montreal under estimated at every turn but managed a sixth place finish last year while missing key players for a signifigant amounts of time, look for Cammalleri to have a bounce back year and Eller to break out
7- Rangers, I predict a slow start but them being one of the best teams in the NHL after x mas , Lundquvist will be his usual MVP self
8- New jersey - I retract my previous statement beans they will squeak in on the last day, Brodeur has a off year
teams who fought hard untill the last days of the season for the 8th spot , Toronto, Tampa, Florida , Islanders
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 05:43:31
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Guys, I don't think I can take another year of Toronto missing the playoffs. I really can't . . . and I don't think they can either.
If the Leafs miss again this year, I may just throw in the towel on the buds for a bit and cheer for someone else . . . that being said, I am going to lay it ALL ON THE LINE and predict with confidence that they make the playoffs this year.
Now, I know the majority of you predict Toronto on the outside again looking in . . . so I am taking wagers.
Beans, you have first crack, especially since you have lost to me twice in a row on the Leafers and their position, only fair you have first crack at revenge (or utter and complete defeat, of course). And, of course, you are my arch-nemesis, naturally.
We may have to design new and more humiliating avatars for the loser in this case . . . I am open to suggestions.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 06:00:33
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Guys, I don't think I can take another year of Toronto missing the playoffs. I really can't . . . and I don't think they can either.
If the Leafs miss again this year, I may just throw in the towel on the buds for a bit and cheer for someone else . . . that being said, I am going to lay it ALL ON THE LINE and predict with confidence that they make the playoffs this year.
Now, I know the majority of you predict Toronto on the outside again looking in . . . so I am taking wagers.
Beans, you have first crack, especially since you have lost to me twice in a row on the Leafers and their position, only fair you have first crack at revenge (or utter and complete defeat, of course). And, of course, you are my arch-nemesis, naturally.
We may have to design new and more humiliating avatars for the loser in this case . . . I am open to suggestions.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
i think you may be right but with one exception if by chance the east looks like the west did last year and they finish with say 95 points and just miss the playoff i think the team and it s fans can be happy with the strides they have taken to improve since they hit rock bottom
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 07:47:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Pasty7
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Guys, I don't think I can take another year of Toronto missing the playoffs. I really can't . . . and I don't think they can either.
If the Leafs miss again this year, I may just throw in the towel on the buds for a bit and cheer for someone else . . . that being said, I am going to lay it ALL ON THE LINE and predict with confidence that they make the playoffs this year.
Now, I know the majority of you predict Toronto on the outside again looking in . . . so I am taking wagers.
Beans, you have first crack, especially since you have lost to me twice in a row on the Leafers and their position, only fair you have first crack at revenge (or utter and complete defeat, of course). And, of course, you are my arch-nemesis, naturally.
We may have to design new and more humiliating avatars for the loser in this case . . . I am open to suggestions.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
i think you may be right but with one exception if by chance the east looks like the west did last year and they finish with say 95 points and just miss the playoff i think the team and it s fans can be happy with the strides they have taken to improve since they hit rock bottom
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
At this point, no - I would not be satisfied. Not as a fan of the team, and not as a hockey analyst (amateur) looking at the team on paper and evaluating them.
I think they should be a playoff team, period - no matter how they get there, whether it's as high as 4th in the conference, or a tie for 8th spot with edge going to the Leafs on the third tie-breaker. 85 points, or 95 points . . . they just. Need. To. Make. The. Playoffs.
Nothing else is acceptable at this point for me. And, I think for them as well . . . which is why I am looking at a good year.
I hope. (hard gulp)
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 08:26:32
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I appreciate the sportsmanship Slozo and I will take you up on your offer. Unfortunately, as I still have 10ish days to complete the terms of our last bet, I will reserve the wager until such time as I can make it proudly. That is, without this Leaf avatar attached to my name.
I will put serious consideration into the terms of this bet. |
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Guest7326
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Posted - 07/19/2011 : 09:02:03
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quote:
. they just. Need. To. Make. The. Playoffs.
Nothing else is acceptable at this point for me. And, I think for them as well . . . which is why I am looking at a good year.
I hope. (hard gulp)
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
As a self-proclaimed Leafs sympathizer, I gotta point at the elephant sitting on the couch over there. Is Brian Burke respected among the other GM's in the league, or is he being ostracized for playing by his own rules?
Seems to me that his self-righteousness has hurt his reputation. It's one thing to be outspoken, but when the chips are down, nobody likes an a$$hole. |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 09:04:35
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quote:
As a self-proclaimed Leafs sympathizer, I gotta point at the elephant sitting on the couch over there. Is Brian Burke respected among the other GM's in the league, or is he being ostracized for playing by his own rules?
Seems to me that his self-righteousness has hurt his reputation. It's one thing to be outspoken, but when the chips are down, nobody likes an a$$hole.
Why do you think Burke is being ostracized? |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 09:13:27
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I think that there are definitely GM's that don't appreciate the opinions and the bullying that Burke appears to do in the media. He is heavily opinionated and doesn't mind sharing those opinions. I can see how some would view that.
I can think specifically of Kevin Lowe. Just because Brian Burke doesn't agree with offer sheets doesn't mean they are against the rules. Burke spouted his mouth off like a meatball calling Kevin Lowe every name in the book. Does that not limit Burkes trading abilities?? What happens if and when an Oiler player is an asset that Burke may want/need?? What happens if an offer comes across Burke's desk from the Oilers that is agreeable??
Burke is an aquired taste. Some love'em, others hate'em. But Burke can't be the only GM like that. I am all but certain that some GM's just don't like other GM's. |
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Guest4312
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Posted - 07/19/2011 : 10:42:38
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| slozo i wouldn't be putting the future of your fan-loyalty on this season. the leafs are still very much unproven. who knows how this season goes. as a canadian i cheer for all the canadian teams to make the playoffs but realistically the leafs will probably end up right around the same spot they did last year. who knows if reimer can handle that many games? who knows if the top two lines can repeat or build on last year? who knows what injuries the team might run into? lots of unanswered questions, they look like a good team on paper but depth is another issue IMO |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2011 : 05:40:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest7326
quote:
. they just. Need. To. Make. The. Playoffs.
Nothing else is acceptable at this point for me. And, I think for them as well . . . which is why I am looking at a good year.
I hope. (hard gulp)
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
As a self-proclaimed Leafs sympathizer, I gotta point at the elephant sitting on the couch over there. Is Brian Burke respected among the other GM's in the league, or is he being ostracized for playing by his own rules?
Seems to me that his self-righteousness has hurt his reputation. It's one thing to be outspoken, but when the chips are down, nobody likes an a$$hole.
I don't think Burke potentially being ostracised by other GMs is an issue, and I don't think it has anything to do with the Eastern Conference predictions here.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Guest6373
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Posted - 07/21/2011 : 07:33:41
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1. Boston
2. Philly
3. Tampa
4. Washington
5. NY Rangers
6. Buffalo
7. Carolina
8. Winnipeg
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9. Pittsburgh
10. New Jersey
11. Montreal
12. Florida
13. NY Islanders
14. Ottawa
15. Toronto |
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fat_elvis_rocked
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
902 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 08:02:44
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Okay, time to throw my 2 cents in, as my friend Slozo says, you can't brag, or mock anyone else's
prognostications without making your own as well.
How I see the East next season;
1) Pittsburgh Penguins
If Crosby and Malkin are at all ready to play, they give this team all it needs to tear up the standings. Neal and Kunitz reap the rewards of their health, and Staal goes back to being one Of the premier defensive forwards in the game. Continuing emergence of Letang and any consistency out of Fleury, and they are the team to beat.
2) Washington Capitals
A proven goaltender and some nice pickups of defensively responsible role players and all of a sudden, their weak points….aren’t. If Ovechkin returns to any former form, they should vie for top spot in the East.
3) Boston Bruins
If it ain’t broke……
4) New Jersey Devils
They have to fiinish better in the standings with that front line talent, and if the end of last season was any indication, and Brodeur gets any inspiration from the ageless Tim Thomas, they will be much improved
5) Buffalo Sabres
Improved scoring, improved Defense, world class goaltender, improved standing.
6) NY Rangers
Richards and Gaborik, Rogers and Hammerstein, Gilbert and Sullivan..sounds like another successful Broadway duo.
7) Tampa Bay Lightning
Enough firepower and solid team concept, that even if old man Rollie struggles, they should still win their fair share.
8) Philadelphia Flyers
I keep hearing about their depth, but losing the marquee players they did at the same time, along with an aging and lately injury bitten Pronger.... Unless Bryzgalov is the real deal, they will slide a bit, but still hang on to a playoff spot.
9) Montreal Canadiens – Price will be good, just not quite enough
10) Carolina Hurricanes – Eric Staal, Skinner and………….
11) Toronto Maple Leafs – Still not there, Connolly not enough to make them contend for real.
12) Florida Panthers – Could just as easily make the playoffs if the new team gels at all, but….
13) Winnipeg Jets - Lots of excitement, tons of support, they’re gonna need it.
14) NY Islanders - Ugh! Wait! They may get Yashin back!!!! Okay…still Ugh!
15) Ottawa Senators – Not sure what goes on here….Spezza may be the new Marcel Dionne.
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Guest5052
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Posted - 07/22/2011 : 09:09:43
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My two cents:
1- Wash. the pick of the litter and Vokoun is a very good pick up. We'll see if that translates into any playoff success.
2.Pitt I think their good and with Malkin Crosby back theyre a cup contender... although I am not sure they will exceed last years point total.
3.Bos. Some cup hangover but think they'll be the best team in their division.
4. Philly. Big losses, big pick ups but should be a playoff team.
5. NJ. I thik Parise and Kovalchuk will have good years. Brodeur may be a weakness (I know blasphemy)
6Buff. some imporvements and they do play a disciplined style. Miller is lights out good.
7. TB Good talent, good young coach, still their D needs to improve.
8.will be fought bw MTL and NYR and I'll give the Nod to NYR with Richards (and Lundqvist in net) I like Price and think MTL has a decent squad, but cant put them ahead of anyone else here.
9. MTL
10. Leafs. Getting better but same thing - dont see them as better than anyone above.
11. Winnipeg - will be cheering for them, but any success will be based on discipline and hard work and hype. Not enough to make it
12. car. Not enough depth
13. NYI Some good talent but need a winning mentality. They havent got that yet.
14. FLA good GM, but will take time.
15. Ottawa. Needs to rebuild |
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Guest4004
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Posted - 07/30/2011 : 13:07:11
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1. Washington- most fire power, all around better with new acquisitions, best team
2. Pittsburgh- Crosby is back, Malkin finds his old touch making them as good as anybody else
3. Boston- Basically only lost their soft players (ryder, kaberle) same tough team makes them a very good contender..again
4. Buffalo- Leino replaces Connolly, Regehr and Ehrhoff make them a better defensive team, MIller is back
5. Tampa- Similar to last years team, Stamkos and St. Louis have off seasons but depth gives them strength (no playoff run though....they lost bergenheim)
6. New Jersey- Parise, Kovalchuk find it... Larsson has great rookie year
7. Philadelphia- Squeak in but have early playoff exit after idiotic trades
8. Carolina- Eric Staal leads the charge as they just squeak in
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9. New York Rangers-dissapoint all, fault at end of season, Lundqvist is great but him and richards cant carry the load
10. Montreal- Price is dissapointing, bad overall season
11. Toronto- Similar to last play hard with an outside chance but need one more year
12. Florida- Good year with new team
13. Winnipeg- it still is atlanta...
14. New York Islanders- same old same old
15. Ottawa- last place in league...1st overall pick
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The Duke
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1239 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 15:12:00
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Leafs will finish 6th or 7th this year  ....the usual top 5 - 6 teams will remain there.
Don`t forget people that in the second half of last years season the leafs were 2nd in NHL points, ( from the all - star break on ).....2nd only to the SJ sharks.
Not saying they are the NHL`s second best team but they did do really well for a long stretch after the all - star break...and with a PP that was non - existent.
Hopefully this is a good indicator for the up - coming season. |
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Guest4271
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Posted - 07/31/2011 : 16:20:41
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| Yeah, but they do that every year. Play like crap for the first half then play great when the pressure is off to make the playoffs. |
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Guest4776
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Posted - 07/31/2011 : 20:34:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest4271
Yeah, but they do that every year. Play like crap for the first half then play great when the pressure is off to make the playoffs.
Ok well they had an outside chance at making the playoffs so i dont see how the pressure was off them to not perform and not try to make the playoffs |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 21:16:12
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the thing with the leafs is they are not good enough to have a bad half season, or even a bad quarter season, an example is the habs las season they were not good enough to come back from a bad stretch so they brought consistency to the table, i think it was after Christmas before the lost more than 2 games in a row, and throughout the entire season they only lost more than 2 in a row like 3 times,,, teams like the habs the leafs the canes the rangers they have to consistently win games and pick up extra points ,, and that is the problem with the leafs they havn`t been consistent enough,,, this year if they can play consistent good hockey and not string to many loses together they can make the playoffs,,
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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Guest0220
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Posted - 07/31/2011 : 22:40:56
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1st - Philly: Solid depth at every position, first number solid one goalie since ron hextall.
2nd - Washington - See Philly, with more star power, Vokoun however will be shaky.
3rd - Boston - Best team in their division, Rask has a breakout year.
4th - Pittsburgh - Neck and neck race with philly throughout the season, only finishes 4th because of the way the playoffs work.
5th - New York - Gaborik finally lives up to potential with Richards.
6th - Montreal - Price holds an under achieving team together.
7th - Tampa Bay - Both goalies help to barley squeeze into playoffs.
8th - Winnipeg - Young team with lots of potential, and will be unstoppable at home. Pavelec breaks out, Vezina finalist.
9th - NYI - Young team, scores lots, but gets scored on lots.
10th - New Jersey - Brodeurs last stand. Overhaul coming up...
11th - Buffalo - Disappointing season from miller, and erhoff. Vanek gets traded.
12th - Toronto - Same old story here.
13th - Carolina - I'd rather have Pitkanen than Kaberle...
14th - Florida - The acquisitions of a bunch of 3rd/4th liners doesnt mean success.
15th - Ottawa - At least Sens fans will be able to wear Yakupov Jerseys.
---DEE |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2011 : 12:03:24
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quote:
Originally posted by The Duke
Leafs will finish 6th or 7th this year ....the usual top 5 - 6 teams will remain there.
Don`t forget people that in the second half of last years season the leafs were 2nd in NHL points, ( from the all - star break on ).....2nd only to the SJ sharks.
Not saying they are the NHL`s second best team but they did do really well for a long stretch after the all - star break...and with a PP that was non - existent.
Hopefully this is a good indicator for the up - coming season.
Typical. Hey Duke, care to prove this 2nd most posts comments?? They did have that distinction at one point after the All Star break, but not at the end of the season!!
Do the math. In fact, I've done it for you. TO has 42 points after the All Star break. San Jose, Vancouver, New Jersey, Buffalo, Washington, and Los Angeles has more points. All of those teams as well as Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston, Phoenix, and Anaheim all has as many or more wins than the Leafs during that stretch as well. Toronto also took advantage of more overtime losses (6) than anyone except Florida, Columbus, and Philadelphia.
So, although I can not argue that TO was one of the better teams after the all star break, they did not have the 2nd most points. They were above average and took 3 wins worth of points by losing. |
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Eastern Conference Predictions 
