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Guest0087
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 Posted - 07/15/2011 : 13:14:07
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Poll Question:
Which Western Conference playoff teams from last year is most likely to fall out of the playoffs this year?
Add any other teams you think will fall out of the playoff picture in your comment, and let us know who you think will move up to take their place.
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 13:24:51
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I will do the same thing for the West:
1 - San Jose - I think this team learned how good they can be last year after starting off slow and kicking it in late. Heatley will be a loss but the sum of Havlat and Burns make the Sharks the team to beat.
2 - Vancouver - Still the deepest team in the NHL at virtually every position. There will be a bit of a Finals hangover but still an elite team none the less.
3 - Chicago - They will be over their hangover and Adding Brunette gives some secondary scoring, adding Carcillo adds some sandpaper.
4 - Los Angeles - I like the addition of Gagne but with the loss of Smyth, it is basically a wash. A better team then they realize themselves now that Richards and Kopitar own the middle.
5 - Detroit - Didn't do as much as others to improve and/or keep pace. Rafalski will be a loss and it will be a surprise if the ageless wonder has another Norris worthy campaign.
6 - Anahiem - If Perry, Getzlaf, and Hillar are all healthy than this is a dangerous team. Didn't do as much as others to keep pace.
7 - Nashville - Everyone counts them out every year and they end up in the playoffs every year.
8 - Minnesota - Rarely to both teams get better through trades but this is case where it did happen. Heatley and Setoguchi give Minny scoring like they have never had before. Their defense is still sound and have quality keeping. They sneak in.
The rest (in order) will be Columbus, Calgary, Phoenix, St. Louis, Edmonton, Colorado, Dallas |
Edited by - Beans15 on 07/22/2011 10:54:39 |
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Guest4312
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Posted - 07/15/2011 : 14:06:22
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i'm gonna go out on a limb here .... detroit could very well miss the playoffs. its going to be hard to get support on this one i know, but hear me out.
looking at the division (st. louis, chicago, nashville, detroit, columbus)
i would rate nashville and chicage already better than detroit.
i would say detroit did not improve over the offseason, in fact they probably got worse. all the players are getting older (although that might benefit some like lidstrom the ageless wonder).
st louis is young up and coming and going to be a lot better this year.
ditto columbus. they also made some offseason moves that obviously improved the team. management feels this year is win or go home and they probably aren't done tweaking the roster with huselius now injured into 2012.
add in the fact that LA, san jose, and vancouver are what i consider locks for the playoffs.
needless to say one of the teams in the division will have to have a poor record otherwise all 5 might have a crack at getting to the post-season.
i don't know if i actually believe that detroit will miss the playoffs but its only going to take a couple improved teams for that to very well happen... we saw them slip the past couple years .... do you think they fall right out this year ? |
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Guest4312
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Posted - 07/15/2011 : 14:12:09
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1) vancouver
2) san jose
3) nashville
4) LA
5) chicago
6) anahiem
7) columbus
8) calgary
detroit, minesotta, st. louis, colorado, edmonton, phoenix, dallas (in that order) |
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Guest4312
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Posted - 07/15/2011 : 14:13:09
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| and i will add that the west past what i rank as the top 4 teams is otherwise wide open and anyones guess at this point |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 14:15:39
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I would not say you are completely crazy, but I do not agree that Nashville is a better team today. They have also done nothing to improve. So if Detroit was better than Nashville last season and neither changed, why is Nashville of a sudden a better team.
I agree that CBJ have improved. Carter and Wisnewski improve the team, Voracek is a loss. All in all, they are a better team but still not as good as Detroit.
STL still can't get anything right. They are a team full of middle of the road talent that simply don't put the pieces together to compete.
The Central (IMHO) is Chicago, Detroit, Nashville, CJB, and STL in that order. |
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Oilearl
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
268 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 19:37:23
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I chose Phoenix to drop out of the top 8 as well as Nashville.
My picks for this year are:
1. SJ - I think they will remain at the top again. They are better now with Burns but will miss Heatley, however the core is still there.
2. Chicago - Should be stronger as their core is intact as well, and they've made some additions that will add depth.
3. Vancouver - They're depth and talented forwards make them strong to repeat as tops in the west but I think they will end up around the 100pt mark but will win the NW easily.
4. LA - They should push SJ all the way I think they made the best additions in the west. Richards will lead them to the top.
5. Detroit - They are one of the strongest defensive teams with great coaching always hard to play against.
6. Anaheim - They were so good in the playoffs and down the stretch Corey Perry and Getzlaf are studs!! Great goaltending too.
7. Columbus - I like the changes here they are a huge talented team very hard to play against.
8. Minnesota - Should be stronger and more offensive with they're additions....
8. (2) St.Louis - I couldn't make up mind between these two so I picked a tie with Minny!!  They have the potential to be a playoff team too.
The rest 10. Nashville, 11. Edmonton, 12. Calgary, 13. Phoenix, 14. Dallas 15. Colorado.
a footnote;
I think Edmonton which is the team I cheer for will be better this year with the changes made. Their D still needs work but I like the progress so far. I also believe they will be in the hunt right to the end for the last playoff positions. I am very biased.
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/15/2011 : 23:47:15
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Great Topic! 
But tough . . . real tough. Even tougher than the eastern conference. The problem is, the game these days has the teams so close . . . a major injury or great year from a player here or there truly makes or breaks a team getting in, or falling out.
But here goes:
On Detroit - I don't think Guest 4312 is crazy - I may have been last year, thinking Detroit might fall out, in fact - but I think they will fit in here. The goaltending is good enough, the talent is still there, albeit aging, certainly. But not first in the division - I pick Chicago to blow them away, in fact, and be the class of the group.
Now, to who falls out . . . I think.
It's difficult to not put out Nashville and Phoenix, like we always want to. So, I won't . . . at least, not Nashville. I think they will squeeze in.
Phoenix falls out. Way out, I think. Almost bottom of the pile.
As overrated Bryzgalov was, IMHO, he was a consistent reg season performer. They lost some D, and I don't think Yandle has another career year. Their offense is still relatively non-existant (if you are talking AHL offense, here it is, lol).
I know that won't shock anyone . . . so is there anyone else who falls out, and who takes their place?
I am picking Minnesota to get in. Thought they might come closer last year, and think they will do it this time. Backstrom will bounce back, and deespite the loss of Burns, with the defensive system in place and Heatley boosting the power play, they get in. Always like them as a dark horse contender.
The only other team I think has a chance to make it this year that didn't last year is Calgary . . . but who would they oust?
I'll go off the board and say L.A.
Richards will be ok, but it just won't click. First off, Kopitar, Richards . . . who is your first line centre? Will this be an attempt to do it like Philly did, lines 1a and 1b? Could work, but here, one of the pieces is a former captain, played the most minutes, and was the centre of the team. I see a minor conflict here, as an outsider looking in.
And I am not at all sold on Quick, and I am not sold on their defence. It's too many changes . . . and I am not sold it was everything they really needed.
But file that under "bold predictions". 
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 00:53:28
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I have to say, I'm a little surprised at the lack of love for LA slozo. But you're right, it is a bold prediction.
quote:
First off, Kopitar, Richards . . . who is your first line centre?
Kopitar - no contest. For those of you in the east that don't see too much of him, he is an excellent centre, I think top-10 in the entire NHL. He is big and strong (6'3/220) and is an excellent playmaking centre capable of putting 30 in the net himself. Has been a PPG player for the last 2 seasons, and in 3 of his 5 so far. He powers that LA offense.
I like what LA did this summer getting Richards, mainly because it looks so much like Vancouver's 1/2 up the middle - arguably the best in the NHL with Sedin and Kesler, each of whom bring a different aspect to the position and compliment each other well. And just as in Vancouver there is no conflict, there will be none in LA either.
quote:
And I am not at all sold on Quick, and I am not sold on their defence. It's too many changes . . . and I am not sold it was everything they really needed.
Really? Quick has been excellent - back to back 35+ win seasons, and last year's numbers were very comparable to Luongo and Price (as examples). He is a very good goalie with size and ability.
As for their defense, how can you not be sold on a group that includes Doughty and Jack Johnson, complimented nicely by Scuderi and Mitchell.
I don't think LA has anything to worry about, they improved greatly this summer. They gained Richards and Gagne, and the only significant roster player they sacrificed was Simmonds. A top 6 forward group of Kopitar/Richards/Williams/Brown/Gagne/Penner should be capable of scoring a lot of goals. Solid young defense, and good young goalie. And if its not enough, they will still have a few million in cap space to address.
LA might not finish top of their division because of SJ, but I see them in 4th or 5th in the conference easy. |
Edited by - nuxfan on 07/16/2011 13:23:58 |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 01:01:27
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as for overall western conference, I simply don't know - this conference was so tight last year, and I see it being very tight again this year, there are 10 or 11 teams capable of getting in. I guess its early in the summer, so I'll wait to see what other moves happen before I start putting teams in order, but:
Division winners: VAN, SJ, DET
- VAN will win their division again mainly because no one else is capable of winning that division.
- SJ will be the best in the Pacific, but it will be a dogfight between them and LA.
- I think DET will still win the central - they had an OK season last year, but they again had lots of injuries, and played without Datsyuk for 30 games - huge loss for them. This may well be the last year for them though, next summer will prove to a turning point for them, as several interesting contracts on old players expire.
The rest that could make it (in no particular order): LA, CHI, ANA, NSH, CGY, CBJ |
Edited by - nuxfan on 07/16/2011 13:24:30 |
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Porkchop73
PickupHockey Pro
640 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 08:46:17
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Western Predictions:
Vancouver
Chicago
SJ
Anaheim
Detroit
LA
Nashville
Columbus
Pheonix
Calgary
Minny
St. Louis
Dallas
Colorado
Edmonton
Vancouver repeats the same success as last year. Loungo pulls disappearing act again in the Cup final and they lose to the Caps. The rest is pretty ho-hum. Columbus makes the playoffs on a Jeff Carter shootout goal in the final game of the year. Edm fails to get to 60 pts and collects another #1 pick. Oil fans celebrate adding more top draft picks to the system that should make them the best team in 10 years maybe. |
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sahis34
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
591 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 14:00:11
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1. L.A.
2. Chicago
3. Vancouver
4. San Jose
5. Anaheim
6. Detroit
7. Columbus
8. Edmonton
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9. Phoenix
10. Minnesota
11. Colorado
12. Dallas
13. Calgary
14. St. Louis
15. Nashville
Go OILERS Go!!! |
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semin-rules
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1915 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2011 : 16:39:38
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1. Vancouver- The city will not like Loungo at the start and give him no love, but after an 8 game win streak, the fans will be back on his side and they will go to the conference finals once again
2. San Jose - With Burns in the lineup and no Heatley, the Sharks remain at the top right from the get-go
3. Chicago - Some nice 3rd line depth and with a desire to do one thing this year, beat the Canucks. Chicago plays some excellent hockey and faces Van-city in the conference finals, and prevails
4. Anaheim - Bobby Ryan and Getzlaf will have a fantastic year and if Selanne returns, it will make them that much better
5. LA - With some lovely new additions and hopefully the signing of Doughty, the Kings will be a force next year that wont be easy to stop
6. St. Louis - With all the additions of veteran talent on the Blues now, I feel that the young guys will learn from it and will take the team to the playoffs. Very excited to watch this team this year.
7. Detroit - the slowly aging Red Wings are almost at their wits. Lidstrom will have one more year, it will only be half decent, and the goaltending is what squeaks them into the playoffs
8. Columbus - Rick Nash will have a lot of fun this year and will score 40+ goals to lead the Blue Jackets to another playoff berth
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9. Minnesota - Wild fans are lovin their hockey all year and Heatley has a great year, but shaky goaltending leaves them a few points out of 8th
10. Calgary - Iginla gives it all he's got, but comes up short...again. Fans start too lose faith in their captain
11. Nashville - A mediocre year for the Preds, nothing special happens... already thinking about 2012-2013
12. Colorado - Once again, another disappointing year, Duschene has a great year however but had no team to back him up. end off the year very soft to get another good draft pick
13. Dallas - With the loss of Richards, my beloved Stars have no will power. Morrow and Loui have great years, but the team just isn't the same without Brad.
14. Edmonton - Still a few years from a great franchise, but halfway through the season, the oilers start to find out who they really are and NH finished off very strong
15. Phoenix - Shane Doan can't do it all himself and with no goalie and no fans, they have a year to forget |
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Guest7435
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Posted - 07/17/2011 : 08:57:59
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quote:
Originally posted by sahis34
1. L.A.
2. Chicago
3. Vancouver
4. San Jose
5. Anaheim
6. Detroit
7. Columbus
8. Edmonton
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9. Phoenix
10. Minnesota
11. Colorado
12. Dallas
13. Calgary
14. St. Louis
15. Nashville
Top 6 looks good though ordering is a crap shoot. 7-15 questionable especially the oil stained glasses vision with Edmonton squeaking in.
Not sure why Nashville is at the bottom. Unless you think they won't get Weber back. Phoenix just lost their all-star goalie and biggest difference maker and you still think they'll be 9th? Switch Nashville and St-Louis with Columbus and Edmonton and now you're talking. |
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Mario 66
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
360 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2011 : 13:01:40
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1) Van - too much depth & a two goalie rotation that can steal games. Plus the division is still weak so Van will be able to steal a lot of easy points if they play to their ability. They don't however, possess the best 1,2 centre combo as that title is held a little further east by my number 5 team.
2) Chicago - depending on how well Kane plays when he returns, this team should battle for first all yr, with tones of speed, talent & stability in the defensive core. Whether or not Cory Crawford plays well will depend on how far this team goes.
3) LA - With Quick between the pipe's an a top 6 now as good as anyone's with a D core that is above average this team should be fun to watch this yr.
4)SJ - The loss of Setoguchi & Heatley will sting early on, but over the course of the season the addition of Burns will more then pay off. Goaltending will determine if SJ continues their old ways or make's it out of the West this yr.
5) Det - Datsyuk & Zetterberg (Best 1 2 centre combo) will lead this team as usual. Detroit will compete with Chic for the 2 seed all yr, but will come up short in the end. This team is to reliable in all ends of the ice & at all times not to be given the respect they deserve.
6) Anaheim - The big three will take them to were they need to go & if they youth on the back end can play at a comparable level to last yr they may take the 3 or 4 seed from LA & SJ. I have them finishing 6, because it will take a bit for Hiller to round back into his dependable form.
7) Nsh - Stellar goaltending & Solid defense will get them in as usual
8 - 15 - is a crap shoot in the west.
Every journey begins with a single step. |
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Guest5052
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Posted - 07/17/2011 : 13:26:06
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Some good points, so I thought I'd wade in.
I think Van will be a top team next year, but agree they'll have a bit of a cup hangover. My suspicion is that they'll start slowly and come on strong.
SJ is a deep team whose secondary players are getting better (Clowe Pavelski). and Havlat and Burns will make up for Heatley, especially last years heatley
Detroit. Often people expect a decline and they are getting older, but for me until it happens they still have too much talent and experience. They'll be good.
LA. I like the additions, Doughty and Johnson are studs on the back end and their pretty fun to watch. I like Gagne, even if they lost smyth. Not as gritty, but good speed still.
Chi. I am not sure they'll be up near the top. i think they have great quality, but lost some secondary support. Brunnette was a nice pick up.
Nashville. Someone said it, they often get overlooked but they keep showin up. at the very least they will be fight for a playoff spot and I think they get one.
StL. I think They are building the pieces of a decent team and maybe this year they take a step forward
Minny same thing as STl.
Ana are too reliant on one line (although a gem line) and they seem inconsistent. Obviously they have the talent to get there, but they might take a step back this year.
Clb. I am just not sold on this team yet. Good addition of carter, but it remains to be seen how well he clicks with Nash. Plus I dont really like their D.
Cal. Great run that ended just shy last year. I think this team has trouble knowing if it should try to get in the playoffs and hope for another run, or re-tool. If things dont go well early it may be the later.
EDM, building a great foundation. Hall Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins are great assets. Still I think they'll take time to develop as a team but they'll continue to improve, I think they'll be with 5 points of 8th this year.
Phoenix I think will miss out. I feel like they've exceeded themselves the past two years, but the moving saga and losing their goalie might prove too much. They are obviously well coached though.
Col and Dal I expect to be the anchors
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2011 : 13:27:02
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quote:
They don't however, possess the best 1,2 centre combo as that title is held a little further east by my number 5 team.
I did say "arguably"
quote:
I think Van will be a top team next year, but agree they'll have a bit of a cup hangover. My suspicion is that they'll start slowly and come on strong.
I don't remember the last time VAN didn't start slow - of the top teams, they regularly one of the worst teams in Oct and early Nov... |
Edited by - nuxfan on 07/17/2011 13:29:07 |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2011 : 14:11:46
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Anaheim is another possibility, guest who mentioned it is right.
Can we expect for Selanne to have yet another miracle season at the age of 50? I doubt it.
That was a huge part of their success last year . . . have two lines, one awesome one, one very good one (Selanne, Koivu). With a failing second line, all the pressure gets doubled on the 1st line, and shut them down, you've got a win. Although, Hiller is a very solid goalie, hopefully he's out in the clear with his head/vision situation.
They could slip out . . . but someone would have to come on like gangbusters to take their place. Calgary? Could Edmonton put together an unexpected push? Could St.Louis finally put it together? Columbus? Who knows.
But besides Phoenix, if any other team falls out (Anaheim, wild prediction LA from me) mymoney is on Calgary as a replacement. Kipper and Iggy's last run.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2011 : 14:59:07
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Anaheim is another possibility, guest who mentioned it is right.
Can we expect for Selanne to have yet another miracle season at the age of 50? I doubt it.
That was a huge part of their success last year . . . have two lines, one awesome one, one very good one (Selanne, Koivu). With a failing second line, all the pressure gets doubled on the 1st line, and shut them down, you've got a win. Although, Hiller is a very solid goalie, hopefully he's out in the clear with his head/vision situation.
They could slip out . . . but someone would have to come on like gangbusters to take their place. Calgary? Could Edmonton put together an unexpected push? Could St.Louis finally put it together? Columbus? Who knows.
But besides Phoenix, if any other team falls out (Anaheim, wild prediction LA from me) mymoney is on Calgary as a replacement. Kipper and Iggy's last run.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
sloo i betya iggy scores 35 or more again this season you in?
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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Jumbo Joe Rocks
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
410 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 10:56:42
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Just saying alot of you are saying Heatley is a huge loss and Havlat is a downgrade but your wrong Heatley is a one dimensional player that tries to dangle around everyone and it works 1/20 times, he coughs up the puck ALOT and is as slow as cold molasses and cannot play defense. Havlat is a speedy two way player who can score, pass, play defense IMO it is an upgrade and they get an extra 2.5M in cap space
Losing Seto will not hurt because they still have plenty of scorers on their team it is his speed they will miss
As for Burns he is an all star defenseman that can take over for Boyle on the PK and is a great skater and can replace Boyle when he retires. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 11:27:32
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Jumbo, I have to say that I have never read anything as bias as that in my life. I would suggest that 9 out of 10 99 out of 100 analysts would take your opinions of Havlat and Heatley as the exact opposites. Heatley is a player that can play both sides of the puck, play physical, and score. Havlat can score and that's it. It is Havlat who is one dimensional.
Heatley will be a loss, but not as substantial as some are letting on. But don't kid yourself. Havlat would have to have a career year to match what Heatley does on an off year. |
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Leafs81
PickupHockey Pro
735 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 12:40:35
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I would say that Phoenix falls out way out and they will end last in the league. How can they compete with Mike Smith in net.
1. Chicago Crawford looks good they have good acquisitions and still loaded with talent. They go to the Stanley Cup final
2. Vancouver Still the team to beat in the NW
3. Los Angeles Doughty will have a better year and the acquisition of Richards makes them better then SJ
4. San Jose A bit of a drop Niemi wont steal many games and they will rely on him more now that Heatley and Setoguchi are gone.
5.Detroit Aging but still really good and deep.
6. Calgary They are deep out front and this year will be different for Boumeester.
7. Minnesota Heatley and Koivu together will gel and they have a good enough goalie to steal some important games.
8.Columbus Finally Rick Nash has a center Steve Mason bounces back
Fighting for it are Nashville Anaheim and St Louis |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 13:39:11
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quote:
Originally posted by Leafs81
I would say that Phoenix falls out way out and they will end last in the league. How can they compete with Mike Smith in net.
1. Chicago Crawford looks good they have good acquisitions and still loaded with talent. They go to the Stanley Cup final
2. Vancouver Still the team to beat in the NW
3. Los Angeles Doughty will have a better year and the acquisition of Richards makes them better then SJ
4. San Jose A bit of a drop Niemi wont steal many games and they will rely on him more now that Heatley and Setoguchi are gone.
5.Detroit Aging but still really good and deep.
6. Calgary They are deep out front and this year will be different for Boumeester.
7. Minnesota Heatley and Koivu together will gel and they have a good enough goalie to steal some important games.
8.Columbus Finally Rick Nash has a center Steve Mason bounces back
Fighting for it are Nashville Anaheim and St Louis
Wow. 3 teams (Columbus, Minny, and Calgary) make the playoffs that didn't last year. So PHX, ANA, and NASH are out??
How many bets are you making this year??? Keep me in mind..... |
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Sensfan101
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
500 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 17:43:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Jumbo, I have to say that I have never read anything as bias as that in my life. I would suggest that 9 out of 10 99 out of 100 analysts would take your opinions of Havlat and Heatley as the exact opposites. Heatley is a player that can play both sides of the puck, play physical, and score. Havlat can score and that's it. It is Havlat who is one dimensional.
Heatley will be a loss, but not as substantial as some are letting on. But don't kid yourself. Havlat would have to have a career year to match what Heatley does on an off year.
Are you serious Beans? It's not like Havlat is a Selke candidate either but Heatley is one of the worst denesive players I've ever seen and he can play physical? Give me a break. And yes I would take Heatley over Havlat.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2011 : 19:30:19
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i think they are both pretty one dimensional but i think the difference is Heatly is boat loads better than Havlat at that one dimension,,, like beans said Havlat and Heatly`s years were pretty similar last year yet Heater had his worst season since his rookie year and Havlat had one of his best years of his career......
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 05:35:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Sensfan101
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Jumbo, I have to say that I have never read anything as bias as that in my life. I would suggest that 9 out of 10 99 out of 100 analysts would take your opinions of Havlat and Heatley as the exact opposites. Heatley is a player that can play both sides of the puck, play physical, and score. Havlat can score and that's it. It is Havlat who is one dimensional.
Heatley will be a loss, but not as substantial as some are letting on. But don't kid yourself. Havlat would have to have a career year to match what Heatley does on an off year.
Are you serious Beans? It's not like Havlat is a Selke candidate either but Heatley is one of the worst denesive players I've ever seen and he can play physical? Give me a break. And yes I would take Heatley over Havlat.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky
I think it's a bit of both here, myself.
I have seen Heatley actually play the body, give out checks, and be ok with physical contact. He is a skill player, so he doesn't need to do it . . . but he doesn't necessarily shy away from it. He is very average defensively, I'd say - which, for a very good offensive player, is great, in my books.
Havlat, on the other hand, is a very skilled player who I have seen time and time again shy away from the body big time. He avoids physical contact, and when you try to manhandle him, he just tries to deke you or pass instead of take a bit of a hit. He is an excellent stick handler though, so it does get him out of a lot of jams.
I would say that Heatley definitely has a MORE complete game than Havlat's . . . but that Heatley is far from having a 'complete game', if you catch my drift.
Where this fits in San Jose, and how much better or worse it makes them . . . I don't know. They certainly didn't need Heater to play gritty, not with Thornton and Marleau and Clowe and Pavelski there . . . all skilled forwards who are not too shy and not too small! So I think Havlat will do just fine, actually.
Who knows, we may see career numbers from both players, and they could meet in the playoffs, lol . . . now THAT would be classic entertainment!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 05:49:27
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quote:
slozo i betya iggy scores 35 or more again this season you in?
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
No. Frickin'. Way.
And I am not betting against Selanne not getting 35 either, he's even worse . . . and I went against my own personal rule last year in doing this: I bet against someone I like. I really like Iggy as a player, really respect his game, and I brought the bad karma on myself to bet against him doing well, and I won't do it again.
We might think of something, but first, I'll settle on a bet with Beans, and I'll go from there.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Jumbo Joe Rocks
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
410 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 10:27:22
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
quote:
Originally posted by Sensfan101
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Jumbo, I have to say that I have never read anything as bias as that in my life. I would suggest that 9 out of 10 99 out of 100 analysts would take your opinions of Havlat and Heatley as the exact opposites. Heatley is a player that can play both sides of the puck, play physical, and score. Havlat can score and that's it. It is Havlat who is one dimensional.
Heatley will be a loss, but not as substantial as some are letting on. But don't kid yourself. Havlat would have to have a career year to match what Heatley does on an off year.
Are you serious Beans? It's not like Havlat is a Selke candidate either but Heatley is one of the worst denesive players I've ever seen and he can play physical? Give me a break. And yes I would take Heatley over Havlat.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky
I think it's a bit of both here, myself.
I have seen Heatley actually play the body, give out checks, and be ok with physical contact. He is a skill player, so he doesn't need to do it . . . but he doesn't necessarily shy away from it. He is very average defensively, I'd say - which, for a very good offensive player, is great, in my books.
Havlat, on the other hand, is a very skilled player who I have seen time and time again shy away from the body big time. He avoids physical contact, and when you try to manhandle him, he just tries to deke you or pass instead of take a bit of a hit. He is an excellent stick handler though, so it does get him out of a lot of jams.
I would say that Heatley definitely has a MORE complete game than Havlat's . . . but that Heatley is far from having a 'complete game', if you catch my drift.
Where this fits in San Jose, and how much better or worse it makes them . . . I don't know. They certainly didn't need Heater to play gritty, not with Thornton and Marleau and Clowe and Pavelski there . . . all skilled forwards who are not too shy and not too small! So I think Havlat will do just fine, actually.
Who knows, we may see career numbers from both players, and they could meet in the playoffs, lol . . . now THAT would be classic entertainment!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Pavelski is 5'11'' |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2011 : 10:57:54
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[/quote]
Pavelski is 5'11''
[/quote]
And I said he was gritty and NOT TOO SMALL.
Your point?
I mean, in retrospect I probably should have said Couture instead of Pavelski . . . but whatever, man.
If you have anything meaningful to add on where San Jose fits in the Eastern Conference, we're all ears.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Leafs81
PickupHockey Pro
735 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 02:09:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
quote:
Originally posted by Leafs81
I would say that Phoenix falls out way out and they will end last in the league. How can they compete with Mike Smith in net.
1. Chicago Crawford looks good they have good acquisitions and still loaded with talent. They go to the Stanley Cup final
2. Vancouver Still the team to beat in the NW
3. Los Angeles Doughty will have a better year and the acquisition of Richards makes them better then SJ
4. San Jose A bit of a drop Niemi wont steal many games and they will rely on him more now that Heatley and Setoguchi are gone.
5.Detroit Aging but still really good and deep.
6. Calgary They are deep out front and this year will be different for Boumeester.
7. Minnesota Heatley and Koivu together will gel and they have a good enough goalie to steal some important games.
8.Columbus Finally Rick Nash has a center Steve Mason bounces back
Fighting for it are Nashville Anaheim and St Louis
Wow. 3 teams (Columbus, Minny, and Calgary) make the playoffs that didn't last year. So PHX, ANA, and NASH are out??
How many bets are you making this year??? Keep me in mind.....
Ok youre on Even though I really think Nashville could be the team to make me lose the bet. But heres the bet that I would agree with. Three teams in the western conference that made it last year doesnt make it next season. It doesnt have to be Nashville Phoenix and Anaheim that are out and it doesnt have to be Calgary Minnesota and Columbus that are in. The bet is at least three teams doesnt make it and three new ones are in. Lets leave the avatar option open for you and Slozo. The title ze have underneath that is posted as an automatic thats what will change. My worst team is the Canadiens so to humiliate me would be to say something like Carey Price is the best or Subban is way better then Schenn or simply Go Habs Go. Everytime I would post that would be written underneath. Actually you could chose what I should write. If you lose then I will chose something for you to write about the Canucks or Kesler as I think they are the team you despise the most or is it the Flames. Are you in? |
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ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
696 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 02:25:14
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1. Sj
2. L.A.
3. ANA
4. VAN
5.NASH
6. CHI
7. PHO
8. CAL
Rest are irrelevant. |
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@valanche
Rookie
Canada
240 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 07:58:53
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not sure how 3 teams all in the same division will be finishing in the respective division leader positions ... but you never know. i would say the chances of 3 teams from the pacific being 1,2,3 are about as likely as your prediction that phoenix makes the playoffs
66 is > than 99 |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 08:00:54
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quote:
Originally posted by ToXXiK1
1. Sj
2. L.A.
3. ANA
4. VAN
5.NASH
6. CHI
7. PHO
8. CAL
Rest are irrelevant.
This is impossible. The NHL's system has each division leader in the 1,2,3 spots (as @valanche stated)
If this is your prediction, it would be:
1 - SJ
2 - VAN
3 - NASH
4 - LA
5 - ANA
6 - CHI
7 - PHO
8 - CAL |
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ToXXiK1
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
696 Posts |
Posted - 07/21/2011 : 23:21:52
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| Thanks, I stand corrected. |
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Guest4312
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Posted - 07/22/2011 : 09:25:13
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| i'm thinking the best thing that can happen is phoenix finishes dead last so that whichever canadian city gets the club after this year has a decent rebuild already underway |
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fat_elvis_rocked
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
902 Posts |
Posted - 07/22/2011 : 10:13:08
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The West is a tough call, but here goes;
1) Vancouver Canucks
Status Quo, not only a great 70’s jam band, but the reason the Canucks will keep rolling along at the top.
2) San Jose Sharks
Addition of Burns and Havlat, nicely offset the loss of Heatley and Setoguchi, still a regular season powerhouse.
3) Detroit Red Wings
Another year older perhaps, but their core is still as good as any team in the league.
4) Los Angeles Kings
Richards and Gagne give them scoring depth and leadership. Never a bad thing.
5) Chicago Blackhawks
After last season’s end, fire sale, nicely rebuilding key role players.
6) Anaheim Ducks
A healthy Getzlaf, an improving Ryan, and Perry, ‘nuff said.
7) Nashville Predators
Mike Fisher cements the impression that the Preds portray, hard-working, disciplined and competitive. Should continue post season participation and build from last playoffs taste of success, however limited.
8) Calgary Flames
Based entirely on how they finished last regular season. Iginla played like a 25 year old,
and the Sutter break up, seemed to only inspire them to play hard. No reason it shouldn’t carry in to this season.
9) Columbus Blue Jackets – getting closer and Nash/Carter are dangerous, but not enough
10) St. Louis Blues – Chris Stewart will be a star, just not a playoff star
11) Minnesota Wild – always competitive, just not quite there yet.
12) Edmonton Oilers – gradually improving, nowhere to go but up from last couple years
13) Phoenix Coyotes – another tumultuous season behind scenes, shows in standings
14) Colorado Avalanche – Rebuilding? Retooling? Definitely Regressing.
15) Dallas Stars – lineup looks like NY Islanders west…Ugh!
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Guest4004
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Posted - 07/30/2011 : 22:04:30
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1. Vancouver- Didnt lose a whole lot other than ehrhoff and should another great regular season
2. LA- Come out of nowhere and tear it up heading into playoffs. Richards gets 85-90 points
3. Chicago- Bounce back year when Keith becomes norris candidate again, goaltending the only issue
4. Anaheim- Big line is great and goaltending is solid
5. San Jose- has a weak year for them as burns and boyle are great but forwards dont want it, Couture leads team in scoring
6. Detroit- slowly falter, datsyuk has another career year and lidstrom hangs em up after early playoff oust
7. Nashville- Determination gets them in and Rinne is vezina candidate again
8. Colorado- I know what your saying but Duchene has career year, Peter Mueller comes back from surgery a point per gamer as he is with the avs (20p in 15gp) and Landeskog makes calder contention
------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Phoenix- does all they can but goaltending kills them in the end
10. Columbus- stuck in a close race but need another year, Carter and Nash take a while to click but are lights out after christmas
11. Calgary- MAke a run at the end like last year but yet again iggy cant carry the team
12. St. Louis- good off season makes them a contender in an incredibly close conference, future looks good though with Schwartz and Tarasenko
13. Minnesota- Setoguchi outplays heatley with good year, Heater cant find the touch
14. Edmonton- This isnt the year yet where they make the playoffs but soon, eventually hopkins and hall both become 100 point men
15. Dallas- Brutal year gets them top 2 pick as they look to the future
6 to 13 are separated by no more than 7 points |
Edited by - Beans15 on 07/31/2011 18:26:23 |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 15:29:42
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| So I assume as there is no #8 team and Calgary is not listed in your synopsis that Calgary is in at #8??? |
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ryan93
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
996 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 17:52:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
So I assume as there is no #8 team and Calgary is not listed in your synopsis that Calgary is in at #8???
I assume you're referring to Guest4004's list Beans? He has Colorado listed at #8, it's just that it's sort of grouped together with Nashville. And Calgary is listed, in at #11. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2011 : 18:25:54
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My bad. Not only missed the grouped together bit but also missed Calgary at 11!
Wow, maybe I need another beer. |
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Guest0220
( )
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Posted - 07/31/2011 : 23:00:30
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1st - LA - Lots of scoring and Kopitar fnishes in the top 10 in points.
2nd - Van - Best depth in the NHL, goaltending tends to choke.
3rd - Columbus - Carter is the missing piece for Nash
4th - SJ - Less scoring than last year, better d however. They go deep into the playoffs.
5th - Anahiem - The big line will always work. If Etem makes the team, watchout!
6th - Chicago - Shaky goaltending and players from 20010 are slowly being moved to florida
7th - Minnesota - Heatley/Koivu/Setoguchi line proves to do the job.
8th - Nashville - Rinne wins vezina.
9th - Detroit - See the 06-07 Avalanche.
10th - St. Louis - Makes a solid run near the end, but falls short.
11th - Calgary - Overpaid, Old, Underachieving.
12th - Colorado - Varalmov has slow start, Giggy retires, Team breaks out next season.
13th - Edmonton - Dubnyk becomes number 1, builin retires, team trades high pick/prospect for star goalie.
14th - Dallas - Team cant do much without any offense. Benn however is teams bright spot.
15th - Phoenix. - At least next year they will be playing somewhere else.
----DEE
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Western Conference Predictions 
