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deleted
4809 Posts |
 Posted - 08/05/2011 : 07:19:28
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Poll Question:
With all of the interesting changes that have taken place amongst almost all Atlantic Division teams, who will finish first in the division?
Comment below for who else makes the playoffs, and who gets left out in the cold.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
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Edited by - n/a on 08/05/2011 08:40:00
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2011 : 07:28:18
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Slozo.....i voted Pittsburgh, but it's not worded too well. I was assuming we are voting for the team to be first though and not the one "left out in the cold"?
As for that team, the Isles are the obvious choice, but i think NJ will have to fight for a top 8 spot, possibly right down to the wire. They are a team capable of being in the 5-6 spot but will need a really good season from Brodeur to be there. I'm not saying he's washed up, but his play has seemed a lot more human lately. I see Philly dropping to a 5-8 spot as i think they will struggle a bit with the losses of Richards and Carter. It may take a few months for JVR, Giroux, etc, to take over this team and especially it's offensive output. Keep in mind too, just how good defensively M. Richards was as a two way guy / shut down forward. Tough guy to replace, regardless of how many parties he hosted or attended.  They are the one team i'm finding very hard to predict. They could again be top 3, or they may just miss the dance completely! |
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4809 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2011 : 08:37:25
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Let's review some of the changes in landscape, starting with the biggest ones:
Philly
Gone are Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, Leino, Powe, Carcillo.
In are G Bryzgalov, F Jagr, F Simmonds, rookie Braydon Schenn, plus F Talbot and D Lilja and F Voracek, + minor leaguer Couturier.
Whew!
Pittsburgh
Gone are Kovalev, Talbot, Comrie.
In are F Jason Williams, F Steve Sullivan. Returning from major injury reportedly: F Crosby, F Malkin.
NY Rangers
Gone are Todd White, Frolov, McCabe, Eminger, Prospal.
In is F Brad Richards, and F Rupp.
NJ Devils
Gone are Rolston, Colin White.
In is no one of note, other than having Parise back for the year.
NY Islanders
Gone are Martinek, Hunter, Konopka.
In are Rolston, Streit returns from injury, and maybe, just maybe, Dipietro is healthy again.
Summary:
Things may have just tightened up a bit for the top three. It is debateable for Philly whether they got better with their goaltending or worse because of the loss of Richards and Carter . . . but at the very least, they will vie for the division. However, Pittsburgh, if they have a full season of Crosby and Malkin, would have to be considered the favourites - but it's a very, very big IF for Crosby especially. And, the Rangers re-signed all their young important players, plus they landed Brad Richards . . . and together with their top notch goalie and Gaborik, they might just be moving up. Can they even contend with the Pennsylvania teams? They just might.
Making things even tighter is a New Jersey team that is probably one of the wildcards of the whole eastern conference . . . how will Parise and Kovalchuk fit on the team? Will Brodeaur give us one more year of brilliance, or is the tank finally dry? My best guess is they vie for the playoffs, but they look like a marginal playoff team with a declining Brodeur and not much at D.
The Isles should get better, and some even predict they will contend for the playoffs. If Montoya shows consistency and plays brilliantly, with Streit back - it just might happen, as all the kids start to mature.
If Philly goes down a step, and Pittsburgh loses Crosby . . . I tell ya, it could be a 5 way tie.
Prediction:
1) Philly
2) NY Rangers
3) Pittsburgh
4) NJ Devils
5) NY Isles
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2011 : 08:43:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Alex116
Slozo.....i voted Pittsburgh, but it's not worded too well. I was assuming we are voting for the team to be first though and not the one "left out in the cold"?
As for that team, the Isles are the obvious choice, but i think NJ will have to fight for a top 8 spot, possibly right down to the wire. They are a team capable of being in the 5-6 spot but will need a really good season from Brodeur to be there. I'm not saying he's washed up, but his play has seemed a lot more human lately. I see Philly dropping to a 5-8 spot as i think they will struggle a bit with the losses of Richards and Carter. It may take a few months for JVR, Giroux, etc, to take over this team and especially it's offensive output. Keep in mind too, just how good defensively M. Richards was as a two way guy / shut down forward. Tough guy to replace, regardless of how many parties he hosted or attended. They are the one team i'm finding very hard to predict. They could again be top 3, or they may just miss the dance completely!
I edited it, thanks - you were right, was confusing.
Philly is real hard to figure out, for sure - they had the biggest and most dramatic changes.
But just as hard to figure out is if Crosby plays a full season; how dos Brodeur perform for the Devils; does Brad Richards take the Rangers to a whole new level; and can a maturing Tavares, returning Streit and a young and promising Al Montoya take the Isles to the playoffs?
So many of these questions could go either way, really. Quite a crapshoot, IMHO!
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2011 : 10:05:45
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Great Topic!! It really is an interesting mix up in that division this season. Here is my breakdown:
1 - Philly - I think people will be surprised by this team this year. I think that Claude Giroux was grossly under-used in their former system and that he will show his chops this season. I am predicting him to be a top 10(maybe even top 5) scorer in the NHL and he is sick as a PKer as well. I also think that Briere and Hartnell will be better used and JVR and Voracek fill in the slack. Regardless of Bryzgalov being a playoff keeper or not is irrelevant to this question. He is a HUGE step up on any keeper Philly has had for 10ish years. The biggest question mark for this team is Pronger. If Pronger is healthy and can play to his normal standard, I see this team winning the division and maybe even the East. If Pronger is not playing much or not effective, they are not as good of a team as Pitt is an most likely come in 2nd in this division and around 5th or 6th in the East.
2 - Pittsburgh - I really don't have much to say about this team as they did most of their talking last year. 2nd in the NHL in wins in '10, 3rd overall in total pts, top 10 in GF and GA, and all of this without their 2 best players for at least 1/2 of the year. At one point, Pitt has 12 of their starting season roster injured. That tells me one thing and that is they are a great team not just great players. Nothing more to say other than if healthy they are as good as anyone in the NHL.
3 - NYR - I have liked this team for a long time so this might be more with my gut than my head. However, with a recipe of 2 elite forwards, strong depth on their 1-3 forward lines, possibly the best goalie in the NHL, and one of the top 3 or 4 coaches in the league usually bakes a pretty decent cake! I am not sold on their defense or their team toughness. This team has always been a win by a goal/lose by a goal kind of team. Middle of the pack in the division and the conference.
4 - NJ - I think they simply put too much money into Kovalchuk, not enough focus on scoring from their defensive group, and I don't see Brodeur producting super-human results any more. He will be good, just not great. I think NJ is going to fight for an 8th place spot at best this season, especially as they will be playing for their 3rd coach in less than 12 months.
5 - NYI - A guy who should be their back-up goalie is their GM. That should be reason enough. They have a nice compliment of young offensive players that will keep them in most games. However, their defensive play (for both forwards and defensemen) is less than stellar and they are counting on a 38 yr old who did not play in the NHL last season and/or a injury proned keeper who has never reached his potential as their goalies. I think they will be more competative due to their offense(they will be happy to see Mark Streit come back) but they will not win as many as they will lose.
There you have it, in order.
Philly
Pittsburgh
NYR
NJ
NYI
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Guest4086
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Posted - 08/05/2011 : 12:55:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
I think that Claude Giroux was grossly under-used in their former system and that he will show his chops this season. I am predicting him to be a top 10(maybe even top 5) scorer in the NHL and he is sick as a PKer as well.
Interesting analysis Beans. actually it leads me to ask an opinion of something. i run a pool at work, and a pretty basic one at that. simply pick players from multiple groups. we get 1 pt for each goal and assist, and additional points are awarded for game winners and hat-tricks. in one of the groups i have the following players:
C Giroux
P Kane
B Ryan
D Briere
R Nash
P Kessel
my preliminary thinking had me leading towards Nash, only because he'd finally have a legit no. 1 center on his team. but after reading your logic on Giroux you've got me thinking twice.
Thoughts? |
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Guest4086
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Posted - 08/05/2011 : 13:05:09
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now for my actual analysis.
1) hard not to vote for the Pens here. Crosby, Malkin, and Staal as your top 3 centers is tough to beat. and after what they did last year without them i can only imagine what they'll do this year. predict a break out year for James Neal (with a big thank you to Crosby along with it).
2) Philly. Still a strong team even without tweedle dee and tweedle dumb not around anymore. 
3) Devils. Think they are a lot better then what people think. Kovalchuk and Parise will do all the scoring, everyone else plays tight defence. PP will end up finishing among tops in the league.
4) Rangers. For some reason when UFA's sign here they fall flat on there face. Richards will be good but not great. Tortorella starts to lose the room. Lundqvist will need a stellar season for this team to make it in.
5) Isles. Some improvements, but not enough to make it out of the basement. Tavares has a break out year. Top 10 in scoring. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2011 : 17:36:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest4086
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
I think that Claude Giroux was grossly under-used in their former system and that he will show his chops this season. I am predicting him to be a top 10(maybe even top 5) scorer in the NHL and he is sick as a PKer as well.
Interesting analysis Beans. actually it leads me to ask an opinion of something. i run a pool at work, and a pretty basic one at that. simply pick players from multiple groups. we get 1 pt for each goal and assist, and additional points are awarded for game winners and hat-tricks. in one of the groups i have the following players:
C Giroux
P Kane
B Ryan
D Briere
R Nash
P Kessel
my preliminary thinking had me leading towards Nash, only because he'd finally have a legit no. 1 center on his team. but after reading your logic on Giroux you've got me thinking twice.
Thoughts?
Without going too far off base, yes I take Claude Giroux. I believe he has more points than all those other players last season and that was sharing a ton of minutes. I believe Philly was the only team in the NHL without a forward who averaged more than 20 minutes a game. He will benefit from having top line minutes and top PP minutes. He's going to be a 90+ point guy this season.
As far as your assessment on Nash, yes he has a legitimate #1 centre with him but he is a goal scoring centre and not a playmaking centre. I think that both Nash and Carter will have less production than in the past but combined they will help CBJ win a little more.
I am a huge Giroux fan. |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2011 : 19:26:00
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quote:
Without going too far off base, yes I take Claude Giroux. I believe he has more points than all those other players last season and that was sharing a ton of minutes. I believe Philly was the only team in the NHL without a forward who averaged more than 20 minutes a game. He will benefit from having top line minutes and top PP minutes. He's going to be a 90+ point guy this season.
On the flip side, what does the loss of Richards and Carter mean for a player like Giroux?
He had a great year last year - however, he played on a line that was not normally the focus of the opposing team's top defensive pairing as well. He also benefitted from Richards and Carter playmaking abilities all season long. Those talents were not replaced IMO.
Next year they'll be looking for him to play top line - which means he'll face opposing team's top defenders. I don't necessarily think he'll do any better than last year, and may actually see a fall in his point total. But you're right, he'll get more minutes.
I am also a huge Giroux fan. But predicting how any of the Flyers are going to do next year after a summer of so much change is tough. |
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ryan93
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
996 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2011 : 04:38:34
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| Giroux (19:24) actually averaged more ice time last season than any other Flyers forward, including Richards (18:53) & Carter (18:15)...and again in the playoffs at just under 22 minutes a night, a full 2 minutes more than anyone else. |
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Oilearl
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
268 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2011 : 09:46:37
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I agree this will be an interesting division this year. For me I believe that Pittsburg is the best team when healthy and should win it. Rangers and Philly will push them and finish in that order. NJ has not been impressive at all and goaltending is a question mark. I love the Isles youth and scoring savvy but this division is too strong and they need to add some depth player and D.
1. Pittsburgh
2. NY Rangers
3. Philly
4. NJ
5. NY Isles
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2011 : 13:42:06
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quote:
Originally posted by nuxfan
quote:
Without going too far off base, yes I take Claude Giroux. I believe he has more points than all those other players last season and that was sharing a ton of minutes. I believe Philly was the only team in the NHL without a forward who averaged more than 20 minutes a game. He will benefit from having top line minutes and top PP minutes. He's going to be a 90+ point guy this season.
On the flip side, what does the loss of Richards and Carter mean for a player like Giroux?
He had a great year last year - however, he played on a line that was not normally the focus of the opposing team's top defensive pairing as well. He also benefitted from Richards and Carter playmaking abilities all season long. Those talents were not replaced IMO.
Next year they'll be looking for him to play top line - which means he'll face opposing team's top defenders. I don't necessarily think he'll do any better than last year, and may actually see a fall in his point total. But you're right, he'll get more minutes.
I am also a huge Giroux fan. But predicting how any of the Flyers are going to do next year after a summer of so much change is tough.
Giroux did not play with both Richards and Carter. If I recall, he played most of his time with Briere and Richards. So the loss of Carter doesn't impact Giroux.
Also, I know that Carter has more minutes than any other Philly forwards. But if you read my comment again, you will see my point was that other teams will often give their star players 20+ minutes a game. Giroux will not have to share minutes as much as he has in the past. |
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nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2011 : 18:41:00
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no, I know he didn't play with both Richards AND Carter, but I know he played with one of them regularly, and likely saw time with the other on PK or PP. Regardless, PHI has removed a significant part of his primary line. We're going to see just how important (or insigificant) Richards was to PHI and Giroux this season.
I don't think I said anything about his minutes (that was ryan), however I agree he will probably get more minutes on a regular basis next year. He'll also see a lot more of the opposing teams top checking forwards and defensemen, something that he hasn't necessarily seen on a regular basis before.
I am not convinced that he'll top 90 points this coming season - most of the offensive players on that team benefitted from Richards, Carter, or the overall offensive depth of that team... I smell a bet in here somewhere Beans |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/06/2011 : 19:10:29
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Hmm, most of the offense on that team from Carter and Richards??
That's interesting asn Claude Giroux had more points than both of them last year (as did Briere) and also had more points than both of them in the playoffs the year before( as did Briere). It may be that both Carter and Richards benefited from Giroux and Briere as much as they provided the benefit??
I think a bet is in order! |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2011 : 18:37:43
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Let's try to keep the discussion on the Atlantic division teams, and not the individual player stats on players who have departed the division!
Personally, I think Giroux - who I also really like as a player - will be status quo, and I think the Flyers will still be ok. It's a whole different team . . . and remember: Jagr is on Philly this year. It WILL have an effect.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Guest4312
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Posted - 08/08/2011 : 07:37:19
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| philly won't have a chance guarding pittsburgh up the middle. pittsburgh will have a 3rd line center that is nearly as good as phillys 1st |
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deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2011 : 08:50:30
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I'm just curious here, folks - regarding Pittsburgh:
1) Why is everyone so confident that Sydney Crosby plays a full season? I'm not saying he can't, but . . . it IS a distinct possibility for far less than 82 games. And together with that . . . why is everyone so confident that Crosby comes back to play at EXACTLY THE SAME LEVEL, post-concussion?
2) Why is everyone so confident Evgeni Malkin will come back from that serious kneee injury to play at exactly the same level?
3) Why is everyone so confident that Pittsburgh could potentially repeat thei miracle performance of last year's half season, playing without both top centres?
Seriously - I have heard more people talk about Brad Richards' concussion past and the Rangers taking that risk, than with Crosby's risk of potentially ending his career at some point this season - which I rate as a MUCH higher possibility.
I'm not a hater - I would love to have Crosby and Malkin back at 100% for the whole season, it'd be great for hockey.
But it's not very likely at all, IMHO.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2011 : 12:02:22
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Slozo....for many picking Pitts, i'm sure it's with an * that Crosby is healthy and doesn't miss more than a few games. I certainly wouldn't be picking Pitts to come 1st if i figured he was gonna miss a bunch of games or a good part of the season. Injuries are difficult to predict, but judging by the way they kept him out in the playoffs, one has to assume he's as close to 100% as he'll ever be. Now, will he be the same player as he was before? I say why not? It's not like it was a hip injury that he had surgery one (one which slows many returning players down), or a shoulder injury where they've rushed him back. What i'm saying is, the only affect it should have, would be attributed to his physical play and willingness to go to the dirty areas and risk another knock to the head. I'm not gonna attempt to predict whether or not he's gonna shy away from contact or battles for the puck, but as far as his skill set, it should be unchanged.
The NHL is doing what they consider "their best" to protect guys from head shots and we therefore have to believe Sid should be able to resume something close to the game he had before his injury. Not every guy who gets concussed becomes less a player than they were before.
Now, i'm not saying he won't be prone to concussions more/easier now, but another injury is too tough to predict. |
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Guest4312
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Posted - 08/08/2011 : 13:06:39
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| i would take a 60% crosby over a 100% top center on most teams |
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Oilearl
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
268 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2011 : 18:02:44
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I think they (Crosby, Malkin) will come back ready to compete at the level they are used to playing at! The team has given them more than enough time to recover.
It wasn't a miracle IMO that the Pens managed to stay in the hunt during these injuries... surprising yes but they are a solid well coached team that will be hard to play against every game they play next year.
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deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2011 : 18:24:53
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Not every guy who gets concussed becomes less of a player than they were before?
Let's be clear here - what you are ACTUALLY saying is, that not every mvp/very elite type player who gets seriously concussed comes back with diminished value?
Eric Lindros.
Pat Lafontaine.
Can you think of any elite players who were SERIOUSLY concussed who came back at the exact same level? Even at 90%?
I can't. All I can think of is Messier, who definitely did get a few concussions, but never a real serious one (he may disagree, ha ha) and continued to play at a very high level. But he never missed a half season because of it.
See my point?
Just like when those poolie mags estimate guys like Havlat at 65 games, WE can estimate some kind of diminished value or loss of time.
My contention is, that dramatic consussions with lots of missed time means a DEFINITE loss of value. How great, we don't know . . . but it will be noticeable, of that I am sure.
The more I think about it, the more sad I get about it - but that's for another thread.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2011 : 20:11:14
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Not every guy who gets concussed becomes less of a player than they were before?
Let's be clear here - what you are ACTUALLY saying is, that not every mvp/very elite type player who gets seriously concussed comes back with diminished value?
Eric Lindros.
Pat Lafontaine.
Can you think of any elite players who were SERIOUSLY concussed who came back at the exact same level? Even at 90%?
I can't. All I can think of is Messier, who definitely did get a few concussions, but never a real serious one (he may disagree, ha ha) and continued to play at a very high level. But he never missed a half season because of it.
See my point?
Just like when those poolie mags estimate guys like Havlat at 65 games, WE can estimate some kind of diminished value or loss of time.
My contention is, that dramatic consussions with lots of missed time means a DEFINITE loss of value. How great, we don't know . . . but it will be noticeable, of that I am sure.
The more I think about it, the more sad I get about it - but that's for another thread.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Mike Modano had his best years after suffering a very similar hit as thye Cooke Savard
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2011 : 20:32:41
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Couple of things:
1) I don't think it's the popular opinion that last season was a 'miracle' season for Pittsburgh. I think most see this as a very good team. Let's not forget that 2 seasons ago when Crosby missed 30ish games that Pitt was also very good during the time he was injured. It is that hard to appreciate that the team as a whole if very good and with their stars in the line up they are a great team??
2) I agree (partially) with the Crosby and Malkin could either not playing the entire season or not returning to their standards. There is a risk that one or both do not return at the same place they did when they left. It might happen. However, there is also information and assumptions that might say otherwise:
a) Both are very young and have been in extremely good physical condition. This has a large impact on returning from injury.
b) Did I say both are young?? How old were Lindros and Lafontaine when they received their (unfortunately described as career defining concussions?? I can bet neither of them were 23!!
c) The medical field is far more advanced today than it was even 10 years ago. The treatment that Malkin got was world class. He, more likely than Crosby should return to full abilities. As far as Crosby, I am certain his treatment was also world class. Although the treatment of concussions is still a mystery even to doctors. Crosby is a far bigger question mark in my opinion than Malkin
d) Both have been reported to be at or ahead of their normal preseason training.
So, all those things being considered, I have to go with what I know and not what I think might happen. I think Pitt is an incredibly talented, deep, and well coached team who would compete with most any team in the NHL without Crosby and Malkin( as proven in the past). I also know that Crosby and Malkin are both reportedly healthy and prepared for the start of the season. Even if one of them is out for any length of time, how tough it is to think Pitt will succeed with either Crosby or Malkin and Staal as their #1 and #2?? I also like Neal to have a strong season providing enough offensive for the NHL's 2nd stingiest defense from last year to compete every night.
That tells me Pitt is at least #2 in the Atlantic and perhaps #1. |
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deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2011 : 04:49:55
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Some fair points, Beans.
But on #1,
All those pundits, commentators and analysts who predicted Pittsburgh would fall out of the playoffs? All of those PUH amateurs (myself included) who tried to guess the effect of losing Crosby and Malkin?
It was overhwelming - almost to a man, we all thought Pittsburgh would be LIFE AND DEATH to make the playoffs.
Go look it up!
But now, people have very short memories when they are wrong, and almost every analyst wants to look like he knew it all along. It's all crap, and almost everyone was wrong. Even you, Beans, I remember saying after Malkin also went down, that it'd be very tough to hold onto a playoff spot.
NOBODY thought that they would actually have a slightly BETTER record. NO ONE.
So let's just throw out that little notion, ok?
I think it's the "popular opinion" to forget mistaken prognostications, and pretend you always knew a surprising result.
But again - good points on the age. Crosby is 3 years younger than Lindros, and most importantly, the way he was treated is significantly different than the shoddy treatment Lindros got - for sure, agreed.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Oilearl
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
268 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2011 : 07:25:58
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I agree Slozo nobody was giving them much of a chance, but that's why I have taken the position that they will be contending for first overall in the east. They've proven me wrong by stepping up as a team and producing despite the loss of their top 2 players.
If nothing else they've become a better team all around and as Beans pointed out they also were able to play through previous injuries as well.
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2011 : 08:42:04
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Well Slozo, I looked back on the threads from last year with a search of "Malkin Injury" and "Crosby Injury" and I can't seem to find this phantom post I made about Pitt barely holding on to a playoff spot. But hey, if you remember it I will take your word for it.
I still fail to see how a team that was in the top 5 in the NHL when Malkin and Crosby got hurt becomes a 'miracle' team to make the playoffs??? |
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Guest6014
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Posted - 08/09/2011 : 09:04:31
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| Beans what i think he means is that they didnt miss much of a beat when both of their stars when down, which is pretty remarkable considering the talent and leadership these 2 had. |
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Guest4312
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Posted - 08/09/2011 : 09:49:29
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| is it absolutely impossible that crosby and malkin both come back well rested and firing on all cylinders with something to prove. as much as people think they will have gotten worse i see them as two mid twenty year olds with something to prove and a lot of talent. |
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Guest4086
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Posted - 08/09/2011 : 09:54:18
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according to many media reports, Malkin is back in Russia working harder then he ever has on his off-season training. he'll be more then ready.
as for Crosby.............come on, it's Crosby. 'nuff said. |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2011 : 11:37:10
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| Slozo, keep in mind that Lindros and Lafontaine both suffered multiple concussions, yet had some very productive years during those times! In fact, Lafontaine, who's first concussion was suffered in 1990, was the runner up to Lemieux in the scoring race a few seasons later ('92-93) as well as a Hart finalist that same year! It was also his best season EVER as a pro. Who knows, maybe he'd have done even better had he not suffered any concussions, but i think it's fair to say the Crosby's got as good a chance as anyone to at least return to his former level of play, if not surpass it (he's still young and yet to be at his prime one must assume). |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 08/09/2011 : 12:35:08
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also all these guys all tried to come back too soon Crosby seems to have taken the proper time and steps to recover 100%
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2011 : 04:41:44
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Beans - I looked back in past threads to search for your comments on the Crosby/Malkin injuries but couldn't find any either. So I suppose I could have been wrong, and all along you were the lone guy in the hockey world who predicted that Pittsburgh would actually remain at the same eastern conference ranking with both their biggest stars out. Well, at the time, of course, most thought Crosby would be back in a couple of weeks, then a month, then a couple of weeks before the playoffs, then finally second round - none of which came true.
So yeah, if you were that guy who predicted Pittsburgh's miracle ability to keep their place in the eastern conference, my apologies.
Alex - Lafontaine didn't have a good year after his serious concussion - he had it after a minor one. Big difference. A major concussion, followed by a decent amount of time to recover, is what I am talking about.
Same with Lindros.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2011 : 08:04:46
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Slozo, I never said I was the 'lone guy who predicted a miracle." I simply said that many people did not view what Pitt did last year as a miracle. You appear to be a minority in that opinion.
But if you want to give me credit where no credit it due, I'll take it!!
There is a very valid point behind the major vs minor concussion. We are not talking about a guy who was back in a game or two. He got rocked twice and both cases were high impact to the head. He did try to come back and got reoccuring head aches before the playoffs started as well. It was months of symptoms.
There are many question marks and I would be far more concerned about Crosby if he was not at his normal off season training plan. If he was slowed by that, big issues. However, if his noodle is handling his training (which I hear is pretty intense) it might be the right strategy for a slower, more gradual return than he tried to do last year.
I still think Crosby is going to be fine and return to his pre-injury abilities. If we are talking odd, I say 51/49 in favor of Crosby being fine. Maybe 52/48. |
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