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Posted by Froberg10 on Thursday, September 07, 2006 |
Here is a break-down of what I portray as the top teams in each division next season, with my thoughts on off-season picks and talent around the National Hockey League. Enjoy the article and agree to disagree.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division- New Jersey Devils. I don’t think Philly did enough work in the off-season to make up the ground they lost with all the injuries last season. Forsberg is going to miss at least 20 games next season, and I don’t think Primeau is going to come back as strong as he has been in previous years. The only way the New York Rangers will have as good of a season as they did last year is because of the addition of Shanahan. The Islanders have arguably made the best moves for their team in the off-season, but those will not show for future years. Pittsburgh’s Crosby and Malkin, (if allowed to leave Russia) carry a big load and handle it well. Fluery plays well in net, but their lack of defense makes them vulnerable to high scoring affairs. New Jersey will be keeping the core players from last season.
Northeast Division- Anyone’s game. By far the toughest division to predict, I see all these teams making the playoffs if that’s even possible. Ottawa basically only loses Chara who really didn’t help anyways with the firepower they tote in Alfredsson, Spezza and Heatley. Buffalo keeps the exact same core players that took them to within one game of the cup finals, but if they run into salary cap problems and can’t sign Miller back as goaltender they finish last in this division. Toronto makes some moves to pick up better defensemen to add to Kaberle and Brian McCabe, who busted out of his shell last season. They also signed Frozen Four MVP Robbie Earl, who I think outperforms Phil Kessel in Boston. Speaking of Boston they pick up Chara who will help the 30 year old rookie goaltender who had a breakthrough season last year. Kessel’s presence helps spark the offence, but it’s the veteran leadership (Mark Savard) that carries them next season. Finally you have Montreal. I don’t think they lost a single player to free-agency as they signed the lethal Michael Ryder to a deal. Look for him to become a pure goal scorer this season. I saw spirts of goal scoring prowess from this guy the past two seasons, but I think this season whenever he finds the puck in the slot he will find the open corner and snipe. Amazing shot for a weak skater.
Southeast Division- Carolina Hurricanes. They didn’t lose any core players that really led them to the Cup this season and no team in their division gives them a run for their money unless Tampa’s goaltending is excellent. Bertuzzi’s influence helps Florida in no way. Ovechkin is still amazing to watch and will help Washington pick up some wins this year, but it wont be until Backstrom is on his line, where they will both excel and carry a hurting francise.
b]WESTERN CONFERENCE[/b]
Central Division- St. Louis Blues. One of the toughest divisions to play next season. Detroit the former powerhouse gets overpowered by the speed and aggressiveness of the new additions to the Blues and Blackhawk’s, who pound them physically as well. The Blues signed Weight, still have Tckacuk, picked up Guerin (I believe) and Hinote from Colorado. They just acquired Manny Legace as well. Chicago picks up players that will make them a well rounded team, but still keep them 3rd or 4th in the division. Columbus finishes at the bottom of the pile, but Nash is still a big presence.
Northwest Division- Calgary Flames. Colorado still has tough defensemen, even with the loss of Blake, but will need to score a hefty amount of goals to make up for the goaltending which is possible with Woltek, Sakic, Hejduk, and Svatos. Vancouver hasn’t done much besides picked up Luongo, which will help them make the playoffs as a 7th or 8th seed, but I don’t think much more. Oilers keep their core and grit, with Smyth leading the way, but Calgary still has the same bunch of guys from when they went to the finals in 2004 and picked up Tanguay from Colorado.
Pacific- Anaheim Mighty Ducks. They have bright young stars who proved themselves in the playoffs this season led by Lupul. They have arguably two of the leagues best 10 defensemen in Pronger and Neidermeyer. Dallas and San Jose stay neck and neck with Anaheim, but in the end the acquisition of Pronger will guide them into first as he guided the Oilers to the finals this past season. |
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Re: Predictions of Next NHL Season
by Meeks on Friday, September 08, 2006
worst predictions ever. I wonder if u even know much about hockey after reading this. I mean sure st. louis has 3 good forwards but they still have an incredibly weak defence. Then you talk about how good lupul is gonna be on the ducks without realizing that he is on edmonton. And as for the devils winning thier division they are gonna have to sign gionta first or else they are gonna have to look for 40 + goals somewhere else.
Re: Predictions of Next NHL Season
by Legend26 on Friday, September 08, 2006
I am gonna have to agree with you on this one. st. louis is an average team nothing more. the ducks are just as strong with pronger rather then lupul. the last 4 teams standing the play-offs will for surely be a very dominent force throughtout the season. ottawa, well one whiner gone in havlet and now they need to curb alfy, he is good but doesn't belong there, they will be a good team but the play-offs are different. rangers will be the same, devils might be a little easier to handle. pitsburgh will need 2 years to really take the show with the talent. carolina is still good. i would say nashville will also run the "w" up and take the league by storm. thats it, any opinions... lets hear..
Re: Predictions of Next NHL Season
by TheBigGuns87 on Friday, September 08, 2006
The predictions sound decent, but how you could pick the St. Louis Blues to win that division is totally beyond me. Nashville is the heavy favorite to win that division and could definitely make a legit cup run and then even the Wings with what they lost have got to be considered second best in that division. Furthermore I would say both Chicago and Columbus are better teams than the Blues therefore putting them in last place.
Re: Predictions of Next NHL Season
by rankin16 on Thursday, September 07, 2006
heres mine, may be way off but im hopin for this...
EASTERN
Atlantic- NY Rangers were good last year, and got better this summer.
Northeast- Buffalo, team to watch once again. But watch out for Ottawa, still dangerous.
Southeast- Carolina, hands down.. still think they could make another cup run this year.
WESTERN
Central- In between Detroit and Nashville right now. but watch out for the Blue Jackets, this is their year for the post-season.
Northwest- Calgary, hands down. Kipper in net, Iginla leadin the way and phanuef on the blueline. heads up.
Pacific- Ducks, no brainer here. Pronger and Neidermayer on the point. need I say more? plus some great young guys up front.
All in all its gonna be a decent season.
Re: Predictions of Next NHL Season
by buffsaints7 on Thursday, September 07, 2006
buffalo will win the northeast...dont forget ottawa is losing havlat...there best player, statistically at least in the playoffs...miller is very close to being signed, only issue is the length of his contract
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