Guest LaParkaMarka Report post Posted March 13, 2003 Are any teams "locks" for getting past the first round? IMO, The Sens will get past round one. Their team is light years ahead of the lower seeds in the East. In the West, any of the teams could go out because of the Wild. (In case you haven't noticed, I hold the Wild in somewhat high regard). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Brush with Greatness Report post Posted March 13, 2003 The West Now that the dust has settled, Dallas, Vancouver, Detroit, Colorado, and St. Louis have all improved themselves. Dallas Stars Picking up two solid role players with Stanley Cup experience never hurts. Also both Odelein and Barnes have proven leadership abilities. Guerin will be back, Turco will be back. This team looks really good all around and apart from those injuries may have the fewest question marks in the conference. If healthy, this team wins the cup. Vancouver Canucks Didn't try to go too big. Sometimes big deadline deals can mess with a dressing room. Vancouver played it smart and kept the team they had together. May will help in an agitator role. Problem with Vancouver is scoring depth. Shut down one line, shut down the team. Also Cloutier could be a question mark in goal. As well, the still relatively young age of the team could affect them more emotionally come playoff time. Remember Lidstrom's goal last year? Detroit Redwings Got the guy they wanted in Matt Schneider. He will help shore up the blueline. They did give up too much to get him but the rest of the team ain't getting any younger. And that will be there problem. Having gone to the finals last year, can this aging Detroit squad go through another four grinding rounds. In my opinion, no. Another question mark is Curtis Joseph. He's made it past the 2nd round, what, twice in his career? Colorado Avalanche Marchment deal adds to the best defence in the league. They also have Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic. Not to mention Pat Roy in net. The loss of McAmmond and Vrbata hurts the depth. Battaglia is good in a checking role but won't put up big points. Question mark is whether or not they can roll 4 lines against every team they play. Could have trouble with Dallas' depth. Still in the running for the cup however. St. Louis Blues Mike Van Ryn is expendable with the awesomeness that has been Barrett Jackman this year. Bure is a good pickup to play alongside Stillman, who was his centreman during Bure's best days in Calgary. This move could give the Blues the extra scoring depth they were looking for. Picking up Osgood was a good move as well. He's capable of playing better than his number's indicate and is an experienced playoff goalie. This team is capable of knocking off one of the big 4 in the first round. A Chris Pronger return could really help those odds as well. Minnesota This is a team I would be afraid to play in the first round of the playoffs. Jacques Lemaire behind the bench and two capable goalies in net. All Minnesota games will be 2-1 games one way or the other. Gaborik is good for one of those goals, so depending on the bounces, Minnesota could come out on top. Don't write this team off. Won't win the cup, but could win a round. Anaheim Stumpy Thomas looked good in his debut tonight. However, this team really lacks depth. Giguere this year has given them a goalie they can count on for the first time in a while. However, lack of depth against the big 4 will in all likelyhood lead to an early exit. If I'm in the West, this is the team I want to draw. Edmonton I wouldn't write off Brad Isbister. Milbury has a tendency to lose faith in young guys early (McCabe, Bertuzzi, Brewer, Luongo, who am I missing?) and Lowe and MacT are great with the kids. Losing your top scorer and one of your best D-man never helps however. Edmonton looked prime for an upset before this but less so now. However, with the guys that'll be playing in the playoffs, Cross, Dvorak, Isister does not equal Carter, Niiminaa. Not to say they won't upset. They have a storied history against the Stars, some added intensity if they were to play the Canucks, and young legs against old legs if they were to take on the Wings. All these could be factors in upset. However, I don't see it. East to follow... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Brush with Greatness Report post Posted March 13, 2003 The East... Ottawa Senators Really toughened their lineup with the addition of Ray and Varada. Smolinski will also help chip in the odd goal. Team has talented forwards, a great trio on defence and strong goaltending in net. However, this team is not a "lock". Their ability to score in the playoffs still needs to be questioned. As does their toughness. Do you sacrifice Ray for a roster spot? And Pat Lalime is not a proven playoff goalie. Did his play against Philly last year have more to do with his goaltending or Philly's inability to score? If the team pull's together they could so some damage, but I will believe it when I see it. New Jersey Devils I like the Grant Marshall and Smehlik pickups. However, where's the scorer? Brodeur is a great goalie, this team has a strong, well balanced defence, but do they have enough offence. I don't think so. They have guys that can score, but the key word is can? Come April and May will the stars align so that they have a few streaky scorers at the same time? That's a big question mark. If they do, look for them to go far. Washington Capitals I don't think too much of the Washington Capitals. Too many players from that weak hockey continent. I like Halern, Grier, Witt and Konowalchuk. That's it. Now watch Jagr and Kolzig go get hot and piss me off. This team lacks depth and strength. They may get past the first round if they draw T-Bay but beyond that nowhere. Philadelphia On paper, give this team the cup. However, the Stanley Cup is played on ice. They made two great pickups. Yushkevich is one of my favourite D-man and will be great come the playoffs. Amonte could start producing at his old levels back with buddy Roenick. However, this is essentially the same team that couldn't score in the playoffs last year. And they still have a shitty powerplay. How are Gagne, Leclair and Williams. Will one bad game by the team or by Cechmanek lead to infighting again? Can Cechmanek win a cup. If this team can get their shit together and come out of the first round then they can definetly go far in the playoffs. However, they need that 1st round victory and that could be tough considering in all likelihood they will be facing the... Toronto Maple Leafs Being from Western (actually central) Canada, I hate the centre of the universe Toronto. However, with the addition of my hometown hero Ed Belfour this past season and my love for players like McCabe, Corson, Tucker and Roberts I have found myself cheering for the Leafs this year. The addition of Gilmour will only help that. The Leafs made 4 great moves at the deadline. Sure, the motives behind the Housley trade was to not let the Flyers get him but so what? Nolan, Wesley and Gilmour will all help out a lot. Remember the way Dougie played last year in the playoffs when everyone said he was washed up. What Toronto proved to me last year in the playoffs (and what I had doubted before that) was that they have incredible heart. They have five players who have been NHL captains for sustained periods of time. They have a nice balance of big tough D for the East and smooth skating D for the West. Whether those D are tough enough is a big question. I think this team has what it takes to win the cup. And its now or never for this team. Tampa Bay Nikolai Khabibulin. Those two words could win them a playoff series alone. Will they be happy just making the playoffs or want to prove something once they are there? This team is smooth and quick and capable of an upset. Moreso if they luck out and draw Washington. However, the team is too young and immature to go past the 2nd round. If I drew them first round, I'd watch out. Boston Bruins Sergei Samsonov has 9 points in 7 games and is one of the most dangerous players in the NHL. He will be back come playoff time. They have very good d and a strong forward unit. The question is the same as last year, and that's in goal. Hopefully for the Bruins, Hackett and Shields will push each other. Great teams often go through an early playoff exit one year before become truly great. If they had Samsonov this year they may be up there in the standings and we could be talking about Boston being one of those teams. I really like what they are capable of and in no way would write them off. Speaking of teams I wouldn't write off... New York Islanders This team has balls up front. Peca, Blake, Webb, Wiemer, Bates, Scatchard, Asham and possibly Trent Hunter. They also poses one of the best defenceman foursomes in the league with Hamrlik, Aucoin, Jonsson and now Niiminaa. The question mark is Garth Snow. He outplayed Osgood so they deemed Osgood expendable. Snow has looked good in the playoffs in the past and Rick Dipietro has looked good (much better than ever before) in his few performances this season. Alexei Yashin is a wildcard but could be really out to prove something against his old foes if this team draws the Senators (and I think they will). Upset possiblities. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Brush with Greatness Report post Posted March 13, 2003 Those are my early predictions. I'll better be able to see things once the first round macthups sort themselves out. For now, here's my early line. Dallas 5-2 Colorado 3-1 Toronto 4-1 Philly 5-1 Ottawa 11-2 Jersey 6-1 Detroit 6-1 Vancouver 7-1 Boston 9-1 St. Louis 11-1 Minnesota 11-1 Tampa Bay 12-1 Islanders 13-1 Edmonton 13-1 Washington 15-1 Anaheim 20-1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted March 13, 2003 What hurt Colorado was that they gave away Drury... worst.idea.ever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest starvenger Report post Posted March 13, 2003 How are Gagne, Leclair and Williams. Justin Williams is done for the season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest nl5xsk1 Report post Posted March 13, 2003 Boston Bruins Sergei Samsonov has 9 points in 7 games and is one of the most dangerous players in the NHL. He will be back come playoff time. I think that getting Sergei back is the equivalent as making a major trade ... if he's back and fully healthy come playoff time, I can see him finally giving the Bruins a second line that's worth a damn. Having said that, their D is still porous and their goaltending is atrocious. Why they couldn't have picked up Marchment or Housley or Wesley at the deadline is a mystery to me. They will NOT go far if they need to count on players like Sweeney to be a defensive presence. And goaltending: unless Shields or Hackett stand on their head for a series, I'd be surprised to even see us making it past the first round. As I always like to say, Jacobs can go to hell. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Brush with Greatness Report post Posted March 14, 2003 I don't actually have a problem with the Bruins D. Hal Gill is solid, Nick Boyton is good, was very good in last years playoffs and will be great down the line. Newcomer Dan McGillis is a much better Eastern Conference D than a West D. Jonathon Girard isn't going to hurt you either. Berard brings the offense but is a liability defensively. I don't like Sweeney though. Give Sean Brown some ice if Sweeney shits it up. Or at worst, give Jeff Jillson a callup so he can prove what he can do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest cartman Report post Posted March 14, 2003 Actually their D is the only real problem. Hackett and Shields cannot be to blame if you actually watch the games every time. They get so many defensive mismatches from turnovers it's rediculous. Jillson, I can't wait til he is ready for the call up for good because i think he can make a huge difference with Boynton/Gill/McGillis. Girard sucks and should be used as a 3rd of 4th line forward to utilize his speed. He gives the puck away way too much in their own zone. Berard is decent but obviously something wrong since he got the first Healthy Scratch of his career last night. Gill is just a huge powerhouse, which they need. Sweeny is too old and should be the odd man out when McGillis returns from his concussion. Watching the games you cannot blme their offense OR their Goaltending for their losses, it's ALL on the D. I'm glad they didn't go make a big move for a "Great" Defenseman because that would probably require giving up one of their MANY prospects down in Providence. Most of which will be contributors next year and the year after(if their is a year after). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted March 14, 2003 Gilmour's hurt... and the leaf fans are crying in their jersey's Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest treble charged Report post Posted March 14, 2003 Man, God must hate the Leafs, or something. Gilmour and Roberts are both hurt and Mogilny has some personal problems, or something. Can't be too happy for too long, I guess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted March 15, 2003 I guess Montreal did get the better of the trade then... imagine the new leaf's Defencemen got hurt instead... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest treble charged Report post Posted March 15, 2003 God has a sick sense of humour. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted March 16, 2003 well it is a shitty way to end your career Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bob_barron Report post Posted March 16, 2003 He'll be back in time for the playoffs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted March 16, 2003 He'll be back in time for the playoffs still won't win the cup though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bob_barron Report post Posted March 16, 2003 He'll be back in time for the playoffs still won't win the cup though At least they'll make the playoffs unlike the Habs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted March 16, 2003 At least I've seen my team hoist the cup twice Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bob_barron Report post Posted March 16, 2003 Quit living in the past. Live in the now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MaxPower27 Report post Posted March 16, 2003 Quit living in the past. Live in the now Cop out answer #1521366-C Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bob_barron Report post Posted March 16, 2003 Quit living in the past. Live in the now Cop out answer #1521366-C Just because it's true doesn't make it a cop-out. GO LEAFS GO! GO LEAFS GO! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MaxPower27 Report post Posted March 16, 2003 I don't know if I'd call it "true" I mean, you and TC like rubbing it in my face that the Queefs have beaten the Sens in the past few years in the playoffs. How is that living in the "now"? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bob_barron Report post Posted March 16, 2003 Well the Canadiens last won the Cup in 1993. We beat the Sens less then one year ago. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MaxPower27 Report post Posted March 16, 2003 < a year, last week, yesterday, it's all the past. I'm just asking you to practice what you preach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bob_barron Report post Posted March 16, 2003 I promise not to mention anything 10 years ago. But I think anyone less then a year old is fair game Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest treble charged Report post Posted March 16, 2003 Man, you guys remember '67, when the Leafs beat the Habs to win the Stanley Cup? Good times, good times. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted March 16, 2003 we would compete for the cup if we didn't have to pay 20 million in taxes while Toronto has to pay only 3 million (would be 6 but Raptors pay half as well). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest treble charged Report post Posted March 16, 2003 Excuses, excuses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest starvenger Report post Posted March 17, 2003 I don't know if I'd call it "true" I mean, you and TC like rubbing it in my face that the Queefs have beaten the Sens in the past few years in the playoffs. How is that living in the "now"? I'm sure that, should another Ottawa-Toronto series come to pass, that the Ottawa sports media will beat this into the ground. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest redbaron51 Report post Posted March 17, 2003 I'm also sure that most leaf fans are idealists that they don't realize their team does not have a shot at the cup at all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
