NHL 2006 Off-Season...

[the max 0]

You beat me by 18 minutes, but you can breath easy Max...and to a lesser extent Nskie, who may have disappeared. More than likely, I figure he tracked down Bergeron and cajoled him into re-signing.

 

Boston's officially back in the playoffs this year. I don't think it's unforseeable that all five Northeastern teams get into the playoffs this year. Probably not, but it's not a stretch, either.

 

You have that much faith in Hannu Toivonen's progression to think he can carry the Bruins' to a playoff berth?

 

Not exclusively.

 

But, if Ottawa can be knocked down three or four places thanks to one man's departure ( which seems pretty likely), then, logically, the same's arrival should bump Boston up three or four places.

 

Like I said, I'm not holding my breath, but it certainly wouldn't surprise me, either.

 

Ottawa definitely took some hits.

 

Havlat and Chara are enough to bring them down a few notches.

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

^

 

Good call on Havlat. He's being forgotten about quite a bit, I'm finding, in the no-Chara aftermath.

 

Despite what I said earlier re: Chara, the same does not hold true for the Hawks and Havlat. Even with 2.5 legit starting goalies (Caron did start in Pittsburgh, but I stil doubt he's a bona fide starter) and an improving team, they won't even sniff a playoff spot.

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

Just to keep this one up and running, though it's a little off-topic:

 

Anyone remember seeing Brett Hull on SNL (Weekend Update) during the lock-out, doing a bit about gay marriage? I remember it being a pretty good one-liner.

 

Bob Barron, I'm looking in your direction.

[Red Baron 0]

I really think that Chara is going to do a lot of work in Boston because he doesn't have the playing partner like he did in Ottawa. He's just above average when he's with the Slovak team, and there is no defencemen that is good with Chara. Maybe in a few years Boston will have a solid top d-line.

[the max 0]

I really think that Chara is going to do a lot of work in Boston because he doesn't have the playing partner like he did in Ottawa. He's just above average when he's with the Slovak team, and there is no defencemen that is good with Chara. Maybe in a few years Boston will have a solid top d-line.

 

Can you clarify this? I've read it like six times and don't know if you're saying Chara will be good, bad or what.

[Lightning Flik 0]

redbaron's saying Chara's gonna hafta work hard and actually become better than what he is. So he's good right now, but going to hafta become better in order to help the Bruins.

 

...at least I think that's what he means.

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

redbaron's saying Chara's gonna hafta work hard and actually become better than what he is. So he's good right now, but going to hafta become better in order to help the Bruins.

 

...at least I think that's what he means.

 

 

I also interpreted it as "good, but room to improve".

[the max 0]

I really think that Chara is going to do a lot of work in Boston because he doesn't have the playing partner like he did in Ottawa.

 

He...what? He's going to do more work because he doesn't have Chris Phillips? He has some guy named Brad Stuart. Oh, and Paul Mara. Chara rarely played with Redden.

 

He's just above average when he's with the Slovak team, and there is no defencemen that is good with Chara. Maybe in a few years Boston will have a solid top d-line.

 

No defenseman that's good with Chara? Even from Ottawa, he was paired with Chris Phillips quite a bit. I'd say Phillips isn't exactly an elite player, but he's a pretty good physical defenseman. And it's only getting better for Boston with their best depth being at defenseman (M. Stuart, Lashoff, Jurcina, Alexandrov)

 

But...I still don't understand the statement as it seems to contradict itself in a few places.

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

The official announcement has yet to come, but it appears JP Dumont has signed with Nashville, two years 5 mil.

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

*Steps on the chirping crickets*

 

Yep, indeed he's with Nashville. 4.5 over two years. I'm going to stick with my prediction last year: This is enough to get Nashville over the hump and into first...although Detroit losing its most important player ever is going to play a big role in that.

[the max 0]

Chiarelli appeared on EEI today and had a great interview

 

What kind of team do you want?

Competes, character, speed, willing to take a hit.

 

How do you change the team's culture?

Takes a while. Assessing current problems. Make sure the people you hire reflect what you’re trying to do. Lewis for example, communicates well, has had success. It trickles down, from me to the people I hire to the coach and on down.

 

Were those criticisms right about people not wanting to play here?

Some truth, but also overblown. You change it by putting yourself out there, letting people get to know you. I’m knowledgeable, and this is an organization people should want to play for.

 

Chara, how important was the signing: physically vs. psychologically?

Huge. Letting everyone know that a player of that magnitude wants to come here, is huge. It swung Savard. And the fact that he’s a leader is a bonus.

 

He’s already taking charge isn't he?

Yeah. That’s the case. He came from a team with a strong leadership group. So he’s learned well and it’s no surprise he’s leading the informal skates.

 

What challenges did you have in the delay from Ottawa?

Tough emotionally. Challenges were hoping that things would get executed the way I planned out, and knowing that you couldn’t actually execute them was tough. Good job by Gorton to get them done. Tough because my hands were tied. Fortunate the Sens let me go early.

 

Why’d they make a big deal about keeping you, then let you go early?

They wanted me there to keep me from being here. I understand that they didn’t want the competition on July 1. But when the B’s did it anyway, get 2 big UFA’s, they figured what’s the point.

 

Funny how Muckler was watching him like a hawk during the draft, wasn't it?

Chiarelli thought it was funny that they kept him at the table, but nice as well because he’d been with them for so many years. But in the end he really wanted to be at the Bruins table.

 

How’d you find out that the B’s got Chara?

On July 1st I was down the hall from Muckler’s war room, doing minor league stuff. And his European scout Hedberg, came in and congratulated me, and he was shocked. Then they came in 20 minutes later to tell him about Savard. And ha ha ha, he had to try not to laugh, and thought he’d get kicked out of the building.

 

Would you have picked Phil Kessel had you been at Boston’s table?

Yes. At number 5, yes. We were fortunate because he had a bit of a down year. Just like Ottawa got Eaves and Meszaros, because of injuries during their draft years. He had a very good year, over 50 points for a freshman, and he really had to earn his way on a team with a lot of Juniors and Seniors. The frame of reference from the previous year wasn’t quite as strong, and other players did improve in Backstrom & Toews. So that hurt him a bit, but we were fortunate.

 

Is Kessel immature?

I don’t think he is. He’s still just 18. Some draftees are mature and some aren’t. Maturity doesn’t mean you’ll play in the NHL. I do think he needs a support group.

 

If he makes it, it’ll be because of his speed and shot. He’ll make mistakes, but his speed will allow him to recover.

 

Style of the team, will it be like Ottawa?

The core here is different, but the core is good. The core in Ottawa is more mature, always had skill and skating, and they were always trying to get grittier, but it’s hard to find grinding, down low, puck possession type of player, which is very valuable, but you don’t need as much many anymore. We’re trying to find it here, but I’m happy with what we have. I’m trying to add that element as Ottawa was, but it may grow from within.

 

Did you overpay for Bergeron to buy a year of UFA?

You lose players sooner now, used to be 31. Used to be a sense of tenure. That’s changed. Had to change my thinking to shorter life span and larger salary jumps. We wanted to sign him, he wanted to sign here, it was a combo of many factors.

 

Toivonen, Rask?

I saw Toivonen play in Prov & Boston and he’s a very, very good goaltender. Very young and goalies mature at a later age. Frankly, he was high on Ottawa’s wish list. Excited to know I’d be part of an organization with him there. He doesn’t have the experience yet, but I’m excited he’s here.

Tuuka is a very good goalie. Ottawa almost picked him at 9, but took Brian Lee instead because they had confidence in Emery. Have a lot of prior knowledge on him .Excellent goalie. Something no one talks about is that he’s an outstanding skater, retrieving pucks from the trapezoid a la Brodeur.

 

CALLER QUESTIONS:

 

Kessel looks pudgy, Donovan’s a good grinder, B’s get pushed around, Chara will help, what about Brookbank?

Wade can play a bit, he’s a big guy, we had him in Ottawa. We still need this type of player in the NE division, they have to be able to play. Kessel does have chubby cheeks, but great legs, Lewis prides himself in great conditioning, great staff. When leaders like Yzerman work hard everyone follows. Chara will do that for us and Phil will have to follow.

 

Did you lay the groundwork for the B’s in the interviews?

Lineups, budgets, philosophies, very specific on players. Fortunate Jeff carried it through.

 

How lengthy was the interview process?

3 interviews in Boston, 4-5hrs and a whole day in Buffalo. Never did that before that extensively.

 

Was your interview for Lewis similar?

No, I had a good head start on him, we know the same people, so I know what he’s about.

 

Authority: autonomous or a panel are you comfortable with your level of control?

I’m very comfortable. Complete autonomy, but in any organization you have people to answer to. Harry’s a good advisor. Yes, I can say to them, I just traded player x.

 

Hear you on AAF, but not EEI, why? B’s do a poor job of promotion. Lots of Celtics guys on EEI, but not the B’s. Let’s hear more. Are you comfortable being the face and voice of the franchise?

No not really, I’m proud, but this is about the team and the players and they should be out front. I’m excited and always happy to talk about the B’s, but it’s about the players.

 

Toughness, sorely lacking. Although Chara helps…

Yep, he will really help. But you don’t want Z fighting everybody.

 

2nd line LW: before you signed Kessel did you consider Dumont?

Yes, we were talking with Buffalo because we thought they’d walk away. We talked with his agent as a UFA. But decided not to do it.

 

Why because he’s poor defensively?

Partly, but he’s always been a good, timely goal scorer, but we’d like more size on that left side. We knew exactly what he was because of Jim Benning, who used to work in Buffalo.

 

Any more UFA’s?

No, we’re not active. Most teams will have to subtract before they add.

 

When Zhamnov’s done, you’ll have $4mil in space, what’ll you do with it? Stuart?

Stuart’s extension won’t affect this years cap. It gives us a cushion to do things, but whether or not we make moves, we’ll have to see.

 

Where’s Sinden fit in now? Didn’t like the last few years of his regime.

He’s a senior advisor and someone I can speak to. Respect him. I like to be as informed as possible before I make a deal and fortunate to get his input.

 

Not a lot of flattering things said about Jacob’s ownership?

I have local friends who had strong opinions and heard the buzz, but I was impressed when I met with them and I wanted to come here and they wanted me so it worked out.

 

Did you like the [muffin?] basket I sent you? Do you think you need 5 players playing in the transition game or do you hang 1 guy back?

You want the d to join the play but it depends on where the transition starts.

 

How quickly can you turn the 5th worst team in the league around?

Well, we had 30-31 games with 1 goal losses and played Ottawa hard over the second half. We have a strong core, and did more tweaking than rebuilding. I think we’ll turn around quickly.

 

How many games did you see last year?

I watched a few games but not every one. 20 games live, and about 10 games on TV.

 

How many young guys (rookies) do you see making this team? 3-4?

It’s possible? Training camp isn’t as strong as the season and the level of play steps up again in the playoffs. Young players bring energy right away, but it tails off. What we see in camp will tell us more about how they’ll trend.

 

Interesting read, if you care.

[the max 0]

Sssssslllllloooooowwwwwww time now.

 

Notable remaining RFA/UFA's:

 

Ilya Bryzgalov (RFA, Ducks)

Kari Lehtonen (RFA, Thrashers)

Brian Leetch

Ryan Miller (RFA, Sabres)

Mike Leclerc

Tuomu Ruutu (RFA, Blackhawks)

Nikolai Zherdev (RFA, Bluejackets)

Marek Svatos (RFA, Avalanche)

Joffrey Lupul (RFA, Oilers)

Radek Dvorak

Dustin Brown (RFA, Kings)

Brian Gionta (RFA, Devils)

David Hale (RFA, Devils)

Paul Martin (RFA, Devils)

Rick DiPietro (RFA, Islanders)

Simon Gagne (RFA, Flyers)

Boyd Devereaux

Matt Stajan (RFA, Leafs)

Anson Carter

 

A few name names, but a lot of RFA still working on contracts. The Devils are in some deep shit though.

[CanadianChris 0]

TSN's reporting that Mike Keenan is no longer the GM of the Panthers. Unclear at this point whether he quit or was fired.

[Lightning Flik 0]

I would figure it was more quitting than fired. Because fired at this point makes no sense. I mean, if they were gonna fire him, fire him after Luongo couldn't be signed.

 

And it looks like the Panthers are saying he left on his own, so yeah he did quit. Wonder why he did so.

[the max 0]

Martin takes over, which means that the team will be great until pushed physically. Then they'll shut down and get blown out.

 

Really a wild story though.

[Guest Felonies!]

TSN's reporting that Mike Keenan is no longer the GM of the Panthers. Unclear at this point whether he quit or was fired.

Where will Mike Keenan's Quest For Thirty take him next?

[Prophet of Mike Zagurski 0]

Martin takes over, which means that the team will be great until pushed physically. Then they'll shut down and get blown out.

 

Really a wild story though.

 

 

I thought the Panthers' would replace Keenan with Belfour.

[Red Baron 0]

I hope Mike Keenan goes to Toronto and self destructs that team...

[Red Baron 0]

NHL 2006-2007 Predictions:

 

 

Northwest

 

1.) Edmonton: Though Losing Pronger and Samsonov in the offseason, Edmonton still has most of their core ready for the season. The main key is Markennen and whether his value will be worth something in return

 

2.) Colorado: This was hard to pick over, but Jose Theodore can carry this team, they have more of a scoring punch and some good young guns to be a threat in the division.

 

3.) Calgary: The grinders of the division, its up to Iginla and now Tanguay to light up the points while Phaneuf will have a 50 point season.

 

4.) Minnesota: The upset role in the division. Manny Fernandez is one of the most underrated goalie in the league, but will have to play MVP season to get this team back into the playoff role.

 

5.) Vancouver: Completly fucked by the Salary Cap, this team is in their rebuilding stage. They should have never gotten rid of Brian Burke and its now showing.

 

Central

 

1.) Detroit: Losing Stevie-Y is going to hurt their leadership, but Detroit has lots of threat scoring wise.

 

2.) Nashville: Chasing closely behind Detroit in the Central division, it could get heated and quite possibly a new rivalry.

 

3.) St. Louis: Jay McKee will play a good role for the defence this year considering there was none last year.

 

4.) Chicago: Lost talent and gained over-acheivers. Not smart move by management.

 

5.) Columbus: Well, fodder for the division, but the fans still show their support of Rick Nash.

 

Pacific

 

1.) San Jose: San Jose will carry their season succes over as Mr. Thorton will be MVP again this year.

 

2.) Dallas: Tons of fire power, like Detroit and Marty Turco, the second best goalie in the league right now, this team is a major threat for the cup as well.

 

3.) Los Angeles: The Kings have brought in new talent and have new confidence in them. This is the year if Matthieu Garon really busts out big.

 

4.) Anaheim: They're not going to be a bad team and is playoff capable, its too bad you have three other good teams in this division too.

 

5.) Phoenix: They're there, and they are going out full force, but just not as strong compaired to the rest of the division.

 

Northeast

 

1.) Montreal: Favourtism???Maybe, but they didn't change much this year, but the rest of the division got a whole lot weaker. Huet needs to be on fire again.

 

2.) Buffalo: They can take first easily, and with a few trades here and there, can be cup bound again.

 

3.) Boston: Huge improvements to the team, but with questionable goaltending. This could be split 40-40 season for Toivonen and Thomas and again, one of them will be gone half way through the season.

 

4.) Ottawa: The loss of Chara, Hasek and Havlat will hurt this team quite a bit, as Ray Emery will have to step it up for the team, as well as Dany Heatley, if Ottawa makes it to the playoffs.

 

5.) Toronto: You pick up Raycroft, but collect his excess with Hal Gill. If Maurice has common sense, don't pair him up with Aki Berg (if returning). Toronto has the best goaltending future in the league, but the defence is still average, and this is probably the last season Sundin will be with the Leafs. Oh and McCabe, is not going to have a good season either.

 

Atlantic

 

1.) Philidelphia: Phili will be the top team in the East, but their defence is adequete.

 

2.) New Jersey: Jersey is completly fucked over, as we said last year, but were the hottest team coming into the playoffs. Marty is just that damn good.

 

3.) New York Islanders: Mr. Dipietro will make the Isles notice this year carrying the team to the playoffs.

 

4.) New York Rangers: You'll see lots of flash-in-the-pan stars, but Lunqvist will be up for Vezina this year.

 

5.) Pittsburgh: Lets just say a Junior A team has better defence then the Pens.

 

Southeast

 

1.) Tampa Bay: Will take the top spot against Carolina, as Vincent Lecavlier will be the top scorer on the team.

 

2.) Carolina: Though Cam Ward did win the Conn Smythe, he's not going to have the exact same production value as last year. Reality check will set in.

 

3.) Atlanta: Dire need for a goalie, Atlanta will give up one of their forwards to get a goalie like Biron status to push them into the playoffs.

 

4.) Florida: Another team that has the stuff to make it to the playoffs...next year.

 

5.) Washington: Last place anyone?

[Guest]

Mine:

 

Northwest

 

1. Calgary is my favorite to win the West. I love everything about this team.

 

2. Minnesota should pickup some spots. They added Demitra to their offense and Gaborik should be entering his PRIME.

 

3. Vancouver's losses are overrated, they'll be fine getting the 6th or 7th spot in the playoff chase.

 

4. Colorado is fucked with Theodore in net, and no Blake.

 

5. I don't like what Edmonton did this offseason, sorry. They're going to suck balls.

 

Central

 

1. Nashville will play Calgary in the conference finals. They are as complete a team as anyone will find in the league.

 

2. Detroit should take this spot. When they get the 1st spot every year, they have to play a team that's on fire, while they've had their spot clinched for nearly a month and have had their foot off the gas pedal. Their lower finish will get them to the 2nd round.

 

3. Columbus is so close to being a playoff team. They'll probably finish 9th.

 

4. Chicago is one year away from the playoffs.

 

5. St. Louis is going to be injury ravaged.

 

Pacific

 

1. San Jose is a great team. Too bad Thornton is a choker.

 

2. Anaheim has no offense, but they'll still be here.

 

3. Dallas is going to suffer.

 

4. We suck.

 

5. Phoenix sucks more.

 

East comes tomorrow, when I have more time.

[Lightning Flik 0]

Northwest

 

1) Colorado: This is still one of the top teams to beat in the NW and will be among the best.

~ Playoff spot - 2

 

2) Edmonton: The loss of Pronger will hurt the team the most, but the rest of the team is there and frankly with a lead goalie there that can get the job done, they will be making the playoffs again.

~ Playoff spot - 7

 

3) Minnesota: No. You do read this right. I think the Wild are poised to make a hell of a run, but I don't think they are better than Edmonton. Ain't that much worse though.

~ Playoff spot - 8

 

4) Calgary: Kipper can't continually carry this team, and frankly Tanguay alone isn't gonna help their scoring problems.

 

5) Vancouver: Salary cap is killing them, but frankly I think they'll do well. Just not good enough to get by the other 4.

 

Central

 

1) Nashville: With Vokoun back these guys are gonna make thsi divison fun.

~ Playoff spot - 3

 

2) Detroit: While very good scoring, the goaltending isn't something I'd be keen on.

~ Playoff spot - 4

 

3) St. Louis: Legace will give these guys a few more wins than they deserve.

 

4) Columbus: Continually will plug along, but serious need to make some moves to become competitive.

 

5) Chicago: Its Chicago. Enough said.

 

Pacific

 

1) San Jose: Losing nothing, this team will be the front runners of the West.

~ Playoff spot - 1

 

2) Dallas: Always a solid team and shall continue to be so.

~ Playoff spot - 5

 

3) Los Angeles: Looking good in terms of incoming talent and talent already there. If they don't make a run this playoff, expect them to do so in a years time.

~ Playoff spot - 6

 

4) Anaheim: While getting Pronger is a big win for them, losing Lupul wasn't a good thing. Could surprise, but I don't think so.

 

5.) Phoenix: I think they'll be the cellar dwellers in this division just because of everyone else looks better.

 

Northeast

 

1) Buffalo: Are a cup bound team yet again, me thinks. Not much turnover and solid team.

~ Playoff spot - 3

 

2) Montreal: Just like Buffalo not a lot of turnover and additions will help them greatly.

~ Playoff spot - 4

 

3) Toronto: This team is actually probably the best team to have rebuilt over the off-season of the Canadian teams. You don't know how mcuh it pains me to say that... Anyways, I think they'll be in the playoff hunt but Raycroft will be trying to find his old form early in the season and this will cost them some ground.

~ Playoff spot - 5

 

4) Boston: As has been mentioned goaltending will be questioned, and frankly after the first line I just don't see much scoring.

 

5) Ottawa: They scored so much last year, but if you play solid defense on them (as was shown during the playoffs), they ain't going far. Emery's gonna need to play huge and I don't think he can.

 

Atlantic

 

1) New York Rangers: The Rangers will be on top and Lundqvist will carry them.

~ Playoff spot - 2

 

2) Philidelphia: Will be fighting for a playoff spot, but that defense is gonna likely cost them quite a few spots.

~ Playoff spot - 6

 

3) Pittsburgh: Defense is the pits, but frankly they aren't gonna be strapped by cap problems and a GM that doesn't deserve to be one.

 

4) New Jersey: Marty may be good, but the Devils are FUCKED over by the cap and are gonna pay dearly.

 

5) New York Islanders: Garth Snow as GM. Need I say more?

 

 

Southeast

 

1) Carolina: Cam Ward isn't gonna be as hot as he was last year, but frankly this is the team to beat for the upcoming season. And if Cam IS as hot as he was, we'll be seeing repeat champions.

~ Playoff spot - 1

 

2) Atlanta: While being slightly better than TB, I don't think it'll be by that much. I'm only ranking TB below due to salary cap problems.

~ Playoff spot - 7

 

3) Tampa Bay: Kiss St. Louis gone by the trade deadline in an attempt to get them playoff bound.

~ Playoff spot - 8

 

4) Florida: This team is only a few years away from going far into the playoffs. Assuming the right pieces show up.

 

5) Washington: I feel sorry for Ovechkin.

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

Scuba, I'll buy you playoff tickets if Montreal wins the North East. Since when does adding Chara not make a team better?

 

NORTHWEST

 

1) Calgary - Iginla's going to storm back to the Hart now that he has Tanguay on his side. #2 in the playoffs.

2) Colorado - Took some hits, but if Theodore can come back to form, there's still more than enough talent for Colorado to get in. This will likely be their last season in for a while, as they're going to have to start rebuilding, likely within two or three years. Playoff spot #6

3) Edmonton - I've said this a lot this summer, but essentially the same team that missed out by one game in 2003-2004. But with an established goalie, bonafide centre and true leader, they won't be a train wreck. They'll sneak in at #8.

4) Minnesota - Getting much better, and will contend until the end. Not quite there yet, however.

5) Vancouver - Burke should be running the NHL or Union when he's done with Anaheim. We're finally seeing how good his skills are. Even with Luongo in net, defence took a hit, no Bertuzzi puts a hole in what was consistently the best line in hockey, and the loss of Carter off a career year. Book your April tee times, boys.

 

PACIFIC

 

1) San Jose - Underrated Mark Bell really helps, and a full season for Thornton to play with Cheechoo spells trouble. Thornton will just miss out on the Hart and Ross, but he'll have his revenge on Iggy by taking #1 in the playoffs.

2) Anaheim - See Vancouver. This team is just getting better and better, including probably the best young nucleus of stars in the league with Beauchemin, Perry and Getzlaf. They'll miss Lupul, but there's no reason to think they'll do any worse than #4.

3) Dallas - Lindros certainly doesn't hurt, and still a solid team all around, including the vastly overlooked Marty Turco in net. Playoff spot #7

4) L.A. - Getting better with Blake, and Patrick O'Sullivan has more talent than you can shake a stick at. But I still don't have enough faith in Cloutier

5) Phoenix - Also getting better, including a fine post-Olympic break last year. Joseph looked sharp, Roenick will add some leadership (and colour). Not quite there yet, however, and while it didn't appear to be an issue last year, I'm not so sure Gretzky will still be 100% there with his off-ice struggles. Shouldn't be a problem, but you never know. And that's the biggest question surrounding the Coyotes at this point. What's my pre-mature penance for doubting Gretz? God, the guilt I feel.

 

CENTRAL

 

1) Nashville - I'm starting to get worried about the Preds, who have a perfect roster for the post-lockout era. Lots of speed, lots of talent, but not a complete abandonment of grit and toughness, which can often go for granted. Vokoun's health is an issue opening night, but Dumont gets Nashville over the hump and into #3.

2) Detroit - Despite two big losses, Hasek was still on track to the Vezina before Turin last year, and he's going to be a lot more comfortable with guys he won the Cup with four years ago. #6.

3) Columbus. I'd been calling for them to be my darkhorse most of the summer, but the West is a bit too strong. Still, a full season of Fedorov is going to do wonders, Nash is a Ross/Richard threat and if Leclaire is for real, the Jackets might be a legit Cup contender two years from now.

4) Chicago - They have three bonafide #1 starters in net, but no one really seems to want the job. They've got Havlat.....and that's about it. But they won't be as bad as

5) St. Louis - Good front line. But the rotating goalie carnival hasn't stopped, and Jackman has been awfully quiet, despite the fact he hasn't needed a new can of polish for his Calder. Basement dwellers in the league this year.

 

SOUTHEAST

 

1) Carolina - I stil am not 100% sold on Ward, but he certainly didn't look rattled in the AHL two seasons ago. Oh, yeah, wasn't he the guy who stepped in when the Canes were two games down in the first round? I'm 98% sold on him. The same nucleus, more or less, from last June. Ottawa was the other threat, but more on them in a minute. Nothing's stopping the Canes in the regular season this year. #1

2) Tampa - I like Denis, and this isn't a drastically different team from the ones who won the Cup two years ago. But too many other teams have gotten better. They'll finish a close ninth.

3) Atlanta - Max, fire away at me. The loss of Savard hurts big. If for nothing else than character and leadership, the loss of Bondra hurts as much. This team is going to be deflated from Waddell's March boast, and Lehntonen isn't quite there yet.

4) Florida - Even without the Keenan saga that started yesterday, the best they could have hoped for was maybe third in the Atlantic. Lots of talent up front, but if you're trading away the guy who made a record number of saves, God help you, regardless of why.

5) Washington - Ovechkin will contend for Richard, Ross and Hart. Won't win any, however. How appropriate, considering what team he's on. Last in the East.

 

ATLANTIC

 

1) Philly - The biggest problem they face is still in a luxury suite palling around with Eagleson. If Forsberg can stay healthy, and Nittymaki is what he's being billed to be, there's really no reason to think the Flyers will self destruct. Here's one to discuss: Which PHilly team will bring home a big 4 championship for the long starved City of Brotherly Love? #3 in the east.

 

2) New York - I'm also not quite sold on Lundqvist. Jagr is still a bit hit or miss due to his seeming indifference at times. But Prucha looked good last year and aplayer like Shanny will trump the last 25 games on the Rangers calender last year. #7

 

3) New Jersey - Lots of holes still, especially on defence. But there's still guys who can score when asked up front, and Brodeur now understands the new rules. They'll get in. #8.

 

4) Pittsburgh - Malkin wil get them out of the last. And little else. Crosby goes #3 in the Ross, by the way.

 

5) Long Island - Train wreck. That's all.

 

NORTH EAST

 

1) Buffalo - I work in Wal*Mart in a border town to Buffalo. The mobs of summering Buffalonians here, telling me all about Jeanarret and how great Buffalo was and how the Sabres were the best in the East nearly made me quit last spring. Now I've got the unemployment centre on speed dial. Briere is going to challenge for every offensive award and Spacek is going to help give a little confidence to Miller, who, unlike Lundqvist and Ward, I've very sold.

#2

 

2) Ottawa - I just don't know about Gerber. Emery was more than good enough....and with The Undertaker gone on defence, that's a pretty big hole to fill. No worse than #4, though.

 

3) Montreal - If Huet is for real, there's enough solid talent (despite no real superstars) for the Habs to not worry about the playoffs. Johnson gives them some long overdue grit,(although Dowd, Dykhuis and Odjick were supposed to as well). Still, #5 shouldn't be a problem.

 

4) Boston - Continue firing Max. I'll have my laugh when Savard is helping this team back into the playoffs. Chara should bail out Toivonen until he's confident enough...which may not even be a problem. #6.

 

5) T'Ranna - Grossly overpaid for Kubina and Gill. Raycroft should help, but Peca and Tucker's history isn't going to soothe the World Class City of Toronto.

 

I'm surprised we didn't have an OaO NHL Prediction Thread.

[Guest]

Northeast

 

1. Buffalo is going to be good if they don't wind up trading a bunch of guys.

 

2. Ottawa will score their way into this spot.

 

3. Montreal's a pretty good team, but they need more offense before becoming a contender.

 

4. Boston should take the 8th spot, but might just miss out due to the schedule.

 

5. Toronto will be close to the playoffs, but will just miss out.

 

Atlantic

 

1. The Rangers are quite easily the best team in the division.

 

2. Philadelphia is very slow, but they'll be in better shape than Jersey by the beginning of the year.

 

3. Jersey's in cap hell.

 

4. Pittsburgh could surprise and make the playoffs, but not yet.

 

5. Islanders are a mess.

 

Southeast

 

1. Carolina is going to roll in this division.

 

2. Florida will likely make the playoffs.

 

3. Atlanta doesn't have enough defense.

 

4. The Bolts are in the same predicament as Atlanta.

 

5. Poor Ovechkin.

[Red Baron 0]

I really think Montreal has two solid scoring lines, and with Plekanec, Perezoghin and future prospects like Chipchura and Kotitsyn as well. Their defence is average, but in the Northeast, the only other team that has a better defence is Boston.

[Lightning Flik 0]

To be honest, I wouldn't be at all surprised that someway, somehow we see ever team in the NW qualify. They almost did it last year and frankly the division didn't really get that much weaker than they were from last year.

[treble 0]

5.) Toronto: You pick up Raycroft, but collect his excess with Hal Gill. If Maurice has common sense, don't pair him up with Aki Berg (if returning). Toronto has the best goaltending future in the league, but the defence is still average, and this is probably the last season Sundin will be with the Leafs. Oh and McCabe, is not going to have a good season either.

Aki Berg is going back to Finland this year. And what does 'collect his excess' mean?

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

5.) Toronto: You pick up Raycroft, but collect his excess with Hal Gill. If Maurice has common sense, don't pair him up with Aki Berg (if returning). Toronto has the best goaltending future in the league, but the defence is still average, and this is probably the last season Sundin will be with the Leafs. Oh and McCabe, is not going to have a good season either.

Aki Berg is going back to Finland this year. And what does 'collect his excess' mean?

I'll assume he meant got a good pick in Raycroft, but got his shitty sidekick as well....I think.

McCabe will do alright. He will not, repeat WILL NOT, repeat his success from last year.

[treble 0]

Probably not, but by picking up Kubina (and Gill, to an extent), they'll have to lean on him (and Kaberle) less which means he probably won't get tired out later on in the season.

[the max 0]

Northwest:

 

Calgary- Iginla looks like he has help now, which is certainly appreciated. I don't like their depth, but if they can stay injury-free, they're going to be good.

Minnesota- I really like what they've done this off-season. Not the biggest moves or biggest names, but good moves nonetheless.

Edmonton- Somehow I think they just miss the playoffs. They have talent and Roloson will try to prove that he can do it all again.

Colorado- I'm not sold on Theodore being the guy. He's still coasting on the great year he had five years ago. And Colorado needs to make a move, I think. I don't trust their depth either.

Vancouver- Luongo doesn't help them on offense.

 

Pacific:

 

San Jose- Yeah, fuck you too Joe. He gets traded and plays like a completely different player than he did in Boston. I like San Jose a lot though.

Anaheim- Lotso dough tied up in two players. They'll rely heavily on a few young guys to step in and kick ass.

Los Angeles- I think Blake helps them immensely (and he'd better for $6million) and they have some pretty good young guys to step in. They won't make the playoffs, but they'll do OK.

Phoenix- They've done things that I like and things that I don't understand at all. Bringing in Boynton is a plus for them, he brings leadership and a team-first mentality to the club...plus he's a pretty good player to boot. I don't understand bringing Roenick back though. I think he's done and he'll end up being more of a distraction than anything. Also, if they do anything resembling success, Gretzky wins the Jack Adams.

Dallas- I have absolutely no faith in Turco. I never have and I never will. They've hitched their wagon to him and I just can't see it happening.

 

Central:

 

Nashville- Arguably the best team on paper. They're a pretty solid looking team on paper. They had an impressive showing last season, but ultimately met their doom when Vokoun went down. He's healthy now and they've brought in solid veterans Arnott and Dumont. They have two standout players waiting to boom in Weber and Suter. I think they're the most dangerous team in the conference.

Detroit- They're not as good without Yzerman, even when he didn't play. They'll have a down year, but still make the playoffs as a mid-low seed.

Chicago(!)- They have the offense, a young defense and a solid, if not overrated, goaltender. They need a leader though and ownership is asleep to that. That being said, Havlat finally gets a chance to shine and I think he challenges for the Art Ross.

Columbus- Punching bag, yes. But they have some talent. Still waiting for Nash to show what he's really made of. I like the Modin trade, since I really like Modin's game, but I think they gave up a pretty good goaltender. And they've rested their hopes this season on a 35 game NHL veteran and Ty Conklin. See you next year.

St. Louis- I don't like the make-up of this team at all. A lot of veterans that got a year slower and a bunch of youngsters hoping to learn from the examples of Tkachuck and Guerin. Ooo. Not good.

 

Atlantic:

 

New York- They have a goaltender in a really great position. They have their issues on offense and defense, but they have that one player on each side of the puck that is capable of carrying the team for a while. I'm speaking of course about the Rangers. I like the Aaron Ward signing.

Philadelphia- Good showing from their young talent last year until they were smoked out in the playoffs by superior goaltending. Then again, a 10 year old in Mylec pads is better than Robert Esche. They'll never win anything significant with him in the net.

New Jersey- Cap Hell 101. Lucky Louie is going to have to pull the magical solution out of his ass. And when that happens, they just don't have enough besides Brodeur to do any real damage.

Pittsburgh- Not yet.

New York- What a mess. I don't think they crack 30 points.

 

Southeast:

 

Carolina- Best team in the East, even after signing Tanabe.

Tampa Bay- They have a good goaltender now, I think Tortorella is on the hot seat.

Atlanta- I'll say what I will about Marc Savard, but Kovalchuk and Hossa will miss those passes. They have the goaltending though, if Lehtonen stays healthy.

Florida- Hopefully South Florida calms Bertuzzi down. Goaltending and defense are the issue with this team now. Auld and Belfour...I think Belfour gets hurt early and Auld is forced to carry the load. On defense, they have Boumeester and Van Ryn and Allen isn't too bad, but they need a good veteran defenseman.

Washington- ""I’m going to play as much time as they give me. I’m only 20, and I have a wagon and a carriage full of power." "When I have a chance to shoot, I like to shoot it. I love scoring goals. But I'm trying to help the team win games. If we win and I score, I'm really happy."

 

Northeast:

 

Buffalo- Best goaltender in the division, one of the best defenses in the conference and an offense that scores when it needs to. Good things, all.

Ottawa- World class effort from Redden, Alfredsson, Spezza and Heatley leads them into the playoffs. Gerber gets a lot of crap from people, but he's underrated.

Boston- Fuck you, homer pick. The defense is among the best in the conference. Chara brings instant leadership to a team that so lacked it last season. They dropped most of the useless veterans and AHL All-Stars from last year and replaced them with solid young players. They have one of the best defensive lines in the game (Axelsson-Primeau-Donovan) and a pretty good second line scoring duo (Savard-Murray). Bergeron will be out to prove that he's no fluke and Boyes will start playing for his next contract. Goaltending is fine, as far as I'm concerned. Toivonen got hurt on a fluke injury last season but put up fine numbers before the injury. He comes in now and plays behind a much, much better defense. Thomas assumes a backup role that will be perfect for him.

Montreal- Depending on catching lightning in a bottle again with Huet? Sounds like what they did with Theodore in the past...Defense? Outside of Markov? Ouch...

Toronto- Rebuilding year. Best of luck to Raycroft.

 

Overall, I think people are sleeping on the Bruins (perhaps rightfully so), but I'll be happy when they play well this season. They have an outside shot of sneaking into the playoffs.

[skullman80 0]

Malkin to officialy sign w/ the Pens tomorrow. Press conference at 10 AM.

 

http://postgazette.com/pg/06247/719014-100.stm