Biggest upcoming season (draft, playoffs, hockey, jersey)
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I just recently got really deep into NHL hockey thanks to the NFL lockout and now I have something new to watch this wintertime.
Growing up near Baltimore, I never got much into hockey, so I currently dont have a "hometown team" and am able to follow all of them during this off season.
Who do you think made the biggest impact to their overall team and who has the best chance at the cup this season?
After seeing the draft and all the aquisitions, I'd have to say the Avalanche seem to be getting back to their old form. They shored up their biggest needs at goaltender and got not one, but two great goalies, one for right now and one for the future. In addition to the two great draft picks they got in the first round, I think they will definitely be in the playoffs this year.
The other team that looks great coming into the season is the Pengiuns. As far as they got last season with their injuries, if they can stay healthy they will likely be on tour with the cup come this time next year.
Lots of teams like the Rangers draw high priced free agents. While teams like my Islanders have been building through the draft. Also very few free agents come to us. We usually get the over the hill guys, players with baggage, unwanted guys, or guys coming off injuries with something to prove. Surprisingly we have been building well and this could be a good season for us but we must move on and dump our goalie DiPietro. A solid guy in goal could be our answer so we will see. Will Nabokov or Montoya be the answer?
Lots of teams like the Rangers draw high priced free agents. While teams like my Islanders have been building through the draft. Also very few free agents come to us. We usually get the over the hill guys, players with baggage, unwanted guys, or guys coming off injuries with something to prove. Surprisingly we have been building well and this could be a good season for us but we must move on and dump our goalie DiPietro. A solid guy in goal could be our answer so we will see. Will Nabokov or Montoya be the answer?
Thats always the question in any major league sport team, isn't it...build through the draft or buy the established players to get quick results.
Seems like all anyone ever says about the Islanders is the issues with DiPietro, after locking him up for such a long contract, you guys can't even get a trade for him with all those injuries, huh?
Thats always the question in any major league sport team, isn't it...build through the draft or buy the established players to get quick results.
Seems like all anyone ever says about the Islanders is the issues with DiPietro, after locking him up for such a long contract, you guys can't even get a trade for him with all those injuries, huh?
Unfortunately with DP, we will have to ride out his contract. When it comes to free agents, it's not like other sports where a mediocre team can pay more and get a solid player. In the NHL almost every big name avoids us like the plague so we will have to keep working the draft and through trades. When we finally become a playoff team, maybe the FA's will come then or maybe when the new building for the team is decided on (whether in Nassau, Suffolk or somewhere else).
I really dont see any standout team. Except for a few bottom feeders, they all have a legit chance to win the cup. It all comes down to injuries, suspensions, who can dive the most, and who can take the grind of the regular season.
I really dont see any standout team. Except for a few bottom feeders, they all have a legit chance to win the cup. It all comes down to injuries, suspensions, who can dive the most, and who can take the grind of the regular season.
Agreed, but some teams are long shots while others we all know will be in the playoffs.
The Sharks are a little better than before, on paper. I'm still hoping for one more Cup from the Wings before Lids retires. They've gotten rid of some of their old guys. We'll see if that improves them or not. The Avs? I'm not sure about them, except that they are nothing like they used to be. The Pens I don't care for, but Crosby is still, last I heard, recovering. I wonder when he'll be back?
I just recently got really deep into NHL hockey thanks to the NFL lockout and now I have something new to watch this wintertime.
Growing up near Baltimore, I never got much into hockey, so I currently dont have a "hometown team" and am able to follow all of them during this off season.
Who do you think made the biggest impact to their overall team and who has the best chance at the cup this season?
After seeing the draft and all the aquisitions, I'd have to say the Avalanche seem to be getting back to their old form. They shored up their biggest needs at goaltender and got not one, but two great goalies, one for right now and one for the future. In addition to the two great draft picks they got in the first round, I think they will definitely be in the playoffs this year.
The other team that looks great coming into the season is the Pengiuns. As far as they got last season with their injuries, if they can stay healthy they will likely be on tour with the cup come this time next year.
What do you guys think?
No to Colorado...they don't quality goaltending or the defense to be a playoff team, but surprises do occur. They are going to look like St. Louis last year when they were hammereed with injuries.
The best moves were made by:
LA (Richards and Gagne were huge additions)
STL (the got the vets, Arnott and Langenbrunner, they need to get to the next level)
Chicago (got tougher and deeper...look a lot like their 2009-10 team)
Buffalo (Leino, Ehrhoff, Regehr, and a full season of a youngster by the name of Gragnani)
NYR and CBJ add one nice piece each...SJ has two good additions...
Tampa Bay will take a step back...Rolosson shines in the post-season, but during the regular season, he is average at best and they didn't do anything to improve their defense...
WC:
1) Chicago
2) SJ
3) Van
4) Det
5) Nash
6) STL
7) LA
8) Pho
9) CBJ
10) CGY
11) Dal
12) Col
13) Ana
14) Min
15) EDM
EC:
1) Philly
2) Was
3) Bos
4) Buf
5) Pit
6) NYR
7) NYI
8) MTL
9) Car
10) Tor
11) TB
12) Fla
13) Win
14) NJ
15) Ott
Forgot to mention that it is always good to have new NHL fans...
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