It's once again time for the NHL Playoffs! There are some real power house teams this year, but the lower seeds aren't too shabby either. Here is my playoff predictions! I will do every round, leading up to and including the Stanley Cup! Let's start out East!
FIRST ROUND
1-Pittsburgh Penguins
vs.
8-New York Islanders
Pens win if: They win if they are firing on all cylinders. Since they have been doing that all year, I don't see why they would stop in the playoffs. If Crosby is back healthy for a playoff run, this team will be unstoppable on their way to the championship.
Islanders win if: They win if they win if they can shut down Pittsburgh's top players, but there are so many of them that I just don't see that happening. JT and the boys won't roll over quietly, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Nabokov steal a game or two.
Prediction: The Islanders have improved, but the Pens are unstoppable this year, and have too many weapons. Penguins in 5.
2-Montreal Canadiens
vs.
7-Ottawa Senators
Habs win if: They win if they can beat Craig Anderson, and keep up the youthful jump that has sprung them all year. They're power-play will have to continue to work hard, and they've need to work for goals against the pesky sens.
Sens win if: They win if they can play that stingy style of hockey they've played all year. This is a good match-up for them. They may not have the fire power to match the Habs, but they have the grit to push them around a bit. Karlsson's return changed any series that the Sens might have played.
Prediction: It will be a close one. The Habs have more fire power up front, but the sens play that pesky, gritty style of playoff hockey. It will be close, but I'll have to go Canadiens in 7.
3-Washington Capitals
vs.
6-New York Rangers
Caps win if: They win if Ovi is hot. It would be hard to argue that there has been a better player in the game over the past month and a half than Alex Ovechkin. Washington found their form and they ran with it. They're a team firing on all cylinders, with a bonafide superstar on their side. If they can match up with the fire power the Rangers have, I like their chances. Also, Holtby needs to outgoaltend King Lundquist or it could be goodnight for the Caps.
Rangers win if: They win if they can keep on their grind, and get back to the New York Ranger hockey that we saw last year. Aside from Matt Hendrichs, the Caps don't really have a lot of size up front. From a grit stand point. If they can play hard, block shots, and punish the caps they'll have a real shot of winning this one.
Prediction: Another hard one to call. They are two of the hottest teams in the NHL right now. The Rangers have a big more depth up front, and a bit more gritiness to their lineup. If their d-men can play like they did last year, and if Lundquist in on his game, it would be tough for the Caps to win this one. With that being said, however, Ovi could probably score on a solid brick wall at this point. A close one to call, but I'm going to go Rangers in 6.
4-Boston Bruins
vs.
5-Toronto Maple Leafs
Bruins win if: They win if they can out-muscle the Leafs. These are two of the toughest teams in the NHL, and both sides have players who can be difference makers at any time. If they B's can play that big bad Bruins style of hockey, and shut down Kessel, Kadri, Lupul, and Bozak, they'll have a good chance.
Leafs win if: *sigh* no more Leaf jokes allowed. Because they have a hell of a year! They improved a lot this season, and that isn't embodied by anyone else but Nazim Kadri. If they Leafs can match depth with the Bruins, as well as match (both metaphorical and literal) punches with the Bruins they'll have a shot. Getting good goal tending from Manitoba native James Reimer will help as well.
Prediction: As much as every Leaf fan would love to see a return to the glory days, I don't see it happening this year. These two teams play a very similar type of hockey. But the Bruins have been here before. Most of those players have a Stanley Cup ring on their finger. I don't see the Leafs matching depth with the B's in this one. Bruins in 6.
SECOND ROUND
1-Pittsburgh Penguins
vs.
6-New York Rangers
Prediction: Both teams have great goal tenders, and lots of fire power. But I don't see anyone in the East beating the Pens this year. Pens in 6.
2-Montreal Canadiens
vs.
4-Boston Bruins
Prediction: Tough one to call. The Habs have gotten tougher this year, and I feel Boston will be worn down from what is likely to be a tough series against the Leafs, although the same could be said for the Habs with Ottawa. If it had to put money on it.... Bruins in 7.
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL
1-Pittsburgh Penguins
vs.
4-Boston Bruins
Prediction: Almost a dream series of sorts. You have all-start goalies, great d-cores, and two teams that are deep at forward. As beautiful and cliche as this may sound, Jerome Iginla may be the difference maker in this one. What an ending that would be. Both teams are gritty, but play with skill when they have too. I'd expect it to be long and hard fought, but I have to give the edge to the Penguins. They're too good. Penguins in 6.
Now let's move out to the wild wild west.
FIRST ROUND
1-Chicago BlackHawks
vs.
8-Minnesota Wild
BlackHawks win if: They win if they continue to play like they did in the regular season. Possibly the most well rounded team in the league, with too many superstars to count. This season has been a Pittsburgh, Chicago super-final in the making.
Wild win if: They win if the Hockey Gods are feeling really generous. They'll need great goal tending from Backstrom, and a miracle.
Prediction: The Wild aren't about to roll over and die, but the BlackHawks are too good, too fast, and too dominant. Hawks in 5.
2-Anaheim Ducks
vs.
7-Detroit RedWings
Ducks win if: Like the BlackHawks, they win if they continue to play like they did in the regular season. If the big guns like Perry, Getzlaf, and Selanne keep on top of their game and the secondary scoring keeps pouring in, the Wings will be in tough!
Wings win if: They win if Jimmy Howard absolutely stands on his head. There's not doubt the Wings are still a threat. 22 straight years of post-season hockey in the motor-city can attest to that. They lack the secondary scoring that the Ducks have in gallons. Zetterberg and Datsyuk can't carry the load themselves, they will need some help, and a lot of it. It will also be interesting to see how Detroit's shattered d-core deals with their first post-season without Nick Lidstrom.
Prediction: These two teams had some epic playoff battles years ago. Detroit was a much better team then, than now. I don't think it's wise to rule anyone out (flashback: LA last year) but I think the Ducks have too much depth, and too much scoring punch for Detroit's weak d-core to handle. Ducks in 5.
3-Vancouver Canucks
vs.
6-San Jose Sharks
Canucks win if: They win if they can stop the offensive attack of the Sharks. The Nucks have a solid d-core, and two all-star goalies so it wouldn't surprise me to see them do just that. The Sedin's will have to be on, and they'll need to find some secondary scoring, which was something they lacked in this year.
Sharks win if: They win if they can shut down the Sedins, and get to Luongo early. With Schneider on the mend, Luongo will be expected to carry the load. The Canucks have struggled to find consistency aside from their top line, and the Sharks will need to pounce early to win this one. They have a solid attack with Thorton, Pavelski, Coture, and Marleau. Will Niemi and the d-core be up to the task? Only time will tell.
Prediction: Both teams are very good, and have very good offensive potential. I would have to give the edge to the Nucks based on their d-core and their goal tending which is superior to the Sharks. Nucks in 6.
4-St Louis Blues
vs.
5-Los Angeles Kings
Blues win if: They will win if they don't roll over and die like they did last season against these very same Kings. The Blues are a more matured team, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them make a deep playoff run. Where they lack in superstar talent, and offensive juggernautedness (not a word but it should be eh?) they make up for with solid defense, good goal tending, and a tenacity that you can't teach. They are rough, gritty, and ready to make a push into the playoffs.
Kings win if: They win if they find their form from last year. They were an unstoppable force, and have the exact same pieces in place to make another run identical to last season's. They have depth at forward, solid d, and a good goal tender in Johnny Quick. They need to find that form again this year, from top to bottom they'll need to be solid in order to beat the Blues.
Prediction: This is the series I am looking forward to most in the West. Both teams are very talented, and both teams possess a mean streak that will serve their purpose. I think the Kings will find their form again this year. They are riddled with playoff experience, and it will show. Tough one to call, but I will do so. Kings in 7.
SECOND ROUND
1-Chicago BlackHawks
vs.
5-Los Angeles Kings
Prediction: As much as I think the Kings will find their form again. They won't beat the BlackHawks. It will be a closer series than most will expect, but I think the Hawks will run with this one. Hawks in 6.
2-Anaheim Ducks
vs.
3-Vancouver Canucks
Prediction: The Canucks just don't seem like the team that they were when they made their cup run in 2010. I think their series with the Sharks will be a long and challenging one that won't prepare them for the most likely well-rested Ducks. Where the Nucks lack, the Ducks flourish with secondary scoring. Ducks in 7.
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL
1-Chicago BlackHawks
vs.
2-Anaheim Ducks
Prediction: By far the two most dominant teams in the West this year. These two teams would battle it out for the right to meet the Eastern Conference champion. The Ducks have improved tremendously. Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf have found their form again. Their secondary players, and everyone else for that matter will need to play hard, and fight against the BlackHawks. But I don't think it will be enough to defeat the mighty Hawks. BlackHawks in 6.
STANLEY CUP FINAL
1-Chicago BlackHawks
vs
1-Pittsburgh Penguins
Prediction: I'm not usually one to take two #1 seeds to play each other in the finals, but this year these two teams really stood out above the rest. A Toews vs Crosby matchup would be one that hockey fans would drool over. Both teams possess the power to score 10 goals on a given night and give up 0. Both teams boast Norris Trophy like d-cores. Where the major advantage will go is in the goal tending department. To the Penguins. With that being said, both he and Cory Crawford have playoff experience. This would be a Stanley Cup final for the ages, two of the best teams assembled in the 2010's, both of which deserve to win the cup. It's an extremely tough series to call, and I wouldn't be surprised if it went all 7 games. I am going to go Pens in 7. If Crosby returns for the playoffs, and a healthy Sidney Crosby plays like he can, then with their other weapons, they'll take home the cup.
TWITTER! @burnsy004
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Winnipeg Jets Year End Wrap Up.
So, unfortunately the Jets ended without the playoffs for the second year in a row, but they definitely showed some improvement. Here are my grades for each player by position.
GOALTENDERS
Ondrej Pavelec: B+; I can't quite give Pavs an A on this season, although he was a work-horse. He was arguably the Jets best player all season, and was one of the main reasons as to why they almost made the playoffs. He did allow some weaker goals at times that weren't ideal (though is it ever ideal?). Pavelec is the future goalie of this franchise, played very well this year, and will improve for the future.
Al Montoya: B; Not much so say about Montoya as he only played 4 games, but he played well in those 4 games and picked up the only Jets shutout this year. My money is on him returning as Pavelec's backup for next season.
D-MEN
Zach Bogosian: A-; He has amazing potential, and this year he showed us that he has the potential to become a Norris Trophy candidate someday. Is a mean guy to play against, who can chip in on the offensive side of the puck. What's not to like?
Tobias Enstrom: B+; Unfortunately his season was cut short by injuries. But when Toby was playing, he was a difference makers, averaging almost a point per game at one point. He's vital to their power-play's success, a power-play that struggled this year. For the Jets to have success, they need this guy in the lineup.
Dustin Byfuglien: B; With big Buff you know what you're going to get. Huge offensive upside, but some defensive lapses. Despite those, he's till one of the Jets most skilled players.
Grant Clitsome: B; Exceeded my expectations. Chipped in with 4 goals and filled in nicely on an injury riddled blue line. He's one of the UFA's at the end of the year. He can play anywhere in the d-core whether it's as a seventh man, or on the top pair. He's a valuable guy to have.
Mark Stuart: B; You'll get what you expect with Mark Stuart. He's gritty, mean, tough, and chips in everywhere he can. If all the Jets had his compete, they'd be a better team.
Zach Redmond: B; It's a miracle that he is back in game shape. I think he exceeded most people's expectations this season, and outplayed some of the other d-men who will either be competing for spots next year, or will find themselves looking for a job.
Derek Meech: C+; A depth d-man on most team's is a valuable asset. It would be nice to see the hometown kid come back for another year, but with Jacob Trouba on the rise someone has to go.
Paul Postma: C; I think people expected more out of Paul Postma. If I were the Jets I would re-sign him. He's still young, but he needs to pick up his physical play. He's a big guy, but is getting out-muscled by smaller forwards. I'd give him one more year to prove he can be a mainstay in the NHL.
Ron Hainsey: C; He logs big minutes, blocks shots, and seems like a popular guy in the dressing room. But he makes too many mistakes, some that led to huge goals against. I wouldn't expect to see him back next year with the emergence of Redmond and Trouba.
FORWARDS
Andrew Ladd: A; He was everything for the Jets this year, by far their best player (possibly aside from Pavs).
Blake Wheeler: A-; Beat his goal total from last season in less games, and is arguable the Jets most skilled player up front. He, along with this line-mates have given the Jets a solid top line.
Bryan Little: B; Has great chemistry with Ladd, and Wheeler, was key on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck this year.
Evander Kane: B; Evander Kane is truly budding into a super star. He could easily be a 30 goal scorer for a lot of his career. Finding someone to play on the right side of the line with him and Jokinen with more skill would benefit him greatly.
Nik Antropov: B-; Antro may have just done enough to earn another year with the Jets. I feel the development of Scheifele will factor into that decision. For me it would be him or Kyle Wellwood, Antropov produced more this year, and played far more physical than Wellwood (did Welly throw any hits this season?). He's a veteran, and physical presence to a team that desperately needs that.
Eric Tangradi: B-; Tangradi provides a solid physical force up front, he's a good checking line winger, and showed that he has some moves on the offensive side as well.
Jim Slater: B-; A heart and soul guy who's season was cut short by an injury. He hits, fights, kills penalties, and wins face-offs like nobody's business, valuable player to any team.
Chris Thorburn: B-; Another heart and soul guy who's liked in the dressing room, and liked by the fans. Chips in offensively every now and then, but does most of his talking with his physical play.
Olli Jokinen: C+; Despite having his worst offensive year ever, he still provides a veteran presence. He would benefit from a winger to play with him and Kane. Jokinen is a vet, and he won't have another terrible year like this one.
James Wright: C+; Like Tangradi, he provides a good physical force, could have had 7 or 8 goals this season, just couldn't finish like he wanted too.
Anthony Peluso: C+; We got what we expected with Peluso, he's tough as nails, and seems to be a good enforcer. The only reason I gave him such a low grade is because his season was cut short by a hand injury.
Kyle Wellwood: C+; After a slow start, and a few trips to the press box, Wellwood picked up his play towards the end of the year. Whether it was enough to earn a contract renewal will be up to Kevin Chevaldayoff.
Alex Burmistrov: C; A dissapointing year for the young Russian, his contract is up at the end of the year, but I wouldn't expect him to get a phone call until Zach Bogosian is signed to a new contract. With the way he's played he hasn't earned himself a long term contract by any means.
Antti Miettinen: C-; Hasn't performed up to expectations. Found himself a healthy scratch an a lot of nights.
Mike Santorelli, Aaron Gagnon, and Patrice Cormier all had stints with the Jets this season, and contributed in their own ways. I expect them all to be at training camp next season.
OVERALL TEAM GRADE
B-: A B- is usually be a pretty good grade, but in the NHL, sometimes it's not enough to get you into the playoffs. I would say the team exceeded most people's expectations, and came very close to making the playoffs. It's definitely a sign of improvement.
Pending FA's I expect to see back next year:
Nik Antropov, Alex Burmistrov, Paul Postma, Blake Wheeler, Zach Redmond, Grant Clitsome, Zach Bogosian
Pending FA's I don't expect to see back next year:
Ron Hainsey, Antti Miettinen, Kyle Wellwood.
GOALTENDERS
Ondrej Pavelec: B+; I can't quite give Pavs an A on this season, although he was a work-horse. He was arguably the Jets best player all season, and was one of the main reasons as to why they almost made the playoffs. He did allow some weaker goals at times that weren't ideal (though is it ever ideal?). Pavelec is the future goalie of this franchise, played very well this year, and will improve for the future.
Al Montoya: B; Not much so say about Montoya as he only played 4 games, but he played well in those 4 games and picked up the only Jets shutout this year. My money is on him returning as Pavelec's backup for next season.
D-MEN
Zach Bogosian: A-; He has amazing potential, and this year he showed us that he has the potential to become a Norris Trophy candidate someday. Is a mean guy to play against, who can chip in on the offensive side of the puck. What's not to like?
Tobias Enstrom: B+; Unfortunately his season was cut short by injuries. But when Toby was playing, he was a difference makers, averaging almost a point per game at one point. He's vital to their power-play's success, a power-play that struggled this year. For the Jets to have success, they need this guy in the lineup.
Dustin Byfuglien: B; With big Buff you know what you're going to get. Huge offensive upside, but some defensive lapses. Despite those, he's till one of the Jets most skilled players.
Grant Clitsome: B; Exceeded my expectations. Chipped in with 4 goals and filled in nicely on an injury riddled blue line. He's one of the UFA's at the end of the year. He can play anywhere in the d-core whether it's as a seventh man, or on the top pair. He's a valuable guy to have.
Mark Stuart: B; You'll get what you expect with Mark Stuart. He's gritty, mean, tough, and chips in everywhere he can. If all the Jets had his compete, they'd be a better team.
Zach Redmond: B; It's a miracle that he is back in game shape. I think he exceeded most people's expectations this season, and outplayed some of the other d-men who will either be competing for spots next year, or will find themselves looking for a job.
Derek Meech: C+; A depth d-man on most team's is a valuable asset. It would be nice to see the hometown kid come back for another year, but with Jacob Trouba on the rise someone has to go.
Paul Postma: C; I think people expected more out of Paul Postma. If I were the Jets I would re-sign him. He's still young, but he needs to pick up his physical play. He's a big guy, but is getting out-muscled by smaller forwards. I'd give him one more year to prove he can be a mainstay in the NHL.
Ron Hainsey: C; He logs big minutes, blocks shots, and seems like a popular guy in the dressing room. But he makes too many mistakes, some that led to huge goals against. I wouldn't expect to see him back next year with the emergence of Redmond and Trouba.
FORWARDS
Andrew Ladd: A; He was everything for the Jets this year, by far their best player (possibly aside from Pavs).
Blake Wheeler: A-; Beat his goal total from last season in less games, and is arguable the Jets most skilled player up front. He, along with this line-mates have given the Jets a solid top line.
Bryan Little: B; Has great chemistry with Ladd, and Wheeler, was key on both the offensive and defensive side of the puck this year.
Evander Kane: B; Evander Kane is truly budding into a super star. He could easily be a 30 goal scorer for a lot of his career. Finding someone to play on the right side of the line with him and Jokinen with more skill would benefit him greatly.
Nik Antropov: B-; Antro may have just done enough to earn another year with the Jets. I feel the development of Scheifele will factor into that decision. For me it would be him or Kyle Wellwood, Antropov produced more this year, and played far more physical than Wellwood (did Welly throw any hits this season?). He's a veteran, and physical presence to a team that desperately needs that.
Eric Tangradi: B-; Tangradi provides a solid physical force up front, he's a good checking line winger, and showed that he has some moves on the offensive side as well.
Jim Slater: B-; A heart and soul guy who's season was cut short by an injury. He hits, fights, kills penalties, and wins face-offs like nobody's business, valuable player to any team.
Chris Thorburn: B-; Another heart and soul guy who's liked in the dressing room, and liked by the fans. Chips in offensively every now and then, but does most of his talking with his physical play.
Olli Jokinen: C+; Despite having his worst offensive year ever, he still provides a veteran presence. He would benefit from a winger to play with him and Kane. Jokinen is a vet, and he won't have another terrible year like this one.
James Wright: C+; Like Tangradi, he provides a good physical force, could have had 7 or 8 goals this season, just couldn't finish like he wanted too.
Anthony Peluso: C+; We got what we expected with Peluso, he's tough as nails, and seems to be a good enforcer. The only reason I gave him such a low grade is because his season was cut short by a hand injury.
Kyle Wellwood: C+; After a slow start, and a few trips to the press box, Wellwood picked up his play towards the end of the year. Whether it was enough to earn a contract renewal will be up to Kevin Chevaldayoff.
Alex Burmistrov: C; A dissapointing year for the young Russian, his contract is up at the end of the year, but I wouldn't expect him to get a phone call until Zach Bogosian is signed to a new contract. With the way he's played he hasn't earned himself a long term contract by any means.
Antti Miettinen: C-; Hasn't performed up to expectations. Found himself a healthy scratch an a lot of nights.
Mike Santorelli, Aaron Gagnon, and Patrice Cormier all had stints with the Jets this season, and contributed in their own ways. I expect them all to be at training camp next season.
OVERALL TEAM GRADE
B-: A B- is usually be a pretty good grade, but in the NHL, sometimes it's not enough to get you into the playoffs. I would say the team exceeded most people's expectations, and came very close to making the playoffs. It's definitely a sign of improvement.
Pending FA's I expect to see back next year:
Nik Antropov, Alex Burmistrov, Paul Postma, Blake Wheeler, Zach Redmond, Grant Clitsome, Zach Bogosian
Pending FA's I don't expect to see back next year:
Ron Hainsey, Antti Miettinen, Kyle Wellwood.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
WINNERS AND LOSERS: TRADE DEADLINE
WINNERS AND LOSERS: TRADE DEADLINE!
Here's my list of team's that really did well this trade deadline, and those who did... not so well.
Let's start with those who are neither, those who stayed put, if you will.
EAST
- Montreal: A good team, they remain good despite no deadline deals.
- Winnipeg: Picked up Santorelli for depth, didn't get any worse, didn't get any better.
- Toronto: Couldn't get the goalie they wanted, but they're sitting pretty in the East at this point.
- New Jersey: Will be a threat when Kovy returns.
- NY Islanders: Still very much in the playoff hunt. Didn't do much. But they didn't get worse.
- Philadelphia: Hopefully adding Steve Mason will light a fire under Bryz. For Flyers fans anyway.
- Florida: I've stopped paying attention to this team at this point, aside from Jonny Huberdeau.
WEST
- Chicago: Stayed the same, waiting on Hossa and Sharp. Still a power house.
- Anaheim: Sitting pretty at 2nd in the West.
- Vancouver: Added Roy, but couldn't move Luongo. It's getting to be kind of a laugh riot at this point.
- San Jose: Added Scott Hannan. Not sure what that will do.
- Lost Angeles: Added Regher for depth. Pretty much stayed put.
- Edmonton: Added Smithson, like the Jets they added depth, but didn't improve much.
- Nashville: Can't read this team. Gave away Martin Erat a guy who could help any team.
- Phoenix: Lost Raffi Torres, but I really feel like they should be winners for trading him.
- Colorado: Young team, didn't need to do much at the deadline.
And now let's take a look at the losers.
EAST
- Buffalo: It was a fire sale in Sabretown. Pominville gone. Leopold gone. They've only got a few recognizable names left.
- Carolina: For a team battling for the playoffs. They let a good depth winger who can score go for next to nothing. Is everyone just bowing to the Pens at this point?
WEST
- Calgary: The only team that lost more than Buffalo. BRUTAL
- Dallas: Jagr to the bruins, Roy's gone, Ryder's gone. They have no one left.
- Detroit: Couldn't add any d-men. Lost out on all the d-men who were moved.
And now the winners.
EAST
- NY Rangers: Lost Gaborik yes, but they added some grit with the likes of Ryan Clowe, and Derek Dorsett. They hope to find their gritty form from last season.
- Boston: Lost out on Iggy. But landed Jagr. It'll give them a nice top line scoring punch.
- Ottawa: Finally thinned out their crowded crease. While adding a good scorer in Cory Conacher.
- Tampa Bay: Landed a solid goaltender in Ben Bishop. However, he is still unproven. Only time will tell how he works out.
- Washington: Unlike the teams they're battling with (WPG & CAR) they were able to add some punch up front. If I'm betting on who's going to win the Southeast, my heart says Jets, my money says Caps.
- Pittsburgh: Jarome Iginla, Douglas Murray, Jussi Jokinen, Brendan Morrow, need I say more?
WEST
- Columbus: They take the silver medal in this one. Landing Gaborik is huge, adding Comeau will also add some good scoring depth up front. I'd be afraid of the Blue Jackets down the stretch.
- Minnesota: Adding Pominville to a team that's been streaking for a while now is a dangerous mix, for other teams anyway. Only downside is they've lost a good goaltending prospect in Matt Hackett.
- St. Louis: They have a top 4 that's arguable tops in the league. Still thin up front, but they did good things with their blue line.
Here's my list of team's that really did well this trade deadline, and those who did... not so well.
Let's start with those who are neither, those who stayed put, if you will.
EAST
- Montreal: A good team, they remain good despite no deadline deals.
- Winnipeg: Picked up Santorelli for depth, didn't get any worse, didn't get any better.
- Toronto: Couldn't get the goalie they wanted, but they're sitting pretty in the East at this point.
- New Jersey: Will be a threat when Kovy returns.
- NY Islanders: Still very much in the playoff hunt. Didn't do much. But they didn't get worse.
- Philadelphia: Hopefully adding Steve Mason will light a fire under Bryz. For Flyers fans anyway.
- Florida: I've stopped paying attention to this team at this point, aside from Jonny Huberdeau.
WEST
- Chicago: Stayed the same, waiting on Hossa and Sharp. Still a power house.
- Anaheim: Sitting pretty at 2nd in the West.
- Vancouver: Added Roy, but couldn't move Luongo. It's getting to be kind of a laugh riot at this point.
- San Jose: Added Scott Hannan. Not sure what that will do.
- Lost Angeles: Added Regher for depth. Pretty much stayed put.
- Edmonton: Added Smithson, like the Jets they added depth, but didn't improve much.
- Nashville: Can't read this team. Gave away Martin Erat a guy who could help any team.
- Phoenix: Lost Raffi Torres, but I really feel like they should be winners for trading him.
- Colorado: Young team, didn't need to do much at the deadline.
And now let's take a look at the losers.
EAST
- Buffalo: It was a fire sale in Sabretown. Pominville gone. Leopold gone. They've only got a few recognizable names left.
- Carolina: For a team battling for the playoffs. They let a good depth winger who can score go for next to nothing. Is everyone just bowing to the Pens at this point?
WEST
- Calgary: The only team that lost more than Buffalo. BRUTAL
- Dallas: Jagr to the bruins, Roy's gone, Ryder's gone. They have no one left.
- Detroit: Couldn't add any d-men. Lost out on all the d-men who were moved.
And now the winners.
EAST
- NY Rangers: Lost Gaborik yes, but they added some grit with the likes of Ryan Clowe, and Derek Dorsett. They hope to find their gritty form from last season.
- Boston: Lost out on Iggy. But landed Jagr. It'll give them a nice top line scoring punch.
- Ottawa: Finally thinned out their crowded crease. While adding a good scorer in Cory Conacher.
- Tampa Bay: Landed a solid goaltender in Ben Bishop. However, he is still unproven. Only time will tell how he works out.
- Washington: Unlike the teams they're battling with (WPG & CAR) they were able to add some punch up front. If I'm betting on who's going to win the Southeast, my heart says Jets, my money says Caps.
- Pittsburgh: Jarome Iginla, Douglas Murray, Jussi Jokinen, Brendan Morrow, need I say more?
WEST
- Columbus: They take the silver medal in this one. Landing Gaborik is huge, adding Comeau will also add some good scoring depth up front. I'd be afraid of the Blue Jackets down the stretch.
- Minnesota: Adding Pominville to a team that's been streaking for a while now is a dangerous mix, for other teams anyway. Only downside is they've lost a good goaltending prospect in Matt Hackett.
- St. Louis: They have a top 4 that's arguable tops in the league. Still thin up front, but they did good things with their blue line.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)