How the East (will be) Won

Let`s hear what you think guys. We have a smart bunch of people at GM Central. What do you all have to say?

I`ll go with my top 8 teams and give a brief explanation why:

1.New Jersey
2.Boston
3.Washington
4.Philadelphia
5.Montreal
6.Pittsburgh
7.Ottawa
8.New York Rangers

Man, did I ever not want to put the Rangers in there. It was between them, Carolina and Buffalo and I was gonna go with the Canes, but I just can`t deny the fact that Lundqvist is a phenom. It`ll be tight though.

As for the Devils, why notÉ They have skill up front in Elias, Gionta, Rolston, Zajac, Parise and even Holik who sounds pretty happy to be back there. Not to mention Zubrus, Langenbrunner and Pandolfo. Oh, and they have one of the best goalies in the world.

Washington`s soooooo lucky they`re in the Southeast (which I admit is getting better) because otherwise I don`t have them making it. Good luck with Theodore in there. No question in my mind he`s a downgrade to Huet - people will argue that, but, that`s what I think.

Montreal and Pittsburgh are due for a crushingly hard fall, but not hard enough to miss...or is it?

We could finish a little higher, but I wouldn`t count on it at this point. We`ll see what Murray does by January 1st.

504Heater wrote:Let`s hear what you think guys. We have a smart bunch of people at GM Central. What do you all have to sayÉ

I`ll go with my top 8 teams and give a brief explanation why:

1.New Jersey
2.Boston
3.Washington
4.Philadelphia
5.Montreal
6.Pittsburgh
7.Ottawa
8.New York Rangers

Man, did I ever not want to put the Rangers in there. It was between them, Carolina and Buffalo and I was gonna go with the Canes, but I just can`t deny the fact that Lundqvist is a phenom. It`ll be tight though.

As for the Devils, why notÉ They have skill up front in Elias, Gionta, Rolston, Zajac, Parise and even Holik who sounds pretty happy to be back there. Not to mention Zubrus, Langenbrunner and Pandolfo. Oh, and they have one of the best goalies in the world.

Washington`s soooooo lucky they`re in the Southeast (which I admit is getting better) because otherwise I don`t have them making it. Good luck with Theodore in there. No question in my mind he`s a downgrade to Huet - people will argue that, but, that`s what I think.

Montreal and Pittsburgh are due for a crushingly hard fall, but not hard enough to miss...or is itÉ

We could finish a little higher, but I wouldn`t count on it at this point. We`ll see what Murray does by January 1st.

Not bad, but I've got a few quibbles, mostly just with the order. Here's my projections:

1. Montreal
2. Philly
3. Washington / Carolina
4. Boston
5. Pittsburgh
6. Ottawa
7. New Jersey
8. New York Rangers / Buffalo

Montreal's got a lot of fire-power even if they don't add Sundin; Tanguay was a nice add. Losing Streit is bad, but I'm betting it will have as much impact on the MTL PP as losing Souray did. They could fall significantly, tho', if Price can't handle all the work or maintain his poise.

Philly's looking very strong and I don't see why they can't win their division or the conference. Their best moves this off-season were signing up young guns like Lupul and Carter. Defence looks a little weak (physically, I mean), tho', but it's pretty mobile with Timonen and Coburn.

I can't decide on the South East. Based on last year's 2nd-half play, I want to to say WAS, but the Theo signing does not bring stability. Carolina has a legitmate shot, I think, because they've finally done a little something to address their back end, acquiring Uh OH! and Pitkanen. They've got more than 6 top-6 skaters even after the loss of Cole, so scoring goals won't be a problem. Keeping them out of their net, however, will be.

Boston will surprise, but I don't think they have enough firepower to win the division. Pittsburgh will show the effects of a long post-season run, especially by about Christmas. Ottawa will certainly surprise if people are expecting the ESPN forecasts to come true; I think an even higher finish likely, to be honest. As for NJ, I don't think they did anything too significant to address their problems filling the net and their weakness on the blueline; Rolston is a nice addition, but not enough I think to effect a remarkable turn around. For the last spot, my head tells me NYR largely because of Lundqvist, but my heart tells me Buffalo. The latter still has a weak D, I know, but I think Miller will be better this year, and they've still got one of the best group of offensive forwards in the league and I fully expect to see more them fill the net all year long. Buffalo has been drafting well for quite some time now.

rooneypoo wrote:
Not bad, but I've got a few quibbles, mostly just with the order. Here's my projections:

Good points, I feel somewhat the same. I think Rolston may do better than you think back in NJ, but you`re right, I`m really going out on a limb here projecting them to win the Conference.

504Heater wrote:Let`s hear what you think guys. We have a smart bunch of people at GM Central. What do you all have to sayÉ

I`ll go with my top 8 teams and give a brief explanation why:

1.New Jersey
2.Boston
3.Washington
4.Philadelphia
5.Montreal
6.Pittsburgh
7.Ottawa
8.New York Rangers

Man, did I ever not want to put the Rangers in there. It was between them, Carolina and Buffalo and I was gonna go with the Canes, but I just can`t deny the fact that Lundqvist is a phenom. It`ll be tight though.

As for the Devils, why notÉ They have skill up front in Elias, Gionta, Rolston, Zajac, Parise and even Holik who sounds pretty happy to be back there. Not to mention Zubrus, Langenbrunner and Pandolfo. Oh, and they have one of the best goalies in the world.

Washington`s soooooo lucky they`re in the Southeast (which I admit is getting better) because otherwise I don`t have them making it. Good luck with Theodore in there. No question in my mind he`s a downgrade to Huet - people will argue that, but, that`s what I think.

Montreal and Pittsburgh are due for a crushingly hard fall, but not hard enough to miss...or is itÉ

We could finish a little higher, but I wouldn`t count on it at this point. We`ll see what Murray does by January 1st.

Hmm, I find it hard to pick four, let alone eight. Montreal, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia should battle it out for the top, with an outside chance for Ottawa. After that, who knows.

Washington has Ovechkin but they are only playing 6 games in their division, and who knows what Theodore will do? I'm not ready to say that he's a downgrade over Huet, though. Seriously, what has Huet done to get all the accolades? He's good, but Theodore has been great. The possibility is still there, but man, it could go the other way just as easily.

Boston should be in there, but does Thmoas have another All Star season in him or was that just a fluke? And will Bergeron come back like before, or like Kariya did (never the same)?

I'll go against popular opinion and say that the Devils will be in tough to make the playoffs this year. I think they still will, but nowhere near #1, sorry. Yeah:

Bookmark it, Danno!

So, in no particular order:

Shoo-ins: Montreal, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Ottawa
Should-be-ins: New Jersey, Boston, New York Rangers
Down to the wire: Washington, Carolina, Buffalo, Tampa Bay
No way: Atlanta, New York Islanders, Florida, Toronto

wprager wrote:
Hmm, I find it hard to pick four, let alone eight. Montreal, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia should battle it out for the top, with an outside chance for Ottawa. After that, who knows.

Washington has Ovechkin but they are only playing 6 games in their division, and who knows what Theodore will do? I'm not ready to say that he's a downgrade over Huet, though. Seriously, what has Huet done to get all the accolades? He's good, but Theodore has been great. The possibility is still there, but man, it could go the other way just as easily.

Boston should be in there, but does Thmoas have another All Star season in him or was that just a fluke? And will Bergeron come back like before, or like Kariya did (never the same)?

I'll go against popular opinion and say that the Devils will be in tough to make the playoffs this year. I think they still will, but nowhere near #1, sorry. Yeah:

Bookmark it, Danno!

So, in no particular order:

Shoo-ins: Montreal, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Ottawa
Should-be-ins: New Jersey, Boston, New York Rangers
Down to the wire: Washington, Carolina, Buffalo, Tampa Bay
No way: Atlanta, New York Islanders, Florida, Toronto

I think Cam Ward will be Carolina's downfall - and I think you're right about Theodore, why pin your hopes on him to get you 'there'.

I agree with your top 8 as well but I don't know about the order either.

I really don't think the playoffs can be predicted right now. Way too many teams in the East are still banking on some "MEGA trades" if that's true.. but i still don't see all the teams heading into the season as they are now.

So, in no particular order:

Shoo-ins: Montreal, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Ottawa
Should-be-ins: New Jersey, Boston, New York Rangers
Down to the wire: Washington, Carolina, Buffalo, Tampa Bay
No way: Atlanta, New York Islanders, Florida, Toronto

I really don't think that you can say no way about any team. For example, Florida here is a no way. But with them building out from the G out, they might have a completely different team from now come Oct. 1st. Voukon is a sensational goalie, with their backup (his name skips my mind right now for some reason) recording 2 shut outs in his first two NHL games, facing over 50 shots in each game! thats insane, i'm sorry but you can't say that the defense got the shutouts for him when he faces that many shots, ill admit if they lose bouwmeester then they have a shot in hell, but if they keep him, by playing 6 games against their own division, they have a shot just like any other team. It's true that your G doesn't make your team, but as of right now i can't honestly peg any team as no way.

except for Toronto. They suck.

I've been saying for a while now that Boston will definitely be a force to be reckoned with this season. Assuming Bergeron returns to form, and with that perfected Trap system under Julien, they will surprise many, even their own fans!

As for Ottawa, personal bias aside, I would be shocked if they didn't place somewhere between 5-7, maybe even 4 depending on how things play out under Hartsburg and his Defensive-minded system. ALL Ottawa players have to buy into it though, and considering what happened last year, I have a feeling Murray will be keeping a close eye to make sure NONE of last season's passiveness or straying will occur.

Pittsburgh I think will be in for a shocker. Cup final hangover aside, they lost a few key components and personally, I'm not a fan of Therrien (in fact, I think he could very well be damper on that teams talent IMHO) and they will surely feel the effects by January or the deadline for sure. They may get a second wind by March, but who knows... Time will tell.

As for Devils, a few have already made excellent points on them, and Brodeur aside, I think they are a little weaker this time around. I can't explain why, but I feel Lou didn't do enough to tweak his squad.

Rangers: well, they, in my view, could go either way. Lundquist is a beast, no questions there, but how will their scoring lines fare? I think they may snag a spot for sure, but they aren't shoo-ins, that's for sure.

Carolina: I think they're hungry and probably pissed at how their season ended and a few of their players, much like the Senators, will have or feel they have something to atone for or step up. Brind'Amour should be back and raring to go, and I think Ward will step up and Staal and others will certainly follow. LaViolette knows his job and will have a direct path in mind.

Washington: as other have pointed out, few divisional games in an already weak division. Theodore will certainly be interesting to watch, and I share Heater's view that he is NOT an upgrade to Huet, NO WAY...

Philly: I am really looking forward to seeing these guys hit the ice. They surprised me immensely last season in their playoff run and Biron was amazing to watch. Look for him to hopefully take the reins and run! Carter and his linemates will certainly take their division by storm.

Montreal: as someone mentioned, they still have quite a bit of firepower up front, and Price did perform quite well, with the exception of game 5 vs Boston, where the Bruins did a magnificent job of rattling the youngster and he looked pretty shaken; however it's not a knock against him per se, as he is only 20 yr's old! Assuming Price can handle the pressure Montreal's media and fans have placed upon him and Carbonneau can maintain his coaching finesse, I think Montreal will definitely make the post-season, but I don't see them taking their division.

O.k. all that to say, here are my predictions for now (subject to change, mostly to save face LOL)

1. Boston
2. Philly
3. Washington/Carolina (a good fit for 3rd IMHO)
4. Montreal
5. Pittsburgh
6. Ottawa
7. Rangers
8. Buffalo (dark horse)

Ah, the ever popular predictions eh?

Well, I have to agree with Croney on his take about the Boston Bruins, they could be the surprise of the East. One thing can be said about the East, is the defence are weak in our division. We have gone over our own d and the lack of depth, but there are several other teams in the same boat. It will take the new comers or diamonds to step up their game, where the difference will be.

Carolina have a lot of fire power, but I don't see their goaltending or defence much better than ours. Bostons top four our good, but their depth is also lacking. THe Rangers seemingly got better on paper, ut I have to disagree. Not only have they gotten a ton softer, but they will miss Jagr more than they think. Drury and Gomez are not enough to lead that team. Montreal have once again lsot their offensive prowress from teh backend in Streit and it will be interesting to see if Kovalev can have another productive season, because if he doesn't go, either do the Habs. Washington, should be just fine, but with the newer scheduele, they might find themselves with a few less wins from last year. Tamp and Pittsburgh are much in the same boat. Loaded up front and a skeleton crew in the back, both will have trouble making the playoffs.

Here is how I see it breaking down in the East:

1. Philadelphia FLyers - they learnt a lot last season, plus GAGNE
2. Washington Capitals - they work extremely hard and get results
3. Boston Bruins - the surprise team of the east.
4. Carolina Hurricanes - no what it takes now to make the playoffs
5. Ottawa Senators - right where we need to finish. Expected to stuggle, will be as strong as always.
6. Pittsburgh Penguins - I'm hesitant about this pick, but with Crosby and Malkin it should be possible.
7. New Jersey Devils - always solid, should remain teh same.
8. Montreal Canadiens - this will depend on two guys (Price and Kovalev)

jamvan wrote:Here is how I see it breaking down in the East:

1. Philadelphia FLyers - they learnt a lot last season, plus GAGNE
2. Washington Capitals - they work extremely hard and get results
3. Boston Bruins - the surprise team of the east.
4. Carolina Hurricanes - no what it takes now to make the playoffs
5. Ottawa Senators - right where we need to finish. Expected to stuggle, will be as strong as always.
6. Pittsburgh Penguins - I'm hesitant about this pick, but with Crosby and Malkin it should be possible.
7. New Jersey Devils - always solid, should remain teh same.
8. Montreal Canadiens - this will depend on two guys (Price and Kovalev)

I really like that matchup and it would make for an exciting series. Ticket sales may not go through the roof for this series but I for one, would love to watch it! High flying offense and lots of speed.

Twelve hundredth post!! Not as sexy as Heater's 1000th but hey I'll take it.

504Heater wrote:Let`s hear what you think guys. We have a smart bunch of people at GM Central. What do you all have to say?

I`ll go with my top 8 teams and give a brief explanation why:

1.New Jersey
2.Boston
3.Washington
4.Philadelphia
5.Montreal
6.Pittsburgh
7.Ottawa
8.New York Rangers

Man, did I ever not want to put the Rangers in there. It was between them, Carolina and Buffalo and I was gonna go with the Canes, but I just can`t deny the fact that Lundqvist is a phenom. It`ll be tight though.

As for the Devils, why notÉ They have skill up front in Elias, Gionta, Rolston, Zajac, Parise and even Holik who sounds pretty happy to be back there. Not to mention Zubrus, Langenbrunner and Pandolfo. Oh, and they have one of the best goalies in the world.

Washington`s soooooo lucky they`re in the Southeast (which I admit is getting better) because otherwise I don`t have them making it. Good luck with Theodore in there. No question in my mind he`s a downgrade to Huet - people will argue that, but, that`s what I think.

Montreal and Pittsburgh are due for a crushingly hard fall, but not hard enough to miss...or is it?

We could finish a little higher, but I wouldn`t count on it at this point. We`ll see what Murray does by January 1st.

I don't agree with MTL finishing first at all...I don't see how they're going to be as powerful as they were last year. There are too many teams in the east that made better moves in the off-season than they did...heck, I can even say we made better moves than they did...

Pittsburgh is another one that I just can't see happening...they, as you say, are due to come crashing back to earth..I still don't believe in Fleury...he still hasn't proven much to me.

I can't see what you see in NJ making it to first...but you could be on to something....

I would go with possibly Boston making it in 1st...that's probably a long shot...but teams have surprised us all in the past....I wouldn't bet on it though...but it could happen.

Heater, why do you have us finishing 7th??? I can't see us being that low this year...I don't see us finishing 1st either...but give us at least 5th man! What's up with that?

OK...so here it is for me..

1. Philly
2. NJ
3. Boston
4. Montreal
5. Ottawa
6. Pittsburgh
7. Washington
8. Rangers...totally fell off the map, but will still make it.

I might be totally all over the place with Division discrepancies...I'm going to have to look it over again...but this is pretty much it for me.

SensGirl11 wrote:Heater, why do you have us finishing 7th??? I can't see us being that low this year...I don't see us finishing 1st either...but give us at least 5th man! What's up with that?

I dunno...we have great firepower up front, a good, solid D with little mobility though - and a goaltending tandem that could surprise and be awesome or suck the life fantastic. When I look at the Devils, they've upped the ante for scoring, they have tending, when I look at Philly, I see a young, fresh, hard to play team. And down the list.

I think we could finish higher (I doubt lower), but this is the ballpark of where I see the Sens ending up.

SensGirl11 wrote:
I don't agree with MTL finishing first at all...I don't see how they're going to be as powerful as they were last year. There are too many teams in the east that made better moves in the off-season than they did...heck, I can even say we made better moves than they did...

Pittsburgh is another one that I just can't see happening...they, as you say, are due to come crashing back to earth..I still don't believe in Fleury...he still hasn't proven much to me.

I can't see what you see in NJ making it to first...but you could be on to something....

I would go with possibly Boston making it in 1st...that's probably a long shot...but teams have surprised us all in the past....I wouldn't bet on it though...but it could happen.

The way I see it, the Habs acquired Tanguay, who in his heyday was an 80 point guy, in his crap days is at least a 60 point guy. Going to the Habs, he'll be on a line with two very talented guys. I think they absolutely trumped us this off-season (not to mention Laraque). We did what we had to do with Jason Smith and Ruutu, but let's call a spade a spade here.