The NHL is about 20 games into the regular season now. The champion, Chicago Blackhawks have come out struggling since their offseason roster re-arrangement, while the Philadelphia Flyers have added what seems like a potent offense to an already stout defense, and a young goaltender, Bobrovsky. The Flyers currently sit 2nd in the Eastern Conference just 1 point behind the Ovechkin-lead Capitals, who are off to a souring 13-4-1 start! Teams like Buffalo, and New Jersey are struggling with injuries early in the year and have dug themselves to the bottom of the east, while Atlanta, and Tampa Bay have made strong early season impressions. But you can't forget about Crosby and the Penguins! Currently sitting 5th in the East at 9-8-2, the Penguins seem to always have that late season magic to propel them deep into the playoffs. To round out the East, Montreal and the Rangers have come out strong earning themselves the 3rd and 4th seeds respectively.
As for the Western Conference, The Los Angeles Kings, though losing 2-time 30 goal scorer Alexander Frolov to the Rangers, and Drew Doughty to some early season injuries, have found themselves a top the Western Conference at 12-4. However, none other than the Detroit Red Wings are right on their tail in 2nd place with 23 points! If the Wings keep this pace they are destined for yet another playoff appearance, and odds on favorites for their 12th Stanley Cup championship! Besides these two teams, surprises this year have come from all over the WIDE OPEN western conference. St Louis and new acquistion Jaroslav Halak are impressive to say the least! While Phoenix and Anaheim seem to be hitting their stride. The Sharks, like the Penguins are fairly quietly sticking around in the hunt, but we all know that at the end of the day they will be there!
So, what is your early outlook on the NHL this year? who are your sleepers? winners? and losers? of the first quarter of action and who is your early MVP? Thanks for Posting!!!
The Eastern Conference is gonna be crazy later on this season. Every single team has a glaring flaw that needs to be addressed via trades. Washington lacks defense, proven goaltending, and work ethic. Philadelphia has an inexperienced goalie that has looked good but hasn't played a full season. Montreal is undersized again and have head-case Carey Price. Those are your division leaders. Not very impressive. It's gonna turn out exactly like last season, whoever gets hot at the right time or makes that huge breakthrough deadline deal will represent the East. Right now, Philly is the frontrunner, Washington/Boston is nearby, and Tampa is the sleeper. Stamkos has proven himself to be on Crosby-Ovechkin level if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteAs for the West, there are easily about six teams that could win the East, and that includes Chicago, who will come on later in the season. It's tough to replace the bodies of Byfuglien, Ladd, Sopel, And Eager, but there is such a core there that Chicago will get hot eventually. Anaheim is surprisingly in a playoff spot due to hard work...what else do you expect from the Ducks? St. Louis was the best team in the West but have suffered injuries to Oshie, Jackman, Polak, and probably a few others not coming to mind now. They will struggle to make the playoffs but if they are healthy come April, watch out. LA is the real deal, they score, play D, hit, forecheck, and have given up the least goals in the West. They have evolved from the sleeper to a contender, and have last year's playoff experience vs. Vancouver to help them adjust. Speaking of the Nucks, any team with the twins will contend year after year, as long as they don't run into Chicago. Another hard-working team. Anybody else here noticing the hard-working theme? Detroit and San Jose find themselves in a playoff spot, surprise surprise. Detroit is old, out of it, slowing down, yeah right. They will probably be there again. However, my favorite in the West is LA, just because they can win 6-5 or 1-0, and they brought back the black uniforms. Sleeper pick is Colorado, Sacco has those guys working their asses off.
By the way Ian, you should post on the Colin Campbell email story involving his son and Savard. Check it out. http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opinion/Campbell+corner/3841044/story.html
i agree with Stamkos being on Crosby and Ovechkins level, but I still think those two sit just slightly ahead of him. His accuracy is unmatched in the league today but as far as checking, hands, and overall offensive awareness, i give that to Ovy and Sid. As to your blog request I will read and post asap!
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