Post by Eklund on Apr 16, 2013 11:59:34 GMT -8
Alright folks, this was a little late coming, but here is my preview of teams for the upcoming seasons, and what to expect. Here are the first 25 teams in the NHL, with the remaining 5 coming later this evening. - e5
After a 7th place finish in season 1, the Ducks dropped the ball in season 2, falling to last in the West. The addition of free agent Brooks Orpik solidifies a solid Ducks defence lead by Captain Dion Phaneuf. Rookie Hunter Shinkaruk is evidently the future of this team, but how long it will take for the Ducks to return to glory with a lackluster offense could be anybody’s guess. GM Leafsftw has his work cut out for him.
: bos : : After two season of missing the playoffs fans in Boston have become very disappointed with their GM. With such a strong team on paper, fans have been crying for a trade to shake up their team. GM j0shrc felt he had all the pieces in place this season with the addition of Jose Theodore as backup. But, with a last place result so far in October B's fans will either call for a trade, or a new GM.
: buf : : Last season, the Buffalo Sabres surprised everyone as they clinched the North East Division crown, then proceeded to the second round. The Sabres have a filthy top line this season consisting of Parise, Hodgson and Pominville. The only question is what GM sensrule19 will do if a player gets injured. If a man goes down, it could be game over for Buffalo as they ice a short lineup.
: cgy : : Last season, Flames fans went nuts when the club picked up Nathan MacKinnon after he was passed up by Nashville, and rightfully so as he put up 76 points in his rookie season. The pickup and rebuild jolted the Flames into 8th in the West. GM Cranker8989 added the veteran presence of Todd Bertuzzi to help lead this team along with sniper Patrick Marleau. The biggest thing Calgary did however was acquire goaltender Ryan Miller who is now 95 overall, this is a scary wall which no opponent wants to face. With such a blockbuster trade it will be interesting to see how a team like the Flames will stick together this season.
: car : : After two season of missing the post-season Carolina's GM went to work adding players like Milan Michalek, Steve Downie and Chris Phillips in attempt to bring the Hurricanes back to the playoffs. The problem is, with no other star - other than Ward, how far can this team go this season. Hanzal (58) Weiss (57) and Ruutu (45) were the Hurricanes top three scorers last season; is it time for a trade in Carolina?
: chi : : Things are beginning to become very frustrating in Chicago as good talent is going to waste. The Blackhawks have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, and their GM's only move during free agency was to sign goaltender Ray Emery. With Toews being a free agent this season, it appears as though he will choose to go elsewhere this season unless a big trade is made soon by GM buhbigmarq to turn this club around.
: col : : Things just did not go right in Colorado this season. Despite landing free agent Corey Perry last offseason, he failed to produce as he put up 58 points in 82 games with the Avs. But, a fast, young team looks to only develop more and more in Colorado as this team looks to once again return to glory. The question remains though as to how far Semyon Varlamov can lead this team? My bet is we will see a trade for a goaltender very soon in Colorado.
: cbj : : Columbus cleared up their goaltender problem last season as Steve Mason was shipped off to New Jersey for Defender Anton Volchenkov. Also, after two seasons of missing the playoffs, it appears as though Columbus is ready to climb into the post-season this year with a much tougher looking team. A solid goaltender in Smith, combined with Mike Smith will make it very hard to score, and the addition of Derek Roy via. free agency will see the Jackets get more offense this season.
: dal : : A year after winning the Stanley Cup the Dallas Stars surprised everyone as they fell to 12th in the West last season. The signing of free agent Nathan Horton failed to pay off as Stars GM had hoped as the club struggled. The biggest move of this offseason came when the Stars landed free agent Michael Cammalleri to a whopping 7M dollar contract. But, with no depth at either Left Wing or Right Wing stars GM Deedz could find himself in trouble again this season.
: det : : After finishing 2nd in the West just 2-seasons ago, the Red Wings took a major step back last season as they ended up being among the bottom 5. Many fans in Detroit have become furious that GM jmcook allowed the Red Wings to snap a streak of 21-consecutive playoff appearances, and they demand answers. With several big names like Datsyuk, Lecavlier Cole reaching the Prime of their career, sources tell me there are some trades to be made this season in the Motor City for more depth on the wing.
Edmonton - For the second year in a row, the Edmonton Oilers find themself just shy of the playoffs with 85 points. It will be interesting to see how the top line of Hall, Kesler and Eberle will do next season as Hall missed most of last season with injury. Aside from the top line, the Oilers aren't that deep, and the question remains whether or not Devan Dubnyk is strong enough between the pipes for the Oilers. GM Kruze thinks he is, and he also believes this team can make a playoff run as he stood still on free agency frenzy.
Florida - After missing the playoffs the first two seasons Panthers GM belfour felt it was time for a change as he sent defencemen Kulikov to the Islanders for John Tavares in a blockbuster trade. Tavares will bring a boost to a club that had the 5th best powerplay last season and should click great on a top line with Huberdeau and Versteeg. The additions of Ribeiro, Antropov should serve them well this season. As well, young Jacob Markstrom looks ready for a full time job between the pipes.
Los Angeles - After a disappointing playoff run in season one, the Kings bounce back to win the Stanley Cup in game 7 against the Penguins in season two. GM Easterncanuck who was very proud of his teams performance felt the club was strong enough to repeat this season as he stood still during the free agency frenzy. Although the club has a killer core at center, look to the Kings to make a move for a winger to help them repeat as champions. The question is, can they repeat? My guess is there will be a new champion in season 3 unless the wing issues are looked into.
Minnesota - The Wild shocked many clubs throughout the NHL last April when the club made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals where they were outed by the eventual cup winners - the Los Angeles Kings. Wild GM sesito23 made a good signing during the off-season as he landed Alex Steen to help out the club on right wing. With a good goaltender in Reimer to accompany a solid defence, the Wild will be hard to score against. However, the Wild are very week at both LW and RW, and may run into a problem this season unless a trade is made.
Montreal - The Canadiens pleased fans last season as they jumped from a team that finished last in the East during season one, to a secound round performance in season two. GM Halifaxhab has done a great job of turning this team into a contender as he has created one of the scariest defensive core in the league. With a solid team moving forward, look for Montreal to put forward a good run again this season.
Nashville - Alright Nashville fans, its alright now to admit that your GM therealbk made a mistake by selecting Jones first overall and passing on MacKinnon as Nathan went on to put up 57 more points than Jones, but nonetheless mistakes are made by us all. The signings of Bouchard and Jones during free agency has really helped form a solid core on both ends of the ice for the Predators.
New Jersey - Despite not making many moves last season, the New Jersey Devils surprised many as they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final much to the delight of fans. This season, Gm price31 made several core signings to help boost the team which included Gomez, Auld, Lapierre, and also added a scoring touch in Andy McDonald. Although their lineup looks incomplete without Zach Parise, look to goaltender Steve Mason to steal some games for the Devils.
New York Islanders - Isles' fans received a big treat last season as the Islanders soared to second place in the Eastern Conference. After a big season, GM bmq1coltsfan decided that there was nothing the club needed in free agency and instead made a blockbuster trade with Florida that helped solidify their defence. How will Kulikov and Mueller fit on Long Islande, how will this young team develop and can Rick DiPietro carry this team once again? My sources say look forward to a trade for some help at left wing.
New Youk Rangers - The New York Rangers disappointed many last season when the club failed to make the post season despite big expectations. What disappointed fans even more is the fact GM NHL17 decide to not make any big moves during free agency. The Rangers defence this season is crazy scary once again and Lundqvist will no doubt be tough to beat. Unfortunately, although this team has a killer first line, and is gifted at right wing, look for moves to be made to create some depth at Center and Left Wing.
Ottawa - The ottawa Senators once again crept into the playoff picture again last season, but have yet to make a big run. The problem with this club is its hard to have any sort of direction without a GM. The team looks as though they're in for a down season this year with many sup-par players on the roster. It appears as though Jason Spezza's time in Ottawa may be coming to an end as the Sens are shopping him for depth scoring on the wings and at center.
Philadelphia - After a season of finishing last in the Eastern Conferece, the Philadelphia Flyers look to be gearing up for a playoff push this season. Jack Johnson and Chris Pronger will no doubt create a killer defence for the Flyers and Giroux, Couturier, and Hartnell will no doubt put up big numbers for Philly. If Bryzgalov can't get the job done in Philadlphia look to GM gosolian to shop him early this season.
Phoenix - The Coyotes won the Pacific Division last season to the glee of many fans in the Desert. The Desert dogs will be icing relatively the same club again next season as the club looks to repeat their performance. With a solid defensive core, strong offence, and a great goaltender in Pekka Rinne, how far can this club go?
Pittsburgh - Heartbreak was felt throughout Pittsburgh last June as the clubs dropped game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals to the Los Angeles Kings. No doubt shame was the key reason for their GM to pack up shop and leave town after much disappointment. The core of this Penguins team is still together however as Letang, Crosby, Malkin, Neal and Fleury will look to make another deep run even without a GM to lead them. If, however, they do find a GM, depth at defence and right wing are key issues that need to be reviewed despite the lack of cap space.
San Jose - The Sharks snuck into 4th in the West last season, but as usual, the club from California was unsuccessful at claiming the cup. With the re-signing of Joe Pavelski this club is very similar to the one of last season. Minor signings like Shaone Morrisonn, Dominic Moore and Mark Eaton add depth to this team. Look to GM luongod to make a move to acquire some help at left wing via. trade.
St. Louis - Much to the delight of many fans, the St. Louis Blues claimed top spot in the Central Division last season, but fell in the first round to the Wild. GM imbbc went to work in free agency by adding depth players James Sheppard, Robert Bortuzzo to help solidify his roster. With a solid lineup on both ends of the ice, accompanied by strong play from Jaroslav Halak, look for the Blues to reclaim their Central Division crown.
Tampa Bay - After missing the playoffs in season one, the Lightning soared to the top of the Eastern Conference in season two, surprising many. In free agency GM nucksforcups signed Jay Bouwmeester to solidify his already tough blueline as he joins the lines of Myers, Yandle and Timonen to create a scary defence in south Florida. A top line of Zetterberg, Stamkos and St. Louis is no doubt an offensive threat, and this team is very deep. Look to the Bolts to make a long run this season.
Toronto - The Maple Leafs clinched first in the NorthEast in season one, but saw a dramatic step back in season two as they fell to 9th in the East, much to the dismay of many leaf fans. With no additions in free agency, the Leafs feel they have what it takes to content once again, but with no real guidance on this club, look to people like Paul Stastny, Miikka Kiprusoff and Shane Doan calling for a trade sooner than later.
Vancouver - Ah, Vancouver. The little train that "could not". The team made the playoffs in season one, only because the North West was brutal, but shocked everyone as they claimed first in the West last season. GM hobbes felt his team was good enough to compete as he didn't add nobody in free agency. It will be interesting to see how RNH can compete in his first full season as a Canuck. with the Sedin's getting older, its a now or never shot for Van-City, look for GM hobbes to make a trade to acquire some help at right wing to give the Canucks that extra push.
Washington - After getting outted in the first round by the Penguins last season, Capitals GM was embarrassed and went to big lengths to get over the disappointment including moving and stepping down as simmer - because word has it he believes his system is jynxed. Nonetheless, no signings during free agency leads us to believe his team can do it this season. With a solid defence, a Russ-Check-Russ killer top line of Ovy, Plekanec and Yakupov and some solid goaltending from Luongo, look to the Capitals to go far this season.
Winnipeg - Fans in Winnipeg were disappointed last season when the club failed to make the playoffs as they were excited after being in the dance during season one. GM Tazer went out and signed Nikolai Kulemin to help keep this team a contender. The Team also returns with a top line of Kane - Little - Kane which should only keep getting better. The problem remains in Winnipeg with their bottom 6, Mark Scheifele is not developing as planned as a minor leaguer as he spends time in Winnipeg, Carl Klinberg isn't exacely scary, and Jordin Tootoo is not a goal scorer. Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec will once again have to carry this team in order to get to the playoffs. Look to GM Tazer to package some of his youth this season, to acquire bigger names, or we may see many Jets fans calling for a new GM.
After a 7th place finish in season 1, the Ducks dropped the ball in season 2, falling to last in the West. The addition of free agent Brooks Orpik solidifies a solid Ducks defence lead by Captain Dion Phaneuf. Rookie Hunter Shinkaruk is evidently the future of this team, but how long it will take for the Ducks to return to glory with a lackluster offense could be anybody’s guess. GM Leafsftw has his work cut out for him.
: bos : : After two season of missing the playoffs fans in Boston have become very disappointed with their GM. With such a strong team on paper, fans have been crying for a trade to shake up their team. GM j0shrc felt he had all the pieces in place this season with the addition of Jose Theodore as backup. But, with a last place result so far in October B's fans will either call for a trade, or a new GM.
: buf : : Last season, the Buffalo Sabres surprised everyone as they clinched the North East Division crown, then proceeded to the second round. The Sabres have a filthy top line this season consisting of Parise, Hodgson and Pominville. The only question is what GM sensrule19 will do if a player gets injured. If a man goes down, it could be game over for Buffalo as they ice a short lineup.
: cgy : : Last season, Flames fans went nuts when the club picked up Nathan MacKinnon after he was passed up by Nashville, and rightfully so as he put up 76 points in his rookie season. The pickup and rebuild jolted the Flames into 8th in the West. GM Cranker8989 added the veteran presence of Todd Bertuzzi to help lead this team along with sniper Patrick Marleau. The biggest thing Calgary did however was acquire goaltender Ryan Miller who is now 95 overall, this is a scary wall which no opponent wants to face. With such a blockbuster trade it will be interesting to see how a team like the Flames will stick together this season.
: car : : After two season of missing the post-season Carolina's GM went to work adding players like Milan Michalek, Steve Downie and Chris Phillips in attempt to bring the Hurricanes back to the playoffs. The problem is, with no other star - other than Ward, how far can this team go this season. Hanzal (58) Weiss (57) and Ruutu (45) were the Hurricanes top three scorers last season; is it time for a trade in Carolina?
: chi : : Things are beginning to become very frustrating in Chicago as good talent is going to waste. The Blackhawks have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, and their GM's only move during free agency was to sign goaltender Ray Emery. With Toews being a free agent this season, it appears as though he will choose to go elsewhere this season unless a big trade is made soon by GM buhbigmarq to turn this club around.
: col : : Things just did not go right in Colorado this season. Despite landing free agent Corey Perry last offseason, he failed to produce as he put up 58 points in 82 games with the Avs. But, a fast, young team looks to only develop more and more in Colorado as this team looks to once again return to glory. The question remains though as to how far Semyon Varlamov can lead this team? My bet is we will see a trade for a goaltender very soon in Colorado.
: cbj : : Columbus cleared up their goaltender problem last season as Steve Mason was shipped off to New Jersey for Defender Anton Volchenkov. Also, after two seasons of missing the playoffs, it appears as though Columbus is ready to climb into the post-season this year with a much tougher looking team. A solid goaltender in Smith, combined with Mike Smith will make it very hard to score, and the addition of Derek Roy via. free agency will see the Jackets get more offense this season.
: dal : : A year after winning the Stanley Cup the Dallas Stars surprised everyone as they fell to 12th in the West last season. The signing of free agent Nathan Horton failed to pay off as Stars GM had hoped as the club struggled. The biggest move of this offseason came when the Stars landed free agent Michael Cammalleri to a whopping 7M dollar contract. But, with no depth at either Left Wing or Right Wing stars GM Deedz could find himself in trouble again this season.
: det : : After finishing 2nd in the West just 2-seasons ago, the Red Wings took a major step back last season as they ended up being among the bottom 5. Many fans in Detroit have become furious that GM jmcook allowed the Red Wings to snap a streak of 21-consecutive playoff appearances, and they demand answers. With several big names like Datsyuk, Lecavlier Cole reaching the Prime of their career, sources tell me there are some trades to be made this season in the Motor City for more depth on the wing.
Edmonton - For the second year in a row, the Edmonton Oilers find themself just shy of the playoffs with 85 points. It will be interesting to see how the top line of Hall, Kesler and Eberle will do next season as Hall missed most of last season with injury. Aside from the top line, the Oilers aren't that deep, and the question remains whether or not Devan Dubnyk is strong enough between the pipes for the Oilers. GM Kruze thinks he is, and he also believes this team can make a playoff run as he stood still on free agency frenzy.
Florida - After missing the playoffs the first two seasons Panthers GM belfour felt it was time for a change as he sent defencemen Kulikov to the Islanders for John Tavares in a blockbuster trade. Tavares will bring a boost to a club that had the 5th best powerplay last season and should click great on a top line with Huberdeau and Versteeg. The additions of Ribeiro, Antropov should serve them well this season. As well, young Jacob Markstrom looks ready for a full time job between the pipes.
Los Angeles - After a disappointing playoff run in season one, the Kings bounce back to win the Stanley Cup in game 7 against the Penguins in season two. GM Easterncanuck who was very proud of his teams performance felt the club was strong enough to repeat this season as he stood still during the free agency frenzy. Although the club has a killer core at center, look to the Kings to make a move for a winger to help them repeat as champions. The question is, can they repeat? My guess is there will be a new champion in season 3 unless the wing issues are looked into.
Minnesota - The Wild shocked many clubs throughout the NHL last April when the club made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals where they were outed by the eventual cup winners - the Los Angeles Kings. Wild GM sesito23 made a good signing during the off-season as he landed Alex Steen to help out the club on right wing. With a good goaltender in Reimer to accompany a solid defence, the Wild will be hard to score against. However, the Wild are very week at both LW and RW, and may run into a problem this season unless a trade is made.
Montreal - The Canadiens pleased fans last season as they jumped from a team that finished last in the East during season one, to a secound round performance in season two. GM Halifaxhab has done a great job of turning this team into a contender as he has created one of the scariest defensive core in the league. With a solid team moving forward, look for Montreal to put forward a good run again this season.
Nashville - Alright Nashville fans, its alright now to admit that your GM therealbk made a mistake by selecting Jones first overall and passing on MacKinnon as Nathan went on to put up 57 more points than Jones, but nonetheless mistakes are made by us all. The signings of Bouchard and Jones during free agency has really helped form a solid core on both ends of the ice for the Predators.
New Jersey - Despite not making many moves last season, the New Jersey Devils surprised many as they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final much to the delight of fans. This season, Gm price31 made several core signings to help boost the team which included Gomez, Auld, Lapierre, and also added a scoring touch in Andy McDonald. Although their lineup looks incomplete without Zach Parise, look to goaltender Steve Mason to steal some games for the Devils.
New York Islanders - Isles' fans received a big treat last season as the Islanders soared to second place in the Eastern Conference. After a big season, GM bmq1coltsfan decided that there was nothing the club needed in free agency and instead made a blockbuster trade with Florida that helped solidify their defence. How will Kulikov and Mueller fit on Long Islande, how will this young team develop and can Rick DiPietro carry this team once again? My sources say look forward to a trade for some help at left wing.
New Youk Rangers - The New York Rangers disappointed many last season when the club failed to make the post season despite big expectations. What disappointed fans even more is the fact GM NHL17 decide to not make any big moves during free agency. The Rangers defence this season is crazy scary once again and Lundqvist will no doubt be tough to beat. Unfortunately, although this team has a killer first line, and is gifted at right wing, look for moves to be made to create some depth at Center and Left Wing.
Ottawa - The ottawa Senators once again crept into the playoff picture again last season, but have yet to make a big run. The problem with this club is its hard to have any sort of direction without a GM. The team looks as though they're in for a down season this year with many sup-par players on the roster. It appears as though Jason Spezza's time in Ottawa may be coming to an end as the Sens are shopping him for depth scoring on the wings and at center.
Philadelphia - After a season of finishing last in the Eastern Conferece, the Philadelphia Flyers look to be gearing up for a playoff push this season. Jack Johnson and Chris Pronger will no doubt create a killer defence for the Flyers and Giroux, Couturier, and Hartnell will no doubt put up big numbers for Philly. If Bryzgalov can't get the job done in Philadlphia look to GM gosolian to shop him early this season.
Phoenix - The Coyotes won the Pacific Division last season to the glee of many fans in the Desert. The Desert dogs will be icing relatively the same club again next season as the club looks to repeat their performance. With a solid defensive core, strong offence, and a great goaltender in Pekka Rinne, how far can this club go?
Pittsburgh - Heartbreak was felt throughout Pittsburgh last June as the clubs dropped game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals to the Los Angeles Kings. No doubt shame was the key reason for their GM to pack up shop and leave town after much disappointment. The core of this Penguins team is still together however as Letang, Crosby, Malkin, Neal and Fleury will look to make another deep run even without a GM to lead them. If, however, they do find a GM, depth at defence and right wing are key issues that need to be reviewed despite the lack of cap space.
San Jose - The Sharks snuck into 4th in the West last season, but as usual, the club from California was unsuccessful at claiming the cup. With the re-signing of Joe Pavelski this club is very similar to the one of last season. Minor signings like Shaone Morrisonn, Dominic Moore and Mark Eaton add depth to this team. Look to GM luongod to make a move to acquire some help at left wing via. trade.
St. Louis - Much to the delight of many fans, the St. Louis Blues claimed top spot in the Central Division last season, but fell in the first round to the Wild. GM imbbc went to work in free agency by adding depth players James Sheppard, Robert Bortuzzo to help solidify his roster. With a solid lineup on both ends of the ice, accompanied by strong play from Jaroslav Halak, look for the Blues to reclaim their Central Division crown.
Tampa Bay - After missing the playoffs in season one, the Lightning soared to the top of the Eastern Conference in season two, surprising many. In free agency GM nucksforcups signed Jay Bouwmeester to solidify his already tough blueline as he joins the lines of Myers, Yandle and Timonen to create a scary defence in south Florida. A top line of Zetterberg, Stamkos and St. Louis is no doubt an offensive threat, and this team is very deep. Look to the Bolts to make a long run this season.
Toronto - The Maple Leafs clinched first in the NorthEast in season one, but saw a dramatic step back in season two as they fell to 9th in the East, much to the dismay of many leaf fans. With no additions in free agency, the Leafs feel they have what it takes to content once again, but with no real guidance on this club, look to people like Paul Stastny, Miikka Kiprusoff and Shane Doan calling for a trade sooner than later.
Vancouver - Ah, Vancouver. The little train that "could not". The team made the playoffs in season one, only because the North West was brutal, but shocked everyone as they claimed first in the West last season. GM hobbes felt his team was good enough to compete as he didn't add nobody in free agency. It will be interesting to see how RNH can compete in his first full season as a Canuck. with the Sedin's getting older, its a now or never shot for Van-City, look for GM hobbes to make a trade to acquire some help at right wing to give the Canucks that extra push.
Washington - After getting outted in the first round by the Penguins last season, Capitals GM was embarrassed and went to big lengths to get over the disappointment including moving and stepping down as simmer - because word has it he believes his system is jynxed. Nonetheless, no signings during free agency leads us to believe his team can do it this season. With a solid defence, a Russ-Check-Russ killer top line of Ovy, Plekanec and Yakupov and some solid goaltending from Luongo, look to the Capitals to go far this season.
Winnipeg - Fans in Winnipeg were disappointed last season when the club failed to make the playoffs as they were excited after being in the dance during season one. GM Tazer went out and signed Nikolai Kulemin to help keep this team a contender. The Team also returns with a top line of Kane - Little - Kane which should only keep getting better. The problem remains in Winnipeg with their bottom 6, Mark Scheifele is not developing as planned as a minor leaguer as he spends time in Winnipeg, Carl Klinberg isn't exacely scary, and Jordin Tootoo is not a goal scorer. Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec will once again have to carry this team in order to get to the playoffs. Look to GM Tazer to package some of his youth this season, to acquire bigger names, or we may see many Jets fans calling for a new GM.