THN.com Blog: 10 reasons to get excited about '08-09
Will Wings defenseman Chris Chelios return for his 25th season in the NHL? (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)
Mike Brophy
2008-07-14 13:34:14
The 2007-08 season is barely over and already my mind has turned to next year.
Here are 10 things I am looking forward to:
• Can Sidney Crosby wrestle away the scoring title and MVP award from Alex Ovechkin? Sid the Kid was making his move up the scoring charts this season when he suffered a high ankle sprain that ultimately shelved him 29 games. Still, he came back and led his team to the Stanley Cup final.
• Will Chris Chelios play again? Truth is, I hope he does. Although he was a healthy scratch during the final, the 46-year-old Chelios can still be a fine No. 5 defender on the defending champs. I’d love to see him hit his goal of playing until he’s 50.
• Watching the Tampa Bay Lightning. I see a lot of 8-7 and 9-6 games in their future. Lots of forwards, but also lots of questions in goal and on defense.
• Can the Ducks bounce back? A year of turmoil followed their 2007 Stanley Cup victory, but the Ducks should return well-rested and with Scott Niedermayer playing from the get-go.
• The re-emergence of the Edmonton Oilers. I’m not certain if I’m in the minority, but I really like the Oilers’ chances of making the playoffs, depending on how their goaltending holds up.
• Will the Chicago Blackhawks continue their upward trend? I wouldn’t exactly accuse the Hawks of spending like drunken sailors, but the signing of defenseman Brian Campbell is a pretty good indication they expect to make some noise in the Western Conference.
• Will the Columbus Blue Jackets make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history? If I’m a betting man, I say no. However, if they do, it will all come down to Ken Hitchcock’s coaching.
• Will the Ottawa Senators play with more grit or has their window of opportunity closed? I really like the signing of Jarkko Ruutu who brings some much-needed sandpaper to the table.
• Can the Red Wings become the first team in a decade to repeat? Certainly the signing of Marian Hossa provides them with a fighting chance.
• The continuing emergence of the game’s young stars. You still need a veteran presence to be successful in the NHL, but the game’s young guns are chipping in big-time, too.
Mike Brophy is a senior writer for The Hockey News and a regular contributor on THN.com. His blog appears Mondays and his column, Double OT, appears Wednesday.
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brian (Posted 2008-08-08 14:52:15)
andrew, i find it odd that you follow your for lack of a better word, snotty statement about chelios "The Only Reason Chris Chelios I'snt Retiring is because he Wants 1000 Career points,Wants to be the oldest player to be in an NHL game..." with "...and becuase he loves hockey." First, you make it seem like Chelios is being shallow and egotistic about stats and records, and then you do a complete 180 turn and make it seem like its not about the numbers or stats, its becuase he loves the game. if you've ever played hockey, you would know that Chris Chelios isn't retiring for one reason: the love of the game. Hockey is an addiction.
Andrew (Posted 2008-07-20 21:22:42)
The Only Reason Chris Chelios I'snt Retiring is because he Wants 1000 Career points,Wants to be the oldest player to be in an NHL game and Because he loves Hockey
Sean (Posted 2008-07-20 01:21:03)
Toronto has what? As far as the crappy teams go, I'd take the Europeans on the Oilers, Kings and Canucks in a heartbeat over the Leafs'. As far as good teams go, I think the Stars, Habs, and Capitals Euros all put the Leafs's to shame as well. Face it - the Leafs suck no matter how you slice it.
paully (Posted 2008-07-19 18:30:51)
goleafsgo they have the best gruop of europeans other then detroit and they have toskala who is just as good as broduer but plays on a bad team
Ozzy (Posted 2008-07-18 22:37:02)
Ovenchkin sucks, Not!!! Phoenix is not going to make it, Jokinen is not that good. Anaheim is not going very far. Montreal will not make it far and ottawa probably won't because there defence sucks. Chicago won't either. Brian Campbell's upside is his offense but his denfense need's some work. Boston has no forwards and new jersey will only make it because they have a good goalie.
Britt Reasoner (Posted 2008-07-17 16:24:08)
I don't think Burke should be called "little Burke"...he's far from it, both his mouth and his ego. It's pathetic how he thinks it's alright for him to trash Lowe and the Oilers for a year but can't take the heat when it's turned back on him. I guess the league supports him...but then again, why wouldn't they since they're trying to get more American attention surrounding the NHL, which doesn’t seem to be working all that well. It's just sad because it makes Lowe look like the badguy, yet again. Another thing the league is trying to do is making Crosby the posterboy for the league to draw in more attention. He is not going to save the NHL, to the dismay of the league. It’s way too much to put on one guy. When he came to western Canada last season, it was such a joke. He was bombareded by the media and couldn't sneeze without someone commenting on it. I would love to see him do his thing without all the pressure on his shoulders to "save the league". If he could just focus on playing instead of how to answer all of the retarded questions asked by members of the media, I'm sure there would be no question that he would be sitting on top of the scoring for years. He has worked so hard and deserves to do well, he just needs a little less pressure and attention and maybe we'll really get to see what he can do. It's just too bad that will never happen since the NHL is so attention-starved from the rest of the sports world.
Cam Neely (Posted 2008-07-17 09:09:24)
Bruins will shock the hockey world this season. Most importantly, they will ruin Montreal's 100th celebrations by pounding them to the ground, making sure hey don't get anywhere close the Stanley Cup, once again.
Glenda Kuiper (Posted 2008-07-15 14:41:13)
I am a huge Chelios fan, I think he should be aloud to play as long as he thinks he can contribuit to the team, he isn't only valuable on the ice but in the locker room to for good leadership and I feel alot of these young players can learn for all of his experience!
Ovechkin SUCKS! (Posted 2008-07-15 14:05:07)
playoffs west: detroit san jose calgary chicago Anaheim dallas
pheonix colarado and yes i put pheonix because they got jokinin.
east playoffs: pittsburgh montreal washington new jersey philly
rangers ottawa boston
Jordon Emans (Posted 2008-07-15 13:18:05)
To be truly honest here, I don't think the Canes will even MAKE the playoffs, let alone win their division. The Caps will certainly take it, and here's to hoping the Pens can make the finals again and finish it this season!
Nikolai Zherdev (Posted 2008-07-15 12:38:00)
BLUEJACKETS..... i sure do wish I could have stuck around in help them in the playoffs this year. GO CBJ
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-07-15 12:21:35)
Muttley tha first (is there a series of you?): Do you really think that the Hurricanes will finish atop the Southeast over the Caps? That's a rather tall order. Boudreau will be the coach for a full season, the goaltending situation seems to be stabilized and Ovechkin & Company are talented youngsters who will be even better as they mature (or, as Curt Gowdy used to so ridiculously put it, "Their future is all ahead of them"). And Ralph Nador: one of the wittiest posts I've ever seen on this website! Especially liked the Vancouver offer-sheet potty paper remark. These posts can be very enjoyable reading on occasion. Oh and one more thing, Muttley: Tampa Bay making the playoffs? Yeah, right! Todd Bertuzzi will also win the Lady Byng, I suppose.
lovin the irony (Posted 2008-07-15 12:17:59)
Steve L : The Leafs to make the playoffs ? Hats off to you man, even when there is realistically virtually no possible chance of them making it, you're still hoping. I marvel at your tenacity and applaud your ignorant bliss. You are the poster boy for a true Leaf fan(atic). Way to go - for your sake I almost hope they do make it, wait....no...that would be impossible! You verbalized what nearly all Leafs fans are thinking buy too wise to say outloud.
eldrick (Posted 2008-07-15 11:23:25)
Hey Felix Mac- if Nabby was the best goalie in the League, the Sharks would have won a Cup or 2 by now- he's not even the best goalie in your division - I could put on catchers gear and go between the pipes for the Sharks and win 40-something and I am 50-something!
Chris Pronger's Wife (Posted 2008-07-15 11:09:19)
Ralph Nador-the answer to your 10 is all NO's, now go back to pushing up the price of oil so Edmonton stays on the map. I will return there though when Hell freezes over just to see if the comparison I made in 2006 holds true. And Mr. Lowe- thanks for picking Orange County CA as my destination for calling you a "little weenie"- year round lampless, creamless tan- though Barack says I have to learn spanish now to better communicate my wants to all those who serve my wishes 24/7. Oh Brophy- your answers are all NO's tambien!
David (Posted 2008-07-15 11:00:11)
To Dennis Winters; It is very difficult to take your post and opinion seriously when you refer to Gary Bettman as "Gary Buttman". Also, whatever his reason for stepping in, I'm glad he did because personally, I was sick of hearing what either of them had to say about the other.
Dennis Winters (Posted 2008-07-15 02:31:01)
Hey hockey fans,
Brian Burke past tense worked for Gary Buttman and was allowed to bad mouth Kevin Lowe, for nearly 1 year. After all this long time of taking the high road Kevin decided to back up Brian Burke with the trueth. Too much for Mr. Buttman, who wants the nattering to cease. It appears that Mr. Buttman is demonstrating some favouritism - you know, many comments against Kevin over a period of 1 year by Mr. Burke and 1 comment by Kevin period. Mr. Buttman threatens Keven and Brian if they continue. Mr. Buttman is protecting little Brian Burke.
Felix MacLean (Posted 2008-07-15 00:00:31)
I think the Sharks will be a very interesting story in the upcoming season. It seemed to me that they were four solid forward lines, the best goalie in the league -- and a blueline of hulking defenseman who generally did not move the puck very well. When they acquired Campbell, they picked up a world-class puck-mover. But one player cannot implement a strategy and playing style for a team, especially not in the last quarter of the season. Hiring McLellan, and bringing in a couple of other new defenseman, may well be what finally brings the Sharks playoff success.
Scott S (Posted 2008-07-14 23:43:31)
I think people may be surprised by how successful the Columbus Blue Jackets are this season. They have a lot more scoring depth and any team going against them is going to be limping after the game. The only true question mark is if Leclaire can play a full season. I say to you all, respect the Jackets or you might regret it.
Ryan (Posted 2008-07-14 23:03:26)
to steve L- Are you high? The Leafs did nothing to improve this offseason what makes you think that they will come out of nowhere to make the playoffs? Secondly, Tampa!? Are you kidding? They have NO DEFENCE WHATSOEVER! Maybe if they have a brick wall for a goalie they stand a chance. Also, you are saying that these two teams will make the playoffs instead of the Devils? Come on.....
James (Posted 2008-07-14 20:55:40)
As a lifelong Leafs fan, I hate to agree with Sean and bostongm, but, sadly I must. The Leafs have done nothing to make me think they want to contend. My first reaction when the Leafs signed Finger was to think "Finger?!, didn't he used to play with Colorado?". This year Cliff Fletcher is truly giving fans the Finger...
hemsky83 (Posted 2008-07-14 20:12:00)
Steve buy the hockey news year book when it comes out soon. Take a look at the depth charts and face it, your team has been gutted. The Leafs best line up isn't good enough, there are now high end prospects in the system and injuries will turn the leafs in to the marlies. Poor Toskala he might break those records Luongo earned in Florida, for a goalie facing the most shots in the league.
bostongm (Posted 2008-07-14 19:25:16)
Toronto making the play-offs? HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA.HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH. Thats good stuff. thanks for the laugh. I really needed a laugh. Thanks very much.
Sean (Posted 2008-07-14 19:20:48)
Steve L - you owe me a coffee - I just spewed mine across the kitchen floor. Toronto won't make the playoffs. They'll finish 24th - out of the Tavares lottery.
Steven L (Posted 2008-07-14 18:42:54)
West: Detroit, Dallas, Calgary, Anaheim, San Jose, Minnesota, Vancouver, Edmonton.
East: Pittsburgh, Montreal, Tampa, NY Rangers, Philly, Washington, Toronto, Boston
YES, the Leafs will make the playoffs this year because their younger guys will step up and contribute (ie Stajan, Steen, Tlutsy)
Ralph Nador (Posted 2008-07-14 18:25:12)
The flip side Top Ten: 10. Will Jeff Finger actually be able to quell the laughs throughout the league? 9. Will Matts Sundin be a Leaf or retire to play in Sweeden? 8. Will Brian Burke ever shut up? 7. Will the Ducks ownership have a jail cell with a window? 6. Will Chris Simon physically harm the chances of North Americans' being welcome in the Russian leagues? 5. Will the St.Louis Blues be the first team to have Vancouver "Offer-sheet" printed toilet paper in their restrooms? 4. Will Barry Melrose remaine employed by the trade deadline or will he rejoin his Bud-Lite buddies in Hockey Falls? 3. Will Zherdev score 100 points and make Sather look like a sheer hockey guru? 2. How many turtles will Steve Ott do this season? 1. Will the board of governors reduce the Red Wings schedule to 62 games just so everyone else has a shot at the Presidents Trophy?
Curtis (Posted 2008-07-14 18:23:52)
muttley i have to disagree with you man. edmonton will be higher than 8th as long as their goaltending holds, calgarys not going to win the division, and montreal isnt going to be first again
TJ Warcholak (Posted 2008-07-14 18:18:59)
I love Chelios... he rules. He's almost half a century old and he still is a great defenseman. I would really love to see him play until he is 50. That would be an amazing achievement and milestone for him.
Sam (Posted 2008-07-14 17:32:45)
I am most excited to see if Bertuzzi can save his career. I believe this is it for him. One last kick at the can.
Sean (Posted 2008-07-14 17:26:19)
Not really interested in the old Adams division, that's for sure.
Curious what the Sharks will do. Chelios should pack it in - he had a nice ride, got another ring. Let it go, old man.
muttley tha first (Posted 2008-07-14 17:23:17)
playoff teams in the west: 1. detroit, 2. san jose, 3. calgary (all division winners) 4. dallas, 5. minnesota, 6. anaheim, 7. chicago, 8. edmonton
east: 1. montreal, 2. pittsburgh, 3. carolina (division winners), 4. philly, 5. washington, 6. rangers, 7. tampa, 8. boston
Kevin (Posted 2008-07-14 16:58:23)
No mention of whether or not the Penguins can finish the job and win the cup?
Simon (Posted 2008-07-14 16:54:25)
Bostongm, I think Burke felt that he had no option but to trade Andy McDonald. Don't get me wrong, I really like Andy, and he was one of my favourite Ducks, but he was the only player who had a big enough salary who could be moved to create enough tagging room to resign Scotty. Plus without Selanne, Andy just was not producing. With regards to moving Schneider, Burke had only just acquired him in the summer and he seems to be loyal to his players (see Bryzgalov) and might have thought it unfair to move him so soon. More importantly, Burke felt that a defence of Pronger, Niedermayer, Schneider and Beauchemin would be good enough to see the Ducks repeat. Obviously things didn't pan out as Burke expected but you can't really blame him for wanting to keep that group of defencemen together. Plus he (wrongly) thought that Doug Weight could do a job on the second line.
Dominic CHambers (Posted 2008-07-14 16:51:09)
Nothing about the Canadiens who will celebrate the 100th anniversary... the opening ceremony, the all-star game, the draft, and many more that we are not aware of yet... It's not on your top ten list?????? Is it not exiting for you? Ayoye, the most glorious team is not in your top ten... even not tenth... You really missed something! Anyway, nice try!
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-07-14 16:30:14)
Chelios isn't done yet, and I would really rather have seen him playing in the final than Lilja. That guy scared the crap out of me every time he was on the ice. I'm with bostongm on the Ducks. He should have tried to move Schneider rather than Macdonald. No second line equals out in the first round. (That and it wasn't a contract year for Giguere, so he didn't feel the need to steal any games.) Why anyone thinks Brian Burke is anything more than a mediocre GM is beyond me. Bryan Murray built the vast majority of that team, and the two major pieces that Burke aquired, Niedermayer and Pronger, he completely lucked into, Niedermayer wanting to play with his brother, and the Oilers being forced to trade Pronger. I just don't get why everyone loves that guy, and why anyone thinks he would do anything in Toronto, other than bringing them up to maybe the same level of success he had in Vancouver, which is to say, maybe win a round every couple of years.
bostongm (Posted 2008-07-14 15:53:33)
I agree Simon,but trading McDonald? Couldnt they have found someone else to trade?
Mark (Posted 2008-07-14 15:36:00)
When you win the last 11 out of 12. You can say you won the division. They Still needed to win all those games and they did.
Simon (Posted 2008-07-14 15:32:48)
Actually bostongm if Selanne returns then a speed line of Kunitz-Morrison-Selanne could be very dangerous and provide some secondary scoring after Getzlaf and Perry. I think Morrison can do a similar job to the job that McDonald did the year we won the cup. Oh, and by the way Burke traded Andy Mac so he could free up cap space and bring Scott Niedermayer back...if you have to do something to bring possibly the best d-man in the game back you sure as hell do it!
Ron (Posted 2008-07-14 15:31:56)
What is Greg smoking? Canes lost the division, Caps did not win it. Canes are a GREAT organization and team!!!!! High scoring offense, Cam Ward getting better every year and this NEW BlueLine (big, quick, physical and scorers).
Canes!! Top three team in the East, 2008-2009 Southeast division Winners, AGAIN!!!
Greg (Posted 2008-07-14 14:42:05)
The real top Ten:
1: Ovechkin
2: Ovechkin
3: Ovechkin
4: Ovechkin
5: Ovechkin
6: Ovechkin
7: Ovechkin
8: Ovechkin
9: Ovechkin
10: Watching the Washington Capitals play
Jeff Windecker (Posted 2008-07-14 14:19:37)
I'm personally excited to see The Canucks play this season. Gillis quietly has changed a lot of personnel on the team, and I'm curious to see how these new pieces fit together. However, I do hope that he makes a few more moves, because they're still not a cup contender (and I don't think Sundin is an answer, if he would even come). Edmonton does seem much stronger too, but Detroit's got to be the favorite for going to the finals. Two and a halfs month left, I can't wait!
Flyerfan52 (Posted 2008-07-14 14:17:52)
The teams that are the most fun to watch are the ones with the young guys. They even seem to bring it back for the older guys. Watch Washington, Chicago or Edmonton. They're still having fun playing. It's like they don't care if they're playing pick-up hockey or earning big dollars. For now, they're enjoying it. Unfortunately, they get older and it becomes a job.
Pat Stewart (Posted 2008-07-14 14:11:01)
I disagree with bostongm on his Chelios assessment. I feel that Chelly just wasn't a good matchup against the Pens, and THAT was why he didn't play. Had the Flyers won the series against the Pens, I think Chelly would have been in every game. It was a matter of the match up, and Chelly's foot speed couldn't keep up with what Pittsburgh brought to the table. He will be a beauty again this season, as a 5th or 6th defenceman who knows his role - tutor the youth, and play with the grit and sandpaper hockey fans have known him for since Christ was a Cowboy
bostongm (Posted 2008-07-14 13:57:48)
Chelios needs to retire. He didnt play ONE game in the finals. That in itself says that the coach doesnt trust him. Anaheim has no 2nd line center. They can rest all they want,with no 2nd line center,they're dead. Morrison is not a 2nd line center. At best he's a 3rd line center. Where's McDonald anyways? Oh yeah,he's in St.Louis. Anaheim needs forwards. Too bad the GM didnt sign Penner and he traded away McDonald. Keep up the good work,Burkie.
Andy (Posted 2008-07-14 13:56:01)
Can you say Sharks....huh, I mean come on, they made some of the smartest moves in the off season. Man I can't wait!
Jim Reinecke (Posted 2008-07-14 13:45:06)
As I write this, Mike, I notice that your blog was only posted about 9 minutes ago. I felt sure, since your first comment was about Crosby, that his legion of severely brain-damaged critics would have already put up about 17 posts bashing the most gifted young player in the game. Maybe they're all under lock and key for the summer (we can hope, can't we?)
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