THN.com Blog: Teams that will be fun to watch in '08-09
Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown are two of the many young stars that will be budding in Los Angeles. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
Rory Boylen
2008-07-17 10:04:32
Talk in the office lately has been fueled by ‘what ifs,’ ‘yeah buts,’ ‘ah c’mons’ and ‘no freakin’ ways.’ Yeah that’s right, it’s July, but we can’t help ourselves; it’s already time to talk about what might happen next season.
I’m at the point now where the games – or at least training camps – have to start or I’ll lose my mind. Enough of this off-season business, most of the fun is over with anyway. One month is enough time off, isn’t it?
With that said and with next season’s lineups taking form, here are a few teams I can’t wait to watch, listed alphabetically:
Chicago Blackhawks: Combining Brian Campbell’s spin-o-rama with head coach Denis Savard has video montage potential. Campbell’s offensive wizardry both with the puck and dishing it off only adds to the already exciting mix of players in the Windy City. There’s also a number of AHLers – David Bolland, Michael Blunden, Troy Brouwer, Jack Skille, Petri Kontiola to name a few – who will be fun to watch try to solidify a spot on the team in September.
Detroit Red Wings: It’s always fun to watch a championship caliber team, but how often can that team, restricted by a salary cap, add a prolific scorer in the off-season? Marian Hossa should do some serious damage with the Winged Wheel, especially with the plethora of skill surrounding him. On top of that, we all know Detroit keeps pulling needles out of haystacks, so the arrival of Jonathan Ericsson, the last overall pick in the 2002 draft, will be another reminder of why this team is the way it is.
Los Angeles Kings: Yeah, they probably won’t be any good. In fact, they may end up being the worst team in the league, but the Kings possess a regal courtyard of young talent. Teddy Purcell, Brian Boyle, Drew Doughty and Peter Harrold are a few guys who could make the step to full-time NHLers and watching them earn that spot night in and night out will be fun. They also have something very special in Anze Kopitar, not to mention a few guys named Frolov, O’Sullivan, Brown and Johnson; they’re pretty good, too.
Tampa Bay Lightning: It doesn’t take an optometrist to see this team is going to have defensive troubles, but who cares? I give credit to the owners for having fun and building their team, their way. Nuts to doing it the old fashioned way, these guys know how to create a buzz. It’s going to be fun to see whether or not challenging conventional wisdom pans out, or if the hockey gods mercilessly strike them down.
Honorable mentions
Philadelphia Flyers – I love teams that punish physically without diminishing offensive flair.
Related Links
Phoenix Coyotes – Getting Olli Jokinen will help this cocooning group of players breakout into the playoff picture.
San Jose Sharks – New coach with offensive instincts and a team that knows it’s running on its last chance together.
Washington Capitals – Alex Ovechkin is reason enough, but Alexander Semin and Mike Green are no slouches, either.
Rory Boylen is THN.com's web content specialist. His blog appears Thursdays.
For more great profiles, news and views from the world of hockey, Subscribe to The Hockey News magazine.
RedToronto (Posted 2008-08-15 21:46:13)
Eric, the long-time Red Wings fan. I agree the Wings division is not weak but the Wings did not have a losing record within their division last season. The Wings were 17-12-3 intra-division.
Robert e Lee (Posted 2008-08-01 16:23:58)
Rory,
This one's for you. As has now been etched in stone by Adam [Proteau], your blog was quite interesting and maybe one in five of the comments even shows awareness of what you actually said in making this blog. I swear, some of these fools would argue over someone else's Christmas List! Come on people, Rory is simply saying this is what he is looking forward to and offering you a chance to talk hockey during the off-season. What you think of your own team is never going to be germane to the idea of "his list" of fun things to watch. Stop thinking everything is about yourselves. If you even remotely enjoy THE GAME OF HOCKEY, then you should understand we are all killing time while we wait out another long summer. Who cares which team each of you follows? Every team needs your support-trust me. So lighten up-hey?
Personally, living in L.A. and having seen the coming schedule, I am thrilled that we will see Toronto, Detroit and Tampa Bay this year, among others. I will definitely try to catch those games. And I'd give almost anything to be on the list for that outdoor game at Wrigley Field on January 1st! Man alive is that gonna be somethin' else...although it mighta been even more exciting [brutal???] if held at Old Soldiers Field ;-)
Jeremy Melo (Posted 2008-07-23 09:56:27)
I cant wait to see how toronto's prospect, nikolai kulemin does next year and im predicting that philly will make to the finals along with detroit especially now that detroit have increased their caliber and will most likely be if not the top team one of the top teams in the nhl. I ejoyed watching pittburgs run at the stanley cup but now that they have lost so many key veterans such as roberts and malone they wont have the experience needed to bring the stanley cup home, but i could be wrong. Philly has such great depth on their team with carter, richards briere timmonen lupul and many others. Go Leafs!
Scott S (Posted 2008-07-22 16:00:57)
Ha! Good luck with Creme Brule. We've been waiting for him to "make the jump" for years. Maybe the change of scenery will help and he will explode under the Oilers system. I highly doubt it though.
Oilersrule! (Posted 2008-07-22 13:02:27)
What about the Oilers? They have two awsome d-men in Souray and Visnovsky, a steady goalie in Garon, a top line of Cole Horcoff and Hemsky, and a second line of Nilson Gagner and Cogliano! Not to mention Penner and Gilbert. And Brule and Shremp are there ready to make the jump! This team is DANGEROUS so watch out!
Eric (Posted 2008-07-22 01:43:02)
Paul Reynolds - Ken Holland, not Gary Holland. Also, mark my words that Ty Conklin will be in Grand Rapids (AHL) next season. Howard will be the back-up.
Eric (Posted 2008-07-22 01:40:39)
Detroit had a nearly flawless record against the conference, but a losing record within the division.
As a long-time Wings fan, I am sick of hearing about how weak our division is, especially since it is not.
Paul Reynolds (Posted 2008-07-18 22:37:35)
Hey Anthony, u got to be kidding, I live in N.C. and the Canes are not bad but they are certainly not the caliber of the Red Wings. I lived in Detroit for over 40 years and I can say they live and breath hockey in Detroit. They've got practically their whole team back for "08-09 including Hossa and Ty Conklin. Gary Holland is without a doubt the best GM in the NHL.Nobody and I REALLY mean nobody is going to keep these guys from a REPEAT!!!
Marlin Palmer (Posted 2008-07-18 18:26:54)
While Detroit may be the early favorites they have occupied that position for the last number of years. Last I checked they dont win the cup every year and I doubt even with the addition of Hossa that they will repeat.
Thats why they play the games. It seldom works out the way the self professed experts think.
I THINK IT JUST MIGHT BE U WH (Posted 2008-07-18 13:55:15)
hey buddy with the name, detroit sux, little jealous are we?...calling the stanley cup champions over rated?...sure sounds like yer a little jealous...maybe if u actually had an opinion on a team being good rather then the red wings not being good, maybe someone would listen to what u say...but i'd have to admit, even though detroit played nashville, who took detroit to six, which was longer then should have happened....then colorado, who everyone predicted would take detroit...and dallas, who THN predicted would take detroit....then pittsburgh, who THN predicted would take detroit.....i'm thinking maybe detroit isn't over rated at all...think this one threw if it can get threw yer thick skull
Alicia (Posted 2008-07-18 13:34:41)
WWE on ice haha atleast what the Flyers do is real. And I guess people will still talk about all the suspensions from last season all through this season. The Flyers are a tough physical team and hockey is a rough sport so the haters should get over it. Anyway I am glad to see the Flyers getting desrved recognition by being on this list. No one gave them a shot last year so I'm glad they are atleast mentioned.
Anthony (Posted 2008-07-18 13:24:46)
Mark and Alejandro: Your right on about the Canes! They have goaltending, top three team in speed, great forwards and that new blueline (physical, big, skaters and can score).
P.S. The SouthBeast division has alot of talent, good division! Detroit's division is the weakest (that's is why they keep winning).
Go Canes and Caniacs (time for another Stanley Cup in the Carolinas)!!!!
Bill (Posted 2008-07-18 13:16:02)
Hey Boylen, are you KIDDING!!! The Canes belong in that list over at least (4) of those teams. One of the top (5) highest scoring teams in the NHL last year (great forwards, one of the (10) best players in the league in Eric Staal), great young goaltender (Cam Ward) and that new BlueLine group (Corvo Pitkanen, Gleason, Wallin, etc.)
What NHL are you looking at this year? I have been playing and following hockey for 45 years, Hockey News needs to look at all NHL teams, instead of commenting on a handfull (and most of the time, we in the U.S., hear only "ABOOT" the Canadien teams - it's getting old - this is why the NHL has a huge marketing issue - now going on 50 years minimum - the NFL promotes all their teams).
Christopher Lanzetti (Posted 2008-07-18 13:15:00)
Just watch the PENS,thats the only hockey you need.They will win atleast 2 maybe 3 CUPS in the next 5 years.Now thats excitng,not the Flyers imitation of the WWE on ice.They BLOW!!!!
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-07-18 12:54:47)
On to the article, LA will probably be fun to watch, as will TB. They might not have any D, but Tampa should be a thrill a minute, both ways. Philly should be even better, the same with Washington. The Pens will be every bit as exciting as they were last year, maybe more so if Crosby can play a full year (although Therrien needs to still give Malkin as much ice time as he can handle). The Wings will be exciting to watch, what with all the firepower that team is packing, despite what some here post. I'm really looking forward to the Hawks, though. New Years Day should be a good game. The Hawks have two of the games best young forwards, with more on the way, some good young defensemen and Campbell (I still think he's overpaid, but he should be a big help on the PP). Huet is definite upgrade over Khabibulin. All in all, a team on the way up after a long time of irrelevance. Cheese and Whine, the Joe sold out half of their regular season games, almost all of them down the stretch (with most of the non-sellouts within a few hundred of being sold out), and ALL of the playoff games. When you have some facts, let us know.
Sean (Posted 2008-07-18 12:49:41)
I've never been to Detroit, but I heard sections of it certainly do suck. The Detroit Red Wings on the other hand are the class of the NHL and a model for other teams to follow. They're run the way team like the Montreal Canadiens used to be. Thankfully the Habs are going back to those ways as well. I predict a Habs/Wings final either this year of next.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-07-18 12:03:26)
Also, the trap involves sending in one player on the forecheck and having the rest of the skaters hang back, waiting and not really forcing the play. The Wings almost always send in two forecheckers, they rarely wait on the other team for anything. Their style is about skill, generating chances, denying the other team time to do anything. It's about being better both offensively and defensively by being the team on the attack. How exactly will other teams trying to be the ones on the attack decrease scoring? How will trying to be like the team that is always at or near the top of the league offensively cause scoring to decrease? To put this simply so you can get it, you are completely clueless. Now run along, grown ups are talking.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-07-18 11:59:41)
Hey, Detroit Sucks, why don't you come out and tell us all who your team is, you know the one that was/is better than the Wings. It can't be the Pens, because they barely put up a fight, and they were the best in the east, and they're worse now than they were when they lost in 6. It can't be Dallas, because they didn't win until game 4. It can't be Colorado, and it can't be Nashville. Calgary lost to the Wings in the playoffs last year, then the Wings got better while the Flames barely made it back in. It can't be the Sharks, because they lost last year, were 1-3 against the Wings this year, and Thornton, Marleau and Cheechoo's numbers were down, Campbell didn't do anything in the playoffs, and while I like Boyle, he's not a "Final piece of the Puzzle" guy. So enlighten us, oh wise one. We know you think the Wings suck. Who sucks less, because they are clearly the team to beat?
colin (Posted 2008-07-18 11:23:19)
The Red Wings don't suck. Their fans, however, make a great case for sucking. I don't know that I've ever met a more insufferable, egotistical, preening bunch of boasters in my life than Red Wings' fans... except maybe Buffalo Sabres fans. It's called "class," people. Google it sometime.
David (Posted 2008-07-18 09:28:56)
Also, the "Dead Wings" remark hasn't been valid since the 80's.
Colin (Posted 2008-07-18 07:19:25)
HAhAHAHAHA detorit sucks, you are brutal. You have one argument and you repeat it over and over again. If you are gonna start an arguement, at least have more than one point
william Hallacy (Posted 2008-07-18 01:27:42)
Oh yeah... Hey "DS"... San Jose is so pathetic, they had to pick off Detroits staff to find a Head Coach... It wont do much good, because McClellan cant do it himself... a good organization and talent pool is necessary as well. Okay, you can go back to preparing your excuses for next years Calgary and San Jose losers... If any team challenges Detroit, it will be Dallas, at least they've got some heart, talent and coaching... Do you complain about the New England Patriots too? Well, wring out your towel, because they'll give you more to complain about this year again... (btw, I dont root for New England, but the best team is STILL the best team, even in the face of those who illogically claim they are not, ...as do you illogically note the Red Wings) They should rename San Jose, the guppies, ...and Calgary the "flameouts" ...lol On fire? hardly, about as hot as icy wet noodles...
william Hallacy (Posted 2008-07-18 01:15:29)
"Detroit sucks" want a little "cheese" with that "whine"? Typical LOSER, complaining about a WINNER! Detroit has soundly whipped both Calgary and San Jose, in playoffs AND in the regular season. Get your cryin towel out, because you are in store for more of the same... They are the best coached, best talent offensively and defensively, best management, best scouting... it might be years before they are overtaken, and even then, they will soon bounce back and give you more to cry about! You should rename yourself and your future: Whine & Cheese inc..
detroit sucks (Posted 2008-07-18 00:32:24)
Detroit STILL sucks. They are the WORST thing to happen to the NHL since the Devils in '95. Now almost everybody will be trap happy. Thanks alot,Detroit Dead Wings. The Wings are over-rated.
Yo13 19U311S 3O3K (Posted 2008-07-18 00:07:46)
Dallas will be quite the show, Avery, Ott and Morrow all yapping it up ought to bring out some spirited play. Sharks are overrated, even with mighty Joe they still can't exorcise their playoff demons.
Cory (Posted 2008-07-17 23:24:03)
detroit sucks call me crazy but wasn't it San Jose who beat Calgary in the first round? San Jose then lost to Dallas in the second round. If you want to make a point you should make sure you have your facts right. The past couple years San Jose has not been a better team than Detroit, that was just all the Melrose hype because of his love affair with them. In fact if you go and look at the numbers in the last 4 years you'll see Detroit's worst season in that span is better than San Jose's best season in that span.
David (Posted 2008-07-17 22:26:40)
Correct me if I'm wrong, as I can't remember, but weren't both Marleau and Cheechoo producing less than the previous two seasons? Doesn't that in turn mean they were weaker than the season before? The roster you have does not mean a thing if it isn't producing. I do remember Cheechoo turning it on at one point, I just can't remember when it was.
Steve (Posted 2008-07-17 22:12:55)
I can sense "detroit sucks" jealousy from here. He makes no logical arguments and he is just another disgruntled Wings hater. Excellent blog and I agree these teams should be interesting to watch.
Trevor R (Posted 2008-07-17 22:10:03)
Ok so I hate the Wing's lets get that out there right now.
BUT I would love for the Caunck's to make the move's that they make.
The Wing's are the best Team in 08.
And I think they will be the Best Team in 09.
There was lot of very interesting move's made this July but no other team has taken the team that one the cup and added one of the top five free agents to it.
Like I said I hate them but congrads to all Wing's fan's out there.
I only hope Sundin will sign in Vancouver and we can make one good trade for a winger for him GO CAUNCKS then Maybe we can make a playoff Run I did not say win it Make a Playoff run.
Once you get to the post season anything can happen.
And who every said there friend was scared of the Shark's.
That is your friend not a NHLer or a teams manager.
It is great to think your team could of won the cup but get over it.
The Canucks lost 8 of there last ten to beat then selfs out of the playoff's but you don't see me sayin g if we made it we would win that is BS.
The best team won congrads to them we will see you Wing's fans next year.
ANd Congrads ahead of time Because if you can keep the injuerys down you will win it again.
Adam S (Posted 2008-07-17 20:48:25)
The Los Angeles Kings have great young talent. Good Blog!
Sean (Posted 2008-07-17 20:45:55)
"Regular season stats mean jack squat there buddy. the Sharks were stronger than last year with the edition of Campbell." Contradict yourself much? Campbell was a ghost in the post-season.
detroit sucks (Posted 2008-07-17 20:22:32)
Regular season stats mean jack squat there buddy. the Sharks were stronger than last year with the edition of Campbell. Thank your lucky stars that the flames beat them. My buddy who's a wings fan did not want them to meet up with San Jose. Why? Cause he was scared ****-less. Keep on thinking that the wings are the best though. Also keep on praying that your team plays some more weak clubs.
Nick Eman (Posted 2008-07-17 20:14:22)
Your logic is flawed "detroit sucks". They already beat Pittsburgh, the 2nd best team in the league by far, that says it all. As was already said, the Wings already beat Calgary and San Jose last year and both teams were WORSE this year, if they were that good they would have earned the right to play Detroit.
Also some more facts for you:
Red Wings won the season series against the Sharks 3-1.
Red Wings won the season series against the Flames 3-1.
So much for the Wings not winning jack if they had played the Flames or Sharks.
Nick Eman (Posted 2008-07-17 20:10:12)
Do any of you Wings critics actually have some new and original points to make, I mean it's the same recycled crap every year
Selling out seats...really look at your own teams first, especially Pens fans. If you guys hadn't lucked out with Crosby, you would not even have a team right now. Nashville should not even have a team. Wi
Suspend Chelios...he was benched during the Cup Finals, so what difference will suspending Chelios make?
Wings-Devils, replicate Babcock's plan...if teams do that they will score over 3 goals per game, therefore scoring will rise just as much as it would drop...effect neutral. Detroit is an offensive powerhouse, just look at the offensive stats over the last 15 years, instead of seeing only what you want to see.
Chris Katica (Posted 2008-07-17 20:00:15)
Pens should at least be on honorable mention. Agree about having new blood up there but the Pens and Caps are the same almost. Crosby and Ovechkin is a push they do different things well. Malkin is more fun than Semin. Green over Whitney I admit that but the Pens have Fluery also fun to watch. Pens in 09
A.K. (Posted 2008-07-17 19:57:09)
George> you're right but also wrong. Serge Savard was the first player known for the spin move but, ironically enough it was another Savard, Denis Savard, who revived it playing for the Blackhawks so it's also sorta fitting that Campbell has wound up in Chicago.
detroit sucks (Posted 2008-07-17 19:37:50)
Detroit STILL sucks. They will prove to be the worst thing to happen to the NHL since the Devils in '95. Almost every coach will try to replicate Babcocks game-plan. 37 shots for. 22 shots against. Goals will plummet once again. All thanks to the Dead Wings.
george (Posted 2008-07-17 19:14:43)
k, the guy who is known for the spin-o-rama is SERGE SAVARD.
Scott S (Posted 2008-07-17 19:02:58)
Detroit was the best team in the league last year, thats why they one the cup, and based on their lineup, one should expect more of the same from of them. In fact, the Central division as a whole will rock. Chicago, with their core of young players and hopefully solid back end, should be fast paced, high scoring, and fun to watch. Columbus, I think, will surprise a lot of people. They won't win a lot of style awards but other teams certainly won't like playing against them, what with a strong defensive system and a core of big big big hard hitting players. And if their young players, like Brassard and Voracek step it up, people will be surprised by how balanced their scoring will be. Nashville will be very similar to Columbus in many respects and I'd expect any games between them will be nasty and brutal. St. Louis is the only one I'm not really sure about. They have a good young defense and a line or two worth of good young forwards but their free agency spending spree (thats sarcasm by the way) didn't exactly inspire confidence.
Sean (Posted 2008-07-17 18:58:29)
They never dominated the Wings for even a shift that I saw. I agree the Wings' toughest test was the Preds. Games 1-4 were the fastest in the playoffs - game 2 (the OT game) especially. Once they put Hasek on the shelf though, they never looked back. I was going to put the CBJ in as a joke but somebody beat me to it.
Felix MacLean (Posted 2008-07-17 18:44:21)
detroitsucks: Even by your logic, the Wings were the best team in the playoffs. They did beat Dallas -- and Dallas beat San Jose, and San Jose beat Calgary. Lest we forget, the Wings also defeated Penguins, the winners of the Eastern Conference. I would say that Dallas gave the Wings the best run for their money. Nashville, though, came closer to eliminating the Wings than the Penguins did. Pittsburgh never had the series tied, and they never dominated the Wings for more than a period.
Kristopher (Posted 2008-07-17 18:41:40)
@james: We would fill it if we didn't have the worst economy in the union and hockey wasn't the highest-priced game in town. Though I see a rebound this year, as they've broken the jinx they seemed to have before. And it's great to see Chicago fans coming back. The Red Wings: The team everyone in the NHL wants to have a rivalry with!
Gabe Raymond (Posted 2008-07-17 18:04:02)
Nobody wants to watch the pens anymore. The Sidney Crybaby effect has worn off.
doug (Posted 2008-07-17 17:54:26)
are you serious?? where are the pens on this list
james (Posted 2008-07-17 17:50:07)
Maybe if all you "wings" fans went to thier games you could fill . . .almost all of the seats, i dont think they sold out a playoff game this year. Kudos for the quietest in the NHL
matt (Posted 2008-07-17 16:57:10)
haha..i just got my laugh of the day from fleetwood? watch the blue jackets? c'mon. hahaha..lol
Dmanth (Posted 2008-07-17 16:55:57)
For all the jokers that think the Wings suck...well, they are they Stanley Cup champs. I bet you wish your team sucked as well. lol.
Great teams are always hated. Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, ..etc. It's fine to hate but don't kid yourselves. Every organization in the NHL aspires to be like them. From management on down to the players, they are exceptionally talented AND smart. Whether they play the so-called trap or not, they play the way they are allowed to play. Their entire scheme is effective and they have the players talented enough to execute it.
And Mr. "Detroit Sucks".....YES, the Wings DO RULE! They didn't luck out in anything. They beat the teams they were suppose to beat and if Calgary and San Jose were good enough to beat the Wings, then why didn't they make it far enough in the playoffs to actually face them? Answer: because THEY weren't good enough! THEY didn't advance and that makes them the weaker competition. You can be hypothetical all you want but facts are facts.
Hemsky83 (Posted 2008-07-17 16:41:40)
Who the hell would want to watch Tampa Bay over Edmonton?
Peter (Posted 2008-07-17 16:27:44)
TRAP???Team which has average 37 shots on goal in play-off played TRAP???Some guys probably don't know how to TRAP looks like....
Cory (Posted 2008-07-17 16:19:13)
Brian Campbell is overrated in the sense he didn't deserve a contract as big as he got. He's an elite puck moving defenseman for sure but a huge liability in his own end. That being said he will contribute a lot to the Hawks this year. To detroit sucks how is it lucking out when they earned the opponents they played by getting the top seed. That's the whole point of doing well in the regular season, you normally get an easier path to the cup. You're right though we would have had no chance against Calgary or San Jose. It's not like we beat both of those teams in the playoffs the year before....
A.K. (Posted 2008-07-17 16:16:27)
OK Andy, you're nuts. I also firmly believe that Campbell is overrated but conferences have nothing to do with it and he certainly was no chump with the Sharks - hell, he scored one of the best goals of the year for them.
What is up with this conference stuff anyway? it's always from people who follow the West too - they're soooo convinced that there's a huge difference in the talent levels and style of play in the respective conferences. but ive watched plenty of both and I don't buy it. It seems to me that fans of Western teams have this odd inferiority complex that I just can't understand. who the heck cheers for a CONFERENCE? I like the Leafs. I like the Oilers. Period. All this talk about the huge differences between the conferences is just ridiculous.
detroit sucks (Posted 2008-07-17 16:10:45)
Wings rule? HAHAHAHAHHAHAHA. They lucked out in all their western conference opponents. They faced Nashville.(perennial 1st round losers). Colorado (without Forsberg. Plus they had a coach that kept on putting theodore in net after he got shelled,again and again). They then faced a Dallas team that only put up a fight after beign down 3 games to one. Had they faced Calgary or San Jose...they wouldnt have won jack squat. Pray that you guys face the same weak competition.
Kolt (Posted 2008-07-17 15:54:40)
Brian Campbell is overrated? That's one of the worst comments I've seen in a while. Andy, I'm not sure what you're basing these comments on? It's definetely not game footage and it sure as hell aint stats. Calling the third highest point producing defenseman (behind only Gonchar and Lidstrom) a fool is ridiculous. And to say that he slacked off once he left the east is even more idiotic (19 pts in 20 games!!!!) I can't wait for Chicago to turn it all around next year and a big part of that will be Mr. Campbell. I hope you've got an appetite Andy, cause you're gonna be eating a lot of words real soon.
ryan (Posted 2008-07-17 15:39:55)
yeah... "dead" wings, only playing the trap... right, what slow, boring hockey they play in Detroit... leading scoring team in the league, of course, with some of the most exciting offensive skills in the game, some of the best offensive, puck moving d-men in the game... but of course, they're a regular Columbus... so boring to watch
laughable... you mistake a finely tuned machine with some of the most aggressive and skilled back checkers in the league for some kind of defensive gimmick. The trap is a method coaches of lesser teams use to try and contain highly skilled teams like the Wings.every team WISHES they could play the red wings and every fan WISHES that their team played like that. i followed them the entire season last year and it was exciting and fast paced from the game one puck drop until the lifting of the cup. if you think otherwise, you weren't watching.
Steven Noble (Posted 2008-07-17 15:36:26)
Hey Habswon'tmaketheplaoffs — I have one question: do you smoke crack? The Wings were one of the highest scoring teams in the league? So, how can they be responsible for goals plummeting? Also, very few teams have enough skill to try and play the puck posession concept, therefore they won't try because it won't work. Yes the left wing lock is a modified trap but it can hardly be compared to what New Jersey does. Instead of looking smart, which is obviously what you're trying to do, you look like...you smoke crack. Get off the pipe son.
fleetwood94 (Posted 2008-07-17 15:31:21)
What? No Blue Jackets? Leclaire when he is healthy like last season is filthy in the nets, Nash finally has some help (hopefully) with Huselius and there are some improvements on D. Once again no love for the CBJ...
habs wont make the play-offs (Posted 2008-07-17 15:10:50)
Please.......the wings DO play the trap. Its a more aggressive trap though. A modified one. Look for coaches that will try to replicate Babcocks game-plan. therefore goals for will plummet some more. Thanks to the Detroit Dead Wings.
Cory (Posted 2008-07-17 14:46:21)
Yes, the Hawks started out great against the Wings earlier in the year going 4-0. In the second half of the season they fell to 1-3 against them though. Whether it was an issue of the Wings not taking Chicago seriously or just figuring them out the series shifted as the season went on. The age argument is flat out ridiculous. I mean who are the older players? Chelios? He plays very minor minutes these days and mostly in specialized situations like penalty kills. Lidstrom? Pretty sure he hasn't slowed down that much as he just won another Norris trophy. Hasek is gone as is Drake. Draper is slowing down a little bit and so is Maltby. Past that the core of the Wings is young or young enough. Holmstrom 35, Rafalski 34, Cleary 29, Hossa 29, Datsyuk 29, Stuart 28, Franzen 28, Zetterberg 27, Kronwall 27, Hudler 24, Filppula 24. If you ask me that looks like a whole bunch of guys in their prime. Lastly the trap argument is just as invalid as well. The Wings do not play the trap. When do you ever see 4 Wings sitting back on their own blue line? What they do is when a guy carries the puck over the line several players will converge on him quickly to force him to try and make a play, which usually leads to a turn over. They then use a series of quick short passes to move the puck back out of the zone and up the ice. That is not the trap, it's just a puck possession style.
Andy (Posted 2008-07-17 14:21:30)
PLEASE STOP ABOUT BRIAN CAMBELL!!! HE'S SO OVER RATED IT'S NOT FUNNY!!! The only reason he looked so good in Buffulo is the East has been an inferior Confrence for the past couple of years. I'm not hating on the East, it's proven in the points, but when that fool came to the West he was stumped. He's a chump and ain't gonna do nothin for nobody but fill his pocket book. He was safe and happy in Buffulo and he needs to go back! He pretty much said he won't be all that happy anywhere else, so there you go. The Red Wings are going to be a powerhouse no doubt about it. If you think the're not, it's just cuz you don't want them to be. I thank them kindly for giving us their assistant coach too.
Hawks Fan (Posted 2008-07-17 14:08:46)
I know the Red Wings just won the Cup. They're a great team. But from the games I saw last year against the Hawks they were getting beat on defense a lot. And Osgood has a history of letting in some soft goals. Maybe it was that they didn't take the Hawks seriously, but the Wings should have dominated them. The Hawks were no where near the level of the Wings last year. What I meant about showing their age was that their defensemen are starting to slow down and lose a little bit. Granted they still have the best defenseman in the league, but I think the rest of the league, especially the Hawks, are catching up to them. Their experiance and "age" helped them beat a very good Penguins team. But how much longer can they keep it going? Hossa is a nice addition but how much of a factor was he in the playoffs? I was joking about suspending Chelios. He has always been one of my favorite players he just always gets away with a little too much of the borderline dirty play. Until someone de-thrones them the road to the Cup goes through Detroit. I just think their throne may be coming back to Earth a little bit this year.
BigHabsFan (Posted 2008-07-17 13:56:09)
re: Pens - we lost Komisarek, Koivu and Boullion at the very end of the season/begining of the playoffs. the Habs are a young team that rolls four lines, so of course they didnt rack up many injuries, and knock on wood, they will do the same this year. as far as the "cloud" over Price's head, I remeber another young, highly touted goalie who had a few clouds over his head who just signed a pretty big contract. can you guess who I'm talking about?
Andy (Posted 2008-07-17 13:56:00)
Yeah watch Cambell and his glorious spin o rama cough up the puck move. Yeah great article. Oh San Jose on it's last leg, dude we did some of the best trades out there. We did the 2 things we needed, get rid of cambell and carle, and pick up some real D. Back that up with a solid 4 lines of offense, and now you have a team to watch. Tampa Bay will only be like watching a train wreck you just can't turn away.(just like Toronto,poor Toskala.)
CAS (Posted 2008-07-17 13:49:48)
Suspension for that? Get real, Hawks Fan. I know you're excited about your team (as you should be) but let's be realistic here. Nothing there warranted a suspension. And to say the Wings are showing their age is pretty hilarious. They just won the cup. They got rid of one of their older players. They added a sniper who is still in his prime. How are they showing their age, exactly? And detroit sucks, just because a team plays good defense doesn't mean they play the trap. Learn the difference.
JayR (Posted 2008-07-17 13:49:47)
Detroit DOES play the trap.I'd prefer to watch the Pens anyday!!
wes wright (Posted 2008-07-17 13:33:30)
the wings are starting to show their age???.....whats that supposed to mean, they won the cup last year, so does that mean the older the better....because they did beat the young gun pittsburg penguins hands down.....maybe u better reword the way u said that
detroit sucks (Posted 2008-07-17 13:26:14)
Detroit KNOWS how to play the game? They play the trap there Johnny boy. How fun....
Hawks Fan (Posted 2008-07-17 13:17:50)
I seem to remember the Blackhawks dominating the Red Wings last year. And they were very inexperienced. This year with Campbell and Huet in the mix the Red Wings better hope they don't see the Hawks in the playoffs. The Wings are starting to show their age and the Hawks are up and coming. I'm not predicting that they'll take the Cup, but they are definitely going to make the season exciting. Plus I don't think the league will let Chelios get away with cross checking Kane ten times in a row without a suspension this year. Considering he was the Rookie of the Year and one of the young stars of the game.
John (Posted 2008-07-17 13:03:58)
Stump..... I enjoy watching the Red Wings win every night... It's fun watching a team that actually knows how to play the game...
T.J. (Posted 2008-07-17 12:54:40)
Rory, your sleeping on the Oilers my friend. I mean "ah, come on", how can you even mention the Kings? So what if they have bright young stars in their future. So does everyone other team in this league! Let's talk about who the true competitors will be. Not the failures. L.A. has been at the bottom for how many years now?
alejandro stump (Posted 2008-07-17 12:50:44)
Honestly, who enjoys watching the Red Wings easily beat every opponent every night...
I am quite glad that Mark mentioned Carolina, i see them as being a darkhorse team that will finally start to put things together. They would have made the playoffs if Brindamour did not get injured. Plus they get to play Tampa and Atlanta a whole bunch, so they should be able to put up quite a few goals.
Ovechkin should be able to net 80 in a division with such weak defence.
Nick (Posted 2008-07-17 12:36:01)
gald to see the Flyers on that list, the right combination of speed, skill, grit, snipers, playmakers and agitators is what makes this team so unique
Lucas Thompson (Posted 2008-07-17 12:22:46)
what about the most explosive young offence in the league at the end of last year. Added the vets to help out. Long term defence signed on. Also Calgary adding big bertuzzi and camalerri. Alberta is going to be hockey this year.
jan (Posted 2008-07-17 11:54:32)
the teams that don't get mentioned, ignored, etc. can sometimes be the ones to watch out for -- for example, the Sabres during the 05-06 season. they were ignored by the league and they ended up in the conference finals that year.
Bob (Posted 2008-07-17 11:22:39)
It's teams he wants to watch boys, and I don't think you can argue against any of them being exciting. I agree the Kings will be fun.
Mark (Posted 2008-07-17 11:15:56)
No Carolina? They've got insane forward depth and speed, and having two premier puck-moving defensemen in Pitkanen and Corvo will probably result in plenty of odd-man rushes and scoring chances.
Hockey Savant (Posted 2008-07-17 11:05:31)
I can think of a number of teams left off this list that have me scratching my head. Pens and Edmonton were already mentioned. What about Ottawa? They came out of the gates screaming last year before crashing and burning. They still have the talent and no Emery. How about Montreal? Still tons of talent and now BGL to protect them. That's always fun. The Wild and Columbus should be fun to watch too. LA??? They haven't even reached the cap minimum yet. I think ole' Rory missed the boat on a number of great teams.
Pens (Posted 2008-07-17 10:53:59)
No Pens?? Perhaps to obvious...
Edmonton?
No mention of the "interesting ones" for the wrong reasons?
Montreal - how deep will they sink with that soft lineup? they won't be injury free for 2 years in a row and Kovalev/Markov won't repeat. Streit is gone and Price still has clouds over his head
Toronto - I mean come on. It will be interesting to see the center of the universe collapse. 08-09 will be remembered as the season Tavares became a Leaf
Ottawa - will the spinard continue downward or will Jason Smith and Alex Auld stop the descent... Heathley is always a treat to watch (playing hockey that is)
Seth (Posted 2008-07-17 10:40:01)
Penguins??
Bob (Posted 2008-07-17 10:15:14)
Where is Edmonton on this list
Advertisement
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
"Our give-a-crap level was like at zero."
- Atlanta head coach John Anderson on Sunday's 4-1 loss to division rival Tampa Bay.
Our Partners
The Hockey News Corporation. All Rights Reserved © 2008 Transcontinental
Standards: XHTML 1.0 STRICT + CSS 2. V 1.5 17.09.2008
