THN.com Blog: Three teams that will overachieve in 2009
Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley are one of the most intimidating lines in the NHL. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)
Rory Boylen
2008-08-05 14:59:28
There’s at least one every season and usually a couple – a team that goes unnoticed, flying above and beyond any expectations.
Who knew the Edmonton Oilers would make it to the Stanley Cup final in 2006? To go one step further, who knew Carolina would win it that same year?
The New Jersey Devils are a consistent target for doomsday soothsayers, but it never comes to fruition as the Brodeur-led posse continues to sniff out the post-season.
The Nashville Predators never seem that great on paper, but come April, Barry Trotz always looks like a hockey genius.
Who will it be this year? If a team has already been called out as being ready for a breakthrough, they won’t be listed here. So don’t be shocked and offended if you think Phoenix or Chicago should be on this list, it’s not even training camp and they already have to improve to avoid any disappointment.
Here are a few teams who I think could achieve more than is expected of them this season:
Florida Panthers: I’ve ripped on them in this space before – and until the front office does something smart, I’m sure I’ll do it again – but the potential is still there for the Panthers to rise.
You’ve got to think that, one of these years, Nathan Horton will meet the expectations of being a No. 3 overall draft pick. While he has not impressed and actually stalled his point production at 62 points last season, Horton could be ready for a 70- to 75-point campaign. If he can meet this goal and if incoming offensive catalyst Cory Stillman can kick-start Stephen Weiss, the Panthers could generate more than the pathetic 216 goals they scored last season.
There is no question the defense is deeper. New coach Peter DeBoer needs to realize what this team has and use it, instead of looking at what this team could/should be and try to be that. If the Panthers employ a shutdown defense – backed by one of the league’s best stoppers in Tomas Vokoun – they could be this year’s Boston Bruins, in that they squeeze into the playoffs on the back of their system and hungry young players.
Ottawa Senators: Ah yes, last year they crumbled worse than the New York Mets in 2007 and their fans were on the receiving end of countless Nelson Muntz ‘ha-ha’s,’ but that was then and this is now.
Sure the Senators’ implosion was of astronomical proportions, but like in outer space where a star implosion is rebounded by a supernova, the Senators still have the outline of a team ready to compete. While Pittsburgh lost Ryan Malone and Marian Hossa, no one is talking of them falling from their perch. And why is that? Because they still have possibly the best player in the league on their roster.
The Sens should be no different. They shed the character that was quite often pointed to as the reason for the decline in Ray Emery and a defenseman who many felt had worn out his welcome and usefulness on the Ottawa blueline in Wade Redden. After all that, they still have one of the best lines in the game, a blueline that makes up for a lack of recognizable names with tough, effective shutdown play and a goalie in Martin Gerber who gets no respect, despite having a career full of respectable numbers.
Don’t count out these Sens. They are still capable of finishing first in the East. After all, he who ‘ha-ha’s’ last, ‘ha-ha’s’ best.
Columbus Blue Jackets: It must be hard being the only team to have not made the playoffs in their short history, but I think they’re going to be better than what many give them credit for.
Everyone knows Rick Nash can score, but has he ever had anyone else to support him in his area of expertise? The Jackets are hoping Kristian Huselius can do just that, while R.J. Umberger will be counted on to reach 20 goals for the second time in his career.
If Pascal Leclaire can improve on his breakout 2007-08 season – or at least show it wasn’t a fluke – Columbus will always be in a position to win games. The defense that will be supporting Leclaire is not all-star caliber, though it is underrated. Fedor Tyutin was let go by the Rangers too easily and Kris Russell should be ready to step into the NHL spotlight, which will be easier to do on a smaller market team.
While my own expectations for the Jackets aren’t through the roof, they should be closer than the 11 points they missed the playoffs by last season. Look for them to be in the thick of things right into April, 2009.
Rory Boylen is THN.com's web content specialist. His blog appears Thursdays.
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Kevin (Posted 2008-08-14 12:08:37)
Ottawa isn't gonna be better there gonna be worse. Ottawa is gonna miss the playoffs by alot
Pierre-Olivier (Posted 2008-08-11 14:16:20)
On the Ottawa front... great Simpson's quote. :)
Barrows (Posted 2008-08-09 15:09:15)
Who is expected to take the top line honors from Langkow? As far as I know he hasn't dropped anywhere on the depth charts. Iggy obviously helps Langkow's numbers and will hopefully motivate Bertuzzi to play to his potential. Keep in mind that Calgary has had some talented players playing alongside Iggy over the years that couldn't get it going in Cowtown but produced elsewhere. Langkow's chemistry with Iggy is understated. As for Cammalerri, he can't be any more streaky than Tanguay or Huselius.
Rob Bonter (Posted 2008-08-08 16:43:58)
I am a Ranger fan, so biased here, but I do think the team will be much improved this year because of the off-season subtractions - most notably Jagr - a truly selfish player who was prone to turnovers like a contagion. Also the subtractions of glorified AHL grunts Strudwick and Hollweg have to help, as well as the trading of D wash-out Backman, the king of stupid penalties. Malik is about gone, which is another plus, and embarrassing downside Shanahan will either be gone or reduced to single-digit minutes per game and THEN be gone. Players of merely average ability replacing the above will represent a measurable improvement in the team's overall play.
Avery's "loss" is 50-50. A case can be made for his retention, but he was becoming a distracting, divisive force off the ice and his departure may be timely.
Rangers look younger and more talented going into the new season. Sometime soon Bobby Sanguinetti will get his promotion and that will spike what was a dreadful power play last year. Rangers have a good chance of getting to round three in spring, 2009.
Craig (Posted 2008-08-08 15:13:17)
First, the pro ontario Craig is a different person, secondly, Barrows, I loved Bertuzzi, and hold no ill will toward the man for anything (including the Steve Moore incident) but the reality is that ever since then he has been lacking that physical edge that made him succesful. Battling a bck injury, he has slowed considerably, he's always been notoriously moody and hard to get along with. Essentially what you have is a large slow moving, grump. I would nothing more then for him to prove me wrong, honestly. As for my comment, I do think Calgary's offence will struggle more then in past years, Camalerri is even more streaky then Huselius, Langkos numbers are improved by playing enxt to Iginla, a spot he will likely lose. Sorry mate.
Harv (Posted 2008-08-07 19:08:13)
I see Buffalo being a force in the East. After a year for the youngsters to learn the game without strong veteran leadership, along with the addition of a solid defender in Rivet, Buffalo could easily surprise everyone and finish top of the NE Division, especially under Lindy Ruff's legendary coaching skills.
Barrows (Posted 2008-08-07 16:39:03)
Craig, Calgary's offence has eroded? Huselius forgot to show up for the last third of the season and Tanguay couldn't hack the media in Calgary...Nolan produced kind of...don't forget that Daymond Lankow has been one of the most consistent and underrated centers during the last two seasons and I'm surprised as a Canuck fan you are already to write off Bertuzzi.
jerseyislefan (Posted 2008-08-07 12:49:32)
Brian, no need to apologize, i just didn't want anyone to think i was bashing the defending champs lol
Troy (Posted 2008-08-07 08:44:44)
Rory...for the record, Pitts has arguably the 2 best players in the world. 1 & 1a in no particular order.
Troy (Posted 2008-08-07 08:41:00)
Rory...I just don't see the Panthers getting any better. The Sens will be considered a playoff favorite. I just don't know how the CBJ's will make the playoffs. Let me put it this way...Hitches motto has always been defensive minded. Torres has been struggling with consistency his entire career. Same could be said for Huselius. RJ has yet to prove himself in the regular season. His playoff run reminded me of Pisani's in 2006..a guy who puts up small numbers in the regular season but is clutch in the playoffs. Hitch will struggle to get this team going...in a playoff direction.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-07 08:04:55)
Craig, while I completely agree that any teams that are put in Ontario would undoubtedly sell out every game, and would be a huge merchandising hit in Ontario (and possibly elsewhere), that wouldn't necessarily be good for the league. The thing is, the NHL needs to have as many American teams in as many American markets as it can, in order to get a national TV contract in America. While pulling out of Florida and putting the team in Hamilton, Winnipeg or Quebec City isn't a bad idea in the short term while the Canadian dollar is worth more than American currency, what happens if the rate of exchange starts to favor American money? League revenues go down. TV is where the money is at. NFL franchises pay their entire payroll with TV money. How can the NHL hope to get a favorable deal when they pull out of the southern cities that make them a truly national league, instead of the regional league they were until the 90's? Also, until there is more revenue sharing (like the NFL), what difference does it make to the other owners what the gate reciepts look like in Canadian markets? The owners need to approve of any sale or expansion that would put another franchise in Canada.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-07 07:39:58)
jerseyislefan, my apologies. I completely misinterpreted your comments, and re-reading them now, I'm not sure how I managed that. You are definitely right about the NYR. Again, my apologies.
daniel (Posted 2008-08-07 05:25:47)
you know this article talks about underachieveing and stuff. but it's funny how i don't hear the kings name in this. i have been a kings ever since i was bron 24 years ago. maybe i know why though. they just flat out suck i guess. but the kings will get better. granted they might be in the running for tavares. but i don't think they will get him in the direction they are going. are you telling me the kings are going to overachieve this season? cause i don't think it will happen until 2 seasons from now. i think with the roster the kings had this past season they should be on this list. they had what they thought was good players in preissing, nagy, calder, and handzus. better yet, what happened to cammalleri last season. 47 points all season long. granted most of those guys are gone now. but if you want to talk overpaid underachievers, kings are all over any team here. now i think they will get better and miss out on tavares. but this article almost makes no sense to me. i think the kings should be on this list. cause i think they will be better than columbus this season. i just don't see the depth. kings have it if they can pull it together. crawford just wasn't the right guy. i think terry murray will pull this team together and at least compete for a spot this season. i'm one of the few hopefuls. but i think by seasons end you would wish that you added the kings on this list mr. boylen.
Marc (Posted 2008-08-06 16:45:25)
Um those numbers are just funny. The Dolphins haven't had 70,000 people at one game in years. The thing is with Florida is the fact that almost every non hardcore sports fan is a bandwagon fan. When the Panthers make their late season push they have been known to do the past couple seasons the place is full. The same can be said for the Marlins in 2003 when they went to the World Series.
Daren Bukator (Posted 2008-08-06 15:22:30)
Haha Ottawa..I hope they finish 30th. That team can't put it together. They made it past the conference finals one time with all this GREAT TALENT everyone is talking about over the past decade or so. I really don't expect any changes in the West when it comes to playoff teams. Colorado might even win their division if the Wild slip up a bit. In the East, I could see maybe Buffalo getting back into it. They are not as good as they were before last year but I can see that team working together again under Lindy Ruff to go above expectations. BTW if the Leafs don't finish 14th or worse, they will have overachieved.
jerseyislefan (Posted 2008-08-06 15:11:50)
brian, wasn't talking bout the wings i gave them props.Along with the devils they are probably the two most sucessful franchises in recent history. BUT it was a wing fan using the rangers as a model of sucess and i find that hard to believe. And no doubt my team is broke and as hard it was to imagine when he got hired, snow seems to be trying to do this the right way. We don't get the Hossa's of the world so we need someone who's willing to be patient and try to build within the organization. Ted Nolan, as great as a guy he is, wasn't willing to do that and God knows what Milbury was thinking about anything. Hopefully we have the right scouts in place, get the right coach and maybe in a few years someone will be "trash talking" about how good my team is.
Henry (Posted 2008-08-06 14:34:09)
Andy: Your dreaming, Dolphins and Marlin numbers are not actual numbers, noway Dolphins get 70K and NOWAY Marlins get anymore than 10K. P.S. Panthers ALWAYS play to an empty house - other than college football - Florida Pro sports is the worst
Two pathetic teams: Tampa should not have a baseball team, Florida should not have a baseball team and Miami should not have an NBA team (place is always empty)
Anthony (Posted 2008-08-06 14:30:26)
If they get off to a solid start and stay healthy - CAROLINA is the team in the East! This team can score, skate and are now big and physical (with two very good goaltenders)
Do not need to hear about the last two seasons (over 400 man games lost to key injuries)!
Andy (Posted 2008-08-06 14:24:49)
Marc, a short while ago said that the Dolphins get about 10k per game for attendance...
He was only a little off..
Try at least 70,000
http://www.sportstwo.com/NFL/TeamAttendance/MIAMI
And the average for the Marlins is actually somewhere between 15k and 20k... not 5,000.
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/teams/marlins3.shtml
Craig (Posted 2008-08-06 13:56:28)
3 teams that will underachieve this year. 1) NEW YORK RANGERS this chemistry experiment is not going to yield the results they are after, and while they will make the playoffs, it will be as a 7th or 8th seed and be marked by an early exit. 2) CALGARY FLAMES, if Kipper has his usual slow start thye will dig themselves a hole to big to climb out of this year. And the scoring depth has eroded. Iginla, the streaky Camalleri and Lombardi and then what? Bertuzzi? Conroy? not to mention the fact that Keenan teams always do progressivley worse not better year over year. 3) SAN JOSE SHARKS because it ahs become an annual tradition to fizzle out when it matters, and after years of "almost winning" can they do anything else? And before everyone jumps all over me for being a homer and not including my Canucks on this list, they can't underachieve, everyone and their grandma predicts them landing in the basement, and only missing out on Tavares because Luongo is too good.
Craig (Posted 2008-08-06 13:22:03)
Though there may be people in Nashville and Florida and Phoenix and such places that are big fans, and appreciate them, and show up... the thing is, you could put 3 more teams in Ontario and they would all outsell those teams, with people still not able to get tickets. There may be fans in those cities, but there will be more in Canada and most northern states/cities, such as Seattle and Hartford. You don't see any NFL teams in Canada (maybe Toronto eventually from Buffalo), and theres 1 baseball and 1 basketball team, each in Toronto. And if you look at like baseball and basketball and football... theres 3 NFL teams in both Florida and California, 5 MLB teams in Cali, and 4 NBA teams in Cali, plus 3 in Texas. And we have 6 teams in all of Canada. We have 9 provinces and only 4 of them have teams... So I'm not saying you don't deserve a team, just other places deserve one more.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-06 13:12:43)
jerseyislefan, missing the playoffs for a decade and then going out for a few years in the early rounds doesn't make a team successful, but making the playoffs for a couple of decades in a row, winning four Cups, and appearing in 8 conference finals in the 25 years since the dark days does. It's hard to talk trash when your team hasn't won a playoff round in, what, 15 years? Me, I like the Isles as a franchise (the early 80's Isles don't get anywhere near the talk that they should, in my opinion), but face facts; the franchise is a joke. I'm not saying they can't fix it, but I am saying it is broke.
Marc (Posted 2008-08-06 12:28:24)
Kevin can I ask where you live exactly? There are a lot of people who do care about the Panthers in Florida. I have been a Panther fan since 1993, and I can tell you that yes, attendance has lowered since the glory days, but the team still pulls in at least 14,000 people a night. I know thats no where near a packed house, but considering the Miami Dolphins get about 10,000 to a game and the Marlins get about 5,000 to a game, I think the Panthers are doing very well.
I truthfully cannot wait for the Panthers to get back into the playoffs just to stop all of the nobody cares articles and comments by people who live up north and have no clue about the Panthers or any other team in the South.
Johnny Rotten (Posted 2008-08-06 11:45:41)
Columbus, Columbus, Columbus...how come this city/team never comes up when canucknuckle-heads start beating their drum about moving NHL teams from US cities to Canadian cities? This has to be the least likely place I can think of to put an NHL team: no major professional sports of any kind have planted their flag here besides the NHL - why? Because it's a college town and if it isn't the Buckeye, then who cares. The last time I was in Columbus they were just giving tickets away in the bars, that is, if you wanted them - not many people did. Maybe things have changed since then but, I doubt it. Anyway, leave them. And while you're at it, leave FL, NASH and PHO too. NHL teams belong to the cities they are in, whether they follow your ideas about the proper care and feeding or not. You don't get to take other people's children or pets just because you're a sick, covetous freak that is certain that you'd make a better mommy. Especially when you actually starved your last child to death (you know who you are - Winnipeg). I like the BJs, they've got a great coach and talent, they ought to be in the playoffs about now.
z ville (Posted 2008-08-06 11:23:36)
late round picks? what, you think you're kenny holland or somethin?
Kaspar (Posted 2008-08-06 11:22:04)
As a Ranger fan I hope against hope that Redden still has something left even while reading negative things about him (like in this article)....But in the same article I read that people like Cory Stillman and Kristen Huselius are going to be difference makers? this gives me hope....maybe the writer is not watching hockey...just reading about it
jerseyislefan (Posted 2008-08-06 09:52:31)
Hey wings fan, i didn't know being a second round exit every year after missing the playoffs for almost a decade makes you a sucessful team. I guess you original six stick together. What did ryan smyth play 15 games for us and everyone thinks he was some key loss like he was for edmonton. And yes hard to believe with the collapse but the isles were in the playoffs(i believe the 6 seed) at the all star break. That was in late february if i remember. Season ends early april? That's 5 months of contention and about 37 days not. But have it your way, they were never in it. Your team is great and they deserved the cup no doubt but it must be nice playing in an AHL division. I envy you. I wish i could watch my kids open presents on christmas morning and know my team has clinched at least a tie for the division. I just pray that my team sticks to their plan and in a few years we're a bonafide cup contender. Having a few late rounds picks pan out would be nice too!
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-06 09:08:20)
Others have said it, but I have to say it again, Ottawa shouldn't be on this list. No one will be suprised if they make the playoffs, they have a ton of talent. No one will be suprised if they miss the playoffs, they completely imploded last year. No suprises either way. Florida is awful, and I would be suprised if they improved to merely sub-par. No way they make the playoffs, unless every other team in the east is involved in a tragic 14-way plane collision, or Vokoun somehow breaks George Hainsworths single season record 22 shutouts, and posts a sub-1.00 goals against average. I think the plane collision is more likely to happen. Columbus, on the other hand, could be a lot better than people think. They finally have the commitment to two way hockey, a goalie to stop the backbreaker from going in, and some offense to insure they don't lose 1-0 too often. As much as I can't stand the boring brand of hockey that Hitchcock favors, he is a winner. Oh, and JCM, how much more credibility can a team gain when they beat a team from every division in the West in the playoffs, and then beat the best team in the East to win a Cup after being the best team in hockey all season, despite only a .500 record against their own division? How much more credibility can they have? I could be wrong, but usually being the last team standing silences the critics.
Scott Esposito (Posted 2008-08-06 09:01:21)
How the F can Ottawa over achieve this coming season? Did the Sens lose Spezza or Heatley? ... Also: This author says the Rangers let go of Tyutin too easily. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't he a key member of a Rangers defense that the Penguins went through more easily than a hot knife through butter last spring?! Be funny if Zhrdev (sp?) blossomed, too, eh? Not like he's an old man. ... As for Backman, whom the Jackets acquired with Tyutin, all you need to know is the Blues and Rangers moved him in the same season.
Tiger Woods (Posted 2008-08-06 08:41:31)
By writing this article, you are completely eliminating the "Going above expectations" part.
Nate from NJ (Posted 2008-08-06 08:15:25)
Well it sure wasn't gonna' be the Leafs! They haven't overachieved since 1967.
Jay (Posted 2008-08-06 07:56:19)
Right on about Columbus- They were a better team than folks give them credit for last year. They had 12 OT losses out of 17 tries...a few more there and a couple of outright wins and they're in. Naysayers - see ya at the end of the season.
JCM (Posted 2008-08-06 07:44:53)
Alot of nonsense I say. The way hockey is going these days, Ottawa could have a bad week and end up sneaking into the playoffs instead of dropping down the ladder like greased firemen as they did last year. A lot of people are pulling for Columbus to make the playoffs. It will certainly allot the Red Wings more credibility around the league if 3 or 4 teams from their division make the playoffs when they win another cup this year. I hope you have alot of fun, happy Wednesday!
Shawn (Posted 2008-08-06 06:58:36)
I sincerely hope Columbus does well this year. I agree the Rangers should not have let Tyutin go, and if he explodes, then at least I can assure myself some weirdo in Ohio might pay top dollar for my Tyutin jersey..
Scott S (Posted 2008-08-06 03:26:32)
I've been saying since the free agent frenzy ended that Columbus will surprise a lot of people. Their free agent signings are incredibly under rated and their defense almost doubly so. Florida, well you never know, perhaps everybody on the team last year was simply underachieving. We'll see. In my mind though Ottawa won't be overachieving at all, they have a lot of potential and should be seen as a genuine cup contender.
P.S. A lot is two words. Thats my two cents.
Mathew Allen (Posted 2008-08-06 00:41:28)
Just for the record, alot is not a word.
Nick Eman (Posted 2008-08-06 00:17:41)
U Suck:
Alot, can be spelled both "alot" and "a lot" both are acceptable in the English language.
And it is spelled "idiot" not "idot".
Nick Eman (Posted 2008-08-06 00:14:06)
ok seriously, in my opinion, some of you would benefit from reconsidering what overachieving really means, I mean Boston??? They already "overachieved" last season. I do not think a team that, to most, did surprisingly well last season can be considered as a team that will "overachieve" this season. I mean they already took Montreal to 7 games last season, maybe Boston goes two rounds this season but in my opinion, that would not be overachieving by any stretch of the imagination.
Calgary's offense do nothing but improve with Bertuzzi? Is he going to make up for the loss of Huselius and Nolan?
U SUCK! (Posted 2008-08-06 00:09:40)
Hey foley, ALOT is two words ( a lot)
Nick Eman (Posted 2008-08-05 23:59:32)
Trotz a hockey genius? Ha ha ha ha ha. Hockey geniuses can win a Cup once in while nevermind just winning a playoff round. It is amazing how he gets so much credit for Nashville's regular season success yet he gets absolutely ZERO blame for Nashville's playoff failures. Just because he manages to get a lesser hockey city like Nashville to the playoffs that does not mean he has performed some huge feat worthy of genius status, Nashville has had solid players the last few years.
If Trotz was coach of Detroit right now...oh wait he would not be coach of Detroit right now, the Wings would never put up with a coach guiding a team to 4 straight 1st round exits (see Dave Lewis who did not even last 4 years wiith the Wings, and just got fired by LA).
Trent McCrory (Posted 2008-08-05 23:49:09)
Ottawa might be even better, Finally a good coach, a great leader in Smith.
flo (Posted 2008-08-05 23:29:43)
thank you todd, i see that not everybody is as one dimentional. is it that hard to see past this past year and see that ottawa had an off year? i too live in montreal and know many sens fans here feel the same way. sure we can cheer our fellow montrealers success but the reallity is ottawa is proven as far as the depth and grit it now carries. this is sure to be an exciting year as far as ottawa vs montreal. now that they have laraque and we ruuto. should be a good time. we will laugh last!
Dylan (Posted 2008-08-05 23:23:55)
I Also dont see why Ottawa would be on this list when they dont fit the criterea. Sure, if they choke no one's surprised, but if they do see success i have a feeling none of us will be too surprised either. They underacheived for one season. How would Ottawa doing well even be note worthy. Who wouldn't see it coming.
On the other hand look to the Blues to maybe improve this season. Do i expect them to make the playoffs? Not a chance. But i can see them improving on this past season's sad finnish. I see success for this squad Coming from the back end. They've got their Best goaltending situation in a couple years, plus a maturing Johnson to shore up the D. Their best hope is to lock down defensively and play some boring low scoring hockey. But in doing this i can see them maybe improving three, maybe four spots in the west. Just maybe they'll get back out of the basement.
Travis K (Posted 2008-08-05 22:53:39)
everybody on here is saying phoenix and bosyon and chcago should be on the list. right at the start he says that they aren't on here because they are expected to be good teams again. these teams are obviously not expected to be great clomubus has never made the playoffs, florida is just a brutal organization and ottawa had a major collapse and nobody thinks they can bounce back. the only other teams would be toronto if sundin is back and mccabe has a season like he did when he got the conract but you cant completely count them out of being at least in the top 10 especially with a great coach in ron wilson and the islanders are the other team. they have superb goaltending in dipietro some good young forwards in okposo, tambellinni and colliton. these two teams could be in the mix come april if they can play up to their hype nd potential.
Todd Foley (Posted 2008-08-05 22:44:44)
HABS SUCK...and I live in Montreal. For the last 3 -4 years alot of people in Montreal have converted to being a Sens Fan. The Habs finally make the playoffs and everyone is back on the bandwagon. Well I can tell you only a few jumped back on. In Montreal now there are more Sens Fans than Leafs Fans.
Ottawa will be a solid in your face hockey team next year that will be super hard to play against. Guys like Volchenkov, Ruuto, Smith, Bass and Neil will be constantly flying around hitting people and beating the crap out of other teams. Ottawa has never had a team of this make up and their style of play next year will be high powered offensive hockey with a shut down defence. Gerber will get the job done as well. He is alot better than people give him credit for..
SENS will be different team in 08/09..they will win ALOT but the way they win will be very different. They will be the toughest team in East for sure.
Todd
CBJ Fan1 (Posted 2008-08-05 22:42:06)
Kevin, give you a break!! You got to be kidding. Columbus got hoodwinkled by one of the best in business for a number of years. We now have the front office staff who will make the tough decisions. We have the coach who teaches a system that either you buy into or its the highway (Nikki Z comes to mind). The off-season acquisitions have strengthened the team from the defense out. We have a wealth of talent developing in the minors and are ready to produce when called up. And you say who cares. Well this is one fan who can't wait for the "new look" Jackets to take the ice.
BTW - you must be a Wings die-hard !!
Tommy P (Posted 2008-08-05 22:08:14)
I think Calgary will make it further than last year. Their blueline is so physically punishing and their offense can do nothing but improve with the addition of Bertuzzi. They took a strong San Jose squad to seven games last year and I think that they can place 4th or 5th in the West depending on the fortunes of Colorado and Edmonton.
habs wont make the play-offs (Posted 2008-08-05 21:10:45)
Ottawa will go nowhere this season. They lost Stillman,Emery and Redden. They added Rutuu. Wow,plan the cup parade already. Rutuu will pot 30 goals this season. Yeah,sure. They brought in Auld and they have Gerber. Wow. Might as well write their names on the cup right now. Florida is a hockey waste-land. They're like an AHL club. Nobody wants to play for them. Bouwmeester will surely be traded this year at the TD. Vokoun wants out. Columbus isnt going anywhere as well. You guys need to stop being so hopeful. You'll get broken hearts that way. I bet Montreal will finish at the 9th spot as well. Montreal sucks,big time.
bow gagnon (Posted 2008-08-05 20:51:10)
Ottawa,,,,ah ah,you were kidding right?So close of the ultimate goal,and now so far,move over rover,let the habs take over,you had you're chance
Jay Steyer (Posted 2008-08-05 20:12:56)
I think Atlanta will be better than everyone thinks. I'm not saying they will make the playoffs, but they have a pretty good collection of young players(Little, Bogosian, Valabik) that could have some breakout years. Plus, Kovalchuk is always dangerous. I also think that getting rid of some of the dead weight veterans(Holik, Zhitnik) might be addition by subtraction.
Juicein LA (Posted 2008-08-05 20:01:33)
I agree Columbus looks poised to have a break out year, they have made some very smart off season moves- Nash and RJ are huge! Could Nashville improve upon last year? Nothing you pointed out makes me think so and the Panthers??? wow, I think that is a huge stretch, I just don't see it.
snowman (Posted 2008-08-05 19:25:29)
Anything can happen depending on injuries, chemistry & coaching. History has proven it's difficult to predict the winner on a roster at the beginning of the season.
Kevin Smith (Posted 2008-08-05 19:16:27)
I like the people saying Boston should be on this list, and then go on to describe how good they look.
This list is about teams who *might* play better than they look. So if Boston looks good, they're automatically off the list, along with teams like Montreal and Detroit.
John (Posted 2008-08-05 19:02:38)
Edmonton should be at the top of the list. They need their young players to continue to improve, Visnovsky to return to form and Souray to stay healthy. But they have a lot of potential that could realistically come through. Boston or Ottawa? I think pretty much everyone thinks they'll both be contenders, so there's no overachieving to be found there.
Mats Sundin (Posted 2008-08-05 18:51:22)
Mon-Tre-All.
Seb (Posted 2008-08-05 18:34:00)
Why the buzz around Ottawa?! Yes, they crumbled last season when everybody saw them in the Stanley Cup finals but how come nobody is talking about Carolina, Rangers or San Jose? They've had high expectations but crumbled as well! I agree that Boston will surprise this year and finish in the top 5.
flo (Posted 2008-08-05 18:26:51)
typical habs fan, leaving typical habs comments. ottawa kicked montreal,s butt for so long that now they dream the team is comparable to the isle... should i remind everyone what happened in anaheim the year after they lost the final? and then the next? you don't have to in ottawa... they lost the cup to them. many teams are on the rebound after losing the finals one year. they came to hard in the first half then when the spiral came they went down. this is pretty much the same team that went for the cup.maybe even better. believe it or not but spezza(although lacking in heart thowards the end) had his best season last year in points. vermette is on the rise and should get to play on the first 2 lines, alfie had his 2nd best, fisher is peaking, there,s more grit in the offence then there ever was and gerber has always been underated. i'm sure murray's got a few more surpises up his sleaves.
the habs? although i think your team is doing tremendous and hope the best for you(till you face us) you're biggest star can't keep up for more then one season and let's see if he can repeat it(kov), you're captain would of helped his team the most last season by being traded, you've got a rookie goaltender that freezes and lets some of the worst goals of the playoffs go, markov was already thinking golf during the playoffs and practicaly nowhere to be seen, please tell me you'll be getting rid of dandenault and brisebois! streit is gone... the list is long. the only reason the habs had the season they had is that they practicaly didn't suffer from injuries last season. in this day n age that goes a long way. you better sign sergei pronto and all your young dudes cuz the old ones are limping out. still best of luck.
Habs Cup Champs in 2009 (Posted 2008-08-05 18:00:56)
Ottawa will totally overachieve this season, they'll finish 29th! Behind only the Laughs!
Wings Fan Central (Posted 2008-08-05 17:53:44)
NYI Delusional Fan Central, you must be drowning yourself in booze daily to escape the reality of your roster. Last time I checked finishing 26th out of 30 teams isn't being 'in contention.' The only thing that got you into the playoffs in 2007 was Ted Nolan. He's gone, Smythe is gone, and Yashin is gone (I only mention him because he's your franchise's best player of the last 20 years although he'd not be worth mentioning on 29 other rosters.) So bout time you cheer for a successful team, say like NYR, you don't have to be a drunk and you'll look smarter on comment forums.
A.K. (Posted 2008-08-05 17:52:26)
Matt> Redden sure as heck isn't in "the prime of his career". The Rangers are going to be paying 6 million a year to a defenseman on the decline. He was an elite player for about six seasons in Ottawa. i'm sure he'll still be good but far from his prime. but i agree the team as a whole isn't on the decline. I think Naslund can rebound there.
Jon> Vancouver? Do damage? Youve gotta be kidding. unless you mean do damage to themselves.
I agree Florida could be similar to Boston this year if they play a similar style - no big scorers but scoring by committee and shutdown defense. They don't have a guy like Chara but their goaltending should be stronger.
Jon (Posted 2008-08-05 17:38:08)
Ottawa cannot possibly overachieve. A Stanley cup wouldn't even be considered over achieving. They still have a tremendous amount of talent and just because they had one bad year doesn't mean they are forgotten.
Forget about Florida...they are awful. Three teams people dont expect to do damage but will are Boston, Edmonton and Vancouver.
Cid from Indiana (Posted 2008-08-05 17:32:30)
Florida I think could suprise a few people this year, but Washington and Tampa Bay have both improved a ton so I don't think there will be nearly as many easy points in the Southeast this year as there were last year. Columbus? No way. The Central is too tough. They ought to smack the Blues around every time the meet them, but everyone else is head and shoulders better than CLB. Ottawa? Overachieve? The team, hell, the entire org, is KNOWN for UNDERachieving. Every year. Since like 2001. I think you maybe meant Phoenix. Phoenix will play over their heads and make the playoffs this season. They've got some scary young kids on that roster and picking up Bryzgalov from waivers last year will sting the Ducks even worse next season when they finish 9th in the West as Phoenix rolls in at number 8.
NYI Fan Central (Posted 2008-08-05 17:30:45)
When the Isles are in contention as they always are what will be written this time?
kevin (Posted 2008-08-05 17:13:34)
Ottawa? Are you kidding? They were "supposedly" the best team in hockey this time last year. Now they are going to "overachieve"? They would need to go to the Finals in order to do that. Or are they now considered a bad team...fact is they have no goalie so they are going nowhere...Florida and Columbus? Gimme a break. Nobody cares about these team and that includes the citizens of Ohio and Florida..so it just doesn't matter whet the h*ll they do.
Matt (Posted 2008-08-05 16:52:12)
The decline of the Rangers, Bill? Replacing oldtimers Straka, Nylander, and Jagr with prime of their career players like Drury, Gomez and Redden ain't bad. Plus having youngsters that can be gamebreakers like Dubinsky, Prucha, Zherdev, and Staal ain't bad either. If they bring back Shanahan and if Naslund, Lundqvist & Rozsival have even a slightly decent seasons I don't see them out of the playoffs, thats a pretty solid core. I'm not even a Rangers fan.
Bill Carroll (Posted 2008-08-05 16:38:25)
I have to agree with James here. Boston should be on this list because they can be looked at as a pivot contender in the East this year. Bergeron will be more than ready to go this year, and pissed about how long he was out from a cheap shot and not being able to contribute on the ice to their above average performance last year. Kessel will be better as well with having less offensive preasure on him in game with other players to learn on. And as much as I'd hate to say it, the decline of the Rangers and being able to compete more with the Pens will help them in the standings. And I never liked Boston; but they will do well.
Kovalev Kills Goalie Careers (Posted 2008-08-05 16:38:19)
Ouuuuuu! Ottawa is being mentioned with teams the calibre of Columbus and Florida..... right where they belong!!!! Haha oh you're so wrong Rory, none of these teams will go anywhere next year. Sens will probably make the playoffs but then get swept by the HABS in the first!
flo (Posted 2008-08-05 16:37:44)
finaly someone who sticks u for ottawa. there was alot of things left unsaid in the media about the situation in ottawa last year. personaly i think that alot will probably be changed in the dressing room and the addition of smith will help the teams back bone but i think that the leadership of the present captain should not be in question. if anything, in the 07 playoffs it was alfie who showed the most determination even when it was obvious that they would not win the cup. a true leader by exemple. maybe the smacks in the back of tthe head will come from smith... an A on his shirt.
as for Boston james. last year was them pulling together in the absence of some of their best elements. this year i can see them relying on them and missing the mark. who knows... maybe rider can pull it off.
Andrew (Posted 2008-08-05 16:27:44)
Teams like Ottawa should be evaluating their chances now of landing a guy like Khabibulin. He's almost surely gonna be dealt. Maybe Edmonton or Colorado will make a go for him.
James Finney (Posted 2008-08-05 16:10:50)
I agree with Gabe, Boston definitely should have been one of the three. Everyone said they'd be in the basement last season and then they lost Manny and Bergeron and still made the playoffs. This season, they'll have both of them and Ryder (who could do much better than last season w/ good playmakers and a coach he's had 30 goals under) not to mention Krecji, Sobotka, and Kessel all improving and Murray not wasting a roster spot. If Kessel learns to take hits and dish them out, he could do much better. Blake Wheeler should be pretty good too - though he may not play in Boston next season. Also, I really don't see the Panthers going anywhere. They lost Jokinen who basically was Florida and haven't really gotten anyone worthwhile. Florida couldn't even make anything with Luongo and Bure, what makes you think they'll make anything out of this pathetic team.
fred (Posted 2008-08-05 15:54:57)
barrow,i agree totally about smith being the right man on ottawa,they never had the right leadership...redden could never cut it and i'm glad to see him in a rangers uniform...don't get me wrong....redden is a good hockey player and emery just needed to be out of the spotlight and a new start....i feel confident in gerber and hope they do better in the playoffs.good luck to both of them with their new teams. ottawa vs. detroit= cup final
Frank Caputo (Posted 2008-08-05 15:53:15)
don't forget about Phoenix, a full year with Bryzgalov, and the youngsters Mueller and Hanzel stepping up should help that team
Jimmy (Posted 2008-08-05 15:51:07)
Are you kidding me? Ottawa? How can a team go anywhere if they have a goalie (Gerber) who can't win in the playoffs, and another (Auld) who is decent at best, never minding the fact that he has no playoff experience? Poor choice by Mr. Boylen.
Mike (Posted 2008-08-05 15:48:29)
Colorado?!
Gabe Raymond (Posted 2008-08-05 15:38:45)
Boston
Barrow (Posted 2008-08-05 15:27:58)
The Sens finally got a real captain in Smith and maybe he can smack some sense into Spezza. Ruutu will add some grit but will this version of the Sens finally show a backbone? Remember when Alfie got hit head taken off by Bell and the Sens did NOTHING to stick up for him? Chris Neil must GO!
fleetwood94 (Posted 2008-08-05 15:08:36)
Finally!!! Some love for the for the CBJ!!! They came pretty close last season-some upgrades and now they're ready to take the next step.
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