THN.com Blog: Three teams that will underachieve in 2009
Chris Drury and Scott Gomez will lead the Rangers, while young guys like Marc Staal will take on bigger roles. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Rory Boylen
2008-08-14 10:48:52
At the beginning of the season – even in the months leading up to it – no one is shy about making bold predictions about their favorite team.
“No one gives them any credit. They are better than you think. You’ll see in April. You’ll all see!”
But what happens when that know-it-all is proven to be a loudmouth? When his team is eliminated in, say, February, does he make an appearance? No, not usually. Instead he’ll hibernate in his den, waiting for the off-season where wishful thinking can once again reign supreme.
That, or jump on someone else’s bandwagon, though who would admit to that?
But every now and again those bold predictions pay off and the one who seemingly ran off at the mouth in August comes off feeling like a genius, even if it took 20 tries before the annual bold prediction rang true.
So, to follow up on last week’s blog about which teams I think have the means and potential to overachieve in 2008-09, here are a few teams I think will take a step back, leaving some loyal followers to chew on their words this winter.
Montreal Canadiens: Let me guess, a few of the more prickly Habs fans will take exception to this one and point to a prediction that missed last summer. So old, so boring. These guys must make a killing reading palms and tarot cards. Though I wonder, are they the same ones who claimed the Habs would win the Stanley Cup?
I think anyone who is already handing the East’s regular season title to Montreal needs to take off their blinders, because this is a team that played way over its head last season.
Sure, the Canadiens are talented and I’d be surprised if they missed the playoffs, but I don’t think they’ll finish with home-ice advantage again this season. If the Habs proved anything in last year’s playoffs it’s that they weren’t as good as their regular season record indicated.
While Carey Price is the next great young goalie, he isn’t there yet and if he continues to have issues with his glove hand, Montreal will have issues beating their conference’s big bangers. The one huge plus they have going for them, though, is Alex Kovalev is playing for a contract…so look out.
Minnesota Wild: They could be like the New Jersey Devils in that despite losing a few big-ticket names to free agency, their tried and tested defensive system carries them into the post-season.
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Then again, they don’t have anyone who can match Martin Brodeur’s dominance.
The Wild lost a huge part of its two-way game in Brian Rolston and some helpful scoring punch in Pavol Demitra and Mark Parrish. The Wild will always be defense-first under coach Jacques Lemaire, which leads me to question a couple of the additions the team made on the back end.
Marek Zidlicky and Marc-Andre Bergeron aren’t known for their defense, but will certainly help a power play that won’t have much luster to begin with. The Northwest Division might end up scoring the fewest goals this season, which ultimately could play into the Wild’s hands, though I think the team has lost too much “umph” to keep themselves propped up in a playoff slot.
New York Rangers: I didn’t like much of what the Rangers did this off-season and I couldn’t figure out why a team that was so close to being a legitimate conference champion contender would re-shape its image.
It goes back to that old, simple saying; “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka went back to Europe, Brendan Shanahan still hasn’t been invited back, Nikolai Zherdev – host of a notoriously bad attitude and work ethic – was added for a steep price that included under-appreciated defender Fedor Tyutin and finally Sean Avery, love him or hate him, was lost for nothing to free agency.
It’s time for Scott Gomez and Chris Drury to call this team their own, which is all well and good for them, but the team simply doesn’t have the same make-up for success it did last season. It seems to me the Rangers have a few more ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ that could have their fans choking on candy and nuts by Christmas.
Still, in goalie Henrik Lundqvist, the Rangers have one of the best back-stoppers in the game, so he should be able to lead them back to the second season, though New York will find themselves having to win big games in April to make it that far.
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.
Vincent Martucci (Posted 2008-10-15 06:48:23)
Those were great comments by a so called expert of the game. Just look at the start the NEW rangers have gotten off to--5 wins in 5 games with veterans and the young kids blending to really form a team believing in themselves. This team is a winner and will be a Stanley cup contender this year and for years to come--God bless America
5 4 fighting (Posted 2008-08-25 23:37:58)
Rangers will do better this year after a slow start. Their D has improved both in terms of offensive and defensive performances.Upgrades Redden and Kalinin over departed Tyutin and Backman and both Redden and Kalinin will play on the PP-also upgrading that unit. Nasland and Zherdev will produce the same as Jagr and Straka and will compliment Drury and Gomez in their styles of play.The only loss will be that of Avery but being a part time player last year I believe the kids Callahan/Dawes/Dubinsky will step it up.Fritsche will be a good two way player as well.
Braden (Posted 2008-08-19 12:27:30)
I'll be looking for a hell of a lot more than 15 goals from Zherdev. This guy needs to step it up now! I think Redden could still be a very good defenseman. Give Drury the C. What a player. Scores countless huge impact goals and works hard every shift. Great on faceoffs, solid on defense. Averages better than 20 goals a season over his entire career.
andrew st amant (Posted 2008-08-19 11:34:58)
I would like to point one thing out that many people fail to realise about Wade Redded, it is not uncommon for a defensemans numbers to decrease offensively when he has no confidence in teh guy defending the cage, a defenseman needs to feel confident that any mishap that the guy behind him will be able to make the save. Ottawa has not had a legitimate and solid goaltender (minus the months that emery proved decent) since Hasek signed redden`s plus minus, points total and apparent redcution in defensive ability can all be traced back to the horrible goaltending that ottawa saw last year.. the rangers on teh otehr hadn finishjed tops in teh league in defense and won a lot of games even with a less then potent offense.. redden will be a great fit and all those fools who still seem to focus on the dollar ammounts will eat your words.. also look for the offense to be much better as it will be much more spread out perhaps naslund , drury, gomez, (hopefully shanny), Dawes, Duby, and Zherdev wont score 100 points each but Ill take 15 to 30 goals from each of them ...
Sean (Posted 2008-08-19 02:02:05)
I got a little farther this time "pushing the series to 7 games -- by the end of that series the two teams were clearly on the same level".
Game 7 was indeed a classic - what was the final score again?
Swedish Dangler (Posted 2008-08-18 22:17:30)
He lost me at "Michael Ryder - 30 goals". Have this guy seen him the last two years? Or maybe no top-end player at any position. Because Andrei Markov and Mike Komisarek are so much worse then Chara. And because Kovalev, Chris Higgins and all those prospects on offense just are so much worse then...Glen Murray?
And because Tim Thomas is one of the top 10 prospects in the game, and a technically sound goalkeeper which never goes of the rails. Never.
So they played a 7-game play-off series.
Oh, and in the 7-game series. Which team won?
Sean (Posted 2008-08-18 20:19:36)
You lost me at "the Bruins had more points than the Habs EXCEPT . . . ". Like the Loafs, the Bruins will never win another Stanley cup in our lifetime. Sad but true.
bostonblueline.blogspot.com (Posted 2008-08-18 10:59:54)
It's real simple, folks. Last season the Bruins had more points than the Habs EXCEPT that Montreal swept the season series 8-0. Ouch. BUT... the Bruins outworked the Habs in the playoffs, pushing the series to 7 games -- by the end of that series the two teams were clearly on the same level. In the offseason the Bruins add Ryder (should be a 30-goal scorer), Patrice Bergeron (remember him? their leading scorer injured all last season), and Manny Fernandez (remember him? their starting goaltender injured all last season). The Habs add Alex Tanguay (20 goals) and Georges Laraque (20 games worth of PIM). So it's fair to say that this season the Bruins could be expected to split the season series, barring any dramatic changes on either team. Furthermore it's VERY safe to say the Bruins will win 3-5 more games minimum due to major roster upgrades. 3 more wins + split season series = Habs in second place. It's unfathomable, I know, because the Canadiens are automatically the best team in the league every season. But the reality is that they have no top-end player at any position. They've got decent depth but that only goes so far. bostonblueline.blogspot.com
mitchell rodgers (Posted 2008-08-17 23:34:49)
i think that you could actually put the habs in both your under acheving teams and your overachieving teams. this is a young team who played great during the season but got out worked in the playoffs. yes they did "overachieved" last season, but now there better so if they continue to "overachieve" they very well may win the cup but if they don't and play only whats expected of them i think that they will "underachieve"
Lari Mitchell (Posted 2008-08-17 10:20:27)
So Rory, you are saying that the Habs will finish no better than 5th their Conference? I'll take that bet. Really, I mean it, Bob. Reply to me and tell me we're on, say for $ 5.00 bucks to make it accessible and sporting. We'll see who has bragging rights at the end of the year? Or maybe you don't get paid for writing your blog ...?
And by the way, when you try and dismiss last year's THN prediction of the Habs finishing last, you sound like you don't want to take responsibility for your comments. I'll take responsibility for mine: Habs no worse than 2nd in their conference.
Nathan (Posted 2008-08-17 00:38:09)
I use to take into consideration what THN had to say about the habs. Then last year they predicted we'd miss the playoffs and we ended up in first.
Now I think most sports writers were bitter kids who watched the habs beat their favorite teams all their lives.
Sorry pal, the days of underacheiving habs is over.
Rodney Ross (Posted 2008-08-16 22:34:32)
Well, to underachieve is to not accomplish what was previously attained. Therefore, I hate to say it, but the Pens should have been included as one of these teams. If the Pens make it back to the finals (which I hope it does, but I'm a realist, not with this current team), it should be considered an overachievement. But take any team in the league ( including your Habs and Rangers) and removed 2 top 6 forwards, and 4 3rd and 4th liners from them + a vetern back-up goalie( Malone, Hossa, Roberts, Ruttuu, Laraque, Hall and Conklin) and then see if they will reach the playoffs, let alone the Finals. I do understand this is how the league goes nowadays, but like I first said, if you don't achieve at least what you did last year, then you failed. So you Ranger and Habs fans, you haven't lost much of anything. So shut your traps!!!!
PuckMucker (Posted 2008-08-16 21:25:41)
Tony - you are an idiot. And you should go back to watching basketball or whatever because you obviously know nothing about hockey.
Tony (Posted 2008-08-16 09:36:43)
Anyone who is picking the Crap's to win the SE division has NO clue about hockey, team strength or goaltending (this is a prediction, not a wish list idiots!). Crap's have downgrading their goaltending and will be in trouble from day one (Theodore stinks).
They should have NEVER won the division last year, Carolina lost it, Caps did not win it. And the only reason they were there, their goaltender, who is now in pathetic Chicago.
Canes and Tampa are better on paper and the Canes are better on the ice than the Caps based on last year and the upgrades they made). Caps stunk up the playoffs last year and are a poor representative for the Southbeast's. Florida will be even better than the Crap's
Ragger (Posted 2008-08-16 02:33:25)
I love predictions. Here's mine. The Habs will be fine. Competetive, Fast and exciting to watch. Make the playoffs ? Absolutely and from there on its anyone's guess. Remember 93 ? I do.....
GO HABS GO !!!!
Braden (Posted 2008-08-15 14:57:23)
I agree Ginn, with your comment about Straka. Some people don't give him enough credit. He was a very solid player at both ends of the rink.
Ginn (Posted 2008-08-15 14:48:00)
Although I don't agree with the sums of money given to certain players I generally like the moves made by the Rangers. Straka has been a FANTASTIC Rangers since his arrival and I would've liked to keep him around but without Jagr it was pointless. Jagr has had some tremendous performances while wearing a Blueshirt but it was time to move on. He wasn't a great leader (Shanny was the real captain), he wasn't going to score 40 or 50 goals, and he was going to continue to ruin the power play. Nuslund is slightly younger and although he has experienced some less productive years he didn't have Gomez or Drury to feed him the puck. I am so sick of people lambasting Zehedev about his attitude and work ethic. 3 reasons why Zehedev will turn things around. First off Renney is great a developing youth as can be seen with Dawes, Dubinsky, and Callahan. Secondly, Zehedev will be surrounded by great players like Nuslund, Gomez, and Drury. Thirdly, there is Anisimov (a young Russian), Kalinin, and soon Alexi Cherepanov. Not to mention the large Russian population in the NYC area. Another thing Sather did during the summer was add depth. There is going to be a ton of competition in camp. I think this younger and faster Rangers team will surprise a lot of people.
ImNotPregnantImFat (Posted 2008-08-15 13:07:43)
I really think Toronto's Tank for Tavares campaign will be successful. Is it normal for the Toronto players in NHL'08 to miss an open net in a shootout with the goalie behind the net along the boards?
whatsthatsmell (Posted 2008-08-15 11:59:11)
To Leaflander: First of all, glue has got to be one of the best smelly responses yet. Second of all, while I concede point in case of Jagr, who is impossible to replace, Straka was easily replace by Naslund. Shanahan was too old and wont be missed. Redden didn't want to leave the Senators because he thought they were gonna go all the way last year and wanted to be on the team when it happened. He obviously knew he was having a sub-par year and chances of pulling in the big bucks were diminishing, but wanted to get a cup on the Sens if possible. And I would rather have Redden than McCabe any day. At least Redden doesn't score on his own net.
rabbit 03 (Posted 2008-08-15 10:27:15)
Under or over-acheiving is very relative. It depends on what you think is expected of them. If the Habs are expected to finish 1st in the East, there isn't much room for overacheiving is there? If finishing 5th in a league with so much parity is considered underacheiving, that would mean you have a pretty talented team!
At the other end of the ranking, it would be pretty hard for the Leafs to underacheive! Can you finish lower than 15th?
Gagner 89 (Posted 2008-08-15 10:09:53)
Montreal probably wont underachieve. Their only big loss is Streit, and while thats a blow to their powerplay, it doesn't affect the team much, except for trying to find somebody to replace his 62 points. The Wild did lose some good guys in Rolston and Demitra, but Zidlicky and Bergeron could help there. Calgary should've made this list (and i'm not saying that cause im an oilers fan). They took a major chance on Bertuzzi and thats one that most likely will not pan out. Cammalleri will be good if he gets up to 80 points again. Kiprusoff's started the last three years slowly, whats to say this year it takes him the entire first half to find his top form? Could happen. Completely agree with Leaflander about the Rangers.
Leaflander (Posted 2008-08-15 09:20:51)
To whatsthatsmell, I'll tell you what the smell is, it's glue, because I think that's what you have been sniffing to throw down what you just did. Losing Jagr, even though on the tail end of his career, and Straka, that's way too much offensive punch to reaplce. The leadership they provided they provided will be sorely missed, and this is before considering the leadership Shanny provided. Avery, although a knob can still provide, but the Rangers are better off without him. They do have some good young potential, (you forgot to mention Nigel Dawes by the way) but I thinkg there will be way tooooooo many distractions for Zherdev to hope his attitude and work ethic will improve. As far as Redden goes, I beleive he exercised his no trade clause on one or more times in the past when the Sens could have moved him, and only jumped to the Rangers when the cash cow rolled into town. Beleive me, he is not going to save the Rangers. All in all, expect less then what they did last year, you go to the bank or the glue store with that one !!!!
JoeS (Posted 2008-08-15 09:11:09)
I hate to burst your bubble "whatsthatsmell", but Redden is anything but a legit star dman. He is actually a marginal top 4. He doesn't really have one strength. He has lost a lot in the last couple years. He doesn't skate well, doesn't play physical, is not an offensive dman, and certainly isn't a defensive dman. He will be in McCabe's situation in a couple years, although I think McCabe is actually better than Redden. If he couldn't handle the pressure in Ottawa, how will he handle it in New York?
whatsthatsmell (Posted 2008-08-15 08:42:33)
At the start of last year, everyone was saying the Rangers biggest hole was defence. Well defensively they held their own last year. Now with a proven legitimate star defenceman in Redden. There was too much competition and too much politics in Ottawa last year, so Reddens time got slashed, and his performance suffered. With the Rangers style of play, and a Vezina candidate goalie behind him, Redden will have a resurrgence this year. With young stars in the making Staal, Girardi, and proven talent in Rozsival, and Kalinin, the Rangers Defence is solid. Offense is more than adequate with Gomez, Drury, Nasland, and Zherdev leading the way. They are a completely different team than they were two years ago, and a much better one at that.
Ken Spencer (Posted 2008-08-15 08:35:22)
Good article, Rory. The Rangers were crazy to let Jagr and Avery go.
Blueshirt management is about to feel the wrath of the merciless New
York newspapers and more merciless New York fans. I'm not a Habs' fan,
but I feel that they got a taste of the playoffs last year and that experience
will help them. They won't be able to walk the streets of Montreal if they
lose to the Flyers again in five games. Ken Spencer
Shawn Daly (Posted 2008-08-15 07:22:05)
That's why I love your blog man.. giving props where the props are due. Tyutin WAS underappreciated and will defnitely help Columbus, albeit inconspicuously.. I will make no ridiculous predictions about my Rangers.. I plan to sit back and see who becomes the next big thing.. Doobs? Dawes? Shoestring? (uhm.. Sjostrom?)
Dunnermon (Posted 2008-08-15 01:43:20)
It's good to see that Montreal fans are still bitter about their elimination by Philly. Rem you are an idiot, if a team wins a Stanley Cup Playoff series in 5 games, they most definately deserve it. The Flyers won that series with timely goal scoring and the fact Marty Biron outplayed the infamous Carey Price...not because they "gooned it up".
Jean-François Pion (Posted 2008-08-15 00:27:37)
Considering THN.com did predict us 13th last year.........I'm very enthusiastic about our underachievements this year! It is the centennial of the Canadiens, and even thought your enthusiasm in seeing us fail yet again, I can say without a doubt that Hockey in Montréal is better now than it has been in the past 15 years. Thanks to our GM Bob Gainey, the team as improved yet again, replacing Alex Tanguay, a player who I believe will make wonders this year (Replacing Ryder doesn't put the bar too high). But there is a much more interesting acquisition. The one of Big George Laraque. You see, the habs being a frail team,most talented rookies couldn't skate as freely as they should have, rookies like Sergei Kostistyn and others (Carey Price!!!) were being pushed around lots. Now with this addition, we will be able to skate more freely. Rookies have gained enormous confidence from last years season and I'm very enthusiast to look at Andrei improvement along with Chris Higgins'.
To those of you who seem to think the loss of Mark Streit will greatly hurt our Powerplay, i tell you this: The same thing was said last year over the departure of Sheldon Souray to Edmonton. truth is, its quite easy to be a high scoring PP defensemen and a quarterback at the blue line when you are in the best PP of the league. Look at Streit's performance with the Islanders (althought I wish him the best of luck) and we will all be enlightened as the year progresses.
Finally, I do think the Habs will be in the Top 3 this year. And 1st place is not that tough to foresee. Why:
Northeast division teams seem to all be weak this year, some weaker than last year. Ottawa lost defense and has no confidence in goaltending, Buffalo........Maple Leafs...... Boston may have improved a little, yet not enogh to be a threat.
And the Atlantinc division is way tougher: Philly,Rangers,NJ Devils,Penguins.......and Islanders, no team will be too dominant over their own division which will play in the Habs favor.
Capitals will get the their division for sure, Tampa Bay has improved, but still lacks defense and goaltending and it will show next year. Florida???Altlanta??? Carolina still has a shot at a playoff spot, 7th or 8th Max.
So here is my point, Habs will be Top 3 with Home ice advantage, and even if they don't thy will still be better than they were in the past 15 years and we will celebrate the sport that is hockey!! Go Habs Go and a good Hockey season to you all!!!
Rem (Posted 2008-08-15 00:26:26)
Ok I was surprised not to have seen any Mtl bashing in THN for a few days... Here it comes. Now, this team was a young team last year and that explains a lot about the elimination in 2nd round (even though Philly didn't deserve to eliminate us, anyways next time they want to goon us, they'll have to deal with big George). But remember how the Wings and the Sens performed a few years ago in the playoffs after finishing first during the regular season...
Now, a team doesn't finnish first by accident, neitheir does it score the most goal in the NHL or ends up with with the no1 PP in the league by accident. Now, if you thought Streit was the reason why we ended up with the best PP of the league, I have two words for you: Sheldon Souray; he was also supose to be the reason why we were 1st in that department the year before.
We were the first in eastern last year, and our team has improve with the venue of Tanguay and Laraque, but mainly because of the experience gained by the young Lapierre, Latendresse, Kostitsyn, Gorges, O'byrne and so on. The other powers in eastern have lost key elements (just think of Pittsburgh). So that is why we will stay first this year.
Cary (Posted 2008-08-14 23:16:10)
Flo, I'm willing to put a bet out there that Montreal will beat Ottawa for first in the division. You up for it? Ottawa is not the team it was two years ago. The don't match up to Montreal now. As for Kovalev going to the Kolonial league, hmmm, I kind of doubt that one. He still like's Montreal a lot and spends more time in North America than Russia now, he also wants to win a cup.
Glen miller (Posted 2008-08-14 23:07:18)
As a Rangers fan I have to admit that I was a little befuddled with their moves the last couple of years. Last offseason I desperately wanted Drury but at the same time I was hoping that they could lock up Nylander for 2 years and save money versus adding Gomez which had been rumored. Well, Sather really opened up the wallet for Drury and Gomez paying each of them over $7 million a year each. I thought then that it was potential trouble. I really like both players but would have liked to have gotten both for less money annually. With so many UFA coming into this season and Slats intent on adding a PP quarterback on the blueline, I just knew we would over pay for someone. And we did; say hello to Wade Redden for the next 6 years. OUCH. Too much moolah for too many years. Zherdev has great potential but will be a RFA next off season and if he puts up some points this year then he's likely to look for a sizable raise. I'm glad we do have several legitimate prospects to fill in the empty spots but still we've left ourselves no financial flexibility if the salary cap doesn't keep rising.
Tony Jay (Posted 2008-08-14 22:02:26)
Rory,
The Rangers WERE broke. If you watched Shanny in the Pitt series, he NEVER got to a loose puck on the boards-he was just way too slow for todays speed in the game. Straka is the most underappeciated, always hustling player around, but he is getting old, just like Jagr. The Rangers have been on a youth movement that has been a long time coming, and it started with a purge of Neil Smith's mess of a prospect system when slats came aboard. At some point, Callahan, Dubinski, Dawes, Prucha, and Korpikowski need to get more ice time. Now is definately the time. Agreed that Zherdev is a reach-but he is a good gamble at 23. They'll get off to a slow start with so many new faces-all teams do-its not rocket science to predict that any team with new faces will struggle out of the gate. Last year's team was NEVER going to win the cup. At best, they were worse than a Pens team that was worse than Detroit, and getting older to boot. This offseason was a good perscripion to get younger and quicker. I do agree with you on Avery, however. We'll have to see if parros and some of these other agitators fill the role at less of a cost in the locker room.
Chris (Posted 2008-08-14 21:44:36)
Three teams that will underachieve: New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars
Three teams that will overachieve: LA Kings, Carolina Hurricanes and the Toronto Maple Leafs (no i am not a crackpot... they're better than last year, not much, but still better)
flo (Posted 2008-08-14 21:07:42)
i love living in montreal... and i love habs fans... they are so sure of their team it's ridiculous. i made 2 bets yesterday at work. both for 40$. the first is that he thought montreal was gonna finish first in the east and i did not. the second is that he thought he thought the sens where gonna miss the playoffs and i think not. that's the beauty living here. they are self absorbed with their team and thinking after a good season that the cup is theirs for the taking that you can reap-in on their fantasy foly. i hope sundin comes and play in montreal, cuz i do wish them a good season... just not as good as ottawa. go sens go!
Paolo (Posted 2008-08-14 20:22:29)
If there`s one team I predict will underachieve this year, it would be Tampa Bay. Nothing good ever happens by bringing in so many news faces in a period of a couple of months. People expect great things from TB this year... I think they will bomb. The one thing that they have going for them, is that they are in the weakest division in hockey... that will help them.
Joe D (Posted 2008-08-14 19:41:40)
Rory, you may be right about the Habs especially if Price proves to be more the goalie he was in the playoffs than during the regular season.... with Streit gone, the PP which helped them win many games won't be as efficient.... as for Kovalev, his next contract is already awaiting him back home in the Kontinental league so he won't put up the numbers he did last season.... another sure thing is the Habs won't rack up 16 easy points against the Bruins, the surprise team in the East this upcoming season.... instead of battling for top spot in the division, the Habs could very well be fighting just to make the playoffs....
Kyle (Posted 2008-08-14 19:15:55)
A team with a 20-something ranked offense close to a conference contender? I guess you gave up credibility for lent. They will probably finish somewhere between 4 and 7 again, due mostly to the horrible Eastern Conference.
whatsthatsmell (Posted 2008-08-14 18:30:48)
The rangers have a good team this year. If they surprise it will be to the upside, not to the downside.
Cary (Posted 2008-08-14 18:23:50)
Well, isn't this great Rory. Look what you've done. You know where to get my e-mail. I'll bet you that Montreal finishes in the top 4 this year, and as for the playoffs, they are already tougher, and have a years experience under there belt. Do you not think that there is enough motivation for this team to finish first, and to make a great run for the cup? Do you not think that this team has enough resources to get the player they need down the stretch, or even when other teams falter at the have way marker of the season? Do you think that this is a team that will stand still with what they have? It's to bad that the real jealousy is showing through with all of the writters in Toronto. As for my Detroit friend, 5 years ago, did we know what a Datsyuk or a Zetterberg was? Same can be said for the Kostitsyn bothers. Surprisingly, you have two young kids with talent and character. I wouldn't be surprised to see both of them pick up more than 50 points each. 35 to 40 goals isn't out of the question for Andrei Kostitsyn. Funny how when Montreal starts to get good once again, the envious one's start to come out. I guess it makes people nervous to once again start looking over there shoulders and see the red, white, and blue coming from behind. Go Habs Go!!!
Peter (Posted 2008-08-14 17:50:45)
I love how rangers said "you article is merely your opinion." I couldn't stop laughing for 10 min.
and as for all the habs fans, do what you do best.
whine habs wine, whine habs whine.
Alex in AZ (Posted 2008-08-14 17:31:30)
luv guru - that just goes to show there's hockey incompetence on either side of the international border we share.
shadd (Posted 2008-08-14 17:20:08)
seriously people everyone needs to stop talking about streit and how the powerplay will be no good now that he is gone..... please try to find some articles about the canadiens from last summer around this time when all we were hearing is that the team will be horrible and not make the playoffs because sourey is gone and now the powerplay will be useless... no one player makes or breaks a pp unit
Braden (Posted 2008-08-14 16:49:52)
Pfffff. That's nothing. My Grandma would get 90 points (and that's on the Maple Leafs pp).
Luke (Posted 2008-08-14 16:38:01)
You might be right when you say the habs overplayed las season, but there his absolutely no reason why they could not repeat this again next year. Here's some facts you should (re)consider. 1. To finish in the top positions, Canadiens will not have to be better than all of the 5 other playoffs participating teams; they will only need to be better than they're section opponents. And that wont be too difficult I think. Let's take a close look at them: Ottawa (no decent goaltender and a diminished defense), Boston (no offense and an unreliable goaltender), Buffalo (no depht) and Toronto (no team, oh no I forgot Finger...). The real opposition comes from the other sections, obviously. 2. The off-season was well managed by Bob Gainey, replacing Ryder with Tanguay and getting 3-years signature from the big guy Laracque. HE was not stupid enough to spend 4m$/year for Ryder, by the way. Moreover, the team still have 6 or 7 million $ in they're pockets to add whatever is available (and good) during the upcoming season. 3. Even if only 1 or 2 youngsters are better than last season, the upgrade will be significant, especially if that improvement comes from the goaltender, wich will certainly happen. 4. Some of those guys will play they're crucial season: Kovy, Higgins and Komisarek will all become UFA next july, unless... 5. Don't forget the 100th anniversary and the most important thing, the fans!
I almost forgot about Streit. Listen, even my grandma would have get at least 60 points too, playing between Markov and Kovy on the pp.
Duncan Fairweather (Posted 2008-08-14 16:22:01)
Rory,
Did you ever watch the Ranger's?
Tyutin was one of the most over-rated defenseman in the history of the club. He had been in decline the past 2 seasons.
And close to being a 'legitimate conference champion contender'? Another joke. This was a mediocre team that stumbled into the playoffs mainly by virtue of the teams ahead of them stumbling even more.
I wish Avery were still with them, but Shanahan was mainly just taking penalties the 2nd half of the season. Zherdev - he may not be class president but the bulk of the muck raked on him was by Doug McLean. The fans who post in the Blue Jackets message boards (who actually watched Zherdev) seemed to like him pretty much.
The Rangers will probably underachieve - but for none of the reasons you cite. It will be because of the utter mediocrity of the coaching staff.
Pierre Boutin (Posted 2008-08-14 15:22:58)
Relative to other teams Montreal has had a light load of injuries last season ... a favorable context and not all of their accumulated 104 points would have been possible without it.
I think under a more even spread of injuries in the East next season we can expect the CH to fall back naturally to where Boylen has predicted them to be.... unless next year's team will actually be a better version then they were last season.... then they could very well fight back to the Eastern's top position.
Will they be a better team ?
Can they do it ?
The growth factor alone tells me that they will be an improved team next season and I dont see a regression hapenning at the positions held by the players that have exited out of town this summer.
As it stand for now the CH remains hight in speed-talent, deep in scoring depth and should be expected to lead the league once again in scoring.
I cant see how a team having such a positive profile competing in a league where speed and scoring will go a long way can go wrong..... so yes I can see MTL being very close to the top position in the East once again next season.
Tim Adams (Posted 2008-08-14 15:00:18)
The name of the game in hockey this day and age is faster and younger. Look at the Penguins this year. Veteran leadership is always key but to say the Rangers will under-achieve this year is nonsense. They have plenty of experienced farm guys ready to pick up the slack. I remember not too long ago when fans wanted Jagr out. So now that he left makes a big difference. Guess guys aren't appreciated when they wear the jersey. As for Shanahan, missed portions of the season, couldn't care less. Not like he added 60 + points last season. Lunny will dominate again which will get us wins and the defense corps. looks sharper now that the young kids get more experience. If the Rangers should make a change, it should be Renney out as coach. They can't shake that upper-90 point plateau every year. Give Drury the "C" and he'll put up some crunch points like he did in Buffalo. Maybe not Cup contenders this year, but let these new players sink in and they'll be there next year. My prediction: sixth or seventh in the East.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-14 14:57:31)
Sorry, Mikee, but some of the Habs did overachieve last year, by any definition, and while I do think they win their division this year, mostly due to Price and Kovalev, I don't think that they take top spot in the East this year. Losing Streit will hurt their PP, and they won't take all of the games against Boston this year. They only have 6 games against divisional foes, meaning less easy wins over bad Toronto and Buffalo teams. Like I said, Boston will win 2 games , at least. I'm not sure who wins the East, probably Philly, but maybe the weakened Pens (who aren't winning the Cup this year, sorry Penguins Own, not this year), or maybe (gasp!) Washington, but I think the Habs place 3rd in the East. It's possible they hold on to the top spot, but I don't think so.
RedwingsALLTHEWAY (Posted 2008-08-14 14:44:24)
Well I guess we will see Montreal in the finals then.
Mikeee (Posted 2008-08-14 14:33:01)
RedwingsALLTHEWAY: I don't really care what definitions you want to throw at me. The context that you used "overachieve" was one that meant they will not repeat their performances, meaning there will be a dropoff in overall team production. If you watched them play at all, you would understand that will not happen. Both players have explosive speed and like to play physical, especially Sergei. It could be argued that Sergei will actually be better than Andrei, but we'll leave that for another day. Sure, your Red Wings were/are good, but maybe you should get to know other teams and their players before giving a shallow analysis.
Moe (Posted 2008-08-14 14:31:15)
I keep reading on here about the Habs overachieving like its a BAD thing. I am a Habs fan and if they overachieved last season GREAT. I hope they over achieve every season. Isn't that better than underachieving? As far as all their young players they can only get better. Barring a rash of injuries, I can't see this team making the playoffs.
Bill Carroll (Posted 2008-08-14 14:30:21)
Hello. My name is Bill and I have a Rangers addiction problem. I'm 23 and it all started when I was 6 and MSG played all the Rangers games all season long. Sure, it started out as a way to watch hockey because I was always a Penguins fan growning up. But their consistant losing made me want them to at least start devoloping into a team that could win. Than relitalized Jagr and rescued him from hockey pergitory at the time (Washington) and I became a full blown fan of the Rangers. But these days its just gotten out of control. Glen Sather is destroying my love of hockey politics and stratagy, and definition of human intelligence. I think the only way I could ever recover from this addiction is Henrik Lundqvist getting off this team by a trade from Sather before he finally dies. Anyone else know how I can lose this addiction other than the NHL package?
Flamer89 (Posted 2008-08-14 14:30:06)
Good points sure mojo. Calgary is no longer considered a team that people expect to win. 2-3 seasons ago, they might have been, but you're right, this year they will be flying under the radar - that's a good thing (hopefully).
Rangers4Life (Posted 2008-08-14 14:28:25)
Watch out for Marc Staal to have a killer season. He played crazy minutes for a rookie in the playoffs and probably play better then Redden
Flamer89 (Posted 2008-08-14 14:23:43)
Sorry luv guru. my bad! I meant 15.
John H. (Posted 2008-08-14 13:59:50)
Cary, to suggest that the writers at THN are anti-Canadiens and pro-Leafs -- or perhaps just anti-Quebecois in general -- is simply SKY-HIGH RHETORIC! Secondly, one post discusses how "weak" the Habs' division is. Huh? All of its occupants except Toronto have a pretty darn solid shot at the postseason.
RedwingsALLTHEWAY (Posted 2008-08-14 13:54:38)
Hey Mikeee, Webster definition of overachiever "one who achieves success over and above the standard or expected level especially at an early age"
Who died and made you the Hockey God expert?
I didn't even names but while we are at it what the hell did Andrei and Sergei do before this year? Andrei was bouncing for AHL and the NHL and had 14pts befroe the season. Sergei was 7th rounder with no NHL experience! I will say that Franzen did overachieve and will not score as much as he did last year.
Tommy P (Posted 2008-08-14 13:54:15)
The Habs fans need to chill out. They will do fine. They won't be as dominant as they were last season but they will contend and may upset in the first round. The Wild... I really don't know what to say. Its a tough thing to predict but if the fans stay behind them and by some infinitesimal chance that their netminder becomes stratospherically good, i can see them making the playoffs (by a hair) The Rangers will underacheive the worst out of all the teams. i have a hard time figuring otherwise.
BTW I have a question for all Hockey fans, Have any of you watched The Hockey Show on NHL.com and seen Carrie Milbank? This girl is smokin' hot! would anyone else agree?
Cam Neely (Posted 2008-08-14 13:53:58)
Could this really be the year that the habs fans come down to earth ?
Seb (Posted 2008-08-14 13:44:55)
I'm a habs fan...but I agree last year was special. They took advantage of Ottawa and Buffalo's struggles and Bostons inability to win against them. Assuming the kids will do as well or better...I see them to be back around 5th or 6th spot in the east.
Cary (Posted 2008-08-14 13:43:20)
I will say one thing, you hockey writers are consistent. Didn't everyone predict that Montreal wouldn't finish in a playoff position? Isn't it starting the same way again? Another publication is saying the exact same thing. Tell me something, has this team not gained experience? I had a source tell me that Price's hand was hurt here in Calgary, as well, wouldn't that have shown up during the regular season if he had a glove hand issue? I'm willing to let it ride that Montreal finishes as a top 4 team this year. They have room, they have assests to trade even if they don't get Sundin. Kovalev is very happy in Montreal and a lot of players still have a lot to prove. It'll be funny to see you all eat your words once again this year. As they say, predictions are useless.
habs-13 (Posted 2008-08-14 13:29:23)
There are more people on here saying that they can't wait to hear the Habs fans whine then there are actual Habs fans whining. I'm not going to sit here and argue over people's opinions. But I will say that how can the highest scoring team last year, add Tanguay and potentially Sundin and underacheive? The list of player on the rise: Chipchura, Higgins, Andrei & Sergei Kostitsyn, Latendresse, Plekanec, Gorges, Komisarek, Markov, O'Byrne, Halak & Price. We'll see come playoff time.
To Flamer89 and sure mojo, I'd worry a little more about your team shoring up it's farm system, maybe drafting a little better and most importantly making the playoffs, then which playoff spot the Habs will finish in.
Chris (Posted 2008-08-14 13:19:05)
Hmm, I agree that Montreal may not get home-ice advantage again this season, but more because of overall parity than based on their play in the playoffs last season. If we were to use that criteria, Pittsburgh should have struggled mightily this season, getting swept badly in the first round by the Senators.
James Sheehy (Posted 2008-08-14 13:18:48)
Rory, you're entitled to your opinion, but don't single out and attack the fans of a specific team for being optimistic, as you just did with the Habs.
Additionally, as to your question, "But what happens when that know-it-all is proven to be a loudmouth?" If I recall, you never had a blog discussing how grossly you underestimated the Habs last year. I would suggest admitting your own mistakes prior to asking others to do the same.
John (Posted 2008-08-14 13:10:10)
Why not add Washington? They made their run late last year thanks to Bob Gainey giving them Huet and now they have high expectations, but now they're relying on Jose Theodore? NY dropped good players for under-achievers - good pick. Anybody else wondering why the Pens haven't moved Ryan Whitney for a decent winger? Do they really need nine playable defensemen?
sure mojo (Posted 2008-08-14 13:01:15)
Hey Flamer89, I am also a big Flames fan, but the reason Calgary isn't on this small list of underacheivers is that people don't really expect too much of the Flames. After Iggy, there is not too much scoring, and of course Bertuzzi is not the answer. The main difference between Calgary being a good (i.e., complete for a playoff spot) or great (i.e. compete for the Cup) team is Kipper...which one shows up this season? PS, whine on, you Habs fans, whine on, but the truth hurts sometimes.
HabsOverrated (Posted 2008-08-14 12:32:28)
I agree with these predictions... and can't wait for the first Boston/Habs game to watch Micheal Ryder return to his former form (potting one or two goals) against his former team. Kovalev had his career season... i predict the usual 'lower body' related injuries all season. Oh, and where is Streit?
Rangers are lucky to have Lundqvist...
Mikeeee (Posted 2008-08-14 12:29:19)
RedwingsALLTHEWAY: How did the young players overachieve? When young players reach their potential, it is not overachieving. That is like me saying that Franzen, Flipulla and Kronwall all overachieved. None of the young players had crazy good seasons, just solid all around. Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn had solid seasons, and are only going to get better. Chris Higgins has scored over 20 goals every year in the league, so he isn't overachieving. When you have a team full of young players who were top notch prospects, how can someone with any hockey knowledge say that they are overachieving when they finally break through? It really bothers me when people make statements without actually looking anything up to support their comments.
Travis K (Posted 2008-08-14 12:22:03)
i am a habs fan and im not gonna complain. i am just gonna say that if carey price continues to develop, the kostitsyn boys keep clicking and laraque keeps everything from getting out of hand and their powerplay continues to be absolutely lethal then they may be solid contenders. they will for sure make it becuase of how weak their division is and we'll see how far they go from there. GO HABS
RedwingsALLTHEWAY (Posted 2008-08-14 12:20:37)
I think Montreal with there young players did overacheived last year. I think the pressure in the big market might make them choke up a little this year. Montreals defense is not the best either.
shadd (Posted 2008-08-14 12:19:48)
ok first of all i dont think i was whinning with my earlier comment and am a little upset that a moron with no opinion is there judging me for having one. also sorry pens fans but i think you may have lost a little too much to finish 1st should still have a good year though
Mike (Posted 2008-08-14 12:15:23)
I don't really understand New York either, building for the future is good and improving their defense was a good idea but Wade Redden for 6.5 million a season is a desparation contract with a team that doesn't need to be desparate. They could of had Jagr or Sundin for that money and wait a year or two to add a better blueliner through free agency. After it was shown that Ottawa overpaid, I can't believe someone would go out and offer the same deal but with more term to Wade, its ridiculous.
Fred Bartsch (Posted 2008-08-14 12:14:38)
As a RANGERS fan, you have some legit points. We get rid of OLDER veterans, clear some cap space and sign OLDER veterans AGAIN to LARGE/LONG contracts. What is the point there? Sather has to go, his committment to building a team with younger drafted/traded players just hasn't materialized, this team MIGHT make the playoffs. After more than 50 years of being a Rangers fan, I have seen it, and heard it all from every Owner/G.M./Coach and it still hasn't happened! If this team is NOT going to win the Stanley Cup, then I would rather NOT win it with younger players rather than with OLDER Veterans who bring NOTHING to the team or table. Pressure to win because the Rangers are in New York, Please give me a break on that line, as it is nonsense! Let's lose with younger players and give them a chance to learn and develop, rather than lose with the useless older veterans and only add another year on to waiting for the younger team to appear which NEVER happens! WAKE UP Rangers its already been 14 years, and it appears that management has learned NOTHING! FRUSTRATED IN NYC (STILL)
Penguins Own (Posted 2008-08-14 12:03:35)
All I have to say is the Pittsburgh Penguins are gonna win the East and the Cup. The next few in the east will go 2.Montreal 3.Washington 4.Philadelphia 5.NewYork Rangers the rest is too close to call.
Ivan (Posted 2008-08-14 11:57:10)
I think it's fair to question the Habs great year, and wonder if they do have the elements to repeat. To say they're going to be one the three biggest underacheivers is a stretch. This is a young team that should continue to progress. Instead, you should have put Pittsburgh on your list.
joeschmoe (Posted 2008-08-14 11:47:36)
I agree Minnesota will have a huge drop off. But I don't think New York and Montreal will. New York may a bit, but they will make the playoffs. As for Montreal, I just don't see how they couldn't be in the top four considering the other teams in their division. Who will win it? Boston? Maybe. But the others don't really have a chance.
Other than Kovalev, who overachieved on Montreal that will not live up to their last years numbers? The Kostitsyn's are only going to get better, and they added Alex Tanguay, which can't hurt. Pittsburgh has gotten substantially worse and are coming off a long playoff run...I think they are the ones who will drop off.
Montreal has 3 lines who can score, and a player like Higgins will be on the 3rd line. Just a reminder, he scored 27 goals last year. How many other NHL teams have a 27 goal scorer on their third line?
The only explanation I can think of is Boylen is trying to get a rise out of the Hab fans, which will in turn increase the comments.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-14 11:45:47)
All of these predictions sound right to me. The Rangers and Habs both make the playoffs, but finish lower than last year...yeah, I could definitely see that happening, although I wouldn't be horribly suprised to see them atop their divisions, either. The East is just that goofy. The Wild, though, really need their division rivals to underachieve to make the playoffs, in my opinion. Calgary is better than them, on paper, and Edmonton might be. Vancouver still has one of the best goalies in the world, and if Sakic comes back, the Avs could be as good as the Wild. My money is on two of these teams making it to the playoffs, at best, and I don't think Minnesota will be one of them.
habssuck (Posted 2008-08-14 11:41:27)
It already started.. whine habs fans whine.....
shadd (Posted 2008-08-14 11:33:03)
I remember reading articles like this one last year only saying that the habs wouldn't make the playoffs. did they play over their heads and lose it in the playoffs or did the nerves of young players get to them .... I guess we will find out this year.... see you in april ;)
luv guru (Posted 2008-08-14 11:22:49)
Flamer89 : I'm also excited to see the Habs fans whine about this article (although it's VERY true). I am confused by your last comment though. Can you please explain to me the new playoff format ? I didn't realize 18 teams make the playoffs nowadays. I'd expect a comment like that from someone south of the border...but from Cowtown ?
rangers (Posted 2008-08-14 11:19:25)
i think your going to be choaking on your words come february boylen. just as fans you are talking about saying "just wait until april, you'll see", your doing the same thing. you are saying the same thing, just the opposite. so why should anyone not write you off, just as you are writing hopeful fans off? you article is merely your opinion.
Flamer89 (Posted 2008-08-14 11:05:06)
lol....I can't wait to start reading the comments posted here by Habs fans.
Sadly though, I can't say much. As much as I hate to admit it (and I hope it doesn't turn out this way) my beloved Flames were likely close to making this list! Aside from the Wings, I think the other 17 playoff spots are up for grabs! even the Kings!! lol
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