Screen Shots: Ranking the NHL by division
Todd Marchant tries to get to the loose puck against Stephane Robidas and Mike Ribeiro. (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images)
Adam Proteau
2008-08-14 14:50:38
We’re on the cusp of NHL pre-season predictions time, a fact I’m certain indicates that hockey fans around the world are stretching out and warming up their indignation muscles as you read this.
I’m not getting into my guesses for another few weeks. However, if the past 14 NHL seasons are any indication, it’s safe to assume the 2008-09 Stanley Cup champion will not come out of the Northeast Division.
Indeed, since the league realigned its divisions in 1993-94, every division except the Northeast has produced at least one champion. The Central (read: the Detroit Red Wings) and Atlantic Divisions are tied for most Cup winners, with four apiece, while the Pacific, Southeast and Northwest Divisions each have two champs to their credit.
The Montreal Canadiens seem like they’ve got the best shot to end the Northeast’s Cup drought this season. Still, the odds are always against one contender winning over a group of contenders, particularly in a league that has as much parity as the NHL.
Is that to say the Northeast has been a collection of mere pantywaists and lily-livers all these years? Not at all: Two of the past five Presidents’ Trophy winners (Ottawa in ’02-03 and Buffalo in ‘06-07) have been Northeast teams – and those same two teams have been Cup finalists in the past decade.
But for whatever reason (I’m looking at you, Foot of Brett Hull – which, by the way, is my greatest idea ever for the best unused name for a rock band), no Northeast team has had the right combination of great will and good fortune to lead them to hockey’s top accolade.
The focus on divisions brings up an interesting exercise – namely, ranking them. With that in mind, Screen Shots is pleased to present one schlep’s rankings and explanations of the best and worst divisions (yes, of course I mean on paper) in the league today.
1. Pacific. Let’s see, we’re talking about a division that can boast a one-year removed Cup winner in Anaheim, one of last season’s Western Conference finalists in the Dallas Stars and a San Jose Sharks team that will once again cause a majority of hockey writers to go all 12-year-old-girl-at-a-Jonas-Brothers-concert on their readerships.
Oh, and behind those three are the slowly-but-surely cresting Phoenix Coyotes and the long-lost Los Angeles Kings, who are well on their way to being found thanks to a roster that includes blossoming stars such as Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Jack Johnson. Nobody’s honestly going to try and argue this collection of teams isn’t the clear-cut class of the league, are they? If so, can I pity them in advance?
2. Atlantic. Another no-brainer here. For starters, the state of Pennsylvania alone has two of the league’s top 10 teams. As well, there’s the Devils, a team whose year-in-year-out success is attestable to Lou Lamoriello – and I’ve finally figured out the GM’s secret: He’s actually the last surviving, uncredited Crystal Skull from the recent Indiana Jones installment. As long as “Lou’s The Boss” is playing in New Jersey, ain’t no way you should be counting them out.
I still haven’t referenced the New York Rangers, who have made some major changes this summer and appear to be a team that’s either going to win pretty or lose ugly. Pulling up the rear are the Islanders, who, though still searching for an identity, are making slow strides toward contention. They’ll likely exceed expectations to a slight degree again this season – and that’s something you definitely can’t say about some of the other division bottom-dwellers.
3. Northwest. Here’s where it gets a wee bit tricky. On the one hand, when I look at the Central, it has at least one virtually unanimous pick as a Cup favorite (I’ll let you guess which team it is). It’s tough to say the same about any franchise in the Northwest.
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On the other hand, I think most people would agree the Edmonton Oilers’ off-season makeover, combined with what were, at best, relatively lateral moves made by the other four teams, will result in an already tight division becoming even tighter this year. You can see scenarios in which four of the five teams here (sorry, Vancouver) could be the last playoff team standing among this group, so in terms of team-to-team competitiveness, it’s hard not to go with the Northwest over the Central.
4. Central. I know, I know, the presence of the Red Wings alone makes the Central a division to reckon with. The burgeoning Blackhawks and never-say-die Predators also help in that regard – and the fact that more than half of Detroit’s regular season losses came at the hands of teams in their division is a fact that’s nothing to sneeze at, either.
The Blue Jackets and Blues are playoff dark horses, but even then, both of those franchises have a handful of young talent to build around. In sum, there could be many more Cups bound for the Central Division and not just to Michigan. Just not for a couple more years.
5. Northeast. Forget that two of the worst off-season free agent signings (Michael Ryder in Boston and Jeff Finger in Toronto) speak to the sizeable desperation levels existing in this division. Forget that, aside from the astounding Canadiens, there are medium-to-mountain-sized holes in every other team in the Northeast.
On second thought, remember all that stuff. Also remember how transcendentally awful the Senators looked after last Christmas, how hot-and-cold the Bruins were all season long, the Sabres’ disappointing performance and the Maple Leafs’ all-around mediocrity. Yes, there’s something to believe in for each Northeastern team, but there’s also some faith-shaking factor for all five franchises as well.
6. Southeast. Where to begin with the Southeast? Perhaps the fact three of the worst nine teams in the league last season call this division home? Or that only one team (Washington) last season won more road games than it lost? Or that there hasn’t been a single second-round playoff game won by three of the division’s five teams in more than a decade?
Sure, the Southeast will be more competitive than it was last season, but that’s like saying the person selected as the newest member of Nashville’s ownership group will be a better business partner than William Del Biaggio; in both instances, there wasn’t much place to go but up.
Adam Proteau is The Hockey News' online columnist and a regular contributor to THN.com. His blog appears Mondays and Wednesdays, his Ask Adam feature appears Tuesdays in the summer, and his column, Screen Shots, appears Thursdays.
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Mark (Posted 2008-08-29 00:03:41)
"Jeff Finger isn't that bad of a signing..."
"Toskala is a better goalie than Osgood..."
"The Leafs will finish higher than the Habs..."
MY GOD. Finger has never even played a full NHL season. Totally unproven. MLSE is one of the reasons why salaries are hugely inflated nowdays. Why didn't Fletcher get Commodore too? Maybe he didn't want two Norris-trophy shoo-ins on the same team...?
Toskala is better than Osgood??? Did anyone happen to see Osgood's GAA in this past season's playoffs??? My God, people, seriously... There was no standing in any shadow's this playoffs. Osgood dominated every team the Wings faced. Toskala will never even win a Cup, and Osgood has THREE rings.
The Leafs are in such terrible shape, it cannot even be described. This is the same team that was making huge overtures to Tavares earlier this year, in an attempt to bring some kind of stability to the team. That REEKS of desperation if MLSE is trying to lure him from the Gens to the Leafs. The team consists of 3rd and 4th liners... Antropov has suffered every injury known to man. Ponnikarovsky can only score when Sundin is passing to him. Stajan is a defensive centre. No 20 goals from Tucker. Blake will never repeat his 40+ goal-season. Jiri Tlusty, Robbie Earl... Place some hope on these guys, but Leaf Nation will once again drown in sorrow this season.
Gainey and Carbonneau have it right: Smart draft choices. Proper player development. Great emphasis on two-way hockey. Skilled players who backcheck, move the puck well and are better on special teams than most others in the East.
Braden (Posted 2008-08-21 14:39:22)
Flyerfan52- I can't see why the fact that I like two teams gets your panties in a knot. But if you must know, the Leafs are my primary team. Almost every hockey fan I have ever talked to likes more than one team, even if they are only loyal to one. I enjoy watching the flames play, I think Iginla and Phaneuf are brilliant, and one of my favorite players played their last year (Nolan). So ya, I also cheer for the Flames. Try not to lose any sleep over it.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-21 13:57:35)
Grant44, the first 2 weren't, and the Wings outplayed the Pens in all but maybe a half hour of the series. If it weren't for Fleury, the series would have been over in 5, pure and simple. And don't forget, in both games 5 and 6, the Pens had more than a little help at the end of regulation in the form of "curious" calls and non-calls.
Sean (Posted 2008-08-21 07:35:00)
Grant - I watched the games - I didn't just check the final scores - I witnessed domination. PS - if the call was made for hauling down Datsyuk while he headed for the empty net, game 6 would have ended 4-2.
Flyerfan52 (Posted 2008-08-20 22:36:59)
The NW and Atlantic are going to be the two toughest divisions to win. Both could put either 1 or 4 teams in the playoffs. Getting to the playoffs in those divisions takes so much they are spent by the time they hit the playoffs.
Flyerfan52 (Posted 2008-08-20 22:05:53)
How many teams are you a "fan" of Braden? Make up your mind. A fan picks one team and stays with it.Of the two, pick the Flames. Toskala was a back up goalie until he got to TO when Raycroft fell out of favor. Not bad but not top tier. Montreal will go down a bit in the standings because other teams are now aware of the improvement (and the fact they can't rely on the Pengies to ditch a game to avoid the Flyers).
Grant44 (Posted 2008-08-20 15:01:23)
Delusional Sean - boy Wings really kicked Penguin ass, especially since the last 4 gms were determined by one goal.......
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-20 14:07:41)
I have to agree with Lorne. How will Wilson be able to get this lousy (mediocre at best) bunch to the playoffs when he couldn't get a vastly superior bunch past the second round in San Jose. Granted, the East just isn't as good or deep as the West, so maybe, but even in the East...I'm sorry, the Leafs are awful. Toskala is good, but it's not like he's Brodeur, or Hasek in his prime. The Leafs need at least another year or two before they're more than a lottery team. Toronto fans, pray you win the lottery.
A.Kovalev (Posted 2008-08-19 21:01:39)
Gagner 89:Viewing time definitely does not get distributed evenly in Halifax where we get treated to the Laffs every Sat. night.The only time we get to see the Habs on CBC English is if Montreal plays Toronto or the Leafs aren't scheduled.If you want to watch the Habs on Sat. night,you have to watch RDS,which I really don't mind since I understand some French even though my 1st language is Russian.
Gagner 89 (Posted 2008-08-19 19:09:10)
@Lorne - They might as well re-name HNIC as Hockey night in Toronto. I always seem to catch just Leafs games. Personally, I think they evenly distribute the viewing time of the 3 Eastern Canadian teams evenly, like what they do in the West.
Braden (Posted 2008-08-19 18:05:36)
uhhh.......Lorne, I live in Saskatchewan and I like the leafs. Wouldn't that qualify as "outside of the Toronto area" ? I won't disagree that Toronto is crappy right now
Lorne (Posted 2008-08-19 16:08:20)
I love the Habs vs Leafs bantering going on here, especially some of the dillusional cup predictions, or that the Leafs are "Canada's team". Nobody (NOBODY!) outside of the Toronto area likes the Leafs, and many of these fans despise having to watch CBC's "Hockey Night in Toronto" snorefests. The addition of Finger and Hagman will not make them cup contenders. If Wilson couldn't coach San Jose's talented team to a cup, how do you expect him to coach this bunch to a cup?!?
I'm looking forward to a great Habs/Bruins rivalry this season. GO HABS!
Braden (Posted 2008-08-19 11:56:07)
Sean- I agree, but I am not really partial to either team. Maybe slightly more towards Detroit but I am not a fan of either. GO LEAFS! GO FLAMES!
whatsthatsmell (Posted 2008-08-18 20:33:31)
Ummm... They did have HASEK too though.
Matt (Posted 2008-08-18 20:33:01)
Ottawa & Montreal will both be good teams this year. The only reason any body doubts the division is because of Toronto & Boston. The canadiens won the east last year.Lost Ryder & Gained Tanguay + price another year wiser. Ottawa had a bad second half do to no grit & a bad apple in the locker room ie. Ray cry me a river Emery. Lost Redden & gained jason smith & jarko ruttu + chris neil & anton volchenkov another year wiser. And as for the Sabers they have talent but cant seem to keep it around after free agency begins. Ottawa is going to start out the same way they did last year and finish even stronger.
Sean (Posted 2008-08-18 20:30:31)
Braden - imagine how much Penguin ass the Wings would have kicked it they had Luongo, Nabokov, Turco, etc!!!
Andy (Posted 2008-08-18 17:33:50)
Thanks Bob. GO SHARKS!!!!!
Bob Huber (Posted 2008-08-18 15:22:49)
and a San Jose Sharks team that will once again cause a majority of hockey writers to go all 12-year-old-girl-at-a-Jonas-Brothers-concert on their readerships.
Absolutely correct!!! And I wish all of you writers would say something like "San Jose is terrible, and will NEVER win it!" so my Sharks, as a team, get properly bent out of shape and go out and actually WIN the Cup!
In McClellan we trust!!!!!!!
GO SHARKS, and GO AMERKS (you can take the boy out of Rochester, but etc, etc.........) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Braden (Posted 2008-08-18 14:27:00)
Haha, I thought the Toskala vs Osgood comment would get some hate replies. I think that right now, Toskala is a better goalie than Osgood. Osgood usually only won if he got less than 20 shots a game this year which he almost always did because he plays behind one of the best defense in the league. He gets on a few little streaks and everyone thinks he deserves a Vezina. Maybe it's just me but when I watch him play, I am NEVER overly impressed. Even my dad (who is a diehard wings fan) agrees with me. Osgood doesnt play as many games in a season as Toskala does either. And his goals against average is so good because he plays for Detroit. If Toskala and Osgood were to have traded teams last year- 1.Toskala gets consideration for Vezina 2. Leafs finish even lower in standings. 3. Detroit still wins Cup. 4. Toskala leads league in same categories as Osgood, but with better stats.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-18 11:23:47)
Josh, you win one Vezina being lucky, like Jim Carey. You win 6 by being great, like Hasek. Try not to confuse the two. What, no response from Jeff? I'm disappointed. I thought the fun was just starting.
bostonblueline.blogspot.com (Posted 2008-08-18 11:21:57)
By A-level defenseman I mean someone who could conceivably win the Norris, make the first All-Star team or be considered one of the top half-dozen players at his position. The Habs don't have that. BTW, the Bruins played the entire 2007-08 season without their top scorer (Bergeron) and presumptive starting goalie (Fernandez). Therefore Tim Thomas, who was good enough to make the All-Star game, might actually be the backup. Failing that, we've got Rask in the minors... we'll pass on Halak, thanks. But the bottom line is that the Bruins finished 5 games back of the Habs last season, with 8 losses directly to Montreal. Considering the B's made up a TON of ground on the Habs in the offseason (+ Bergeron, + Ryder, + Fernandez) there is a pretty good chance they could end up neck-and-neck at the end of the season. And the Bruins aren't even that great of a team... which is why I say the NE is the weakest division and the Habs perhaps the most overrated team in the league. bostonblueline.blogspot.com
carrera2s (Posted 2008-08-18 11:15:03)
The question everyone should be asking themselves right now is" did my team improve enough to beat last year's red wings?". and if you're being honest with yourselves than you know that the answer is a resounding NO. and we won't even discuss the addition of hossa. the pens walked through the east and got DOMINATED by the wings, inspite of the refs and fleury standing on his head. plus the pens, if anything, got weaker. enjoy the season gentlemen.....
Josh (Posted 2008-08-18 11:05:14)
Sorry bostonblueline but your Bruins are going to be lucky to make the playoffs again. Ya the Habs might not have an all-star go to guy but last year they were in the top 5 for goal scoring, so I think they will be ok. And what do you mean by "A-level" D-man? The habs have some solid D-men who can shut down the best of them. Might not have a big goal scorer on D, but they are still pretty solid. And as for their back up being terrible, I am sure the Bruins would take him. Oh wait I forgot you have such an all-star in net already with Thomas. He looks like Hasek flopping all around, but he doesn't have the luck Hasek did. So I can't see your bruins fighting for the top of the division. Ya the Habs have so holes, but those holes are not as big as the Bruins, so that gives them a shot at Top 3 in the conference.
bostonblueline.blogspot.com (Posted 2008-08-18 10:27:13)
I hate to say this, but as of right now the Northeast is a lesser division than the Southeast. Maybe that will change if a NE team catches fire unexpectedly or the Caps turn out to be a one-season wonder. But as of right now the Northeast is about as weak as it gets. The Canadiens are not "astounding" at all, and they have just as many "mountain-sized holes" as any other team in the NE -- no go-to scorer, no A-level defenseman, a very questionable goalie with a terrible backup, an unproven coach, and team leaders who have a reputation for taking every 3rd season off (either literally in the case of Koivu, or de facto in the case of Kovalev). Rename the Habs the "Atlanta Thrashers" and there would be hundreds of bloggers feverishly predicting their downfall after a fluke season. Then you've got the Bruins who are a question mark at best, the Sens and Sabres both in freefall mode and not likely to make the playoffs, and the Leafs who will be a lottery team. All things considered the Bruins, Sens and Habs (who would each be 3rd in any Western division) will probably shoot it out for the title. That, friends, is pitiful. The only upside is that it gives the Bruins a shot at a top-3 playoff seed. bostonblueline.blogspot.com
Ozzy (Posted 2008-08-17 23:49:06)
I know who will be captain of the leafs. Tomas Kaberle! Jeff Finger is not that bad a defensemen. Toronto's future is looking up and they will make the playoffs in the next few years.
Simon (Posted 2008-08-17 14:50:27)
I see a lot of trash talk here in general, but also about best teams over time. So heres something to consider, since 1967 here are the Stanley Cup Finals records of the original 6 and the 6 1967 expansion team franchises:
Win Loss Total Team
10 1 11 Montreal
2 5 7 Boston
2 5 7 Philadelphia
4 1 5 Detroit
1 3 4 Minnesota(0-2)/Dallas(1-1)
2 1 3 Pittsburgh
1 2 3 NY Rangers
0 3 3 Chicago
0 3 3 St. Louis
0 1 1 Los Angeles
0 0 0 California/Cleveland
0 0 0 Toronto
Hmm, Toronto tied with the California Golden Seals/Cleveland Barons. Chicago, St. Louis and LA haven't won, but at least they have made it to the finals.
IMB (Posted 2008-08-17 14:31:35)
Huge habs fan here, that being said I think the Bruins will shock a lot of people and give the habs a run for their money. I think Ryder could push 40 this year playing with arguable the best setup man in the league, and that Lucic kid plays one of the best all around games I have seen in a while.....Not a superstar in any particular aspect of the game but he brings a bit of everything to the table and is exciting to watch. Heres looking forward to a great season.
leafs fallen tree's bare (Posted 2008-08-17 13:31:46)
leafs leafs rah rah rah!jeff morris you are the energizer bunny of mundane comments and the perfect poster child for all of leaf nation.I have the luxury of living out west and although I'm a habs fan I do get to watch plenty of west games.Finger may be big and play a certain way but Wilson just describes how he would like him to play in toronto.To watch how the guy played this year(poorly with flashes of mediocre)and then see him score the contract he did was astounding.More so than the dribble about the leafs in the playoffs.who will lead them as captain?Kubina(wasn't he almost traded)Antropov?Who else Jeff?Oh well,maybe cujo can be the spark they need down the stretch with all his stanley cup experience.Come on friend its not 1967 ,ive in the now.
Sean (Posted 2008-08-17 10:50:37)
When all the teams are decent and there are no easy points, that is great division. Props to the Pacific, Northwest, and Atlantic. The rest are to top and bottom heavy.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-16 19:49:44)
Jeff, I've seen Finger play, being a fan of a Western conference team and all. He did a great job of shutting down Minnesota... oh, wait, Lemaire does that. Um, he did do a good job of shutting down Datsyuk and Zetterberg...no, wait, no one on the Avs did that. Nope, Jeff, you're wrong. Stop typing, get some sleep, try to regain your sanity.
Jeff Morris (Posted 2008-08-16 18:46:17)
Yea, but everyone's jumping all over Cliff for signing Jeff Finger for a big amount. So what? Ron Wilson has seen this guy play, and if he's right about finger being able to shut down big guys like thornton out west, then there should be no reason why he can't be just as effective as a shut down defencemen. I have not seen finger play, and neither has a lot of Habs fans or Sens fans. I still say the Leafs will do very well in terms of playing in the playoffs, but let's just wait and see how well finger will play before you start to really see where the Leafs will finnish, or weather or not he is gonna be any good.
A.Kovalev (Posted 2008-08-16 13:48:36)
Hi Peter:I agree,too early to say what will happen,probably about mid Jan. before things start to shake themselves out.If you're a Leafs fan,I hope you're not insulted,all in good fun.
Peter (Posted 2008-08-16 13:38:50)
A.Kovalev, you are probably right in the respect that it is somewhat fun to bicker at each other. I'm only saying that beware of assuming too much in the off-season. Anything can happen to any team.
Juan Miguel (Posted 2008-08-16 10:04:34)
Seriously, all of you are writing off the Bruins as if they were an AHL club playing in the NHL... Oooops I forgot, that is exactly what they were last year... and they still made it in the playoffs. I'm not saying that they are going to win it all but if you write them off then I suggest that you will be eating your words at the end of the year. Need proof? A solid young team with hardly any players loss, playing for an established coach in a system that they don't need to learn this year...continuity goes a long way.
Christopher Garland (Posted 2008-08-16 07:54:39)
I refuse to be drawn into a blog fight, I was just stating my opinion on a subject. I am not going to even divolge the comment about fathers to my 79 year old father. St. Louis and Chicago is not the oldest rivalry in the NHL anyway. Thanks
Xtrahabsfan (Posted 2008-08-16 00:30:18)
Aug 15,2008,Canada's olympic team in 55th place,,,0-g 0-s..0-b,I blame the LAFFS !!!
A.Kovalev (Posted 2008-08-16 00:28:28)
C'mon Peter,you're expecting people to be civilized,but don't you think the bickering is fun?Especially when you get to bash on angry,vitriolic illiterate Laff fans.Oh,I forgot stupid and deluded.
Peter (Posted 2008-08-16 00:14:55)
I wish people would stop bickering about the leafs and the other teams that they talk about. The season hasn't started yet!!! Only about half or a little less than half the time you make predictions in the summer you are right. Anything's possible. Anyone remember the prediction about Montreal last summer? As well, for all of you people who are disputing Osgood and Toskala should keep in mind that Osgood has played roughly nine more years than Toskala and has played on Detroit teams that have been perennial powerhouses in both the regular season and playoffs. Toskala had been getting backup minutes with San Jose who have been powerhouses only in the regular season. His play in the latter half of last season was sensational.
Josh (Posted 2008-08-15 23:55:35)
Hey Garland, your not going to get your Dad to beat up my Dad now are ya. "How come nobody says anything about Chicago or St.Louis". If you don't know the reason, you are not much of a Leaf fan or a fan of hockey. Let me clue you in, it is only the oldest rivalry in Hockey. If that's not a good enough reason, I don't know what is.
Cracker (Posted 2008-08-15 23:38:51)
Everyone that is talking about how great Montreal is needs to remember, they lose 8 games against their own division which may drop them out of home ice. They were only 5 games from 8th place last year and they havent gotten better, a little more expierienced yes.The Bruins who shocked the world by pushing them to 7 games have also gotten a little more expierenceand Ryder will be better than Murray and Bergeron is back its gonna be a fight.
Ben Robin (Posted 2008-08-15 23:06:39)
Dear Jeff Morris, I sincerely sympathize with your state of mind. Truly, you need some serious professional help (maybe, just maybe, Dr. Phil can help you out!). I live just outside the GTA, seen enough hockey to know what the Leafs currently have and need. On the other hand, you believe that anyone who dare exposing the flaws of your beloved Leafs is a "Leaf hater". Dear Jeff, you have so much to learn about hockey. All I can recognize in you is the passion you have for your team. I wish you a championship once your team is officially done what GM Cliff Fletcher called the "rebuilding mode".
A.Kovalev (Posted 2008-08-15 23:04:09)
Another note to Joseph Bowen: You appear to be an adherent of revisionist history when you state that the Toronto Maple Laffs have won the most Cups in history.You must be referring to protective cups.Any non-delusional student of hockey history will tell you that it is in fact the Montreal Canadiens who have won the most Stanley Cups and by a large margin.Have the nice nurse increase your dosage.Toronto is at the centre all right,the centre of deluded stupidity.
Jeff Morris (Posted 2008-08-15 22:48:19)
You Leafs haters are Idiots. You think that because you all have not seen Jeff finger that the Leafs are gonna suck. NEWS FLASH! We got better defensively, and we have some very good young goal scorers, plus we have a very good coach who will make sure that we win games, plus we got some skaters with so much speed, such as Hagman and Blake as 2 examples) that losers like Price and Osgood won't know what hit them til they find the puck in the back of the net, not to mention Mayers putting a lot of the Leafs opponents on the injury list. You guys may be using your brains, but only to come up with excusses to hide behind cause you know the Leafs are a cup contender this year. Habs are a garbage team, just like the Sens, Sabres, and Bruins. GO LEAFS GO. LEAFS ARE CANADA'S HOCKEY TEAM!
Ben Robin (Posted 2008-08-15 22:32:08)
RESPONSE TO CHRISTOPHER GARLAND: I can fully comprehend your concern, but you must understand where hockey fans with real common sense (which you truly seems to have) are coming from when they have to read idiotic comments (see Jeff Morris' comments posted previously). Fact of the matter is that the Hawks just ended their own "Harold Ballard era" with the passing of Bill Wirtz. The Hawks are back on TV, their fanbase is coming back to what it should be and the team has a bright future ahead with a load of talent and several young talented players who are making this team more poised than ever for a return to the post season. Now, take a look at the Leafs' situation right now: when is the last time the Leafs drafted well? MLSE overly spent in the past for players that were still unproven or washed out and traded some of their best prospects for that same kind of dead-end players (i.e. remember Brad Boyes trade for Owen Nolan, or even Tukka Rask-who's a better goaltending prospect than Justin Pogge- for Andrew Raycroft). All I can wish for the Leafs is that they win the lottery and draft young phenom John Tavares because as we speak, the Chicago Blackhawks are in a better position now and the next few years than the Toronto Maple Leafs to win the Stanley Cup in a near future!
Ben Robin (Posted 2008-08-15 22:02:20)
NOTE TO JOSEPH BOWEN: Please correct the following statement you made when writing that T.O. has the most knowledgeable hockey fans. Want a proof of that? Please read the previous comment of JEFF MORRIS, who should channel into watching Dr. Phil rather than Leafs TV!!! It is a fact that the Leafs have overpaid to obtain the services of both Jeff Finger (psss...by the way, Jeff Morris, if you would have watched a little more Jeff Finger played last season, you would have by now a clearer idea of what kind of defenseman he is!) and Niclas Hagman (a one-time 30 goal scorer... you would have thought by now that Leafs management would have known not to repeat the mistake of their predecessor by signing one-hit wonder to big money contract, read Jason Blake's money after his one super season in Long Island!). I would not push it to say that the Habs are a shoe in for 1st in the Eastern Conference, but I firmly believe that the Pens are likely to experience certain difficulties this season (i.e. Who will defend Malkin and Crosby now that Laraque's gone to Montreal? Can anyone seriously believe that Marian Hossa can be replaced so easily by the likes of Miroslav Satan and/or Ruslan Fedotenko? Will the Pens suffer from the loss of Ty Conklin to Detroit for the likes of Dany Sabourin?). Surprises will emerge this season as they did last season (i.e. Montreal finishing 1st in the Eastern Conference) and all of the previous seasons (i.e. Edmonton and Calgary ending all the way to the Stanley Cup Final). Period. And I think we better keep an eye on a certain Alex Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals, now that he tasted the likes of the NHL post-season and enjoyed hell of a season!
Eric (Posted 2008-08-15 21:38:22)
Yeah, in your dreams the Pens will make it....try again. The Atlantic is wide open between 4 teams and I think the Rangers will sneak into the top spot over the Flyers and Pens.
Go Penguins Go (Posted 2008-08-15 21:35:13)
First of all to whatsthatsmell Toskala is a much better golie then Osgood. Osgood just had a very good team in front of him so he only had 20 shots a game. This season I see the Pens and Wings in the Final again but this time the Penguins win. Osgood will lose his gas half way through the west final but the wings D get them through but the Wings can't handle the Pens!
Christopher Garland (Posted 2008-08-15 20:22:32)
I'm tired about hearing that Toronto has not won the Cup since 1967, I love the Leafs just the same. How come nobody ever says that Chicago has not won the Cup since 1961?! That is 6 years longer than Toronto, hell, St. Louis hasn't won the Cup at all, and it has been just as long as the Leafs. Time to shut up about this and start talking about others that have not won the Cup in 30+ years, like Philadelphia and Boston.
leafs fallen tree's bare (Posted 2008-08-15 19:07:08)
Shhhh,do you hear that....?nothing from leafland in a while.They're either stymmied by the irrefutable truths or Don Cherry and glenn healy are on cbc selling them more propaganda.
Go habs Go (Posted 2008-08-15 18:52:00)
the habs are the best hockey team to ever play the game and will continue on doing so next year
whatsthatsmell (Posted 2008-08-15 18:51:17)
Toskala better than Osgood??? lmao. You gotta be kidding me. Remember Osgood only lets in 90 foot shots, Toskala has him beat by about 20 feet.
JOSEPH BOWEN (Posted 2008-08-15 18:50:24)
Stop bashing the leafs. We have been the greatest team to lace up skates. Remember this is Canada's hockey hotbed, the center of the hockey universe. We have the most knowledgable hockey fans and we have won more Stanley Cups than any other team in history. The rest of the teams in Canada are secondary to the leafs. Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton are lousy and Montreal what have they ever won?
Turd Ferguson (Posted 2008-08-15 18:04:58)
One more thing I forgot to add earlier. I am not knocking Montreal at all, Gainey has done a great job (as expected) but I have read articles about how good the Tanguay signing will be. As a Flames Fan, I say dont get too over excited on this guy. He plays with no confidence. If he had an open net, he would try to do a spinorama backhand pass to Iginla and F*** things up all the time. Brutal turnovers, and complained about the "pressure" of perorming in a hockey hotbed market. As a French Canadian playing in Montreal, how is that going to work out for him there? Unless he flies out of the gates, he will slowly lose confidence and the fans will get on him, and it will snowball into the disaster that was Tanguay in Calgary. Mind you, Keenan didn't help out too much either, but he was a very frustrating player to watch play on your team.
A.Kovalev (Posted 2008-08-15 17:27:31)
Apparently Jeff Morris and Jeffo are sitting in the same dark basement apt.,passing the bong and staring at the the lava lamp.Toronto's 'quest' for the cup?The Laffs winning the Northeast?Good God lads, wake up.Finger will get the same thing Tucker got,an elbow in the chops.
leafs fallen tree's bare (Posted 2008-08-15 16:20:34)
Every comment from the fans discussing their teams holds some form of truth...until you get to Toronto.I can just see these guys mindlessly typing away trying not to drool on their screens so as not to miss the latest from al straclin.It's nice to see you valiently trying to defend your honour but let's face,you don't know what a winner is unless your grandparents told you stories about actually being alive the last time they won in 1 9 6 7."television was in black and white whippersnapper and you could fill a tank of gas for 3 bucks and expect change".Well leaf fans no change for you this year but at least you're full of gas.
keng (Posted 2008-08-15 15:42:56)
Anthony, you do realize the Capitals went to the playoffs last year, right? Usually, "the organization" fosters that kind of success. Thanks.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-15 15:30:15)
Braden, I'm sorry, but how is Osgood over-rated? Most writers for THN, and most commenters on this site, give the guy absolutely no credit, despite the fact that he's never had a losing record (even with the Isles!), has made the playoffs every season of his career, has a winning percentage around .650, and has been the starter for not one, but two Stanley Cup champs, a decade apart. Vesa Toskala is a good goalie, but he hasn't really done anything. If anything, Osgood is under-rated.
Jude Hannaford (Posted 2008-08-15 14:56:47)
Jeff Morris
"the Leafs as they will definatelt take the top spot in the northeast division"
again tell us who knows nothing about hockey? Adam I really love your spirit about my Habs, however I find it difficult to agree with you. (been kinda common lately). Good yes, Atounding, no. That being said look for the Eastern Champ to come out of the NE this year, 2 solid teams who will beat up on the also rans, Atlantic is too competitive with most teams likely have a near 500 reacord within the division, and then there is the southeast, aside from the Caps, the rest deosn't give me much hope.
Braden (Posted 2008-08-15 14:54:45)
Oh, and I have always wanted to say that Osgood is overrated and Toskala, in my opinion, is a better goalie between the two. I'm not saying the Leafs are better than Detroit, cuz I will admit they are not, but Toskala is the better goalie.
Josh (Posted 2008-08-15 14:42:59)
"Toronto will finish atop the northeast, and Montreal fighting to just get in." Wow I needed a good laugh. Who is going to get the Leafs to the top? Stajan or Antripov! That's a good one. And Kovy should watch out for Meyers and Finger, bet he is shaking in his skates right now. The Habs were one of the highest scoring teams last year, and only really lost Striet, in terms of point production. And nothing against Striet, but he can easily be replaced. If the Habs play solid D again, and get a bit more even strength goals, they will do just fine. Price will be OK as well. He might look shaky at times, but for the most part he will be as good as he needs to be to keep the Habs atop the East. The Habs will finish no less than 4th place in the East. Toronto will be taking part in the Taverase sweepstakes, and most likely lose out. LOL
Braden (Posted 2008-08-15 14:40:47)
As a leaf fan I usually watch a lot of Northeast division games. However, over the past few years I have really enjoyed watching the Northwest div. I am also a fan of Calgary and I know that whenever I watch them play another team from the same division that there will almost always be a fight, monster hit, solid defense, and forwards working hard and relentlessly driving to the net in order to score. It is a very tough division. Razzle-Dazzle, ya Toskala will be 32. So what? Those are good years for goaltenders. Lots of top NHL goalies are same within the same age or older. Sure in a few years he will not be as effective for a younger Toronto team, but Pogge SHOULD be ready by then and the future drafts could be used to select a goalie. They selected Grant Rollheiser this year. And you never know what a trade might bring. And isn't any other leaf fan excited to see what the future holds for Nieuwendyk as assistant GM (and possibly soon to be GM)?
Anthony (Posted 2008-08-15 14:37:43)
John H: You nailed it!
Adam, your clueless. Two of the past four Stanley Cups out of the Southeast. You have no clue about hockey (how did you get this job?). By far the worst division has been Detroit's, they have NO competition (if not for Detroit, that division has done NOTHING in 60 years!)
Flyers a top ten team, are you out of your mind!
P.S. This is why hockey stinks on TV. Versus schedule is a joke. Will watch one game in March, that's it. When you start losing true hockey fans, NHL marketing is in trouble (Caps stink, they are on (8) times, they have done NOTHING as an organization)
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-15 14:34:51)
Thanks, Aaron. Good that we can agree on that. I don't see the Habs winning it all this year, but if they do, it will be because Price shows people that he's the real deal, which he is. This is really the first time, in my opinion, the Habs have had a goalie they can count on since Roy forced the trade out of town. It might take him a year or so, but he'll figure it out at the NHL level, and then they'll be threats, year in, year out.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-15 14:28:54)
Jeff, I hate to break this to you, but the only fans who anyone could legitimately say might be jealous of the Leafs are Panthers fans, Islanders fans and LA fans, although LA fans can at least correctly point out their top tier prospects give them a better future than the Leafs, Isles fans can point out the've won something more recently than 4 decades ago, and the Panthers have made the Final in the last 15 years. The sad truth is, the Leafs are a joke that too many people in Toronto fail to get. It will be at least 3-4 years before the Leafs can be considered anything more than first round fodder, if not a lottery team. And just to clarify things for you Jeff, I'm from Detroit. I'm not jealous of anything that the Leafs are doing. ConnorW, Vesa Toskala is a good goalie, maybe even better than good, but he's not in the top tier. He's in the second tier.
JW Cole (Posted 2008-08-15 13:56:39)
Adam, I agree with your assessments almost entirely except regarding the Norhwest division not having a cup contender. I think Calgary is a legimate cup contender (top five being Detroit, Anaheim, San Jose, Calgary and maybe Pittsburgh) but your right to rank the division overall ahead of the Central which (save for Detroit) is overall the weakest in the Western Conference. Having three of the top four divisions from the west is spot on at this time.
Aaron Olson (Posted 2008-08-15 13:49:25)
Brian, while we must agree to disagree about the positions of the NW and the central (we had that discussion last week), I agree with your comments about the leafs and habs.
Jeff Finger is a relatively unproven commodity, and even if he has a career season, the leafs are destined for the John Tavares sweepstakes (Unless they sign Sundin again for some dumb reason. Then they will be good enough to get out of the lottery, but bad enough to miss playoffs).
The Habs on the other hand should have a decent year this season. With Price as the undisputed number one for the full season, I'm sure he will be in the form that enabled him to win the Memorial Cup, carry Team Canada to the World jr Championship, and win the Calder cup. I'm not saying that he is going to carry the team to the Stanley Cup finals, but goaltending will be one of Montreals strong points, along with their pp again (even after losing Streit, they should be successful on the man adv.).
All in all, good blog. The rankings are pretty much where I would put them. The only monkey wrench is how tight divisions like the NW and Cen will be with only playing 6 games per team instead of 8.
Alex in AZ (Posted 2008-08-15 13:48:54)
Glad to see some respect given to the Pacific and Jeff, wow! What fantasy world do you live in? The unicorns, flying monkeys, lawn gnomes, and a fair amount of pixie dust will almost certainly lead the Leafs to victory and a date with Lord Stanley. Now click your heels twice and repeat after me: "there's no place like Toronto."
Turd Ferguson (Posted 2008-08-15 13:43:45)
Northwest Divison is the toughest (not best) Division in Hockey. When two NW Division teams play, it is way more of a physical brand of hockey than other divisions (with the exception of a few teams like Anaheim etc.) I watch a lot of different games all the time on the Centre Ice Package, and it is pretty obvious after awhile. I am a Flames Fan and watch mostly their games, but I do watch a lot of other teams too. Crosby, Ovechkin while being superstars would not get more than 100 points playing in the Northwest, thats why it kills me to see Iggy not get as much Hart consideration year after year. Also, the NW travel schedule is ridiculous compared to other teams. Quit knocking a great division (that may not have a lot of scoring) but plays hockey the way it should be, hard hitting, tight checking, etc...
Razzel-Dazzel (Posted 2008-08-15 13:31:46)
Did some moron say leafs and compete for the cup this year in the same sentence? Put down the crack pipe, take a deep breath and calm down. The leafs have nothing besides toskala, ( who turns 32 this season by the way ) haven't made the playoffs since 2004 and there going to win the division? give me a freaking break! You moronic leaf fans should keep your mouths shut, pray to win the draft lottery and maybe ( if your lucky! ) have team capable of making the playoffs in 10 years! ( you brought this on yourself ) and for the record the leafs haven't won a cup since goalies started to use masks!
Sebster (Posted 2008-08-15 12:32:38)
Jeff, I just wish that the Leafs could come up with a rivalry really. Please be realistic Toronto simply forgot to plan ahead 4 years ago. Consequently, today they have to start the rebuild process. Leafs has key players and could be surprising on the road I'll give it to ya... Do you really think that they can get more then 80 points?? If so you are a dreamer and I dont argue with dreamers :) Come on dude!
Jeff Morris (Posted 2008-08-15 12:18:41)
I disagree Sebster. The Habs newest additions will not be enough to get them anywhere. Oh and you forgot to mention the Leafs as they will definatelt take the top spot in the northeast division.
Sebster (Posted 2008-08-15 12:13:25)
Ok, last year THN predicted the Habs 13th right? Big surprise they clinched the top spot in the East. This year, they mostlikely will finish 1st or 5th. Big pressure for the Habs that's for sure. Ottawa, Rangers, Boston, Pittsburg, Philly and NJ has a shot at the playoffs. The 8th spot will be either washington (division leaders) or the Bolt if they can bounce back! The Canes also has a good shot at it. Regelar season will be the usual battle between the first 6. Now the Habs: With or without Sundin, the Habs are a team with a well balanced and great special units. With Tanguay and Laracque addition, the Habs are well suited for the regular season if they stay away from the injury list Kovalev has to play and behave just like last year, Higgins will most likely have a better season, the Kostitsyn brothers have good skills, Plekanec is a sure shot, Koivu knows he's no longer a 1st liner but a good 2nd liner, Tanguay second career breather hometown could get him back on top 75+ pts, Price young goaltender great attitude and learned from last year... more confident...profile of a top 5. Mr. Laracque is a talented enforcer, and the defencemens a so well balanced!
This year the Habs will be taken seriously unlike last year! Expect the 90+ points by the end of the season. I'm not going to predict the Cup in Montreal................and let the season begin!!!!!!
Jeff Morris (Posted 2008-08-15 12:04:59)
Well Put jeffo. Adam, may i suggest that you post your predictions after the hockey season starts?
Jeff Morris (Posted 2008-08-15 11:55:31)
Brian. Your comments have prooven to us that you have no hockey knowledge whatsoever. FOr you to say that the Leafs won't make it with what we have shows you are jealous of the Leafs and you know that the Leafs are going to go very far in th playoffs this year. And Adam forgot to mention some flaws in the Habs lineup. 1. they only have one tough guy on the team, and he can't be on the ice all game to protect everyone, especially when Hollweg is now the Leafs newest pest and knocking Habsplayers to the ground, and Mayers doing what die habs die suggested, which was taking Kovalev's head off. 2. The Band-aid thing they got tanguay for that i mentioned earlier, and that still does not fill any other holes left in the offensive lineup. 3. Anti-Hab is right on the money about Price. This is the NHL, not the little league. Carey is now playing with the big boys in an arena that pushes the pressure on a team. He will be crushed like an egg.
jeffo (Posted 2008-08-15 11:55:29)
...all of you analysts felt the habs and leafs were pretty much mediocre on paper before last season. The habs lost some good players, the leafs lost some bad players. Can't wait till Finger sorts out the Kostitsyn kids at the blueline... remember, Finger played in the west against the likes of Thornton and Iginla. Habs are overhyped crybabies. Go Leafs!
jamie (Posted 2008-08-15 11:38:13)
For being kept on the edge of your seat as a fan there is no better division than my Flames' north west, it goes down to the wire every year. It seems to me though that this is both a blessing and a curse. It's great as a fan, and the constant competition must be good for the players but its hard for more than two teams out of the northwest to make the playoffs when the mountain of points to be had from division games is being split 4 or 5 ways rather than 2. It will be interesting to see what the new more balanced schedule does to the northwest this year. Flames to win the divison of course!
ConnorW (Posted 2008-08-15 11:34:40)
Take your shots at leaf palyers all you want, but at least do it tactfully. Vesa Toskala is a premier goalie in the NHL, theres really no arguing that. Im not defending the leafs roster as a whole, but choose your battles man.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-15 11:24:53)
Jeff, seriously man, stop drinking the Kool-Aid. It is possible the Leafs compete for a playoff spot, it is not possible the Leafs make it out of the East. They are not, repeat, not competing for the Cup this year. Jeff Finger might turn into a good player, but the market for him wasn't there, Toronto could have gotten him cheaper than what the Wings paid for Brad Stuart. A lot cheaper. Anti-Hab, I'm going to assume you really don't know what Price did prior to winning the Habs starting job, when he won the Memorial Cup, and then the Calder Cup. Yes, we all know how he responds to pressure, generally by winning. I'm not even a Habs fan, but it's obvious they got a winner there, whereas the Leafs have...Jeff Finger? Vesa Toskala, the former backup on a perrenial post season underachiever? Who does Toronto have? Not their best player from last year, he still hasn't decided if he wants to play for the joke that the Leafs have become.
Trofel (Posted 2008-08-15 11:09:45)
"Even if we dont always win the games, we are gonna smash them through the boards."
I can see why the Leafs are losers since 1967!! Way to go to play hockey, loser!
Alex (Posted 2008-08-15 11:07:56)
GO HABS GO!!
Die Habs Die (Posted 2008-08-15 11:06:24)
Montreal is gonna get beat up by toronto this year. Even if we dont always win the games, we are gonna smash them through the boards. I can see Jamal Meyers taking Kovalevs head off already.
Anti-Hab (Posted 2008-08-15 11:00:16)
Well said Jeff Morris. The Habs will have a TON of pressure on them this year with their celebrations and we all know how Mr.Price responds to pressure.
Jeff Morris (Posted 2008-08-15 10:51:52)
As a Leafs fan, i do not understand why people think the sugning of Jeff finger is a bad thing. Ron Wilson was also involved in his signing by telling Cliff about him, and he thinks he will be a good addition to the Leafs quest for the cup this year. Sundin is yet to make up his mind, but the Leafs still have a lot of young scoring talent. And adam, as for your comment on every team having a hole in them except for the Habs, you are wrong. They signed Tanguay and got him in a trade, but he is a band-aid player. He is not gonna do anything to improve the Habs. I am predicting that the Leafs will emerge in the top spot in the northeast division and the Habs will be fighting for the last playoff spot and Montreal will end up being the biggest joke in the NHL.
Josh (Posted 2008-08-15 10:39:28)
Come on Jimmy. "One more game and the Habs drop to 5th". I am going to assume you are joking cause they finished 2 pts ahead of Pitts and 8 ahead of 3rd place washington. And I believe 6pts or more ahead of 4th place. So come on and give them credit for a great season. And yes they will have another top 4 finish this season as well.
ftg314 (Posted 2008-08-15 10:14:01)
Proteau is funny saying the Atlantic Division has 2 of the top 10 teams in the league. With only six divisions, chances are most divisions do have 2 of the top 10 teams in the league. Not sure Philly is top 10 however.
P Muhammad bin al-Timbales (Posted 2008-08-15 09:19:25)
The Habs will compete for the top seed in the conference, eating up the likes of Toronto, Buffalo and the Bruins of course. It will be like Detroit eating up Columbus and the other buffets. How far will the Habs go in the playoffs? They have improved every year for past four years and they'll be better this year with new signings and maturing youngsters. How will Chipchura do as fourth centre? The Habs will play in the conference finals.
Viqsi (Posted 2008-08-15 08:36:47)
Astonishing. Somebody actually noticed Detroit's division record from last year. :) I'd still swap Northwest and Central, if only because I think the former is fading and the latter is on the rise and I'm pretty sure we're going to see many signs of that this year, but having them where they are is a decent enough (if a bit conservative) choice.
Brian Kemp (Posted 2008-08-15 08:20:59)
Adam, good job. The Atlantic and Pacific are definitely the two best divisions in hockey, but I'd give the nod to the Pacific, because while the Atlantic has 4 potential playoff teams, the Rangers and Penguins have both lost key players, while the Pacific also has 4 potential playoff teams, and the Kings will be better before the Isles. Dallas has improved, San Jose traded up from Campbell with Boyle, and Phoenix added Jokinen. Anaheim is mostly the same. The only real disagreement I have with your analysis is the Northwest. Competitive within the division doesn't mean any of the teams are real good. Only Calgary looks to be better than average on paper, but they've looked good on paper for a few years, and have steadily finished lower in the standings. The other 4 all have serious holes. The Central has Detroit, but Nashville has made the playoffs 4 years in a row, Chicago is much better and more than likely would have made the playoffs last year if Toews didn't miss all those games, and Columbus looks like they could get in. St. Louis is going to take a year or two to get back in to playoff contention. All in all, I'd take the Central over the Northwest.
Terry (Posted 2008-08-15 07:15:23)
Hey Arch, Trans, I mean Pennsylvania a a soot pit. Philly in 4 and and hot shot Crosbys team in 6. Get Mario,Jagr, and Lindros ha ha back.
T.Roy (Posted 2008-08-15 07:05:33)
Right-on crack head. They are extremely bored. Thanks for mentioning Vlady. I'm really shocked of no tribute or commemorative cards of him. No one even mentions him except in the "D". How sad. As far as picking a winner for this season. Detroit might not see another parade next year, but just give them 3-4 more years at the most. Believe/Achieve VK/SM.
Bo (Posted 2008-08-15 00:14:03)
How can you rate Northwest so high with Minnesota and Vancouver so bad? Colorado didn't get any better. Edmonton is a huge maybe, the only real good solid team in the Northwest is Calgary. Northwest is the most overrated division in sports. Wild & Canucks can't score and Canucks big plan is to sign Wild castoffs Demitra & Parrish.
chiro de maru (Posted 2008-08-14 23:17:15)
"1) Not one free agent from this year's crop has played even an exhibition game yet with their new teams and 2) you could be at least a little more original in your picks, seeing as how every other hockey writer in the world has listed those two same FAs as the worst signings. "
uh...doesn't that mean there's a consensus that these are two god-awful contracts?
Doug (Posted 2008-08-14 23:09:40)
All in all, a fair summary I think. I agree that the Pacific wins for pure depth; the Isles bring down the Atlantic (at least for the moment) in that respect. And I don't think anyone will disagree with ranking the Southeast last, unfortunately.
And just to clarify, Arch Stanton, Pennsylvania is a state. It's referred to as the "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" mostly for official purposes and historical reasons.
Tommy P (Posted 2008-08-14 22:53:23)
i agree with Andrew down at the bottom. The Atlantic division is the best purely for the teams that have reached the playoffs last year. The Islanders also drafted the best out of any team this year and also have hordes of young talent ready to prove themselves. The Atlantic division is the best. The Pacific is not far off and the Central is pretty nasty good. I feel bad for the Southeast though. just a few years ago, the 'Canes and Lightning were Stanley Cup Champs and now only one team has made the Playoffs. Also Adam, watch what you have to say about Michael Ryder and Jeff Finger. These old timers always seem to be full of surprises despite being past their prime.
Flyerfan52 (Posted 2008-08-14 21:34:09)
paul le malade, though it doesn't look like much competition for Les Canadiens in their division, other teams in the conference are stronger. That might mean they end up third seed and are out after one round. Washington, for instance, is stronger through maturing, a few signings and Nylander returning to health. I don't consider Theodore being an upgrade in goal unless he returns to form but the Ovechkin and Green are just coming into their own.
Chris (Posted 2008-08-14 21:17:32)
"Forget that two of the worst off-season free agent signings (Michael Ryder in Boston and Jeff Finger in Toronto) speak to the sizeable desperation levels existing in this division." Wow that is one intelligent comment there Mr. Proteau, considering that 1) Not one free agent from this year's crop has played even an exhibition game yet with their new teams and 2) you could be at least a little more original in your picks, seeing as how every other hockey writer in the world has listed those two same FAs as the worst signings. Either way, wait a season or two before making such comments... and whatever you do, PLEASE, if one of them actually works out, do not write a success story about them in the future.
paul le malade (Posted 2008-08-14 20:52:43)
It's gonna be an exciting season with all those games between the two conferences. Habs fans all over america will be pleased to see their favorite team more than once by 4 years starting this year. There is no opponent at all for the Canadiens in the North East division. Also I can't wait to see if Sundin is gonna sign with Montréal for next season. I would like to have the 25th Coupe Stanley on Ste-Catherine street in 2009!
sabres fan1 (Posted 2008-08-14 20:43:16)
FRIGGEN RIGHT "MAN"!
Arch Stanton (Posted 2008-08-14 19:51:14)
And that's commonwealth, obv :)
Arch Stanton (Posted 2008-08-14 19:48:19)
Pennsylvania is a commwealth, not a state.
man (Posted 2008-08-14 19:03:54)
Buffalo is tops in NE for sure this year... maybe presidents again
Jimmy Crackcorn (Posted 2008-08-14 18:05:17)
Holy crow....what is with every sports analyst through history sucking up to the Habs? "Astounding"?? The east was so tight last year that if there was one more game in the season, the Habs could have dropped to 5th. I know they are the "NY Yankees" of hockey, but come on...
Braden (Posted 2008-08-14 16:35:26)
Jeff Finger is a bad signing but we will have to wait to see how bad or good it turns out. I think Huet (for the amount of the contract) was one of the worst signings in the league. I love watching the Northwest division and agree it is one of the toughest divisions in the league. The lightning did imrove but I still wouldn't be surprised if they do not make the playoffs (wouldn't be too surprised if they managed to sneak in either).
Mathew Rutledge (Posted 2008-08-14 16:13:49)
I realise that two recent cup winners came out of the southeast division, but they both totally dropped out of contention the following season, and have yet to return, though we''l have to see how the lightning do this year, they may pull themselves up.
hemsky83 (Posted 2008-08-14 16:01:30)
guess West is best 3 out of the top 4
torontosportsmedia.com (Posted 2008-08-14 15:51:24)
Jeff Finger is the worst off season signing? A tad extreme? Lets see how he plays first no? How many games have you personally seen the guy play ????
John H. (Posted 2008-08-14 15:19:55)
Monsieur Proteau, what have you done?! Just wait, every reflexively irate Canes and Bolts fan is going to post to remind us that of the last four seasons, two Cup winners have come out of the Southeast. Thanks, Adam.
Andrew (Posted 2008-08-14 15:10:46)
I think the Atlantic is better than the Pacific because 4 Atlantic teams (all but NYI) have a chance to be VERY good and near the top of the conference. It's the only division with 4 teams that have a good shot at going very far this Spring.
In the Pacific you have two teams (LA and Phoenix) that will probably sturggle.
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