Ashenden 0 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 I was reading this, admittedly superficial, analysis of the best value on defense (http://icechat.blogspot.com/) and I got to thinking about the Blues and the Kings, both of whom have very good defenses. Even though the Kings traded Norstrom, they are still stacked and have Jack Johnson coming up. The Blues have Brewer, McKee, Jackman, and Erik Johnson coming up. Just based on defense, these two teams figure to be a much tougher opponent next year. I suspect it won't be too long before STL is a solid rival in our division, which will be a nice change of pace. Anyone have thoughts on this or have other teams that are significantly improved? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShanahanMan 473 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 we'll see in a few months Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GoWings1905 2,694 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Colorado improved this offseason as well. Remember they only missed the playoffs by a point, and were probably the best team in the West for the latter portion of last season. Not to mention the Avalanche added Ryan Smyth and Scott Hannan, two very impressive additions. The Avs have a solid mix of veterans and promising young players, such as Stastny, Wolski, and Richardson. The problem is the Avalanche probably won't have an inflated point total due to playing in the tough Northwest Division. However, I do expect the Avs to be one of the four teams from that division to make the playoffs next season. The given will be that the Avalanche score a lot of goals. Depending on how their goaltending and defense performs, the Avalanche should contend for the division title. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jaromir Jagr 0 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 I would say Colorado and St Louis. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ashenden 0 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 Colorado improved this offseason as well. Remember they only missed the playoffs by a point, and were probably the best team in the West for the latter portion of last season. Not to mention the Avalanche added Ryan Smyth and Scott Hannan, two very impressive additions. The Avs have a solid mix of veterans and promising young players, such as Stastny, Wolski, and Richardson. The problem is the Avalanche probably won't have an inflated point total due to playing in the tough Northwest Division. However, I do expect the Avs to be one of the four teams from that division to make the playoffs next season. The given will be that the Avalanche score a lot of goals. Depending on how their goaltending and defense performs, the Avalanche should contend for the division title. Those are good points, I didn't consider the Avs as that much improved because I don't think Hannan is a significant addition, but you're definitely right about the mix of young talent. Adding Smyth was a help, they could still use Tanguay, but Leopold still has a lot of potential. Another point regarding the Kings: Hockey's Future rates them as having the most promising future in terms of prospects. Some of the better players for them on the horizon: Hickey, O'Sullican, J. Johnson, Bernier. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kp-Wings 3 Report post Posted August 19, 2007 The Kings suck. Just because they signed Handzus and Calder doesn't make them a playoff team. Jack Johnson is a great player, but he will not turn that team from 14th in the West into a playoff team. They still have the worst goalie in the league (Cloutier), and their defense after the top pairing drops off really quick. I don't know why people automatically consider LA a playoff team just because they go out and sign a bunch of mediocre free agents (nothing against Handzus, but 4 million for a guy who only played 8 games last year is absolutly ridiculous). They have a ways off. St. Louis looks more like a playoff team this year. We'll see how it all turns out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
irishtemper14+25 11 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 in my opinion...you cant say someone has improved before they play a single game...unless you are nostradamus Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Earthhuman 8 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 What if Nostradamus predicted that LGW forecasters would be right on the money? The man predicted everything. I'm sure if you interpreted a poem correctly, you would see that you have a son coming up in your future and that you will name him Milo for reasons beyond your control. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drake_Marcus 890 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 in my opinion...you cant say someone has improved before they play a single game...unless you are nostradamus Nostradamus was a ******. He didn't predict anything. All those quatrains were deliberately vague and people read into them what they want. That's my unnecessary post for the day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
betterREDthandead 58 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 in my opinion...you cant say someone has improved before they play a single game...unless you are nostradamus Well, let's just shut down the boards then. What's the point of ever having a discussion if we wait til the games are played to determine everything? Anyway, the Kings, most improved team? They better be. They certainly have nowhere to go but up. And as for the Blues, I certainly hope they are improved. Beating St. Louis in the playoffs used to be a ritual. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Yzer19 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 If Nediermayer and Selanne decide to play with Anaheim then I would say Anaheim is one of the most improved teams. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 If Nediermayer and Selanne decide to play with Anaheim then I would say Anaheim is one of the most improved teams. Except if that happens, they would have to trade somebody. They don't have enough cap space left for both Selanne and Niedermayer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 Not to mention the Avalanche added Ryan Smyth and Scott Hannan, two very impressive additions. Don't you remember? Whoever signed Ryan Smyth wins the Cup for the next 50 years! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BigTex 1 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 Nostradamus IS a ******. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cicada 4 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 the Kings have a solid back 6 with Blake, Johnson, Visnovsky, Stuart, Modry and Priessing... if they can get solid goaltending out of JLB then they've got a shot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted August 20, 2007 the Kings have a solid back 6 with Blake, Johnson, Visnovsky, Stuart, Modry and Priessing... if they can get solid goaltending out of JLB then they've got a shot Hmm...I don't know if you can call it a solid defensive unit when the best defensive player on it has yet to play in the NHL... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
