wingsownnhl43 14 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 Is that this team has not even reached it's full potential!! It's not like this is a last horrah cup run. We will be just as good if not better next season. Zetterberg and Datsyuk have blossomed into two of the best players in the game. Franzen has come out of no where and has become the power forward we had been missing. Also, I personally believe Flip will be even better next season. You can just see him oozing with potential. He is ready to break loose at any point. It is imperative we dont let another team sign him to an offer sheet. I can see 25-30 goals from him next season. We also have great young role players such as Cleary, Helm, Kopecky, Hudler to go along with experienced vets Draper, Holmstrom, Maltby. Just a perfect mix. Our defense will continue to be the best core in the league. I don't think we will let Stuart slip away. Also alot of you may disagree, but i do see us looking on the free agent market for a veteran forward. Next season we will be well under the cap so we CAN sign someone to a one year contract. We cant sign anyone to any more than one year obviously, as we have to have cap room for Johan and Zet. What's more is that the league has finally gone back to where the best teams advance in the playoffs and there just arent any teams in the Wings class in the west. Im thinking Wings-Pens round 2 next year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Z and D for the C 712 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 I think we'll be even better next year. Certainly as good for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NHLrules? 32 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 Pens will lose alot this year IMO. THey have alot of work to do signing guys. The Wings D core will be stronger the year after next but yeah, this team looks like it will be a contendor for some time. Only issue that may hurt, goaltending. We stuck with Hasek too long and IMO it has hurt development. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mule Train 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 Im thinking Wings-Pens round 2 next year. Not a chance. After this year, I doubt the Pens even get a sniff at the finals for a long time. Too many UFAs on their roster and too many gaps to fill with no money (at least unless Cindy wants to give back some of his) The Wings, on the other hand, have a world class team, solid and deep prospects and the best scouting team in hockey.We may only be at the BEGINNING of this dynasty. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Firehawk 305 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 The Pens will not be back to the cup next year. The wings on the other hand, have a great chance to keep it going. During the Dallas season, I saw fans on their forums asking the question, "How in the hell does Detroit manage to stay at the top of the league year in and year out?" Good F'ing question. I don't know. LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingsownnhl43 14 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 Firehawk, it's funny you say that because i have been thinking that for a long time. I think the salary cup may actually be an advantage to us. We have been able to develop our own players, we havent been able to trade away our prospects at the deadline. Now we have a great core, we dont need to deal at the deadline, and we get to keep our top picks. Our scouting is our #1 strength and alwasy has been, not our ability to spend money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NHLrules? 32 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 Firehawk, it's funny you say that because i have been thinking that for a long time. I think the salary cup may actually be an advantage to us. We have been able to develop our own players, we havent been able to trade away our prospects at the deadline. Now we have a great core, we dont need to deal at the deadline, and we get to keep our top picks. Our scouting is our #1 strength and alwasy has been, not our ability to spend money. But boy did unlimited payroll make the off season and trade deadline day fun for us! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
datsyukonethree 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 And don't forget Jimmy Howard. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
marcaractac 3,963 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 I may sound crazy but I think the Caps are coming out of the East next year. Maybe the Habs. But I would not be suprised at all to see a wings/Caps finals next year. The Caps have come a long way, and I think they will have leanred so much from their series with Philly this year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mule Train 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 I may sound crazy but I think the Caps are coming out of the East next year. Maybe the Habs. But I would not be suprised at all to see a wings/Caps finals next year. The Caps have come a long way, and I think they will have leanred so much from their series with Philly this year. I actually picked the Habs this year...was kinda surprised when they got eliminated so quickly. I wouldn't bet against the Capitols next season (unless they hire Hanta Yo as their coach again) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DYags 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 And don't forget Jimmy Howard. Don't forget Daniel Larsson Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wingman 0 Report post Posted June 1, 2008 (edited) What impresses me is that there's already a transition taking place. Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Kronwall and others bear more and more responsibility, while the vet-core slowly step back. I think Lids is playing something like 5 min less in average TOI these playoffs compared to last year. Anyway, some teams need several years between prime cycles, the Wings are somehow in a constant prime. It's quite remarkable! Edited June 1, 2008 by Wingman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
