Opie 308 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Anzh...o&type=lgns Free agent signing rankings: 1. Detroit Red Wings – The Wings were surprise winners of the Marian Hossa sweepstakes, but they shouldn’t have been. Just because Edmonton, Pittsburgh and other teams wanted the services of the prime-aged scorer, it didn’t mean they had the recruiting advantage that perennial-winner Detroit possesses. Smart move, too, to sign Hossa for one season. He should stay motivated and, hey, if it doesn’t work he’s gone. GM Ken Holland acted quicker than usual in securing his backup goalie (Ty Conklin), and he got defensemen Brad Stuart and Andreas Lilja under contract. The biggie is still to extend Conn Smythe-winner Henrik Zetterberg. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 Decent top power rankings but I absolutely would've put the Sharks in the number 2 spot. I said before the playoffs ended that Dallas will be a force next year, but the defensive additions the Sharks have made this past week, dumping Hanta Yo Baby for McLellan, topped off with the talent they currently had will make them (IMO) the second best team in the NHL. Dallas third and Pittsburgh 4th. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 Yeah I don't think the coaching acquisition was given enough weight, Hanta Yo has had a hard time in the playoffs for as long as I can remember. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Dump-N-Thump Report post Posted July 8, 2008 Stars number 2? come on. They have no defense. Pitts is a good 3. Sadly they lost Army for marian last year though Philly 5? i love philly dont get me wrong, but number 5? Biron isn't a goalie i'd put any faith in, and without 2 of there best D-men last playoffs *gator and hatch* they will be in even more trouble. Ducks.. How the might have fallen ill go on a wing and say they wont even make the playoffs this year. and if they do it will be a 7/8 seed NYR 8? i honestly cant even name a player worthwhile on there team anymore. Columbus should be higher, they made enough key changes to there team that can really change there fortune Tor 24? dead last is where they should and will be Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 Damn! I thought this thread was going to be about the movie. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zata40 3 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 I think Chicago should be a bit higher than 14 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 Stars number 2? come on. They have no defense. Pitts is a good 3. Sadly they lost Army for marian last year though Philly 5? i love philly dont get me wrong, but number 5? Biron isn't a goalie i'd put any faith in, and without 2 of there best D-men last playoffs *gator and hatch* they will be in even more trouble. Ducks.. How the might have fallen ill go on a wing and say they wont even make the playoffs this year. and if they do it will be a 7/8 seed NYR 8? i honestly cant even name a player worthwhile on there team anymore. Columbus should be higher, they made enough key changes to there team that can really change there fortune Tor 24? dead last is where they should and will be I agree that the Stars shouldn't be number 2 (because I believe that spot belongs to the Sharks), but I do feel they belong at number 3. Who do you feel should be above them? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckbags 863 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 I agree that the Stars shouldn't be number 2 (because I believe that spot belongs to the Sharks), but I do feel they belong at number 3. Who do you feel should be above them? I agree with Dallas being number 2, they are coming back with pretty much the same defence, they didn't lose anyone really and they didn't acquire anyone. Plus the fact that Boucher and Zubov missed large parts of the season which in turn gave some young guys some good ice time. If those two can come back and stay healthy which at their age is a big question than the Stars defence will be just fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
irishtemper14+25 11 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 why was tampa bay so late, i gurantee they will not be that far back in the standings next yr if stamkos plays Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cicada 4 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 I agree with Dallas being number 2, they are coming back with pretty much the same defence, they didn't lose anyone really and they didn't acquire anyone. the Stars lost Norstrom (retirement) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Swede40 0 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 I agree with Dallas being number 2, they are coming back with pretty much the same defence, they didn't lose anyone really and they didn't acquire anyone. Plus the fact that Boucher and Zubov missed large parts of the season which in turn gave some young guys some good ice time. If those two can come back and stay healthy which at their age is a big question than the Stars defence will be just fine. Norstrom is a pretty big loss for their Defense. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Opie 308 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 I agree with Dallas being number 2, they are coming back with pretty much the same defence, they didn't lose anyone really and they didn't acquire anyone. Plus the fact that Boucher and Zubov missed large parts of the season which in turn gave some young guys some good ice time. If those two can come back and stay healthy which at their age is a big question than the Stars defence will be just fine. Avery, as much as I dislike the guy, is a decent addition, the only problem is can he fit in in the lockerroom! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deltsig87 3 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 the real top 10 IMO.... wings sharks pens stars habs flyers devils hawks ducks flames Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LidstromIsASuperhero 29 Report post Posted July 8, 2008 why was tampa bay so late, i gurantee they will not be that far back in the standings next yr if stamkos plays Tampa bay has no defense or goaltending. Their only real good defenseman was dan boyle, and he left. That's why the writer of that article said they were upside down or lopsided or something. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Dump-N-Thump Report post Posted July 8, 2008 I agree that the Stars shouldn't be number 2 (because I believe that spot belongs to the Sharks), but I do feel they belong at number 3. Who do you feel should be above them? Sharks and Penguins. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
irishtemper14+25 11 Report post Posted July 9, 2008 Tampa bay has no defense or goaltending. Their only real good defenseman was dan boyle, and he left. That's why the writer of that article said they were upside down or lopsided or something. even though hes old and isnt quite Godzilla anymore, I still think Kolzig can play well if he only plays like half the season...then they have that promising young guy who might be able to make a step in the right direction this year, Mike Smith. as for defense, I agree getting rid of Boyle was a very stupid deal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
octopusonice 0 Report post Posted July 9, 2008 Decent top power rankings but I absolutely would've put the Sharks in the number 2 spot. I said before the playoffs ended that Dallas will be a force next year, but the defensive additions the Sharks have made this past week, dumping Hanta Yo Baby for McLellan, topped off with the talent they currently had will make them (IMO) the second best team in the NHL. Dallas third and Pittsburgh 4th. It is a good day to die Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miller76 463 Report post Posted July 9, 2008 Tampa 26th -Right there in the hunt! lol. -Hell Toronto is 24th Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Superman54 91 Report post Posted July 9, 2008 I actually have a feeling that the Dallas Stars will come out of the Pacific on top. San Jose would be 3rd in my books, and then the East would take place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T.Low 1,011 Report post Posted July 10, 2008 Western Conference season end standings:: 1. Detroit 2. San Jose 3. Dallas 4. Chicago 5. Minnesota 6. Colorado 7.Calgary 8. Phoenix Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miller76 463 Report post Posted July 10, 2008 Western Conference season end standings:: 1. Detroit 2. San Jose 3. Dallas 4. Chicago 5. Minnesota 6. Colorado 7.Calgary 8. Phoenix I can pretty much agree with this list. I do think Chicago will be even tougher this year like you listed , and Phoenix will be better. Not good but better. I notice Anaheim not on the list. That would be a great sight, but I wouldn't consider them completely out. I think they will compete with the likes of Calgary and Colorado, and Nashville for those 7,8,9th positions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites