SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted July 26, 2008 http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/stor...&id=3504426 By Scott Burnside, splitting them up by conferences. Some notables in my opinion... Western Conference...Edmonton 5th, Chicago 6th. Maybe I'm just not familiar with Edmonton's team, but I didn't hear or read of them making any huge impacts in free agency so far. And while they made an impressive run late to try to make the playoffs last season, that just goes to show you that you cannot slip up early. Chicago definitely improved their roster without question, but I'm just kinda in a wait-and-see mode with them to see if they'll definitely be a playoff threat. I'm just a bit surprised Burnside put them that high so early. Eastern Conference...New York Rangers 4th, Tampa Bay 8th. Just seemed to me that the Rangers have taken a step back so far this offseason. Again though, not all too familiar with their roster. Tampa Bay has definitely upped themselves so far, but like Chicago, I'm just waiting to see if they'll make any signficant jump to flirt with a playoff spot after they were all but out of the playoffs by mid-season last time (if I am somewhat accurate). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FinRedWing 172 Report post Posted July 26, 2008 This article made me realize once again how bad the Eastern Conference is compared to the West. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,232 Report post Posted July 26, 2008 (edited) The defending Stanley Cup champs pick up one of the top two-way forwards in the game in Hossa to go with accomplished all-around players Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. You can almost hear him groaning. Edited July 26, 2008 by Dabura Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrossoverThrash 0 Report post Posted July 26, 2008 While i think the Hawks will be better not THAT MUCH. However i could see the Coyotes swapping with them. Similar youthful team with a few veterans the difference is that Phoenix has much better young players such has Carcillo. Sure the Hawks have Toews and Kane but thier other rookies are crap. Burrish and Bolland and all of those guys are crap. Carcillo is the real deal in Phoenix as is Mueller, Hanzel and most likely Turris and Boedker. I could see turris and boedker seeing time on a line with Fedoruk gaining experience under an umbrella. Dosent Phoenix also have a few youngsters out of Michigan coming up too? Lang and Havlat are obviously not the veterans i would want on my team thats why i think Chicago still has work to do. Phoenix also has Bryzgalov. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,232 Report post Posted July 26, 2008 I was against this idea several months ago, but I've thought about it a bit, and I've persuaded myself to believe that, barring a major meltdown, the 'hawks will make the cut this season. ...And face the Wings in the 1st round. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crymson Report post Posted July 26, 2008 While i think the Hawks will be better not THAT MUCH. However i could see the Coyotes swapping with them. Similar youthful team with a few veterans the difference is that Phoenix has much better young players such has Carcillo. Sure the Hawks have Toews and Kane but thier other rookies are crap. Burrish and Bolland and all of those guys are crap. Carcillo is the real deal in Phoenix as is Mueller, Hanzel and most likely Turris and Boedker. I could see turris and boedker seeing time on a line with Fedoruk gaining experience under an umbrella. Dosent Phoenix also have a few youngsters out of Michigan coming up too? Lang and Havlat are obviously not the veterans i would want on my team thats why i think Chicago still has work to do. Phoenix also has Bryzgalov. People who are "the real deal" do not give the opposing team an average of two power plays per game like Carcillo does. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
puckbags 863 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 I love what he say's about the Sharks...same old story..they get pumped up beyone belief in the off season and then they fail !! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted July 27, 2008 Sharks is a bit overrated imo... they got -Size (Many players are 220+) -Thornton (best playmaker in the world with crosby?) -Nabokov (top3 goalie in the NHL) But that's not just enough... thronton doesn't really have an excellet winger, well marleou is decent, and that other fella but not near wings wingers... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeftWinger 5,152 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 I was against this idea several months ago, but I've thought about it a bit, and I've persuaded myself to believe that, barring a major meltdown, the 'hawks will make the cut this season. ...And face the Wings in the 1st round. ...well, sure they had a winning record against us last year, but look at who was most responsible for that, Khabibulan and he won't be the starter next season, Huet will... ...I predict the Wings handle the Hawks better this year and end up with a winning record against them (as they will with all other teams.) I don't even caret about the classic either, you know that (like the last one) will be fixed to showcase the two youngsters on Chicago, even though Hank and Dats are you two stars of the game right now... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skacore 2 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 People who are "the real deal" do not give the opposing team an average of two power plays per game like Carcillo does. How'd you manage that inaccurate stat? PIM divided by games played? The majority of his PIM comes from fights and misconducts and they don't leave his team short handed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Dump-N-Thump Report post Posted July 27, 2008 How'd you manage that inaccurate stat? PIM divided by games played? The majority of his PIM comes from fights and misconducts and they don't leave his team short handed. along with he usualy brings other players to the box with him.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA Report post Posted July 27, 2008 (edited) Sharks is a bit overrated imo... they got -Size (Many players are 220+) -Thornton (best playmaker in the world with crosby?) -Nabokov (top3 goalie in the NHL) But that's not just enough... thronton doesn't really have an excellet winger, well marleou is decent, and that other fella but not near wings wingers... What is up with all the praise for Nabokov? IMO MOST OVERATED NHLER. What has he ever won? How many Vezinas does he ahve? He is a good goalie, but just off the top of my head, Dipetro, Broduer, Lundquist, Luongo, Kippersoff, Miller, Gigure, Bryzgalov, Turco, and Osgood are better imo Edit: Rembered right after I posted: Fleury, Biron, Huet, Price, and Backstrom Also Marleau, and Cheechoo are overated bey ong belief. I firmly belive that Patty M will not bounce back. In short they are worse than last year Subtractions: Bernier, Campbell, Carle, Rivet Additions: Blake(Old and Washed up. Woudlnt crack Detroits top 4 Currently, and before you say hes better than Stuart, L.A. Offered Stuart 5 Million a season this offseason, whereas they didnt think matching for Blake at that salary would be good) And Boyle, who is basically a bit better than Schenider. Edited July 28, 2008 by EZBAKETHAGANGSTA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doggy 130 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 Sharks is a bit overrated imo... they got -Size (Many players are 220+) -Thornton (best playmaker in the world with crosby?) -Nabokov (top3 goalie in the NHL) But that's not just enough... thronton doesn't really have an excellet winger, well marleou is decent, and that other fella but not near wings wingers... For the most part I agree. But they are also one of the deeper teams in the league. EZBAKE - I am in agreeance that Nabokov is overrated but Bryzgalov, Huet, Backstrom, Miller, Biron and Di Pietro have done nothing to suggest they are better than Nabokov. And to answer the question, he has won a Calder and pretty much nothing else besides 46 games last season. But Miller? BIRON?? Come on man. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duck Guy 86 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 lol @ kings... i am pretty sure the yotes will get a cup before them.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dawgs 0 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/stor...&id=3504426 By Scott Burnside, splitting them up by conferences. Some notables in my opinion... Western Conference...Edmonton 5th, Chicago 6th. Maybe I'm just not familiar with Edmonton's team, but I didn't hear or read of them making any huge impacts in free agency so far. And while they made an impressive run late to try to make the playoffs last season, that just goes to show you that you cannot slip up early. Chicago definitely improved their roster without question, but I'm just kinda in a wait-and-see mode with them to see if they'll definitely be a playoff threat. I'm just a bit surprised Burnside put them that high so early. Edmonton added Erik Cole to go along with a great young forward corps. Along with thier solid young defensemen I think they are a more dangerous team than Chicago who seems to me to be a hodge podge of disparate parts. I really believe Chicago has spent its money poorly this offseason. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crymson Report post Posted July 27, 2008 How'd you manage that inaccurate stat? PIM divided by games played? The majority of his PIM comes from fights and misconducts and they don't leave his team short handed. He's not quite the genius agitator you give him credit for. He is extremely undisciplined. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisdetroit 189 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 For the most part I agree. But they are also one of the deeper teams in the league. EZBAKE - I am in agreeance that Nabokov is overrated but Bryzgalov, Huet, Backstrom, Miller, Biron and Di Pietro have done nothing to suggest they are better than Nabokov. And to answer the question, he has won a Calder and pretty much nothing else besides 46 games last season. But Miller? BIRON?? Come on man. Nobokov is one of the top 5 goalies in the league. The problem with him though is that he hasn't faired so well in the playoffs. Some of that comes from the idiot Wilson playing him 79 games a year until he is worn out. It will be interesting to see how the Sharkies do with Todd behind the bench. I don't see them getting past round 2 though - not with a rookie head coach and the players that they lost over the summer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisdetroit 189 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 Edmonton added Erik Cole to go along with a great young forward corps. Along with thier solid young defensemen I think they are a more dangerous team than Chicago who seems to me to be a hodge podge of disparate parts. I really believe Chicago has spent its money poorly this offseason. No doubt - they overpaid for both Campbell and Huet. And what do they do with Khabibulin? $12.3 Mil wrapped up in goaltenders! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisdetroit 189 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 Sharks is a bit overrated imo... they got -Size (Many players are 220+) -Thornton (best playmaker in the world with crosby?) -Nabokov (top3 goalie in the NHL) But that's not just enough... thronton doesn't really have an excellet winger, well marleou is decent, and that other fella but not near wings wingers... The Sharks are big, young and mostly Canadian; therefore the Hockey media love them. Because of this they are overrated every year. Just like the Anaheim goons. A similar thing happens with the Pens because of Crosby and the opposite happens with our Wings. Unfortunately, alot of sports writers have problems being objective. Look at the Wings-Pens series. Their were people that picked the Pens. Based on what? Youth? In the SCF? Really....We know how that turned out....The terrific Pens offense scored 10 goals in 6 games total.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skacore 2 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 He's not quite the genius agitator you give him credit for. He is extremely undisciplined. Where did I give him credit for being an agitator? He is undisciplined but not in the sense that he'll put his team on the PK, and definitely not 2 PKs a game... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Louisville 112 Report post Posted July 27, 2008 (edited) nvm Edited July 27, 2008 by Louisville Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DatsyukownzU13 1 Report post Posted July 28, 2008 What is up with all the praise for Nabokov? IMO MOST OVERATED NHLER. What has he ever won? How many Vezinas does he ahve? He is a good goalie, but just off the top of my head, Dipetro, Broduer, Lundquist, Luongo, Miller, Gigure, Bryzgalov, Turco, and Osgood are better imo Edit: Rembered right after I posted: Fleury, Biron, Huet, and Backstrom Also Marleau, and Cheechoo are overated beyong belief. I firmly belive that Patty M will not bounce back. In short they are worse than last year Subtractions: Bernier, Campbell, Carle, Rivet Additions: Blake(Old and Washed up. Woudlnt crack Detroits top 4 Currently, and before you say hes better than Stuart, L.A. Offered Stuart 5 Million a season this offseason, whereas they didnt think matching for Blake at that salary would be good) And Boyle, who is basically a bit better than Schenider. You would say no to Nabokov for Osgood straight up? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted July 28, 2008 You would say no to Nabokov for Osgood straight up? I would say no to Nabokov for Osgood straight up. Make it Brodeur and maybe we'll talk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA Report post Posted July 28, 2008 (edited) You would say no to Nabokov for Osgood straight up? Realistically Nabokov for Ozzy on the Wings? HELL NO. Osgood is as good of a goaile we need and is underated in every sense of the Word. Osgood had a better Save %. Osgood has more cups than Nabokov has CF apperances. And almost as many cups as series wins for Nabokov. Osgood is the BEST VALUE FOR A GOALTENDER IN THE CAP WORLD BAR NONE Osgood is basically a perfect fit for the Wings, He is not the type of Goalie to wow you with incredibly athletic saves, but he is Consistant, and with our Defense, no goalie is going to have to make those type of saves. Edited July 28, 2008 by EZBAKETHAGANGSTA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,232 Report post Posted July 28, 2008 Osgood was absolutely monstrous last season. I don't know what the guy has to do to earn mad props around here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
