Datsyerberger 279 Report post Posted March 18, 2009 Well, you've got Nashville finally developing some offensive punch and Pekka Rinne. Chicago has Kane, Keith, Toews, and that whole group. C-Bus has Mason, Nash, and a roster that's developing well. Now look at the Blues: (Potential line-ups next year): Perron/Kariya - A-mac/Berglund - Boyes (A-Mac and Kariya not on the same line) Kariya/Perron - Berglund/A-mac - Oshie Steen - Tkachuk - Backes Winchester/Hinote/Janssen - McClement - Crombeen Yowza, that's some young depth at forward, and some of them are locked up several years on ridiculously small contracts for their production. Good veterans in A-Mac, Kariya, and Tkachuk, too. If EJ and Brewer recover well: EJ - Brewer Woywitka/Colaiacovo - Polak Colaiacovo/Woywitka - Jackman Plus a couple decent guys on backup. Can't even fit McKee into that, and having to put Jackman on the 3rd pairing was surprising. Decent defensive depth, too. And now you have Chris Mason who's determined to prove himself as the more worthy of the two Masons, and some frigging skyscraper backing him up. Gotta give the Blues org some serious credit, some of the better scouting and development in the league for sure. These guys are gonna be a ***** next year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjlegend 155 Report post Posted March 19, 2009 They'll be very good next year. I'd get rid of Brewer's contract and insert McKee into the third pairing if I'm John Davidson. I'm not sold on Mason as an elite goaltender, but if they get a cheap upgrade (Biron? Conklin? Clemmenson?) they could make some noise. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Datsyerberger 279 Report post Posted March 19, 2009 They'll be very good next year. I'd get rid of Brewer's contract and insert McKee into the third pairing if I'm John Davidson. I'm not sold on Mason as an elite goaltender, but if they get a cheap upgrade (Biron? Conklin? Clemmenson?) they could make some noise. He's not elite, but Mason with a good 1B would be a good tandem if his current play keeps up (all good options, there). I really don't see them moving Brewer. Never mind that he's their captain, he's also not worth as much because of his contract (and with all their best young players locked up long term, contracts aren't really a concern next year). I think they'll probably move someone like Woywitka or Colaiacovo, since they'll have a number of offensive d-men and they should be able to get a decent return with their performance this year. They're definitely challenging Chicago for strongest young core in the conference, next year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Carman 387 Report post Posted March 19, 2009 Looks like the Red Wings' are rubbing off a little on our neighbors=P Hopefully the division will be as entertaining on the ice as it is on paper. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SouthernWingsFan 854 Report post Posted March 19, 2009 Meh, the division was/is competitive this year and the Wings have been doing fine. I don't anticpate much of a dropoff for the Wings next season, if one might exist. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sjradio 0 Report post Posted March 19, 2009 We all thought Nashville was going to be unstoppable with Ellis after his performance in the playoffs last year. As soon as Mason gets "figured out", Columbus will be back to normal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doggy 130 Report post Posted March 19, 2009 As soon as Mason gets "figured out", Columbus will be back to normal. Screen, screen, screen. He seemed pretty exposed when Detroit had a screen in front of him. Credit must also be given the Hitchcock and the Jackets however. Their D is very disciplined and they play their system well. I also think young goalies are easier too "figure out" in a 7-game series because of the extreme mental strength required to be a goalie in the playoffs. Carey Price last year is a good example. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miller76 463 Report post Posted March 19, 2009 I think it will be the toughest division in the whole league next season. Even the bottom feeder Blues will be tougher next season. Just keep them off the golf course and out of golf carts! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redwings604 0 Report post Posted March 19, 2009 new northwest division Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elshupacabra 0 Report post Posted March 19, 2009 (edited) The central is already one the closest division this year, behind Detroit. It's the only division currently that every team has 70+ points. Edited March 19, 2009 by Elshupacabra Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Shoreline Report post Posted March 19, 2009 (edited) When any Central division teams start winning playoff series' again, or even better, beating the Wings in the playoffs, I will consider this division as having able contenders. Until then, it's still other divisions like the Northwest are just as deadly and contested as before. In fact, the Northwest can still sneak in 4 teams (if Nashville gets bumped) and the Wings 3, which would put to rest the theories of the Central being the new Northwest. In recent years though, Calgary, Minnesota, Vancouver, and Edmonton have all shown they are to be taken seriously. Edited March 19, 2009 by Shoreline Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Namingway 146 Report post Posted March 19, 2009 I lol @ ppl that still consider the Central division a weak one. I think those days are over Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
