wingsownnhl43 14 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 Additions LW Chris Kunitz LW Ruslan Fedotenko LW Matt Cooke RW Bill Guerin RW Craig Adams D Philippe Boucher Subtractions RW Marian Hossa LW Ryan Malone RW Gary Roberts LW Adam Hall LW Jarkko Ruutu D Ryan Whitney This might seem like an obvious worse, however the only reason I ask is that Crosby, Malkin, and Staal are probably better and more experienced than last year? What do you guys think? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Never_Retire_Steve 35 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 At the start of the playoffs I had the Pens or Caps coming out of the East. Stanley Cup rematch? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenrebellion 415 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 (edited) At the start of the playoffs I had the Pens or Caps coming out of the East. Stanley Cup rematch? Not much faith in Boston? I think Thomas could carry them. but back on topic...Pens probably worse on paper, but the playoff experience that Crosby and Malkin have now could actually put them ahead this year. Edited May 2, 2009 by greenrebellion Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GMRwings1983 8,804 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 They are worse on paper this year, but way tougher mentally. With the losses they had in the offseason, plus the coaching change, plus the injuries, this has been an amazing run for them the 2nd half of the year. I wouldn't be surprised if they make it back to the Finals and become even more formidable than they were last year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwame_Kilpatrick 0 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 loss of whitney and especially hossa is huge. kunitz is good but guerin is just another average american Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VM1138 1,921 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 Hate to say it but Pittsburgh is going to the FInals this year. Rematch of last year, same result. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwame_Kilpatrick 0 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 yeah right fedorov is a good he will since crosby back back to quebec where he belongs Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ruarc' 2 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 Loss of Therrien trumps all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NGKEIB 32 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 I agree, looking at the additions/players who left is deceptive. From that point of view, the Penguins are much weaker, but as others have said, losing Michelle and letting some of the youngsters get XP won't have done them any harm. Pittsburgh-Boston would be a fun conference final. I'd love to see Boston make it to the SCF this year, and I think that they could handle the Penguins, though Thomas would need to stand on his head, Chara would need to grow even bigger etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blikst 1 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 I believe Pittsburg would get handled pretty easily by Boston if they would have met in the second round. Maybe they will be better, or maybe not, but right now I wouldn't put any money on them being in the final again. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
#18 the _Hoss_ 2 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 (edited) Let's go CAPS ! And I think that yes, PIT is better overall but it won't matter in a week or so.......... Edited May 2, 2009 by #18 the _Hoss_ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dat's sick 1,002 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 They have a better coach, and Malkin/Crosby are a year more experienced and better. However, Staal isn't playing up to his potential at all, and Guerin+Kunitz does not amount to one Hossa. I don't think they're much worse than last year, but they're a little more dependant on Malkin and Crosby, and having one or two players do everything rarely works in the long run. Bruins or Caps will make it out of the East, and my choice is the Bruins. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Louisville 112 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 I've met Dan Bylsma before, and he's a huge upgrade in the coach department. I think everyone is writing Boston off still, they've handled everything great so far. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drfnr14 0 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 i really,really dont want to see a rematch of detroit/pens in the ship! caps should take down the pens. finals-detroit vs. boston wings win cup /thread Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EuroTwin 240 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 I agree with a lot of the people here. If you look at just the teams on just paper, I think they're worse off this year. But when you bring in the more intangible things that affect them mentally (Therrian gone, playoff experience gained) I think they're more dangerous this year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
softshoes 83 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 There's really 3 teams to compare. At the start of the season up to the trade deadline they were just awful. In danger of missing the playoffs. After the coaching change and the deadline acquisitions they became what we're watching now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted May 2, 2009 Please. Overrated. This team could barely hold their own against Philly, who made some many bone-headed moves and plays, I'm surprised they made it to the playoffs in the 1st place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
12Newf 0 Report post Posted May 3, 2009 i dont see the team as a threat at all but all in all i feel like they were better last year. however, as a staunch hater of crosby, i gotta admit he is playing lights out right now. he can win a faceoff now and i see him bitching less and less. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
