Results 1 to 10 of 15
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07-04-2009, 12:49 AM #1
So...
With detroit losing a few key players, and the pens losing some of their D men...how do you feel now about a 3rd year of pens wings in the cup final? anyone who says it will happen again is crazy. just by the signings so far, I'd have to say calgary and chicago out west are going to be very competitive with the wings. So anyway, does anyone TRULY believe there will be a 3rd year with the same cup final?
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07-04-2009, 01:20 AM #2
There will not be a 3rd year with the same Cup Final
The Wings have already lost Hossa, Kopecky, Samuelsson, and Conklin, they are still going to be a top team, but Chicago will give them a run for their money for the division
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07-04-2009, 01:23 AM #3
kings for cup? i think so
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07-04-2009, 01:25 AM #4
Alright Andy lets not get ahead of ourselves here lol I think the Kings will definitely make the playoffs but I don't think their players have the experience needed to win the Cup just yet, maybe in a year or two
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07-04-2009, 02:16 AM #5Assistant General Manager
I still am optimist that Detroit will make a deep run. Of course there always upsets. What did Detroit really lose on paper besides Hossa. Kopecky, Samuelson, and Conklin can all be replaced. As Detroit always has players ready to step up. Of course if that does not happen will be some rough spots for sure. But really is the Hawks that much better in the goalie situation?
I mean do you really think Huet is the answer for the next 4 years? I am not sold on him but the D is young and improving immensely from what I seen in the playoffs. The O will only get better but many rag on Osgood is Huet any better? I think the Hawks made a improvement but again is Hossa the answer to getting better as that the major upgrade. We shall see as always players do not mesh. I think the Hawks will be a force out of the gate depending on Huet plays throughout the season.
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07-04-2009, 07:24 AM #6
I was going through a list of teams trying to figure out what I think the standings would be based on current rosters and I think it's going to be a lot tougher for Detroit to get the President's trophey and make the final. A few of the teams in the west have really stocked up, like Chicago who shares the same division as Detroit. This could be an itneresting year, but I can't picture Detroit in the finals.
As for Pittsburgh, I still think they have a shot. Sure, they lost Gill, Boucher, and Scuderi on defence and Sykora up front, but I'll think they can manage and who knows, they might even pick up another defenceman. As for Sykora, I believe he was scrathed throughout most of the playoffs or just the finals. But with everything said, it will be interesting, because it looks like they only have just over $3million left to spend under the cap.
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07-04-2009, 11:53 AM #7
As much as I would not want Detroit ( or any other team besides Kings :) ) make it to the Finals....I have to give it up to Detroit for always finding the way to the top....When Yzerman stopped playing, they were still Top 3 team in the NHL...When Shanny left, they were still a top 3 team.....
Losing 3 players like Hossa, Kopecky, Samuelson may not kille them but it will hurt them...You can lose a star player like Yzerman and still manage....Hopefully someone unexpectly shines and makes up some of the loss......and that is what would happen if just Hossa left...Kopecky and Samuelsson leaving will probably hurt the Wings more....but I still think they will not falter.....
As for Conklin....Well, as I have always said....I dont think it matters....If the Wings in front of the goalie play like they always do.....You could have Dan Cloutier in net and he would do good....Not great but his numbers will be better than he really is.... - Not saying Conklin is a bad goalie...I actually think he a pretty good goalie but in the Wings system, I dont think it matters
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07-04-2009, 01:14 PM #8
Pittsburgh will be in trouble because of their defensive losses. Their defense was ALREADY bad for most of the season... if they think they are going to have rookies replace the experience and leadership lost on the blueline, they're going to be hurting. The 05-06 Sabres can tell you, you can win on firepower alone, but you won't win a cup.
Detroit.... I don't really know. I've always believed that 85-90% of their playoff appearances came because they were simply the best team in a miserable division, but the last few years in particular they have been as close to perfect as a hockey team can be. Can they survive the loss of Hossa? Sure. Can they survive the blows to their depth? Harder to answer. I would never discount them from the playoffs, but I believe that their division rivals have improved in the last couple years too much for them to continue riding on top. Look for a very close Western conference race, with Detroit probably finishing 3rd or 4th overall in the West.
Huet is not the answer for the Blackhawks. The big money they're paying him looks like a massive mistake with the Bulin Wall leaving town. I would say look for them to move him and pick up someone like Biron, but not many people can afford a 5.625 for a goaltender. Also a concern is whether or not either of the prospects can cut it in the NHL. A lot of Chicago's success last year came with Khabibulin + Huet battling each other. With Anderson and Clemmenson claimed, do they look to Johnson or MacDonald? The Hossa signing is interesting, with 3 high profile RFAs next year, look for them to be trying to move Huet or Campbell to anyone who even feigns interest this year.
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07-04-2009, 02:20 PM #9
My call already is top 4 (not including devision leaders rule) for the West is (in no particular order):
Chicago
Calgary
San Jose
Detroit
East:
Washington
Carolina
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
Not so sure about the East, but just from last season, this is my prediction. Sorry, but NO WAY it will be Det vs. Pit in the Cup again. It will be Chi vs. Pit, lol, no, it may very well be Chi vs. Wsh, wouldn't that be awesome! Hossa, Kane, Toews, Sharp against Ovy, Backstrom, Semin, and Green!
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07-04-2009, 02:37 PM #10
Calgary just lost 41 goals, they'll be great defensively, but that only wins games if you are the Devils :)
I say Detroit repeats in the West.
Pittsburgh in the East (followed by Montreal lol).
First overall pick in 2010 goes to the Rangers, or Phoenix.
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Originally Posted by cnshockey 
