In the new capped NHL, it seems to me that more maneuvering goes on in the summer. But this year, trade deadline day was more exciting than I expected. From here on, the only X-factor that remains is injuries. If a team can avoid losing a key player from here on, it should be pretty reasonable to expect a certain level of performance.
That being said, I'll take one last look at my predictions. At this point, I'm 7 for 8 in the East. The odd one out being Buffalo who's tied with Philly and only a point back of Boston (the odd one in). In the West, I'm also 7 for 8. Nashville being the odd one in, while Colorado is 4 points from being in. You can look for yourself at my preseason predictions. (They were a little more ugly)
Northeast notes:
Living in Ottawa, I'm seeing the Senators implode. They seem to have lost their identity as a team. Nonetheless, they picked up a good character player in Lapointe for next to nothing. I'm not sure if it will be enough. Maybe Murrary coming back behind the bench will be. Montreal, right on their tail, shipped off Huet in a bold move. Price has shown that he can carry the load and all indications are that this was a good move by Gainey. I wasn't convinced that Boston had what it takes to make the playoffs and they didn't do anything to change my mind. Buffalo on the other hand continues to beat the odds and play like a winner. They did the smart thing in shipping off Campbell and I think that they'll get by with the young guns they have. Overall, no changes in my predictions here.
Atlantic notes:
New Jersey is still tops here. Pittsburgh, yikes! They paid a heavy price for Hossa. Too much if you ask me. Obviously they want to win now, and the way they're playing I'll put them ahead of the Rangers for second in the division. But they'll miss Armstrong and Christensen now, not to mention what they lose in Esposito and a first rounder. Philly's been sliding lately, but I still think that they'll make the playoffs. The moves they've made keep them competitive in a tight division.
Southeast notes:
At the midway point I said that all the teams except Florida were in need of goaltending help. Sorry Tampa, Mike Smith isn't going to solve your problems this year. On the other hand, Huet and the other moves Washington made make them a contender for the division. They've got some ground to make up on Carolina, but I wouldn't be surprised if they caught them. I don't think that the rest have a shot.
Central notes:
Detroit got some depth on D, which was really their only glaring weakness. They should go deep. The rest of the central is a quagmire that has confused me. Nashville is sitting in a playoff spot, but I don't think it will last. The rest, well, let's just leave them alone until next season.
Northwest notes:
I picked 4 out of 5 teams to make the playoffs and I'm sticking with that pick. Colorado is 4 points out of the eighth spot. Adding Foote and bringing in Foppa is very 'maple-leaf-esque.' Unfortunately for Toronto, it will probably actually work in Colorado.
Pacific notes:
First, I've got to say that Wayne has proved me wrong. The Coyotes seem to be getting things together. All the same, they won't make the playoffs. Dallas has surprised me, and they made a big move in landing Brad Richards. Now I think that they'll go deep, and maybe, just maybe, Turco will silence the critics in May. The Sharks are improved and the Ducks keep on getting better. All in all, I think that come June, a Western Conference team will be hoisting the Cup.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
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