NationStates Jolt Archive

Who do you think will be winning the Stanley Cup this year?

(I will be posting a poll shortly)

Note: Poll based on current top teams.

Who do you think will be winning the Stanley Cup this year?

(I will be posting a poll shortly)

Note: Poll based on current top teams.
I will go with my Maple Loafs.

BTW, I am surprised you didn't list Calgary, who almost won it two years ago.

Edmonton Oilers.

I'd be a traitor to myself if I didn't say the Leafs would win it, every year.

And Darcy Tucker will score the winning goal.

I'd be a traitor to myself if I didn't say the Leafs would win it, every year.

And Darcy Tucker will score the winning goal.
Assisted by Mc Cabe and Belfour :cool:

Assisted by Mc Cabe and Belfour :cool:

I didn't think Belfour would assist, but that would be lots of fun. I predicted in my local hockey pool that he'd get a goal this year at some point, too.

Actually, at this rate, if anyone were to score the winning goal, McCabe would deserve it the most. He's on track for a sensational season.

Ottawa of course. They have been in the top seat for many years going into the play-offs. But when the play-offs came, they choked or in fact had no enforcers.. that has changed. Ottawa is probably the strongest team in the league at the moment.. provided they don't choke, it's their's for the taking.

The avs are the team I picked when I started following hockey a few years ago, so I pick them dammit.

I will go with my Maple Loafs.

Don't you mean "The make believes" LMAO. :D

It's Chicago Blackhawks' turn! They haven't won it since 1961.

(Yeah, I know ... in my dreams! :))

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA LEAFS HAHAHAHAHA

I'm a huge montreal fan, but sadly, this is ottawa's year without question. The leafs don't stand the slighest chance of getting past ottawa this year.

Also, the New York Rangers are going to surprise everyone by making it deep into the playoffs.

WAY too many people are choosing their favorite teams. This is about what you think is going to happen, not what you'd like to happen. Ottawa has BY FAR the highest goals scored for, and BY FAR the lowest goals against of any team. Their powerplay is ridiculous, their penalty kill is even better, their top 4 defense are averaging a +8, and their first line has scored more goals than some entire teams have scored. Unless Ottawa plays a similarly built top heavy team like carolina or philly in the playoffs, and some key players are injured, don't look at anyone from the eastern conference except this team.

Don't get me wrong, I'm far from an Ottawa fan. But this is the truth. Ottawa is the best team in the league by leaps and fucking bounds.


Also, Montreal's rookie's are ALL solid, scoring as many goals as some of the vet's. With Kovalev, theodore, and koivu all signed up for the next few years, and the rookies from ryder to perezhogan to plakanecs to danis lookin solid, things will soon shift even more in montreal's favor. As if being only 4 points back of the sens wasn't good enough!

Ottawa v Calgary :fluffle:

The Toronto Maple Leafs are doing surprisingly well given they needed to rely on two iffy forwards to start the season (Eric Lindros and Jason Allison).

Still though, I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Carolina Hurricanes stand a great chance this season, with the proof only coming in the name of "Eric Staal".

Ottawa v Calgary :fluffle:
This is pretty realistic. I'd like to see calgary take it, but they have the same style of team as the last season. It works great, until you find some quick, disgustingly compatible forwards to crack the defense (lecavalier, richards, adreychuk, modin anyone?).

Spezza, Heatly, Alfredson. They are all in the top 5 leading scorers. This line alone is far more punch than the lightning packed, and the lightning knocked of the flames last cup finals.

I have a gut feeling that it's the sens year. They've been chomping at the bit for two seasons and an off year, and they have the team to do it this time around. Their hungry, really hungry, and I think the cup is going to the Canadian capitol this year.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are doing surprisingly well given they needed to rely on two iffy forwards to start the season (Eric Lindros and Jason Allison).

Still though, I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Carolina Hurricanes stand a great chance this season, with the proof only coming in the name of "Eric Staal".

Same could be said about the rangers and jagr. If staal or jagr underperform for even one game, their teams are done. They would never have the consitancy to win the cup. They have a chance when the games played are reduced. For first round teams, I'd expect tons out of the canes and the rangers; but you can't expect one player to carry an entire team to the cup (unless it's patrick roy).

The canes may very well be able to take out some top teams, but they don't have the depth (same goes to the rangers).

Same could be said about the rangers and jagr. If staal or jagr underperform for even one game, their teams are done. They would never have the consitancy to win the cup. They have a chance when the games played are reduced. For first round teams, I'd expect tons out of the canes and the rangers; but you can't expect one player to carry an entire team to the cup (unless it's patrick roy).

The canes may very well be able to take out some top teams, but they don't have the depth (same goes to the rangers).

Well, consider that two of the Senators' losses came aganinst Carolina, and that this is a team that has gotten strong performances from several other players including Martin Gerber. Plus, Staal's no ordinary superstar- he's the NHL's leading scorer, so if anyone could carry a team it's him.

Still, it's too early to tell. We'll probably get a better picture of who the real contenders are come January and February.

Who do you think will be winning the Stanley Cup this year?

(I will be posting a poll shortly)

Note: Poll based on current top teams.

flyers:fluffle:

I will go with my Maple Loafs.

BTW, I am surprised you didn't list Calgary, who almost won it two years ago.
They were tied with the Leafs and many other teams for 9th place in the NHL as of last night... I figured there would be a bigger uproar if I left the Leafs off.

Well, consider that two of the Senators' losses came aganinst Carolina, and that this is a team that has gotten strong performances from several other players including Martin Gerber. Plus, Staal's no ordinary superstar- he's the NHL's leading scorer, so if anyone could carry a team it's him.

Still, it's too early to tell. We'll probably get a better picture of who the real contenders are come January and February.
http://www.nhl.com/nhlstats/stats?service=page&context=Home
^I don't see Stall at the top of any of those lists...

And yeah, Gerber's pretty good.

The Penguins, naturally.

The Bruins!

*crickets chirping*

what?


fine. Ottawa. Possibly Calgary or New Jersey, but I'll never say those out loud, and should go purify myself of such dirty thoughts.

Sens baby!!!!!!!!


Although Detroit looks like it might want to win one last one for some of the old guys.....



The Laffs can't win - if only because I'd have to shoot myself if forced to listen to another dumb-assed Hip song based on Toronto hockey trivia.....

Sens baby!!!!!!!!


Although Detroit looks like it might want to win one last one for some of the old guys.....



The Laffs can't win - if only because I'd have to shoot myself if forced to listen to another dumb-assed Hip song based on Toronto hockey trivia.....

The wings are going all the way this year. No question!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA LEAFS HAHAHAHAHA

I'm a huge montreal fan, but sadly, this is ottawa's year without question. The leafs don't stand the slighest chance of getting past ottawa this year.


I've heard that before. Four times in the last five seasons, to be precise.

I'd be such a liar if I said any other than our own Toronto Maple Leafs.

Tucker and McCabe all the way!!


But seriously, so long as the team that wins is canadian I dun really care, unless it's montreal... *boo hiss*

I'm going with the Rangers. They've shocked me. They're not supposed to be doing this well with so many young kids on the ice. Their goalie, Lundkvist is doing quite well too.

I say New Jersey because I think that Ottawa will choke in the playoffs again, as outstanding as they are.

Canes are gonna take it this year, much as i'd admit- Staal is on fire and doesn't look like he's letting up.

Is anyone else unable to get to the third page? It keeps sending me back to the second page...

The Colorado Avalanche will win the Cup again. Even though the blasted KC media only covers St. Louis hockey. WTF? They're called the "Blues" for a reason, folks.

Before the season began I called Ottawa over Vancouver so I'm sticking with that prediction.

I voted other because I'd really like to see it happen for Buffalo after getting ripped off last time they were in the cup (for the record, the NHL admits that the goal was invalid but says the media had invaded the ice and it was too late to retract to, so techinically the Stars didn't win the Stanley Cup).

In reality though, Ottawa is looking like good contenders...if they can keep the momentum up.

I predict that no one south of Canada knows what the cup is and has no desire to learn.

I predict that no one south of Canada knows what the cup is and has no desire to learn.I must quibble with that assessment , after all 4 of the Original Six were American Teams.I will concede however that at least 6 teams could and should be culled from the League right now and wouldn't be missed. Those 6 are Anaheim,L.A,Nashville, Florida, Carolina, and Phoenix,{sorry Mr Gretzky}. But I digress, Ottawa has been my team since their 2nd inception and now that we have a coach that is not as easygoing as Jacques Martin was, a 1-2 Goalie combination that can't be beat,Alfredson,Spezza and Heatley a line that is firing on all cylinders. All they need to do is stay healthy and don't believe all the hype that is printed about,all they need is one Maple Leaf to remind them the folly of that line of thinking. This IS the Year. Then I can tell all my Maple Leaf friends to shove it , once and for all,GO SENS GO

YEAH! Pheonix Coyotes!! WOOOT!!! COYOTES! WE'RE #1!!!! GO COYOTES! WE'RE GONNA MAKE IT!!!

Ottawa of course. They have been in the top seat for many years going into the play-offs. But when the play-offs came, they choked or in fact had no enforcers.. that has changed. Ottawa is probably the strongest team in the league at the moment.. provided they don't choke, it's their's for the taking.
Fuck that. Red Wings all the way baby!

Oh, and for the record, I was rooting for Detroit before it was cool.

I must quibble with that assessment , after all 4 of the Original Six were American Teams.I will concede however that at least 6 teams could and should be culled from the League right now and wouldn't be missed. Those 6 are Anaheim,L.A,Nashville, Florida, Carolina, and Phoenix

Don't forget Atlanta, San Jose, or Tampa Bay.

Don't forget Atlanta, San Jose, or Tampa Bay.

Yeah, and Nashville's doing very well this year. So let's just put Tampa in there in exchange.

Ottawa is the favourite right now, but it’s a long time till the playoffs even begin. They haven’t faced any adversity this season, so it’s hard to say what will happen if they suffer any (or if they suffer any). For years the problem Ottawa had was a lack of North American forwards who would actually skate anywhere near the net. Now that Spezza and Heatley are both playing on the number one line, everything has changed. Hasek won’t get too overworked because the team is so strong, but at least he has the experience to take them through the playoffs.

Vancouver looks good but I don’t think that they’re consistent enough to win the Cup right now. Maybe if they resolved their glass goalie situation and rebuild the fragile psyche of Bertuzzi they have a shot but not right now, despite doing well in the standings.

The Maple Leafs have a lot of qualities and most of them aren’t very good. Their team speed is not very impressive and they take a lot of penalties. Their roster is mostly composed of players that used to be great players somewhere else, but they do have some great talent to work with in Sundin and McCabe. Belfour is in my opinion the most overrated goalie in the NHL.

San Jose might be a team to look at this season. Having Joe Thornton come aboard might just be the spark this team needs to turn around their season and take it to the next level (they were in the final four last season).

Detroit is always a factor in the Playoffs, but they have a lot of problems with individualism on the ice and their goaltending isn’t as solid as they think it is.

The problem is that so few teams have it all: quick skating scorers, power forwards, great goaltending, excellent defence to quarterback the powerplay, a strong defence core, roleplayers and veterans to fill in the cracks, and a smart coaching staff. With the salary cap and transition between the veterans of the 90’s and the new up and coming stars, there is a lot of parity in the league…OK unless you include that red headed step child known as the Washington Capitals.

The Bruce

Ottawa is the favourite right now, but it’s a long time till the playoffs even begin. They haven’t faced any adversity this season, so it’s hard to say what will happen if they suffer any (or if they suffer any). For years the problem Ottawa had was a lack of North American forwards who would actually skate anywhere near the net. Now that Spezza and Heatley are both playing on the number one line, everything has changed. Hasek won’t get too overworked because the team is so strong, but at least he has the experience to take them through the playoffs.

Vancouver looks good but I don’t think that they’re consistent enough to win the Cup right now. Maybe if they resolved their glass goalie situation and rebuild the fragile psyche of Bertuzzi they have a shot but not right now, despite doing well in the standings.

The Maple Leafs have a lot of qualities and most of them aren’t very good. Their team speed is not very impressive and they take a lot of penalties. Their roster is mostly composed of players that used to be great players somewhere else, but they do have some great talent to work with in Sundin and McCabe. Belfour is in my opinion the most overrated goalie in the NHL.

San Jose might be a team to look at this season. Having Joe Thornton come aboard might just be the spark this team needs to turn around their season and take it to the next level (they were in the final four last season).

Detroit is always a factor in the Playoffs, but they have a lot of problems with individualism on the ice and their goaltending isn’t as solid as they think it is.

The problem is that so few teams have it all: quick skating scorers, power forwards, great goaltending, excellent defence to quarterback the powerplay, a strong defence core, roleplayers and veterans to fill in the cracks, and a smart coaching staff. With the salary cap and transition between the veterans of the 90’s and the new up and coming stars, there is a lot of parity in the league…OK unless you include that red headed step child known as the Washington Capitals.

The Bruce

Detroit is always a factor in the Playoffs, but they have a lot of problems with individualism on the ice and their goaltending isn?t as solid as they think it is.

Uhh... no, and no. Detroit isn't [and never really has been] completely dependent on one player; they don't have some scoring machine that everybody else plays around. Generally they don't have big producers in the top 20, but everyone on the team put together has a damn good chance of outscoring the rest of the league, and did for some time early this year. A lot of the players on that team have been there for years and they're very comfrotable with and confident in each other on the ice; you can see it when they play, particularly with the vets like Shanahan and Yzerman.

Secondly, Manny Legace is currently the fifth best goaltender in the league, (http://www.nhl.com/nhlstats/stats?service=direct&context=Home/completeGAALeaderLink) in GAA which is what really matters when looking at goaltending stats. He and two or three others are tied for most wins. Legace is having a breakout year and will only get better as he works out more. Detroit's goaltending situation isn't as good as it was when we had Cujo, Hasek, or even [perhaps] Osgood, but it's still workable and should only get better, barring injury.

Manny Legace has played great but he hasn't proved himself to be the clutch goaltender a team needs in the playoffs. As far as I'm concerned Ottawa has the most tools: the best line in hockey, secondary scoring, solid defence (I predicted Redden to be among the finalists for the Norris this year and so far he hasn't disappointed, unlike Pronger), and great goaltending. Ray Emery is capable of taking as many starts as necessary to ensure Hasek stays healthy and fresh.

The Thornton trade is great for the Sharks. If their goaltending gets straightened out they could be a dangerous team come playoffs.

The Thornton trade is great for the Sharks. If their goaltending gets straightened out they could be a dangerous team come playoffs.
fucking bruins.:headbang: :headbang: :headbang:
No, I'm not bitter at all.

Anyway, there are some major problems with Thorton. He has never been as good as he should have been. He isn't a great leader, and ALWAYS chokes in the big games. Really, the Bruins basicly sold off this season, and possibly next.

Getting raped by Madden with 38 seconds left was the final straw. As much as I love Joe, he hasn't done anything worth while for a very long time.
I wouldnt be surprised to see the coaching staff gone from the Bruins very soon.
And tonight they play Ottawa. Is this really going to be worth me paying $21 to see my team get trounced?

I predict that stanley will lose his cup, thereby freezing sensitive parts and having to retire from the game.

Manny Legace has played great but he hasn't proved himself to be the clutch goaltender a team needs in the playoffs. As far as I'm concerned Ottawa has the most tools: the best line in hockey, secondary scoring, solid defence (I predicted Redden to be among the finalists for the Norris this year and so far he hasn't disappointed, unlike Pronger), and great goaltending. Ray Emery is capable of taking as many starts as necessary to ensure Hasek stays healthy and fresh.
Yeah, we'll see how Legace does on down the road, but then again the same can be said of anyone else in the League. What really matters, when you get right down to it, is which goalies are hot in March and April and which one's aren't. We all saw the freak run of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks a few years ago, which took place almost entirely on the shoulders of Giguere. Hasek definately has a good shot.

I don't think Detroit's goaltending situation is going to break down any time soon, barring injury. Legace has been a backup for years and he's hungry for action. His confidence and performance will stay consistent or improve. The Detroit defense is damn good at limiting shots, so that always helps the goaltending situation too. I'm really not looking forward to Lidstrom's retirement, but I'm hoping Jiri Fischer can step up and fill that particular void...

The red wings aren't going to make it past the second round of the playoffs.

Also, Spezza, Heatly, Alfredson, and Jagr are all going to finish the season with more points than Staal.

Although it would be nice to have the Cup back home on Canadian soil, does it have to sit in Ottawa for a year?

I hope Calgary takes it...

For years the problem Ottawa had was a lack of North American forwards who would actually skate anywhere near the net.

I fail to see how having "a lack of North Americans" is a problem. It's not like the Europeans are all afraid of the net.

As far as Manny Legace goes- I'm happy for him, mostly because he's from Alliston like myself. :D

The avs are the team I picked when I started following hockey a few years ago, so I pick them dammit.
No bad avs!
i am glad to see fellow hockey fans on NS.

I voted other because I'd really like to see it happen for Buffalo after getting ripped off last time they were in the cup (for the record, the NHL admits that the goal was invalid but says the media had invaded the ice and it was too late to retract to, so techinically the Stars didn't win the Stanley Cup).
Technically Calgary won the Stanley cup in the 6th game last time... except that they scored a goal that didn't end up counting.

Technically Calgary won the Stanley cup in the 6th game last time... except that they scored a goal that didn't end up counting.

The eerie thing about that "goal" is that Martin Gelinas would have scored it...

Any other detroit fans out there?

The eerie thing about that "goal" is that Martin Gelinas would have scored it...
How is that eerie?

Also, what I find odd about the poll results so far is that you have the obvious groupings of votes (best team in the east and best team in the west have a lot) and then you have Toronto with a lot. Now, at the time I made this poll, Toronto was tied with a number of other teams (including Calgary) for points, as it stands now, Toronto gained two points since I made this poll while Calgary made 7 more. Calgary moved to the top of their Division while Toronto moved to second last... I really should have included Calgary in my poll and left the Leafs out.

This proves any theory on how hopeful Leafs fans are...

How is that eerie?

Well, Martin Gelinas did score to eliminate Vancouver (grr!), Detroit and San Jose, so....

Well, Martin Gelinas did score to eliminate Vancouver (grr!), Detroit and San Jose, so....
Ah...

Yeah, that would be eerie.

Ah...

Yeah, that would be eerie.

Exactly. He would have received the Conn Smythe for sure. :D

I will go with my Maple Loafs.

BTW, I am surprised you didn't list Calgary, who almost won it two years ago.
Iginla has dominated Goals for the last 3 years..........

He also was drafted by Dallas.......(I think)

Dallas Stars!
LA KINGS are going Down!

I trust in that

Ok, I've got a couple points to make.

OTTAWA - Fewest amount of games played, Most goals for (124), lowest goals against average (THINK ABOUT THAT), they've got 3 of the top 5 points leaders, and 2 all star defensemen. Don't forgot Hasek and Ray Emery, two goalies both in the top 5 for GAA and Save%. You are fucking retarded if you don't favor them to win the cup.

New York Rangers - Underrated. I've been looking at who's scoring and what this team is doing, and they are highly under rated. There is a reason they are second in the eastern conference, above CAROLINA, PHILLY, TORONTO, and all those other "good" teams. There is far more to this team than Jaromir Jagr. Take a look at the totaly points of Prucca, Rucinsky, and basically the first two entire lines and defensecore. That is all.

Toronto - Has the LAST playoff spot in the eastern conference, and they've played 31 games compared to the average of 30. Their goal differential of for and against is 5, compared to Ottawa's 63.

Montreal - Has actually been scored on more than they've scored! Amazing that they are second in their division only to Ottawa. They've never played a game having their entire first line on the ice and lost. Three rookies are filling in the shoes of Koivu, Kovalev, and Rivet, and doing amazingly well. Montreal is 12-4-2 in 1 goal games. This is attributed to DEPTH. Everyone on Montreal has a few goals, and no one has a ton. There is no one player you can watch, no one line you can defend against. Montreal is the most well rounded team in the league. If theodore plays better in the playoffs than he does in the regular season (like every single other year), the "habs" might surprise everyone.

Carolina - All the eggs are in one basket named Eric Staal. We'll see. This team gunned down Ottawa twice, but the night Staal didn't score was the night Ottawa destroyed them.

Detroit - Second place in the entire NHL, and as much as I hate to admit it, they are doing way better than they should be. The rookies coming into detroit are doing ridiculously well, and Legacy is posting some low numbers. If everyone stays healthy, there is really no weakness to exploit on the redwings. The only way this team is getting knocked out of the playoffs is to be simply outplayed. The only teams with a decent chance of doing this in the western conference are Vancouver and Calgary.

Pheonix - Nagy, Doan... watch out for these two. I can see a huge first round upset if these guys take a playoff spot.

Any other detroit fans out there?

Go Wings! I've been a lifelong fan, even during the "Dead Thing" era.

Detroit

OTTAWA - ... You are fucking retarded if you don't favor them to win the cup.

I would be remiss in not pointing out that this is December for crying out loud; the regular season still has what, five months left? Like I said before, in most cases you can throw the entire regular season out the window, because what really matters is which goalies [not teams--witness the freak Anaheim Cup run] are hot in April and May and which one's aren't. Ottawa is certainly looking very good but there's still plenty of time for injuries or a general slump in performance. The team that's performing the best in December may not be the team that's performing the best in April. Trying to predict a Stanley Cup winner right now is like trying to predict next year's Super Bowl champion.

I would be remiss in not pointing out that this is December for crying out loud; the regular season still has what, five months left? Like I said before, in most cases you can throw the entire regular season out the window, because what really matters is which goalies [not teams--witness the freak Anaheim Cup run] are hot in April and May and which one's aren't. Ottawa is certainly looking very good but there's still plenty of time for injuries or a general slump in performance. The team that's performing the best in December may not be the team that's performing the best in April. Trying to predict a Stanley Cup winner right now is like trying to predict next year's Super Bowl champion.


Not at all. Looking at depth charts, chemistry, and defensecores especially, you can predict things pretty well.

In any case, this thread asks you to predict. Like you said, you can't predict which goalies will be hot. So what else can you base it on, except the regular season?

Also, Hasek and Emery have had to block the fewest shots per game... do you think that might mean anything? Think long and hard on that... whether they are hot or not, they have to stop the fewest shot. Ottawa also has the highest shots for in the league... Both of these things are caused by their most time of puck posession. These stats, even if the is losing, point heavily towards their goaltenders success. Frankly, any goalie from the AHL could play for ottawa right now and they'd still be winning. In fact, Ray Emery played for the Sault Greyhounds. I live in sault ste marie. He's nothing special. I watched him get scored on by nobodies all the time. Ottawa is still CREAMING teams and making their goalies look good, whether they are or not.

Also might I point out that Ottawa will go in ranked #1, so they will play the bottom teams all the way through. AND having the most shots for puts other goalies in the frying pan more often. It's not just making their goalie look good, it's inflating every single goalie's GAA that they play.

GO FLYERS:D

but im from philly so im used to teams choking:(

Not at all. Looking at depth charts, chemistry, and defensecores especially, you can predict things pretty well.

In any case, this thread asks you to predict. Like you said, you can't predict which goalies will be hot. So what else can you base it on, except the regular season?

Also, Hasek and Emery have had to block the fewest shots per game... do you think that might mean anything? Think long and hard on that... whether they are hot or not, they have to stop the fewest shot. Ottawa also has the highest shots for in the league... Both of these things are caused by their most time of puck posession. These stats, even if the is losing, point heavily towards their goaltenders success. Frankly, any goalie from the AHL could play for ottawa right now and they'd still be winning. In fact, Ray Emery played for the Sault Greyhounds. I live in sault ste marie. He's nothing special. I watched him get scored on by nobodies all the time. Ottawa is still CREAMING teams and making their goalies look good, whether they are or not.
Remember when Anaheim won the Cup? Remember how a good number of teams outperformed them in every category you mentioned for the entire duration of the regular season?

I rest my case.

Minnesotta Wild Yall

well the hometown Preds have been a pleasant surprise, but I suspect it'll be Detroit coming out of the West and Ottawa from the East... Wings in 7.

Standing has meant very little to the Senators in their last several playoff appearances.

Sad but true,but this year is different, new coach, new and proven goaltenders, arguably the best first line in the game right now, the stingiest defence around, and last but not least a new attitude which you can sense now which says that just try and push us around, we'll push back.Toronto Sucks;)

Red Wings fan here...so naturally I see them going all the way. That is, IF they stay healthy. That's a big IF, considering Legace's had his fair share of problems, Fischer's having trouble, and Yzerman's older than dirt. The great thing about them is that they always find young guys to fill spots vacated by veterans...as much as I am still bitter about McCarty going to Calgary...anyone that clobbers the shite out of that no-talent son of a bitch Claude Lemieux is all right by me.

Ottawa looks good, but they are hardly proven and have looked awesome in past years but fallen apart. Of course,who in the East is going to stop them? Jersey? Not without anyone helping out Brodeur. Toronto? Too old. Carolina? I can't even name their starting goalie off the top of my head. Philly? Puh-leeze. The Rangers? OK, maybe...OK, hardly.

At least Detroit has some competition. It's going to be between them, the Predators, the Canucks, the Flames, the Stars, and the Kings. I don't see the Stars or Kings going to the Finals. Detroit needs to solve Vancouver or hope that someone else does; they can probably manage any other team, even if the Preds and Flames would make them earn it.

The biggest difference between the Sens and Wings right now is goaltending and defense. The Wings give up one more goal per game and it's hurting them; if they could shave off one goal per game, they would be as untouchable as the Sens, since their offensive numbers are similar. If the playoffs started today, the Sens would go all the way.

Last week I would have said it will be a Red Wings - Ottawa final, but having watched the Canucks dismantle #1 and #2 teams in the league(especially because the win over the Rangers was in MSG) and the way that they did is very big. Yes, I am a Canucks fan, but here me out.

In both wins Bertuzzi, who had been lacking, was a force. The big line produced, had energy, and the whole team went for all 60 minutes of both games which has been a huge issue especially in the 1st period and away games. Another big issue for the Canucks has been goaltending, and with Cloutier out (for the season) its all on young Alex Auld's shoulders. In the 2 wins he was tested unlike he ever has been against the top offensive threats in the league. Against Hasek then Lundqvuist(sp?) he was under huge pressure because even though in both games the canucks had many great scoring chances, Hasek and King Henry (as they say) were amazingly sharp. In both games he was as good as any quality #1 goaltender in the league, and has the rest of the season to settle in and develop.

So there you have it, my predition is: Ottawa beats vancouver in 6

I want to say Leafs, but i think ottawa might do it.

Remember when Anaheim won the Cup?

Just a minor quibble: Anaheim didn't win the Cup that year- it was New Jersey. Besides, the Ducks still had Paul Karyia.

Regardless, things may be different in this year's playoffs. If the new rules hold up (and I'm not sure they will come playoff time), then teams may need to be more *complete* to win the Cup this year than they had to have been in previous years. It's not just going to be about goaltending.

Speaking of which, as much as I like the people saying the Vancouver Canucks will get to the Final, I'm not sure if they will. Dan Cloutier just underwent surgery and will be out for the rest of the year, meaning the Canucks' already precarious goaltending situation just got worse- unless Alex Auld becomes the big game netminder he was supposed to be. He's been good so far, but we still haven't seen him in the stretch yet.

This also brings me to my other favourite team, the Buffalo Sabres. For years they've been hilariously inept but this year things are different. They're now second in the Northeast, seven points behind Ottawa, and can now rely on two great goalies (three if Mika Noronen can sort himself out). My only concern is that I don't really see any real *game breakers* on the team (not a concern the Sabres haven't heard before), and, as much as I like J.P. Dumont, Ales Kotalik, Daniel Briere et all, this will be their first experience in a playoff run, and they're still unproven.

Oh well, I can still dream of a Vancouver-Buffalo Final. Hey, my brother got his wish the last time out, so...

Red Wings fan here...so naturally I see them going all the way. That is, IF they stay healthy. That's a big IF, considering Legace's had his fair share of problems, Fischer's having trouble, and Yzerman's older than dirt. The great thing about them is that they always find young guys to fill spots vacated by veterans...as much as I am still bitter about McCarty going to Calgary...anyone that clobbers the shite out of that no-talent son of a bitch Claude Lemieux is all right by me.

Ottawa looks good, but they are hardly proven and have looked awesome in past years but fallen apart. Of course,who in the East is going to stop them? Jersey? Not without anyone helping out Brodeur. Toronto? Too old. Carolina? I can't even name their starting goalie off the top of my head. Philly? Puh-leeze. The Rangers? OK, maybe...OK, hardly.

At least Detroit has some competition. It's going to be between them, the Predators, the Canucks, the Flames, the Stars, and the Kings. I don't see the Stars or Kings going to the Finals. Detroit needs to solve Vancouver or hope that someone else does; they can probably manage any other team, even if the Preds and Flames would make them earn it.

The biggest difference between the Sens and Wings right now is goaltending and defense. The Wings give up one more goal per game and it's hurting them; if they could shave off one goal per game, they would be as untouchable as the Sens, since their offensive numbers are similar. If the playoffs started today, the Sens would go all the way.
The Stars will go to the Finals!

1) Philly's out in the conference semis.
2) +/- doesn't dominate stats, but Heatley/ Spezza are gonna be the fault of too many points while they're on the ice in the Conference Finals.
3) Lundqvist doesn't use Jagr as a crutch and actually has his save %age go up (.923 --> .935)
4) Detroit loses to Calgary in the Conference Finals as an upset like what the Sabres did to get to the Cup before.
5) Calgary gets either swept or crushed in 5 cuz of an away mess up.

*thbt* :P]K

Just watch the day after Christmas and tell me I'm wrong after that....

This also brings me to my other favourite team, the Buffalo Sabres. For years they've been hilariously inept but this year things are different. They're now second in the Northeast, seven points behind Ottawa, and can now rely on two great goalies (three if Mika Noronen can sort himself out). My only concern is that I don't really see any real *game breakers* on the team (not a concern the Sabres haven't heard before), and, as much as I like J.P. Dumont, Ales Kotalik, Daniel Briere et all, this will be their first experience in a playoff run, and they're still unproven.
I know! What on earth is up with that?
I don't pay too much attention to Buffalo because they're just sitting their tied for being crappy with Toronto for so long and well, I sit there and am like "go Buffalo, win some games so Toronto get bumped down a peg" and then all of a sudden they've surpassed Montreal... of course Montreal has been doing crappy for a bit too.

I know! What on earth is up with that?
I don't pay too much attention to Buffalo because they're just sitting their tied for being crappy with Toronto for so long and well, I sit there and am like "go Buffalo, win some games so Toronto get bumped down a peg" and then all of a sudden they've surpassed Montreal... of course Montreal has been doing crappy for a bit too.

I'm withholding my celebrations just yet...I mean, the Sabres look good now but who knows how they'll be like come April. This is a different Sabres team than the one that got to the Cup Final (and lost, literally, by a foot) six years ago.

Remember when Anaheim won the Cup? Remember how a good number of teams outperformed them in every category you mentioned for the entire duration of the regular season?

I rest my case.


First of all, the ducks didn't win the cup. Second of all, go look at their season stats that year. You'll find that you are a complete retard. They were 2nd-4th place for almost everything i mentioned from puck possesion to goals for. And the top 6 or 7 teams were really close in each of these areas. Ottawa is absolutly thashing everyone in the stats department.

Also, the vancouver post? Bertuzzi? Been watching sportsnetnews or TSN lately? You should. There's been talk of him leaving vancouver for two weeks now. Guess who wants him?

:) that's right chief. ... ottawa. There's a good chance bert is going to ottawa.

First of all, the ducks didn't win the cup.
I thought they did. Hm.

They at least made it to the Finals, right?

Second of all, go look at their season stats that year. You'll find that you are a complete retard. They were 2nd-4th place for almost everything i mentioned from puck possesion to goals for. And the top 6 or 7 teams were really close in each of these areas. Ottawa is absolutly thashing everyone in the stats department.
Two things: one, you just flamed a moderator--real smart move there for someone whose mental prowess so clearly supercedes mine. You'd figure having a giant picture under my name [as most user's don't] might attract some attention to things like my forum title or what-have you. Luckily, I'm not allowed to self-moderate or I'd forumban you on the spot for such unspeakable idiocy. Seriously, what the fuck were you thinking? Nothing? That's what I thought. Try firing up the 'ol neuron grid next time, buddy. Gray matter is your friend.

Secondly, this is December. The regular season isn't even halfway over yet, which has been pointed out many times. A team's performance now has little or no bearing on their performance in April or May. Ottawa is certainly the favorite at the moment but the playoff run is what really matters.

First of all, the ducks didn't win the cup. Second of all, go look at their season stats that year. You'll find that you are a complete retard. They were 2nd-4th place for almost everything i mentioned from puck possesion to goals for. And the top 6 or 7 teams were really close in each of these areas. Ottawa is absolutly thashing everyone in the stats department.

Also, the vancouver post? Bertuzzi? Been watching sportsnetnews or TSN lately? You should. There's been talk of him leaving vancouver for two weeks now. Guess who wants him?

:) that's right chief. ... ottawa. There's a good chance bert is going to ottawa.

The tone of voice that you've carried in this post towards Melkor Unchained has been excessively rude, not to mention the fact that you've insulted him (which I've bolded myself). Either you change the way that you speak to other people, especially a moderator of all people, or take yourself out of this thread if you can't behave properly.