Around the league XXIV: RyJo a Pred, Jones a Jacket

[No Fun Shogun]

On the main board, I was putting together my list for top five most likely to win the Cup.... and I realized that I really only have a top four at this point.

1) Hawks
2) Kings
3) Caps
4) Stars

The Atlantic just leaves me with a lot of question marks. Florida's obviously riding high right now, but I'm viewing that more as a very, very good streak but not in line with them in reality. Think they'll come back to earth. Detroit's very good, but I wouldn't call them elite. And Montreal all depends on the status of Price. Teams have won before relying on a goalie to bail them out, but it's not a recipe I'd necessarily rely or expect on.

I'm just not feeling the Isles (my preseason team to come from the East) or the Rangers right now.

Nobody outside the Kings in the Pacific really impress me.

The Blues, Wild, and Preds are all potential dark horses, but not what I'd call favorites by any stretch of the imagination, even if any of them finish ahead of us in the standings.

So.... Hawks/Kings/Caps/Stars vs the field..... I'm betting against the field. A lot can change by April though, obviously.

 

[WJSN]

I can't see the Stars winning the cup unless they find a way to add a top paring D at the deadline.

 

[SAADfather]

I had the same answer. There are only 4 contenders this year as of right now, IMO. And I think Dallas is a step down too.

1a. Hawks
1b. Kings
3. Caps

4. Stars

 

[IU Hawks fan]

On the main board, I was putting together my list for top five most likely to win the Cup.... and I realized that I really only have a top four at this point.

1) Hawks
2) Kings
3) Caps
4) Stars

You're not alone.

http://www.vegasinsider.com/nhl/odds/futures/

 

[x Tame Impala]

I had the same answer. There are only 4 contenders this year as of right now, IMO. And I think Dallas is a step down too.

1a. Hawks
1b. Kings
3. Caps

4. Stars

Agreed. Although I think there's no separation between any of the big three. Based on current rosters of course

 

[Pepe Silvia]

I had the same answer. There are only 4 contenders this year as of right now, IMO. And I think Dallas is a step down too.

1a. Hawks
1b. Kings
3. Caps

4. Stars

It's like the NBA

 

[Illinihockey]

Dallas doesn't have a defenseman they can throw on the ice that will just absolutely shut you down. When was the last time a team won the Cup without a shut down defenseman? The Penguins? It happens very rarely.

 

[DPHawk]

Dallas doesn't have a defenseman they can throw on the ice that will just absolutely shut you down. When was the last time a team won the Cup without a shut down defenseman? The Penguins? It happens very rarely.

That Pens team was pretty good on defense. Gonchar was 4th in the Norris the year before (missed out on consideration in 09 because he was hurt during the season) and they had solid depth with Scuderi, Letang, and Orpik. I don't see that kind of quality on this year's Stars.

 

[Illinihockey]

That Pens team was pretty good on defense. Gonchar was 4th in the Norris the year before (missed out on consideration in 09 because he was hurt during the season) and they had solid depth with Scuderi, Letang, and Orpik. I don't see that kind of quality on this year's Stars.

Didn't remember Gonchar finishing that high.

 

[BrianE]

Jimmy Hayes just scored a nice goal on Henrik, snapped of a quick wrist shot and blew it by him....it was in and out before Lundquist could react.

 

[BrianE]

JVR out 6-8 week with a broken foot. I don't give much credence that he is a Hawks target, but, if he is, the injury pretty much kills all hope.

Well i guess that narrows down Stan's trading field?

 

[BrianE]

On the main board, I was putting together my list for top five most likely to win the Cup.... and I realized that I really only have a top four at this point.

1) Hawks
2) Kings
3) Caps
4) Stars

The Atlantic just leaves me with a lot of question marks. Florida's obviously riding high right now, but I'm viewing that more as a very, very good streak but not in line with them in reality. Think they'll come back to earth. Detroit's very good, but I wouldn't call them elite. And Montreal all depends on the status of Price. Teams have won before relying on a goalie to bail them out, but it's not a recipe I'd necessarily rely or expect on.

I'm just not feeling the Isles (my preseason team to come from the East) or the Rangers right now.

Nobody outside the Kings in the Pacific really impress me.

The Blues, Wild, and Preds are all potential dark horses, but not what I'd call favorites by any stretch of the imagination, even if any of them finish ahead of us in the standings.

So.... Hawks/Kings/Caps/Stars vs the field..... I'm betting against the field. A lot can change by April though, obviously.

Ovechkin will have spent all his energy in the RS, happens every year. Oshie a PO performer? not really. Any life will have to come from Williams, Backstrom and or others. But then again Trots is a good coach, maybe he changes things.

Looks like it will come down to Hawks and Kings...again. Or? who is healthy at the time? so much parity, look at the Rags last year? Didn't they win the President's trophy? any good team could be knocked off.

I pick the Hawks to repeat but yes i am biased, this team is star studded with so many clutch performers, BUT yes have to stay healthy and the majority has to come thru like last season.

 

[JaegerDice]

Caps are legit.

Very deep, well coached, great goaltending.

Not sure they're quite as good all around as the Lightning were last year, but they will give whatever team comes out of the West a good run.

 

[DPHawk]

Hawks or Kings and are so far out in front, I'd probably take them over the field.

If had I had to pick a next three it would be the Canadiens, Preds, and Stars. I was holding out hope for Tampa to get it straightened out but the Stamkos and now Drouin drama has me skeptical about it getting turned around.

 

[bwana63]

Caps are legit.

Very deep, well coached, great goaltending.

Not sure they're quite as good all around as the Lightning were last year, but they will give whatever team comes out of the West a good run.

FWIW, I agree. But I think they're better than Tampa Bay was last year. Think they'll be in the SCF and be a very tough out.

 

[BrianE]

Disappointments so far this season...Habs, Rags, Bolts & Flames. I really expected these teams to play better than where their at but still plenty of time left.

Yeah Price has been out but when your club can't pot any goals it may not matter, Subban has 2 goals so far this season

Surprises...at least for me are Stars, Caps, Panthers & B's. Playing better than i expected, again they could continue their pace or dip. I know some of you thought that the Ducks would be great but after those off season moves? no way.

All imo of course.

 

[BrianE]

Agreed. Hendricks' asinine taunting of Gallant afterward washed out any illusion of it being totally unintentional IMO.

Oilers forward Hendricks faces Player Safety hearing

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=797101&navid=nhl:topheads

 

[JaegerDice]

FWIW, I agree. But I think they're better than Tampa Bay was last year. Think they'll be in the SCF and be a very tough out.

I mean, to break it down in simplest terms (IMO):

Forwards: Tampa=Washington
Defense: Tampa>Washington
Goaltending: Tampa<Washington

Style of play is the biggest differentiator for me, and I think the Lighting were playing better hockey last year than Washington is this year, even if Washington is racking up more wins in an Eastern Conference that's proven far weaker than many expected.

 

[BrianE]

Lol Nucks fans chanting Lou, Lou........hard to forget after all those years.

 

[BrianE]

I mean, to break it down in simplest terms (IMO):

Forwards: Tampa=Washington
Defense: Tampa>Washington
Goaltending: Tampa<Washington

Style of play is the biggest differentiator for me, and I think the Lighting were playing better hockey last year than Washington is this year, even if Washington is racking up more wins in an Eastern Conference that's proven far weaker than many expected.

Pretty much my thoughts JD...

Last seasons Bolts forwards i think are much stronger then present Caps are, size and speed, Killorn, Kucherov, Palat & Paquette as an example. Caps do not have a Hedman, when the series was over it was a sigh of relief, he was and is that good!

Bishop (was injured) & Vasilevskiy are comparable to Holtby.

Again all imo.

 

[No Fun Shogun]

Let's continue here:

http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?p=112045199