I've got the Panthers easily in this.
I'm not convinced that 4th is between Boston and Florida. Toronto's defense is not that great and Tampa is an up and down team, this might be their down year unless they buck that trend. I think it is a 4 way fight for all 4 spots.
Boston overachieved last year. However they do have a very good starting goaltender, a great number 1 line, a great shut down centre, and an old Chara is still better than half the D men in this league.That is probably the fairest answer, with Florida being the least of the four because of their uncertainty in goal.
I think Floridas forwards are underrated and close to Toronto. Florida has more elite dman maybe less depth. Goalie is a toss up but Lou is damn old.
Toronto has better coaching giving them the edge. Too bad Gallant is no longer in Florida.
Boston overachieved last year. However they do have a very good starting goaltender, a great number 1 line, a great shut down centre, and an old Chara is still better than half the D men in this league.
They will battle for a wildcard spot or win the division, super hard team to predict.
That is probably the fairest answer, with Florida being the least of the four because of their uncertainty in goal.
Boston overachieved last year. However they do have a very good starting goaltender, a great number 1 line, a great shut down centre, and an old Chara is still better than half the D men in this league.
They will battle for a wildcard spot or win the division, super hard team to predict.
There is also the chance that their goaltending performs at a higher level than expected or that they acquire a goaltender.
I think it is close, Tampa seemingly has the upper hand, Toronto has the hype but besides adding Tavares they lost Bozak and James Van Riemsdyk. Boston and Florida have some question marks but they could have players who unexpectedly make impacts that would put them right at the top too. It is so close with the top 4 that an injury to an important could derail any team I think.
Both teams have excellent forwards, but the Bruins have better defence and goaltending.
Young players that have a chance of suffering through slumps or crumble under the weight of higher expectations. Like i said they are harder to predict. No doubt their young core is talented but you never want to jump the gun and assume there is linear progress in development.I'm not so sure that they "overachieved", I think it is more a case of people not realizing that DeBrusk, Heinen, and McAvoy are as good as they are.
Young players that have a chance of suffering through slumps or crumble under the weight of higher expectations. Like i said they are harder to predict. No doubt their young core is talented but you never want to jump the gun and assume there is linear progress in development.
Honestly think 1-4 in the atlantic could go in any order. Think FL and Boston could easily take the division. Also think its possible that another team jumps in. Possibly Buffalo? I wouldnt bet on it but wouldnt be suprised either. To answer the question by the OP, Ill pick Boston right now. FL is too inconsistent to pick them right now.
Did Bruins fans even know they were that good? and i am not talking about being a usual homer. Did anyone in Boston predict the kind of finish they had?I also don't think you want to say they overachieved because you didn't know they were that good.
Sooner or later Buffalo is going to jump up the ranks, they have to right?
McAvoy yes, the others no. Maybe a couple of people but no, not generally. I think it is easy to see at this point that DeBrusk is the real deal along with McAvoy, Heinen has been a little up and down since close to the end of the season last year but Heinen is also a good defensive player who is useful in other ways than just for his offense.Did Bruins fans even know they were that good? and i am not talking about being a usual homer. Did anyone in Boston predict the kind of finish they had?
That city is cursed.
I consider them a dark horse to actually win a round or two. I don't think they will, but it won't be a complete shocker to me if they do. They have some serious talent.This should be a poll and Florida fan saying Boston by quite a bit. Florida's a wildcard team but no chance of top 3 barring significant injuries to BOS, TBL or TOR.
Can a projected playoff team surprise? Almost all pundits have them in a playoff spot, I usually consider dark horse like expected to finish 14th and could challenge for 8th.