I don't believe the hockey analyst do either. Their reasoning on why is all over the map, particularly the negatives on each team. Additionally, I've never saw them as full crap to this degree before. This season is going to be the season of parity.
So, here's my best guess, and that's all it is... a guess.
1- Ducks, just because the herd mentality is to pick this team.
2- Sharks, because they kept themselves out of the playoffs last season, not other teams. Good news here is that it forced (finally) DW's hand to go out and actually do some good.
3- Flames, the magic trend continues but honestly I don't see anything separating this and next two teams.
4- Canucks, ditto
5- Kings, ditto
6- Oilers, this team will flirt with playoff standing but won't have the gas for the full season yet
7- Yotes, what can you say?
I don't see much separating the Ducks, Sharks, Flames, Canucks, and Kings from each other. That separation appears to be razor thin than in the past. They all have some holes to cover, but I do like the Sharks position as being far more well-rounded than in the previous couple of seasons.
The top keys for the Sharks are DeBoer who needs to stay away from the first year head coach blues and come out strong, and stay strong through the playoffs. The other top key is Martin Jones who must come out strong, and stay that way as well.
Martin has good form and I've been impressed with him in the pre-season, but those games don't count. And, he needs to stay away from injuries because without Jones, the other Sharks goalies will turn the Sharks into a 5th, 6th place team.
Another key I am throwing out there is Patrick Marleau, and the reason is that he will be treated like an elite forward which he no longer is. He does not appear to have the mental fortitude to bounce back from being on the 3rd line either. Therefore, he needs to step up his presence and productivity or accept a trade for a fresh start. Otherwise, taking ice time and a top winger slot will hurt the Sharks to some degree.
Sharks advance in 1st round, then exit in 2nd. That's my prediction prior to opening day.
What's yours?
So, here's my best guess, and that's all it is... a guess.
1- Ducks, just because the herd mentality is to pick this team.
2- Sharks, because they kept themselves out of the playoffs last season, not other teams. Good news here is that it forced (finally) DW's hand to go out and actually do some good.
3- Flames, the magic trend continues but honestly I don't see anything separating this and next two teams.
4- Canucks, ditto
5- Kings, ditto
6- Oilers, this team will flirt with playoff standing but won't have the gas for the full season yet
7- Yotes, what can you say?
I don't see much separating the Ducks, Sharks, Flames, Canucks, and Kings from each other. That separation appears to be razor thin than in the past. They all have some holes to cover, but I do like the Sharks position as being far more well-rounded than in the previous couple of seasons.
The top keys for the Sharks are DeBoer who needs to stay away from the first year head coach blues and come out strong, and stay strong through the playoffs. The other top key is Martin Jones who must come out strong, and stay that way as well.
Martin has good form and I've been impressed with him in the pre-season, but those games don't count. And, he needs to stay away from injuries because without Jones, the other Sharks goalies will turn the Sharks into a 5th, 6th place team.
Another key I am throwing out there is Patrick Marleau, and the reason is that he will be treated like an elite forward which he no longer is. He does not appear to have the mental fortitude to bounce back from being on the 3rd line either. Therefore, he needs to step up his presence and productivity or accept a trade for a fresh start. Otherwise, taking ice time and a top winger slot will hurt the Sharks to some degree.
Sharks advance in 1st round, then exit in 2nd. That's my prediction prior to opening day.
What's yours?
