Several years ago, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman pushed very hard to level the playing field for all teams in the NHL. Imposing restrictions that stripped teams of the ability to sign a handful of big names at once would give all small market teams an equal shot. Great idea in theory, but now he deals with another issue. Players are willing to sign smaller contracts for the chance to play on a great team. The five teams listed below have all enjoyed the perks of this trend.
1. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS - Not only did they just win the cup by knocking off the unstoppable Wings, but they could do it again. Yes, Crosby and Malkin are 2 of the top 5 players in the league and will continue to be for years to come, but at the far end is where the net cup is going to come from. M.A. Fleury has put his demons behind him and won the big game. This is now for the rest of the league, there are no question marks on the Pens anymore.
2. Detroit Red Wings - Coach Babcock has been extraordinary in building loyalty amongst his players. While Detroit hockey fans are incredibly frustrated now, the team has kept its poise and looks to be ready to return for another great season in Detroit. Their goalie situation is somewhat questionable, but everything else looks exceptional.
3. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS - This is the year that they finally make the jump to the elite level. Players like Richards, Gagne and Carter are some of the best at what they do. The entire forward lineup is Canadian, and that says a lot about how they play, and their desire to hoist the cup at season's end - it just seems to mean more to Canadians. The emergence of Claude Giroux and the addition of Pronger only makes them better. Once again the big question mark is in the net. Much different situation with someone like Emery than Osgood. Emery can play, just ask Sens fans - but he can also tank your team, just ask Sens fans.
4. Calgary Flames - An underrated team, perhaps one of the more overlooked teams in the NHL. The Flames have struggled with some tough playoff losses (not to mention injuries), but some enhancements to the roster (i.e. Bouwmeester), and a healthy team will make this a very difficult team to beat. The Flames will have one of the best defenses in the league.
5. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS - They still may be a year away, but with Toews and Kane in their contract year, the future might be now. This new look Hawks team is very fast and very deep. With Campbell, Seabrook, Barker and Keith on the D, they are as good as anyone player for player in the league. I hate to say it, but once again the issue could be in net. Can Huet find his form and take them deep into the playoffs.
Teams absent from this list that may come as a surprise include Boston, New York (Rangers), Montreal, San Jose, and Washington.
All very good teams in their own right, but I don't believe that any of them will contend for a cup in 2010. They should all be second-tier teams, but a lack of development in the off season sees their stock slightly fall.
1. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS - Not only did they just win the cup by knocking off the unstoppable Wings, but they could do it again. Yes, Crosby and Malkin are 2 of the top 5 players in the league and will continue to be for years to come, but at the far end is where the net cup is going to come from. M.A. Fleury has put his demons behind him and won the big game. This is now for the rest of the league, there are no question marks on the Pens anymore.
2. Detroit Red Wings - Coach Babcock has been extraordinary in building loyalty amongst his players. While Detroit hockey fans are incredibly frustrated now, the team has kept its poise and looks to be ready to return for another great season in Detroit. Their goalie situation is somewhat questionable, but everything else looks exceptional.
3. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS - This is the year that they finally make the jump to the elite level. Players like Richards, Gagne and Carter are some of the best at what they do. The entire forward lineup is Canadian, and that says a lot about how they play, and their desire to hoist the cup at season's end - it just seems to mean more to Canadians. The emergence of Claude Giroux and the addition of Pronger only makes them better. Once again the big question mark is in the net. Much different situation with someone like Emery than Osgood. Emery can play, just ask Sens fans - but he can also tank your team, just ask Sens fans.
4. Calgary Flames - An underrated team, perhaps one of the more overlooked teams in the NHL. The Flames have struggled with some tough playoff losses (not to mention injuries), but some enhancements to the roster (i.e. Bouwmeester), and a healthy team will make this a very difficult team to beat. The Flames will have one of the best defenses in the league.
5. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS - They still may be a year away, but with Toews and Kane in their contract year, the future might be now. This new look Hawks team is very fast and very deep. With Campbell, Seabrook, Barker and Keith on the D, they are as good as anyone player for player in the league. I hate to say it, but once again the issue could be in net. Can Huet find his form and take them deep into the playoffs.
Teams absent from this list that may come as a surprise include Boston, New York (Rangers), Montreal, San Jose, and Washington.
All very good teams in their own right, but I don't believe that any of them will contend for a cup in 2010. They should all be second-tier teams, but a lack of development in the off season sees their stock slightly fall.
About the Author:
To read about more NHL outlooks, participate in an active NHL hockey forum, and answer sports trivia, come to RootZoo.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment