Here are a few of my views about the upcoming season. Please feel free to email me with any of your own predictions at jimjar@gmail.com. I will publish any and all predictions received...
What to look for:
I believe the Penguins will be one of the elite teams in the East. They should earn a few more points than last season, maybe 105 or 106, while maintaining a playoff like intensity throughout. They pulled in the hardware over the summer proving that they have the talent to contend and now it is the time to step up and do it. Recchi, Roberts, Sykora, Sydor and Gonchar must earn their paychecks showing all the younger guys the ropes. Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Whitney and Fleury must improve their already high level game. Role players like Armstrong, Ruutu, Talbot and Malone must play their part and do everything that is asked of them. Sabourin must prove to be a capable goalie that is able to play 15 or 18 games and pull out 10 or 12 wins. And Laraque must be tougher than he was in the Ottawa playoff series last spring.
The team has already bought into what Michel Therrien is selling but the coaching staff must maintain their message throughout. They cannot let afford an early season let down and must remain consistent and aggressive the entire season.
What the Pens need to avoid:
One word: Complacency. With the teams surprise trip to the playoffs last season some members of the team bay start to feel a little comfortable throughout the first quarter or third of the season. If this happens they may dig themselves a hole from which no team could hope to escape.
Who needs to step up:
The Pens defensemen. Last season was not a great display of how to play defense in the NHL. this year they must be able to:
- block more shots
- clear out in front of their net
- crisp, clean, quick passes to the forwards to get the puck in the offensive zone
Who needs to have a career season:
Marc Andre Fleury. Last year was pretty close. This season Marc needs to prove to the team and the league that he is a franchise quality goaltender. I am sold on his ablilities but many are not. If the defense steps up and cuts down on the number of quality shots that any opponents throw at him, this is very possible. Marc has very good instincts, squares up to the shooter and usually challenges shooters to take away the angles. But many times throughout last year he became flustered and lost his composure. This cannot happen. Veteran goalies are able to easily shrug off any hardships and focus on the task at hand.
Atlantic Division prediction:
1. New Jersey
2. Pittsburgh
3. New York Rangers
4. Philadelphia
5. New York Islanders
By the way - the Pens will not beat the Flyers 8 times this year...unfortuately!
| East | West |
|---|---|
| Buffalo | San Jose |
| New Jersey | Detroit |
| Carolina | Edmonton |
| Pittsburgh | Anaheim |
| Montreal | Los Angeles |
| New York Rangers | Nashville |
| Tampa Bay | Vancouver |
| Toronto | Minnesota |
Stanley Cup Predictions:
Pittsburgh vs. Los Angeles
1 comment:
I predict the St. Louis Blues are going to suck this year. I also predict they will remain my favorite team.
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