The 2011-2012 NHL season kicks off tonight with a trio of games. In honor of the fastest game on earth’s return, today will highlight my forecast and predictions for the year to come.
Division winners:
Eastern Conference
Atlantic: Philadelphia Flyers - Despite the departures of two perennial all-stars in Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, the Flyers got solid returns with some young, enthusiastic talent. I don’t foresee a big year out of Jagr, but don’t be surprised if Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds have career years. Max Talbot is also nice addition that can help grind down opponents top lines.
Northeast: Boston Bruins - Although Buffalo made some big moves this offseason, it’s tough to argue with the returning cup winners. The B’s only lost 3 players from last year’s rosters, and one could argue they didn’t play that big of a role, especially in the playoffs, minus Mark Recchi. Other than Recchi, the team comes back with a solid top 6 including Seguin, who I see having a big season ahead of him with some increased ice time.
Southeast: Washington Capitals - This team has dominated the conference the past few years, and there’s not reason to suspect anything will change int he year to come. Although there are a few new faces in the locker room, the Caps’ core group is in tact, and need to produce if the team is going to do anything in the playoffs. We know what to expect from Ovechkin, but Semin and Backstrom are the question marks . Look for the success of the team to follow their performance on the ice.
Western Conference
Central: Detroit Red Wings - Who else? No, this is not a biased decision. Chicago will put up a bit of a fight, but in the end, the Wings just have what it takes to win this division again. The wings have a big hole to fill on the defensive side of the puck with the recent retirement of Brian Rafalski. Whether the signings of Ian White or Mike Commodore will fill that gap, or a youngster like Brendan Smith, someone needs to step up for the team to have success. The front office is attempting to do something that seems almost impossible, rebuild and stay on top at the same time. With a core group that includes Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Filpulla, Clearly, and Kronwall, if anyone can do it, the Wings can. Not mention the return of Mr. Norris, Nick Lidstrom, who even in his 40’s, is still arguably the best defenseman in the game.
Northwest: Vancouver Canucks - Watch for the Canucks to steamroll through their division this year, and challenge once again for the Presidents’ trophy. No doubt this team has had difficulty in the past on defense, and in finishing off their chances in the playoffs. One of those problems remains, the other we’ll have to wait and see come next spring. The gap on the blue line is undeniable, but with forwards like Kesler and the Sedin twins, I don’t see it causing them much of a problem in the regular season.
Pacific: Los Angeles Kings - Finally, a team that can truly contend with the Sharks out west. True the Ducks have had their moments, but watch out for the Kings this year. Some big acquisitions have put them in a spot they haven’t been in for quite some time. Adding Jeff Carte to the front line with Kopitar and Stoll should raise the productivity of all three from a year ago. A couple veterans added to the roster are Simon Gagner and Ethan Moreau, look for both to help out a lot in minutes. If these additions and the returners can get the job done up front and the blue line potential they have in Doughty and Johnson., this team is gonna be scary both now and in the years to come.
Awards and things to watch:
MVP: Ovechkin
Vezina: Quick
Norris: Weber
Selke: Datsyuk
Watch for the Wings to make a big move if needed at the deadline. For the first time since the lockout, they’re not pushed right up against the cap ceiling, so a move to bring in a big name defensemen either this season or in the FA market this summer. Can’t say I’d mind seeing a Shea Weber on the blue line with a Winged Wheel on the front of his jersey.
Don’t be surprised in Crosby still spends quite a bit of time off the ice this season. Hockey is a nasty game, and concussions are a hot topic in the world of sports right now. The fact that his initial concussion was mismanaged continues to amaze me, but hey, everybody’s human. Crosby is an amazing talent and he definitely brings the spotlight to the game of hockey, so getting him back is a good thing for the game.
Finally, there’s been a lot of speculation about what will happen next year with the realignment of the leagues and divisions. Within the next week there will be a post of what I consider to be the best solution to the whole situation, so stay tuned.
Feel free to post any comments or disagreements with any of what is written!
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