2006-09-04 16:57:36 · 23 answers · asked by AbsoluteMart! 4 in Sports ➔ Hockey
The Montreal Canadiens
This coming from a Canucks/Maple Leafs fan.
2006-09-05 11:17:41 · answer #1 · answered by bigjd_rockin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Carolina will be dangerous this year for the same reason they were dangerous last year: nobody took us seriously until Rod hoisted the Cup. And with the loss of Aaron Ward and Matt Cullen to free agency, Cory Stillman out until probably late November and Kaberle at best iffy for the start of the season, people are going to make the same mistake they did last year.
They'll also overlook Buffalo -- just like they did last year -- and for the same reason. Losing the players they did should hurt them, right? But both of these teams operate on the same concept: the whole is much much greater than the sum of its parts. And that's why I look for a replay of 2005-06 in the East.
Out west Detroit will continue to be Detroit (as much as it pains me to say it). But with Stevie Y. retiring and that overrated slinky Hasek in net they might take home the President's Trophy by virtue of playing Columbus, Chicago and St. Louis 8 times each, but come the post season they're an early exit. Edmonton, by virtue of MacT's coaching prowess (and the fans in Rexall Place -- give them their due!) will go deep into the post-season. A repeat Campbell Bowl isn't out of the question, but this team seriously overachieved last year much like the Canes did in 2002. The MOST dangerous in the West, though, may turn out to be Nashville. They lost very few key players (though we thank them profusely for Scott Walker) and picked up a potential gem in Dumont. Then there's that Too Too kid that looks so promising. The Predators will be a force to be reckoned with for sure -- and the Campbell is well within the realm of possibility.
2006-09-05 17:02:36 · answer #2 · answered by canesmojo 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well the Stanley cup champs Carolina haven't improve any this past season they have lost a bit. Eric Staal and Cam Ward will be great but not enough to win it again.
Buffalo has lost a bit also will not be as good as last year.
Detroit made a bad mistake on getting Hasek he is over with. they will have a harder time this year, with Nashville being even better then last and Columbus and St-Louis will be allot better then last season and Detroit wont get the easy points they got from them last year.
teams that look good are: Calgary with Tanguay will help the team offensively which they needed bad. Minnesota with some great pick ups. Nashville with some great pick ups. Vancouver great pick up on Luongo, a goalie they haven't had in nearly 20 years. Montreal Canadiens great pick ups on Samsonov and Johnson, only if Huet is as hot as he was last year the Habs will be a very tough team to beat this season really tough. Boston did some great pick ups with Savard and Chara but not sure for the goalie not the real #1 you want. and the San Jose Sharks will be a very tough team to play against this season too.
2006-09-05 08:33:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that Buffalo is going to be the most dangerous team. It's not because they will take the President's trophy (I think Detroit will win that if Hasek can stay healthy), but because they are the one team nobody will want to face in the playoffs. They are probably the hardest working team and, arguably, the fastest skating. I also think Carolina and the Rangers are worth mentioning here. Even though the President's trophy will likily stay in the West due to the disparity of the Central division, I think the Stanley Cup is going to stay in the East.
I hope I'm wrong. Go Wings!
2006-09-05 03:25:33 · answer #4 · answered by Nathan P 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ok, ok, ok ... I know everyone is sick of hearing about Pronger and Neidermayer, but hey, two of the top 3 D men on one team ... you gotta take a serious look at the Ducks. Their rookies last year did great. Now they have playoff experience as well. If they don't hit a "sophomore slump" then the Ducks will indeed be MIGHTY even without the name. Besides if Teemu Selanne retires without getting a ring, then there is no justice in the world.
2006-09-05 18:20:27 · answer #5 · answered by Claire52 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its a toughie, i would go with probaly pittsburg offensvly, with crosby, malkin and staal, not all on the same line of course, i think theyll pout up some goodnumbers if they have good chemistry.
Defensivly i would go with Calgary, simply because, im sick of hearing about niedermeyer and pronger, and calgary was one of the teams with fewest goals allowed last season, and have had only one change in their defense roster.
As for Goaltending, I think Kipper will do another fantastic job again, but i will not rule out Luongo in Vancover, i dont know about Raycroft though, we shall see.Calgary will be my pick in goaltending Kipper and McClennan were an awesome pairing before he was traded.
2006-09-05 14:35:49 · answer #6 · answered by Metallicat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
San Jose Sharks!
Detroit will be out of sorts without their captain Stevie Y. I don't think Hasek is going to make a huge difference.
Every year people talk about Ottawa....they always choke in the play-offs.
2006-09-05 14:07:29 · answer #7 · answered by TML ♥'er 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Boston Bruins! They have goaltending, offense, and defense. With all the additons they made built around the core (Brad Boyes, Patrice Bergeron, Marco Sturm, Brad Stuart) they should be a team to be rekoned with.
2006-09-05 16:11:48 · answer #8 · answered by gogoblackandgold3726 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think the sharks will have the most dangerous team this year....give Thornton a full year with the sharks and hope the goal tending improves from last year and they will be one of the best teams...
2006-09-06 01:16:15 · answer #9 · answered by waynes8 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of them have their chances. I dont know. I havent got to see the teams play. So it is kinda har to tell. I cant just go by the players the teams got. Players can change when they go to a different team.
2006-09-05 07:00:59 · answer #10 · answered by Hockey_Freak 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋