2007-03-15 08:25:24 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Hockey
There are several factors at play here. Firstly, winning the Cup gives individual players a lot of press. Key free agents like Aaron Ward and Matt Cullen were able to command top dollar precisely because they contributed to such success. Also, remember that a large part of Carolina's cup run was their rental players, Doug Weight and Mark Recchi. A team can't rent players every year to put together a cup run. Between free agents and rentals, Carolina had to fill four major holes in their lineup from their playoff run and, because they traded away resources for those rental players, they had less to work with to fill those holes.
Lastly, don't forget that a cup run is an improbable thing for any team to put together. Everything has to come together perfectly at exactly the right time in order for a team to make a deep run in the playoffs. More than anything, players have to stay healthy, and goalies have to get hot. Such a run is not necessarily an indication of the consistency necessary for a strong NHL regular season.
2007-03-15 08:43:51 · answer #1 · answered by WeAreAllCanucks 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because, Hockey is the most competitive league. In the NFL teams go from not making the playoffs to the superbowl due to the free agency. In hockey. the level of competition is much higher. They arent eliminated yet. But look how far the 7th team is from 13th. Not far at all. The Islanders are a few more bad games from 14th. Carolina has less games left than most. However if they can put a stretch together. They still can catch the Lightning. Atlanta's schedule makes them a tougher target. Alot of home games. This could be the first year in awhile that both Stanley Cup teams havent made the playoffs. Edmonton however was the eighth seed last year so the drop isnt as far. In summary. I feel the unpredictability of which you speak is the beauty of Hockey.
2007-03-15 17:24:25 · answer #2 · answered by pagan2670 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is hard to say. Teams lose players to free agency, injuries and so on. Look at any sports team who wins a championship. It seems like their players are the most sought after in post season. To me championship teams are made from a contribution of every player on that team. Other teams seem to think if they grab that "one player" they will automatically be winners. It doesn't always work that way. I don't like the fact the NHL trades before the season ends. You should have to finish with what you start with. Playoff teams try to grab up top line players from teams who won't make the playoffs just to make a run. Some people may say that's smart but I personally don't care for it. Money is another BIG issue. Some players truly love the game and just want to play. Then you have the players who just want to win the big one with whatever team making how ever much $ (these are usually the veterans who know they are at close to the end of their career). But then you have the ones who are strictly in it for the money. I think money has ruined all sports. You no longer have dynasties or a group of guys that stay together. It is hard to have a favorite player on your favorite team because he may be gone next season or even next month. Just my thoughts.
2007-03-15 16:56:59 · answer #3 · answered by mecabman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like most teams, Carolina traded some of their future such as good prospects, for immediate short term talent to help them win. The short term talent (renta-players) then move on to other teams in the off season as free agents. Carolina is then left with a thinner squad than they had a year before.
Other factors come into effect as well. Carolina rode a hot rookie goalie into the playoffs and to the cup. He has since came a bit more down to earth and is playing closer to his actual capacity as a slightly above average average goalie.
The intangibles such as a weary team after a long playoff run and ever changing NHL rules may also come into effect a bit.
2007-03-15 15:43:24 · answer #4 · answered by herewoody55 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the 1996 Devils. They were the first team in league history to miss the playoffs after winning the cup the year before.
2007-03-15 19:59:55 · answer #5 · answered by zapcity29 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to say that I would blame ALL the NHL's problems on two things...
1 - Labour issues. The *INSANE* wages that players get are pricing some cities out of any hope of ever having a team that can compete. Owners and players are equally to blame, and they still haven't solved the problems that led the big strike.
2 - Rapid expansion. There are just too many teams in the NHL. If you're going to have a team in Phoenix and two in Florida, New York should have 8 teams. I realise that all those Russians that came over in the 90's needed work, and they are very skilled players... but... expansion of a major sporting league is not ment to happen overnight. Baseball did it over decades... not *A* decade...
Anyway... my two cents...
Thanks!
2007-03-15 15:42:41 · answer #6 · answered by Willy B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Too many selfish Ego's and they're not playing as a TEAM only for their own stats and now it's biting them in the A _ _ !
2007-03-15 15:51:38 · answer #7 · answered by redwingnut16 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they were very lucky last year on winning the Stanley cup, so its no surprise that there fighting for the last two spots on the Eastern Conference.
GO HABS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
2007-03-15 16:24:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
same reason the steelers didn't win 2 in a row.
2007-03-15 15:38:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Injuries
Overachiving last year
Questionable goaltending
Loss of Desire
2007-03-15 16:56:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋