Everyone who thinks the Avs aren't back to being contenders, check this out.?

Question

Check out the http://NHL.com poll today. If you think the Avs aren't contenders, you're in the minority.

Who do you think the favorite is to win the West?

1. Red Wings - 22.68%
2. Avalanche - 17.66%
3. Ducks - 17.07%
4. Canucks - 15.80%
5. Sharks - 13.49%
6. Other - 7.51%
7. Flames - 5.79%

Total votes: 8319

Not only did the NHL put the Avs there as an option, but the Avs are second only to the Wings. The people have spoken, the Avs are now pretty much officialy back as contenders in the West. Anyway, what's your opinion?

OMG, "Like I'm telling..." That's EXACTLY what I've been trying to explain to people about the wings! They are only good because they play in a weak division. The last 4 years, the only reason they've consistently finished on the top of the league is because they've gotten so many easy points. The only reason they get far in the playoffs, is because they don't have to play 100% in the regular season, they rest up while beating on bad teams. Then they have the energy to get to the playoffs and go deep. Even though they haven't gone that deep recently until last year. The Wings are overrated, that's just it. I completely agree that they will have the most points in the West again this year, but that doesn't mean anything. I think the Sharks will finish 2nd in the West, only if Selanne and Niedermayer retire. If not, then the Ducks will take 2nd. As far as third goes--it's a complete toss-up.

I'm not bragging, I just wanted to show this poll to people who say the Avs suck, or that the Avs are still rebuilding and will never amount to anything again. I've seen some people say that, and that's just not true. This is kind of a rant here, lol, well, I'm done now.

Good point zam, I do bash the Wings. But I never say they are a bad team. Or that they won't make the playoffs. I just say they suck. I don't like them damnit, lol. BTW, take a look at the trade I offered you in our league, you do need PIMs badly.

See, there are haters out there. Damn THN! Anyway, yeah, it wasn't that good getting Backstrom. I have this feeling that Harding will win the job. Did you see how he played last year? He was spectacular! He finished the season with a 1.16 GAA and a .960 SV% and one shutout. He only played 7 games, but he definitely has the tools to be their starter.

As for the Avs' goaltending, yeah, it does suck, but our defense will be much better than what THN thinks.

Yeah, you see, people like bryan m are exactly the kind of people who diss the Avs. BTW, nice job getting Harding on your teams as well zam, veeeery good move. Bob, you do make a good point, but I think Budaj will do good this year.

And hey, btw, bryan m, do you not consider Ryan Smyth and Scott Hannan elite players? You're the one who's dreaming buddy.

Answer 1

Um................I'm surprised the Canucks are higher than the Sharks.

Personally, I feel the top 7 spots in the west are already taken. I feel the Avalanche have the most offensive ability in the west.

The problem I have with the west is that Detroit has no competition, while Calgary, Colorado, and Vancouver will beat up on one another (and Minnesota isn't slouchy) and San Jose, Anaheim, and Dallas are in the same boat. Not as many easy points for those 6 teams.

Last year, Detroit had 50 pts against their own division, #1 in the NHL

Vancouver, Calgary, and Colorado were all in the 30s.

Last year, Detroit had 63 points against the rest of the league, 7th in the league. With Nashville's firesale, I see Detroit improving on that 50 pts, but with the competitiveness of the Northwest, I still see them beating one another up.

That takes it's toll come playoff time.

I think Colorado has an excellent chance if Budaj improves,. 18th in GAA and 25th in SV% can sink the most offensively talented team.

Answer 2

Dont get me wrong, I love Smyth. He's great, and brings so much of the intangibles. That being said he's never had more then 70 points in a season. He's a great leader, but he won't make a team an instant contender. I'm actually suprised at the salary. The Avs get a great player, but dont jump the gun yet, the Avs have some holes to fill yet.

Answer 3

I haven't seen anybody on here say that the Avs suck or that they aren't contenders, in fact, quite the opposite.
In fact the only people bashing a team consistently on here are you and your buddy Sshueman.
Most of us are grown up enough to give credit and respect where it is due, rather than repetitively make excuses and justifications as to why another team has been more successful than ours.
The Avs look great this season on paper and there isn't any reason why they shouldn't go deep in the playoffs, anything other than that would have to be considered a failure as a season. Remember that.

FYI- THN's season preview predicts Colorado to get the 8th seed in the west and gives them an overall grade of a C, calling their defense too small and fancy even with the addition of Hannan. Also says that until Budaj learns to control his rebounds, he will never be considered upper-tier goaltender.

I think they will do much better than THN predicts and considering they gave Atlanta a C+, I think the Avs are much better than a C. But this is what the so called "experts" printed. I am nervous personally because I took Backstrom in all my fantasy leagues this year and that is a potent offense he will have to go against in Colorado.

ADD- Its foolish to pick up Backstrom without Harding and I took care of that. Whoever wins the job, I will reap the benefits of 82 starts of Jacques Lemaire's defensive minded hockey systems. Best GAA in the league last year......

Answer 4

Of the poll listings-

1. Hasek
3. Giguere
4. Luongo
5. Nabokov
7. Kiprusoff

vs. Budaj or Theodore. That is a big difference is goaltending from the other elite teams. They will need ALL of that offence. I think they will make the play-offs but are not a Cup contender. Personally I have the Ducks, Sharks and Canucks ahead of them as well. Probably the Flames too. Goaltending wins.

Answer 5

Oh i never doubted even before the offseason that the Avs would make a come back and be contenders once again.

Now after their offseason, i dont know why anyone would think that they can fall out of the playoffs again.

Oh and look at the Flames spot in that poll WOOT. bahahahahaha, doesnt matter i know the flames arent a fav. to win the west, nor do i expect them to be.

But yeah, Avs will deffinantly be 1st or 2nd in the NW, being in the top 5 in the West.


ADD: zam is right.

Answer 6

That's just what the fans think, even though it does look pretty accurate.

I personally would put the Sharks a little higher.

Bob made a good point with the goaltending, very important position....But, look what the Wings did in 98' with Osgood.

As of now the Ducks just passed the Aves...woops, I meant the Avs, on that poll.

Answer 7

I think Sharks will take it, with Wings in 2nd, but yea Colorado is a good team and i think they will come in 3rd, not due to points just because they should win their Division if they dont though they will make it in on one of the 5-7 spots

Answer 8

Pretty sensitive about the Avs aren't you. Don't take what other people have to say to heart, follow your own opinion.
Contenders, you got to be dreaming, I could score on those goalies.
I guess those management guys for the Avs don't look so good when they can't go out and buy elite players.

Answer 9

The Avz kinda blow man. They have no one solid, according to my Islanders scouting reports.

Answer 10

I don't get it, are you bragging or something?