One last preview combo post before we get to the real thing tonight in Boston. I have been delinquent (my real job pays better than the blog, as it turns out, so they get first dibs) but now I am here to make sure you know all you need to know about the Northwest Division. Here is what I think of the division. I’m an expert because I live in Minnesota.
5. Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are going to have to rely alot on their opponents not being able to find Edmonton, because when they get to the rink, they are going to find the net with regularity. The Oilers don’t seem to be particularly strong on defense. Or offense. And Nikolai Khabibulin has had a bad preseason. Their preseason scoring leader was Mike Comrie. I could go on, but I won’t, because that’s mean.
4. Colorado Avalanche
The Avs were mighty bad last year, but now without old farts Joe Sakic or Ryan Smyth to build the team around, they can really focus on their youth movement. The Avs do have a lot of youth to move around as well, and if they play nice together, they could surprise a few people. It’s just a matter of time before Detroit curses the name of Wojtek Wolski like they did Joe Sakic.
3. Minnesota Wild
I addressed the Wild in a post a few days ago. I think the hype surrounding the Wild may be a litle overstated. They will be breaking in a new coach and a new system with players that were molded for the previous coach and previous system. Maybe Mikko Koivu can step up and be a dynamic scorer, but the leading returning goal scorer is Owen Nolan. I don’t really like the chances of a break out season, but with a solid blue line, and Niklas Backstrom in net, at least they will be competitive.
2. Calgary Flames
The Flames are going to look to shut down teams the old fashioned way with one of the best set of blueliners in the league. Not only will those defensemen stop the puck, the addition of Jay Bouwmeester means they have an extra threat in offensive zone. As far as I can tell, the two biggest problems with the Flames are that the offense past Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen is frightening, and that Jokinen looks not unlike an out of water puffer fish.
1. Vancouver Canucks
Wouldn’t it be fun if the Canucks brought the Cup back to Canada? No, of course not. They have a coach named “Alain” and creepy Swedish Twins. Every time there is a new Canuck that makes headlines, he is almost immediately unlikeable. I still hate the Canucks because of Matt Cooke and Todd Bertuzzi. But anyways, they look pretty good and will probably win the division. Assholes.
OK, now for the prediction part of everything. I’ll go fast, since you should go turn on the TV right now to watch
WEST
1. San Jose
2. Vancouver
3. Chicago
4. Detroit
5. Calgary
6. Anaheim
7. Minnesota
8. St. Louis
EAST
1. Boston
2. Washington
3. Philadelphia
4. Pittsburgh
5. New Jersey
6. Montreal
7. Carolina
8. Buffalo
Why Pittsburgh so low? Fatigue. They have played in two straight Cup finals and have had less time to recuperate. Same with Detroit. So nayways, here’s what I have for the Cup Finals.
WASHINGTON OVER CHICAGO!
Now that I have made you all dumber, it’s 10 minutes until hockey!
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