My northeastern divison predictions
Posted 12:23 AM ET | Comments 4
I am a leaf fan, but I am not going to be while I write this article.
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One of the most exciting divisions in the NHL, the North Eastern division is one the deadliest in the league. All five teams have been in the playoffs the last 4 or 5 years. The Buffalo Sabres, The Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and the Boston Bruins. Last year, the Sabres were division leaders with Ottawa behind them by a few points. Behind Ottawa was the Leafs, and then followed by Montreal and Boston. This division started off very interestingly, with the sabres starting off the season with a 10 game winning streak, also, the NE division produced a Stanley cup finalist. Also worthy of mentioning was the last game of the season between the TML and Montreal Canadiens. However...i keep thinking to myself, what would it look like for next season? Here are my predictions:
The Ottawa Senators will be division leaders
It really hurts me to say this, but its inevitable. Heatley, Spezza and Alfredson will have another amazing year, and will be the bread and butter for this team through the whole season. Also, Emery should have a solid season in net. But to win the stanley cup, this will be their last chance to do so because key players like, Spezza, Heatley, Fisher, Kelly, Vermette, and Redden will all become free agents after this season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will finish behind the Sens
Again, its not easy to say this, but I don't see the leafs finishing higher than the sens, however, the toronto maple leafs took care of the problems that kept them out of the playoffs last season. To take the load off of Raycroft's back, JFJ went out and got Toskala. This can be one of the deadliest 1-2 goaltending combinations in the league. Everyone knew that a well rested Raycroft was absolutely incredible. In scoring, they added Jason Blake, a 40 goal scorer to compliment Mats Sundin's or Wellwood's line. This adds to a formula that gave the leafs some sucess in the past years. Sundin + A scoring winger= sucess. They should do alright.
<b> the buffalo sabres will finish behind the leafs</b>
Lets face it, they lost Drury and Briere. No team can lose their top two players and win the division the next season. Vanek will not produce like he did last year, because his old line mates are not around anymore. Because they do have a young core of players, this team can either crash horribly during the season or have an exceptional year.
The Montreal Canadiens will finish behind the sabres and probably miss the playoffs
More loss than gain this season, losing their powerplay guy Sheldon Souray. His blistering slap shot will be missed on the point. However, if Huet can stay healthy and maintain his game, they might have a chance at the 8th and last spot. Those who think Halak might repeat the amazing performance he put up last season...I really don't think so because look at J.S Aubin, who put up incredible numbers in the 05-06 season and was undefeated in regulation for the last 10 games of the season. The next season, he was brutal.
The Boston Bruins will finish last
They improved very much this offseason, but it is not enough. Fernandez will probably have to steal the game in order for this team to stay afloat and attempt to compete for a playoff spot.
<br /><br />
One of the most exciting divisions in the NHL, the North Eastern division is one the deadliest in the league. All five teams have been in the playoffs the last 4 or 5 years. The Buffalo Sabres, The Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and the Boston Bruins. Last year, the Sabres were division leaders with Ottawa behind them by a few points. Behind Ottawa was the Leafs, and then followed by Montreal and Boston. This division started off very interestingly, with the sabres starting off the season with a 10 game winning streak, also, the NE division produced a Stanley cup finalist. Also worthy of mentioning was the last game of the season between the TML and Montreal Canadiens. However...i keep thinking to myself, what would it look like for next season? Here are my predictions:
The Ottawa Senators will be division leaders
It really hurts me to say this, but its inevitable. Heatley, Spezza and Alfredson will have another amazing year, and will be the bread and butter for this team through the whole season. Also, Emery should have a solid season in net. But to win the stanley cup, this will be their last chance to do so because key players like, Spezza, Heatley, Fisher, Kelly, Vermette, and Redden will all become free agents after this season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will finish behind the Sens
Again, its not easy to say this, but I don't see the leafs finishing higher than the sens, however, the toronto maple leafs took care of the problems that kept them out of the playoffs last season. To take the load off of Raycroft's back, JFJ went out and got Toskala. This can be one of the deadliest 1-2 goaltending combinations in the league. Everyone knew that a well rested Raycroft was absolutely incredible. In scoring, they added Jason Blake, a 40 goal scorer to compliment Mats Sundin's or Wellwood's line. This adds to a formula that gave the leafs some sucess in the past years. Sundin + A scoring winger= sucess. They should do alright.
<b> the buffalo sabres will finish behind the leafs</b>
Lets face it, they lost Drury and Briere. No team can lose their top two players and win the division the next season. Vanek will not produce like he did last year, because his old line mates are not around anymore. Because they do have a young core of players, this team can either crash horribly during the season or have an exceptional year.
The Montreal Canadiens will finish behind the sabres and probably miss the playoffs
More loss than gain this season, losing their powerplay guy Sheldon Souray. His blistering slap shot will be missed on the point. However, if Huet can stay healthy and maintain his game, they might have a chance at the 8th and last spot. Those who think Halak might repeat the amazing performance he put up last season...I really don't think so because look at J.S Aubin, who put up incredible numbers in the 05-06 season and was undefeated in regulation for the last 10 games of the season. The next season, he was brutal.
The Boston Bruins will finish last
They improved very much this offseason, but it is not enough. Fernandez will probably have to steal the game in order for this team to stay afloat and attempt to compete for a playoff spot.
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01 Toronto Maple leafs vs Ottawa Senators
08 Maple Leafs vs. Carolina Hurricanes
08 Could be the season to remember?
10 The Maurice Gurantee already in danger not Toskala's Fault
08 Maple Leafs vs. Carolina Hurricanes
08 Could be the season to remember?
10 The Maurice Gurantee already in danger not Toskala's Fault
Your analysis on the Sens and Sabres are right on, Ottawa is your first place team unless something unforeseen happens and the Sabres are a hit or miss team. I also think the Leafs are a hit or miss team too. I like Toskala, but he has had injury problems. He will either be the reason why the Leafs are real good or if they crash and burn. I also want to add that I really like Wellwood and if he stays healthy he will put up some real nice numbers this year. As for the Canadiens, I think they are the last place team this year in the Eastern Conference. They lost their mojo on the powerplay and that was pretty much what kept them alive last year. I think I like the Bruins now with Fernandez and could be a sleeper pick. But as the previous commenter alluded to, the Northeast Division is a pretty weak division this year. There is just too many questions about these teams (except Ottawa). I think it is pretty obvious that the way the Western Conference plays hockey is the right way because that way wins championships. If I were to pick the strongest Eastern Conference division this year, it would have to be the Atlantic.
Not a bad prediction my friend. It will however be a toss up between the Sabres and the Leafs for second place. Is Blake the savior? Will Vanek crumble with out his linemates?Unfortunately I must agree with you in regards to the Sens. As much as I despise that organization, they do have the best chance.
FYI - Vanek's linemates are still in Sabres' uniforms this year. Vanek lost TEAMMATES, not linemates.
pretty fair predictions. I like Toskala a lot, I think he will be the real deal.