[SCS]

Finally, the puck is set to drop in the National Hockey League. After 4 months of endless negociation, I had resigned myself to betting on the NBA, but the end of the lockout is a huge relief for everyone of us puck maniacs!

I figured I'd start a thread to discuss rosters, impressions, trends, etc. since most of us have some catching up to do before we're sharp again.

Some random thoughts off the top of my head:
1. There seems to be common thinking that the Edmonton Oilers will be a dominant team with their boatload of talent (add Schultz and maybe Yakupov to the mix), but let's not forget that they ended in the 29th spot in 2011/12 for a reason. Their defence is too offense-minded and their goaltending - Dubnyk, Khabibulin - is shaky at best. You might see me fading them pretty often, especially away from Rexall.

2. The Northwest Division could be stronger during this 2nd half compared to last year, but it certainly won't be because of an improved Calgary Flames team. Does Jay Feaster seriously think that the additions of Wideman, Cervenka, Hudler (can he even play after a serious recent neck injury?) will get them find their way back into the playoffs? Iggy has been carrying this team on his shoulders without capable linemates for too long.

3. Among lottery teams that, theoritically, can't go anywhere but up: Minnesota, Carolina, perhaps Buffalo.

4. Teams I could easily see going back to the sub .500 group: Florida, Nashville, Phoenix (will Mike Smith standing on his head and a veteran-filled defensive system keep them in the playoffs forever?)... I think Ryan Suter had a huge role to play in the Preds' results, perhaps bigger than Weber's.

5. Detroit is a question mark on defence without Lidstrom. They'll remain a good play at home (31-7-3 at Joe Louis last year), but fade on the road IMO (17-21-3 in 11/12)

6. I don't believe we'll see the Rangers, Pittsburgh, Washington or Boston take too much of a fall in the Eastern standing. Those are very well-rounded teams at every position.

7. With Bryzgalov in goal and rolling with three solid offensive lines, I think the Flyers will remain a great OVER team. Unless Bryz found his A-Game during the lockout...

8. The Blue Jackets still suck.

Don't hesitate adding to this! I probably will myself... Time to get back to serious business!

[SCS]

Who else thinks St. Louis is still a contender despite their early exit in last year's playoffs? 1.87 goals allowed per game (only 155 in 82 GP) is exceptional. I don't expect Brian Elliott to repeat his brillant season, but between him and Halak, the Blues should get pretty good goaltending. Their depth should play a big factor in their success...

[Vegas39]

#8

[Bulls55]

#8

#9 Leafs suck too, Kessel looks like he is 15lbs overweight.

[bobbyk1133]

Finally, the puck is set to drop in the National Hockey League. After 4 months of endless negociation, I had resigned myself to betting on the NBA, but the end of the lockout is a huge relief for everyone of us puck maniacs!

I figured I'd start a thread to discuss rosters, impressions, trends, etc. since most of us have some catching up to do before we're sharp again.

Some random thoughts off the top of my head:
1. There seems to be common thinking that the Edmonton Oilers will be a dominant team with their boatload of talent (add Schultz and maybe Yakupov to the mix), but let's not forget that they ended in the 29th spot in 2011/12 for a reason. Their defence is too offense-minded and their goaltending - Dubnyk, Khabibulin - is shaky at best. You might see me fading them pretty often, especially away from Rexall.

2. The Northwest Division could be stronger during this 2nd half compared to last year, but it certainly won't be because of an improved Calgary Flames team. Does Jay Feaster seriously think that the additions of Wideman, Cervenka, Hudler (can he even play after a serious recent neck injury?) will get them find their way back into the playoffs? Iggy has been carrying this team on his shoulders without capable linemates for too long.

3. Among lottery teams that, theoritically, can't go anywhere but up: Minnesota, Carolina, perhaps Buffalo.

4. Teams I could easily see going back to the sub .500 group: Florida, Nashville, Phoenix (will Mike Smith standing on his head and a veteran-filled defensive system keep them in the playoffs forever?)... I think Ryan Suter had a huge role to play in the Preds' results, perhaps bigger than Weber's.

5. Detroit is a question mark on defence without Lidstrom. They'll remain a good play at home (31-7-3 at Joe Louis last year), but fade on the road IMO (17-21-3 in 11/12)

6. I don't believe we'll see the Rangers, Pittsburgh, Washington or Boston take too much of a fall in the Eastern standing. Those are very well-rounded teams at every position.

7. With Bryzgalov in goal and rolling with three solid offensive lines, I think the Flyers will remain a great OVER team. Unless Bryz found his A-Game during the lockout...

8. The Blue Jackets still suck.

Don't hesitate adding to this! I probably will myself... Time to get back to serious business!

Disagree with most of this. Where is the "common thinking" that EDM will be dominant? MIN and CAR made big improvements and BUF will be much better off after a season of transition. #CaptainObvious Florida has great young talent that will compliment a solid vet group to go along with good coaching. Nashville won't miss Suter as much as you think with guys like Blum, Ellis, Josi on the rise. Watch out for Brendan Smith on Detroit.

and the Blue Jackets won't suck. I love what the personnel moves they've made. All they need is half decent goaltending and they'll surprise.

Great to be back debating hockey!

[SCS]

A few thoughts as a response to bobbyk...

None of Blum, Josi or Ellis have proven to be a reliable top-4 defenseman so far, let alone one of the most best Ds in the game. I know about their potential, but not sure they can make up for the loss of Suter as a "committee".

Perhaps dominant wasn't the right choice of word to describe people's perception of the Oilers, but there is a lot of excitement generated by their group of young studs. I mean, someone posted just this week a ticket from a casino in Vegas - I think it's Mandalay Bay - offering 12/1 on EDM winning the Cup. They'll have to win many 6-5 games if they wanna leave the NHL's basement

I'll agree that Brendan Smith is going to be a really good one. You still can't expect a 23-year old, even though he's a former 1st rounder well developed by a great organization, to fill the great Nick's shoes immediately. Suddenly, a top-4 of Kronwall, White, Quincey and Smith seems a little above average at best. Brad Stuart's gone too.

As for the Jackets, I don't agree at all with their off season moves. Not a believer in Bobrovsky, didn't like the return they got for Nash, and still scratching my head at the acquisition of Jack Johnson. He's a good d-man, but hardly one you want to build your franchise around.

[bobbyk1133]

A few thoughts as a response to bobbyk...

None of Blum, Josi or Ellis have proven to be a reliable top-4 defenseman so far, let alone one of the most best Ds in the game. I know about their potential, but not sure they can make up for the loss of Suter as a "committee".

Perhaps dominant wasn't the right choice of word to describe people's perception of the Oilers, but there is a lot of excitement generated by their group of young studs. I mean, someone posted just this week a ticket from a casino in Vegas - I think it's Mandalay Bay - offering 12/1 on EDM winning the Cup. They'll have to win many 6-5 games if they wanna leave the NHL's basement

I'll agree that Brendan Smith is going to be a really good one. You still can't expect a 23-year old, even though he's a former 1st rounder well developed by a great organization, to fill the great Nick's shoes immediately. Suddenly, a top-4 of Kronwall, White, Quincey and Smith seems a little above average at best. Brad Stuart's gone too.

As for the Jackets, I don't agree at all with their off season moves. Not a believer in Bobrovsky, didn't like the return they got for Nash, and still scratching my head at the acquisition of Jack Johnson. He's a good d-man, but hardly one you want to build your franchise around.

Good points. You're right, replacing guys like Lidstrom/Suter isn't going to happen without an adjustment period. Thing I like about those teams though is how good the coaching staff are, not to mention their scouting dept's could be the best in the league. Look at Cody Franson. He was playing at a pretty good level on the Preds, then he went to the Leafs and became a fringe player. Josi is going to be paired with Weber and there won't be a drop off on the PP with Ellis. I'd be more worried about Detroit though unless their rookies step up big and Howard plays at a high level.

EDM and CLB's fate will rely a lot on Dubnyk and whoever starts in CLB. Could be dicey there...