Norris Division Predictions - Standings

1st CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS - TOP LINE
54 Petteri Nokelainen 0 R C 5 8 9 5 4 5 9 8 9 9 6 77
32 Lukas Vantuch 0 R LW 1 9 8 6 3 9 7 5 9 6 9 72
13 Jonathan Cheechoo 0 R RW 2 9 8 9 9 8 8 5 9 8 9 84

88 Matt Niskanen 0 L D 1 8 8 5 5 9 9 9 9 7 7 77
7 James Wisniewski 0 L D 7 8 9 6 8 3 8 9 9 9 8 84

The Hawks match up well to most of the top lines in the league - this line should create alot of offense and will be tough to score against. The thing that impresses me about the hawks is their depth - their second line could be a first line on most teams. Only thing is that they have a rookie goalie in Varlamov. Varlamov has skill but is not proven in the Pro league. I predict the Hawks winning the Division with 105 pts.






2nd TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS - TOP LINE
91 Sergei Fedorov 0 L C 6 9 7 9 9 4 9 9 9 9 6 86
4 Oscar Sundh 0 L LW 7 9 1 1 9 9 9 2 9 1 9 66
26 Martin St.Louis 0 L RW 2 9 3 9 9 8 9 8 9 6 9 81

6 Joni Pitkanen 0 L D 4 9 9 9 8 6 9 9 9 9 8 89
39 Niklas Lidstrom 0 L D 1 9 6 9 8 9 8 9 9 8 6 82


The Maple Leafs have a solid team and there defense is amazing. 5 out of 6 of the forwards have 9's for shot. There goalie Jonathan Bernier was thrown in last season to carry the team and is a proven playoff performer and should play well behind the defense. Chicago and Toronto will be fighting for 1st in the division. I think the Leafs will end up 2nd in the division with 98 pts.








3rd DETROIT RED WINGS - TOP LINE
14 Tyler Spurgeon L C 4 9 2 6 2 6 9 9 9 6 8 70
93 Sergei Samsonov R LW 1 9 3 9 4 9 9 6 9 4 9 72
61 Andrew Ladd R RW 5 9 7 8 7 5 9 6 7 8 9 80

4 Cody Franson L D 3 8 8 8 5 4 7 6 9 8 6 72
33 Eric Johnson L D 3 8 5 6 6 7 8 7 8 9 6 73

The Red Wings have put together a top line that can compete with most of the top lines in the league and have some depth players on other lines. Tim Kerr will be relied on for much needed offense from the second line. Tyler Plante was solid last season but will have his work cut out for him as the division is highly competative. The Red Wings lack some offense from the backend but have some nice defensive talent. Look for the Red Wings to battle Columbus for 3rd spot in the division. Red Wings 3rd 90 pts.




4th COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS - TOP LINE
23 Patrice Bergeron 0 R C 5 7 8 7 7 5 9 8 9 5 8 78
21 Ruslan Fedotenko L LW 2 8 8 8 8 8 9 7 9 7 7 81
69 Jozef Balej 0 R RW 1 6 4 7 6 9 9 5 9 4 9 69

6 Aaron Johnson 0 L D 4 8 7 8 8 6 7 7 9 9 5 78
88 Sheldon Souray 0 L D 7 8 8 8 6 5 8 7 9 8 5 79

It maybe a rebuilding year for the Blue Jackets a few forwards lack the skill to compete against the Leafs and Blackhawks. The Jackets will have to rely on their top line for most of the scoring. Thier defense will hold them in games but lack of a decent backup goalie for the last 15 to 20 games will hurt them. So it might be another close game season and the Jackets main players will have to perform well to compete for the 3rd spot in the division - Jackets 4th 85 pts.


5th ST. LOUIS BLUES - TOP LINE
6 John Tavares 0 R C 4 9 6 4 6 6 9 9 8 5 7 73
7 Patrick Elias 0 L LW 5 8 6 8 8 5 9 9 9 6 6 79
11 Eric Perrin 0 L RW 1 4 3 9 9 9 5 3 7 8 9 67

5 Jay Bouwmeester 0 L D 1 8 6 7 5 9 8 7 7 6 7 71
20 Rod Langway 0 L D 9 6 9 6 5 6 7 9 8 9 5 79


With all of the Blues solid skill on the farm team it will be a long season for the Blues - The Blues looking forward to the draft next season and all of his talent coming up from the farm club. The Blues do have a few things to be positive about with two very young centers in Tavares and Pairse and there top defense is pretty solid in Bouwmeester and Langway. His top line will create some offense and having the Baulin wall as there goalie doesn't hurt there chances. Blues 5th 58 pts.

Whalers PR

Well the Whalers GM Paul Gagne is rather amused at the pontifications on "Mr." MacIntyre. Saying that we are full of "spit and vinegar", just shows his ignorance. The win that the Bruins got over the Whalers in the pre season was a pity win. When the chips are on the table we will see the shoe being on the other foot. The Whalers also gave the Canadiens a pity win in the pre season. Our captain, Marek Svatos, will lead this team into the promised land and the rest of you will be eating your words. Pat Quinn is cracking the whip and the troops wil perform. As far as the rerates go, don't worry "Mr." MacIntyre my team will take care of itself. The legitimising of Pro forwards on the Whalers roster is only a guess on by any of you so called "EXPERTS". The only hole this team has and needs to fill is toughness on the 3rd line, D and Forwards. So if any of you actually get your collective heads out of your own (and maybe others, not sure about the french teams) butts you will see we have a glut of talent and actually wish to down size it a bit to get tougher and look into the future.

The regular season will soon start and the road to the cup has already been written with the Whalers coming out on top where they belong. The Saints in the farm league has already proven their readiness to compete and may even have an easier time of takeing the championships.

So if you are going to Vegas like "Mr." MacIntyre says put your money where it really should go
ON THE WHALERS AND SAINTS.

Gagne OUT!!!

Blackhawks PR

The blackhawks looked great in the preseason. Newly acquired center nokelainen lit it up racking up many points. GM brent can only hope that his team continues to play like this in the season. Simeon Varlamov's first games ever on the pro and he looked great. The team managed to score a lot of goals. On the other hand the Oil Kings couldnt manage to win any games. There goalie this pre-season some how was ryan clowe instead of linden rowat. A forward in net allowing 5 goals a game was rough. The offence couldnt get jump started because there was no momentum because the other teams were just scoring goals without problem. GM Brent hopes that the oil kings can turn it around for the season. We are hoping for both teams to make the play-offs this year.

Remember we are the windy city and we will blow you away!!

Pete Almighty Rose

Adams Division Preview

Doug MacLean here for the New England Sports Network, and your hometown Boston Bruins. As the pre-eminent hockey prognosticator in the PHL, I will lay in on how things WILL unfold in the always TOUGH Adams division.

This years Adams division is not the division it was in the past. Last year this division could definitely claim the title as TOUGHEST to play in, in the entire PHL. Several teams have downgraded at key positions, and this years Playoff picture on paper at least is clear.

Let’s get’er goin’…..

PHL 8 STANDINGS
GP W L T GF GA PTS PCT
NORDIQUES 80 48 27 5 319 257 101 .631
WHALERS 80 45 26 9 326 264 99 .619
BRUINS 80 41 29 10 302 282 92 .575
CANADIENS 80 43 32 5 293 281 91 .569
SABRES 80 29 42 9 271 305 67 .419



Les Nordiques de Quebec

New ownership, new GM taking over a team that MANY felt over achieved last year. Can this leadership produce a 100+ points this year??? This EXPERT is not convinced. There are some glaring holes on this team.

Key Players

C Torrey Mitchell
LW Vadim Karaga
RW Russ Courtnall
D Carlo Colaiacovo
G Ryan Mior
G Alexie Volkov

Line one is solid, secondary scoring is a MAJOR issue!!! If this line does not produce some major points, this team could battle for a playoff spot. The backend is solid. A top four of Carlo, Belle, Coburn, and Kuba can hold them in, but the Nords will be counting on some offensive production from this group as well. The goaltending is solid. Mior and Volkov both player OK last year, and will be battling for starts this year.

All in all I see this Nords team as an annomoly. They produced on one line last year, and ended up taking the division. I think they fall from grace this year…..

PHL8 – 1st in the Adams – 101 Points
PHL9 – 579 in the Adams – 76 Points


Hartford Whalers

Another new ownership group in the Adams. The Paul Gagne group is FULL of piss n’ vinegar, and believes that have a team that can contend this year. I personally think they are HUFFIN’ Gas……

Key Players

C Blair Jones
LW Patrick Maroon
RW Marek SVatos
D Green
D Lavin
D Wennerlof

Up front this Whalers team made some ”INTERESTING” moves in the FA draft….Nedorsot is rumored to be retiring before year end….that means Blair Jones is their ONLY Pro caliber center. Maroon was a nice surprise in the offseason, and combined with Svatos they should produce for this team. The Backend is very strong, Green, Lavin, and Wennerlof are all LEGIT number 1 dmen in the PHL, the Whalers need forward type offensive numbers from these three. Ryan Miller is solid, and will be in net for his usual 50-70 games.

I see the Whale winning some 1 goal games, scoring will be a problem….which does not help at rerate time. Gagne and the rest of his troupe think this team is a first place team….I am thinking battle for the playoffs….

PHL8 – 2nd in the Adams – 99 Points
PHL9 – 4th in the Adams – 79 Points


Boston Bruins

George MacIntyre took this team over midway through last year. The team was in a battle for 1st in the Adams, but had VERY little in the system. After some major deals the Bruins dealt stars for projects and prospects. Fortunately these projects for the most part have worked out. On Paper this Bruins team is MUCH better than last years….ON PAPER!!!!

Key Players

C Eric Staal
LW Matt Martin
LW Ryan Bayda
RW Shane Doan
D Derrick Morris
G Matthew Spezza

The top six on this Bruins teams is FAR & AWAY the crème de la crème of the Adams. Scoring should not be a problem. Eric Staal is a bonafide number one, and with the wingers on this team he and Reinprecht should both have BIG years once again. Look for youngster Matt Martin to fill the net this year, he was the key to the Jeff Taffe deal in the offseason. The defense was a MAJOR question mark heading into FA, then Macintyre pulled a horse shoe out of his ass, and signed Morris, and traded for Seabrook, the D is solid. Matt Spezza, is the undisputed number ONE. He has looked TERRIBLE this pre-season.

This is the Bruins division to lose. On paper their depth should win them this division. MacIntyre has a short leash on Mike Sullivan, anything less than 100 points and he will be GONE!!!!

PHL8 – 3rd in Adams – 92 Points
PHL9 – 1st in Adams – 109 Points


Les Habitants de Montreal

The Habs….ugh. Playoff winners of the Adams, and ARCH nemesis of the Bruins. This team simply wore the Bruins down in the Adams division finals last year…..

The offseason rerates were NOT kind. The big three at Center is now the big two, as Breault looks like he has spent too much time at Supersex this offseason.

Key Players

C Sidney Crosby
RW Patrick Eaves
RW Jimmy Hayes
D Zdeno Chara
D Zarley Zalapski
G Dan Ellis

Sidney is NOW the man. 58 Points last year was a HUGE disappointment, and he needs to produce like a number one center for this team to have a chance. The rerate bug seems to have hit their D as well. The Z’s are solid, but the once vaunting defense is not the same. A lack of number one LW means Sid will have to rely on Eaves or Hayes to help him lead.

This reporter thinks the Habs battle the Whales for third or fourth. Habs have more offence, and to me Sid the Kid gets them in to the race for the cup.

PHL8 – 4th in Adams – 91 Points
PHL9 – 3rd in Adams – 85 Points


The Barfalo Sabres

Edwin “EDDIE MAC” Macdougall has SANBAGGED his way through the last couple season, building constantly and earning the nickname “SIR TRADES A LOT.” Though lil Brent Goertz is a close second!!!!

This sabers team is NO longer the door mat of the Adams. The team has depth now, and though their first line may not match up with others in the division, their 2nd, and 3rd most definitely does!!!

Key Players

C Ryan Getzlaf
LW Andy MacDonald
RW Mike Gartner
RW Ales Hemsky
D Rob Blake
D Ed Jovanovski

Lake & Jovo are studs. They both will play big minutes, and combined with Getz, Andy Mac, and Hemsky make a very formidable 1st line. Samuelson is a solid number 2, and will need to produce to get this team over the hump. If everything works out the way it looks on paper this Sabres team could be number 2 in the Adams….

PHL8 – 5th in the Adams – 76 Points
PHL9 – 2nd in the Adams – 92 Points

There you have it folks….now get on www.westjet.ca, and book your flight to Vegas…Lay in on the LINE, cause DOUGIE MAC SAID SO!!!!

For NESN, this is Doug MacLean from the Beatiful shores of PEI!!!!

A dose of reality

Unfortunately, there's just no way this team will be able to recover from such losses, not to mention losing the defensive grit in Hoerdler who's no slouch.


Did you have to add salt to an old ....

NORRIS DIVISION SEASON PREVIEW

DETROIT




key additions--

Jim Slater  RW   5  7  3  7  7  5  7  4  8  9  7  69
Dan Paille   LW   6  7  7  4  6  4  6  4  7  7  8  66
Grant Lewis D    3  6  7  8  5  7  8  9  8  6  4  71

key losses--

Ryan Hillier   LW   6  7  6  4  5  4  9  4  8  6  9  68
Mike Van Ryn D    7  4  8  8  7  3  6  2  7  7  9  68

The Wings didnt really do much to address their pro team this year. They look awfully similar to last season. The biggest gain would be their #1C Turgeon's rerate to 9/9/8. He will be counted on heavily to lead this team in scoring. With the addition of Grant lewis, the Wings finally get themselves a dman who can pass. The demotion of Hillier is balanced out with the positive rerate of RW Andrew Ladd. That at least gives them some balanced scoring on the wing, but after that first line, the top talent drops off significantly. The Wings will battle hard all year, but will be in tough to grab that last playoff spot with STL.

Last year finish::: 83pts, 3rd in division
Predicted finish::: 74pts, 4th in division

ST. LOUIS




key additions--

Riku Hahl        C    6  7  6  5  6  5  8  9  5  8  6  71
Mike Van Ryn D    6  5  8  8  7  4  6  3  8  7  9  71


key losses--

Gilbert Brule               C    6  7  7  2  6  4  7  7  8  7  5  66
Martin Samuelsson RW   3  7  6  6  5  7  8  7  8  6  8  71

Poor Samuelssons entire Swedish team filed for bankruptcy last season, and he still hasnt found a job anywhere in the league. This was a huge blow to the Blues firepower and puts a kink in their rebuilding schedule which now could be partially on hold. They wont be nearly as bad as last year, and have one of the best centremen core in the division. That might even be enough to give them 4th, if the Bulin wall is in top form this year that is. He will still see lots of rubber due to lack of depth and defensive help. Even so, the Blues fans have something to cheer about this year.

Last year finish::: 61pts, 5th in division
Predicted finish::: 72pts, 5th in division

TORONTO





key additions--

Stefan Legein   LW   8  8  8  2  4  2  7  6  8  9  8  70


key losses--

Alexander Steen    C    6  9  5  8  7  4  8  8  8  4  7  74
Mikhail Yunkov       C    4  6  9  6  6  6  7  5  8  6  8  71
Marcus Nilson       LW   2  7  6  6  9  9  7  3  6  9  8  72
Chad Painchaud  RW   4  9  6  6  4  9  9  6  5  5  8  71
Sandis Ozolinsh      D    2  9  4  7  4  8  9  9  9  5  6  72
Jason Smith            D    4  7  8  7  6  6  6  1  5  9  9  68



At first glance, you might think this team was involved in another dispersal draft of their roster. But in reality, this is what happens in the PHL when you have depth. The Leafs paid a price for taking a run for the cup by losing a large chunk of talent in the offseason via the waiver draft and retirements, but thats the cost of competing and trying to ensure solid rerates, which many teams tend to forget when they decide to "tank" in their rebuilding years. With the ATB up of afiniganov to a 9/9 winger, and Legion's new added toughness and scoring on the wing as well, this team shouldnt notice any difference in their overall success, as long as they stay healthy. A few key injuries early on, and they could find themselves in second place if they arent careful.

Last year finish:::  97pts, 1st in division
Predicted finish::: 101pts, 1st in division

COLUMBUS





key additions--

Kris Beech C    8  7  6  7  6  2  6  7  8  7  4  68

key losses--

Peter Forsberg     C    6  9  9  9  3  4  8  8  9  7  9  81
Teemu Selanne  RW   3  7  3  6  7  7  6  5  9  4  9  66
Frank Hoerdler     D    8  8  9  8  8  2  9  5  8  9  4  78

As Peter Forsberg goes, so does, or did, the Bluejackets. The MVP of the league carried this team on his back. His injury late in the year cost the Bluejackets first place and the team seemed to play much differently with him out of the lineup. With Forsby retired now, the Bluejackets are praying for his rumored return to happen. You add to that the loss of Selanne, and thats 116 goals and over 200 points, the rest of the team will have to replace. Unfortunately, there's just no way this team will be able to recover from such losses, not to mention losing the defensive grit in hoerdler whos no slouch. Theres no reason this team cant handle their own in the division and will battle all season. They wont however have the luxury of running over teams on a daily basis like last year. Every point will be earned.



Last year finish:::  95pts, 2nd in division
Predicted finish:::  85pts, 3rd in division

CHICAGO


 

key additions--

Bryan Little       C    5  8  8  8  6  5  8  5  7  8  6  74
Petteri Nokelainen C    5  8  9  5  4  5  9  8  9  9  6  77
Travis Zajac       C    3  8  6  5  6  8  5  7  9  7  6  70
James Neal         LW   2  8  9  3  7  5  8  6  8  9  8  73
Claude Giroux      RW   5  9  4  7  5  5  9  7  8  2  7  68
Mathieu Carle      D    2  8  7  8  4  8  8  8  6  8  7  74
Keaton ellerby     D    5  8  6  8  6  5  6  8  7  8  4  71
Steve Montador     D    3  7  8  7  4  8  7  3  7  8  7  69
Matt Niskanen      D    1  8  8  5  5  9  9  9  9  7  7  77
Luke SCHENN        D    3  6  7  7  8  9  7  9  6  6  3  71

key losses--

Vaclav Nedorost C    4  8  8  8  8  6  7  7  8  8  5  77
Mike Cammalleri C    3  9  6  7  5  7  9  7  9  5  4  71
Boris Valabik       D    7  5  4  8  6  3  5  7  7  7  8  67
Alex Hemsky     RW   1  9  8  7  5  9  9  3  8  3  9  71



As a Hawk fan, you are used to having players coming and going on a daily basis, so when you see the long list of additions and subtractions, you tend to shrug it off as just another day in Hawkville. However, this time teams and fans should take notice. Some of the Hawks earlier deals are finally paying dividends with solid rerates (wow, rerating a player up instead of trading for him? What a concept!!). This team is now ready to compete for not only the division title, but for the cup. Well, that is as long as their gm can resist tinkering too much this year. They have all of the parts needed, the depth, the scoring, one of the best passing Dmen group in the league, solid goaltending and DEPTH. Its that depth that they will benifit from the most. If there is one need for them to work on, its their Centre core. Perhaps moving some of that depth for another C upgrade will be enough to take over top spot. Dont be surprised if they do.

Last year finish:::  73pts, 3rd in division
Predicted finish::: 100pts, 2nd in division

Well thats how we see it from MLSE.

Bill Waters 

Line Changes

The Hartford Whalers would like to give others a chance in the pre season by making a little change to the line-up.
First off Sanguinetti is being benched for disciplinary reasons which give veteran Hutchinsen a chance to play. Along with that we are giving Miller a needed break.

From the desk of Press Agent
"Iron" Mike Keenan

Connecticut Post News Item

This is Popar Azzi here doing an interview with a Whalers disgruntled defenseman, Bob Sanguinetti. So Bob why are you so angry?

Well Popar, I'm so glad you asked me that. I'm angry because this new "GM" that we have doesn't even know me and is obviously accusing me of not being tough enough since he is saying that he has a need for this and has therefore put me on the trading block.

Well wouldn't that actually flatter you thinking you are the only one he could actually get something for.

I don't look at it that way Popar. I consider it a slap in the face. I was just starting to enjoy my time here and I was really geling with my line mate Eriksson.

But as a professional, Bob, you have to understand that sometimes changes are made.

Ya ya, I hear these things all the time, but we haven't even started the regular season yet! We are still in the pre-season.

Well besides this rumour of a trade list is there anything else that annoys you about the new GM, Paul Gagne? Or have you seen any other problems?

Well I wouldn't say that Mr. Gagne annoys me but I am upset that I am being moved. If the move helps the Whalers than I will be happy for the boys in the room and I know that I will be a great asset to whatever team wants me. As far as anything else, I have heard that Mr. Gagne wants to make other moves, like at at the forward position. This movement to "toughness" could be a mistake but it may also be a ploy to get draft picks and or training advantages for the future. The one thing about Mr.Gagne is that I noticed he is keeping an eye on the future and not just the present.

So you are saying that more moves are definately posssible?

All I am saying is that no one is safe on the Whalers.

Well thanks for your time Bob and no matter what happens I wish you all the best.

Thanks Popar.

This is Popar Azzi saying good day and until next time, "Keep your stick on the ice".

Trade Block

The Whalers don't really want to make a move but they are considering getting tougher. We are looking for aggressive, clean dmen and the following are what we are offering. One other thing, since the ov of the guys we are offering could be higher than what we are looking for we of course are also interested in draft picks and TC's. The Whalers are not afraid of taking chances on the future.

Here are the players available:

98 Andrew Hutchinson     0      R  D    2  7  5  6  6  8  7  6  7  5  7  66

64 Bob Sanguinetti       0      L  D    4  7  7  7  7  6  7  6  8  7  8  74

Bruins Struggle Early...

Dougie Mac here from my PIECE of crap hotel next to Fenway.....gotta deal as well...the place is a morgue.....yankees BABY!!!! Well were just passed the halfway point of the pre-season, and I for one am THOROUGHLY disappointed in the play of the Home town Bruins!!!

Boston, with some major off season moves, seems to be struggling to jell as a team, and despite some line juggling has not gotten the job done.

Goalie Mathew Spezza has been a piece of SWISS cheese....honestly looking like that Booze Bag Leclaire I had back in Columbus......Only pick I made worse than that was that PUNK Zherdev...RUINED my career that piece of......ahhh never mind....I STILL drafted Rick Nash....Dupont is basically the assistant skate sharpener/backup keeper.....Moves may NEED to be made here....

Basically MacIntyre traded some MAJOR assets this offseason....had some holes on the backend.....and filled them nicely with Morris and Seabrook....but so far they just are playing as a "COHESIVE" unit.....you know like that team I coached to the Stanley Cup finals....Billy Lindsay is the father of my children, that's what it cost me to make that PLUG score goals....a night with my 18 year old wife....dirt bag!!!!

Hey Kypreos....I drafted Nash....and you were a fourth liner on a BAD leafs team....best thing ever happen to you....you got KNOCKED OUT!!!! LOLOLOL I laugh everytime I watch this....keep runnin' yer mouth Kipper...and I will call Ryan Vandenbushe to do it again!!!!

For the Bruins and NESN this is THE HOCKEY PROGNOSTICATOR.....Dougie Mac....aka Doug Maclean....