The Sports Fist

We are in the tail end of the summer now, fall is approaching and Hockey will be here soon. Granted most people out there are Baseball fans right now, however, one thing I hold true above all other sports is that Hockey is the fastest sport that asks for more out of you conditionally then any other sport. Although I’m sure there are some Baseball fans out there trying to think of arguments against that since a lot of people could care less about Hockey. However, for those of you that realize what Hockey is all about, here is a little preview of the NHL season, starting out with an East Coast bias.

1- Washington Capitals- I have never seen a team make such a drastic improvement within a single season in all my life. Under Bruce Boudreau the Caps made leaps and bounds toward a Southeast title and in the playoffs for the first time since 2002-03. The Defense is talented with an offensive defenseman in Mike Green leading the way. With reigning MVP Ovechkin, I would expect the Caps to surprise many and take the East by storm. The only question in my mind is Jose Theodore, if he plays like he did in the playoffs they should be all right between the pipes.

2- Pittsburgh Penguins- This prediction may be a reach to some of you out there. The Pens lost LW Ryan Malone to the Tampa Bay Barry Melrose’s, however, the leadership Crosby is showing and the play by Fleury last year convinced me they would be around for a while. Another Atlantic title for the Pens.

3- Montreal Canadiens- Tanguay was a nice addition to this Habs team in the off-season. I expect Carey Price to have a huge year. He now has the experience of the playoffs in him and the experience of defeat, he will come back strong. I like Montreal out of the Northeast simply due to the other teams in the division lacking depth. The Hab’s really need an impact player through out the season though.

4- New York Rangers- Lundqvist is in his prime now and will seemingly have another big year for the Rangers. He plays well within his own division and has a good defense in front of him, especially with the addition of Wade Redden. A few other good additions for NY in the off-season, Nikolai Zherdev came over from Columbus who had his best season last year with a solid 61 points. Also, the aging Naslund will be there to hopefully fill in the spot of Jagr, but don’t expect that to happen Ranger fans.

5- New Jersey Devils- They do it every year. This is the year they are going to miss the playoffs right? Or was that supposed to be the last 3 years? Until the Devils don’t have one of their typical seasons, I am going to expect them to do what they do every year, Brodeur will play 95% of the season and have a 40+ win season again. Aside from the usual, New Jersey made some decent moves in picking up Brian Rolston and a good third liner in Bobby Holik.

6- Philadelphia Flyers- Yes, yet another Atlantic Division team. Let’s face it, it’s the most competitive division in the NHL. Here are the flyers. They finally have a goalie in Martin Biron, a go to guy in Daniel Briere, young players in Richards and Carter. They are a good, solid team. So why not higher? They are too inconsistent and will be much of the same this season, however, in the playoffs they could make another surprising run.

7- Tampa Bay Lighning- The Lightning have a new face to look at everyday, Barry Melrose. Melrose has been out of coaching for a while now, so as far as his ability to lead a team goes, it is unproven as of now. But something new is what the Lightning needed. There is no doubt they have plenty of talent and now have a goalie in Mike Smith and signed Olaf Kolzig as a strong back up. The Lightning will play hard; don’t expect easy wins against them this year folks.

8- Boston Bruins- This is a young team on the rise. In the eighth spot, down from seventh a year ago. If it wasn’t’ for the talent and experience of the teams ahead of them I would have them higher. They do have a goalie issue though, Thomas is still a bit unproven as a #1 goalie.

9- Atlanta Thrashers- With Kovalchuk on the squad the team can score every night. Khari Lehtonen is a talented goaltender, however, has a weak defense in front of him.

10- Ottawa Senators- The complete opposite of the Washington Capitals last year. Like I said about the Caps, I never have seen a team collapse as badly as the Senators. With the majority of their best players getting older, this team is on the downward trend again. Goalie issues as well.

11- Carolina Hurricanes- They lead the Southwest much of last season, up until the surge of the Capitals wiped them out of first, and into 9th place. Tough fall. They have Eric Staal, a proven tough shooter. Jason Williams is a solid player also, they just don’t have much other then that. Cam Ward is an “iffy” goalie in my opinion, I still feel his cup run a few years back was a one time thing.

12- New York Islanders- Mike Comrie, Blake Comeau and goalie Rick DiPietro. Those are three men. You need a lot more then that Islanders.

13- Buffalo Sabres- This team has taken hit after hit since they went to the East Finals two years ago. Still feeling the effects of loosing Drury and Briere, now D-man Campbell. Ryan Miller will face a lot this year. He is their best player and will keep them in many games, they just don’t have enough to win on a night in and night out basis.

14- Florida Panthers- I have heard some critics talk about the Panthers having a break through year. I can not see it happening just yet. Young team, still needing a bit more. Vokoun in my opinion is amongst the best in the East behind Brodeur and Lundqvist.

15- Toronto Maple Leafs- Ohhhhhhh Canada! This team needs help. I hope Mats Sundin gets out before it’s too late. It will be a very long year for the Leafs. Who will start in net? The 41 year old Curtis Joseph? Vessa Toskala is the starter in Toronto, I just can’t see him getting any help this year.