Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

And the Top 2 Teams in the Northeast Are...Plus 3 Games to Watch Tonight

September 17, 2009, 4:00 PM ET [ Comments]
Eklund
RSSArchiveCONTACT
Ok, this stinks, so I apologize for only having the top 2 picks done so far in the Northeast. The other three are coming but chasing the Kessel rumors has been very interesting/time intensive and now I have a family obligation that just came up which will keep me out of commission for the next few hours. I will complete this list tonight...

For now...

#1- Bruins

It was a hell of a year all around as pro hockey dominance return to the great hockey city of Boston. This original six town and surrounding area is as close to a Canadian hockey city as you can get. It's cold in the winters and hockey has been in their blood for generations who grew up watching two of the iconic players in our game, two players who defined their types to this day, Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito. The Bruins have always been right up there with the Celtics and Patriots and leaving the Red Sox who no one will ever touch in popularity. Claude Julien (winner of the Jack Adams) has a new, well-deserved contract and whenever a team wins the Norris (Chara) and Vezina (Thomas) in the same season they are a force. All this said, I still get the sense that the B's haven't garnered the respect and aren't put among the elite yet. I tried to think about why that was.

My theory: These aren't the big bad Bruins. They are a skilled group that beats you with quickness, counter-attack and positioning. This summer they grabbed Morris who will fill a defensive hole but can also be a bit soft. Kessel looks good as gone, and while that is a tough decision and loss, the Bruins really made a conscious decision as they spent plenty of money on new contracts to Thomas, Ryder, Krejci, Recchi and Wheeler over the past two years fully knowing that Kessel's time was coming. He will be moved. Tim Thomas is the key with this team of course, and he very much reflects the fact that this group is a hodgepodge of sorts with players who have either taken odd routes or are just plain odd in Krejci, Wheeler, Chara and Lucic. What they all have in common is that they are relentless, and in a bit of a down year in the Northeast the Bruins really should be enough to take this division with relative ease.

Rumors in Boston: Kessel will be gone, but that may not be all. The question is can the Bruins get back a young forward who can help them up front while also helping them with their serious cap issues?

#2- Ottawa

Yes the Sens are back and it has been a while. As terrible the Heatley situation was for the entire organization, at least you can say it all took place before a single puck was dropped on the season. But now, with all the teams even and the season not yet begun, the Ottawa Senators are FINALLY controversy free. And even better, they have added a goaltender in Pascal Leclaire who can once again give the talent up front the confidence to play on the edge that is needed for them to be successful. I don't know about you, but since losing in the finals to the Ducks it has felt to me like the Senators have played like a team "afraid not to lose " instead of the attacking team that plays to win and keeps their opponents on the run. The Sens are arguably the most talented offensive team in the division with Spezza, Alfredsson, Kovalev, Michalek and Cheechoo.

If there can be any solace out of last year's season it was that with the change in coaching came some players getting chances to show what they can do and Zubov, Bass, Foligno, Regin, and of course most notably Brian Elliott had a chance to show they are ready to at least push. I have not been a huge fan of Murray's moves until the last two. Leclaire was brilliant and getting two heart and soul guys for Heatley will not only help the atmosphere in the room, but Sens fans will feel like they are breathing new air.

The Sens will be #2 in the Northeast and likely squeak into the playoffs.

Rumors in Ottawa: Still in need of a top 6 forward and definitely still talking to teams about D-man. The Sens had another deal that almost happened for Heatley (not with the Hawks) that would have brought a D man to them. That is significant.


I also will be posting the entire NHL PRE-SEASON TV/WEBCAST SCHEDULE LATER as well...

Tonight's Games To Watch...

Canucks/Ducks >>Canucks.com
Islanders/Flames >>FLames.com
Flyers/Leafs >> NHL Network USA, LEAFS TV
Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment
More from Eklund
» Best Night of Hockey Yet..With Drama, Comebacks, Upsets!..Picks;Wed's Buzz
» 12 HUGE GAMES. THE BUZZTRON TELLS YOU EXACTLY WHAT WILL HAPPEN...
» Buzztron 7-3 last night. New Tie in Projected President Cup; Mon's Buzz
» The Buzztron Wins another Night Calling Leafs and Rangers Wins. Tonight?
» Caps Get Two Huge Points. Pass Flyers on Projected. 11 Game Picks Today