Yup.

1) Chicago
2) St. Louis
3) Dallas
4) Minnesota
5) Winnipeg
6) Nashville
7) Colorado
- Ogilthorpe2

1. Chicago
2. St Louis
3. Colorado
4. Winnipeg
5. Minnesota
6. Dallas
7. Nashville.

For no other reason than I think a few teams are being given too much credit and Colorado might just surprise the rest of the nhl.

1. Chicago
2. St Louis
3. Colorado
4. Winnipeg
5. Minnesota
6. Dallas
7. Nashville.

For no other reason than I think a few teams are being given too much credit and Colorado might just surprise the rest of the nhl.
- Myron1982

Anything can happen, but I don't see the Av's winning many games with that D. They're going to have to win a lot of high scoring games to finish 3rd.

Anything can happen, but I don't see the Av's winning many games with that D. They're going to have to win a lot of high scoring games to finish 3rd.
- Ogilthorpe2

You are right, unless Johnson steps up and plays a full consistent season and Barrie/Elliott show they can log some big minutes, which we saw glimpses of at the end of the year...the D is pretty uninspiring.

The only rabbit we have in our hat is that O'Reilly and Stastny can become expendable to upgrade that D.

1. CHI
2. STL
3. NSH
4. MIN
5. WPG
6. DAL
7. COL

CHI, STL and NSH make the playoffs. 2 WCs come from the Pacific.

Picking a Barry Trotz coached team to finish last is not a good move.....


......have heard good stuff about Beach over the past two months. Someone from the FO had a heart to heart with Beach after he signed his contract and basically told him this is it....

.....Behind closed doors management would much rather have the skill set of Beach than Jimmy Hayes.

1. CHI
2. STL
3. NSH
4. MIN
5. WPG
6. DAL
7. COL

CHI, STL and NSH make the playoffs. 2 WCs come from the Pacific.
- scottak

I don't see how Nashville will score enough to be that good. Never know though, I see Minnesota improving upon last year however. Also think Dallas could make a run at a wild card spot.

WPG and COL need alot of things to go right to make the playoffs. Or great goaltending from Varly and Pavelec, which I do not see coming. That's why they play the games though I guess.

I have never been one to try a predict standing because it takes a bit of slamming and koolaid.

I know Minny may have a tougher time in this bunch. As much as there is upside, there is plenty of pretenders there too, and holes that seem to put them a notch below the top bunch.

I know that the Jets new additions and Mark Shiefele and Jacob Trouba will have to be the the real deal.

If the Blues can get their best young player signed and in camp, they could tighen this horse race very quickly.

We all know that the Avalanche will try everything in their power to keep MacKinnon there, and even move Ryan O'Reilly to wing, or mackinnon to the other wing.
I really think they have nice pieces up front but is the back end equiped?

Dallas has, for two straight summers of revamps, and spending sprees. I like the guy in charge there, and realize they have some up and comers but, I don't know....I don't think the summer bold moves and signing solve anything. The backend has to find some help and the kid in net has had to endure and besides Tyler Sequin queersteers comment they play a terribly boring style - is that gonna keep the people in the seats?

So you say the hawks need a number two centre?
Nashville been looking for a real number or close to number one forever. Don't believ the hype that it is Colin Wilson either. They have a excellent big man between the pipes and an over rated "star" defensman. You have seen Trotz get so much oput of his guys for so long, but you have to wonder when they go deaf for him. I sincerely hope The rookie can step up and score form the backline and make them better.

I think Crawford and Rinne are both gonna be hurt by pad reduction rule changes...

Yeah, I heard Beach was goona take a serious run at this and you now what? Would that be peachy if he did?

I just think the entire division has lots of players who with re-dedication, could render any predictor's choices silly.

Yeah, even though we cried when big Buff was dealt, I think there was already an inkling that he was less than serious about his playing size.
Especially on dee, when you are already not a great defender, you need everybit of quickness. I am gonna bet that we see a meaner Buff, probably because he had to starve himself to get the weight down.

I just watched the TSN panel speculation of who you put on the club from the star studded group, and Ray Ferraro made my heart feel good, while they were talking how there were just hwo many Right hander were there an dhow they would sort of be forced to take a left hander or two who might not be close too the right handed group...so after they slot three Lefthanders they debate the bottom end of the Olympic roster and all those right handers...
Ray Ferraro says Seabrook over the scoring offensemen on the right to fill the roster..."because, you won't ever see anyone blow by him."

Keep that in mind next time one of you wants to call him slow or trade fodder..

I have never been one to try a predict standing because it takes a bit of slamming and koolaid.

I know Minny may have a tougher time in this bunch. As much as there is upside, there is plenty of pretenders there too, and holes that seem to put them a notch below the top bunch.

I know that the Jets new additions and Mark Shiefele and Jacob Trouba will have to be the the real deal.

If the Blues can get their best young player signed and in camp, they could tighen this horse race very quickly.

We all know that the Avalanche will try everything in their power to keep MacKinnon there, and even move Ryan O'Reilly to wing, or mackinnon to the other wing.
I really think they have nice pieces up front but is the back end equiped?

Dallas has, for two straight summers of revamps, and spending sprees. I like the guy in charge there, and realize they have some up and comers but, I don't know....I don't think the summer bold moves and signing solve anything. The backend has to find some help and the kid in net has had to endure and besides Tyler Sequin queersteers comment they play a terribly boring style - is that gonna keep the people in the seats?

So you say the hawks need a number two centre?
Nashville been looking for a real number or close to number one forever. Don't believ the hype that it is Colin Wilson either. They have a excellent big man between the pipes and an over rated "star" defensman. You have seen Trotz get so much oput of his guys for so long, but you have to wonder when they go deaf for him. I sincerely hope The rookie can step up and score form the backline and make them better.

I think Crawford and Rinne are both gonna be hurt by pad reduction rule changes...

Yeah, I heard Beach was goona take a serious run at this and you now what? Would that be peachy if he did?

I just think the entire division has lots of players who with re-dedication, could render any predictor's choices silly.

Yeah, even though we cried when big Buff was dealt, I think there was already an inkling that he was less than serious about his playing size.
Especially on dee, when you are already not a great defender, you need everybit of quickness. I am gonna bet that we see a meaner Buff, probably because he had to starve himself to get the weight down.
- wiz1901

If he could come close to his potential.....he would look great on the fourth line to begin the season and see where ends up by the end of the year. Heck even if he plays well in RFD and drops the attitude, maybe make an appearance or two with the big club this year would probably mean he will be in the long term plans for the Hawks.

JJ, good to hear about Saad & Beach !! Saad experienced what it was like to play in a physically demanding post season, minus the fighting , I would love to see this kid develope a case of the ass to add to his game. what is he? 6'1 ,6'2 ? good size, all he had to do is watch Milan Lucic to understand HOW to play a clean physical game and matter on the score sheet. for what it is worth , I hope Brian Bickell has turned that corner also & that wasn't just a play for $$ contract.
as far as Beach, by them moving carcillo, if that isn't a message to Beach to get his ass in gear and sieze that opportunity then shame on him! I hope Beach makes an impact, him, bickell & Saad are all big boys with skill ! that will be a huge plus! add in winchester & bollig, that is some serious size and red ass! I'll be loving those heated rivalries, we'll be well armed for mr. backes & his buddies in st. louie!

Picking a Barry Trotz coached team to finish last is not a good move.....


......have heard good stuff about Beach over the past two months. Someone from the FO had a heart to heart with Beach after he signed his contract and basically told him this is it....

.....Behind closed doors management would much rather have the skill set of Beach than Jimmy Hayes.
- UnnamedSource

I couldn't agree with you more! Jimmy Hayes is Kieth Tkachuks cousin, he should be tapping in to cuz for some skating tips because right now it ain't gonna cut it with all these young kids coming up behind him!

JJ, good to hear about Saad & Beach !! Saad experienced what it was like to play in a physically demanding post season, minus the fighting , I would love to see this kid develope a case of the ass to add to his game. what is he? 6'1 ,6'2 ? good size, all he had to do is watch Milan Lucic to understand HOW to play a clean physical game and matter on the score sheet. for what it is worth , I hope Brian Bickell has turned that corner also & that wasn't just a play for $$ contract.
as far as Beach, by them moving carcillo, if that isn't a message to Beach to get his ass in gear and sieze that opportunity then shame on him! I hope Beach makes an impact, him, bickell & Saad are all big boys with skill ! that will be a huge plus! add in winchester & bollig, that is some serious size and red ass! I'll be loving those heated rivalries, we'll be well armed for mr. backes & his buddies in st. louie!
- wonthecup10

You mean red ass?



Or...



Just ass?

You mean red ass?



Or...



Just ass?
- Ogilthorpe2

Beautiful! & he will probably add at least 1 big assed chick to his resume on 1 of his many nighhts of drunkin stupor as a kid! at least he could blame it on the booze! some of the brotha's of the NBA go after that sh it stoned sober! "they like that beef!"

It is a nice situation to have so many prospects on the cusp of contributing at the NHL. The regular season is going to be a measuring stick where some prospects will fit a niche or role, or show enough in their game to garner trade interest. Maybe for a draft choice, or maybe for a role player who gives the team something they lack. An experienced depth player with speed, in case speed on bottom lines is desired?

Both Morin and Hayes are not going to be regulars in the line up at the same time, even if a lot of injuries occur. One or both will be gone after next season. A strong defensive player with modest skill who can skate, is what we should want on a bottom line. Who knows if a Nordstrom or Danault could provide that, and a good level of compete. Nordstrom is mighty light at 160# but maybe he will add enough muscle and size bit by bit over the next couple or more seasons.

Beach and Pirri serve as examples of a player who could rise up and claim a role. What role......maybe depth but occasional top line fill in?

Pirri has the ability to complement top skill players but unless he can make inroad at overcoming defensive effort and getting easily bumped off the puck, he is going to struggle. Beach has to show improvement in skating balance. And if he is disciplined to not receive too many retaliation or stupid penalties...still I imagine that he could be a more skilled version of Burrish in playoff usage. I like having someone for Q to insert whom would get under the skin of the opponent.

It is reasonable to expect many prospects to get a look at some point. Long season. Come playoffs I would prefer to see the speed element from a Frolic and Stalberg covered by our own prospects. Don't know if it happens. But I do not see how you can have too many slow skaters among forwards in the lineup. And if Pirri is a weakling, he won't make it this season. Just my thoughts on possible developments.

It is a nice situation to have so many prospects on the cusp of contributing at the NHL. The regular season is going to be a measuring stick where some prospects will fit a niche or role, or show enough in their game to garner trade interest. Maybe for a draft choice, or maybe for a role player who gives the team something they lack. An experienced depth player with speed, in case speed on bottom lines is desired?

Both Morin and Hayes are not going to be regulars in the line up at the same time, even if a lot of injuries occur. One or both will be gone after next season. A strong defensive player with modest skill who can skate, is what we should want on a bottom line. Who knows if a Nordstrom or Danault could provide that, and a good level of compete. Nordstrom is mighty light at 160# but maybe he will add enough muscle and size bit by bit over the next couple or more seasons.

Beach and Pirri serve as examples of a player who could rise up and claim a role. What role......maybe depth but occasional top line fill in?

Pirri has the ability to complement top skill players but unless he can make inroad at overcoming defensive effort and getting easily bumped off the puck, he is going to struggle. Beach has to show improvement in skating balance. And if he is disciplined to not receive too many retaliation or stupid penalties...still I imagine that he could be a more skilled version of Burrish in playoff usage. I like having someone for Q to insert whom would get under the skin of the opponent.

It is reasonable to expect many prospects to get a look at some point. Long season. Come playoffs I would prefer to see the speed element from a Frolic and Stalberg covered by our own prospects. Don't know if it happens. But I do not see how you can have too many slow skaters among forwards in the lineup. And if Pirri is a weakling, he won't make it this season. Just my thoughts on possible developments.
- jhawk59

there was some talk about this in the last thread. agree on your comments.

Yet more Nike sponsored vomit.



Here's what some creative chap did with the USA sweater.

'Quick look' is right. A tiny bit of research and you would know that Buff has been working with two personal trainers and has got himself in better shape. He is trying to make the USA Olympic team and is also apparently impressed with the direction the Jets are headed with the roster moves they have made. Signing all their key RFA's, letting dead weight UFA's go and showing a commitment from ownership to building a winner has got Buff a level of motivation that was sorely lacking in Atlanta.

Are they ready to compete for a division title? No (frank)in way at this point, but the future looks good for these guys!
- Muskwa

\

With all due respect, I've probably forgotten more than you know about Dustin Byfuglien. I am certain I know some things about him you don't. And there are few bloggers or fans who are bigger supporters of his.

I'll leave it at that.

He works with trainers most offseasons. So I assume he, like 98% of NHL players not named Wellwood worked with a trainer or trainers this offseason.

Picking a Barry Trotz coached team to finish last is not a good move.....


......have heard good stuff about Beach over the past two months. Someone from the FO had a heart to heart with Beach after he signed his contract and basically told him this is it....

.....Behind closed doors management would much rather have the skill set of Beach than Jimmy Hayes.
- UnnamedSource

As they should. Beach has to be in shape and keep his head on straight.

\

With all due respect, I've probably forgotten more than you know about Dustin Byfuglien. I am certain I know some things about him you don't. And there are few bloggers or fans who are bigger supporters of his.

I'll leave it at that.

He works with trainers most offseasons. So I assume he, like 98% of NHL players not named Wellwood worked with a trainer or trainers this offseason.
- John Jaeckel

i know when he was in chicago i worked at the bar he used to regularly shut down. and be there long after close. doing nothing illegal that i noticed, and we hung out many times. although he was hanging out real late with people who didnt know much about hockey. then again, he still went on to have a killer post season. that was all i saw. nice guy and big hockey lover from my hanging out with him.

\

With all due respect, I've probably forgotten more than you know about Dustin Byfuglien. I am certain I know some things about him you don't. And there are few bloggers or fans who are bigger supporters of his.

I'll leave it at that.

He works with trainers most offseasons. So I assume he, like 98% of NHL players not named Wellwood worked with a trainer or trainers this offseason.
- John Jaeckel

I don't doubt for one second that you know a lot about Buff. But you are offering a quick look on the upcoming season and all I didn't read anything about what Buff did in the off season to get himself ready for it. I enjoy your blogs but I didn't read your take on the Jets for a history lesson, I was hoping for some knowledgeable insight into what the season ahead may hold and I didn't get that.

I don't doubt for one second that you know a lot about Buff. But you are offering a quick look on the upcoming season and all I didn't read anything about what Buff did in the off season to get himself ready for it. I enjoy your blogs but I didn't read your take on the Jets for a history lesson, I was hoping for some knowledgeable insight into what the season ahead may hold and I didn't get that.
- Muskwa

he gave you a not so subtle current heavy clue about big buff.

he gave you a not so subtle current heavy clue about big buff.
- jsabey

I got the clue but it contradicts a couple other reports that I have read that Buff has dropped quite a bit of weight for a change. I was hoping for more from JJ. His reply that everyone except Wellwood works with trainers therefore he assumes Buff did indicates he is relying on the past and not doing his homework. If JJ (or any other blogger) is basing an opinion based on past behaviour that is fine - just say that. If he or she has current info great - say that. I was only annoyed with what appears to be past in-depth knowledge being passed off as current. I'm a die hard Jets fan and was honestly hoping for mre insight from JJ than was provided. I enjoy his blogs as I mentioned as there is usually more to them.

Would love to see Beach have a Danny Cleary style epiphany


P.S. Shout out to Jets' homey Beardface !!!