OMG. Where do I start?

Bolts are not missing the playoffs again this year.

Boston may win the draft lottery, but they won't win the division.

Washington is going downhill fast. They are wildcard at best this year. Holtby is making them look a lot better than they are. They definitely did not improve this offseason.

I like Giroux, I really do. I wish him the best. But I don't think he is going to regain his early form. He's on the down slope.

Nashville is not going to win the Cup.
- GalacticStone

Bolts definitely will miss. Defence is weak, Vas is in the starting position for the first time, he will have some bad stretches.

Boston is a tough team, they are really underestimated. They finished 3rd last season despite Bergeron not producing for more than half the year.

Washington is not going downhill fast. People are over valuing the few players they lost. Burakovsky is going to fit in nicely replacing MoJo. Schmit played 3rd pairing minutes, that loss is not going to be instrumental. Alzner was their biggest loss and some statitions would tell you it is a good thing. Caps ran away with the Prez trophy despite Ovy not even being at his best. He is in better shape now and will score 50+ again.

Giroux will be fine. He has struggle mostly due to injuries and lack of talent around him. A revamped D of young talent Dmen + the possibility of playing wing with N.Patrick will definately boost his numbers. I wont sit here and say he is going to get 90 points again, its not likely but 70 - 80 is not out of the question.

Nashville is a strong team and they will make a big splash this season. Book it!

Stamkos ahead of Malkin...... not a chance. Malkin has 3 Stanley cups and is a career ppg player in the reguar season and the playoffs. Malkin is a beast.
- forbetterorWORSE

You realize Stanley Cups dont make you the better player right? Max Talbot has what 2 cups? Is he better than Ovechkin because of that? No! Stanley Cup wins are completely team based. Stamkos will have another great year now that he is healthy again. I just dont feel anyone outside Stammer and Kucherov will contribute too much. Callahan and Kunitz are plugs and TyJo and Palat are over rated. The only guys who will do some contributing are Killhorn and Namestnikov

You realize Stanley Cups dont make you the better player right? Max Talbot has what 2 cups? Is he better than Ovechkin because of that? No! Stanley Cup wins are completely team based. Stamkos will have another great year now that he is healthy again. I just dont feel anyone outside Stammer and Kucherov will contribute too much. Callahan and Kunitz are plugs and TyJo and Palat are over rated. The only guys who will do some contributing are Killhorn and Namestnikov
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Jesus Christ. This is a horrible take. You don't know poop about the Lightning. Hahahahaah

This year will determine whether Stamkos is cursed. If he stays healthy, then he becomes a top-5 center in the league and gets 40+ goals this year. Have you seen this kid train? He's a friggin cyborg and he is dying to prove himself again after these injuries.

Stamkos and Kucherov playing together should give any goaltender nightmares.
- GalacticStone

I think Stammer hits 70-75 points. 35-40 goals.

Bolts definitely will miss. Defence is weak, Vas is in the starting position for the first time, he will have some bad stretches.

Boston is a tough team, they are really underestimated. They finished 3rd last season despite Bergeron not producing for more than half the year.

Washington is not going downhill fast. People are over valuing the few players they lost. Burakovsky is going to fit in nicely replacing MoJo. Schmit played 3rd pairing minutes, that loss is not going to be instrumental. Alzner was their biggest loss and some statitions would tell you it is a good thing. Caps ran away with the Prez trophy despite Ovy not even being at his best. He is in better shape now and will score 50+ again.

Giroux will be fine. He has struggle mostly due to injuries and lack of talent around him. A revamped D of young talent Dmen + the possibility of playing wing with N.Patrick will definately boost his numbers. I wont sit here and say he is going to get 90 points again, its not likely but 70 - 80 is not out of the question.

Nashville is a strong team and they will make a big splash this season. Book it!
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

If I was a gambling man, I'd place a money bet with you on that point. Sure, the Bolts *could* miss the playoffs - lots of things can happen. But, I just don't see it. How the Bolts performed down the stretch is more indicative of what to expect - they were damn good down the stretch and that was without Stamkos.

Bergeron is a stud, nobody would argue that. But most of Boston's star players are on the wrong side of 30. Chara is becoming a pylon. I just don't see them as a dominant team any more. They are nothing to laugh at for sure, but I just can't see them winning the division.

I don't know what to make of Washington. They are a friggin mystery. But they lost more than they added and they are a worse team now than they were last season. Holtby and Ovi can only carry them so much. Ovi isn't getting younger and Holtby may or may not continue at his elite level. Just a lot of question marks for a team that notoriously crashes and burns in the post season. Having said that, I root for Ovi because I like the guy.

Agree about Giroux. Part of his problem is the lack of quality around him. Not that Vorachek is anything to laugh at either, but the Flyers aren't exactly brimming with offensive talent. Their blueline and goaltending has a lot of question marks as well. I like Giroux and I root for the guy, but I just gotta wonder how much of a toll his playing style has taken on his body. He's not getting any younger either.

Jesus Christ. This is a horrible take. You don't know poop about the Lightning. Hahahahaah
- j.boyd919

That is indeed high hilarity. Killorn is a waste of a contract.

Palat is not overrated. In fact, he is underrated. Any team would love to have that guy in their Top-6 and on the PK.

Agree though about Tyler Johnson. I hope I am wrong, but I think he peaked already.

That is indeed high hilarity. Killorn is a waste of a contract.

Palat is not overrated. In fact, he is underrated. Any team would love to have that guy in their Top-6 and on the PK.

Agree though about Tyler Johnson. I hope I am wrong, but I think he peaked already.
- GalacticStone

Killorn and Kunitz are fine depth guys. They aren't gonna carry a line, but they can hang on the top 6 and not be liabilities. Johnson may have peaked but he is still a good 2C. Palat is one of the best 2-way wingers in the game today, he's essentially Hossa 2.0. I like Namestnikov, and he's got skillls and wheels, if he can be a ~40 point guy, that would bode well for Tampa. Callahan sucks balls, that was an awful contract. Killorn's length sucks, but his cap hit is on par with forwards of his ilk.

You realize Stanley Cups dont make you the better player right? Max Talbot has what 2 cups? Is he better than Ovechkin because of that? No! Stanley Cup wins are completely team based. Stamkos will have another great year now that he is healthy again. I just dont feel anyone outside Stammer and Kucherov will contribute too much. Callahan and Kunitz are plugs and TyJo and Palat are over rated. The only guys who will do some contributing are Killhorn and Namestnikov
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Did Talbot score at a ppg when he won those cups?? Malkin has kept this pace this entire career, regular season and playoffs,while winning three cups. Add a Conn Smythe amd theres no way you can tell me Stamkos is better than Malkin.

Killorn and Kunitz are fine depth guys. They aren't gonna carry a line, but they can hang on the top 6 and not be liabilities. Johnson may have peaked but he is still a good 2C. Palat is one of the best 2-way wingers in the game today, he's essentially Hossa 2.0. I like Namestnikov, and he's got skillls and wheels, if he can be a ~40 point guy, that would bode well for Tampa. Callahan sucks balls, that was an awful contract. Killorn's length sucks, but his cap hit is on par with forwards of his ilk.
- j.boyd919

Yeah, that Callahan contract still gives me cramps. I was hoping his hip would land him on Robidas island where we could bury his cap-hit instead of buying it out. In a perfect world, he has a rebound year and provides some value - but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting on that.

Killorn drives me nuts. For a couple of games, the guy seems really dialed-in and is a force on the ice. Then he vanishes entirely for long stretches. He's just too inconsistent.

People don't give Palat enough respect.

Yeah, that Callahan contract still gives me cramps. I was hoping his hip would land him on Robidas island where we could bury his cap-hit instead of buying it out. In a perfect world, he has a rebound year and provides some value - but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting on that.

Killorn drives me nuts. For a couple of games, the guy seems really dialed-in and is a force on the ice. Then he vanishes entirely for long stretches. He's just too inconsistent.

People don't give Palat enough respect.
- GalacticStone

Any player that scores ~30-40 points a season is going to have inconsistencies. I don't think that's avoidable. Pens fans said the same thing about Kunitz all year last year, because they're expecting 60 point Kunitz, and that's just not what he is anymore. Same with Killorn, if he consistently scores ~40 points... at least you know he's consistent season to season. And he's always good in the playoffs.

Who the (frank) is Mylander?
- Queenie_5_hole

echiefs new boyfriend (there's nothing wrong with that)!

I'm taking a healthy Stamkos over these guys. Key is him staying healthy.
- tomburton99

It's crazy how little love getzlaf gets.
Dude is such a beast. Been doing it for ages too

The series against my oil he was absolutely unstoppable.
Stamkos is the superior sniper no doubt, but not as dominant a center and franchise backbone imo.

Never said any of that but okay we can their. Oilers will be good team and regular for playoffs because Mcdavid. But like Capitals will never go far. Drasiatl is overrated and will not be able to put up enough points on his own to make up for salary. Lucic was terrible signing from day one. They go from having one of the best forward groups at amazing salaries to worst forward groups not counting top line. defense is still bad. Kelbom is good top pair guy but besides that they are not very good. Espically with Sekera done for most of the season. With no money to sign anyone else they will never go far.

Meanwhile sabres just overhauled their defense and will be in much better salary situation because Eichel and reinhart will sign for alot cheaper. They already have much better depth players and very good prospects. I still think sabres will make it conference finals before Oilers.
- hanleyaj

Ok can I jump in as well?

The window is now for the Oil. They need to win this year or next at the latest or wait a while to sort their cap out in my opinion.

The Sabres will win, but it won't be Stanley & I would bet your left testicle that they won't get through round 1 IF they make the playoffs in the next 2 years. I just don't see it happening for you guys - I'm probably wrong, but it's just not going to happen.

I'll bet Eichel requests a trade within the next 4 years. Bold prediction - next 2 years!

Ok can I jump in as well?

The window is now for the Oil. They need to win this year or next at the latest or wait a while to sort their cap out in my opinion.

The Sabres will win, but it won't be Stanley & I would bet your left testicle that they won't get through round 1 IF they make the playoffs in the next 2 years. I just don't see it happening for you guys - I'm probably wrong, but it's just not going to happen.

I'll bet Eichel requests a trade within the next 4 years. Bold prediction - next 2 years!
- Aussiepenguin

IMO Oilers need to win this year. I think they will struggle to build a team once that McDavid Contract kicks in. They have McDavid at 12.5 mill, Dr. Drai at 8.5, Lucic at 6, Hopkins at 6 and sekera at 5.5 for at least 4 years. That is over half your cap space for 5 players and you have Nurse and Strome who will be due for raises next season and Talbot who if he has another great year should get quite a raise from 4 mill as well.

I dont think Eichel will request a trade. I think Buffalo is on an upswing. They got solid top 2 Centers in Eichel and ROR, Risto will be a fantastic Dman. Some question whether Lehner can keep his cool but he is still a good goalie. I just think they need to upgrade on the wing. Kane is a good winger when healthy. I just dont think they have enough talent on wing beyond Kane and Okposo

It's crazy how little love getzlaf gets.
Dude is such a beast. Been doing it for ages too

The series against my oil he was absolutely unstoppable.
Stamkos is the superior sniper no doubt, but not as dominant a center and franchise backbone imo.
- HB77

I think everyone is concerned with his age. I think we all tend to over react with older players like there is some cut off line where they decline. I dont think that is true but I still fall for the same age concerns. It does feel like there is a stigma that if you are over 30 then you are declining.

Come on, Crosby, MacDavid, Matthews, Stamkos and Malkin is a clear top five. I don't know how anyone could even argue it. You can put Bergeron in this top five as a tie.

Everyone else including Tavares is down a significant drop off to the next tier.
- James_Tanner

In case you forgot, there's this guy named Nicklas Backstrom. Let me throw some numbers at you:

734 games played

728 career points

4 straight 70+ pt seasons and one 100+ pt season.

There should no doubt be an argument strong enough for Backstrom to be ahead of Stamkos right now. More games played and more games and points in recent years.

Backstrom is not a "significant tier" down from anyone of those guys minus maybe Crosby.

If its not a bold prediction, perhaps you shouldn't have predicted in a blog titled "Atlantic Bold Predictions..."

In case you forgot, there's this guy named Nicklas Backstrom. Let me throw some numbers at you:

734 games played

728 career points

4 straight 70+ pt seasons and one 100+ pt season.

There should no doubt be an argument strong enough for Backstrom to be ahead of Stamkos right now. More games played and more games and points in recent years.

Backstrom is not a "significant tier" down from anyone of those guys minus maybe Crosby.
- karlssens65

Backstrom is a god damn stud. Probably top 5 center along with Sid/McDavid/Geno/Bergeron.

1.) you did not help your case with goal droughts. You hurt it because everyone hits goal droughts. But do u really think he is going to score 4 goals in a game every season.

2.) https://theathletic.com/1...rey-lupuls-health-status/
good luck with that

3.)Eichel = Matthews sorry but it is true.
OReilly> Marner
Reinhart Risto>Reilly
Kane>Marleau
Okposo=JVR
Lehner > Anderson He stats are better Fact.
- hanleyaj

Enough with the homer idiocy. Wake up


Here are the facts as of today,
both the oilers and the leafs are significantly better than the sabres. Fact.

And none of your guesswork, conjecture, what ifs or maybes change that fact. If they finish ahead of either this year, we can revisit this conversation.

No ones saying the oilers or leafs are models of greatness. But they're currently ahead of the sabres. By a pretty wide margin.
as of now- the sabres are a bottom tier organization.

I never said matthews isnt legit or isnt in the same league as eichel. He is all the above. But he is not good enough to carry team. Their top three okay/good but the drop off is bad. Marleau is no going to be as good as everyone is saying especially for three years. They will be in salary cap jail when lupul is cleared to play and they have to pay marleau and lupul and sign gardnier matthews, nylander and marner. The depth will be gone because they cant resign players like JVR, Bozak, Komarov. Good luck signing dman with no money.
- hanleyaj

So let me get this straight. The leafs are going to miss the playoffs because all the young guys will have sophomore slumps and then they'll have to lose a bunch of players because these overrate guys all coming off terrible seasons are gonna get paid like toews and kane.

IMO Oilers need to win this year. I think they will struggle to build a team once that McDavid Contract kicks in. They have McDavid at 12.5 mill, Dr. Drai at 8.5, Lucic at 6, Hopkins at 6 and sekera at 5.5 for at least 4 years. That is over half your cap space for 5 players and you have Nurse and Strome who will be due for raises next season and Talbot who if he has another great year should get quite a raise from 4 mill as well.

I dont think Eichel will request a trade. I think Buffalo is on an upswing. They got solid top 2 Centers in Eichel and ROR, Risto will be a fantastic Dman. Some question whether Lehner can keep his cool but he is still a good goalie. I just think they need to upgrade on the wing. Kane is a good winger when healthy. I just dont think they have enough talent on wing beyond Kane and Okposo
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Disagree on the Sabres.

They have a few good players but other teams do as well. Unless they can develop a few more really good players -I have no idea about their farm but they have picked high a 'few' times, they aren't going to do anything except maybe make the playoffs.

The Oil have a good team that will regress over the next couple of years & the contracts handed out to the top 2 will interfere with their cap - it's taken the Pens more years than it should have but GMJR has put it together over the last couple & we have had success. I think the Oil will follow that. The Bolts are a team that should have another Cup by now but they missed their window. Oil has this & next year in my opinion while their high end contracts -Lucic being 1, can still play. Or they will have to wait it out until they can develop ELC talent or sort their cap out to build a comtender around McD.