In this edition of the hotstove, we predict which Western Conference teams will fail to meet expectations and/or take a big step back from the previous season.
Todd Cordell
I think the San Jose Sharks could be in line for a disappointing season.
I'm not as confident saying that as I would be if they played in a tougher division (like the Central) but there are some reasons to be concerned about them this year.
They are top heavy up front and very shallow on the wing. Joe Pavelski is the only winger on their current roster to record more than 35 points a season ago and, maybe Timo Meier aside, I don't know if anyone is capable of taking a meaningful step forward and reaching that plateau.
I wouldn't say goaltending is a *huge* issue but Martin Jones posted a .912 save percentage last season, which is below average, and the Sharks could be in trouble if that happens again.
There is also the age factor. Joe Thornton is 38, Brent Burns is 32, and Pavelski is 33. They're all still good players but their output should be heading south on an annual basis at this point in their careers.
A mediocre division could help them stay afloat for another season but, even if the Sharks squeeze into the playoffs, I don't see them making any noise.
Jared Crozier I am going to cheat and give 2 answers for this one.
First off, the Blackhawks could be this year's LA Kings of 2016-17. You can only stay on top for so long before the pack catches up to you, and I think with the increased competition in the Central, the Hawks will take a step back. Probably still a playoff team, but after a couple of first round exits this could be the year a lot of teams that have taken a backseat get revenge on what has been a dynasty, at least as close to one as you can get in the cap era.
The other answer is the Winnipeg Jets. Much like the Carolina Hurricanes in yesterday's hot stove, I think the Jets are loaded with young talent, but converting that potential to team results doesn't happen immediately and there could be another year of growing pains before they can take that next real step forward. That, and taking Philadelphia Flyer castoffs to try and solve your goaltending problem doesn't seem like the most effective solution.
Peter Tessier The West will no doubt have a few teams that make moves up the standings and by doing so another team or teams has to fall. It seems that everyone wants to bet on Chicago falling but it doesn't seem like that would be a disappointment, other than to Chicago fans.
I can see a team like LA, one that seem lost between bad contracts and new management, failing to revitalize itself. I could also see a team like Winnipeg failing to live up to expectations that have finally come front and centre for them.
However, I think what happens with San Jose will be the biggest disappointment. They seem like a team poised to finally not meet the average level of success they have had so long and with an aging group perhaps that's the best thing that could happen to them.
John Jaeckel
Right now, I have to say Chicago.
Their preseason performance (though that is not the best metric) has been spotty at best. The Hawks are incorporating a lot of new faces, Jonathan Toews has been under the weather for much of the preseason, but the early results don't look terribly encouraging. Much can (and likely will) change, but right now the prognostication for the Hawks this year can't be too confident.
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