Pierre LeBrun@PierreVLeBrun
Seattle group says they expect the Executive Committee to put forward a recommendation today at the full Board of Governors meeting. Expectation is that a full vote on Seattle would be held in early December at next Board of Governors meeting

I think people are underestimating Boston

Bergeron is still a premier 2-way center
Heinen and Debrusk another year experience
Pastrnak is already a star
Marchand is one of the best players in the league

There is some age happening with their core, but I think they have a good year ahead.
- Aetherial

This.

#8 Ottawa....train wreck...No talent....No depth
#7 Montreal....see Ottawa
#6 Detroit....not enough talent to go around
#5 Buffalo....will be better...added talent and depth...coaching/goaltending concerns
#4 FLA...reliant upon an ancient Luongo....If he stays healthy, could surprise
#3 Boston....some good young talent...How long can Bergeron and Chara keep going?
#2 TOR...Forward depth unrivaled..G is solid....Defense is a concern.
#1 TB....Balanced squad. No weaknesses
- BernardShakey

Not saying I disagree with your prediction, but to say ottawa has no talent is a bit harsh. Duchene and Stone are still very talented players.

Always better when Buffalo is in the playoffs Ek??? To whom other than Sabres fans???

Always better when Buffalo is in the playoffs Ek??? To whom other than Sabres fans???
- BlackhawkMike

I hope you choke on a wing bone

Always better when Buffalo is in the playoffs Ek??? To whom other than Sabres fans???
- BlackhawkMike

LOL.....This.

Eklund: EXACTLY What Will Happen in the Atlantic Division.
- Eklund

would have Boston at #2. that's a good team.
we seem to do this every year with overrating Florida. they're a wild card contender at best.
Buffalo will be a bit better but still generally terrible and out of the race by Thanksgiving along with Detroit, Ottawa and probably Montreal.

- Glak18

I know right, I'd still rather have Malkin and Crosby over Mathews and Tavares

would have Boston at #2. that's a good team.
we seem to do this every year with overrating Florida. they're a wild card contender at best.
Buffalo will be a bit better but still generally terrible and out of the race by Thanksgiving along with Detroit, Ottawa and probably Montreal.
- DoubleDown

Say it isn't so.

Merry Hockmas Eve to you and yours

Merry Hockmas Eve to you and yours
- Komisaurus Rex

Thank you Rexy, hope you get a huge bone tonight...

The Penguins D corps should not be grouped with the likes of Toronto. They are a solid group. Not the best in the East but definitely above that designation.

Yeah, Letang kind of kills any argument there. Though the year they did it without him in the lineup could be better compared to what the leafs have right now.

I don't see how the Leafs finish ahead of Tampa. Defense favors Tampa, Forward groups have similar depth, goaltending probably favors Tampa by a bit.
- Aetherial

One thing that can off-set mediocre defense is an offense that always keeps the puck on their sticks.

I can see weaker defense catching up to them in the playoffs, but I think over the course of the regular season the massive depth up front couple with some solid PMDs, it will compensate.

Pierre LeBrun@PierreVLeBrun
Seattle group says they expect the Executive Committee to put forward a recommendation today at the full Board of Governors meeting. Expectation is that a full vote on Seattle would be held in early December at next Board of Governors meeting
- 21peter

Seattle Senators or will they get a whole new expansion team?

Florida is going to be very solid this season & be nudging top spot.

Tampa will lose their coach before Xmas or Just after.

I'm expecting big things from the Leaves if they can walk the walk - because (frank) me, the fans in here sure can talk the talk!

Boston will Be top. Solid all round even with the 200 year old Chara.

Florida is going to be very solid this season & be nudging top spot.

Tampa will lose their coach before Xmas or Just after.

I'm expecting big things from the Leaves if they can walk the walk - because (frank) me, the fans in here sure can talk the talk!

Boston will Be top. Solid all round even with the 200 year old Chara.
- Aussiepenguin

awww muffin, need a tissue? can't stand being called on your endless, trolling bumhole act? poor pookie.

awww muffin, need a tissue? can't stand being called on your endless, trolling bumhole act? poor pookie.
- Aetherial

What?

How is the above a troll act?

What?

How is the above a troll act?
- Aussiepenguin

You really are extra special.

You really are extra special.
- Aetherial

He doesn't hate the Laffs. He just likes to talk hockey.

Like Kaptaan, Spatso, Glak and UG

He doesn't hate the Laffs. He just likes to talk hockey.

Like Kaptaan, Spatso, Glak and UG
- walshyleafsfan

Well to be quite honest, I've seen you pull up a poster or 2 from the Leaves & basically tell them to pull their heads in.

I really can't see my comment being a troll comment, just an excuse for a very sensitive new age guy or SNAG for short to come out & try & defend his beloved team - which wasn't insulted. The fans (like SNAG) were because at the end of the day, there is some real special ones around.

I am expecting big things from the offense, but I can't see them beating other teams to win the division. Sorry if you're offended by my opinion. It's an opinion & nothing else. I'll be the first to offer my congratulations if I'm wrong.

You really are extra special.
- Aetherial

I'm so glad you think that............I think!

Youre coming around aren't ya big fella??

leafs do not win anything substantial with their defense or maybe it is the style of defense they play. sometimes i think Babcock thinks he is coaching Team Canada instead of an NHL team. Big difference.

I know right, I'd still rather have Malkin and Crosby over Mathews and Tavares
- Alexzanki

They are likely still better players at the moment, but being 32 and 31 years old and the others being 28 and 21 the latter is the better option in the long run.

Both teams have an incredible 1-2 punch.

Looking at depth charts, I think Ottawa has more talent than Montreal and Detroit to start the year. Not saying they won't finish last because you wonder about morale with all that's going on.

With Stone and Duchene being UFAs at the end of the year, they could be gone during the year sometime also.

Here's how I see the Atlantic playing out:

1) Lightning - playoffs (best record in the NHL).
2) Maple Leafs - playoffs
3) Bruins - playoffs
4) Panthers - Wild Card team
5) Sabres
6) Red Wings
7) Senators
8) Canadiens