Eklund: The 5 Teams Who Need to WIN in the Playoffs or Else? New Standings, Buzz@1

Eklund: The 5 Teams Who Need to WIN in the Playoffs or Else? New Standings, Buzz@1
- Eklund

This Eklund guy is on something else am I right?. Remember when he had the Flyers in the playoffs every single "Updated Projected Standings" lol. Carolina IN, Montreal OUT. CBJ in WC2.

There is always pressure to Win in Toronto ...
hockey 101.
You’re welcome-

how do you make a list like this, and leave off what could very well be the number 1 team on it? Columbus went all in, and if they don't get anywhere, they're left with very little.

- eichiefs9

You are correct about Calgary. They are not in a "Must Win" situation. This is the first year of their window opening. Considering the year that they are having and the career years that a lot of their players are having, you might think that they need to capitalize on that now, but the reality is that they still have a very young core (except for Gio - but he is probably good for another 5 years anyway - 3 years at an elite level). The fan base is demanding and critical - but also once the emotion is removed I think we are all aware that this year has been a pleasant surprise and we will enjoy the run as long as it lasts, and hope to build on it in upcoming years.

You are correct about Calgary. They are not in a "Must Win" situation. This is the first year of their window opening. Considering the year that they are having and the career years that a lot of their players are having, you might think that they need to capitalize on that now, but the reality is that they still have a very young core (except for Gio - but he is probably good for another 5 years anyway - 3 years at an elite level). The fan base is demanding and critical - but also once the emotion is removed I think we are all aware that this year has been a pleasant surprise and we will enjoy the run as long as it lasts, and hope to build on it in upcoming years.
- hags11

that's arguable. Giordano is pretty old and without him playing at Norris level, are the Flames really all that good?

And the chances of him being in the NHL in 5 years, let alone "good for at least 5", are slim to none.

- BINGO!

Ek keep your eye on Carolina.

that's arguable. Giordano is pretty old and without him playing at Norris level, are the Flames really all that good?

And the chances of him being in the NHL in 5 years, let alone "good for at least 5", are slim to none.
- prock

I do wonder what kind of season the Flames have this season if Giordano doesn't have the best year of his career by a mile.

Not to say they aren't having a ridiculously good year.

This whole site has gone downhill since Garf ‘vanished’.

I do wonder what kind of season the Flames have this season if Giordano doesn't have the best year of his career by a mile.

Not to say they aren't having a ridiculously good year.
- BINGO!

Who knows. My guess is probably closer to a 90 point team.

the statement that a 35 year old dman who has historically been somewhat fragile will still be a good dman for 5 more years is laughable though. He's currently the 10th oldest dman in the league, and will likely be among the top 5 next year, potentially the oldest dman in the league in 2 years.

Eklund you still have Carolina getting -1 wins the rest of the year.

Eklund you still have Carolina getting -1 wins the rest of the year.
- BINGO!

-1 for showboating

It is a Joke of the Jackets don't get to the playoffs.

CBJ. Hands down has to MAKE the playoffs then win at least 1 series. Tampa and Nashville may have their Cup windows closing but CBJ is under the most pressure after the moves they made at the deadline.

-1 for showboating
- Streit2ThePoint

damn that's a rule???

damn that's a rule???
- BINGO!

Only for small market teams.

It is in the NHL bylaws under Rule 69D.420

This team added Erik Karlsson and is getting a Joe Thornton from a decade ago.

Current Joe Thornton...16 goals, 30 assists, 46 points, playing 15 minutes a night, as guys like Hertl, Meier, Kane, Pavelski, and Couture have taken over the team.

Decade ago Joe Thornton...in the midst of seasons where he was getting 114 points, 96 points, 86, 89 points, playing 20+ minutes a night, not just leading the Sharks but routinely in the top 10 in NHL scoring.

Currently tied for 113th in scoring with Chris Tierney.

Exaggerate much?

that's arguable. Giordano is pretty old and without him playing at Norris level, are the Flames really all that good?

And the chances of him being in the NHL in 5 years, let alone "good for at least 5", are slim to none.
- prock

Totally disagree with you on this. The way Gio plays and the fact that he is somewhat of a late bloomer, so he has not many miles on the odometer, means that he will still have lots to give until he is 40. Chelios played til he was 41-42. Chara is still playing at 41. There is absolutely no indication that Gio can't match that longevity and his compete level and determination are some of his biggest assets and they will ensure that he continues to play hard. He has been an underdog most of his career and comments like yours from the masses will continue to motivate him.

Who knows. My guess is probably closer to a 90 point team.

the statement that a 35 year old dman who has historically been somewhat fragile will still be a good dman for 5 more years is laughable though. He's currently the 10th oldest dman in the league, and will likely be among the top 5 next year, potentially the oldest dman in the league in 2 years.
- prock

Seriously?? Fragile?? Tell me how you deduct that Gio is fragile? The only games he has missed this year is a 2 game suspension. He didn't miss any large amount of games last year - no serious injuries. Have you watched the Flames play this year? They are not a 1 player team. They now have 5 players with over 70 points! They are the only team that has done this since the early 2000's Penguins with Lemieux, Jagr etc.
Gio is a beast and a huge part of the team, but don't kid yourself, they are a complete team with many elite components.

Totally disagree with you on this. The way Gio plays and the fact that he is somewhat of a late bloomer, so he has not many miles on the odometer, means that he will still have lots to give until he is 40. Chelios played til he was 41-42. Chara is still playing at 41. There is absolutely no indication that Gio can't match that longevity and his compete level and determination are some of his biggest assets and they will ensure that he continues to play hard. He has been an underdog most of his career and comments like yours from the masses will continue to motivate him.

- hags11

Chelios was 48...I mean maybe he stopped playing at 42, but he was still around longer...