FanPost

A quick escape from areener stress: Atlantic division predictions

 

What a beautiful weekend that was! I'd guess most of us aren’t too concerned about the weather right now, which is why I thought we'd forget about tomorrow for a moment to make some pointless hockey predictions. Most of the Atlantic division rosters are pretty set, so let’s take a look at our division. In no particular order, here we go:

The Old Guys: After a surprising step back, Lou seems confident enough to ice the same roster as last season. A healthy Parise will help things in Newark, but Marty and Co. aren’t getting any younger, and I’m not convinced last season wasn’t a sign of things to come in Jersey. Prediction: 5th

The Young Guns: Snow has been very patient with his rebuild, and that patience is starting to pay off. Talent is emerging from all positions, and it seems only a matter of time before the kids figure it out. Prediction: 4th

The Bullies: Holmgren just turned his roster upside down, spun it around and kicked it in the nuts for good measure, so it’s hard to tell if Phili will find it's way after that. Bryzgalov is a huge upgrade over the Bobrovsky/Boucher tandem of last year, but it may end up costing Phili. Losing veteran talents like Carter and Richards placed a lot of weight on some new young players. If a veteran top 6 goes down, things could get ugly on Broad Street. Prediction: 3rd

The Rag$: Sather retained all of his key players while adding an all-star center to feed his all-star winger. Another young team that’s starting to realize its potential, Callahan, Staal and Dubinsky figure only to improve. Look for a bitter rivalry to rekindle this season. Prediction: 2nd

Sydney Crosby: Shero tweaked his roster, but it remains much the same. The obvious question is whether Crosby can return to top form (It feels so good to say that about another team’s star). Sure they have Malkin, but Pitt needs a healthy golden child to compete. Until something changes, I think we have to assume both will be healthy come October. Prediction: 1st

BTW here's a great link to watch games from the 06/07, our last playoff season: http://www.hockeywebcasts.com/nhl/200607/nyislanders.php (no one can say DP wasn’t a good goalie before he got hurt)

"THE NIGHT IS DARKEST JUST BEFORE THE DAWN" 

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