The teams I could envision winning the cup:
Capitals - Not sold on the notion that Ovechkin is the best player in the league but Washington is really good.
Sharks - They won't lose because of Thornton, Boyle, Marleau, Nabakov, Pavelski, Heatley, might need more depth.
Devils - Best team in Atlantic gets the Southeast's 2nd best player.
Canucks - Luongo's going to have one of those playoffs sometime or another. My pick at the beginning of the season.
Penguins - Gonchar is back, Malkin is picking it up. Over CHI because they've won before.
Blackhawks - Great young core. This is a good wildcard team.
Red Wings - If Datsyuk and Zetterberg are on and healthy, it's beats any combo in the league. I think Lidstrom's done winning Norris' but he's still one of the top-5 defensemen in the NHL at present and of all-time.
Flames - Toughness + playmakers.
Ducks - Built for the playoffs.
Flyers - See Ducks and Flames.
Teams I haven't seen enough of, or that just missed cut.
Kings - Well constructed, haven't seen them enough. I'd probably take Anaheim in a 7-game set.
Coyotes - Haven't seen them enough.
Avalanche - A player in the future for sure. Could break out in near future.
Sabres - Good goalie.
Lightning - I think they need to trade Lecavalier for depth. St. Louis is better and Stamkos darn close at 19.
2010 NHL Playoffs
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Virtual Jarmo
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Re: 2010 NHL Playoffs
Everything you've posted is contingent on who does what at the deadline. With Kovalchuk out of the way, there aren't a lot of big names, but there are definitely difference makers available.
For Washington, it depends on what Varlamov looks like when he returns. They're the only team that has a chance in the East against NJ. I know that would piss off some PIT people, but Fleury hasn't been the same and they really do miss Scuderi.
In the West, I can't go against Chicago, even with their goaltending troubles. They're the most complete team in terms the 18 skaters and I'd love to see that PHX/LA series that is what would happen if the playoffs started today.
For Washington, it depends on what Varlamov looks like when he returns. They're the only team that has a chance in the East against NJ. I know that would piss off some PIT people, but Fleury hasn't been the same and they really do miss Scuderi.
In the West, I can't go against Chicago, even with their goaltending troubles. They're the most complete team in terms the 18 skaters and I'd love to see that PHX/LA series that is what would happen if the playoffs started today.
Adam Burke
Former Commissioner, Current Jackets GM and Owner of Eastside's Hockey Elite Collide
Former Commissioner, Current Jackets GM and Owner of Eastside's Hockey Elite Collide
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Montreal Canadiens
Re: 2010 NHL Playoffs
In the East, definite top 3 teams are WSH, PIT, and NJ in that order. I think Buffalo could surprise some people come playoff time, and perhaps the Flyers. I think it's definitely going to be a rematch of last year with WSH - PIT. WSH needs the goaltending to survive though, they almost lost to the Rangers last year because of Theo's suckitude.
In the West, can't trust San Jose in the playoffs, and I think Chicago is way overrated. Detroit is most likely going to come in as a bottom half seed and probably surprise some people in the playoffs when they get healthy. The Canucks, yeah definitely have a ton of depth up front and on defense, but have had playoff struggles in the past. The LA Kings could be a darkhose as well. I think the West is wide open compared to the East.
In the West, can't trust San Jose in the playoffs, and I think Chicago is way overrated. Detroit is most likely going to come in as a bottom half seed and probably surprise some people in the playoffs when they get healthy. The Canucks, yeah definitely have a ton of depth up front and on defense, but have had playoff struggles in the past. The LA Kings could be a darkhose as well. I think the West is wide open compared to the East.