CPHL Surprises and Disappointments

[Goffie]

We are coming up to the quarter mark for most teams in the league, with a few teams already passed that point in their seasons. I thought it would be fun to look at the surprise teams and disappointing teams so far this season.

Pleasantly Surprising:

East:
Florida Panthers - Personally I expected the Panthers to make a move to the playoffs or at the very least playoff contention this season. In in no way expected them to be one of the CPHL's top teams and on track for 114pts. Two Swedes Henrik Sedin and Patrik Hornqvist lead the way up front for the Panthers with both forwards clipping along at a point per game pace. Halak has been solid all season and may have been the steal of the offseason if the Panthers can keep winning. Consistency has shown up with this team over the course of the preseason and so far into the regular season. Time will tell if this keeps up.

West:
Edmonton Oilers - Polar opposites of their NHL namesakes. The Oilers were not predicted by many to be a playoff team this season; however a balance lineup and a good start from Nabokov have the Oilers sitting in 3rd place in the West with 28 points in 21 games. Despite a -5 goal differential the Oilers are finding ways to win games. It will be interesting if they can keep the pace the are on now up over the rest of the season and surpass the 100point mark.


Disaster-like Disappointments

East:
Carolina Hurricanes - Long time GM Doug Whalen vowed that he would do what it takes to guide the Hurricanes back to the playoffs. Looking at his roster you would have thought he made the moves to do just that. However the start to the season has not gone anywhere close to the direction GM Doug has planned. Sitting tied for last in the East with 15 points in 20 games and boasting a lineup with John Tavares, Tyler, Seguin and Semyon Varlamov, Doug is not the only one scratching his head. The Canes are still aiming for a playoff spot, but it appears that for every bright spot that happens two rough patches follow. It will be interesting to see if the Canes try and ride it out with their current roster or if we see some trades go down. One thing is for sure Doug will not be happy if the Canes continue this pace and finish with a 62 point season.

West:
Minnesota Wild - Much like the Hurricanes the Wild were built for success. Ovechkin was moved out in the off season; but the Wild were still loaded with plenty of star power as Geno Malkin and Sidney Crosby were in the lineup. However neither player lasted long when the Wild's season didn't get off to the expected hot start. With a new infusion of youth and depth the Wild were hoping to change their fortunes. However they have not showed any prolonged consistency and find themselves dead last in the West. On track for a lowly 66 points it will be interesting to see what direction this team follows the rest of the season. GM Farhall is a proud GM who likes to win, however owning your own 1st round pick in such a deep draft takes the sting out of losing...maybe just a little.

Stay tuned to the halfway point where I will focus on the biggest surprises and disappointments among players. I welcome feedback and opinion on what other GM's think of these choices and who else are viewed in these categories.

[Hanna Sniper]

Funny thing in Carolina, I'm completely lost in trying to end the tailspin. The easiest route would to trade Tavares or Seguin but truth be told, if i did that and things didn't change then I would have two players Kuemper and Ellis that are under 25 to show for this dreadful rebuild

If this team suck then it's best to build around Tavares and Seguin as they are the youngest player on this team. Trading them off for 29 yea old vets would put me in the same place 2 years down the road but without two superstars.

The Hurricanes have a abvious weakness in defence and their 4th line. But honestly neither of those two holes are costing the team.... goal scoring and poor play from Varlamov has. The 'Canes are 4-2-1 when Varlamov doesn't start. First time in all my years here that I have a true No.1 starting goalie and it's very hard to not play him

The good thing is that I have been able to spend a lot of time looking into my team and really digging into the numbers. Whether or not that will ever make a difference or show I never know but it is fun to do

The problem I have right now is that I sold so much of my future with bringing in Bergeron and Lucic because I figured my re-build was over and I now needed to fine tune from then on.

Could be a rough year this season and next (need to roll back the 81M payroll) but the rebuild is indeed over... Just a question can I find enough of a spark to ignite any sort of flame from... and how soon

[Hanna Sniper]

I love what Florida has done.... if they can maintain this pace, no question GM of the year for staying true to his plan and making his own path

[Swayze11]

You wouldn't need to trade those 2 for 29 year old vets. You could get an insane package of prospects as well.

[I wanna be like Miikka]

Carolina should trade for a new goalie and then move one of Seguin/Tavares (whoever is worse in the sim) for an equivalent 20-25yo stud.

Wild have a very young team. Their strength is on D, if Grant adds a stud winger and another top 6 fwd then they'll be back in contention.

[Knut]

Historical Disappointment :

[Swayze11]

How many cups have you won Hesla?

[Hanna Sniper]

Originally Posted by Swayze11

How many cups have you won

That's what blind people listen for to find who the Oiler or Habs fan in the room is

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Hesla

Historical Disappointment :

I'm neither surprised nor disappointed with the Avs this season actually!