The Flames underachieved last season and it's now up to Mike Keenan to get the most out of a talented veteran roster. There's been some re-tooling along the blueline in front of Miikka Kiprusoff, who's playing for a new contract, but the Flames should have enough scoring on hand to improve on last year's finish.
Not sure about Ottawa being #1 or Minny at #7, but the rest of the top 10 looks about right.
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NO BAGEL NO BAGEL NO BAGEL NO BAGEL
I was one assist off of Tanguay's actual assists as he finished with 59. Goals? He had 19. One reason why is he had 11 fewer power-play goals than I projected. There is no excuse for Tanguay not to be a double-digit power-play scorer. Five power-play goals is unacceptable.
I think the question with Colorado is the goaltending. TSN doesn't really elaborate on justifying their rankings - It's a brief paragraph with zero regular season games and a handful of exhibition games. The #7 ranking for Minnesota is (according to the paragraph) based on their "unearthed gem" Niklas Backstrom and Gaborik's scoring prowess. I'm still convinced Vancouver and Minnesota will fair better than Minnesota after the first 5 games.
calgary is ranked pretty much bang on where i would have them. hate to say this but i think the oil are ranked too low. i think they'll surprise some people this year and will have a hot start to match. granted, i still don't think they're going to make the playoffs but 27th is low.
calgary is ranked pretty much bang on where i would have them. hate to say this but i think the oil are ranked too low. i think they'll surprise some people this year and will have a hot start to match. granted, i still don't think they're going to make the playoffs but 27th is low.
I agree. I also agree with not liking to admit that.
I don't mean to Flame Sabers fans, but should they be fourth given the loss of their two best players? New Jersey took a big hit in the rankings for a similar reason.
Odd to see 4 teams from the West in 27-30 spots ... that isn't likely as a starting point to a season.
Calgary top 10 works for me given the 8th spot in the West last year. Would love it.
and 6 of the bottom 8 teams, in the league. I've heard some chatter from out east about how the East is sooo strong this year...I don't see it...balanced maybe. ...
either way, these aren't generally based on anything more then goals scored and offense. Its not like the number 1 or 2 power ranking teams are the best teams at that any given point.
calgary is ranked pretty much bang on where i would have them. hate to say this but i think the oil are ranked too low. i think they'll surprise some people this year and will have a hot start to match. granted, i still don't think they're going to make the playoffs but 27th is low.
I have to agree. I think the Oil will suck this season, but not that bad. 27th seems a bit ridiculous, I mean the Capitals, Bruins, Islanders, Maple Leafs and Hurricanes are all considered better? I dont know about that, I mean the Leafs....come on....
Other than that I think San Jose should be higher.
I have to agree. I think the Oil will suck this season, but not that bad. 27th seems a bit ridiculous, I mean the Capitals, Bruins, Islanders, Maple Leafs and Hurricanes are all considered better? I dont know about that, I mean the Leafs....come on....
Other than that I think San Jose should be higher.
The Leafs and the Hurricanes most certainly will be better than the Oilers. But I do agree, 27th is very low, even for this team. I've gt the Oilers pegged at about 24–25 right now. I think they will have a good October, and then the wheels will fall off once other teams start to pick up steam in mid-November. Think the 2001–2002 Version of the Calgary Flames.
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Originally Posted by woob
"...harem warfare? like all your wives dressup and go paintballing?"
Wow... Buccigross (ESPN) is really harsh towards Alex Tanguay. Tanguay's problem isn't that he's soft and cowardly, it's that he's too much of a team guy. Not selfish enough. It's not that he's afraid to get into scoring positions, it's that even when he is in scoring position he prefers to pass than to shoot.
Wow... Buccigross (ESPN) is really harsh towards Alex Tanguay. Tanguay's problem isn't that he's soft and cowardly, it's that he's too much of a team guy. Not selfish enough. It's not that he's afraid to get into scoring positions, it's that even when he is in scoring position he prefers to pass than to shoot.
yeah no kidding that was over the top. one of the reasons Tanguay scored only a few PP goals, is that the Flames happened to have 2 ~PPG left wingers (how many teams can say that?) and Huselius performed well on the PP, often leaving Tanguay on the point. Anyways Tanguay could score more goals, sure...but he's not as weak as Buccigross suggests, and the comparison with St Louis isn't entirely fair, IMO
The defending champs are still the favourites opening this season, particularly if Scott Niedermayer is convinced to put off retirement for another year, though some early season injuries could make it tough for the Ducks to take flight right away.
odd that the ducks are rated third when they have this to say
One of many who is too boring; thinks that there should be rules regarding grammar in custom user titles, and also makes moderators wonder if there is a charachter limit here. I mean come on- you would think that would be a limitation in the software
Join Date: Jan 2003
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Quote:
Originally Posted by looooob
and 6 of the bottom 8 teams, in the league. I've heard some chatter from out east about how the East is sooo strong this year...I don't see it...balanced maybe. ...
You read hfboards, eh?
Parity is not a sign of greatness. It is a sign of mediocrity.
I almost got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome... scrolling down to find the Oilers.
Gotta give this post some love.
Very funny.
I'd say 8th is about right.
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"For thousands of years humans were oppressed - as some of us still are - by the notion that the universe is a marionette whose strings are pulled by a god or gods, unseen and inscrutable." - Carl Sagan Freedom consonant with responsibility.
TSN Power Rankings
