Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
Yeah, should help push them up to 9th or 10th in the conference
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Like I said, I think their forward group is good enough to be a playoff team with the moves they have made.
I think their goaltending is good enough. The only real hole on the roster is their Defense.
I think they contend for the playoffs this year, so not out of the question for them to land just outside as you noted, but I wouldn't be surprised to grab a wildcard spot, or even divisional playoff spot.
The pacific is again really difficult to predict. In no particular order...
CGY - Lots of career years last year. With minimal changes to the core roster, will the flames be as good as last year or is there a regression in order?
SJ - Strong core back again, but lose their captain and elite player in Pavelski, and lose some depth.
LVG - Strong team, but has lost some depth.
ARZ - Strong finish. Some key adds in the offseason to a young group that appeared to have turned the corner, albeit late in last season.
EDM - Basically the same roster as last year, with some depth additions. I think they hope to bring up some of their youth both on forward/D and hope that they surprise.
ANH - Key stars have aged, but at the same time, the ducks have some really strong prospects. Doubt they are a playoff team this year.
Kings - retooling year.
Vancouver - Playoff calibre forwards/D, weak D.
If I had to offer my power rankings of the div as of right now:
1. LVG
2. SJ
3. CGY
4. ARZ
5. VAN
6. EDM
7. ANH
8. LA