Mikita Outlook
Playoffs or Golf Course
With less than 20 games remaining for each team in the Mikita Division, we look at how the season will unfold for each team. Only four points seperate the top four teams in the division and an eight point difference between the first the and the fifth team in the division. The Minnesota Wild will look to respond positively after making the blockbuster deal with the Florida Panthers.
(Position Current) Team
1. Nashville Predators - The Predators have made their moves, now its hurry up and wait till number one goalie Nikloi Khabibulin returns. The Preds have solid top 6 forwards. Their defence is little weak but still poossess a respectable top 4. The goalie tandum of Bulin wall and Eagle is very solid. The team 5 wins, 4 losses and 1 tie in last 10. OUTLOOK: The Preds continue their streaky play and finish top 3 in the diviion and make the playoffs.
2. Minnesota Wild - The team searching for chemistry made a huge deal. The Wild can fil the net if they can find the line combination. Their defence is a weak spot, so the number goaltender Donik Hasek will have to stand tall in the net. The wild had 4 wins, 6 losses in last 10 games before making the big deal. OUTLOOK: The Wild take some time to gel together but find their groove to finish atop the division and make the playoffs.
3. Detroit Red Wings - The Wings are RED HOT. Winning eight of their 10 and only 3 points out of division lead. The Wings have some very talented forwards who are scoring but their defence doesn't scare any opposition. The goaltending is very weak, can Hedberg continue his stellar play? OUTLOOK: The Wings just don't enough defensive and goaltending help to make the playoffs.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets - The Jackets have been struggling with only 3 wins in theri last 10. No roster changes have been made to improve the team. The team has enough scoring talent to along with their decent defensive depth. The Jackets weakness resides in their goaltending, where they have 2 backups but not a legit number one goaltender. OUTLOOK: The Jackets finish top 4 in the division and squeak into the playoffs.
5. Chicago BlackHawkDown - The mighty Hawks, GM Beck believes the team has enough tealent to win on regular basis but the standings differ. The Hawks have explosive players up front. Their defence aside from Stuart is weak with Aucoin gone for the year. In goal the Hawkdown have John Grahame in net, who has'nt established himself at the NHL level. The Hawkdown are 4-5-1 in last 10 with last game being a victory in Jag's debut. OUTLOOK: The Hawkdown make a late surge and get into the playoffs.
6. St.Louis Blues - The Blues are in a slump with only 2 wins in last 10. The team has outstanding rookies in Staal and Crosby and a great veteran in Sellane upfront. The Blues have big holes to fill on the blue line because of the injuries, which is worse than Wings blue line currently. They are strong in net for the rest of the year. OUTLOOK: The Blues miss the playoffs.
7. Phoenix Coyotes - The team has three young studs in Heatley, Marleau, Bell and high scoring veteran in Tkachuk after that the team does not have much scoring. The Coyotes have many average or less than average blueliner along with Markov. Their goaltending is very weak as well. After realing off 7 wins a row they have lost 3 in a row. OUTLOOK: Golf Course will be early for Coyotes.
8. Dallas Stars - The Stars only have one win in last 10 and are batteling for the Kessel Cup. The goaltening issues are solved by Ryan Miller. OUTLOOK: Winner of Kessel Cup
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