The Central: "Division of Death"

[CroFlames]

I think Wild but I voted Jets.

We don't need Canadian rivals qualifying for playoffs.

[Party Elephant]

Originally Posted by Jets4Life

You forgot to add 2014-15 AHL MVP Candidate, and 2015 IIHF Worlds Top Goaltender (chosen by the media). Maybe I exaggerate slightly, but there is no doubt in my mind, that Helle is the real deal.

He's actually referring to the Jon Gillies thread where someone used Ken Dryden as a reason to call Gillies up.

I think the fact that no one can think of an example more recent than 44 years ago says all you need to say about expecting a rookie goalie to be your saviour.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Jets4Life

You forgot to add 2014-15 AHL MVP Candidate, and 2015 IIHF Worlds Top Goaltender (chosen by the media). Maybe I exaggerate slightly, but there is no doubt in my mind, that Helle is the real deal.

There's no maybe.

You guys have a nice future starter on your hands if he develops but I wouldn't go counting on greatness just yet. AHL and "media" World Championship awards mean a whole lot of nothing when it comes to NHL ability. There should be some doubt in your mind. There should always be some.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by Jets4Life

^THIS.

When Hellebuyck is brought up to the big league, he will push the Jets over the top. This kid is unreal, and barring any significant injuries, will guide the Jets deep into the playoffs (i.e. Ken Dryden 1971). Hutch and Pavelec are playing well, but it's Hellboy that is going to steal the show.

Let me get this straight. The Jets have the next Ken Dryden, a kid that will push the team over the top when he is called up.

Yet, the Jets play in the toughest division in hockey.....and they're waiting to bring this phenom up to push them over the top? If he's that phenomenal why wait? Why not bring him up right now, stop stressing, and just win the division?

[Cali Panthers Fan]

KFF is correct, but I do agree with the other poster who said that Hellebuyck is the real deal. Everything I've seen so far makes me think he'll be the next great starting goaltender in the NHL. He's not ready for it yet, but he's not all that far off.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Party Elephant

He's actually referring to the Jon Gillies thread where someone used Ken Dryden as a reason to call Gillies up.

I think the fact that no one can think of an example more recent than 44 years ago says all you need to say about expecting a rookie goalie to be your saviour.

Cam Ward was a rookie when he won the Conn Smythe in 2006.

[ricardodw]

The Stars will come back to the pack as they get worn down and the schedule catches up.

The Stars are 6-2 against the east.... The other central teams will dominate the east as well when they get to play them,.

They having a good run mainly due to weak schedule. They have played 1 out of 13 games against central opponents... a loss to Colorado. Once they grind through St.L, Min, Jets and Nashville and their 5 pt margin on a playoff spot will evaporate.


They have 6 regulars that would prefer not to hit.

[Jets4Life]

Originally Posted by codynw

Cam Ward was a rookie when he won the Conn Smythe in 2006.

Same with Patrick Roy in 86.

[N-E-B]

Stars, Blues, and Predators are the locks in my opinion. I think Dallas could have the best team in the NHL this year and St. Louis and Nashville are just solid teams.

I think the Blackhawks will make it at the end of the day. They lost a lot of pieces but you can never count them out, especially once Keith returns.

That leaves the Wild and the Jets. I picked the Jets because I hate them. That said the Jets will still finish ahead of whoever finishes third in the Pacific this year.

[Party Elephant]

Originally Posted by Jets4Life

Same with Patrick Roy in 86.

Well I'm sold. Throw all the rookie goalies to the wolves. Sink or swim time boys.

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by N-E-B

Stars, Blues, and Predators are the locks in my opinion. I think Dallas could have the best team in the NHL this year and St. Louis and Nashville are just solid teams.

I think the Blackhawks will make it at the end of the day. They lost a lot of pieces but you can never count them out, especially once Keith returns.

That leaves the Wild and the Jets. I picked the Jets because I hate them. That said the Jets will still finish ahead of whoever finishes third in the Pacific this year.

why do you think Dallas has moved into the upper echelon?

Are Benn, Seguin and Spezza vastly improved over last year?

Last year top 5 D were the same expect that Oduya replaced Daley.

Sharp was also added as secondary scoring

Is that all it takes to move from #10 to the top 4?


The Stars were 8-14-7 against the Central last year..... right now they are 0-1-0 against the central. Their team is not built to go to war in the central.

[Benched]

I keep waiting for the Blues to trip up. Keep having to wait.
I keep waiting for Dallas to stumble. They keep winning games.
I keep waiting for Chicago to fall off. And they keep competing.
I keep waiting for Winni to fall apart. And they keep finding ways.
I keep waiting for Nashville to suck. They keep playing solid.
I keep waiting for Minni to implode. And they keep rolling.


There are warts on all the teams. There are things to like on all the teams.

No clue who falls. Was sort of anticipating Wild or Chicago, Dallas to the WC.

But it'll be so tight a key injury or a bit of bad luck could cost a team here a spot.

[Armchair Quarterback]

Voted for the Wild, but I think it could realistically be them, or Chicago. Winnipeg will make it in again this year.

It's fun watching things play out in such a competitive division.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Jets have lost six in a row since the Jets fan started the thread.

Division of death indeed.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Jets have lost six in a row since the Jets fan started the thread.

Division of death indeed.

Can somebody confirm if being 10 points out of first despite having the most games played is enough to say they're "definitely" not the best in the division?

They are two points from last though, so at least that has been maintained since the thread was created.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Can somebody confirm if being 10 points out of first despite having the most games played is enough to say they're "definitely" not the best in the division?

They are two points from last though, so at least that has been maintained since the thread was created.

Jets - 6th in the Central
Flames - 6th in the Pacific

They can try to ask us how the weather is down here or they can just look outside.

[Jets4Life]

I knew losing Frolik would come back to haunt us. Chevy hasn't even addressed the ladd and Buff contract situations. Burmistrov has been a huge disappointment. We are perhaps dead last in cap spending.

There is only one man who can salvage the season for Winnipeg:

CONNOR HELLEBUYCK

[N-E-B]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

why do you think Dallas has moved into the upper echelon?

Are Benn, Seguin and Spezza vastly improved over last year?

Last year top 5 D were the same expect that Oduya replaced Daley.

Sharp was also added as secondary scoring

Is that all it takes to move from #10 to the top 4?


The Stars were 8-14-7 against the Central last year..... right now they are 0-1-0 against the central. Their team is not built to go to war in the central.

Who cares what their record was last year? New year new team. They're 14-4-0. To say they're a bad team at this point is ludicrous. They're a lock.

[thefoss1957]

The 'Hawks are now at the point that will make of break their season...the two week, six game, "Circus" road trip...currently, they stand with the exact same amount of points and games played as the did last season at "Circus Trip" time. First up, the Oil, on Wednesday.

[ClubFlames]

Two of the most annoying fan bases keep talking about Connor who will make or break their season.