USA Today: Ranking the top 5 defences in the NHL

[TheCommodoreAfro]

Originally Posted by _Q_

Today I learned that USA Today writes articles on the NHL.

Kevin Allen is one of the better hockey journos out there. Definitely worth checking in once in a while. He does a reasonably good podcast from time to time as well.

[Enoch Root]

The 3 teams that are on both lists - Preds, Rangers and Flames - are the 3 best IMO.

Then take your pick from Chicago, St Louis and the Wild for the 2nd tier.

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Only the Flames, Rangers and Predators were on both lists. Therefore Calgary has a top-3 d-core.

Damnit beat by Enoch..

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Their NHL coverage has been tremendous for a long time.

Kevin Allen is, without question, one of the best writers in the game.

As for the article, there are some really good groups in the league but I fail to see how SJ is among the better ones.

Could not agree more.
Have always been a big fan of Sagarin ratings, among other things

And speaking of Kevon Allen, here's this on the Flames:

Calgary Flames preview: Might be the NHL’s most underrated team
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...odie/73029398/

[N-E-B]

I'm trying not to be a homer when I say this (I will sound like one), but I honestly believe the Flames have the best defense in the NHL. Yes, better than the Rangers, Predators, and Blackhawks.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by N-E-B

I'm trying not to be a homer when I say this (I will sound like one), but I honestly believe the Flames have the best defense in the NHL. Yes, better than the Rangers, Predators, and Blackhawks.

I think we have the best Top 3 in the NHL.

I really like Russell and Wideman, but I'm not going to say we have the best defense in the league until I see one of those two take the #4 role and form an effective pairing with Dougie or Brodie. And I mean a pairing that can keep shots on goal to the outside and not get hemmed in.

I'm also skeptical of our #6 spot, especially if it's Engelland.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

They should sign this kid to an ELC, he might be able to replace him.

Left wing? I thought he played the right side.

[GettinIggyWithIt]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

I think we have the best Top 3 in the NHL.

I really like Russell and Wideman, but I'm not going to say we have the best defense in the league until I see one of those two take the #4 role and form an effective pairing with Dougie or Brodie. And I mean a pairing that can keep shots on goal to the outside and not get hemmed in.

I'm also skeptical of our #6 spot, especially if it's Engelland.

I think we are top 5 maybe top 3 for sure but Chicago (Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson) and Preds (Weber,Jones and Josi) would give us a run for our money too - not to take anything away from Gio, Hamilton and Brodie.

On a sidenote - I like the Jets D too and they may not be top 5 but should get honourable mention imo.

[Hackey]

True. Byfuglien, Trouba, Enstrom, Meyers is a solid top 4.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by D as in David

Left wing? I thought he played the right side.

I guess what they say about there being no real left or right, only different versions of center, is pretty true.

[Samonadreau]

I would like to see a bottom 5 list...... somethong like this:

26. who cares
27. who cares
28. who cares
29. Boston hahahaha
30. Edmonton hahahaha

.....maybe not quite Boston but Edmonton for sure.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Count me in as someone that doesn't quite understand the love-fest with San Jose's defence. Some may say the Hawks have THE best defencemen - but definitely one of the top 3 or so defencemen in the league - in Keith. I think it drops off after that, but remains solid if unspectacular. I really do think that the Flames are better.

Underrated is St. Louis and Minnesota.

Calgary I find is behind the Preds at least, and that may be it. Will be interesting to see how it shakes down this season with Hamilton. Will also be interesting to see how Engelland looks with Russel (I think it will be Russel, not Wideman, that will drop down to the 3rd pairing). My guess is he looks much more competent out there as he did with Brodie when Giordano went down.

[Zach]

Josi is gonna be a fantasy stud for the predators this year. I'd def draft him.

[ScorchyScorch]

Russell is a solid #4 at worst, and if his offensive game continues to pick up, I'd even go as far as to say he'd be a fine #3 guy on a contending team. Possibly the best shot blocker in the league, and managed to keep Wideman above water in +/- .. the latter point says enough.

Blackhawks have probably the best top pairing in the league but beyond that, the Flames have better depth.

[T@T]

Yeah, I'm a homer but I only would put the Preds ahead of us.

[Jacks]

Originally Posted by D as in David

Left wing? I thought he played the right side.

He's young and fresh out of school. Give him a few years.

[Strange Brew]

I love our D and I think it will get better. But no way the Blackhawks trade their whole group for ours. And definitely not when you factor in the cap hits. IMO. At some point don't we have to finish higher than 16th overall to proclaim we have the best D in the league?

[Bandwagon In Flames]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

I love our D and I think it will get better. But no way the Blackhawks trade their whole group for ours. And definitely not when you factor in the cap hits. IMO. At some point don't we have to finish higher than 16th overall to proclaim we have the best D in the league?

Did we have Hamilton last year?

Did we have Gio the whole year?

Moot point.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

I love our D and I think it will get better. But no way the Blackhawks trade their whole group for ours. And definitely not when you factor in the cap hits. IMO. At some point don't we have to finish higher than 16th overall to proclaim we have the best D in the league?

We do need to see this group perform as a unit in the regular season for sure. On paper, the Flames are right up there (but I would put the Preds on top for sure).

[Hackey]

Originally Posted by Zach

Josi is gonna be a fantasy stud for the predators this year. I'd def draft him.

Depending when you can grab him. He's far from a secret now after having a 55 point season. Last year I'm sure some people got great value out of him.