This is an interesting year as the first pick is more likely to be traded than usual. Probably from first pick Oilers, to the second pick Blue Jackets. However I think of the order of people picked will stay the same regardless. In the first 15-20 picks, most of the players picked will be the best player available or close to it if a different player can help their organizational need. In the last 15-20 picks teams will go a little more off the board to get a strong player that fits the description of what their team need. Last year I basically just did a top 30 and barely factored in team need. This year I have studied the top 60 and top 100 rankings, and what different teams need. I will go off the board a little bit more too this year.
1. Edmonton Oilers
Player: Nail Yakupov (RW)
Team: Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Stats: 42-31-38-69, +15, 30 PIM
Hometown: Nizhnekamsk, Russia
Size: 5'11, 189lb
Yakupov is a dynamic scorer with ridiculous speed. He used to just be a pure goal scorer but this year he really worked on his passing. It showed. In 7 World Junior contests he didn't have any goals. But he did have a whopping 9 assists. So he's got a well rounded offensive game. The Oiler's don't need another forward but they can't pass up his skill if they decide to keep the pick. I think that Yakupov could be a 40 goal scorer in the league someday.
2. Colombus Blue Jackets
Player: Ryan Murray (D)
Team: Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Stats: 46-9-22-31, Even, 31 PIM
Hometown: White City, Saskatchewan
Size: 6'0, 205lb
Ryan Murray is a solid two-way defense man, but his main skill is taking care of his own end. He skates smoothly but isn't flashy. The Blue Jackets need a player like him to stabilize a stop and go defense corps. He may not be as much of a home run as other players in this draft. But scouts call him the most ready, and most surefire pro.
3. Montreal Canadiens
Player: Mikhail Grigorenko (C)
Team: Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Stats: 59-40-45-85, +35, 12 PIM
Hometown: Khabarovski, Russia
Size: 6'3, 200lb
Grigorenko is just the player that the Montreal Canadiens have been waiting for and needing for the last 5 years. A big and amazingly talented centre. The only concern about this player is if he is going to go back to Russia. However he does seem very committed to the NHL. He is becoming more defensively aware which boosts his stock even more.
4. New York Islanders
Player: Griffin Reinhart (D)
Team: Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
Stats: 58-12-24-36, +23, 38 PIM
Hometown: West Vancouver B.C.
Size: 6'4, 207lb
The Islanders have a couple of blue chip defensive prospects but most are offensive. Reinhart can stabilize that. He plays a fantastic defensive game, but can be effective when he jumps into the rush. He skates well. However most scouts think that he needs to be more physical.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs
Player: Alex Galchenyuk (C)
Team: Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Stats: 2-0-0, -4, 0 PIM
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Size: 6'1, 198lb
With several great defensive prospects, and Nazem Kadri not performing, the Toronto Maple Leafs want a forward that can create offense. That is what Galchenyuk can do best. He is a dynamic playmaker, great skater and has sick hands. He can pass but he can also score. He plays well in his own end too. If he hadn't been sidelined all year, he could be going 1 and 2 with Yakupov.
6. Anaheim Ducks
Player: Mathew Dumba (D)
Team: Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Stats: 69-20-37-57, -6, 67 PIM
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Size: 6'0, 183lb
Dumba is one of the best offensive defensemen in the draft and one of the best open ice hitters in the draft. He's a perfect fit in Anaheim because they need more offense and better defensemen. He's great offensively and he's a defenseman. He does need to learn how to play better 'D' because he sometimes makes silly mistakes.
7. Minnesota Wild
Player: Filip Forsberg (RW)
Team: Leksands (SWE)
Stats: 43-8-9-17, +1, 33 PIM
Hometown: Ostervala, Sweden
Size: 6'2, 181
The Wild have an emerging crop of puck-moving defenseman, and could use a big hitting defenseman. But their need for scoring is greater. Forsberg is responsible in both ends of the ice and can score goals. Based on his defensive prowess he is probably the the safest forward pick, and the most likely to be a consistent NHLer. However he doesn't have as much of an upside in his offensive game.
8. Carolina Hurricanes
Player: Jacob Trouba
Team: USNTDP
Stats: 22-4-14-18, +8, 35 PIM
Hometown: Rochester Minnesota
Size: 6'2, 196lb
The Canes have had some disappointing forward prospects such as Zach Boychuck, Zac Dalpe and Drayson Bowman. They could use a forward, but their need for a defensive prospect is greater. Jacob Trouba is perfect because of his defensive ability, and ability to make big hits. Also he does chip in offensively occasionally too. The Cane's have 2 picks in the second round and I think that they will address their offense there.
10. Tampa Bay Lightning
Player: Radek Faksa (C)
Team: Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
Stats: 62-29-38-67, +19, 47 PIM
Hometown: Opava, Czech Republic
Size: 6'3, 203lb
Faksa has size, skill, and is a great skater. He moves effortlessly for such a big guy. Tampa Bay Lightning will soon need a supporting cast of forwards as many of there top forwards are aging. Faksa has great poise with the puck. If the Lightning didn't get the 19th overall pick via trade, I would have had them picking Malcolm Subban because their organizational need for a goaltender is so great.
11. Washington Capitals (from Colorado)
Player: Morgan Rielly (D)
Team: Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Stats: 18-3-15-18 +6, 2 PIM
Hometown: West Vancouver B.C.
Size: 6'0, 190lb
The Capitals already have several great forward prospects, and several good current forwards. They needed a defenseman and Morgan Rielly is the perfect fit. He shouldn't have slid this far down but because he missed most of the year with an ACL injury scouts don't like how little of him they've seen. He's a superior skater. A fantastic offensive defenseman. His playmaking is off the charts and he doesn't have any glaring defensive problems.
12. Buffalo Sabres
Player: Teuvo Teravainen (LW)
Team: Jokerit (FIN)
Stats: Fin Jr.: 11-12-8,N/A, 4 PIM. Fin.:40-11-7-18, -5, 6 PIM
Hometown: Helsinki, Finland
Size: 5'11, 165lb
Even though he is diminutive, his skill offensively is ridiculous, he is a very shifty player. He started off the year playing in the Finish Junior league, but he dominated too much and they had to move him up to the top league (SM-Liiga). Buffalo has been lacking offense for some time now and that is his speciality. His speed is at an NHL level, but definitely not the reason he's getting drafted.
13. Dallas Stars
Player: Cody Ceci (D)
Team: Ottawa 67's (OHL)
Stats: 64-17-43, +21, 16 PIM
Hometown: Orleans, Ontario
Size: 6'2, 207lb
The Stars basically need everything except for goaltending so I think that they will just pick the best player available and at this point in the draft I think that it will be Ceci. He doesn't look natural offensively. In fact he looks kind of clunky. However he seems to somehow rack up the points. Part of the reason is his booming shot from the point that has helped him get 17 goals this year. He takes a couple too many risks, and is a little bit inconsistent defensively. But with an NHL coach, he will learn defense.
14. Calgary Flames
Player: Derrick Pouliot (D)
Team: Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Stats: 72-11-48-59, +15, 79 PIM
Hometown: Weyburn, Saskatchewan
Size: 5-11, 186lb
The Calgary Flames are looking for a defenseman that can play at both ends of the ice, and hit. Derrick Pouliot is mainly known as an offensive defenseman. However there is a 'darkside' to his game not too many people notice (79 Penalty Minutes). His entire game is solid, and this year he's been mixing it up a bit. Throwing in some hits and even sometimes fighting. According to one scout. He doesn't fight often, but when he does he rarely loses.
15. Ottawa Senators
Player: Sebastian Collberg (RW)
Team: Frolunda (SWE)
Stats: Sweden Junior League: 21-9-8-17, +2, 18 PIM, Swedish Elite League: 41-0-0-0, -8, 2 PIM
Hometown: Mariestad, Sweden
Size: 5'11, 174lb
Although his stats in the Swedish Elite League make it look like he can't play offense, that is not the case. The reason is: He is playing against men. Frolunda doesn't like to play their young guns. He didn't see much ice time playing in the big league. Although he is small, he skates well, is very shifty, and has a quick release with the ability to get some heat on his shot too. Ottawa needs secondary scoring too back up Jason Spezza. Collberg fits the bill.
16. Washington Capitals
Player: Brendan Gaunce (C)
Team: Belleville Bulls (OHL)
Stats: 68-28-40-68, +4, 68 PIM
Hometown: Markham, Ontario
Size: 6'2, 215lb
At this point in the draft the Capitals are just going to draft the best player available and that is Gaunce. He's a big strong player that is very strong on his skates. He handles the puck well and scores often. Gaunce is exactly what many teams want: A big physically dominant, skilled centre. For this reason, I won't be surprised if he ends up going higher in the draft.
17. San Jose Sharks
Player: Zemgus Girgensons (C)
Team: Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL)
Stats: 49-24-31-55, +17, 69 PIM
Hometown: Riga, Latvia
Size: 6'1, 201lb
He has some skill, but his major upside is his work ethic and strength. Although you might not be getting a star offensive player, you almost guaranteed a 3rd-2nd line player at least. He can kill penalties and take faceoffs well. The Sharks have major holes in forward prospects, especially after trading Charlie Coyle. Girgensons is a grinder with upside offensively.
18. Chicago Blackhawks
Player: Slater Koekkoek (D)
Team: Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Stats: 26-5-13, -7, 17 PIM
Hometown: Mountains, Ontario
Size: 6'2, 184lb
Although the Hawks have Keith, Seabrook, and Hjalmarsson locked up, besides that they have no one good and young signed for the next 2-3 years on the back end. Koekoek is a two-way defenseman that can do anything that you need. He can move the puck, play defensively, chip in offensively. He also has great size. Many people have him ranked in the late first to early second. But in reality he is a top 15 talent. The only reason he isn't going earlier is because he only played 26 games. But I believe the Blackhawks are willing to take a chance.
19. Tampa Bay Lightning (from Detroit)
Player: Malcolm Subban (G)
Team: Belleville Bulls (OHL)
Stats: 39 GP, 25 W, 2.50 GAA, 9.23 SP, 3 SO
Hometown: Rexdale, Ontario
Size: 6'1, 188lb
This pick is based on organizational need. The Bolts have a gaping hole in net. Subban and Andrei Vasilevski are both in my mind equal goaltenders in this year's draft. The reason Subban is going ahead of Vasilevski is because Vasilevski is being heavely targeted by the KHL. What makes Subban great is his athleticism, but he has got to learn to use it a bit more.
20. Philadelphia Flyers
Player: Matthew Finn (D)
Team: Guelph Storm (OHL)
Stats: 61-10-37-47, -13, 58 PIM
Hometown: Etobicoke, Ontario
Size: 6'0, 195lb
With Pronger and Timonen both at the end of their careers, the Flyers will need to address their defense. Finn is an all around package, but not too outstanding in any category. He plays physical. Chips in offensively and runs the powerplay and he is defensively aware. Although he looks like he's a big minus, it's mostly just because he plays on a bad team. Sometimes he rushes a bit too much, but he will learn to settle down a bit more in the NHL.
21. Buffalo Sabres (from Nashville)
Player: Andreas Athanasiou (C)
Team: London Knights (OHL)
Stats: 63-22-15-37, +22, 22 PIM
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Size: 6'0, 179lb
He underperformed majorly this year. He is a top 10, possibly even top 5 talent, but now some people have him as low as the 3rd round. He has tantalizing speed, skill and creativity but doesn't go to the net and the dirty areas. I think that although he is a risk, he can help the Sabres re-build their forwards. He could end up being the steal of the draft, or the dud of the draft.
22. Pittsburgh Penguins
Player: Pontus Aberg (LW)
Team: Djurgarden (SWE)
Stats: Sweden Junior league: 6-4-2-6, N/A, N/A, Swedish Elite League: 47-8-7-15, -3, 6 PIM
Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden
Size: 5'11, 194lb
He started off the year on fire in the Swedish Elite League put then petered out, which is normal for young players. He is both the best player available and the team need of Pittsburgh. That need is skilled wingers. Aberg is a sniper with good skating ability. It has been hard for scouts to get a read on him because playing with men he hasn't had as much ice time, and he wasn't able to play in his own age group because he missed the World Juniors with a knee injury.
23. Florida Panthers
Player: Olli Maata (D)
Team: London Knights (OHL)
Stats: 58-5-27-32, +25, 25 PIM
Hometown: Jyvaskyla, Finland
Size: 6'2, 202lb
The Florida Panthers have a host of forward prospects and want to add another defensive top end prospect and Olli Maata fits in perfectly. Less of an offensive player than most of the defensemen in this draft, Maata is probably one of the best defensive defensemen. Although offense is not his game he still has the ability to play it well, and almost always gets the puck out of his own end effectively.
24. Boston Bruins
Player: Brady Skjei (D)
Team: USNTDP
Stats: 24-3-9-12, +5, 12 PIM
Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota
Size: 6'3 203lb
Skjei is said to be the best skater out of all the defensemen in this year's draft. Combine that with his massive size, and decent offensive ability, you get a good player. He plays well in his own end, but doesn't play physically enough for someone so big. The Bruins don't have many glaring team needs, but I'm sure that they would be happy to draft Skjei.
25. St. Louis Blues
Player: Tomas Hyka (RW)
Team: Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Stats: 50-20-44-64, +14, 30 PIM
Hometown: Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic
Size: 5'11, 160lb
Though undersized, Hyka is enormously talented. Although he is a risky pick I think that he will be a risk reward pick. He is extremely fast, but plays hard and physical for such a small guy. His slight build is probably the main reason he is projected to go late first round or second round.
26: Vancouver Canucks
Player: Tomas Hertl (C)
Team: Slavia (CZE)
Stats: 38-12-13-25, +9, 22 PIM
Hometown: Praha, Czech Republic
Size: 6'2, 198lb
The only glaring hole the Canucks have is a sparse amount of good prospects, so they will probably just be taking the best player available. Hertl, is a skilled player that can put points up, and has in the hardest league of Czech Republic. The World Juniors was really his coming out party, where he and Petr Mrazek led the Czech to beating way more teams than expected.
27. Phoenix Coyotes
Player: Tanner Pearson (LW)
Team: Barrie Colts (OHL)
Stats: 60-37-54-91, +21, 37 PIM
Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario
Size: 6'0, 198lb
This pick is very simple to explain. The Coyotes desperately need scoring. Scoring is what Tanner Pearson does best.
28. New York Rangers
Player: Colton Sissons (RW)
Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Stats: 58-26-15-41, -13, 62 PIM
Hometown: Vancouver B.C.
Size: 6'1, 189lb
Sissons is a solid winger that plays with a lot of character. His main ability is his shot. He's a pure sniper. Most of the Ranger's wingers are either grinder's or fighter's, Gaborik is really the only one that can score. Sissons might be able to help them create a nice 1,2 punch.
29. New Jersey Devils
Player: Andrei Vasilevski (G)
Team: Ufa Tolpar (RUSJR)
Stats: 27 GP, Wins N/A, 2.23 GAA, 9.31 SP, SO N/A
Hometown: Tyumen, Russia
Size: 6'3, 204lb
The Devils need to find someone to fill in for Brodeur when he finally retires and there's no better option than Vasilevski. He's big, he's athletic, he battles for every shot.
30. Los Angeles Kings
Player: Hampus Lindholm (D)
Team: Rogle (SWE)
Stats: Sweden Junior League: 28-5-12-17, N/A, 16 PIM, Swedish Elite League: 20-1-3-4, N/A, 12 PIM
Hometown: Helsingborg, Sweden
Size: 6'3, 196lb
Lindholm is a solid two way defender, that can jump up and create offense. He has great size but needs to learn how to use it to his advantage more often. L.A. could use a defenseman because many of their veterans are free-agents, that may or may not get signed.
The New Jersey Devils have to forfeit a first round pick in either this year's draft or next years. They most likely will this year based on how low of a pick it is. However I do not think that the Kings would draft Vasilevski because of both Quick and Bernier, so that doesn't make a difference.
Drafts are impossible to predict, but it is fun, and hopefully I got a few more than just #1 right.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Stanley Cup Finals Prediction
6. New Jersey Devils
8. Los Angeles Kings
Kings in 7.
The Kings won't have the same dominance that the have had in the last 3 rounds. New Jersey is going to make this tough for them but they will eventually prevail. Martin Brodeur has the edge in experience but Jonathan Quick is currently the better goalie. Look for games to be very tight and very low scoring. New Jersey will be the only team to match up physically with the Kings and that will probably be the hardest thing for the Kings to deal with. The Devils defence has been solid so far, but are small, and will get worn down, and end up making mistakes late in the series. On the other hand, New Jersey's relentless fore check has been what has won hockey games, but I don't think that the Kings defence will be as easily rattled. The Kings are just too strong all around.
8. Los Angeles Kings
Kings in 7.
The Kings won't have the same dominance that the have had in the last 3 rounds. New Jersey is going to make this tough for them but they will eventually prevail. Martin Brodeur has the edge in experience but Jonathan Quick is currently the better goalie. Look for games to be very tight and very low scoring. New Jersey will be the only team to match up physically with the Kings and that will probably be the hardest thing for the Kings to deal with. The Devils defence has been solid so far, but are small, and will get worn down, and end up making mistakes late in the series. On the other hand, New Jersey's relentless fore check has been what has won hockey games, but I don't think that the Kings defence will be as easily rattled. The Kings are just too strong all around.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
3rd Round Playoff Predictions
1. New York Rangers
6. New Jersey Devils
New Jersey in7.
New Jersey is a very stingy defensive team that also plays solid offense. Their team defense will have the ability to shut the Ranger's stars down. Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuck have been monstrous for the Devils this playoffs. Henrik Lundqvist is way more tired than Martin Brodeur despite the fact that Brodeur is 40 years old. Lundqvist has played in back to back game 7 series' and Brodeur has only had one 7 game series and a 5. Many of the Rangers games have gone deep into overtime, and 1 went in to triple overtime. Their team as a whole will be more tired. Plus the Devils have been resting up for a couple days now since they eliminated the Flyers.
3. Phoenix Coyotes
8. Los Angeles Kings
Kings in 6.
The Kings have been dominate pile-driving their way through the 2 best teams in the western conference. If they win the cup Jonathan Quick has got to be given a very close look for the the Conn Smythe. He is my early favourite. However Mike Smith is making a very good case for the award too, but he won't get it because they won't make it out of this round. The Kings can beat you in any aspect of the game. Speed: They have players like Carter, Kopitar, Richards and Justin Williams. Scoring: Kopitar is an amazing offensive player and they have a good supporting cast of Williams, Richards, Carter, Brown and Dustin Penner who has really improved his game. They can crush you with huge hits, and play an superb defensive game. Also, if they make a mistake, Quick is there to clean up the mess. This team doesn't like the puck being in their own zone so they move it out very quickly and often catch teams on their heals and end up with odd man rushes. The Kings have truly turned into a team that barely made the playoffs into a powerhouse.
6. New Jersey Devils
New Jersey in7.
New Jersey is a very stingy defensive team that also plays solid offense. Their team defense will have the ability to shut the Ranger's stars down. Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuck have been monstrous for the Devils this playoffs. Henrik Lundqvist is way more tired than Martin Brodeur despite the fact that Brodeur is 40 years old. Lundqvist has played in back to back game 7 series' and Brodeur has only had one 7 game series and a 5. Many of the Rangers games have gone deep into overtime, and 1 went in to triple overtime. Their team as a whole will be more tired. Plus the Devils have been resting up for a couple days now since they eliminated the Flyers.
3. Phoenix Coyotes
8. Los Angeles Kings
Kings in 6.
The Kings have been dominate pile-driving their way through the 2 best teams in the western conference. If they win the cup Jonathan Quick has got to be given a very close look for the the Conn Smythe. He is my early favourite. However Mike Smith is making a very good case for the award too, but he won't get it because they won't make it out of this round. The Kings can beat you in any aspect of the game. Speed: They have players like Carter, Kopitar, Richards and Justin Williams. Scoring: Kopitar is an amazing offensive player and they have a good supporting cast of Williams, Richards, Carter, Brown and Dustin Penner who has really improved his game. They can crush you with huge hits, and play an superb defensive game. Also, if they make a mistake, Quick is there to clean up the mess. This team doesn't like the puck being in their own zone so they move it out very quickly and often catch teams on their heals and end up with odd man rushes. The Kings have truly turned into a team that barely made the playoffs into a powerhouse.
Friday, April 27, 2012
2nd Round Playoff Predictions
The second round is about to start, and it might be a bit boring. Many of the defensive teams prevailed such as St. Louis, Phoenix, New York, L.A., Nashville and New Jersey.
Eastern Conference:
1. New York Rangers
7. Washington Capitals
Washington in 7.
Washington is finally findng that good mix of defense and offense. For a while they were too offensively minded, then they focused too much on defense. They have found a good medium and I think that their playoff run will continue. I think that they have gained confidence in Holtby and I believe he won't disappoint. The Rangers only made it out of the first round because of Henrik Lundqvist, and Washington has more firepower than the sens. However this series could go either way. A major part of this series will be goaltending.
5. Philadelphia Flyers
6. New Jersey Devils
New Jersey in 6.
Against the Devils this year the Flyers went 2-4, and I think that is how this series is going to end up. I think that the Penguins made the Flyers look way better offensively than they are. Also I don't think Bryzgalov is a good playoff goaltender. The Devils are able to shut down Claude Giroux, but if they can't, he could be the difference maker. The Devils are committed to team defence and that is exactly what will stop Philly.
Western Conference:
2. St. Louis Blues
8. Los Angeles Kings
Blues in 6.
The Kings were able to capitalize on the a lack of motivation on the Canucks part, but that won't happen with the Blues. The Blues are committed, motivated, defensively minded. To make it even worse for the Kings: They have 2 of the best goalies in the league this year. The Canucks had great goaltending, and most of the goals scored were defensive mistakes by the Canucks. The Blues however don't make many mistakes defensively. Watch for most of the games to be very close, but very low scoring.
3. Phoenix Coyotes
5. Nashville Predators
Nashville in 4.
I'm calling a sweep. Nashville can do everything Phoenix can do better. Offensively the Preds are better, especially now that they have Alexander Radulov. Defensively the Preds play a sound game and have arguably the best pairing in the league with Suter and Weber. In goal, they have Pekka Rinne who is a vezina finalist 2 years running. Mike Smith had a great year, but Rinne is better. Even though I think that the Preds will win 4 straight, they won't coast through this series. All the games will be very tight. If Nashville does start to coast, Phoenix is a very opportunistic and they could steal the series.
Eastern Conference:
1. New York Rangers
7. Washington Capitals
Washington in 7.
Washington is finally findng that good mix of defense and offense. For a while they were too offensively minded, then they focused too much on defense. They have found a good medium and I think that their playoff run will continue. I think that they have gained confidence in Holtby and I believe he won't disappoint. The Rangers only made it out of the first round because of Henrik Lundqvist, and Washington has more firepower than the sens. However this series could go either way. A major part of this series will be goaltending.
5. Philadelphia Flyers
6. New Jersey Devils
New Jersey in 6.
Against the Devils this year the Flyers went 2-4, and I think that is how this series is going to end up. I think that the Penguins made the Flyers look way better offensively than they are. Also I don't think Bryzgalov is a good playoff goaltender. The Devils are able to shut down Claude Giroux, but if they can't, he could be the difference maker. The Devils are committed to team defence and that is exactly what will stop Philly.
Western Conference:
2. St. Louis Blues
8. Los Angeles Kings
Blues in 6.
The Kings were able to capitalize on the a lack of motivation on the Canucks part, but that won't happen with the Blues. The Blues are committed, motivated, defensively minded. To make it even worse for the Kings: They have 2 of the best goalies in the league this year. The Canucks had great goaltending, and most of the goals scored were defensive mistakes by the Canucks. The Blues however don't make many mistakes defensively. Watch for most of the games to be very close, but very low scoring.
3. Phoenix Coyotes
5. Nashville Predators
Nashville in 4.
I'm calling a sweep. Nashville can do everything Phoenix can do better. Offensively the Preds are better, especially now that they have Alexander Radulov. Defensively the Preds play a sound game and have arguably the best pairing in the league with Suter and Weber. In goal, they have Pekka Rinne who is a vezina finalist 2 years running. Mike Smith had a great year, but Rinne is better. Even though I think that the Preds will win 4 straight, they won't coast through this series. All the games will be very tight. If Nashville does start to coast, Phoenix is a very opportunistic and they could steal the series.
Monday, April 9, 2012
NHL Playoffs First Round Predictions
Eastern Conference:
1. New York Rangers
8. Ottawa Senators
Rangers in 6.
Many people believe that the Rangers will win in 5 or even sweep the Sens. If it weren't for the fact that the Senators have been proving me wrong all year, that would be my position too. However, the Rangers are just too good in comparison to the Sens not to win the series.Also, the Rangers have tons more playoff experience. People like Colin Greening, Jim O'Brien, Kyle Turris and Erik Condra have been main contributors this year. Turris is the only one of those 4 players with playoff experience and he has only played 4 games. Perhaps the main reason that I think the Rangers are going to win is goaltending. Anderson is a good goalie, but Lundqvist for the Rangers is Vezina calibre. The defensive prowess of players like Dan Girardi and Marc Staal will shut down Ottawa's stars. All in all the Rangers are a better team and will win this series.
2. Boston Bruins
7. Washington Capitals
Washington in 7.
This may be a bit of a shock but although the Bruins are the defending Stanley Cup champs I don't think that Tim Thomas is at the same level as last year, and they don't have a back-up as Tuukka Rask is injured. Although Washington has been a disappointment all year, they are still a solid team. Furthermore they have been showing greatness as of late. Their playoff track record isn't good but they signed some good veterans like Tomas Vokoun and Roman Hamrlik this last off-season. People have always said that Ovechkin doesn't play well in the playoffs. For a while I believed them. However, Ovechkin's career regular season points per game is 1.23. His playoff points per game is 1.35. 0.12 points per game difference. I think that this team is finished with under-achieving and that is why I predict them to win this series.
3. Florida Panthers
6. New Jersey Devils
New Jersey in 5.
I would like to say that I am picking the under dog but I'm not really. New Jersey finished with 8 points more than Florida but the Panthers won their division so they placed 3 positions ahead. New Jersey has been quietly consistent all year and I don't believe that is going to change. They have a good mix of veterans, while Florida lacks playoff experience. A month ago I would have told you that Martin Brodeur was a washed up veteran that should be retired. He has proved me wrong in the last couple of weeks. He looks like he's back to the Brodeur of 2003. It's too bad. Florida just making the playoffs for the first time in a long time, just to be eliminated in short fashion.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh in 7.
This series sure looks like it is going to be an intense battle from start to finish. The Flyers won the season series against the Pens and you could make the argument that that would make them better than the Penguins. However, most of those games were before Sidney Crosby came back. His return has sparked hot play by the Penguins, and Crosby has been racking up the points. I think that with Crosby back, the Penguins are the favourites to come out of the east, which is unfortunate for Philly.
Western Conference:
1. Vancouver Canucks
8. Los Angeles Kings
Vancouver in 6.
Vancouver is by far the better team. Better offence, better defense, and similar goaltending ability. Jonathan Quick has had an unreal year this year, posting 10 shutouts. I think that it is reasonable to say, that if the Kings didn't have Quick, and just had Bernier, they wouldn't be in the playoffs right now. The Cancucks haven't been the offensive dynamo they were last year, but picked up their game in the last 10 games posting an 8-1-1 record, and have been elevating their game at the right time. On the the other hand the Kings have been struggling in their last 10 with a 5-2-3 record. To make matters worse for L.A. they have lost Jeff Carter to injury for the next 2 weeks or so. The Canucks are a better team, and have been hot lately, those 2 things will lead to a first round playoff win.
2. St. Louis Blues
7. San Jose Sharks
Sharks in 7.
I think that this match up, shouldn't even be a match up. These teams are pretty equal and it should be a 4th seed VS 5th seed match up, but the Blues got hot, and the Sharks hat a terrible year. The reason I think that the Sharks will pull it out is this. They are on a hot streak while the Blues are cold. San Jose is 7-3-0 in their last 10 while the Blues are 4-3-3. Another reason is the experience of the Sharks and the inexperience of the Blues. It has been a great surprise year for the Blues, but I think that magic is wearing off.
3. Phoenix Coyotes
6. Chicago Blackhawks
Phoenix in 7.
Yes, I believe it will be true. The Coyotes will finally win a playoff series. But only on one condition. If Mike Smith can play the exact same way he played all year. On the other end of the spectrum the Blackhawks goaltending has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, but has been mediocre at best. If the Hawks had Jonathan Toews in the lineup this series would go a different way. Without Toews the Hawks will have some major trouble beating the stingy defense of the Yotes. I think that this series will be extremely low scoring, but those are the types of games that Phoenix thrives in.
4. Nashville Predators
5. Detroit Red Wings
Nashville in 7.
I think that each team will win all of their home games in this series, and Nashville has one more, so that would lead to a series win for them. Nashville has turned into a scary good team, and if they were playing almost any other team then Detroit I would think maybe sweep. They have everything. Goaltending: Pekka Rinne backed up by stellar goalie Anders Lindback who has had some great games this year. Defense: Shea Weber and Ryan Suter pairing is perhaps the best in the league. Offense: They have already got David Legwand, Sergei Kostitsyn, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Erat, Craig Smith, but now they have added Alexander Radulov who is a star and will push them over the top offensively.
1. New York Rangers
8. Ottawa Senators
Rangers in 6.
Many people believe that the Rangers will win in 5 or even sweep the Sens. If it weren't for the fact that the Senators have been proving me wrong all year, that would be my position too. However, the Rangers are just too good in comparison to the Sens not to win the series.Also, the Rangers have tons more playoff experience. People like Colin Greening, Jim O'Brien, Kyle Turris and Erik Condra have been main contributors this year. Turris is the only one of those 4 players with playoff experience and he has only played 4 games. Perhaps the main reason that I think the Rangers are going to win is goaltending. Anderson is a good goalie, but Lundqvist for the Rangers is Vezina calibre. The defensive prowess of players like Dan Girardi and Marc Staal will shut down Ottawa's stars. All in all the Rangers are a better team and will win this series.
2. Boston Bruins
7. Washington Capitals
Washington in 7.
This may be a bit of a shock but although the Bruins are the defending Stanley Cup champs I don't think that Tim Thomas is at the same level as last year, and they don't have a back-up as Tuukka Rask is injured. Although Washington has been a disappointment all year, they are still a solid team. Furthermore they have been showing greatness as of late. Their playoff track record isn't good but they signed some good veterans like Tomas Vokoun and Roman Hamrlik this last off-season. People have always said that Ovechkin doesn't play well in the playoffs. For a while I believed them. However, Ovechkin's career regular season points per game is 1.23. His playoff points per game is 1.35. 0.12 points per game difference. I think that this team is finished with under-achieving and that is why I predict them to win this series.
3. Florida Panthers
6. New Jersey Devils
New Jersey in 5.
I would like to say that I am picking the under dog but I'm not really. New Jersey finished with 8 points more than Florida but the Panthers won their division so they placed 3 positions ahead. New Jersey has been quietly consistent all year and I don't believe that is going to change. They have a good mix of veterans, while Florida lacks playoff experience. A month ago I would have told you that Martin Brodeur was a washed up veteran that should be retired. He has proved me wrong in the last couple of weeks. He looks like he's back to the Brodeur of 2003. It's too bad. Florida just making the playoffs for the first time in a long time, just to be eliminated in short fashion.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh in 7.
This series sure looks like it is going to be an intense battle from start to finish. The Flyers won the season series against the Pens and you could make the argument that that would make them better than the Penguins. However, most of those games were before Sidney Crosby came back. His return has sparked hot play by the Penguins, and Crosby has been racking up the points. I think that with Crosby back, the Penguins are the favourites to come out of the east, which is unfortunate for Philly.
Western Conference:
1. Vancouver Canucks
8. Los Angeles Kings
Vancouver in 6.
Vancouver is by far the better team. Better offence, better defense, and similar goaltending ability. Jonathan Quick has had an unreal year this year, posting 10 shutouts. I think that it is reasonable to say, that if the Kings didn't have Quick, and just had Bernier, they wouldn't be in the playoffs right now. The Cancucks haven't been the offensive dynamo they were last year, but picked up their game in the last 10 games posting an 8-1-1 record, and have been elevating their game at the right time. On the the other hand the Kings have been struggling in their last 10 with a 5-2-3 record. To make matters worse for L.A. they have lost Jeff Carter to injury for the next 2 weeks or so. The Canucks are a better team, and have been hot lately, those 2 things will lead to a first round playoff win.
2. St. Louis Blues
7. San Jose Sharks
Sharks in 7.
I think that this match up, shouldn't even be a match up. These teams are pretty equal and it should be a 4th seed VS 5th seed match up, but the Blues got hot, and the Sharks hat a terrible year. The reason I think that the Sharks will pull it out is this. They are on a hot streak while the Blues are cold. San Jose is 7-3-0 in their last 10 while the Blues are 4-3-3. Another reason is the experience of the Sharks and the inexperience of the Blues. It has been a great surprise year for the Blues, but I think that magic is wearing off.
3. Phoenix Coyotes
6. Chicago Blackhawks
Phoenix in 7.
Yes, I believe it will be true. The Coyotes will finally win a playoff series. But only on one condition. If Mike Smith can play the exact same way he played all year. On the other end of the spectrum the Blackhawks goaltending has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, but has been mediocre at best. If the Hawks had Jonathan Toews in the lineup this series would go a different way. Without Toews the Hawks will have some major trouble beating the stingy defense of the Yotes. I think that this series will be extremely low scoring, but those are the types of games that Phoenix thrives in.
4. Nashville Predators
5. Detroit Red Wings
Nashville in 7.
I think that each team will win all of their home games in this series, and Nashville has one more, so that would lead to a series win for them. Nashville has turned into a scary good team, and if they were playing almost any other team then Detroit I would think maybe sweep. They have everything. Goaltending: Pekka Rinne backed up by stellar goalie Anders Lindback who has had some great games this year. Defense: Shea Weber and Ryan Suter pairing is perhaps the best in the league. Offense: They have already got David Legwand, Sergei Kostitsyn, Andrei Kostitsyn, Martin Erat, Craig Smith, but now they have added Alexander Radulov who is a star and will push them over the top offensively.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Trade Deadline
With the trade deadline coming up I am making a list of players that I think will possibly be wearing a different jersey after the deadline, and making some proposed deals.
Here is my list of players:
Hal Gill-Montreal Canadiens
Andrei Kostitsyn-Montreal Canadiens
Jeff Carter-Columbus Blue Jackets
Samuel Pahlsson-Columbus Blue Jackets
Nicklas Grossman-Dallas Stars
Ales Hemsky-Edmonton Oilers
Matt Greene-Los Angeles Kings
Matt Cullen-Minnesota Wild
Ryan Suter-Nashville Predators
Torrey Mitchell- San Jose Sharks
Keith Ballard-Vancouver Canucks
Mason Raymond-Vancouver Canucks
Andrew Ference-Boston Bruins
Paul Gaustad-Buffalo Sabres
Brad Boyes-Buffalo Sabres
Ville Leino-Buffalo Sabres
Tuomo Ruutu-Carolina Hurricanes
Andy Greene- New Jersey Devils
James van Riemsdyk- Philadelphia Flyers
Dominic Moore- Tampa Bay Lightning
Luke Schenn- Toronto Maple Leafs
It is always really hard to predict who is going to be traded, often the NHL's GM's surprise us and do weird moves. However, the names I listed above ^ are people who will probably be traded, even if it is a weird trade. Now onto possible trades.
Ryan Suter of the Nashville Predators for James van Riemsdyk and a 1st round draft pick.
One trade that lots of people think is going to happen is James van Riemsdyk for Luke Schenn. But I don't think that will happen. I think that Suter has a higher likelihood of being traded at all compared to Schenn. Also he has said that he won't sign a contract with the Pred's before the deadline, which puts them in a very tight spot. This team also wants to win, and they need some more firepower up front and van Riemsdyk can do that. They will be hurt defensively, but with their defensive style and Pekka Rinne in net, they should still be able to play solid defense and keep the goals against to a minimum. In the Flyer's case. They have needed another defenseman ever since Chris Pronger went down with a potentialy career ending injury at the begining of the year. They have tons of great scoring forwards so losing van Riemsdyk shouldn't be a big deal.
Niklas Grossman of the Dallas Stars and a 2nd or 1st round draft pick for Ales Hemsky of the Edmonton Oilers.
This trade would work for both sides as the solid play of Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Taylor Hall, and Sam Gagner has made Hemsky expendable. The stars need offence and Hemsky is one of the most skilled players in the league. The Oilers need defense and Grossman is a solid defensive defensman. Also the Oilers are re-building so the draft pick would help them out too.
Jeff Carter of the Columbus Blue Jackets for Luke Schenn of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a 1st round pick
The Leafs really want a big centre ice man that can score and that is exactly what Jeff Carter is. The Blue Jackets want young players (specifically defense) and Luke Schenn is just that. Also since they are re-building, the draft pick would be quite helpful too.
Here is my list of players:
Hal Gill-Montreal Canadiens
Andrei Kostitsyn-Montreal Canadiens
Jeff Carter-Columbus Blue Jackets
Samuel Pahlsson-Columbus Blue Jackets
Nicklas Grossman-Dallas Stars
Ales Hemsky-Edmonton Oilers
Matt Greene-Los Angeles Kings
Matt Cullen-Minnesota Wild
Ryan Suter-Nashville Predators
Torrey Mitchell- San Jose Sharks
Keith Ballard-Vancouver Canucks
Mason Raymond-Vancouver Canucks
Andrew Ference-Boston Bruins
Paul Gaustad-Buffalo Sabres
Brad Boyes-Buffalo Sabres
Ville Leino-Buffalo Sabres
Tuomo Ruutu-Carolina Hurricanes
Andy Greene- New Jersey Devils
James van Riemsdyk- Philadelphia Flyers
Dominic Moore- Tampa Bay Lightning
Luke Schenn- Toronto Maple Leafs
It is always really hard to predict who is going to be traded, often the NHL's GM's surprise us and do weird moves. However, the names I listed above ^ are people who will probably be traded, even if it is a weird trade. Now onto possible trades.
Ryan Suter of the Nashville Predators for James van Riemsdyk and a 1st round draft pick.
One trade that lots of people think is going to happen is James van Riemsdyk for Luke Schenn. But I don't think that will happen. I think that Suter has a higher likelihood of being traded at all compared to Schenn. Also he has said that he won't sign a contract with the Pred's before the deadline, which puts them in a very tight spot. This team also wants to win, and they need some more firepower up front and van Riemsdyk can do that. They will be hurt defensively, but with their defensive style and Pekka Rinne in net, they should still be able to play solid defense and keep the goals against to a minimum. In the Flyer's case. They have needed another defenseman ever since Chris Pronger went down with a potentialy career ending injury at the begining of the year. They have tons of great scoring forwards so losing van Riemsdyk shouldn't be a big deal.
Niklas Grossman of the Dallas Stars and a 2nd or 1st round draft pick for Ales Hemsky of the Edmonton Oilers.
This trade would work for both sides as the solid play of Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Taylor Hall, and Sam Gagner has made Hemsky expendable. The stars need offence and Hemsky is one of the most skilled players in the league. The Oilers need defense and Grossman is a solid defensive defensman. Also the Oilers are re-building so the draft pick would help them out too.
Jeff Carter of the Columbus Blue Jackets for Luke Schenn of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a 1st round pick
The Leafs really want a big centre ice man that can score and that is exactly what Jeff Carter is. The Blue Jackets want young players (specifically defense) and Luke Schenn is just that. Also since they are re-building, the draft pick would be quite helpful too.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
World Juniors Predictions
Gold Medal: Canada
This team is too strong, has too many highly touted prospects that have already been drafted, and are solid across the board. They have several offensively talented forwards and defense men. And they also have a good mix of two-way and defensive players. In net they have returning goalie Mark Visentin who is a first round 27th overall pick of the Phoenix Coyotes. And they have Scott Wedgewood who has been one of the best goalies in the CHL this year and can get the job done if Canada calls on him.
Silver Medal: United States of America
Like Canada, the USA has many highly touted prospects on their team, and they have many returning players. Their goaltending is superb, as they have Jack Campbell who has stolen more than a few games as a member of this team the past 2 years. They have a potent first line of Emerson Etem, Nick Bjugstad and Charlie Coyle. And possibley the most defensively sound defense men of all the teams in the tournament.
Bronze Medal: Sweden
This team showed that it had what it takes to win a medal when they beat Canada in a close pre-tournament game.This team has good goaltending, good defense, and fantastic forwards. They have some great draft eligible players in Pontus Aberg, and Filip Forsberg who is touted to go in the top 5 in the 2012 NHL entry draft. They also have a bunch of high picks from last years draft in Mika Zibanejed (6th, Ottawa), Jonas Brodin (10th, Minnesota), Oscar Klefbom (19th, Edmonton), Rickard Rakell (30th, Anaheim), And Victor Rask (42nd, Carolina)
4th Place: Russia
They still have Yevgeni Kuznetsov, who was arguably the best player at the tournament last year when Russia won gold. However, they don't have many returning players, including their captain from last year Vladimir Tarasenko, who was a major factor in Russia winning gold last year. They also don't have Igor Bobkov anymore who backstopped Russia the last 2 years as their goalie. They may have replaced those players with solid other players, but they just don't have enough experience this year.
5th Place: Finland
With Christopher Gibson, who was a second round pick of the LA Kings this past year, as Finland's goalie, they should be in pretty good shape there. They have got some fabulous offensive weapons in the Granlund brothers Mikael and Markus. They have an amazing defense man in Olli Maata. But the thing that will prevent Finland from medalling, will be their lack of depth at both forward and 'D'.
6th Place: Czech Republic
This team is very similar to Finland. They have a couple great players like David Musil, Dmitij Jaskin and Martin Frk, they just have very little depth. Their stars might win them a couple of games, but then teams like Canada or USA that have a very small difference between their best and worst players will beat Czech Republic.
7th Place: Switzerland
This team doesn't have great goaltending, but they have good team defense. They only have one 'star' player in Sven Bartchi who was drafted 13th overall by the Flames last year. If there is a game changer on this team, it's Bartchi. They also have some good two-way players like Alban Rexha. But they just don't have the same quality of players to contest with the top teams.
8th Place: Slovakia
Slovakia is similar to many of the bottom teams in this tournament in the way that it has a couple great players but nothing else. Those players are: Martin Marincin and Tomas Jurco.
9th Place: Denmark
Denmark only has one good player and that is Niklas Jensen. He'll score a couple of goals this tournament, but will be one of few bright spots on this team.
10th: Latvia
I don't even recognize anybody on this team. Latvia is going to be in for a long tournament.
This team is too strong, has too many highly touted prospects that have already been drafted, and are solid across the board. They have several offensively talented forwards and defense men. And they also have a good mix of two-way and defensive players. In net they have returning goalie Mark Visentin who is a first round 27th overall pick of the Phoenix Coyotes. And they have Scott Wedgewood who has been one of the best goalies in the CHL this year and can get the job done if Canada calls on him.
Silver Medal: United States of America
Like Canada, the USA has many highly touted prospects on their team, and they have many returning players. Their goaltending is superb, as they have Jack Campbell who has stolen more than a few games as a member of this team the past 2 years. They have a potent first line of Emerson Etem, Nick Bjugstad and Charlie Coyle. And possibley the most defensively sound defense men of all the teams in the tournament.
Bronze Medal: Sweden
This team showed that it had what it takes to win a medal when they beat Canada in a close pre-tournament game.This team has good goaltending, good defense, and fantastic forwards. They have some great draft eligible players in Pontus Aberg, and Filip Forsberg who is touted to go in the top 5 in the 2012 NHL entry draft. They also have a bunch of high picks from last years draft in Mika Zibanejed (6th, Ottawa), Jonas Brodin (10th, Minnesota), Oscar Klefbom (19th, Edmonton), Rickard Rakell (30th, Anaheim), And Victor Rask (42nd, Carolina)
4th Place: Russia
They still have Yevgeni Kuznetsov, who was arguably the best player at the tournament last year when Russia won gold. However, they don't have many returning players, including their captain from last year Vladimir Tarasenko, who was a major factor in Russia winning gold last year. They also don't have Igor Bobkov anymore who backstopped Russia the last 2 years as their goalie. They may have replaced those players with solid other players, but they just don't have enough experience this year.
5th Place: Finland
With Christopher Gibson, who was a second round pick of the LA Kings this past year, as Finland's goalie, they should be in pretty good shape there. They have got some fabulous offensive weapons in the Granlund brothers Mikael and Markus. They have an amazing defense man in Olli Maata. But the thing that will prevent Finland from medalling, will be their lack of depth at both forward and 'D'.
6th Place: Czech Republic
This team is very similar to Finland. They have a couple great players like David Musil, Dmitij Jaskin and Martin Frk, they just have very little depth. Their stars might win them a couple of games, but then teams like Canada or USA that have a very small difference between their best and worst players will beat Czech Republic.
7th Place: Switzerland
This team doesn't have great goaltending, but they have good team defense. They only have one 'star' player in Sven Bartchi who was drafted 13th overall by the Flames last year. If there is a game changer on this team, it's Bartchi. They also have some good two-way players like Alban Rexha. But they just don't have the same quality of players to contest with the top teams.
8th Place: Slovakia
Slovakia is similar to many of the bottom teams in this tournament in the way that it has a couple great players but nothing else. Those players are: Martin Marincin and Tomas Jurco.
9th Place: Denmark
Denmark only has one good player and that is Niklas Jensen. He'll score a couple of goals this tournament, but will be one of few bright spots on this team.
10th: Latvia
I don't even recognize anybody on this team. Latvia is going to be in for a long tournament.
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