Team Guide For Casual Fans

Maybe some people who don't watch alot of hockey, or many teams out of their market, need a guide for each team, and what to expect from them. Their strengths, weakness, the style of game they like to play, etc. Things like that.

Anyone care to take a shot?

I don't have the time at the moment to represent my team here, but this is a great idea. Thanks for the thread.

Casual fans are welcome here too.

Vancouver Canucks:
http://nucksiceman.com/wp-content/upLoads/2010/07/Canucks-logo-2831.gif

Record 2011-12:
51-22-9 (Home Record: 27-10-4) (Away Record: 24-12-5)

Goals for: 249 (5th in the NHL)
Goals against: 198 (4th in the NHL)

5 on 5 scoring f/a: 1.19 (4th in the NHL)
Powerplay: 19.8% (4th in the NHL)
PenaltyKill: 86% (6th in the NHL)
Faceoffs: 52.2% (3rd in the NHL)

Most Goals: Daniel Sedin (30)
Most Assists: Henrik Sedin (67)
Most Points: Henrik Sedin (81)
Best +/-: Dan Hamhuis (+29)

Goaltenders:
Roberto Luongo: 31 w 14 l 6 otl, 2.41 GAA, 0.919 save %, 5 SO
Cory Schneider: 20 w 8 l 3 otl, 1.96 GAA, 0.937 save %, 4 SO

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lines (prediction, assuming healthy):

D. Sedin, H. Sedin, Burrows
Booth- Kesler- Raymond
Higgins- Pahlsson- Hansen
Malhotra- Lappierre- Kassian
Bitz, Weise Ebbett, Reinprecht

Hamhuis- Bieksa
Edler- Salo
Ballard- Tanev
Rome, Alberts, Gragani

Luongo
Schneider

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Style of Play:
-Canucks are a puck-possession team with d-men who move the puck quickly and love jumping into the play to confuse the opposition. It's not uncommon to see any of the Canucks d-men wonder very deep into the opposition's offensive zone. This increases risks for odd man rushes the other way but often leads to better quality offensive chances. The forwards on the Canucks are quite fast overall and they boast a whole swarm of guys who can play center/wing... straight centermen include: Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kesler, Sami Pahlsson... and the Canucks also have Manny Malhotra, Maxime Lapierre, Chris Higgins, Andrew Ebbett and Byron Bitz who can all also play either Center or Wing. This adds a great deal of versatility to the forward group.

- The Canucks goaltending is overall probably in the top 3 of duo's in the NHL. The much maligned Roberto Luongo has had some amazing runs of hockey over his career marred by a some brain-cramp awful games. Luongo gets more hate than any goalie in the NHL when he's weak but almost zero credibility for his strong performances. Cory Schneider is an up-and-coming goalie who put up fantastic numbers this season and has been rock-solid as a backup. Their is some controversy in Vancouver whether Schneider should be the #1 but Luongo is clearly the starter going into the playoffs, allthough on a shorter leash than ever before.

Biggest Strength: Overall Depth.
- The Canucks have the depth to lose a Daniel Sedin and still go 8-1-1 over their final 10 games of the year.
- The Canucks are pretty adaptable and can usually play most styles if they need to.

Biggest Weakness:
- Defensive Structure and Powerplay have been pretty poor since the all-star break.

Spot on. Read this post of you want to know what the Canucks are all about.

The VAN one seems too in-depth for a causal hockey fan IMO.

The only other thing I would add to Vancouver as a weakness is that the coaching staff has a tough time adapting in a series and has been outcoached. He will also over use players he really shouldn't just cause he feels they will get out of their funks.

Other than that, right spot on.

The only other thing I would add to Vancouver as a weakness is that the coaching staff has a tough time adapting in a series and has been outcoached. He will also over use players he really shouldn't just cause he feels they will get out of their funks.

Other than that, right spot on.

I think I would put that as more of a "neutral" or just "style-of-play". The decision to change your strategy abruptly is a subjective one, and it's difficult to quantify whether one decision would be better than another. Alain chooses not to be rash in altering his system, and that's just the way he is as a coach.

The only other thing I would add to Vancouver as a weakness is that the coaching staff has a tough time adapting in a series and has been outcoached. He will also over use players he really shouldn't just cause he feels they will get out of their funks.

Other than that, right spot on.

I disagree based on last year's playoffs.

Blackhawks:

Forward depth: very good (even if we don't have Toews). One of the best teams in the league 5-on-5. Hossa, Kane, and Sharp are all beasts. Stalberg and Shaw add some nice secondary scoring depth. We have 2 fine, aggressive lines to fill out the bottom 6 (Bickell/Bolland/Shaw and Hayes/Mayers/Bollig).

Defense: much improved since adding Johnny Oduya

Goaltending: The x-factor here. Crawford has shown the ability to be both a good and mediocre goaltender. He's played some of his best hockey down the stretch.

Special teams: Our biggest weakness. Both our PP and PK aren't that great. On the PP especially, our team has troubles even setting up in the attack zone. They also would rather try for back-door passes instead of setting up a guy or two in the low slot to create screens.

Even though a Canuck one has been done, since I was typing all this out any ways, thought I'd post it regardless... a lot of this has been covered by LtE's post.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The Vancouver Canucks:

The Facts:

Record: 51-22-9 – 111 pts, 1st in the NHL
Last 10 games: 8-1-1 (best record in the NHL in last 10 games)
Goals/Game: 2.94 – 5th in NHL
Goals/Against: 2.33 – 4th in NHL
5 on 5 goal differential: 1.19 – 4th in NHL
PowerPlay: 19.8% - 4th in NHL
Penalty Kill: 86% - 6th in NHL
Shots/game: 31.6 – 6th in NHL
Shots Against/game: 30.8 – 21st in NHL
Faceoff%: 52.2% - 3rd in NHL
Hits: 18th in NHL; Blocked Shots: 27th in NHL; Takeaways: 16th ; Giveaways: 12th (lowest).

The Lineup:

Daniel Sedin*-Henrik Sedin – Alex Burrows
David Booth – Ryan Kesler – Mason Raymond
Chris Higgins – Samuel Pahlsson – Jannik Hansen
Manny Malhotra – Max Lapierre – Zack Kassian*
Byron Bitz; Andrew Ebbett

Alex Edler – Sami Salo
Dan Hamhuis – Kevin Bieksa
Keith Ballard* - Chris Tanev
Aaron Rome; Marc-Andre Gragnani; Andrew Alberts

Roberto Luongo
Cory Schneider

*Sedin, Kassian, and Ballard are currently injured and no news of when they’ll return - as we should expect this time of year. Reports are that Sedin should be back soon, while Ballard is already cleared to play and is practicing with the team.

The Summary:

The Vancouver Canucks are coming off their 2nd straight Presidents’ trophy with a 111 point season. Along with the Rangers and Penguins, the Canucks are the only other team to get at least 50 wins this season. They also go into the playoffs with the 3rd best goal differential in the league, at a +51 (Boston’s +67 led the league, followed by Pittsburgh’s +61). Overall they support the 5th best home-record and 2nd best road record in league.

The Canucks have gone through more controversy than most other teams in the league over the past couple seasons. The fan perception seems to be that they are a dirty team, or one that dives, whines and cheats their way to victory. The stats all show otherwise. The Canucks are the only team in the league to not have a suspension or fine against them this season. They also have no diving penalties this year.

The Canucks are only the 5th team in history to win back to back Presidents' trophies. 3 of the previous 4 winners have gone on to win the Cup.

The Details:

The strength of the team this season has been in goal. Both Luongo and Schneider have had very strong seasons, and have bailed their team out on several occasions. This has been a complete reversal from last season, where, with pretty much the same group, the Canucks were built on their offense. They led the league in goals, and on the PP, and won a lot of games on offense alone.

This year’s team is built differently and have relied on a lot of low-scoring , tight defensive games, to win. The offense has been inconsistent, but still there (5th in goals, 4th on the PP).

Despite all the criticism Luongo gets, and the season-long controversial tandem with Schneider, goaltending, this year, has been the least of the team’s problems. While Luongo has been named the starter in game 1 already, expect a short-leash, and expect Schneider to get some games in the playoffs this year. Coach Vigneault has shown tremendous confidence in his backup all year, and played him in some of the team’s biggest games, and we should expect the same in the playoffs. Schneider .938 save% was 2nd only to Brian Elliot's .940. Schneider currently has the best save percentage in the NHL over the past 2 years.

Past goaltending, the team’s defence is a bigger cause for concern. The team’s top-4 has remained solid all season, with Edler, Hamhuis, Bieksa and Salo. Even the man of glass, Salo, has managed to stay healthy for most of the year, sitting out for as many "maintenance days" as injuries this year. They are still deep past that, at least on paper, with Keith Ballard (expected to return for the playoffs), quickly improving rookie Chris Tanev, Aaron Rome and Andrew Alberts. The team also acquired Gragnani at the deadline to give them 9 bodies that can play NHL minutes.

While the group looks strong, talented and deep on paper, they have had a lot of defensive miscues this season. The group overall have allowed over 30 shots on goal against (bottom 10 in the league). And it seems every game – at least until recently – they have allowed a lot of odd-man rushes and quality scoring chances. The team did seem to get better defensively down the stretch (with a 8-1-1 record in their last 10 games), but there should still be concerns with their overall defensive coverage, especially if they face any top offensive teams.

Up front, they look deeper on paper than they were last season, and the additions of David Booth and Sami Pahlsson, gives them a couple of key guys to their top-6 and bottom-6 respectively. But this season has been an off-year for pretty much everyone in their forward core. With the exceptions of Burrows, Hansen, Higgins and Lapierre, the rest of the forwards have all seen big drops in scoring from their previous seasons and long scoring droughts through the year. That needs to change in the playoffs for the team to get far. And that starts with Ryan Kesler, who’s coming off just a 22 goal season after the 41 he put up last year. Kesler is key to the team’s offense as he carries the 2nd line, and is the most relied on forward to provide scoring past the Sedins.

The Sedins haven’t had their dominant offensive seasons like last year and have had their longest scoring drought since 2003, but have still provided decent scoring overall. Henrik finished with just 81 points this year, but was still the highest scoring player in the Western Conference. Marian Hossa was next with 77 points. The biggest concern though is with the health of Daniel Sedin, and whether he’d be ready for the playoffs. Without him the team may not make it past the 1st round. Reports out of Vancouver suggest he'll be ready for the 1st game, however national reports released by CBC last night seemed to indicate he won't be ready. Again, at this time of year, we'll never know the truth.

Unlike last season, the Canucks aren’t going into the playoffs firing on all cylinders. Scoring is down pretty much across the board; and unlike last year, they also aren’t going in fully healthy. The hope is that the experience they took from last year will balance that, while their goaltending, which has been huge for them all year, will continue to lead them. And every Canucks fan knows that resting your hopes on goaltending – especially Luongo – is a risky bet.

The Bottom Line:

The Canucks aren't as strong as they were last year, but do come in having the experience of last year's run. They also aren't healthy going into the playoffs, but if they can get their injured back, and manage to remain healthier than they finished the playoffs last year, they could still get far. They remain one of the deepest lineups in every position, and won't be lacking in motivation at all. They know that everyone outside Vancouver wants them to lose, and combined with the heartbreak from last year's playoffs, they should be plenty motivated to prove the rest of the league wrong.

The St. Louis Blues

Overview:
This is a team that believes in two-way play. The forwards are the best back-checkers in the league and the defense are excellent in the transition game. For comparison, Hitchcock's "system" is similar to Pittsburgh's when Crosby and Malkin are out: heavy fore-checking and a strong commitment to defense.
(Note: They do not trap)

Players to Look for:
- Pietrangelo is one of the best defensemen in the game and has played Norris caliber hockey this season.
- Backes and Oshie are the team's spirit. Physically dominant, defensively responsible, and offensively capable.
- Halak and Elliott were the best statistical goalie tandem the league has seen in a long time. They will win the Jennings Trophy with a record breaking 1.89 gaa.

Strengths:
- Forward Depth
- Commitment to Defense
- Size and Physicality
- Coaching

Weakness:
- Playoff Inexperience
- Lack of Top-end Offensive Talent

San Jose Sharks

Overview:
The Sharks play a variant of the Detroit puck-possession style with a focus on high shot-totals in the hopes of generating 2nd and 3rd chance goals. In fact, they lead the NHL in shot count, averaging approximately 35/game. Because each D-pairing features an offensive D-man, they like to join the rush and apply pressure deep in the zone to generate high quality offensive chances. The roster has size and skill, but not much speed. Thus, with younger teams, or teams that feature a lot of speed merchants, the Sharks have trouble keeping up.

Players to Look for:
- "Jumbo" Joe Thornton - one of the best passers in the League, his point total is down but he has stepped up his defensive effort and is one of the NHL's leaders in takeaways
- Joe "The Big" Pavelski - undersized but gifted with uncanny hockey IQ, the Sharks' most clutch player
- Logan Couture - the best 2-way player on the team, Logan is a sniper with soft hands and a tenacious backchecker

Strengths:
- defensive depth
- size and skill
- #4-ranked powerplay

Weaknesses:
- forward depth
- #28-ranked pk lol
- Niemi has looked shaky in net at times this season, but usually steps his game up in the playoffs

Lines
Marleau-Thornton-Pavelski
Clowe-Couture-Havlat
Winnik-Moore-Mitchell/Handzus
Galliardi-Desjardins-Wingels

Vlasic-Boyle
White-Burns
Demers-Braun

Niemi
Greiss

^ Hope you don't mind if I use your layout. Please and thanks. :)

:bruins

Overview:
The Bruins aim to wear teams down with physical play and a violent forecheck. Once the opposing team is worn down, two explosive offensive lines are let loose and if you don't have good depth, there's likely to be a lot of scoring. The top-lines and superstars are the first to be shut down by Chara, paired with Seidenberg if necessary. A strong 2nd defensive pairing shuts down the second line along with Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin, an excellent defensive line. The third and fourth lines increase physical play, and are good defensively. If you don't match the Bruins' physicality, the series is bound to be a tough one. With the best goal differential in the league and the league's top 5 +/- players, look for a defensive matchup. Your team will be worn down if they get by the Bruins.

Players to Look for:
The PMS line. (Marchand, Bergeron, Seguin) Marchand will get your team's blood pressure up, and while they're trying to brutally murder him, Seguin and Bergeron will do their thing. He'll also score when his team needs him to, definitely the most clutch. Bergeron is the favorite to win the Selke, and will forecheck the living **** out of you. He's also an elite playmaker and will make some nice passes, along with scoring at clutch times. Seguin is coming off of his first year with full ice time, and is coming into the playoffs in the same scenario. It'll be interesting to see what happens. Bit inconsistent through the year, but he can control the game's momentum when he's on.

David Krejci- The guy is underrated. He led the playoffs in scoring last year, and he's coming in hot. He'll absolutely burn you if you blink for more than a moment. As the whole team, he was inconsistent, but he's a beast when he's motivated. He likely will be.

Milan Lucic- He's going to be healthy. There's going to be blood. Bit inconsistent this year with the team, but his physical play is game-breaking.

Of course, Thomas and Chara need no explanation.

Strengths:
- Defensive depth
- Offensive depth
- Forecheck

Weaknesses:
- Power play
- Goaltending is shaky this year
- Inconsistent team

Nashville Predators is a young team that does not resemble teams in years past. Defensively sound still, this incarnation of the Predators sports plenty of offense. In years past special teams, or a lack thereof, has come back to bite Nashville, but this year the team heads into the play offs with the best power play in the league and the 10th best penalty kill. Alexander Radulov will continue to have a spotlight on him as everyone will be interested to see how he steps his game up. Look for some highlight reel saves from Rinne, heavy hitting, a patient approach to the game, and disciplined hockey.

If any Florida, Ottawa, or Waahington fans want to share their opinions I would be very interested because of the rarity of which we play them. All descriptions have been very enlightening so far.

^ Hope you don't mind if I use your layout. Please and thanks. :)

:bruins

Overview:
The Bruins aim to wear teams down with physical play and a violent forecheck. Once the opposing team is worn down, two explosive offensive lines are let loose and if you don't have good depth, there's likely to be a lot of scoring. The top-lines and superstars are the first to be shut down by Chara, paired with Seidenberg if necessary. A strong 2nd defensive pairing shuts down the second line along with Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin, an excellent defensive line. The third and fourth lines increase physical play, and are good defensively. If you don't match the Bruins' physicality, the series is bound to be a tough one. With the best goal differential in the league and the league's top 5 +/- players, look for a defensive matchup. Your team will be worn down if they get by the Bruins.

Players to Look for:
The PMS line. (Marchand, Bergeron, Seguin) Marchand will get your team's blood pressure up, and while they're trying to brutally murder him, Seguin and Bergeron will do their thing. He'll also score when his team needs him to, definitely the most clutch. Bergeron is the favorite to win the Selke, and will forecheck the living **** out of you. He's also an elite playmaker and will make some nice passes, along with scoring at clutch times. Seguin is coming off of his first year with full ice time, and is coming into the playoffs in the same scenario. It'll be interesting to see what happens. Bit inconsistent through the year, but he can control the game's momentum when he's on.

David Krejci- The guy is underrated. He led the playoffs in scoring last year, and he's coming in hot. He'll absolutely burn you if you blink for more than a moment. As the whole team, he was inconsistent, but he's a beast when he's motivated. He likely will be.

Milan Lucic- He's going to be healthy. There's going to be blood. Bit inconsistent this year with the team, but his physical play is game-breaking.

Of course, Thomas and Chara need no explanation.

Strengths:
- Defensive depth
- Offensive depth
- Forecheck

Weaknesses:
- Power play
- Goaltending is shaky this year
- Inconsistent team

I wouldn't consider goaltending to be a weaknesses. Just not as strong as it was last year. And offensive depth isn't as strong as it was last year either, but we'll still have the same game plan of rolling all our lines and grinding teams down, but we'll need to rely more on our top 6 for goals, especially Lucic, who didn't have a great postseason last year and Seguin.

Also, line combos should be as follows:

Lucic Krejci Peverley
Marchand Bergeron Seguin
Pouliot Kelly Rolston
Paille Campbell Thornton

Chara Seidenberg
Ference Boychuk
Zanon McQuaid

Thomas
Khudobin


Rask and Horton are the only key injured players expected to miss the beginning of the postseason. Rask will be the backup goalie when he gets healthy. Horton probably won't be back this year though.

McQuaid and Boychuk are banged up but should be ready to go.

Caron is the 13th forward. Corvo the 7th dman.

Weaknesses:
- forward depth
- #28-ranked pk lol
- Niemi has looked shaky in net at times this season, but usually steps his game up in the playoffs

I would actually say this is one of our strengths. Thornton, Pavelski, Marleau, Couture, Clowe, Havlat, Winnik, Wingels, Mitchell, Moore, Galiardi, Desjardins, Handzus, and Winchester. That's pretty damn good depth.

:rangers
Line up:
Hagelin-Richards-Gaborik
Anisimov-Stepan-Callahan
Dubinsky-Boyle-Fedotenko
Rupp-Mitchell-Prust

McDonagh-Girardi
Staal-Stralman
Del Zotto-Bickel

Overview:
The Rangers were picked to be 5-8th at the beginning of the year, but have waay exceeded mine or anyone else's expectations. The Rangers are a blue collared team that will grind out a win with hard work and strong play around the boards. They are a very physical team and I believe lead the league in hitting, and are up there in shot blocking and heart.

Player to look for:
Gaborik- sniper
Richards- off season signing that provides the Rangers with play making ability
Callahan- O Captain, my captain. terrific leader that leads by example
McDonagh- at 22 he is arguably our best defense man
Lundqvist- Kind Henrik, nothing much to say here.

Weakness:
The Power play is DREADFUL

Oh yeah. I guess I could have posted the line up

Likely forward corps for game 1:

S Kostitsyn Fisher Erat
A Kostitsyn Legwand Radulov
Bourque Spaling Hornqvist

The fourth line will be Gaustad centering any pair of wings out of Tootoo/Wilson/Smith/Yip/Halischuk

Weber Suter
Klein Josi
Gill Bouillon

Rinne

:pens


Pittsburgh Penguins

Season record: 51-25-6

Kunitz-Malkin-Neal
Sullivan-Crosby-Dupuis
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Asham-Vitale-Adams

Martin-Letang
Orpik-Michalek
Niskanen/Strait-Engelland

Fleury
Johnson


Overview:
Like always, the Penguins were expected to be in the top tier of teams in the league thanks, of course, to Uncle Gary. His grand conspiracy to help the Penguins ensures a playoff spot every year and most likely a long playoff run. Look for many powerplays given to the Penguins along with few penalties given to them. No one from the team will be suspended. Ever. Less importantly, however, is the fact that they actually have a few decent hockey players and a good coach. I guess having those helps you win a lot of hockey games, although some people are convinced otherwise.

Players to Look For:
-Sidney Crosby: The reason Bettman <3s the Penguins, an elite diver and whiner, he is the difference maker in any playoff series. He's also pretty good at hockey.
-Evgeni Malkin: A dirty and whiny player, look for Malkin to piss off everyone on whatever team he plays. Also has some skill. Like, more skill than anyone else in the league. Won Art Ross for most points.
-Kris Letang: Expert diver and complainer. But he's also a really good defenseman who can play against top lines and provide offense.

Strength: Using the conspiracy to their advantage. Oh, and they have 3 lines that can almost score at will.

Weakness: None really. Uncle Gary made sure of that. Seriously though, defense could be a problem in the playoffs.

I would actually say this is one of our strengths. Thornton, Pavelski, Marleau, Couture, Clowe, Havlat, Winnik, Wingels, Mitchell, Moore, Galiardi, Desjardins, Handzus, and Winchester. That's pretty damn good depth.

I'd say top 6 is pretty solid but it tails off from there. The additions of Winnik and Galliardi have helped, Moore's been somewhat disappointing, Mitchell as much as I love his hustle is not a legit 3rd liner. I agree the New and Improved 4th line is looking good, but if someone gets hurt, who can step in to replace?

Ferriero? Sheppard? Fraser McClaren? Some other scrub from the Worcester Shuttle?

I'd say top 6 is pretty solid but it tails off from there. The additions of Winnik and Galliardi have helped, Moore's been somewhat disappointing, Mitchell as much as I love his hustle is not a legit 3rd liner. I agree the New and Improved 4th line is looking good, but if someone gets hurt, who can step in to replace?

Ferriero? Sheppard? Fraser McClaren? Some other scrub from the Worcester Shuttle?

Ferriero has shown to come up big at times in the playoffs (see the OT goal against Detroit), so could quite possibly be better than the person he is replacing. Handzus and Winchester are plugs as it is, and with A. Murray and a wildcard Sheppard, we have plenty of forwards in reserve.

Ottawa:
41-31-10, 92 points. 8th in East. Playing the Rangers in round 1.

Michalek-Spezza-Greening
Foligno-Turris-Alfredsson
Condra-Smith-Neil
Daugavins-O'Brien-Butler

Karlsson-Kuba
Cowen-Gilroy
Gonchar-Philips

Anderson
Bishop

These lines are just general, the lines get changed up so much.

Power Play:
11th, at 18.2%.

Penalty Kill:
20th, at 81.6%.

Goals/Game:
4th, at 2.96

Goals Against/Game:
24th, at 2.88

Players to watch
Erik Karlsson:
19-59-78, 11th overall, 1st among defensemen (25 points higher than the next best defenseman) Leads all defensemen in takeaways.
Easily the number 1 offensive defenseman in the NHL and top 4 or 5 overall. He is the offensive cornerstone of the team, and he is scary with the puck. Can control the entire flow of the game when he is on. He is prone to the odd mistake, but he is so fast that he can rectify the mistake right away.
Jason Spezza:
34-50-84, 4th overall, 4th among centers (If counting Giroux as a center, but he usually is). 53.5% Faceoff percentage.
Big center who can play physically or dazzle with dangles. One of the few ppg players who've been playing since the lockout. Has some of the best hands in the NHL and is consistent as it gets. Now that his injuries are behind him (knock on wood), will return to being a force in the NHL.

Style
Obviously an offensive team-Only Boston, Pittsburgh and Philly scored more. Spezza was his regular high-scoring self. Got huge seasons from Michalek (35 goals, topped his previous best season by 9 goals, and was on pace for 50 before his concussion set him a little out of whack-still great season) and Alfredsson (27 goals and 32 assists is a lot more than we expected from the 39-year-old). The sens like to control the offense from the point, usually via Erik Karlsson, and use the huge shots of Spezza, who shot 103.8 mph at the Sens skills comp (100.5 at the All-star game) and Alfredsson's 101.3. A good portion of the goals came from the point and top of the circles. That is the main scoring method.

Strengths
-Scoring. Putting pucks in the net is not a problem, and with SEL MVP Silfverberg, WJC team Canada leading Scorer Mark Stone and 6th overall pick Mika Zibanejad coming up next year, it will get even better.

Ottawa Senators:

Jason Spezza
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/6273756.bin

+

Erik Karlsson
http://www.thehockeynews.com/imgs/dynamique/photos/original/cpt111005363_high.jpg

+

A bunch of scrubs
http://www.nyhockeyjournal.com/images/action/2011/JULY-BSens_Calder_Cup_a-0719.jpg

--

Seriously though, this team has been carried by Spezza, Karlsson (and to a lesser extent Anderson with contributions from Michalek and Afredsson). As they go, so goes the team.

I wrote a scouting report of the team after training camp, which I do annually, and it can be found here:
http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/showthread.php?t=996977

Some of the information is a bit dated, but it's really only missing Matt Gilroy (but who cares about him) and a few of the AHL guys that got called up later in the season and stuck. Too lazy to rewrite it though, so that thread is good enough if you're looking for information on a specific player.

As for style of play? Well, here's a brief overview (because I'm too tired to write in depth).

Offensive Zone Forecheck:
The Senators play very aggressively when on the forecheck, sending in two forwards deep to create turnovers. This allows one player to pressure the puck carrier while the other can hang around ready to pounce on a loose puck for a quick shot/scoring chance. However, the other three players sit quite deep in the neutral zone, which gives the other team space to get up the ice if they can elude the two forcheckers. Because there is such a big gap between the two sets of players, the opposing team often has an easy time of entering the offensive zone as the Senators will concede the blueline in favour of angling the puck carrier to the boards where they will attempt to squeeze them off before stealing the puck and heading the other way.

Neutral Zone Defense:
If the Senators are unable to start a forecheck (ie. dump-in and full scale line change at end of a shift), the Senators will fall back into a 1-2-2 neutral zone trap. They attempt to force the other team into dumping the puck in so that their puck moving oriented defense can gather the puck and start the breakout the other way. If they are unsuccessful in doing so, they will often concede the blueline in favour of angling the puck carrier to the boards where they will attempt to squeeze them off before stealing the puck and heading the other way.

Defensive Zone Coverage:
I actually don't have any idea what their defensive zone coverage system actually is. It is undoubtedly the weakest part of the Senators' game as when the other team manages to get an offensive cycle going, they can get scramble-ly in the defensive zone and eventually lead to a opposition player left wide open in the slot. The puck may or may not make it to this player, and Anderson may or may not may a save on the wide open look that player gets.

I think they try to force a battle along the boards for the puck and then outnumber the other team to steal the puck and start a quick breakout to attempt to create an odd-man rush. This is because a forward will sometimes fly the zone when the Senators look like they may get control of the puck along the boards. Sometimes this creates a partial breakaway, other times they don't manage to get the puck, and it turns into a mini 5-on-4 for the other team in the offensive zone, leading to the above mentioned guy wide open in the slot.

Offensive Breakout:
The Senators like to spread out the defense on their breakouts. They will attempt a very high number of cross ice passes, especially when starting the breakout. Often times, the first pass is a very risky pass into the slot to a player waiting there. This player (usually wears #65) will skate out of the zone if he's open, or try to hit a player flying the zone.
The Sens also attempt a lot of long stretch passes from deep within their own zone to a player flying a full speed at the opposition blueline. The player receiving the pass will either take the pass and try to get a partial breakaway or tip the pass into the zone to negate the icing call and start a forecheck.

Offensive Zone Set-up:
When cycling the puck, the Senators have two main options to create offense*:
1) Send the puck to the point. Look for screens, deflections and rebounds. (Re: Why the Senators defensive group is near (at?) the top of the league in points produced)
2) Send a shot at the net from a bad angle hoping for:
a) A bad goal given up by the goaltender
b) A rebound going to a friendly stick

*-Disclaimer, this does not include Jason Spezza because his ability to produce offensive chances out of nothing is impossible to describe

Detroit Red Wings:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZZI5YbegFdI/TT-vyDVDGPI/AAAAAAAAAE4/7U1hM2qG15M/s1600/fish-out-of-water.jpg

:sarcasm:

http://www.hockeyworldblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/nhl_fan_flow_chart.jpg
Hopefully this helps

Yeah there's no bias in any of these... lol

http://www.hockeyworldblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/nhl_fan_flow_chart.jpg
Hopefully this helps

LOL

Otherwise, great idea for a thread. Nice quick-browse guides :)

http://www.hockeyworldblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/nhl_fan_flow_chart.jpg
Hopefully this helps

This chart is terrible. The Sharks and Caps get the dead horse choker joke, while many teams in the presumably "playoff reliable" split have never won a Cup.

:pens


Pittsburgh Penguins

Season record: 51-25-6

Kunitz-Malkin-Neal
Sullivan-Crosby-Dupuis
Cooke-Staal-Kennedy
Asham-Vitale-Adams

Martin-Letang
Orpik-Michalek
Niskanen/Strait-Engelland

Fleury
Johnson


Overview:
Like always, the Penguins were expected to be in the top tier of teams in the league thanks, of course, to Uncle Gary. His grand conspiracy to help the Penguins ensures a playoff spot every year and most likely a long playoff run. Look for many powerplays given to the Penguins along with few penalties given to them. No one from the team will be suspended. Ever. Less importantly, however, is the fact that they actually have a few decent hockey players and a good coach. I guess having those helps you win a lot of hockey games, although some people are convinced otherwise.

Players to Look For:
-Sidney Crosby: The reason Bettman <3s the Penguins, an elite diver and whiner, he is the difference maker in any playoff series. He's also pretty good at hockey.
-Evgeni Malkin: A dirty and whiny player, look for Malkin to piss off everyone on whatever team he plays. Also has some skill. Like, more skill than anyone else in the league. Won Art Ross for most points.
-Kris Letang: Expert diver and complainer. But he's also a really good defenseman who can play against top lines and provide offense.

Strength: Using the conspiracy to their advantage. Oh, and they have 3 lines that can almost score at will.

Weakness: None really. Uncle Gary made sure of that. Seriously though, defense could be a problem in the playoffs.

Praise Uncle Gary. So said the father (Lemieux), the son (Crosby), and the holy zamboni (...the holy zamboni).

http://intenttoblow.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/st-louis-blues-logo.gif

49-22-11
(Home Record: 30-6-5) (Away Record: 19-16-6)

Goals for: 210 (22nd in the NHL)
Goals against: 155 (1st in the NHL) (New NHL record)

Powerplay: 16.7% (19th in the NHL)
Penalty Kill: 85.8% (7th in the NHL)
Faceoffs: 50.4% (14th in the NHL)

Most Goals: David Backes (24)
Most Assists: Alex Pietrangelo (39)
Most Points: David Backes (54) T.J. Oshie (54)
Best +/-: Alexander Steen (+24)

Goaltenders:
Jaroslav Halak: 46 GP | 26 W | 12 L | 7 OTL | 6 SO (5th in the NHL) | 1.97 GAA (Tied 4th in NHL) | .926 SV% (7th in the NHL)
Brian Elliott: 36 GP | 23 W| 12 L | 4 OTL | 9 SO (2nd in the NHL) | 1.56 GAA (1st in the NHL) | .940 SV% (1st in the NHL) (New NHL record)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lines

Perron - Backes - Oshie
McDonald - Berglund - Steen
Sobtoka - Arnott - Stewart
Reaves - Nichol - Langenbrunner

Huskins - Pietrangelo
Jackman - Shattenkirk
Russel - Polak

Halak
Elliott

(Extras Available) Schwartz, Colaiacovo, Cole, Crombeen, D'Agostini, and Porter

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Style of Play:
- Blues are a very aggressive and defensive team. They rely on two-way hockey with both heavy fore-checking and back-checking. Blues defense was one of the best this year allowing only 155 goals during the regular season breaking New Jersey's old record of 164 and allowing the fewest shots per game with 26.7. The Blues do not have a super-star, but work together as a team to wear down their opponents.

- Blues goaltending this year was statistically one of the best seasons a team has had. Brian Elliott set the record for highest save percentage at .940. The Blues look at Halak as a started but splits games evenly with Brian Elliott. Be prepared that if one falls, Hitchcock will have no hesitation to put the other in.

Strengths:
- Depth: The Blues are finally healthy after 160 games and are regarded as one of the best depth teams in the NHL.

- Goaltending: Both Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak have been putting up numbers that have not been seen in a long time, they have been hot all year and hope to continue into the playoffs.

- Defense: The Blues were one of the best defensive in the NHL this year, setting impressive records posted above.

- Penalty Kill: Towards the end of the season the Blues almost tied the record for most penalty kills in a row with 51. Being the defensive team the Blues are, their PK is one of the best in the league.


Weaknesses:
- Lack of Playoff Experience: While the Blues have a few players that have made some noise in the playoffs (Jackman, Arnott, Langenbrunner, Huskins, McDonald, Nichol, and Halak), the Blues are a very young team that have little to no playoff experience.

- No Elite Offensive Talent: The Blues do not have a consistent 30+ goal scorer, they rely on low scoring games with defensive play.

- Powerplay: The Blues have struggled this year with their powerplay starting at the bottom of the NHL on the first half of the season but started to rise after the All-Star break.

Players to Look for:

- Alex Pietrangelo: Playing in his 2nd NHL season, Pietrangelo has just been stellar this season. He takes control of the ice, looks calm,and poised. He can also put offensive numbers as well (51 P) as being a defensive powerhouse.

- Backes and Oshie are the most physical players on the ice for the Blues. They play a great two-way game and can also put up points.

- Perron and McDonald are the playmakers and point producers on the team. Both came back this year from serious concussions but didn't take a step back. Both finished the season great and were close to point per game producers. They are the guys you look for to slow the play down and generate the Blues offense.

- Halak and Elliott - As said above numerous times, they are hot. Both have been playing great this season and putting up unbelievable numbers. Halak is known for his 09-10 playoff run with the 8th seed Montreal Canadiens where he came back to win the series from a 3-1 deficit agaisnt the #1 Washington Capitals, then later on the play the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins and defeated them in seven games as well. Halak is also known for his stellar play in the 2010 Olympics with the Slovaks.

need more