Jopule Harrfis
01-15-2007, 12:48 PM
I apologize if this has already been covered, but as I watch the Bruins and Sabres in a nice back-and-forth battle on this holiday Monday, I can't help but thinking that the Northeast is likely the best divison in the Eastern Conference.
Northeast: 4 teams in tight competition, and 1 team who despite less talent and a ton of injuries, can win games 10-2 at a moment's notice.
Southeast: Both Atlanta and Carolina have been strong most of the year, and Tampa's stars make them potent every night. Even Florida have been strong of late.
Atlantic: Here, only the Devils really count as a formidable force right now. The Rangers and Isles have been inconsistent, and IMO will be passed by the Penguins before the year is out. And the Flyers, well... nuff said.
What about the West?
Pacific: San Jose and Anaheim are among the elite in the West, and Dallas are just below them. And Gretz has things turned around in Phoenix. On a side note, I wonder if one of the tasks for "The Apprentice: Los Angeles" will be to play goal for the L.A. Kings? :sarcasm:
Northwest: What can you say about 5 teams this close to each other. Frankly, I'm surprised the Avalanche have stayed as close as they have. Also, this year shows us 2 teams relying 100% on their goalies in the Flames and the Canucks. Wonder if they make Cup runs...
Central: Nashville, the best team in the NHL right now IMHO, and Detroit are always forces, and the rest of the division have new coaches, new excitement, and you'll never know what you're going to get when you face them.
Thoughts?
Northeast: 4 teams in tight competition, and 1 team who despite less talent and a ton of injuries, can win games 10-2 at a moment's notice.
Southeast: Both Atlanta and Carolina have been strong most of the year, and Tampa's stars make them potent every night. Even Florida have been strong of late.
Atlantic: Here, only the Devils really count as a formidable force right now. The Rangers and Isles have been inconsistent, and IMO will be passed by the Penguins before the year is out. And the Flyers, well... nuff said.
What about the West?
Pacific: San Jose and Anaheim are among the elite in the West, and Dallas are just below them. And Gretz has things turned around in Phoenix. On a side note, I wonder if one of the tasks for "The Apprentice: Los Angeles" will be to play goal for the L.A. Kings? :sarcasm:
Northwest: What can you say about 5 teams this close to each other. Frankly, I'm surprised the Avalanche have stayed as close as they have. Also, this year shows us 2 teams relying 100% on their goalies in the Flames and the Canucks. Wonder if they make Cup runs...
Central: Nashville, the best team in the NHL right now IMHO, and Detroit are always forces, and the rest of the division have new coaches, new excitement, and you'll never know what you're going to get when you face them.
Thoughts?