I don't think it would be nearly as cut and dry as you make it our to be. LA could definitely challenge the Canucks. They've been a different team with Carter and using Voynov full time. Heck, Quick alone could steal the series.
But don't worry, I think LA wins the division so you probably won't play them in the 1st round. You match up much better against SJ, imo.
I think the West is pretty wide open. I would not be shocked if any one of LA, St. Louis, Detroit, Chicago, even Nashville (Radulov + the Kosistyns have increased their offensive creativity a lot) took out Vancouver.
If healthy I think Pittsburgh is better than anyone else, but Boston is not far as they basically added a more mature Seguin to a group that already won the Cup last year.
I think the West is pretty wide open. I would not be shocked if any one of LA, St. Louis, Detroit, Chicago, even Nashville (Radulov + the Kostitsyns have increased their offensive creativity a lot) took out Vancouver.
If healthy I think Pittsburgh is better than anyone else, but Boston is not far as they basically added a more mature Seguin to a group that already won the Cup last year.
I wouldn't be surprised if they won the cup this year. They were a powerhouse last year, now they've added a PPG player and a 25 goal powerforward. I think we probably will have a Nashville/Vancouver conference final
Here is a reason I think the Kings can give the Canucks trouble.
Jeff Carter was acquired in February 23rd by Deano. Since that time they have played 19 games to date. In those 19 games, they have scored 56 goals. That's a 2.95 GF/G average during that span. To put it in context, if they did that over the course of the season, they'd be 5th in the NHL for GF/G.
While everyone knows their defensive ability, it seems that Jeff Carter was the missing link to get that offense going.
Over the last 19 games, they've been a top-5 offense and defensive team.
Remember, this was a team pre-Carter that was scoring at a 1.01 GF/G average, now they are at a 2.36 GF/G.
While people scoff at their scoring, post TDD they've been a completely different team.
__________________ <-- Credit goes to The Nemesis.
Vancouver Canucks fan here (Ice Pak holder to boot)... Don't mind the Jets avatar, as their return thrust them to my second favourite team as I grew up in the Peg.
For the past three years, I have kept my Oilers tickets to go the games - I split with a buddy - because Edmonton has such a young and exciting team. Its a toss up between the Oilers and Senators as to who is my third favourite team (it won't ever be a US based squad), even though that third place spot is significantly lower than the top two. I am indifferent about the Habs, but just detest the Flamers and Stinkin Leafies.
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Alright, that out of the way... this thread is solid. No better way to spend your offseason than ragging on your in-division rivals. I can't say I agree with all the sentiments, but its tough to overlook the typical fan-bias I have for my Nucks.
I just don't understand the hate for the team, beyond the shenanigans that Burrows pulls and maybe the yappiness of Lapierre. Malhotra, Salo, Higgins, the Sedins, Schneider, Edler and some others are just class acts on and off the ice.
Yea, I understand the feelings people have toward the twins, but its mostly uncalled for. They get called divers, but when you watch them as much as I have, you notice that they take a beating in the corners when they are cycling and rarely ever use that diving tactic. As for whining, these guys are telling the truth - something that has been agreed upon by fanbases across the NHL - that the reffing is beyond inconsistent and downright brutal.
Luongo - dayum... I have no idea where to go on this guy. I guess I should state that I own a Luongo jersey, but always wear my Henrik or old-school Linden jersey to the games now. Do I trust him; not as much as I should of our starting goalie... But to say that he was the reason we lost the SCF last year is naive. 8 goals in 7 games while winning three (1-0, 1-0, 2-1) is not enough offense for ANY goalie. The way he lost those other games, hmmm - yea, less than desirable.
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One last thing - the rioting was the most disgusting display I have ever witnessed. I hope those non-fans all get significant fines/jail time they deserve.
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Have fun with this thread and please do NOT win the 1st overall pick again... Your team is already too good (in a couple of seasons)!!
Great post. As an Oiler fan who lives in Victoria, I too watch every Canucks game. I am not a fan, just appreciate watching a good team and games that mean something.
I cant stand Burrows and I think the team cannot win with the likes of the Sedins being the go to guys. Just dont have the jam. This also is make or break time for Loo and I would not be surprised to see him traded this summer and from most fans I know, they want this. . But I do not see all of this diving stuff the Oiler fans speak of. No worse than other teams and not even close to those two rats in Pittsburgh.
Last edited by Eddy Oiler*: 04-06-2012 at 12:49 PM.
with baby jesus in the net
<-- Credit goes to The Nemesis.
