It's really no contest. Roszival is out of a job and Aucoin will probably be a mid-season retirement. He's done, and I can't believe Columbus' pro-scouts don't know it.
__________________ “It’s embarrassing. I’m embarrassed to be here right now. It’s not even funny. And it’s just embarrassing, the way we, you know, the energy we have in the room and the way we approach practices and the way we approach this game. It’s not how you’re going to win any games in this league." - Jean-Sebastien Giguere, April 8 2013
poll only reflects what this season will start with vs last season. Knowing Maloney and what he has done the last few seasons, this roster will improve more.
I'm a bit suprised that the poll leans so heavily toward B but the Coyotes are generally so downgraded in pre-season standings projections. Can anyone who voted B but still expects Phoenix to draft in the top ten explain their stance?
Team B - I must vote against any group of players that includes Patrick O'Sullivan!
Haha. Gee, that inclusion is really swaying opinion. Perhaps, I should've put Cal O'Reilly in his place. I only went with POS because he is more relevant to the first 48 of last season.
I'm a bit suprised that the poll leans so heavily toward B but the Coyotes are generally so downgraded in pre-season standings projections. Can anyone who voted B but still expects Phoenix to draft in the top ten explain their stance?
The fact that on paper, they're a pretty terrible team but Tippett is one of the best coaches when it comes to regular season success. That's just how it works here. I think they'll be right around the same place they were last year, personally.
I'm a bit suprised that the poll leans so heavily toward B but the Coyotes are generally so downgraded in pre-season standings projections. Can anyone who voted B but still expects Phoenix to draft in the top ten explain their stance?
Disbelief in Mike Smith. He was well regarded in Dallas early in his career, then was terrible in Tampa. He certainly isn't a Tampa bad goalie but myself and a lot of others I would imagine aren't quite sure he will repeat last year's spectacular performance. And Whitney is a huge loss for a team without much high end offensive talent. Tippett is a great coach and if anyone can do it again he can but I just don't see that much talent in the desert to repeat their performance in a very tough Western Conference.
There's a sizable difference between Sullivan and Whitney. Especially at ES. But Phoenix's strength is their defense and goaltending. Their D only got stronger, so as long as Smith wasn't a one hit wonder, they're a playoff team.
1st group had a PPG lead .41 to .38 which only equals a 12 point advantage if each player plays 82 games.
I would still take the 2nd group because of the D and I think Vermette, Lombardi & Rundblad score more this year than last, giving the 2nd group more points than the 1st this year.
I also think this list should include 2013 Boedker vs 2012 Boedker. I think he is ready to break out. He and Korpikoski (only 11 games) just led all NHL forwards in PPG that played in Finland during the lockout.
I think it is probably a career year (to this point) for Boedker and possible for Korpikoski. They are 23 and 26 years old respectively. Most of the team is young and at an age where they should be improving. Only Doan and Sullivan are over 31 for forwards. Only Morris is over 30 for defensemen.
I would say the reasons Phoenix is lower in preseason rankings are the loss of Whitney, no number 1 center again, and questions if Smith can repeat his performance.
