So outside of being a rational Leaf fan, I also enjoy hockey. Looking for a team to pick up and watch this season, was wonderin if the education hockey fans of HFboards could gimmie some ideas of who to watch and why? c:
Islanders. Young team with loads of potential starting to come out the rebuild. Loads of fun to watch, and they are a top-4 Dman and a goalie away from the playoffs.
Personally I'm going to be watching the Sedins to see if they learned from the Finals. If they play a better 2 way game & if they try to bring physicality in their game.
I'd follow the return of Winnipeg if I had to pick one. For a team potentially breaking out, St Louis. For a team with a lot of next generation stars, Edmonton or Ottawa.
Kings are starting to regain popularity in Los Angeles. I've noticed a large increase in the number of people wearing Kings attire not only at my school but everywhere. The Kings have a mix of proven veterans (Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Dustin Brown) and rising stars (Drew Doughty, Kyle Clifford, Jonathan Quick, and a plethora of prospects looking to make a name for themselves). The Kings should be very good this year and will likely challenge the Sharks for both the Pacific Division title and possibly even first in the Western Conference.
Zach Parise and the teams trying to pluck him at the TDL
A trade will be in the works if you ever hear him say "I want to stay a NJ Devil" as it's an obvious lie that comes out of the mouth of every impending UFA.
I'm really interested in seeing what St. Louis does this year (the team, not the player. The player is always good). They have a lot of nice pieces there right now. Berglund further developing and a healthy Oshie. Should be a fun team to watch. Hopefully Perron is able to make a comeback too.
Also am quite interested to see how the teams involved in the major Philly trades do; CBJ, LAK, PHI.
Last edited by TheUnseenHand: 09-11-2011 at 11:49 PM.
From the Canucks, besides the obvious being Cody Hodgson. But I'd also keep an eye on Raymond once he's back from injury. Pivotal year from him, and whether he has a future with this organization. He's at that age to take a significant step and with the added depth fighting for his spot, it should be good motivation for him.
Some other players around the league:
Backlund in Calgary;
Whitney in Edmonton;
Erik Johnson in Colorado;
Jagr in Philly;
Havlat in SJ;
Byfuglien in Winnipeg;
Vokoun is Wash;
Mason in CBJ.
Philadelphia for their major roster shake up, and Jagr.
Winnipeg because...Well, the teams in 'Peg now.
Canucks to see if they can do as well as last year with a short offseason and injured roster to begin the season.
Penguins to see how good they do with a likely 100% Malkin, and possibly no Crosby.
NYR to see how well they do adding Richards.
for some reason i've been fascinated with CBJ for awhile, even before they drafted Johansen. I feel like they are one of those teams on the cusp of being something better. Carter needs to produce and Brassard really needs to bring it but they've got a young core and some players that are very intriguing as they develop.
