Whos Going up, whos going down?

Question

i know anything can happen in a hockey season, i mean who expected montreal to finish first in his conference? but from the transaction made during off season and by their last seasons performance, tell me which team you think are going to surprise us in the final ranking and which team are going to disappoint their fans..

My self i believe Montreal wont have a hard time keeping their #1 spot with Tangay, and Laraque joining the team..

Chicago missed the playoff this year but with campbell and huet to help in defense and with the young forwards gaining experience i have no doubt that they can make it to the playoff with at least 95 points

i believe the Rangers will have a less then normal season they lost Jagr and i don't think Naslund quite fits in this team they might even miss the playoff this year

Answer 1

Montreal propbably won't have as great a season as they did last year.  It's going to depend on how far Price can carry them, and whether Kovalev decides he wants to play hockey again.

Chicago should make the playoffs this year, they have all components, now it's just a matter of putting them together.

New York won't be as good as last season, but they still do have one of the best goalies in the league.  And both Drury and Gomez didn't live up to their full potential last season- if they do this season it would be great for New York.

Tampa Bay won't be bottom-feeders again this year.  It's Stammer time in Florida, and they also signed a bunch of firepower to go with him.  They had better score eight goals a night though, because they have no defence or goaltending.

I don't think New Jersey is going to be as much of a threat as last season.  Brodeur never has enough left in the tank for late season/post season.

Colorado's going down- signing Tucker and Raycroft seals that deal.

Buffalo, Carolina and Columbus all have outside, yet legitimate, chances at making the post season.

And it's going to be bad for Atlanta, Florida, Los Angeles and Toronto.  The only thing they'll be battling for is the first overall draft pick.

Answer 2

I think the Flyers can win the East.  Followed by Pittsburgh and Montreal.  

The Blackhawks can be dangerous next year.  The Capitals will have the playoff experience and could go further.

Answer 3

The Sens should be better. I doubt my Leafs will have disillusions about making the playoffs by the time the trade deadline draws near. They'll be considerably worse than last year without Sundin, Tucker and McCabe even though they did upgrade the coach. Should be the front runners in the Tavares sweepstakes.

Tampa should see the biggest jump in the east this year, maybe enough to finish first in their division.

The west seems to be more stable with little change over last year's finishing order. Edmonton and St Louis might be the exceptions with modest improvements.

Answer 4

I agree with the Habs being good again.I also agree with Chicago being solid.I think Los Angeles will be better too.

I think CBJ will be better,but in the Central of the Western division its tough.

The Rangers have Zherdev,but lost 2 d-man for him.That will be interesting.I hope Z does well for the Rangers.And Fritsche too,He works hard all the time.

NY has built in pressure just because of the market size.

I think Vancouver is in need of help.