If i left your pick off the list it's beacuse they suck.

PS- kind of a big poll but i want to know what the few hockey fans here think.

 

I picked the kings, because I'm a homer.

In all reality, I have no clue. There was so much movement this year, and so many rule changes, that I am just gonna have to wait and see.

 

You put the Kings and Oilers on there but left off the Devils? OK, I realize its a different team this year, but nobody beats Brodeur!

 

Go Pens!!!

this year is going to be awesome because players are actually going to be playing like they have a chance to win every game :w00t:

 

I left the devils off because other than Brodeur they have pretty much nothing. They lost Niedermayer who is arguably the best defenceman in the league or possible even the best player period. They also lost a hall of famer, Scott Stevens. Basically, with all the rule changes theres noo room for the devils stifling, boring hiney neutral-zone trap anymore, which in my opinion means theyre screwed, but i guess we'll see next june though.

And the oilers are gonna be a team to watch out for this year after pickin up pronger and peca.

18 DAYS TILL REAL HOCKEY :headbang:

 

In my mind, there are a few teams that can contend. I'll go out on a limb and say this could be the first all-canadian stanley cup finals since 1989.... My picks are the Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames.

Ottawa has been a VERY strong team in the last few years and has just gotten stronger. If Dominik Hasek plays up to his regular potential this year the team is guaranteed to go deep in the playoffs. They have a new coach in Bryan Murray who hopefully will let this fast team open things up. They also have an explosive player in Dany Heatley. The achilles heel for this team has always been goaltending, so if Hasek can stay healthy watch out. (I am a leafs fan by the way)

The other contender I see is Calgary. They were oh so close to the cup last year and their team has gotten nothing but better. They added tony amonte and Darren McCarty as major pieces and they kept Iginla in town. This team is hard hitting and nasty. As long as Kiprusoff isn't a one-year-wonder goalie, I could see them doing another deep playoff run. The battle of Alberta will be a great spectacle this year.

Dark Horses
Toronto - Very strong lineup down the middle as long as Lindros and Allison can play for most of the season. If this team find some chemistry and Belfour can play like a young man, they could surprise.

Pittsburgh - They added a lot of big name talent, its just a matter of if the team can Gel and stay healthy. LeClair and Lemieux have had injuries over the last few years and if they can stay healthy, they could tear it up. Who knows if the rest of the lineup can rise to the level of the new faces on the team as well.

 

I think the Pens have the ability to win it. But actually doing it is a different story. But I still picked them. A guy can dream.

 

Blackhawks . . .yes I live in a fantasy world!

 

Yes. Yes we can

 

Go Pens!

How much will be nationally broadcast though? I live in N VA so I may see two games on tv b4 the playoffs. If the Pens play the Capitals though, you can always get a ticket to the game because DC and hockey do not mix. I hear the caps are building an arena in VA for next year. It may help, but I do not think so.

 

Get 'Center Ice' on your cable or satelite and you will be able to see almost all of their games.

 

The Sens are gonna be smokin this year. I still can't believe they managed to steal Heatley from the Thrashers. Hossa was quite the sniper, but all in all he just can't compare to Heatley.

Does anyone know if bonuses count towards the cap? I'm pretty sure they do but i haven't heard anything about it.

 

Freebass55

I already have the NFL package. $200 for that. My wife would scream if I had another sports package on the dish.

 

I went with the Wings because they are the hometown team and this is Hockeytown USA. But with the rule changes and rosters & coaches shakeups, it's really wide open for anyone to take.

 

I know, but I am trying to not get TOO excited.

 

Since Milwaukee don't have hockey team in NHL I don't really have favorite team in NHL. I like to watch AHL (American Hockey League), Milwaukee Admirals are one of best teams there.

 

Man am I ever pissed about that. The wings were my favorite team since i was 7 years old but they seem to have aquired "NY Ranger Syndrome" in the last couple years before the lockout. Now they're trying to maintain a good lineup and stay under cap, it's like Donald Trump counting pennies, it ain't gonna happen.

 

I see myself taking a day off sometimes this spring.....of course celebrating our 25TH Stanley cup parade on Ste-Catherine street....
GO HABS GO.....

 

Priorities, Mark...

wife screaming vs. all the NHL hockey you could ever want

You could always turn the volume up on the TV so you can't hear her screaming at you.

 

And then if she takes off you'll finally have to time to watch all the hockey you want.