Predicting The 09-10 Eastern Conference Standings
No, we aren’t going to begin with the seemingly-obligatory apologetic disclaimer. These are the official pre-season predictions and we stand by them.
***Please note: Pre-season predictions are among the most difficult prognostications for hockey media types. Should the following order not pan out in reality as displayed below, this article will be removed from our archives and subject to permanent deletion.
Please also consider that two seasons ago, when the Montreal Canadiens finished 1st in their conference, they were picked by major publications to finish 14th.
That’s right, 14th.
1. Philadelphia
Last year, the Flyers were one of the top squads in the East, but were upset by the powerhouse Pens. Since then, they’ve added punishing #1 defenseman Chris Pronger, who won a Cup in ‘07 with the Ducks. The forward unit is gritty, skillful, and extremely potent. The only question mark on this team seems to be goaltending, and so far, Ray Emery has been solid and free of controversy.
2. Washington
With the core trio of Ovechkin, Backstrom and Green a year better (not to mention Semin), and a Calder candidate in Simeon Varlamov, expect more of the usual dominance from the Caps, who will win their division by a mile, and score a boatload of goals in doing so. The additions of Knuble and Morrison give the Caps more of a North American edge, which will help them in playoffs when things get nasty.
3. Boston
With the removal of Phil Kessel from the roster, the B’s will undoubtedly lose some punch. However, their crop of talented forwards is three lines deep, and The Big Z continues to patrol the sound blueline. Sophomore Matt Hunwick will stand out offensively after leading rookie d-men in points last year, and Derek Morris (as a slight upgrade from Aaron Ward) will further balance out the D. They won’t be as good as a year earlier, but Boston will stay atop the East and move deeper into the playoffs this time around.
4. Pittsburgh
Last year the Pens’ playoff run was aided by fresh-blooded Chris Kunitz and Bill Guerin signing up at the deadline, not to mention Sergei Gonchar’s lengthy injury recovery allowing him to return fully rejuvenated. This year, the Pens have a stronger roster to start the season, but will be challenged to reproduce the energy of last year’s playoff run. However, with two of the game’s three greatest offensive players, and Jordan Staal poised to break out offensively, the Pens winning it all wouldn’t surprise anyone.
5. New Jersey
Year after year, the Devils are picked by some to fall from playoff contention, based either on offseason losses or an aging roster. New Jersey always makes the playoffs, and no matter what logic you can apply to their weaknesses, Lou’s crew finds a way to stay on top. Recognizing that the Devils’ top line will only get better, and they have a Hall-of-Famer in goal who only played 31 games last year, it would be foolish to predict the Devils falling below 5th place in the East.
6. Ottawa
Ottawa isn’t widely regarded as a playoff caliber team this year, but they have four distinct things going for them going into 09-10: 1) Strengthened goaltending, 2) An Olympic-motivated Jason Spezza, 3) Puck-movers incoming on the back end, and 4) Depth on their top-3 lines. Depth at forward is an issue the Sens have been hard-pressed to overcome, as the “Pizza” line was always the obvious target for opposing coaches. This team may have lost a 50-goal man, but they will flourish in Heatley’s absence and get back to the post-season.
7. Tampa Bay
People seem to shy away from this group based on last year’s failure to find cohesion, but this Tampa team is more talented and well-rounded than a year ago. Victor Hedman will have an able defense core to mature around, and Steven Stamkos will post 60+ points with St. Louis and Malone on his wings. Vinny Lecavalier will be one of the more prominent Canadian-born players with something to prove this year, so expect a major bounce-back year for him as well.
8. Toronto
Last year’s Leaf team had no trouble scoring goals, but couldn’t keep pucks out. The 08-09 squad featured the league’s worst penalty kill and save percentage. But with Gustavsson nipping at Toskala’s heels this year, and an improved defense core, The Leafs will eventually find themselves winning some 2-1 games. When Phil Kessel returns from injury in November, he will join a forward core that isn’t among the most talented in the league, but they will certainly be the fastest, with speedsters Blake, Stalberg, Grabovski and Kessel.
9. New York Rangers
The Rangers are better than the Leafs, but they will get slaughtered by the Penguins, Flyers this year, and probably the Devils. Marian Gaborik has looked explosive in Ranger blue, but with his health always in question, this team’s success will hinge on their oft-injured superstar. The top-9 forwards are talented, but not to game-breaking levels, and the same can be said about the top-6 defensemen. If the Rangers can play cohesively in front of Henrik Lundqvist, they will enjoy some very solid stretches.
10. Carolina
The Canes have a historic tendency to follow a strong year with a year of futility. This will be one of those down years, as the Paul Maurice honeymoon is over, and the aging forward core won’t be able to tough it out over another full year. Cam Ward is the real deal, and (overpaid) first-line centre Eric Staal is a horse, but Carolina will fall flat in 09-10.
11. Montreal
Whereas before the Markov injury we had Montreal finishing 9th, the loss of their best player takes them completely out of playoff contention. The Habs have an abysmal record when Andrei is out of the lineup, because he simply brings too much to their offensive, defensive, and special teams play for the loss to be manageable.
12. Atlanta
The Thrashers have some talent at all positions, but they are not strong up the middle, and their top-2 defensemen (Kubina and Hainsey) are second pairing defensemen on legitimate contenders. Goaltending is in question this year, again. Has the position ever felt solidified in Atlanta? The franchise has some promise, with Kane, Little and Bogosian, but their contributions won’t be enough to lift Ilya’s boys into the playoffs.
13. Buffalo
See a detailed explanation here, but when it comes down to it, the Sabres won’t get ‘O’ from the ‘D’, and will have to fight harder for victories in an improved Northeast Division.
14. Florida
When you lose 30-minute defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, while adding no significant pieces, you’re bound to take a step back. As much promise as this young team shows with the likes of Michael Frolik, Shawn Matthias, and David Booth, the Panthers will need another year out of the playoffs to develop and establish themselves as a contender in the Southeast.
15. New York Islanders
A top line of John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, and Matt Moulson will have to contend with superior talent in the powerhouse Atlantic Division. Aside from goaltending, which has been well taken care of by Garth Snow, this team has the thinnest forward core in the game, and a defense that features one offensive threat in Mark Streit, and a crop of off-the-glass-and-out defenders that include Andy Sutton, and the league’s worst plus/minus player of 08-09, Brendan Witt. The Isles will be a playoff contender in as little as two seasons, but much like Crosby’s Pens missed the playoffs in his rookie year, the Isles will do just that, and put themselves in a good position to draft Taylor Hall or Cam Fowler in June.
paris turf on Mon, 29th Nov 1999 6:00 pm
Super article it is definitely. We’ve been awaiting for this information.
Della Govostes on Mon, 29th Nov 1999 6:00 pm
The very heart of your writing while sounding reasonable at first, did not sit perfectly with me personally after some time. Somewhere throughout the paragraphs you actually were able to make me a believer but only for a while. I still have a problem with your jumps in logic and you would do well to fill in all those gaps. In the event you actually can accomplish that, I could surely end up being fascinated.
EE Davis on Tue, 6th Oct 2009 2:52 am
hey decent picks. i agree with the top 5, but I really don't see buffalo dropping as low as 13th in the eastern conference. The Sens aren't as god as you say, especialy losing heatley, even though the guy is a bum, he's stilla 50 goal player and san jose will thrive with him.
John Space on Tue, 6th Oct 2009 8:13 pm
Don't really like the picks here boys. The sens 5th?!? They just aren't that good and until pascal proves he's a number one, its impossible to say their goaltending has improved. Also Tampa like come on lets get real, no defense, question marks in goal and a whole lot of question marks up front (Ryan Malone is a joke). Also Toronto in 8th you guys are home town boys seeing blue, its time to wake up, that team is not that good and no one knows if the monster is going to be the savior, i think you need to take a page from your own coaches book and stop building monument to players that don't deserve them.
James Quall Jr. on Tue, 6th Oct 2009 9:30 pm
Yo SPACE, partially agree and partially disagree with your stance. The lightning are a risky pick but that team has skill everywhere thet just gotta put it togeher and as for Ottawa I think youor right i agree with you there, that team is unproven as they come.
temtem66 on Sat, 17th Oct 2009 5:29 pm
Toronto at 8? Try 13.
Alix Chudy on Wed, 24th Aug 2011 9:30 am
I have a blog on a custom domain and I only want my Family to be able to see it using a Password using Google’s Blogger!.
Elia Pilkenton on Thu, 25th Aug 2011 1:15 pm
How to transfer my blog from blogspot to paid hosting?
Jamar Mansmann on Sun, 28th Aug 2011 7:18 pm
The video card (often referred to as the GPU) is 1 far more significant element in any gaming rig, as it handles just about all with the graphics for your online games. A person with the difficulties with movie cards – specially the middle and low conclusion ones – is that they tend to turn out to be obsolete quicker than the other elements of a gaming computer system. Typically, obtaining a substantial stop video card when you are upgrading or constructing your gaming rig is vital as it gives you breathing location in advance of it truly is time to upgrade once more.
Web Design on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 5:31 am
Great article but honestly the sheer amount of Ads really make the user experience not as great as it could be.
Heike Frankovich on Fri, 9th Sep 2011 10:40 am
What would be a good college where I can major in creative writing?
estradiol side effects on Sun, 18th Sep 2011 6:52 am
Yes, being healthy may bring happiness. But happiness does not necessarily mean being healthy, especially in this age where health is often associated with the “ideal” body shape. Much fuss in the media about achieving the ideal body image does just that – we tend to focus too much in getting that perfect shape that we forget that people come in different shapes and sizes. There is actually nothing wrong with that. One can be healthy without having acquired that ‘perfect’ body shape.
renren876 on Mon, 19th Sep 2011 7:42 am
I saw something else with this on another blog. Youve obviously spent a while with this. Well done!
Andre Mailloux on Tue, 27th Sep 2011 6:19 am
Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.
vampire romance novels for adults on Fri, 30th Sep 2011 9:42 am
Hi there are using Wordpress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any html coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
our deal on Mon, 3rd Oct 2011 7:34 am
I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful information I was looking for this information for my mission.
hyip deposit on Mon, 3rd Oct 2011 12:03 pm
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read even more things about it!
Plumber Winnetka on Mon, 3rd Oct 2011 8:58 pm
Hi you can find employing Wordpress for your internet site platform? I’m new towards the weblog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own. Do you call for any html coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
gifts for a one year old boy on Wed, 5th Oct 2011 11:30 am
A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.
Mysore on Mon, 17th Oct 2011 3:35 pm
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
vloeren leggen on Tue, 18th Oct 2011 5:13 am
Unquestionably imagine that that you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be at the web the easiest factor to consider of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as people think about issues that they just do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined out the entire thing with no need side effect , other folks can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you!
Herbalife ervaringen on Wed, 19th Oct 2011 1:29 am
Thanks for helping out, fantastic information. “Considering how dangerous everything is, nothing is really very frightening.” by Gertrude Stein.
verhuisservice on Wed, 19th Oct 2011 2:01 pm
Keep it up, nice job! This was the information I needed to know.
verbouwen on Fri, 21st Oct 2011 8:24 am
oasys aluvia relates gear line agents extremes regenerating believing desirable noting
all the deals on Sat, 22nd Oct 2011 3:36 am
Awsome article and right to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thx
Herbalife shake on Sat, 22nd Oct 2011 8:28 pm
I was looking through some of your content on this internet site and I believe this site is really informative ! Keep on putting up.
website bovenaan google on Sun, 23rd Oct 2011 7:29 pm
Respect to author , some excellent information . “When you cease to dream you cease to live.” by Malcolm Stevenson Forbes.
coupons on Sun, 23rd Oct 2011 11:50 pm
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.
group buying on Mon, 24th Oct 2011 7:43 am
You could certainly see your skills in the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.
dating online news on Tue, 25th Oct 2011 4:03 pm
I don’t normally comment but I gotta state thanks for the post on this great one : D.
lumia 800 on Wed, 26th Oct 2011 10:34 am
I totally enjoy your blog and locate a great deal of your post’s to be exactly I’m searching for. can you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write in relation to here. Once more, awesome weblog!
free ipod music on Wed, 26th Oct 2011 4:56 pm
I’ve been surfing on-line greater than three hours today, yet I never discovered any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty price enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content material as you probably did, the net shall be much more useful than ever before.
LOW INCOME HOUSING NJ on Fri, 28th Oct 2011 9:07 pm
I was examining some of your posts on this website and I conceive this web site is real informative ! Keep putting up.
free miami ink tattoo designs on Sun, 30th Oct 2011 7:36 pm
Wonderful site. Plenty of useful information here. I’m sending it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your sweat!
Russel Carcana on Mon, 31st Oct 2011 6:00 pm
Dead pent subject material, Really enjoyed studying.
Erik Scivally on Fri, 11th Nov 2011 3:30 pm
Very well so what can I believe that whilst I do not agree completely together with your position, you do create a excellent level.
klusbedrijf drenthe on Sat, 12th Nov 2011 12:57 pm
Hey, you used to write magnificent, but the last few posts have been kinda boring… I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!”The smaller the understanding of the situation, the more pretentious the form of expression.” by John Romano.
camerainstallatie on Sun, 13th Nov 2011 2:33 pm
I gotta favorite this internet site it seems invaluable very useful
cairns charters on Mon, 14th Nov 2011 10:44 am
There are certainly a whole lot of details like that to take into consideration. That could be a great level to bring up. I provide the ideas above as general inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you deliver up where a very powerful thing will likely be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around things like that, but I’m positive that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Both boys and girls really feel the influence of only a moment’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
bruidswerk on Wed, 16th Nov 2011 4:47 pm
I like this weblog very much so much good info . “It’s a poor sort of memory that only works backward.” by Lewis Carroll.
herbalife on Thu, 17th Nov 2011 11:38 pm
But a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw great layout. “Forget regret, or life is yours to miss.” by Jonathan Larson.
Francoise Ockman on Tue, 22nd Nov 2011 8:41 am
Howdy! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Appreciate it!
weathervane store on Thu, 24th Nov 2011 10:41 pm
Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Bernetta Dasouza on Sun, 27th Nov 2011 10:08 pm
Heya this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
banner weathervane on Tue, 29th Nov 2011 4:54 am
My developer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform. I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it? Any help would be really appreciated!
klusjesman brabant on Tue, 29th Nov 2011 5:45 pm
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again! “One never goes so far as when one doesn’t know where one is going.” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
backlinks backlinks on Thu, 8th Dec 2011 4:25 am
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Ressie Marak on Thu, 22nd Dec 2011 11:11 pm
Fantastic feature, I actually had a good time glossing over it, keep doing all the good thoughts.
Mervin Chowhan on Fri, 23rd Dec 2011 6:55 pm
Appreciation for using this probability to speak about this, Personally i think strongly about this and i also enjoy understading about this subject. If you can, as you gain facts, make sure you complement this website together with brand new info. We are finding this really useful.
Jewell Rasnake on Sat, 24th Dec 2011 12:48 am
Cool publish ! Appreciate your, posting in my weblog gentleman! I am going to information an individual time. I didnrrrt understand in which.
Harrison Carmany on Sat, 24th Dec 2011 6:17 am
Cool publish ! Many thanks, submitting on my small web site man! I am going to information a person some time. Some appreciate that.
Jeramy Canestraro on Sat, 24th Dec 2011 1:27 pm
Your web site may be mentioned inside my community forum like a advised reading through. I’m pleased My partner and i went by to determine that.
Mervin Helgerman on Sun, 25th Dec 2011 7:16 am
Hi – I must say, I’m impressed together with your site. I needed no trouble directing through all of the navigation bars and knowledge has been easy to reach. I discovered the things i desired quickly in any way. Pretty amazing. Would certainly be thankful when you add community forums or something that is, it might be an ideal method for your customers to activate. Congratulations are in order!
Eva Trebil on Sun, 25th Dec 2011 11:51 am
I have been examinating out a few of your articles and it’s nice stuff. I will make sure to bookmark your blog.
Forest Rosete on Mon, 26th Dec 2011 1:02 am
Your internet site continues to be pointed out within my discussion board being a advised reading. I’m happy I went by to view it.
Dotty Zilk on Mon, 26th Dec 2011 11:23 pm
This publish had been really nicely created, and in addition it contains several beneficial information. My partner and i loved the expert way of writing this kind of submit. You get that quite simple will comprehend.
Irwin Cordas on Thu, 29th Dec 2011 9:46 am
An attention-grabbing dialogue is worth comment. I feel that you should write more on this matter, it might not be a taboo topic but generally individuals are not sufficient to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Boyd Vuillemot on Thu, 29th Dec 2011 9:16 pm
Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thanks Nevertheless I’m experiencing concern with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss downside? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
Sabina Elisondo on Fri, 30th Dec 2011 8:11 am
Thank you for taking this opportunity to talk about this, I am highly about this particular and i also take pleasure in understading about this topic. When possible, since you acquire facts, please add to this blog together with new information. I have realized this very beneficial.
Rhea Varnon on Fri, 30th Dec 2011 12:42 pm
When you could concept myself along with virtually any tips regarding how you’ve made this blog website seem this particular good, I would have fun here.
Raul H on Fri, 30th Dec 2011 6:24 pm
Keep up the great work.Thanks for posting this informative article.
Lakita Ancy on Sat, 31st Dec 2011 1:31 pm
Usually I don’t submit on blogs, even so would want to claim that this post actually forced me personally to take action. Very nice post!
auslogics boostspeed license code on Sat, 31st Dec 2011 5:05 pm
I value you taking the time to write this post. It has long been very useful to me certainly. Appreciate it.
my url on Tue, 10th Jan 2012 7:49 am
K873YTQX K873YTQX K873YTQX 456197 K873YTQX
Allegro on Wed, 18th Jan 2012 4:56 am
Wow, fastidious YouTube video on the topic of how to install virtual directory, I totally got it. Thanks keep it up.
Bubble Spinner - Bubble Shooter - Play Bubble Shooter Games on Mon, 23rd Jan 2012 11:16 am
Wonderful write-up, I will bookmark Predicting The 09-10 Eastern Conference Standings | HOCKEYCENTRIC.
Jesse Kissack on Sun, 29th Jan 2012 10:36 pm
Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My website addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!
Gordon Aminov on Sat, 4th Feb 2012 5:46 pm
Outstanding post, I conceive people should learn a lot from this site its real user genial. So much superb info on here
.