N H L 2002-2003
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division
Philadelphia Flyers They're finally playing like they should be. I don't think Hackett can Hack-it though. New Jersey Devils Dismal home record, but Brodeur, the best goalkeeper in the league, keeps them in every game. New York Islanders Better start getting some production from Peca or you can be sure he'll be gone by the new year. New York Rangers I fuckin hate Eric Lindros...but there's no denying the man has talent. Now that Richter retired, the Rangers at least have a chance. Pittsburgh Penguins I know they're the poster-boy for low-budget, but the Pens could be a playoff team if the rookies keep over achieving.
Northeast Division
Boston Bruins I'm real glad to see one of the old original teams doing so well. Their young talent will keep them competitive for a long time. Buffalo Sabres Like the Pens, though not quite as bad, this is another low budget team that could be playoff bound. Montreal Canadians It's unfortunate, but we all know this relative success won't last. Theodore will disappoint...again. Ottawa Senators They better get better because I want them again in the playoffs. We have some unfinished business with Ottawa and a score to settle. Toronto Maple Leafs It may be time for Pat Quinn to call it quits. He's given up the GM duties, but is that enough?
Southeast Division
Tampa Bay Lightning All the seasons in the basement are finally paying dividends. LeCavalier has developed into a great leader, Andreychuk is playing like a stud, and the supporting cast is solid. Atlanta Thrashers Even after the tragedy this off-season, this team has come through and played hard. This is the year they make the playoffs. Florida Panthers Look for Florida to hit rock bottom before the new year. They have good young talent, but a coach like Keenan and his win now attitude simply will not work on a team that still needs to develop. Carolina Hurricanes This team has some good talent but lacks the physical leadership and the big play-maker to take it to the next level. Maybe they should think about going after Cujo...believe me, Kevin Weekes is no starting goalkeeper. Washington Capitals Washinton is old and overrated. Jagr will be dealt as soon as there is a taker.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Pacific Division
Dallas Stars This is a great team that always has the potential to go far. Early in the season, they're the class of the conference. Look for it to stay that way as Anaheim was just a fluke last year. Mighty Ducks of Anaheim I think its fairly obvious that last year was just a fluke. Giguere is talented, no doubt, but without a quality defense corps, he'll be shelled twice a week. Phoenix Coyotes Phoenix lacks veteran leadership. Sean burke is a capable goaltender, but look for him to be an option for playoff teams as the season draws to an end because Phoenix won't be playing past April. Los Angeles Kings The recent fiasco with Zigmund Palffy, their team leader and top scorer, has affected the team's play. How goes Ziggy, so go the Kings. San Jose Sharks How did a team with such potential go from hero to zero in the span of one year? I used to think the Sharks were going to be a force in the league for the next few years, now they're just another weak Western team.
Northwest Division
Vancouver Canucks Vancouver has always been a team to be reckoned with in the regular season, especially early on. Like every year though, they will fade once playoff time rolls around. Cloutier has evolved into quite a netminder (another fantastic deal via the Rangers)...too bad he has a less than mediocre defense on his side of the blue line. Colorado Avalanche Talk about disappointment! This may be the most talented team in the NHL (on paper). Now everyone can see the importance of having a future hall of fame goaltender on your team. Calgary Flames Yeah, Calgary = Jarome Iginla. They need some more star power and a netminder that can stop things smaller then the size of a paper plate. Minnesota Wild THANK GOD THEY FINALLY SIGNED GABORIK! Granted, he probably got more money then he deserves, but playing like he did last season will make it all worth it. Edmonton Oilers Offense wins games, defense wins championships. This team has neither. After a slew of poor deadline decisions and a virtually non-existant farm system...dare I say that hockey may have no future in Edmonton...
Central Division
St. Louis Blues They're finally performing at a level to compete with Detroit. I mean, let's face it...St. Louis or Detroit are going to take this very weak division. Detroit Red Wings Who ever thought that there would be a goalie contraversey in Detroit? Cujo should just leave, especially after the way he was treated. He would be much more appreciated in a place like...Colorado. Chicago Blackhawks I would really love to see this team succeed. They have a lot of grit and heart, but grit and heart will only get you so far. They could make a play for a quality goaltender and some offense at the deadline if they're in a position to make it. Nashville Predators I thought this team would come of age this year. The biggest step backward was trading away Dunham...look what he's done for the Rangers. Columbus Blue Jackets Personally, I don't think the city of Columbus deserves an ice hockey team, certainly not a professional one. The Blue Jackets are a disgrace.
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