Canucks already written off?

[Barney Gumble]

Originally Posted by Askel

True but is it good enough to get to the playoffs and make some noise thats the question?

On paper, yes to the first part (making the playoffs) - but no to the second part (making a deep run).

[deathbear]

Originally Posted by Barney Gumble

On paper, yes to the first part (making the playoffs) - but no to the second part (making a deep run).

i expect us to finish around 12th. our forward depth was laughable last year, and in my opinion we've only gotten worse in that department this year.

it would also appear that everyone else in the division has improved themselves over the summer.

just my opinion, and only that. i'd be happy to be proven wrong, but i can't remember the last time i've had such low expectations for this club.

[RandV]

Originally Posted by Askel

True but is it good enough to get to the playoffs and make some noise thats the question?

I would call this having your cake and eating it too . This is a team that missed the playoffs 2 of the last 3 years. Let's focus on being good enough to get there consistently first, then think about making some noise. Everyone wants a team like Detroit that contends year in year out, especially in hockey mad markets like Canada. You don't get to that level overnight though, it requires some patience.

And realistically, each year there are only 4 teams out of 30 that 'make some noise'. Those aren't good odds. The playoffs can be quite unpredictable as well, as recent years have shown. If you can make the playoffs anything can happen, and we have one of the best wildcards in the game in Luongo.

[Barney Gumble]

Originally Posted by deathbear

it would also appear that everyone else in the division has improved themselves over the summer.

Avs haven't improved. Theodore, as much as one like to make jokes about "The Odore" was actually pretty solid last season for the Avs - and since the Canucks ventilated him when he was the Habs netminder - has been VERY solid against the Canucks. Raycroft is Dan Cloutier's twin brother. He isn't the Avs starter - but will likely play around 30 games.

More importantly, it looks like Sakic is retiring. Sure he was hurt for a good chunk of last season - but I don't need to remind you who was "Mr. Clutch" on the Avs in those important Canucks-Avs games in the "home stretch" of last season.

[ItsAllPartOfThePlan]

Originally Posted by Barney Gumble

Avs haven't improved. Theodore, as much as one like to make jokes about "The Odore" was actually pretty solid last season for the Avs - and since the Canucks ventilated him when he was the Habs netminder - has been VERY solid against the Canucks. Raycroft is Dan Cloutier's twin brother. He isn't the Avs starter - but will likely play around 30 games.

More importantly, it looks like Sakic is retiring. Sure he was hurt for a good chunk of last season - but I don't need to remind you who was "Mr. Clutch" on the Avs in those important Canucks-Avs games in the "home stretch" of last season.

I don't think Minny has improved all that much either. Zidlicky is an improvement, but the rolston/demitra loss up front is going to hurt them. They are relying on a big breakout by Bouchard and Gilles which is too much to ask imo (at least from Gilles). Also, Gaborik was fairly healthy last year and that could be an anomaly.

[nuckfan in TO]

Originally Posted by Barney Gumble

Avs haven't improved. Theodore, as much as one like to make jokes about "The Odore" was actually pretty solid last season for the Avs - and since the Canucks ventilated him when he was the Habs netminder - has been VERY solid against the Canucks. Raycroft is Dan Cloutier's twin brother. He isn't the Avs starter - but will likely play around 30 games.

More importantly, it looks like Sakic is retiring. Sure he was hurt for a good chunk of last season - but I don't need to remind you who was "Mr. Clutch" on the Avs in those important Canucks-Avs games in the "home stretch" of last season.

Originally Posted by ItsAllPartOfThePlan

I don't think Minny has improved all that much either. Zidlicky is an improvement, but the rolston/demitra loss up front is going to hurt them. They are relying on a big breakout by Bouchard and Gilles which is too much to ask imo (at least from Gilles). Also, Gaborik was fairly healthy last year and that could be an anomaly.

just to follow the trend... I don't think the Flames are improved either... Tangauy and Nolan for Cammy and Bertuzzi, not sure if that's any better. IMO their defense is questionable past the top 2 guys, their offense is questionable past the top 2 guys, and with Keenan behind the bench, their goaltending will be questionable as well - and it was proven last season, as Kipper didn't have a great year, and Keenan likely didn't help matters with how he handled him and Joseph last year.

IMO the only clear cut team in the NW that has improved this offseason is Edmonton, and that too relies heavily on consistent progression from all their youth.

there's no one in the NW that's the clear favorite for the division... IMO any of 5 teams can win the division, or finish in 5th.

[Flinch*]

The other thing is, you aren't going to have as much defensive responsibility from your forwards, with Tanguay and Nolan out and Bert and Squid Boy in. Tanguay is great in all situations (and I think scored the bulk of his points 5 on 5, although I could be 100% wrong with that) while Nolan showed hustle.

I can't really see Bert or Squiddy doing that.

I'd mention Huselius, but he's never really been defensively responsible, heh.

I'd also bank on Augroin not having another healthy season, so expect him to miss some games.

Not saying that the Flames are going to be dead last in the division, but everything isn't roses and sunshine.