I fail too see how J-Bo skyrockets Calgary from 23rd in GA to get them in the top 5. Theres no doubt they will see an improvement with J-Bo and Sutters system, but theres not a chance in hell they get into the top 5 unless Kipper does a complete 180 on his career.
Looks like the people voting haven't watched Kipper the last couple years.
I fail too see how J-Bo skyrockets Calgary from 23rd in GA to get them in the top 5. Theres no doubt they will see an improvement with J-Bo and Sutters system, but theres not a chance in hell they get into the top 5 unless Kipper does a complete 180 on his career..
There are three factors into the Flames improving on the backside this season, and I honestly think Kipper doing a "180" is third on that list.
1. System - Keenan had no system whatsoever, and Brent Sutter has Flames fans excited, and for good reason. The Flames have the players to do well under Sutter
2. Boumeester - Calgary added another elite shutdown blueliner to go along side Regehr. It's a huge addition, no ifs ands or buts about it. The Flames have a top notch shutdown guy on 3 of their 3 defense pairings.. not bad.
3. Kipper - Obviously he hasn't been as good recently as he was in 2004-2007, but rarely has he been the guy to blame for losses. Far too often Mikka has been left on his own over the last two seasons.
New Jersey will be very strong defensively, mostly because of Lemaire. In terms of personel the Devils aren't as strong as the teams listed above them. Having Brodeur back there makes them look very good though.
Boston and Philadelphia have pretty ordinary defense outside of their respective stars (Chara, and Pronger) and that should put them up there in the discussion. Philadelphia has to be strong defensively because of their lack of a strong goaltender (not sold on Emery this year as well).
Calgary had a horrid defense last year, but they've added another top defender in Bouwmeester and have a new coach who will focus the team on being better defensively, do they deserve to be this high in a pre season pole? Maybe, its very debatable (I wouldn't have them less than 7th though).
Vancouver has always been a strong defensive team because of their system, and having Luongo back in net doesn't hurt that perception either (see New Jersey). The Canucks may have the best depth right now.
Minnesota has had very good GAA because of Backstrom and Lemaire. They have a new GM, coach and direction, they will not be as stingy on defense this season.
Nashville has Weber who is a stud defenseman, along with Suter and Hamhuis who are 2 solid defenseman, after that they are very young and inexperienced for the most part. In 2-3 years they will be up in the top 5 but right now they don't have the depth to be in the discussion for top 5.
Montreal, is in a similar position to Calgary in they have changed coaches to become better defensively but they don't have the same top end talent as the Flames, and I would be concerned with the foot speed of the blueline overall with the addition of an aging Spacek, and the big but not really fleet footed Gill, and Mara.
No chance in hell Vancouver will be 5. Their D while deep is offensive minded and boast terrible defensive awarness. Where were all the other fans when that poll was made?
