10-16-2003, 01:16 AM
Colorado's depth on defense is still suspect, and until they get a top tier goaltender...no way they are gonna get the cup...and the biggest problem of them of all is the coaching of Tony Granato. I remain unconvinced. I see an early exit amid high expectations and Granatos firing by year's end.
Anaheim will go back to being the mid-level team they were, even with good goaltending. No cup for them.
Detroit is talented, but aging. They will push for it, but lose in the end.
Dallas is the team to beat in the West, in my mind. High powered, good defense, albeit no Derian Hatcher, and Turco will have anohter full year under his belt.
On the East...
NJ stillhas not replaced a lack of offensive firepower. They can make a run, but be beat.
Ottawa, a sound and deep team with all the right stuff..except they never have money to add to it to make a true cup run. they will push, but until they spend the cash somehow for a freeagent gun, they can't get over the hump.
Toronto: made their run, and has never upgraded in the area they need. They are older, new blood is limited, and not much new. They are one of the toughest teams, but once that bite ends, they fold.
Rangers: Dolan's gang that couldn't shoot straight will either be dismantled with Sather being booted, or get their act together to make a run. They don't have enough to go that far against the deeper teams. But they certainly pay a high paycheck.
Isles: my team is in transition. Young with bite, but needs a couple of years to make a true playoff run.
Dallas vs. Ottawa is my pick, with Dallas as Stanley Cup champs with Bill Guerin as the Conn Smythe winner is my pick
rookie honors go to Staal of Carolina.
Anaheim will go back to being the mid-level team they were, even with good goaltending. No cup for them.
Detroit is talented, but aging. They will push for it, but lose in the end.
Dallas is the team to beat in the West, in my mind. High powered, good defense, albeit no Derian Hatcher, and Turco will have anohter full year under his belt.
On the East...
NJ stillhas not replaced a lack of offensive firepower. They can make a run, but be beat.
Ottawa, a sound and deep team with all the right stuff..except they never have money to add to it to make a true cup run. they will push, but until they spend the cash somehow for a freeagent gun, they can't get over the hump.
Toronto: made their run, and has never upgraded in the area they need. They are older, new blood is limited, and not much new. They are one of the toughest teams, but once that bite ends, they fold.
Rangers: Dolan's gang that couldn't shoot straight will either be dismantled with Sather being booted, or get their act together to make a run. They don't have enough to go that far against the deeper teams. But they certainly pay a high paycheck.
Isles: my team is in transition. Young with bite, but needs a couple of years to make a true playoff run.
Dallas vs. Ottawa is my pick, with Dallas as Stanley Cup champs with Bill Guerin as the Conn Smythe winner is my pick
rookie honors go to Staal of Carolina.
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