The NHL is a funny league. Bettman his forced the idea of parity down our throats and did achieve this, but it is not going to last. A new breed of NHL player has emerged, a loyal one, a dedicated one, a goal setting one. The players have now decided to take hometown discounts, sign long term contracts, and stay, or go to a place to win a cup. These are those fortunate teams in no particular order.
1. Pittsburgh Penguins - Having won the Stanley Cup, the Penguins are the team to beat in 2010. Malkin and Crosby are legitimately two of the five best players in the NHL, and both are young with extremely bright futures. This is one of the best duos in recent NHL memory (arguably on the same level as Jagr and Lemiux), and any team with two players of this caliber will always be near the top. A well-rounded roster beneath them makes the Penguins the best in the NHL for now.
2. Detroit Red Wings - Coach Babcock has been extraordinary in building loyalty amongst his players. While Detroit hockey fans are incredibly frustrated now, the team has kept its poise and looks to be ready to return for another great season in Detroit. Their goalie situation is somewhat questionable, but everything else looks exceptional.
3. Philadelphia Flyers - After showing some great promise the past couple of seasons, I believe this team is ready to make a leap to the next stage of its evolution. Gagne, Carter, and Richards are all top notch. Claude Giroux sweetens the deal even more, not to mention the signing of Pronger. Their goalie situation raises an eyebrow though. Can Emery fill Osgood's shoes?
4. Calgary Flames - An underrated team, perhaps one of the more overlooked teams in the NHL. The Flames have struggled with some tough playoff losses (not to mention injuries), but some enhancements to the roster (i.e. Bouwmeester), and a healthy team will make this a very difficult team to beat. The Flames will have one of the best defenses in the league.
5. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS - They still may be a year away, but with Toews and Kane in their contract year, the future might be now. This new look Hawks team is very fast and very deep. With Campbell, Seabrook, Barker and Keith on the D, they are as good as anyone player for player in the league. I hate to say it, but once again the issue could be in net. Can Huet find his form and take them deep into the playoffs.
Some of you are saying "What about the.....Bruins, Rangers, Canadians, Sharks, Capitals?".
All very good teams in their own right, but I don't believe that any of them will contend for a cup in 2010. They should all be second-tier teams, but a lack of development in the off season sees their stock slightly fall.
1. Pittsburgh Penguins - Having won the Stanley Cup, the Penguins are the team to beat in 2010. Malkin and Crosby are legitimately two of the five best players in the NHL, and both are young with extremely bright futures. This is one of the best duos in recent NHL memory (arguably on the same level as Jagr and Lemiux), and any team with two players of this caliber will always be near the top. A well-rounded roster beneath them makes the Penguins the best in the NHL for now.
2. Detroit Red Wings - Coach Babcock has been extraordinary in building loyalty amongst his players. While Detroit hockey fans are incredibly frustrated now, the team has kept its poise and looks to be ready to return for another great season in Detroit. Their goalie situation is somewhat questionable, but everything else looks exceptional.
3. Philadelphia Flyers - After showing some great promise the past couple of seasons, I believe this team is ready to make a leap to the next stage of its evolution. Gagne, Carter, and Richards are all top notch. Claude Giroux sweetens the deal even more, not to mention the signing of Pronger. Their goalie situation raises an eyebrow though. Can Emery fill Osgood's shoes?
4. Calgary Flames - An underrated team, perhaps one of the more overlooked teams in the NHL. The Flames have struggled with some tough playoff losses (not to mention injuries), but some enhancements to the roster (i.e. Bouwmeester), and a healthy team will make this a very difficult team to beat. The Flames will have one of the best defenses in the league.
5. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS - They still may be a year away, but with Toews and Kane in their contract year, the future might be now. This new look Hawks team is very fast and very deep. With Campbell, Seabrook, Barker and Keith on the D, they are as good as anyone player for player in the league. I hate to say it, but once again the issue could be in net. Can Huet find his form and take them deep into the playoffs.
Some of you are saying "What about the.....Bruins, Rangers, Canadians, Sharks, Capitals?".
All very good teams in their own right, but I don't believe that any of them will contend for a cup in 2010. They should all be second-tier teams, but a lack of development in the off season sees their stock slightly fall.
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