Several years ago, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman pushed very hard to level the playing field for all teams in the NHL. Imposing restrictions that stripped teams of the ability to sign a handful of big names at once would give all small market teams an equal shot. Great idea in theory, but now he deals with another issue. Players are willing to sign smaller contracts for the chance to play on a great team. The five teams listed below have all enjoyed the perks of this trend.
1. Pittsburgh Penguins - The defending Stanley Cup champions look as strong in 09-10 as they did last season. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are two young, unstoppable forces who probably haven't even reached their peaks yet. At goalie, Fleury came through when his team needed him, and the Penguins are sitting very pretty going into the season.
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 - An extremely talented roster (i.e. Richards, Gagne, Carter) rounds out a team that seems to improve a little more with each season. I predict that this will be the Flyers' breakout year, and newly acquired Pronger will give the team a further boost. The loss of Osgood may hurt the team a bit though.
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 - A great team in 2008-2009, this team has a window that may be closing rapidly due to the free agent status of Kane and Toews after the season. However, in 2009-2010, this team has as much talent as nearly anyone else. Aside from Kane and Toews, there's Seabrook, Campbell, Keith, and Barker. The only question mark is Huet at goalie and his ability to come through in the clutch.
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 - The defending Stanley Cup champions look as strong in 09-10 as they did last season. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are two young, unstoppable forces who probably haven't even reached their peaks yet. At goalie, Fleury came through when his team needed him, and the Penguins are sitting very pretty going into the season.
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 - An extremely talented roster (i.e. Richards, Gagne, Carter) rounds out a team that seems to improve a little more with each season. I predict that this will be the Flyers' breakout year, and newly acquired Pronger will give the team a further boost. The loss of Osgood may hurt the team a bit though.
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 - A great team in 2008-2009, this team has a window that may be closing rapidly due to the free agent status of Kane and Toews after the season. However, in 2009-2010, this team has as much talent as nearly anyone else. Aside from Kane and Toews, there's Seabrook, Campbell, Keith, and Barker. The only question mark is Huet at goalie and his ability to come through in the clutch.
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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