Wild, Wild West...
The free agent market continues to quickly evaporate and the dust appears to be settling. In the Western Conference, things are changing. In past years, you could count on the Redwings, Avalanche or Stars to lead the Conference. No suprises here. In the salary cap climate of 2005, these teams appear to be confused, even lost. Here is a brief synopsis:
1. Detroit Redwings: The Furnace has been reading my mind. The Wings can not afford to lose Datsyuk and/or Zetterberg. Henrik (24) and Pavel (27) are the present and future of the franchise. Why can't Ken Holland see this obvious fact? Should he remain blind, watch this team sputter in the 2nd half as they rely too heavily on Shanahan, Yzerman and Lidstrom.
2. Dallas Stars: This team appears to have some depth. Good thing, because they'll need it. The weakness is offense. Modano, Lehtinen and Arnott must produce for this team to remain a conference favorite. Can Modano find the net again? Will Arnott ever reach superstardom? Can Lehtinen stay healthy? Should these players underachieve, the Stars will turn to Morrow, Ott, Kapanen, and Svoboda for goals. Besides Morrow, I don't think this group is ready.
3. Colorado Avalanche: Patrice Brisebois and Pierre Turgeon were signed to replace Forsberg and Foote. Good luck. Luckily for the Avs, they still have a talented roster blended well with youth and experience. I am not convinced Aebischer is the goaltender they want to make a run at the Cup. Perhaps if they had signed a goaltender (Khabibulin) instead of Patty and Pierre, this team could win the conference.
The Owl
The free agent market continues to quickly evaporate and the dust appears to be settling. In the Western Conference, things are changing. In past years, you could count on the Redwings, Avalanche or Stars to lead the Conference. No suprises here. In the salary cap climate of 2005, these teams appear to be confused, even lost. Here is a brief synopsis:
1. Detroit Redwings: The Furnace has been reading my mind. The Wings can not afford to lose Datsyuk and/or Zetterberg. Henrik (24) and Pavel (27) are the present and future of the franchise. Why can't Ken Holland see this obvious fact? Should he remain blind, watch this team sputter in the 2nd half as they rely too heavily on Shanahan, Yzerman and Lidstrom.
2. Dallas Stars: This team appears to have some depth. Good thing, because they'll need it. The weakness is offense. Modano, Lehtinen and Arnott must produce for this team to remain a conference favorite. Can Modano find the net again? Will Arnott ever reach superstardom? Can Lehtinen stay healthy? Should these players underachieve, the Stars will turn to Morrow, Ott, Kapanen, and Svoboda for goals. Besides Morrow, I don't think this group is ready.
3. Colorado Avalanche: Patrice Brisebois and Pierre Turgeon were signed to replace Forsberg and Foote. Good luck. Luckily for the Avs, they still have a talented roster blended well with youth and experience. I am not convinced Aebischer is the goaltender they want to make a run at the Cup. Perhaps if they had signed a goaltender (Khabibulin) instead of Patty and Pierre, this team could win the conference.
The Owl
posted by The Furnace at
Friday, September 02, 2005
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