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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 16, 2006
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1. The Detroit Red Wings finished the season 54-21-7. Will they get more than 54 wins in 2009 with Hossa?
2. Why are the players on the Penguins leaving Pitt?
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Jun 1, 2007
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Those are easy to answer now that we have seen the way free agency has gone
1. The redwings will not win more than 54 games, even with Hossa in the lineup. They are bound to falter somewhat this season, as most teams cannot repeat as President Trophy Winners
2. The players are leaving the Penguins because they are unrestricted free agents and the Penguins want to focus their money elsewhere. They locked up Malkin, Orpik and Fleury to long term contracts. They also brought in some great secondary scoring to add depth to the team.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 16, 2006
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Why do you think that the Wings will falter? Who could possibly contend with a team that was seven games better than the #2 team in the NHL? I see them getting more that 54 maybe closer to 60. They were 6 games better in the 98 season then the 97 season.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Jun 1, 2007
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I can think of a few reasons why they would falter.
The wings, as any championship team, had tremendous luck with the health of their players. Lidstrom missed a few games, but the core of the roster went unscathed. A lengthy injury to Datsyuk, Zetterberg or Lidstrom would definitely mean fewer points.
They will also not have two good (maybe great) goaltenders sharing the workload this past season. Osgood, who has been a consistent but average goalie throughout his career, will be carrying the whole load with Conkiln spelling him periodically. That means that he will be faced with more pressure and fatigue issues. Not to mention a list of aging veterans on the third and forth lines, and defense, that will simply be one year older.
You can also look at the other teams, like San Jose, who have improved very talented hockey clubs. They certainly put together a strong stretch drive that was more impressive than any streak the wings had all season, minus the playoffs. If they play the way they can all season, they will likely challenge for first place. Same goes for Dallas. Are you saying Anahiem, with Pronger and Neidemeyer back for the whole season, couldn't challenge once again?
So, if by some chance, the Redwings make it out of the west and get to defend their title, they will face stiffer competition:
The Flyers, as much as I hate to say it, will have their second year together and are likely to improve.
The Penguins will be the biggest threat, yet again, and they will have the same core with added experience of this years playoffs to challenge the wings.
Add in teams like Montreal, if they land Sundin they could be an offensive force, Washington, another young team with too much potential, and anything can happen in the finals.
Winning a championship is very tough and requires some bounces. Winning back to back is VERY VERY TOUGH...
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Dec 8, 2007
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Just as a little bit of a reminder here, the NY Rangers were picked by many to win the Stanley Cup last year, based on the incredible talent they gad on paper. The Red Wings retained most of their talent, and the guys know each other and play well together. I think they have the second best team in the league, behind the Sharks. I think the Sharks can get it together this year and make a good run. They have made some tremendous moves this off-season.
TravelJeff, the same thing you said about going back-to-back applies to Pittsburgh too. They still have to have ALOT of things go right for them to go deep into the playoffs. They lost all their toughness, losing Malone, Roberts, Laraque, and Ruutu. They only gained a little back with Cooke, and this is offset by signing less-than-tough Fedotenko and Satan. The Pens will be much easier to push around this year, mark my words.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Jun 1, 2007
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I thought that I made it pretty clear that their were a number of teams that would likely challenge the Redwings and ultimately ruin their chance of repeating as either President Trophy winners or Stanley Cup Champions.
I feel that the Penguins have a real shot at it next year, but do realize all of the same issues apply to them. They did survive a prolonged stint without their Captain and best player, when Crosby went down, not to mention Fleury's missed time, so maybe they can indure some injury woes, but you never know the duration or severity of an injury.
That is why I mentioned the Stars, Sharks, Ducks, Canadiens, Flyers and Capitals as other teams that could win. To say the Redwings are the favorite and should win easily, at this early stage, is just plain silly.
Remember a year ago when the Ducks had just won the Cup and everyone was saying how they would repeat because of their defensive core and goaltending. Look at how that worked out...
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