Post by Islanders GM (DHL Commish) on Jul 12, 2011 2:16:18 GMT -5
Commish says:
Hey guys and welcome to The Panel show #1
Were here to talk about the upcoming season and our predictions regarding teams and players. Here with me today I've got our very own Avs and Sens GM's, Sensfan and Dalfan. How are you guys tonight?
Sens GM says:
I am doing great and your self
Commish says:
good
and you Avs?
Avs GM says:
I'm pumped for the upcoming season!
Commish says:
Alright well lets jump right into the season, we're obviously not going to cover every team but I wanted to get your guys thoughts on who you think stands out as the cream of the crop for this year's season? Lets start in the East.
Sens GM says:
I think the east will have a dog fight to make it in the playoffs
Commish says:
I agree
You have a number of teams that have made big improvements
Carolina, Philly, Washington, and even Toronto
Avs GM says:
Carolina is really standing out to me.
Commish says:
all have made numerous big trades and are now considered as serious contenders
Agreed
He came in and made 3-4 big deals right away making massive improvements
HockeyFreak is a veteran GM that knows how to win
Avs GM says:
I'm loving some defense they've put on along with good additions on the offensive depth.
Commish says:
and hes bringing his magic to Carolina
Sens GM says:
For me as a gm i be scared to play Wash with there addition of Erik Karlsson
Commish says:
Yes, Washington looks very scary also
Sens GM says:
Philly has well with the additions of Backstom, Semin and Timmy T
Commish says:
Their D is downright nasty
Sens GM says:
Vezina winner and cup champ that led the team to a cup
Commish says:
Sens, lets finish up with the Canes
What do you guys think of the Parise acquisition?
Can he put them over the top?
Avs GM says:
I think Zach Parise will play well this season, but not enough. He will not make a significant difference this year.
Sens GM says:
I think he will have a breakout year after a tough season last year
Commish says:
two differing opinions there
we'll see what he does
What about Cam Ward?
Can he return to Vezina form?
Sens GM says:
With the additions of there Defense i think he can
Commish says:
I mean, he carried the Canes to the cup that one year
and that roster was inferior to their current one
And then he brings in Chris Pronger
The guy is a proven winner
And his leadership is something that cannot be underrated
Avs GM says:
Cam Ward is going to play spectacular, and will show the East really how to play.
Sens GM says:
Carolina i personally have a problem taking the division with Wash there
Commish says:
It seems you really like the Canes, Dalfan
Are they your favorite to come out of the East?
And what about you Sensfan, who's your favorite?
Avs GM says:
Canes are going to be the presidents trophy winners this season.
Sens GM says:
Washington forsure for me
Commish says:
Wow
Bold predictions from both
For myself, I'm going with a 3rd choice
in the Philadelphia Flyers
I think they have the talent to take down the East
and then you have the best goalie in the league (no, not Luongo) in Tim Thomas
Sens GM says:
Another solid choice and from the East anything can happen huge gaps are there, it shall be a dog fight
Commish says:
What about that top line in Semin-Backstrom-Skinner?
Avs GM says:
I doubt the flyers can do much, they will struggle and struggle, but in the end they will lose in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Commish says:
If Skinner continues his development, who ill stop that line?
Dalfan, you can't underrate that top line and then Tim Thomas in net
Why do you think they will struggle?
Sens GM says:
That line does look scary and with only being 18 and taking the calder the kid has a great future ahead that can lead Philly to the cup
Commish says:
I agree, although they might not be the "favorites" in the East
I think the 2 big ones are Washington and Carolina
I think they are the dark-horse
What about them Boston Bruins?
Defending Champs
You can't count them out...
I mean, can Rask handle the load?
Avs GM says:
I am surprised by some of the moves Boston has been making. After winning the cup, they trade away MVP Tim Thomas, and many others.
Commish says:
Yes, that was very shocking to me also
Sens GM says:
Boston bruins have a great future ahead of them but by trading there MVP goalie was a big mistake
Commish says:
He must have high hopes for young Rask
Sens GM says:
to me it seems like a kick in the face
Commish says:
He also moved Krejci who was a big force for them in the playoffs
They still have a deep team though, and can't be counted out
Avs GM says:
To be honest, I don't even think they will make the playoffs.
Commish says:
Wow
that's a very bold prediction
Sens GM says:
i say 11th
they finish
Commish says:
Dalfan these are being noted
We'll come back to this at the end of the season
I think the Bruins finish 5th
and get KOed by Carolina or Washington in the 2nd round
Avs GM says:
They trades he has been making, getting 1st round picks has really hurt the tram.
Commish says:
Yea
It really comes down to Rask
Let's move on to another team that is very dangerous
the Pittsburgh Penguins
They were 8-0 in the preseason
they have Sidney Crosby back healthy and of course Malkin
Where do you guys see them finishing
and can they compete with the big dogs like Carolina and Washington?
Sens GM says:
Pitt did not make any significant changes to there team i think they will finish top 4 in the standings but there defense is really weak
Avs GM says:
The penguins offense will be great, but they're Defense will haunt them. Unless GM Kyaku makes some good acquisitions, his team will not be able to make it to the cup.
Sens GM says:
there depending on Fleury to much
Commish says:
I think they improved their D a little bit guys
they added Smid and Schultz
both can help defensively
but I do think they are VERY top heavy
you shut down Crosby and Malkin
who's gonna score?
A team with a good D like Carolina or Washington can shut them down
Sens GM says:
I agree
one line cant do everything
Commish says:
I think the Flyers can take them
Avs GM says:
I Would disagree with that.
Commish says:
Really?
Let's look at the Flyers a bit closer Dalfan
It seems your not a fan of that team at all
We've already talked about that top line
which is LETHAL
Backstrom feeding the puck to Skinner and Semin?
They are a little top heavy
but Zherdev, Koivu and Leino aren't bad secondary scoring guys
Sens GM says:
i have to agree kinda with mr dalfan
Commish says:
and they have a VERY young D
John Carlson
Erik Johnson
He is putting a lot of pressure on those young dmen
but if they develop good?
Sens GM says:
After 1st line they will be needing 2nd and other lines to help them but there defense is amazing
Commish says:
They will be very scary I would think
Sens GM says:
goalie will be a issue i say in few years
Commish says:
Tim Thomas can help while their D goes through growing pains
but I like their mix of youth and veterans
Avs GM says:
Who knows, something about them just turns me off. Their offense won't be able to score,, and Thomas will let them down.
Commish says:
Again, It might come back down to their young D
The last team I wanted to talk about in the East
is the Toronto Maple Leafs
They just acquired Ryan Clowe and Anton Volchenkov
They have a good young roster
a very lethal D
Sens GM says:
I personally feel i made Toronto a dangerous team and gave them hope
Commish says:
Luke Schenn is coming along very strong
Commish says:
Yes
I think they will struggle a bit at the start
maybe get into a low playoff spot
and honestly
I wouldn't want to face them if I was a top East team
We all know Defense wins Championships
Avs GM says:
The leafs still do not have a strong Goalie, and that will be they're weakness.
Commish says:
and they have one of the best D's in the league
I disagree
what about James Reimer?
He is developing nicely
showed he can be the guy last season in Toronto
if he continues his development
he can be the guy
Sens GM says:
He can win games without worrying a defense not giving help, Toronto has alot of hitters that can protect Reimer
Commish says:
A couple of things will have to go right for Toronto but they will be dangerous
Anything else you guys wanna say about the East before we call it a night?
We will be back for the West tomorrow folks
Avs GM says:
Who will finish last in the east?
Commish says:
I love your rebuild Sens, and that is why I think it might be you
The Sens finish last and take a top 5 pick
to go along with their other 4 first rounders
They will be a very dangerous team in the future if they draft well
Sens GM says:
thank you this season ill be watching my youth develop and observe the dog fight for the playoffs for the amazing teams in the east
Commish says:
Yep
before we call it a night
East Finals Match-up
and your winner
Sens GM says:
Wash-Philly
and Wash
Commish says:
What about you Avs?
Avs GM says:
Carolina and Washington, Carolina comes out on top.
Commish says:
Two good predictions
I like 2 of those 3 teams to be in the finals for sure.
It's been good having you guys
Avs GM says:
I enjoyed it myself.
Sens GM says:
Thank you hope to do this again
Hey guys and welcome to The Panel show #1
Were here to talk about the upcoming season and our predictions regarding teams and players. Here with me today I've got our very own Avs and Sens GM's, Sensfan and Dalfan. How are you guys tonight?
Sens GM says:
I am doing great and your self
Commish says:
good
and you Avs?
Avs GM says:
I'm pumped for the upcoming season!
Commish says:
Alright well lets jump right into the season, we're obviously not going to cover every team but I wanted to get your guys thoughts on who you think stands out as the cream of the crop for this year's season? Lets start in the East.
Sens GM says:
I think the east will have a dog fight to make it in the playoffs
Commish says:
I agree
You have a number of teams that have made big improvements
Carolina, Philly, Washington, and even Toronto
Avs GM says:
Carolina is really standing out to me.
Commish says:
all have made numerous big trades and are now considered as serious contenders
Agreed
He came in and made 3-4 big deals right away making massive improvements
HockeyFreak is a veteran GM that knows how to win
Avs GM says:
I'm loving some defense they've put on along with good additions on the offensive depth.
Commish says:
and hes bringing his magic to Carolina
Sens GM says:
For me as a gm i be scared to play Wash with there addition of Erik Karlsson
Commish says:
Yes, Washington looks very scary also
Sens GM says:
Philly has well with the additions of Backstom, Semin and Timmy T
Commish says:
Their D is downright nasty
Sens GM says:
Vezina winner and cup champ that led the team to a cup
Commish says:
Sens, lets finish up with the Canes
What do you guys think of the Parise acquisition?
Can he put them over the top?
Avs GM says:
I think Zach Parise will play well this season, but not enough. He will not make a significant difference this year.
Sens GM says:
I think he will have a breakout year after a tough season last year
Commish says:
two differing opinions there
we'll see what he does
What about Cam Ward?
Can he return to Vezina form?
Sens GM says:
With the additions of there Defense i think he can
Commish says:
I mean, he carried the Canes to the cup that one year
and that roster was inferior to their current one
And then he brings in Chris Pronger
The guy is a proven winner
And his leadership is something that cannot be underrated
Avs GM says:
Cam Ward is going to play spectacular, and will show the East really how to play.
Sens GM says:
Carolina i personally have a problem taking the division with Wash there
Commish says:
It seems you really like the Canes, Dalfan
Are they your favorite to come out of the East?
And what about you Sensfan, who's your favorite?
Avs GM says:
Canes are going to be the presidents trophy winners this season.
Sens GM says:
Washington forsure for me
Commish says:
Wow
Bold predictions from both
For myself, I'm going with a 3rd choice
in the Philadelphia Flyers
I think they have the talent to take down the East
and then you have the best goalie in the league (no, not Luongo) in Tim Thomas
Sens GM says:
Another solid choice and from the East anything can happen huge gaps are there, it shall be a dog fight
Commish says:
What about that top line in Semin-Backstrom-Skinner?
Avs GM says:
I doubt the flyers can do much, they will struggle and struggle, but in the end they will lose in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Commish says:
If Skinner continues his development, who ill stop that line?
Dalfan, you can't underrate that top line and then Tim Thomas in net
Why do you think they will struggle?
Sens GM says:
That line does look scary and with only being 18 and taking the calder the kid has a great future ahead that can lead Philly to the cup
Commish says:
I agree, although they might not be the "favorites" in the East
I think the 2 big ones are Washington and Carolina
I think they are the dark-horse
What about them Boston Bruins?
Defending Champs
You can't count them out...
I mean, can Rask handle the load?
Avs GM says:
I am surprised by some of the moves Boston has been making. After winning the cup, they trade away MVP Tim Thomas, and many others.
Commish says:
Yes, that was very shocking to me also
Sens GM says:
Boston bruins have a great future ahead of them but by trading there MVP goalie was a big mistake
Commish says:
He must have high hopes for young Rask
Sens GM says:
to me it seems like a kick in the face
Commish says:
He also moved Krejci who was a big force for them in the playoffs
They still have a deep team though, and can't be counted out
Avs GM says:
To be honest, I don't even think they will make the playoffs.
Commish says:
Wow
that's a very bold prediction
Sens GM says:
i say 11th
they finish
Commish says:
Dalfan these are being noted
We'll come back to this at the end of the season
I think the Bruins finish 5th
and get KOed by Carolina or Washington in the 2nd round
Avs GM says:
They trades he has been making, getting 1st round picks has really hurt the tram.
Commish says:
Yea
It really comes down to Rask
Let's move on to another team that is very dangerous
the Pittsburgh Penguins
They were 8-0 in the preseason
they have Sidney Crosby back healthy and of course Malkin
Where do you guys see them finishing
and can they compete with the big dogs like Carolina and Washington?
Sens GM says:
Pitt did not make any significant changes to there team i think they will finish top 4 in the standings but there defense is really weak
Avs GM says:
The penguins offense will be great, but they're Defense will haunt them. Unless GM Kyaku makes some good acquisitions, his team will not be able to make it to the cup.
Sens GM says:
there depending on Fleury to much
Commish says:
I think they improved their D a little bit guys
they added Smid and Schultz
both can help defensively
but I do think they are VERY top heavy
you shut down Crosby and Malkin
who's gonna score?
A team with a good D like Carolina or Washington can shut them down
Sens GM says:
I agree
one line cant do everything
Commish says:
I think the Flyers can take them
Avs GM says:
I Would disagree with that.
Commish says:
Really?
Let's look at the Flyers a bit closer Dalfan
It seems your not a fan of that team at all
We've already talked about that top line
which is LETHAL
Backstrom feeding the puck to Skinner and Semin?
They are a little top heavy
but Zherdev, Koivu and Leino aren't bad secondary scoring guys
Sens GM says:
i have to agree kinda with mr dalfan
Commish says:
and they have a VERY young D
John Carlson
Erik Johnson
He is putting a lot of pressure on those young dmen
but if they develop good?
Sens GM says:
After 1st line they will be needing 2nd and other lines to help them but there defense is amazing
Commish says:
They will be very scary I would think
Sens GM says:
goalie will be a issue i say in few years
Commish says:
Tim Thomas can help while their D goes through growing pains
but I like their mix of youth and veterans
Avs GM says:
Who knows, something about them just turns me off. Their offense won't be able to score,, and Thomas will let them down.
Commish says:
Again, It might come back down to their young D
The last team I wanted to talk about in the East
is the Toronto Maple Leafs
They just acquired Ryan Clowe and Anton Volchenkov
They have a good young roster
a very lethal D
Sens GM says:
I personally feel i made Toronto a dangerous team and gave them hope
Commish says:
Luke Schenn is coming along very strong
Commish says:
Yes
I think they will struggle a bit at the start
maybe get into a low playoff spot
and honestly
I wouldn't want to face them if I was a top East team
We all know Defense wins Championships
Avs GM says:
The leafs still do not have a strong Goalie, and that will be they're weakness.
Commish says:
and they have one of the best D's in the league
I disagree
what about James Reimer?
He is developing nicely
showed he can be the guy last season in Toronto
if he continues his development
he can be the guy
Sens GM says:
He can win games without worrying a defense not giving help, Toronto has alot of hitters that can protect Reimer
Commish says:
A couple of things will have to go right for Toronto but they will be dangerous
Anything else you guys wanna say about the East before we call it a night?
We will be back for the West tomorrow folks
Avs GM says:
Who will finish last in the east?
Commish says:
I love your rebuild Sens, and that is why I think it might be you
The Sens finish last and take a top 5 pick
to go along with their other 4 first rounders
They will be a very dangerous team in the future if they draft well
Sens GM says:
thank you this season ill be watching my youth develop and observe the dog fight for the playoffs for the amazing teams in the east
Commish says:
Yep
before we call it a night
East Finals Match-up
and your winner
Sens GM says:
Wash-Philly
and Wash
Commish says:
What about you Avs?
Avs GM says:
Carolina and Washington, Carolina comes out on top.
Commish says:
Two good predictions
I like 2 of those 3 teams to be in the finals for sure.
It's been good having you guys
Avs GM says:
I enjoyed it myself.
Sens GM says:
Thank you hope to do this again