NHL 2011-2012 Preview: Eastern Conference

Discussion in 'NHL General' started by UncleRico, Jul 1, 2011.

  1. UncleRico

    UncleRico Suspended

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2010
    Messages:
    188
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Now that the NHL season is over, the online betting speculation about next year can begin. If you are betting that the Boston Bruins should be able to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, you may want to bet again. As NHL free agency gets cranked up for the summer and the MLB scores take a backseat to hockey signings for one day, there are some significant changes going on in the Eastern Conference that should make the playoff race extremely interesting.

    Pittsburgh Penguins
    The Pittsburgh Penguins should be the team to watch in 2011-2012. Not only will they have superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin healthy and back in the line-up, but there are persistent rumors that Jaromir Jagr could be coming back to Pittsburgh. Even at 39 years old, Jagr still has a couple of years left in the tank that could make him a considerable addition to an already strong team. With a wealth of talent that can be spread out to make four dangerous lines, the Penguins look to be Cup contenders in 2011-2012.

    Boston Bruins
    While the Bruins are not really the favorites to dominate the East next season, they are still a good hockey team. They might lose defenseman Tomas Kaberle to free agency, and that would take some of the offensive punch away from the blue line. But the team, including Vezina and Conn Smythe winning goaltender Tim Thomas, should be intact for next season. While the Bruins do not want to be considered a fluke, it may come out that Boston was the best of a weak crop of teams in 2011-2012. With the changes being made in other Eastern Conference teams, the Bruins may no longer be the class of the East.

    Buffalo Sabres
    The Sabres went from having one of the worst defensive units in the league to having one of the best in a matter of a week. The team first brought in defenseman Robyn Regehr from Calgary, and then signed prized defensive player Christian Ehrhoff to a 10-year deal when no other team seemed able to sign him. The Sabres are also looking to clear house on offense as they are probably going to part ways with fragile center Tim Connolly and look to bring in more talent at the center position.

    Montreal Canadiens
    The Canadiens have been close to busting out for the last two seasons. It seems that some indecision at goaltender has been holding the team back. When the Canadiens traded playoff hero Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues and held on to the shaky Carey Price, Canadiens fans were in an uproar. Price was inconsistent at times during the 2010-2011 season, but he showed signs of improvement throughout the season and into the playoffs. The Canadiens need size in order to compete. They are a pesky little team right now. If they can add some size on the blue line and at center in free agency, then the Canadiens have an excellent chance of competing in the playoffs in 2011-2012.
     

Share This Page