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 - They still may be a year away, but with Toews and Kane in their contract year, the future might be now. This new look Hawks team is very fast and very deep. With Campbell, Seabrook, Barker and Keith on the D, they are as good as anyone player for player in the league. I hate to say it, but once again the issue could be in net. Can Huet find his form and take them deep into the playoffs.
Teams absent from this list that may come as a surprise include Boston, New York (Rangers), Montreal, San Jose, and Washington.
I think these are all good teams and they'll most likely finish with winning records, but I don't see signs of improvement or growth in any of these settings. I expect them all to take a slight hit next season.
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 - They still may be a year away, but with Toews and Kane in their contract year, the future might be now. This new look Hawks team is very fast and very deep. With Campbell, Seabrook, Barker and Keith on the D, they are as good as anyone player for player in the league. I hate to say it, but once again the issue could be in net. Can Huet find his form and take them deep into the playoffs.
Teams absent from this list that may come as a surprise include Boston, New York (Rangers), Montreal, San Jose, and Washington.
I think these are all good teams and they'll most likely finish with winning records, but I don't see signs of improvement or growth in any of these settings. I expect them all to take a slight hit next season.
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