NHL SEASON PREVIEW
Expectations of a new-look league for 2005-06
Leanne DeJaegher
Fan Reaction
Although Canadian fans are expected to embrace the game once again, fan support in the U.S. still remains a giant question mark: the NHL will have to dramatically improve the way it sells the game to our Southern neighbours in order to bring back fans and, more importantly, attract new ones. This could be a difficult task considering ESPN did not offer a new television deal after the lockout, forcing the NHL to turn to the less popular Outdoor Life Network. The NHL created the new rules in hope of attracting more fans in the U.S.. However, if they want more fans, they will have to sell a more fan-friendly game and avoid violent incidents such as those involving Todd Bertuzzi and Marty McSorely.
Although the Penguins will surely attract more fans with the additions of Sidney Crosby, Mark Recchi and Ziggy Palffy, others will have to work a bit harder than usual to bring back their fan base. The Colorado Avalanche are a good example. Shortly after losing both Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote to free agency, nearly 100 angry season ticket holders cancelled their packages. The team was fortunate that there were more fans that wanted to buy season tickets. It will be interesting to see how the new NHL fares in the American markets.
Rule Changes
Overall, the new rule changes will remain a large debate among fans, players and owners for months to come. Changes such as the tag-up offsides and the restrictions on line changes after icing are expected to help speed up the game, whereas others, such as the use of smaller goalie equipment, will increase scoring. The shootout will probably be the most popular change among fans because it ensures that there will be no more ties and no more scoreless games, and adds a level of excitement not always available between two defensive-minded teams. The goalies will probably be the least likely to enjoy the shootout excitement.
In terms of the restrictions placed on goalies’ equipment, fans can expect goalies to have to work a bit harder to keep the puck out of the net. Martin Brodeur and Marty Turco will be the two primary goalies affected by the limitations on where a goaltender can handle the puck, as both goalies are skilled puck-handlers.
Goals = excitement?
Over the years, the number of goals per game has decreased and fans are looking to see more, but is the number of goals per game really going to be the only thing determining the game’s level of excitement? If the NHL wants to make the game more exciting it is also going to have to consistently stop all the obstruction that goes on during the game. Both fans and players are tired of the clutching and grabbing, and in order to fix this problem, the league needs consistency from its referees. Fans also want to see a more creative style of hockey. It is not only the amount of goals scored during a hockey game that determines the excitement level, but also the amount of good quality scoring chances. The fans want to see more end-to-end rushes and no more neutral zone traps. It is time to open up the game.
That being said, here are my predictions for the 2005-2006 NHL season.
Conference Winners
*Philadelphia Flyers:
The Flyers have the potential to be the top team in the league this year after acquiring talented players like Forsberg, Derian Hatcher and Mike Rathje. They also have a core group of young players, including Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, who both played a big part in the Philadelphia Phantoms’ Calder Cup championship in the American Hockey League (AHL) last spring. If Robert Esche is at the top of his game this season, Philly will be one of the toughest teams in the league.
Calgary Flames:
Despite losing some key players from their 2004 Cup run, such as Craig Conroy, Mike Commodore and Martin Gelinas, the Flames are ready to try again after signing free agents Daymond Langkow, Tony Amonte and Roman Hamrlik. They have a tough group of young defencemen who will be a big threat to their opposition. They have also picked up goalie Phil Sauve, who is capable of being a reliable backup to Mikka Kiprussoff. If Mikka Kiprusoff returns to the same shape he was in during the playoffs, Calgary could be a force to be reckoned with.
(* top team overall)
Division Leaders
Ottawa Senators:
The Senators will likely be battling for the top spot in the East for the entire season if Dominic Hasek can return to his old form and remain injury-free. Without Jacques Martin on the bench, expect Jason Spezza to play a big role in the team’s success, especially if he remains on the same line as Dany Heatley.
The Senators will continue to challenge the other teams in the Eastern Conference and will most likely finish on top in their division. Despite their tendency to be eliminated early from the playoffs, the Sens could go far this year if Hasek can return to his old form. With the departure of coach Martin, young superstar Spezza will have a chance to shine on a line with Heatley and play a bigger role in the playoffs this time.
Tampa Bay Lightning:
Even though they lost Nikolai Khabibulin, the Lightning managed to keep a core group of players such as Martin St. Louis, Vincent Lecavalier and Fredrik Modin, and will likely be one of the top teams in the East this year if their goaltenders prove to be reliable starters.
Anaheim Mighty Ducks:
By signing Scott Niedermayer, the Ducks put together one of the toughest defensive pairs in the league, with Niedermayer and Sandis Ozolinsh. The team also has plenty of depth up front, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere has already proven himself to be a top netminder.
Detroit Red Wings:
Despite losing many key players, the Red Wings still have a lot of talent and experience in their lineup. However, they’ll need Chris Osgood to be in the same shape as he was when he last played for the Wings. They will also need their vets to stay healthy, especially team captain Steve Yzerman. All things considered, expect the Nashville Predators to challenge Detroit for the division title.
Stanley Cup Winner
Calgary Flames
The Flames have the offensive, defensive and goaltending talent to win it all this year. They were one win away from the Stanley Cup in 2004, but came up short. After their off-season acquisitions, the Flames will be back stronger than before.
Other Predictions
Toughest team:
Philadelphia Flyers
They are a strong team that has many large players who make it difficult to steal the puck. Forsberg, especially, is not an easy player to shut down.
Team with the most finesse:
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NHL, with players like St. Louis and Brad Richards.
Most disappointing team:
St. Louis Blues
After years of being one of the top competitors in the West, the Blues are expected to finish low in the Western conference after losing top defencemen Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis and forward Pavel Demitra.
Team that could surprise everyone:
Nashville Predators
If the Predators get quality goaltending once again from Tomas Vokoun, and if Paul Kariya can return to his former self, the Preds could challenge the Wings for the Central Division title.
Team with the most solid defensive corps:
Calgary Flames
They have the youngest, and arguably the most talented, group of defencemen in the game, featuring Robyn Regehr, Roman Hamrlik, Jordan Leopold, Rhett Warrener and Dion Phaneuf.
Other Canadian Teams
Edmonton Oilers (7th in West):
After just missing the playoffs last season, the Oilers have brought in some veteran leadership with Chris Pronger and Mike Peca. If they can get some good quality goaltending from Ty Conklin and Jussi Markkanen, the Oilers will have a good shot at the playoffs and could surprise everyone.
Montreal Canadiens (7th in East):
The Canadiens have a good goaltender in Jose Theodore and some good forwards with the addition of Radek Bonk, however, the team is a bit weaker on defence due to youth and inexperience. They are also lacking a good back-up goalie in case Theodore goes down. Montreal will have to work harder if they want to make the playoffs and compete in the new Eastern conference.
Toronto Maple Leafs (5th in the East):
The Leafs will need their top players to remain healthy if they want a chance in the playoffs, especially players like Eric Lindros, Jason Allison and Ed Belfour. They have plenty of young talent to challenge the older players for key roles on the team, which could help them earn a playoff spot.
Vancouver Canucks (4th in the West):
The Canucks have the offence and defence to win a lot of games, but they continue to struggle with the goaltending duties. They can clearly compete for the division title, but come playoff time, they’ll need some help in net if they hope to make a serious run for the Cup.
