If history is any indication, why should Toronto finish ahead of Ottawa this season?
823653
I DON'T THINK YOU GUYS UNDERSTOOD THE QUESTION!!!\n\nIF history is any indication, the Leafs will finish ahead of the Senators because it is their TURN!\n\nSince the two teams have played in the same division, neither team has bettered the other team two years in a row.\n\n98/99--Sens 103 pts......leafs 97 pts\n99/00--Leafs 100 pts.....Sens 95 pts\n00/01--Sens  109 pts.....leafs 90 pts\n01/02--Leafs  100 pts.....Sens 94 pts\n02/03--Sens 113 Pts......Leafs 98 pts\n03/04--Leafs 103 pts......Sens 102 pts\n05/06-- Sens 113 pts......Leafs 90 pts\n\nSo this year has to be Leafs on top of Sens!
755134
Calgary has a recent history of slow starts and finishing well. IF you noticed, they have only played 2 divisional games so far this season, both against Edmonton, and there are 30 divisional games left. Those games are the 4-point swing games. They started out with a long road trip East, then some odd scheduling back home that had them play 2 games in 9 nights. Not an excuse, but a possible cause.\n\nKipper....yup, doesn't look like himseld until the last few games. He dominated last night versus the Stars. His GAA will be down where it typically is by mid season.\n\nAlso, the Flames scoring has improved over last season, but needs to improve. Give them time to figure out the lines and we'll see more.\n\nFinally, we aren't that bad. Look at the standings this morning, and they are only 4 points out of a playoff spot with a game in hand. They are only 5 points out of 2nd in the divison with 2 games in hand.  Wins on friday and saturday will bring them back to the .500 mark, similar position to last year.\n\nThere is nothing wrong with the Flames.\n\nGO FLAMES GO!!
309473
You make a very good point about Detroit being in a weak division, but in the end you have to win those games against lighter opponents, and Detroit did most of the time this season. \n\nThe Western conference is going to be a dogfight. Anaheim is dangerous and has a goalie with good playoff experience, Calgary has Kiprusoff, Dallas has been just great this year, and San Jose has the best first line in hockey right now. Whoever wins this conference isn't going to do it easily.
929708
Calgary - pretty decent chance. Their team didn't just get bad from last season, there was hardly a change. They will turn it around sooner than later.\n\nEdmonton - the loss of Moreau really hurt their chances at the playoffs. He was an emotional leader that can't be replaced. An upgrade at defence is also a must, but their odds at the cup are slipping.\n\nVancouver - Could be a dark horse team if their depth players step it up.\n\nToronto - Another dark horse team that is getting good support from their depth players but the ?'s are the 3-6 defencemen.\n\nOttawa - Goalie issues once again might sink them in the playoffs once more.\n\nMontreal - Same as Ottawa. Aebischer and Huet have had no playoff success. But having a leader like Koivu gives them an edge.\n\nIf I had to rank them:\n\n1. Flames\n2. Montreal\n3. Sens\n4. Canucks\n5. Maple Leafs\n6. Oilers\n\nAnd I'm an Oilers fan, BTW...
619007
Actually, yes. They have a great attitude and are not merely satisfied splitting the series 1-1 in Ottawa. They fully intend to go out and win again tonight and here's hoping they do just that! For some odd reason, Game Two of a best-of-seven series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is significant. Close to 70% of the teams who win Game Two end up winning the series. So...\n\nLet's Go Buf-fa-lo!!!
438942
i think this is a good idea if you look into the future..obviously, the leafs are (FINALLY) going through a youth movement and focusing on young player like pohl, coliacovo or steen..all these guys will play a big role in the leafs future...knowing that...it is important to have a coach who focuses on these young men....unfortunatly, Quinn was not known for this but for relying on old, veterans
831882
They added Kubina and Gill to a completely different blueline. That was really their only problem last year, no defense besides Kaberle. McCabe is good, but hes not exactly a defensive player. \n\nPaul Maurices style of play is also much better than Quinns, at the NHL level coaching really does have a huge impact. Toronto now plays with speed and style, instead of crash bang/dumping and chasing. \n\nAll you haters are pathetic, spending all your time bashing TO, we don't need your negative vibes. Toronto is a good team, theyre no fluke, theyve missed the playoffs only 3 times since 1992. Thats pretty solid. See you in May!
29983
Its always too early, because the leafs will never contend. im sorry to dash hopes, but St. Louis(last in the league) will win before the Maple Leafs do.
223725
I actually think so. They've done some really good moves to bolster the team - the trade for Thornton being paramount. The main reason isn't so much based on the strengths of their own team (even though they showed some stamina against the Preds tonight and got the OT win) as other teams above them in the West right now faultering. I predict Anaheim and Colorado out of the playoffs in 15-16 games time and the Sharks sneaking into that 8th spot.
427089
I don't understand it myself? I don't live anywhere near Toronto, but you'll see as many Leaf shirts around here as you do Lightning. I think it has to do with they are one of the NHL's original franchises, and sons will get the team lore passed down from fathers and a new generation leads the cheers. With the amount of money that team makes they should be contenders every year. This year they went for big strong guys like Lindros, Allison, Berg and Richardson when they should have gone smaller and faster like say Buffalo. \nI do believe that the Leafs have a ton of loyal fans who will stick with them sink or swim, and its for them I feel bad for, because it could be a while still before they win again.
361198
Yes they have a lot to play for. Although they have clinched a playoff spot, it's possible for them to move up to 5th place depending on if they win and a couple of other teams lose. I hope they can move up. They've been playing really well over these last games.
301971
I'd love to say the Flyers, but down 2-0, that doesn't look to be the case.\n\nOut of the East- presently you have to look at the match-ups as follows:\n\nTop seed Ottawa losing a close one, not drilled Tampa Bay.  TB no longer with a top rated back stop can be counted out.\n\nWith a 2-0 lead, Montreal holds on against the higher rated Canes with solid goaltending.\n\nThe Devils OWN the series against the Devils\n\nThe Sabres will hold on against the Flyers with their speed.\n\nTherefore- 2nd round match-ups make for:\n\nOttawa versus the lowest remaining seed- Canadians\nand Sabres versus the Devils.\n\nMy pick would be Ottawa and the Devils, with the Devils playoff savvy and defense beating the Sens with a non-top ranked backstop (with Hasek maybe a different story).\n\nNow let's move to the West---\n\nDown 2-1, the Wings will come back against the Oilers.\n\n#2- Dallas looks to be on the outs against the Avs.\n\n#3 Calgary will take the victory up 2-1 against the Ducks\n\nand #5 Sharks will hold on against the Preds.\n\nThat leaves the 2nd round match-ups as...\n\nWings versus Avs- GREAT match-up!  Wings prevail.\n\nCalgary versus the Sharks.  Gotta go with Mikka and the Flames.\n\nThat means a Western Final of Detroit versus Calgary.  Mikka doesn't do it again this year and the Wings march on to get ROMPED by the Devils and Brodeur.\n\nI HATE the Devils!
334544
In my opinion it's to early to tell.  The first month isn't even over and we don't know if any injuries may occur or trades that might affect teams. I usually wait until mid July and start predicting then.  It's just way to early to know who will win.  The team with the best record now may fall into a slump and end up below .500 by the end of the season.  I personally feel it is important to back your opinion with stats the Bill James way or other ways that compare situations to players.  This may not be the perfect answer to your question, but I thought I'd add this to show that it's to early in the season.
223757
They're pretty good, and might make the playoffs yet, watch out for Florida though won 7 in a row. They need a big Defenceman like that Chara guy Ottawa has, to keep the front of the net clear for the goalies. They also have to keep guys like Savard and Hossa happy (ie. more money), and they have both played great this season. Thats about all I can think of. Go Lightning!
592548
Hey, just 'cause they had a bad year doesn't mean squat. Historically, they've had more cups than any other team in the league save maybe Detroit and Montreal.
687106
Definetly. Im an avid Sabres fan and i've been watching this team all year. The new NHL favors speedy and skillful teams much like the Sabres. The teams that seem to give the Sabres the most trouble are teams with distinguished goaltending and defense. Although Ottawa plays very solid defense, with Hasek still out for atleast another round I dont think Ray Emery can do enough to stop this Sabres offense. Lines 1-4 for the Sabres are filled with energy and skill. I dont think that any remaining team can compare to the depth they have, which is way I look for this team to make a long run in this years playoffs.
335976
Sure they can. Both teams are at the top of there divions. Ottawa has the stars, Buffalo plays hard. Buffalo wins 6-2.