Slap Chop
ENT: It's new year - pass the fruitcake - humour by Heather McCabe
Happy New Year! Right, let's get down to business. Who has actually used their Slap Chop since receiving it last week for Christmas? I am very curious to know, so if you would like to e-mail me and tell me, I would be delighted to hear from you.[...]
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Once again most predictors copy cat last years results. The regular season results in changes down the stretch and into the playoffs as the more physical teams take charge. Last year I predicted the Sharks late season fall and the rise of the Flames. Here is the way the new season will go.
EAST:
1. Washington Capitals - Ovechkin is the best and most determined player in the NHL. The Caps are ready to take it a notch up.
2. Philadelphia Flyers - If you can't beat um' in the alley, you can't beat em' on the ice. I've always been a Sabres fan and thus disliked the Flyers. You just gotta' love these guys. They will be fun to watch and depending on how tight the calls are this year, they could go all the way.
3. Buffalo Sabres - OK, I'm a homer. If the tight calls go the other way, look for the munchkin forwards to do some real damage. Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek have standout seasons.
4. Montreal Canadiens - With the improvement of the Leafs, the Canadiens will feel pressured to play a more steady game. They are solid all over and only need to regain their power play. They will with Gomez, Gionta, and Cammaleri.
5. Boston Bruins - Great goaltending of Tim Thomas will keep them in it. I think they are overrated. A few injuries, a lack of scoring, and big heads will keep them down.
6. Pittsburgh Penguins - Ton of talent gives way to a lack of heart. Crosby will have a super season. Malkin will falter. Not enough room in the house for those two. Bad start could take them down.
7. New York Rangers - Like their baseball counterpart the Yankees, they just can buy a championship. This year they will be much better though and could surprise with their depth and talent.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs - Yes, it finally happens. Tough Leafs will resemble young Flyers. Hockey Night in Canada will be virtually unbearable to watch as the band wagon jumpers over hype the Leafs but they will make the playoffs.
9. New Jersey Devils - Didn't you notice a little chink in the armor of Martin Brodeur last year? Can't hit the broad side of the barn with the offense.
10. Tampa Bay Lightning - With a little better defensive cast, you can't hold down Vinny and Martin St. Louis for too long. They might rise even higher with a good start.
11. Ottawa Senators - Sorry I just don't like these guys. Lot's of talent. Dirty players and dirty GM.
12. New York Islanders - I like them. This is the beginning of the rise if the Islanders again. Many underrated players and Tavares to lead them.
13. Carolina Hurricanes - OK, Eric Staal and Cam Ward are great. Almost as dirty as the Senators, the Canes will take a dive this year. Getting old.
14. Florida Panthers - The ghosts of Ollie and Jay will haunt them. Great AHL team.
15. Atlanta Thrashers - Wouldn't it be cool to see Kovalchuck on a good team? Once every ten games they look great. Chicken fodder for the good defensive teams.
WEST:
1. Detroit Red Wings - I know, I know, not again. Best managed team in hockey just gets in everyone's way. So talented and determined at every position. Most teams just chalk up a loss. Look for Zetterberg to fly very high this year.
2. Calgary Flames - Finally, Canadian fans have something to cheer about. They are fast, rough, and seasoned. Jerome finally has some help in a better defense. I picked them to go far last year and they will continue to rise.
3. Anaheim Ducks - If they were from NY City or Canada, they would be picked by all the sportswriters. Big Ducks quack the beaks out of most teams. They will be there at the end.
4. Chicago Black Hawks - I wish I could pick them first but they are missing something. Maybe a veteran forward for leadership. Patrick Kane has big stones for a little guy and will only get better. Great all around and hungry.
5. St. Louis Blues - Remember the expansion years? The Blues were all class. Guess what? They are again. Will be most improved team in the NHL.
6. San Jose Sharks - What? The Sharks 6th in the West? I knew they would take a dive last year and I still think they are overrated. McLellan fired by mid-season. Ducks will crush em'.
7. Los Angeles Kings - OOO give me the offensive purple Kings again. This year they finally come together. Tons of scoring and good goaltending puts them on track.
8. Vancouver Canucks - Best goaltender in the league can't save them from taking a dive. Burrows is great but not much respect for the Sedins.
9. Dallas Stars - Chop Chop. Need to get some toughness and defense. Great forward corps and leadership. Inconsistent.
10. Nashville Predators - Many teams wish they had their defense. They could surprise if only they'd change their name to the Nashville Cats.
11. Colorado Avalanche - A few great players. Very cool uniforms. Great fans. Not enough.
12. Phoenix Coyotes - Maybe the Hamilton Tiger Cats? Good young, tough team. Just poor management.
13. Edmonton Oilers - Such a proud franchise, history, and great hockey fans. It's a shame. They are officially worse than the Leafs now.
14. Minnesota Wild - Hey I am Italian. I cheer for the Red, Green, and White. Too bad Team Italy might beat them.
15. Columbus Blue Jackets - They play like Ottawa south. A few great players and nothing but chippy play. Move them to Winnepeg. Cool uniforms though.
Ducks will beat the Flyers in the most memorable Cup Final in years. It will be a war.
Charles Priore
http://thesportexpress.blogspot.com/
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