ESPN actually did the unthinkable today. Yes, that's right, they wrote about the NHL.
E.J. Hradek, the
ESPN The Magazine writer, put together his Eastern Conference preview. As you can already guess, we are picked 5th in the Atlantic. Other 5th placers are Boston and Washington.
Honestly, with all the change that has transpired, Hradek's assessment isn't that far off. In fact, in another piece he wrote, he did feel the Isles were better this year: with one caveat. We might have fewer total points, despite this. His thinking is that our true rise might happen later than this season.
Now before anyone gets all bent out of shape...you should know a few things about EJ. One, he uses two initials like yours truly. So he can't be all bad. All above all, he grew up an Isles fan. So, it's tough love sometimes from EJ.
However, where he and I differ is the estimation of depth, grit and aggression that has been added. And yes, he is quite correct that the 40 goals by Blake that are gone will hurt. But I see that being offset by a #1 line that is Ted Nolan's preference. He's now chosen and worked with Snow to get the people he wants in place. I expect that line to produce quite a bit. And the real question to me is how will the #2 line perform. Since this was a question of this team last season and still they grabbed a spot, I expect them to compete for the same.
Personally, to me, the last couple spots for any playoffs are up for grabs.
Tampa with glaring goalie questions and missing Boyle.
Atlanta who despite the prolific offense...still has some shakiness within...and a goalie who must prove he can stand tall in big games.
Buffalo has a power outage, despite a very good goaltender and a lot of youth who will play Lindy Ruff's system strongly.
Philly is going to need time and efforts to jell as a team, and for Biron to show he can be a #1 in a tough tough city to be a #1 goaltender.
Boston a mess that is still trying to right itself.
Toronto Despite coach Paul Maurice's big prediction of great things...I have to say..the pressure is on. Two goalies who have not proven to be #1s (my money is on Toskala turning into that eventually). Blake will be a boon. And I do think they might step up this season.
Montreal They will be better as well. Youth is growing and team is getting better...albeit slowly.
Rangers We all know that Isles/Ranger games will be competitive no matter the standing. But that kind of power they got on their top lines, plus youth will really make a difference. However, they will also always have a terrible Achilles heel until they address or tighten that D.
These teams, despite some getting better, still have holes and still there is opportunity with some strong consistent play, smart tactics, and heart/soul chemistry...the Isles can really rise and take advantage of other teams struggles.
As with all talk and prognostication...the proof will be in the pudding. We'll see what happens.
Let me know what you think.
Tonight
NJ and the Isles tangle in MA. 7pm on Itv. Nothing on the roster yet. Not sure on the delay on its release. Though Ben Walter, Gordie Dwyer, Frans Nielsen, and Joey MacDonald are expected to join the team in Lowell.
And...Bridgeport starts their first preseason game versus the Hartford Wolfpack at Stamford, CT.
Email: B.D. Gallof
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