As I anxiously await the drop of the puck for this hockey season, here are just a few things I can't wait to see shake out...
THE OLYMPICS!!!!!
I remember a few years ago listening intently to an internet broadcast as a young group of U.S. teenagers took a heavily favored Canadian team deep in a shootout in the semifinal of the World Junior Championships. Players like Peter Meuller, Jack and Erik Johnson got me to thinking that the current crop of American hockey players has the potential to outperform the group that was recently fading away (Brett Hull, Chris Chelios, Mike Modano, etc.) like a Neil Young lyric.
Now, most of those players are in the NHL at ridiculously young ages. Chris Drury, Brian Rolston and Brian Rafalski are now the graybeards as youngsters like Patrick Kane, Zach Parise, and Phil Kessel look to carry the biggest load on a team that has enough talent to shock the world much like a group of college kids did in Lake Placid in 1980. I can't wait for the Olympic tourney to begin!!!!!
CAN THE PENS AND/OR REDWINGS MAKE IT 3 IN A ROW?
As a Penguins fan who endured through seasons bad enough to warrant the 1st (Fluery), 2nd (Malkin), 1st (Crosby), and 2nd (Staal) picks in 4 straight drafts, it was fun for me to watch the last 2 Stanley Cup Finals. But as the core of these two teams have now played much more hockey than the rest of the league, does either of these teams have neough in the tank to return to the Finals again next June?
If I had to place a bet, my money would follow the Penguins. Yes, I'm biased here. But the young flightless birds are lead by a core group that hasn't yet reached the age of 25, let alone matured to the point where they've peaked ability-wise. Meanwhile, the Red Wings are led by elder statesman Niklas Lidstrom (39), Chris Osgood (36), and Tomas Holmstrom (36). This is a group more likely to tail off than to get better.
CALDER TROPHY AND SOPHOMORE JINXES
Each year since the lockout it seems more and more newbies breakout and send hockey poolies scanning the free agent lists of their respective leagues. Last year saw Kris Versteeg and Steve Mason come from seemingly out of nowhere to carry their teams into the playoffs. Who will it be this year? And who from last year's impressive group of youngsters will fall short of expectations?
LOS ANGELES KINGS/ST. LOUIS BLUES
Each year, as I warm up my remote control to peruse the offerings of the Center Ice Package, I attach myself to an up and coming team that's a dark horse to make the spring dance. Last year, I followed the Coyotes. I thoroughly enjoyed listeing to the musings of Darren Pang on their broadcasts, and enjoyed watching the energy of a young team that would never say die.
This year, I can't decide between the Blues or the Kings. It seems everyone is picking the Blues to surprise, and based on the fact that they made the playoffs last year without some of their premier players (Paul Kariya namely, who lasted a ridiculously long time in both of my fantasy drafts) I can understand that. but the Kings are lurking, and appear ready to conquer their kingdom.
Drew Doughty waqs their best defenseman as an 18 year old last season. Anze Kopitar and Duston Brown had off years but should only get better. Adding the leadership of Ryan Smyth and Rob Scuderi will only help. Plus, they have 2 goalies that are very young but one (Jonathan Quick or Bernier) is due to breakout and realize his potential.
These guys have stockpiled talented young players, and with older guys like Kyle Calder moving on, they now get the chance to earn their ice time and make their mark. Beware the Kings!!!
