ok, time for CFL season (finally). it starts on July 1!
here are my preseason predictions
West
1. Edmonton - 11-7
a return to the top for Edmonton, with Ray still firing and a solid 1-2 punch in the backfield, along with good recievers, it should be a good season for Edmonton.
2. Sask - 10-8
maybe a slow start as the defence isn't what it was last year after losing three stars, but Durant will show last year wasn't a fluke. of course if he falls off, there isn't much behind him
3. Calgary - 9-9
no home playoff game for my stamps this year with less recieving talent and an entirely new O-line, as well as a rookie kicker. decent backups will stem tide if Burris doesn't get protected well enough.
4. BC - 7-11
still a good team, and Printers will get them some wins, but Wally's time in BC may be running out
East
1. Montreal - 12-6
still the team to beat in the east, but the gap is quickly closing, as Calvillo ages and Montreal will be the targets as the reigning Grey Cup Champions. no team has repeated since the 96-97 Argos
2. Hamilton - 10-8
Hamilton continues to improve year by year, Glenn is good enough to get them wins, while relying on what might be the best linebacking core in the league, along with young talent and the newly acquired Deanglis from Calgary.
3. Winnipeg - 8-10
still behind the Als and Ticats, but new coaching is a big change. no crossover this year. getting Pierce is a great move, but only until he gets another concussion and his career is over. good recieving core
4. Toronto - 5-13 - QB will continue to be the biggest problem with no experienced QBs, a team building for the future will show more promise near the end with Barker bringing in some talent
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
NHL playoffs
well, the Flames missed the playoffs. I will discuss that at a later time, for now I am posting my picks for the NHL first round
San Jose Vs Colorado --> Sharks in 6
Chicago Vs Nashville --> Chicago in 5
Vancouver Vs Los Angeles --> Los Angeles in 7
Phoenix Vs Detroit --> Detroit in 6
Washington Vs Montreal --> Capitals in 4
New Jersey Vs Philadelphia --> Devils in 5
Buffalo Vs Boston --> Buffalo in 6
Pittsburgh Vs Ottawa --> Pittsburgh in 6
San Jose Vs Colorado --> Sharks in 6
Chicago Vs Nashville --> Chicago in 5
Vancouver Vs Los Angeles --> Los Angeles in 7
Phoenix Vs Detroit --> Detroit in 6
Washington Vs Montreal --> Capitals in 4
New Jersey Vs Philadelphia --> Devils in 5
Buffalo Vs Boston --> Buffalo in 6
Pittsburgh Vs Ottawa --> Pittsburgh in 6
Saturday, March 27, 2010
its...almost tee-time for the Flames
It seems ironic that my last post on here was about playoffs, although that was about football playoffs. and what do you know, those also provided disappointing results for fans of a Calgary based team.
As I'm sure you know, the Stamps lost to the Riders in the west final last November. the Riders went on to lose the Grey Cup (played in Calgary, I was there!) after a big mistake cost them, and the Allouettes got their revenge after losing the Grey Cup at home the prior season. The 97th Grey Cup will go down in history. the Riders took control in the first half, and a solid lead into the 4th quarter. the Allouettes though charged back with an 8 point converted touchdown, and a 6 point touchdown to pull within 2 points. they had a chance at a 45 yard field goal to win with no time left, and missed. the Riders forgot how to count (or something like that) and had too many players on the field. Als got another chance from the 35 and nailed the winner. the Riders blew it.
ok, on to our similarly disappointing Flames team.
The Flames were supposed to compete for the division and possibly 2nd in the conference. after a great November they stumbled and at one point had a 9 game losing streak. soon after, Phaneuf was traded for 2nd liners from Toronto and a great defenceman, and Jokinen was traded for Kotalik, in a baffling move for most Flames fans and NHL fans. Kotalik?
after a great olympic break, the Flames needed about 14 wins in their last 20 to get a playoff spot, and they traded for Staios from Edmonton to make a playoff push, sitting a point out of 8th. since then the Flames have gone 7-6 and have lost ground on Detroit, Nashville and Colorado. the Flames had a decent chance until losing to the New York Islanders in a poor effort on thursday and today a brutal performance in Boston, losing 5-0. This team has serious problems. they are now 6 points out with 7 games left, and the two teams they are chasing (Detroit/Colorado) have a game in hand and are on pace to finish with one more point than the Flames can get if the y finish 7-0. The Flames appear to have given up, and if they want to make it they have to run the table, 7-0, against teams like Chicago, San Jose, Washington and Pheonix.
It is sad to see where this team is at, with the expectations. maybe we thought this team was better than it is, maybe the core is to blame, Iginla hasn't shown up much this season and his captaincy has to be questioned as he declines. the GM is also to blame here, with poor drafting, questionable trades and a poor ability to adapt his team to the post-lockout era. after years of change every year and first round exits, the only two constants remaining through this have been the core and the GM.
the core is overvalued because of a cup run, in a year of clutch and grab and an amazing goaltender, the Flames had trouble scoring then too.
the Flames have few truly valuable parts left, Iginla, White, Backlund, Kipper, Bourque and Giordano.
the question is where do the Flames go from here, assuming they miss the playoffs (there is a 1.6% chance of them making the playoffs)?
they have alot of long-term expensive contracts, with some having no trade clauses, so trading is going to be tough.
the Flames can stand pat and see how it goes with the current team next year, but fans don't want that. last season I said they need to blow it up if they lose in the first round again this year, and now they won't even make it (likely). it appears it is time to blow it up, and maybe with a new GM. I have been supportive of Sutter, but a change would be nice, and I wouldn't mind seeing Steve Yzerman or someone be the Flames GM. start anew, get rid of the old guys and rebuild, with some improved drafting. It would be tough to watch a few years of rebuilding and such, but the teams that have been succesful recently have rebuilt (except detroit).
maybe you get rid of the GM and keep the team the same, maybe a change in the style of play and management will improve the core's attitude.
another option is to strip Iggy of the captaincy, ala San Jose and Marleau, and hope that changes things.
As a fan, I am ready for a full-rebuild, but I doubt it will happen. It should be an interesting off-season, but this teams hands are tied. Iggy is getting older, so we need to get younger and build around those players (like Backlund)
They could be like Ottawa, who missed the playoffs last year, made one trade and are now back in a good position.
on a more positive note, the Hitmen are in the playoffs, down 3-2 in the series with Moose Jaw, with game 6 tonight. and the benefit of the Flames rebuilding, is lower expectations which means we are happier after wins and not as upset and disspointed after a loss. kind of like in 2004, the fans didn't expect a cup run, but I would rather not see them miss the playoffs for another 6 years.
As I'm sure you know, the Stamps lost to the Riders in the west final last November. the Riders went on to lose the Grey Cup (played in Calgary, I was there!) after a big mistake cost them, and the Allouettes got their revenge after losing the Grey Cup at home the prior season. The 97th Grey Cup will go down in history. the Riders took control in the first half, and a solid lead into the 4th quarter. the Allouettes though charged back with an 8 point converted touchdown, and a 6 point touchdown to pull within 2 points. they had a chance at a 45 yard field goal to win with no time left, and missed. the Riders forgot how to count (or something like that) and had too many players on the field. Als got another chance from the 35 and nailed the winner. the Riders blew it.
ok, on to our similarly disappointing Flames team.
The Flames were supposed to compete for the division and possibly 2nd in the conference. after a great November they stumbled and at one point had a 9 game losing streak. soon after, Phaneuf was traded for 2nd liners from Toronto and a great defenceman, and Jokinen was traded for Kotalik, in a baffling move for most Flames fans and NHL fans. Kotalik?
after a great olympic break, the Flames needed about 14 wins in their last 20 to get a playoff spot, and they traded for Staios from Edmonton to make a playoff push, sitting a point out of 8th. since then the Flames have gone 7-6 and have lost ground on Detroit, Nashville and Colorado. the Flames had a decent chance until losing to the New York Islanders in a poor effort on thursday and today a brutal performance in Boston, losing 5-0. This team has serious problems. they are now 6 points out with 7 games left, and the two teams they are chasing (Detroit/Colorado) have a game in hand and are on pace to finish with one more point than the Flames can get if the y finish 7-0. The Flames appear to have given up, and if they want to make it they have to run the table, 7-0, against teams like Chicago, San Jose, Washington and Pheonix.
It is sad to see where this team is at, with the expectations. maybe we thought this team was better than it is, maybe the core is to blame, Iginla hasn't shown up much this season and his captaincy has to be questioned as he declines. the GM is also to blame here, with poor drafting, questionable trades and a poor ability to adapt his team to the post-lockout era. after years of change every year and first round exits, the only two constants remaining through this have been the core and the GM.
the core is overvalued because of a cup run, in a year of clutch and grab and an amazing goaltender, the Flames had trouble scoring then too.
the Flames have few truly valuable parts left, Iginla, White, Backlund, Kipper, Bourque and Giordano.
the question is where do the Flames go from here, assuming they miss the playoffs (there is a 1.6% chance of them making the playoffs)?
they have alot of long-term expensive contracts, with some having no trade clauses, so trading is going to be tough.
the Flames can stand pat and see how it goes with the current team next year, but fans don't want that. last season I said they need to blow it up if they lose in the first round again this year, and now they won't even make it (likely). it appears it is time to blow it up, and maybe with a new GM. I have been supportive of Sutter, but a change would be nice, and I wouldn't mind seeing Steve Yzerman or someone be the Flames GM. start anew, get rid of the old guys and rebuild, with some improved drafting. It would be tough to watch a few years of rebuilding and such, but the teams that have been succesful recently have rebuilt (except detroit).
maybe you get rid of the GM and keep the team the same, maybe a change in the style of play and management will improve the core's attitude.
another option is to strip Iggy of the captaincy, ala San Jose and Marleau, and hope that changes things.
As a fan, I am ready for a full-rebuild, but I doubt it will happen. It should be an interesting off-season, but this teams hands are tied. Iggy is getting older, so we need to get younger and build around those players (like Backlund)
They could be like Ottawa, who missed the playoffs last year, made one trade and are now back in a good position.
on a more positive note, the Hitmen are in the playoffs, down 3-2 in the series with Moose Jaw, with game 6 tonight. and the benefit of the Flames rebuilding, is lower expectations which means we are happier after wins and not as upset and disspointed after a loss. kind of like in 2004, the fans didn't expect a cup run, but I would rather not see them miss the playoffs for another 6 years.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Playoff time!!
Well November has struck, that means two things, the CFL playoffs are starting and the Iginla is hitting his stride.
Ok so here are the playoff matchups
Riders won the west division, they get the bye week and host the west final, for the first time since 1976. they play the winner of the west semifinal, which is hosted by the Stampeders with the Eskimoes visiting.
In the East, Montreal clinched and will host the east final, for the 2nd consecutive year. they will host the winner of the east semifinal, which Hamilton will host. I think this is the first time they have hosted a playoff game since 2001. The BC Lions will crossover and play Hamilton
So it appears I was right about Hamilton, which makes me happy, I wanted them to do well this year. I was off on the Riders, who i picked to cross over. Their QB Durant showed why they had confidence in him. Reynolds had a phenomenal year for Calgary, with over 1700 all purpose yards, a favourite to win Most Outstanding Player.
Calgary hosts the Grey Cup, but will have to win at home then in Saskatchewan to get there. every team in the playoffs has a chance at the Cup, with Hamilton being the hottest team. After a close game with Montreal, Hamilton has rattled off 3 straight wins, Glenn showing the form he had leading the Bombers to the 2007 Grey Cup.
my picks, well the west I obviously pick Calgary as a Calgary fan, but either of the 3 teams could be there. I think the run game will play large importance with both playoff games being outdoors in November, and Calgary and Edmonton have shown the most strength in this area lately. Calgary won the season series 3-1 with Edmonton, with both games in Calgary being dominated by the Stampeders.
as for the final, Edmonton won the season series with Sask 2-1 and Calgary lost the season series to sask 0-2-1, with Sask winning the season finale.
In the East I pick Hamilton. Hamilton is on a hot streak and Glenn has something to prove. The Crossover team rarely wins, and BC lost both games to Hamilton this year, early in the season though. BC's qb situation is up in the air, with Printers not sure, and Jackson and Pierce still out. Travis Lulay might be ready, and Zac Champion is the last resort. BC got shelled by Edmonton in the season finale, while Hamilton shutout the Bombers in the second half to finish the season.
as for the final, Hamilton lost the season series to Montreal, going 0-4. But both games in Montreal were close into the 4th Quarter. BC tied Montreal in the season series 1-1, after a last minute controversial win in the Labour day weekend game.
I hope Calgary can make it as they are my team and I have tickets to the game. (section J row 70). Go Stamps go
The Flames have been on fire (hehe) in November, winning 4 straight. They shutout Montreal last night 1-0, in one of their best games of the season. They are rolling, and Iginla has made up for a slow October (as usual) with 4 goals in 4 games. the Bourque-Langkow-Dawes line has been stellar and Jokinen seems to be getting better, while Bouwmeester, Phaneuf and Regher are quietly having a great season. its only November, but the Flames are on pace to finish with 118 points, tied with Colorado for the division, just behind San Jose. The way Kipper is playing, and with Sutter behind the bench, they should win the division. Its November though.
Go Flames
Ok so here are the playoff matchups
Riders won the west division, they get the bye week and host the west final, for the first time since 1976. they play the winner of the west semifinal, which is hosted by the Stampeders with the Eskimoes visiting.
In the East, Montreal clinched and will host the east final, for the 2nd consecutive year. they will host the winner of the east semifinal, which Hamilton will host. I think this is the first time they have hosted a playoff game since 2001. The BC Lions will crossover and play Hamilton
So it appears I was right about Hamilton, which makes me happy, I wanted them to do well this year. I was off on the Riders, who i picked to cross over. Their QB Durant showed why they had confidence in him. Reynolds had a phenomenal year for Calgary, with over 1700 all purpose yards, a favourite to win Most Outstanding Player.
Calgary hosts the Grey Cup, but will have to win at home then in Saskatchewan to get there. every team in the playoffs has a chance at the Cup, with Hamilton being the hottest team. After a close game with Montreal, Hamilton has rattled off 3 straight wins, Glenn showing the form he had leading the Bombers to the 2007 Grey Cup.
my picks, well the west I obviously pick Calgary as a Calgary fan, but either of the 3 teams could be there. I think the run game will play large importance with both playoff games being outdoors in November, and Calgary and Edmonton have shown the most strength in this area lately. Calgary won the season series 3-1 with Edmonton, with both games in Calgary being dominated by the Stampeders.
as for the final, Edmonton won the season series with Sask 2-1 and Calgary lost the season series to sask 0-2-1, with Sask winning the season finale.
In the East I pick Hamilton. Hamilton is on a hot streak and Glenn has something to prove. The Crossover team rarely wins, and BC lost both games to Hamilton this year, early in the season though. BC's qb situation is up in the air, with Printers not sure, and Jackson and Pierce still out. Travis Lulay might be ready, and Zac Champion is the last resort. BC got shelled by Edmonton in the season finale, while Hamilton shutout the Bombers in the second half to finish the season.
as for the final, Hamilton lost the season series to Montreal, going 0-4. But both games in Montreal were close into the 4th Quarter. BC tied Montreal in the season series 1-1, after a last minute controversial win in the Labour day weekend game.
I hope Calgary can make it as they are my team and I have tickets to the game. (section J row 70). Go Stamps go
The Flames have been on fire (hehe) in November, winning 4 straight. They shutout Montreal last night 1-0, in one of their best games of the season. They are rolling, and Iginla has made up for a slow October (as usual) with 4 goals in 4 games. the Bourque-Langkow-Dawes line has been stellar and Jokinen seems to be getting better, while Bouwmeester, Phaneuf and Regher are quietly having a great season. its only November, but the Flames are on pace to finish with 118 points, tied with Colorado for the division, just behind San Jose. The way Kipper is playing, and with Sutter behind the bench, they should win the division. Its November though.
Go Flames
Monday, October 26, 2009
Battle of Alberta sweep. Stamps, Flames and Hitmen beat up on Edmonton
woohoo.
ok so it was a good weekend to be a Calgary sports fan, and another good one as a football fan, as the CFL season winds towards the playoffs. the Stampeders defeated the Eskimoes 30-7 on friday, clinching a playoff spot. the Stamps also won the season series 3-1, with the only loss coming late in a game in August. 2 more wins and first place is Calgary's. two teams stand in the way, the BC Lions (who can only finish first if they win out and calgary and Sask go 0-1-1) and the Sask Roughriders. the Stamps play the Lions (3 points back) then the Roughriders(tied) in the final game.
The Roughriders defeated the Lions in overtime 33-30, meaning the final game will decide who gets first, winner gets the division final.
the Eskimoes can no longer catch Calgary or Sask. they can still catch BC if they beat Toronto and BC loses to Calgary, then they beat BC in their final game. 4th place in the west may still crossover to the east. Edmonton is in 4th and tied with Winnipeg and Hamilton, but the crossover team needs to finish AHEAD of the 3rd place east team. Winnipeg plays Montreal and Hamilton plays Sask this week, before the two teams battle to decide 2nd place in the east.
Winnipeg has surprised me with their play the last few weeks, beating up Montreal on the weekend to keep pace with Hamilton. this team was showing nothing at midseason and has turned it around, being the first east division team to defeat the Montreal Allouettes. it will be interesting to see how it plays out. it is garaunteed to come down to the last game of the season to finalize playoff positions and home team advantage.
Go Stamps go
the Flames (7-2-1) have had great success within the division so far, going 5-0. A 5-2 win over Edmonton on saturday gave the Flames a 3-0 record so far, half way through the season series against the Oilers. the Flames played thier best game of the season and actually deserved this win. they have won 3 in a row and play Colorado on wednesday, who are at the top of the northwest division.
its early in the season however, so i wouldn't read too much into it, but it sure is nice to see a great start for the Flames, as they get depth scoring and adjust to Sutter's system. now if only Iggy and Jokinen would pick it up as well!
the Hitmen sit atop the central division in the WHL with another great start to the season, at 12-3. the Hitmen twice defeated the Edmonton Oil Kings in the past week, continuing a trend of Calgary dominance in October.
A good month for Calgary sports teams, the Calgary Dinos football team also won again on the weekend, defeating the Regina Rams, moving to 6-1 and clinching a home playoff game.
GO FLAMES, STAMPS, HITMEN AND DINOS
PS CFL tiebreaker rules for those interested
Tie break rules:
When two or more member Clubs are tied in the final Division standings at the
conclusion of the regular season schedule, preferential ranking for playoff purposes
shall be determined on the basis of the following priorities and shall be awarded to
the club that:
a) has won the greater number of games played against all member Clubs of the
League or,
b) has won the greater number of games played against the other tied Club(s)
or,
c) has scored the higher net aggregate of points (i.e. points scored for less points
scored against) in games played against the other tied Club(s) or,
d) has scored the higher net quotient of points (i.e. points scored for divided by
points scored against) in games played against the other tied Clubs(s) or,
e) has won the greater number of games (or percentage of games) played against
all member Clubs of the Division or,
f) has scored the higher net aggregate of points in games played against all
member Clubs of the Division or,
g) has scored the higher net quotient of points in games played against all member
Clubs of the Division or,
h) has scored the higher net aggregate of points in games played against all
member Clubs of the League or,
i) has scored the higher net quotient of points in games played against all member
Clubs of the League or,
j) has won a coin toss against the other tied club.
a,b,c are all tied. Net Quotient (wierd Tie break) also a tie if the Stamps win the final game by 1 point
e) would go to Calgary with the better record against the West because they lost to Winnipeg and Hamilton as opposed to Quality Western opponents.
the Stampeders need only win by 1 point to take the tie breaker, which is points vs the division. the Riders need a tie or a win. this is assuming both teams are tied after next weeks games. if the Stamps are ahead the Riders need to win the final game, a tie won't do it. if the Riders are ahead, the Stamps still need a win.
this game is for first place, the winner gets first. the loser gets second or third, depending on the results of next weeks games. if BC loses to Calgary, they can't catch sask or calgary. so a Calgary win locks up home playoff games for sask and calgary. Sask can lock up a home playoff game for themselves with a win over Hamilton.
ok so it was a good weekend to be a Calgary sports fan, and another good one as a football fan, as the CFL season winds towards the playoffs. the Stampeders defeated the Eskimoes 30-7 on friday, clinching a playoff spot. the Stamps also won the season series 3-1, with the only loss coming late in a game in August. 2 more wins and first place is Calgary's. two teams stand in the way, the BC Lions (who can only finish first if they win out and calgary and Sask go 0-1-1) and the Sask Roughriders. the Stamps play the Lions (3 points back) then the Roughriders(tied) in the final game.
The Roughriders defeated the Lions in overtime 33-30, meaning the final game will decide who gets first, winner gets the division final.
the Eskimoes can no longer catch Calgary or Sask. they can still catch BC if they beat Toronto and BC loses to Calgary, then they beat BC in their final game. 4th place in the west may still crossover to the east. Edmonton is in 4th and tied with Winnipeg and Hamilton, but the crossover team needs to finish AHEAD of the 3rd place east team. Winnipeg plays Montreal and Hamilton plays Sask this week, before the two teams battle to decide 2nd place in the east.
Winnipeg has surprised me with their play the last few weeks, beating up Montreal on the weekend to keep pace with Hamilton. this team was showing nothing at midseason and has turned it around, being the first east division team to defeat the Montreal Allouettes. it will be interesting to see how it plays out. it is garaunteed to come down to the last game of the season to finalize playoff positions and home team advantage.
Go Stamps go
the Flames (7-2-1) have had great success within the division so far, going 5-0. A 5-2 win over Edmonton on saturday gave the Flames a 3-0 record so far, half way through the season series against the Oilers. the Flames played thier best game of the season and actually deserved this win. they have won 3 in a row and play Colorado on wednesday, who are at the top of the northwest division.
its early in the season however, so i wouldn't read too much into it, but it sure is nice to see a great start for the Flames, as they get depth scoring and adjust to Sutter's system. now if only Iggy and Jokinen would pick it up as well!
the Hitmen sit atop the central division in the WHL with another great start to the season, at 12-3. the Hitmen twice defeated the Edmonton Oil Kings in the past week, continuing a trend of Calgary dominance in October.
A good month for Calgary sports teams, the Calgary Dinos football team also won again on the weekend, defeating the Regina Rams, moving to 6-1 and clinching a home playoff game.
GO FLAMES, STAMPS, HITMEN AND DINOS
PS CFL tiebreaker rules for those interested
Tie break rules:
When two or more member Clubs are tied in the final Division standings at the
conclusion of the regular season schedule, preferential ranking for playoff purposes
shall be determined on the basis of the following priorities and shall be awarded to
the club that:
a) has won the greater number of games played against all member Clubs of the
League or,
b) has won the greater number of games played against the other tied Club(s)
or,
c) has scored the higher net aggregate of points (i.e. points scored for less points
scored against) in games played against the other tied Club(s) or,
d) has scored the higher net quotient of points (i.e. points scored for divided by
points scored against) in games played against the other tied Clubs(s) or,
e) has won the greater number of games (or percentage of games) played against
all member Clubs of the Division or,
f) has scored the higher net aggregate of points in games played against all
member Clubs of the Division or,
g) has scored the higher net quotient of points in games played against all member
Clubs of the Division or,
h) has scored the higher net aggregate of points in games played against all
member Clubs of the League or,
i) has scored the higher net quotient of points in games played against all member
Clubs of the League or,
j) has won a coin toss against the other tied club.
a,b,c are all tied. Net Quotient (wierd Tie break) also a tie if the Stamps win the final game by 1 point
e) would go to Calgary with the better record against the West because they lost to Winnipeg and Hamilton as opposed to Quality Western opponents.
the Stampeders need only win by 1 point to take the tie breaker, which is points vs the division. the Riders need a tie or a win. this is assuming both teams are tied after next weeks games. if the Stamps are ahead the Riders need to win the final game, a tie won't do it. if the Riders are ahead, the Stamps still need a win.
this game is for first place, the winner gets first. the loser gets second or third, depending on the results of next weeks games. if BC loses to Calgary, they can't catch sask or calgary. so a Calgary win locks up home playoff games for sask and calgary. Sask can lock up a home playoff game for themselves with a win over Hamilton.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
adams NHL 2009/2010 season prediction
last year i was off by an average of 3 spots per team. its too hard to pick, but here are my picks for this season
NHL predictions 2009-09-29
West:
1. San Jose (addition of Heatley is great, they will be fired up after losing last year, they haven’t lost a step, get to beat up on phoenix and Dallas again)
2. Calgary (addition of Bouwmeester on D, Jokinen getting full training camp will help Flames take next step. With extra depth the flames can make a midseason trade to pick up a winger, or hope Dawes and Sjostrom will keep getting better, along with the plethora of young guys around. With Sutter as coach, and one of the best defensive cores, the team will get back to playing defence and allow Kipper a little more rest)
3. Detroit (as with every year, they are getting older. Losing Hudler and a few others doesn’t help them as well as a few teams closing the gap a little in the division)
4. Vancouver (these guys are good, but Schnieder isn’t an adequate replacement for Salo, need guys like Kessler to step up with some goals again. Not much of a change, just that Calgary got better in the offseason, Vancouver didn’t)
5. Columbus (young kids getting better, need another strong year in the net)
6. St. Louis (same thing as Columbus, many young guys getter better)
7. Chicago (loss of Khabibulin may hurt them, as well a few injuries to start. Hossa contract may become a distraction)
8. Edmonton (with new coaches and some more experience for young players, they might make the push into the playoffs this year, Khabibulin will be an experiment, as he statistically plays better in contract years)
9. LA (so close again for LA, they usually run into injury problems, but lots of good young players and good goaltending will allow them to make push, it will come down to last week of season as usual)
10 Anaheim (losing both Pronger and Beachemin are big losses in my opinion. They finished 8th last year, and even though they did well in the playoffs, you have to do well in the regular season too)
11. Minnesota (Havlat replaces Gaborik, same goaltending, new coach, new philosophy. Its hard to say where this team will go, but the old defensive system may have hid some of the weak areas, that or it slowed growth)
12. Nashville (not much new here, too many better teams in the division, but they will be close as usual
13. Dallas (changing the coach wasn’t the best idea, will be interesting to see how this team does)
14. Pheonix (signing Robert Lang is a good move, a few other trades in the offseason, unfortunately the bankruptcy issue will continue to be a distraction, as well as lack of fan support. If NHL takes control, team will continue to be near cap floor)
15. Colorado (this team still has some issues to work through, namely goaltending, still in rebuilding mode)
East
1. Washington (young players continue to get better and Varlamov has great season while the offence continues to wreak havoc in the east and the division)
2. Boston (losing Kessel hurts Boston, thats the only thing they really lost though, a few guys coming off of career years, Tim Thomas continues to shine)
3. Pittsburg (this team is good. Last year they almost fell out but went on to win the cup, and didn’t lose much. Fleury continues to solidify himself as a top-5 goaltender)
4. Philidelphia (addition of Pronger would take this team into a division title, along with players like Richards and Carter, but inconsistent goaltending will again hold them back)
5. Carolina (this team is great, and has great fan support. Cam Ward needs to continue to be a great goalie, it will be tight to get 5th)
6. Montreal (a few good moves in the offseason picking up Gionta, Gomez and Cammallari. Goaltending needs to be better and I think will have a rebound)
7. New Jersey (the Devils somehow play well every year, lost a few guys and the coach, but have the master of trap hockey and Broduer trying to maintain his level going into the playoffs)
8. New York Rangers ( a good goalie and pick up of Kaberle will help the D, same as last year)
9. Ottawa (so close for the Sens, after seasons of missing the playoffs the media will be all over them about change, despite the fact this would be a better finish then last year. LeClaire will play well in net)
10. Toronto (not much to say here, they will be close but there isn’t enough there yet)
11. Tampa bay (Stamkos getting better, goaltending still a question here)
12. Florida (losing Bouwmeester hurts, young guys getting better, but not enough)
13. Buffalo (the Sabres haven’t done much, I see them taking another step back)
14. New York Islanders (picking up Tavares is good, and young players like Campoli are getting better, goaltending an issue still and maybe distractions because of the ownership situation
15. Atlanta (Antropov, Afiniganov, Kovalchuk, not enough. This team continues to disappoint, get passed by the Islanders. Still unresolved ownership situation, anyone want a hockey team?)
playoffs:
as usual I pick Calgary, and i think they will play Washington in the cup final
Friday, September 25, 2009
Fall CFL update
well how about a review of what i predicted at the begginning of the season
it seems things change week to week in football, but here is a look as we head into another week of CFL action, each team having played 11 games to this point
1. Calgary (13-5)- defending champs didn't lose much, now know what it takes. they need to play as a team and continue to get consistent performance from guys like Lewis in the tough west division.
well releasing LB Armour early in the season hurt more then i thought it would. they picked up Johnson and have been better against the run in the past few weeks. Stamps had a tough start, and losing Rambo hurt. after losing Thelwell, the Stamps were hurting for recievers and made a good trade with Winnipeg to get a few recievers (Franklin and Bryant).
to finish 13-5, the Stamps would have to win out the rest of the way, which actually isn't asking much. do i expect it? no, they need more consistency but Copeland and Lewis have been very good. 12-6
2. Edmonton (12-6)- Ricky Ray is always dangerous, now he has a good mix of run game and recievers, we'll see how the defence does. and how long it takes for Lumsden to get hurt... Edmonton is always in it, and BC will be right there with them all season long.
it sure didn't take long for Lumsden to get hurt, less then a game. Edmonton took a step back with back-back labour day losses, but now can take 2 from Saskatchewan.
will they get 12-6? no, i would take one win off that total. 11-7
3. BC (9-9)- this is tough, they lost Cam Wake, so shouldn't be as good, but still have solid depth at quarterback and Wally seems to find guys to step in.
loss of Cam Wake along with a few other players did hurt them, the qb situation certainly has changed. Jackson is out for a few weeks, and Pierce is one hit away from the end of his career from concussions. they signed former Lion Casey Printers to the practice roster, this may be important later in the season.
i can still see 9-9 for BC, but i think 8-10 is more likely
4. Saskatchewan (8-10) - this is a quarterbacks league, and Saskatchewan's QB needs some proving. Durant will need to find some chemistry with Fantusz, who is a great reciever. Im not sold on this team, but they do some some parts, tough battle with BC and Edmonton, but they will crossover and visit Hamilton
well Durant has shown that he is the Riders starter, and has the skillset to play many years, along with some good recievers (Dressler, Fantusz) and Cates great running. if they can find a way to beat Edmonton, then they have a good chance at winning the division, it will come down to a few meetings with Calgary. hot and cold
will they hit 8-10? they will get a better record then that, im thinking 10-8
East Division -Montreal has been no suprise, starting hot and actually winning in the west this year. will be interesting to see if they get upset in the playoffs
1. Montreal (12-6)- many players back and the coach will still have the memory of losing the cup at home fresh in their minds. The question mark here is does Calvillo keep going? he showed last year he is back, in a remarkable comeback. They get to beat up Toronto and Winnipeg again too
Montreal definitly remembers last seasons dissapointing finish. they have rolled along, but are beatable. they will finish better then 12-6, at 13-5
2. Hamilton (8-10)- of the bottom three in the East, Hamilton has the best chance of getting that home playoff game. Quinton Porter is the answer, ok well he looks like he could be. they need to keep developing him, Glenn is there to take some pressure off as well, but this team has some good continuity from last year and last season appeared to be getting better. they will keep up the trend and win some games by a few instead of losing them. Its been too long since Hamilton had a good season or hosted a playoff game.
well, i am happy to be right about hamilton right now, they have been doing enough to win close games. Porter and Glenn have shared the load, and Porter needs to continue and get better, he has the pieces with his running ability and good arm. picking up Bruce from Toronto and Stala in the offseason has helped, along with RB Cobb taking over a few games
8-10? they will do better, at 6-5 right now, i can see a 11-7 finish
3. Toronto (5-13)- close with Winnipeg, they still have a solid defence, it will be interesting to see how the new coach adapts to the Canadian game. Kerry Joseph needs to get back to his old form
well Bart Andrus has somewhat adapted to the Canadian game, but this team is inconsistent. hard to tell if this is a team on the way up. Pickett at QB may be a good qb in the future, but we will need some time. if they had beaten BC last week, i would've said they would make the playoffs, but they will will have a tough time catching up with either hamilton or bc
5-13? they will finish with a better record, 6-12 (not much better!)
4. Winnipeg (5-13)- with so many new players and a new coach, who is playing for this team now? it will take some time to fit the parts together and get some wins. head to head matchups with Toronto may decide who gets the first draft pick in 2010....
nothing to see here, kind of a trainwreck. Kelly has not done well coaching this team and may be fired soon, at least that seems to be what bomber fans want. good trade with Calgary and a qb trade with Montreal, this team is rebuilding. at least Fred Reid is a brightspot for the offence
5-13? sounds about right to me, well at least they get the first draft pick i guess, key game for the bombers this weekend, playing the Argos.
I picked the stamps and allouettes, i think hamilton might win the east in the upset.
there will be a crossover, and i think it will be bc, not saskatchewan
in hockey, theo Fleury has been released by the flames, my nhl predictions coming soon
it seems things change week to week in football, but here is a look as we head into another week of CFL action, each team having played 11 games to this point
1. Calgary (13-5)- defending champs didn't lose much, now know what it takes. they need to play as a team and continue to get consistent performance from guys like Lewis in the tough west division.
well releasing LB Armour early in the season hurt more then i thought it would. they picked up Johnson and have been better against the run in the past few weeks. Stamps had a tough start, and losing Rambo hurt. after losing Thelwell, the Stamps were hurting for recievers and made a good trade with Winnipeg to get a few recievers (Franklin and Bryant).
to finish 13-5, the Stamps would have to win out the rest of the way, which actually isn't asking much. do i expect it? no, they need more consistency but Copeland and Lewis have been very good. 12-6
2. Edmonton (12-6)- Ricky Ray is always dangerous, now he has a good mix of run game and recievers, we'll see how the defence does. and how long it takes for Lumsden to get hurt... Edmonton is always in it, and BC will be right there with them all season long.
it sure didn't take long for Lumsden to get hurt, less then a game. Edmonton took a step back with back-back labour day losses, but now can take 2 from Saskatchewan.
will they get 12-6? no, i would take one win off that total. 11-7
3. BC (9-9)- this is tough, they lost Cam Wake, so shouldn't be as good, but still have solid depth at quarterback and Wally seems to find guys to step in.
loss of Cam Wake along with a few other players did hurt them, the qb situation certainly has changed. Jackson is out for a few weeks, and Pierce is one hit away from the end of his career from concussions. they signed former Lion Casey Printers to the practice roster, this may be important later in the season.
i can still see 9-9 for BC, but i think 8-10 is more likely
4. Saskatchewan (8-10) - this is a quarterbacks league, and Saskatchewan's QB needs some proving. Durant will need to find some chemistry with Fantusz, who is a great reciever. Im not sold on this team, but they do some some parts, tough battle with BC and Edmonton, but they will crossover and visit Hamilton
well Durant has shown that he is the Riders starter, and has the skillset to play many years, along with some good recievers (Dressler, Fantusz) and Cates great running. if they can find a way to beat Edmonton, then they have a good chance at winning the division, it will come down to a few meetings with Calgary. hot and cold
will they hit 8-10? they will get a better record then that, im thinking 10-8
East Division -Montreal has been no suprise, starting hot and actually winning in the west this year. will be interesting to see if they get upset in the playoffs
1. Montreal (12-6)- many players back and the coach will still have the memory of losing the cup at home fresh in their minds. The question mark here is does Calvillo keep going? he showed last year he is back, in a remarkable comeback. They get to beat up Toronto and Winnipeg again too
Montreal definitly remembers last seasons dissapointing finish. they have rolled along, but are beatable. they will finish better then 12-6, at 13-5
2. Hamilton (8-10)- of the bottom three in the East, Hamilton has the best chance of getting that home playoff game. Quinton Porter is the answer, ok well he looks like he could be. they need to keep developing him, Glenn is there to take some pressure off as well, but this team has some good continuity from last year and last season appeared to be getting better. they will keep up the trend and win some games by a few instead of losing them. Its been too long since Hamilton had a good season or hosted a playoff game.
well, i am happy to be right about hamilton right now, they have been doing enough to win close games. Porter and Glenn have shared the load, and Porter needs to continue and get better, he has the pieces with his running ability and good arm. picking up Bruce from Toronto and Stala in the offseason has helped, along with RB Cobb taking over a few games
8-10? they will do better, at 6-5 right now, i can see a 11-7 finish
3. Toronto (5-13)- close with Winnipeg, they still have a solid defence, it will be interesting to see how the new coach adapts to the Canadian game. Kerry Joseph needs to get back to his old form
well Bart Andrus has somewhat adapted to the Canadian game, but this team is inconsistent. hard to tell if this is a team on the way up. Pickett at QB may be a good qb in the future, but we will need some time. if they had beaten BC last week, i would've said they would make the playoffs, but they will will have a tough time catching up with either hamilton or bc
5-13? they will finish with a better record, 6-12 (not much better!)
4. Winnipeg (5-13)- with so many new players and a new coach, who is playing for this team now? it will take some time to fit the parts together and get some wins. head to head matchups with Toronto may decide who gets the first draft pick in 2010....
nothing to see here, kind of a trainwreck. Kelly has not done well coaching this team and may be fired soon, at least that seems to be what bomber fans want. good trade with Calgary and a qb trade with Montreal, this team is rebuilding. at least Fred Reid is a brightspot for the offence
5-13? sounds about right to me, well at least they get the first draft pick i guess, key game for the bombers this weekend, playing the Argos.
I picked the stamps and allouettes, i think hamilton might win the east in the upset.
there will be a crossover, and i think it will be bc, not saskatchewan
in hockey, theo Fleury has been released by the flames, my nhl predictions coming soon
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