Hockey Season

[saskguy_78]

Well another year of hockey is just starting in Canada.  In my local city, both the Midget AAA team (15 to 17y/os) and the Major Jr. Hockey team (that plays in the Western Hockey League (16 to 20y/os)) have had there training camps.  I can't believe summer is almost over.  Sept. 11 minor hockey starts here...and the NHL isn't far behind all this...with there regular season opening usually around October 1.

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Hooray, hockey's back :)

Not just the NHL season, but I'm actually thirsting for the IIHF World Juniors in December - January as well.

I should note that this past offseason was rather painful for all those in the hockey world.  I hope all those lives are commemorated in some way...a kind gesture from the sport they loved so very much.

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Now that the NHL regular season is underway....any predictions?

I think Philly will do rather well this year...maybe even challenge for the President's Trophy.

Also, I believe Ovechkin and his Capitals will turn in a solid effort as they fell short of expectations last season.

Pittsburgh is a wild card...as it all depends on when Sid Crosby returns.  Once he does, the dynamics of the whole league will eventually tip back into the Penguins' favour.

I'd like to think that Tampa Bay will be a sleeper hit this year...as Stamkos, Marty, and Lecavalier will continue to improve their on-ice chemistry.

Well, we shall see what happens!!  :)

[saskguy_78]

Not sure what is going to happen.  It all depends on how guys play...ie malkin, ovechkin, etc....and that they don't get hurt.  Lots of teams you don't normally think about could be good...ie LA with the trades they have made.  Just have to wait and see.  And yes, the World Jrs. are always a great time.

[saskguy_78]

How about the young guns in Edmonton....running the show up there.

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Not sure if the Oilers will make mjor headlines this year...but I have to believe that they will definitely be one of the biggest improvements from last year.

Oh boy, give it a few years and doses of maturity...and those dudes will TEAR up the league!!

Smyth is there to provide them valuable lessons.

Hall, Eberle, and the Nuge....yikes...that's a bona-fide Legion of Doom reborn!!

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Crosby's back.

2 goals and 2 assists in his first game back after 10 months.

Even more spectacular was his on-ice vision and positioning.  Almost Gretzky-like.

Yikes.

[saskguy_78]

It was crazy what crosby did that night.  Hopefully he comes back in the new year.

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Yeah...it's unfortunate that the injury re-surfaced.  The Penguins sure need as much firepower as soon as possible....as the serious grind before the playoffs will undoubtedly create problems for them.

On another note, the World Juniors tournament is underway.  Hope it'll be quite the spectacle!!

[saskguy_78]

So far it has lived up to its yearly excitement.   New Years Eve game should really be good.