The San Jose Sharks will play teams from their division 23 times during the 2011-12 year, which makes up roughly 28 percent of their schedule.
Last year, the Sharks were 14-5-5 against divisional opponents during the regular season, which does not include the playoff series against the L.A. Kings.
It is an understatement that the Sharks perform well against teams in their division, as they have finished first in the Pacific Division for the past four years. However, their division has gotten better and better each year. Four out of five teams in the Pacific made the playoffs last year.
Here is how they will stack up against each team in their division for the 2011-12 season.
The archrival Anaheim Ducks finished tied for second in the Pacific last year, notching 99 points, six behind the Sharks. The Sharks were 3-2-1 against the Ducks last year, and it was Anaheim who gave them the most challenges out of any team in the division.
Key Additions: Andrew Cogliano (C), Jeff Deslauriers (G), Kurtis Foster (D)
With the additions of Cogliano, Foster and Deslauriers, the Ducks have themselves some more added depth. Cogliano is a second or third-line forward, Foster is an offensive-minded defenseman and Deslauriers will battle with Dan Ellis for the backup goalie position. The Ducks still have their young but very talented core of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan, as well as veterans Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne.
Bottom Line: The Ducks finished fifth in the West last year before losing to the Nashville Predators 4-2 in the first round of the playoffs. There is no doubt that the Sharks will be put to the test against Anaheim.
My Prediction: The Sharks and Ducks will square off six times this season. I say the Ducks, who have always played the Sharks tough, take the season series 3-2-1.
The Coyotes finished tied with the Ducks for second in the Pacific last year with 99 points. The Sharks had more success against the Coyotes than any other team in the NHL last year, finishing at 5-1-0.
Key Additions: Raffi Torres (RW), Boyd Gordon (C), Mike Smith (G)
The Coyotes were basically a non-factor in the free-agent market, but that could change. In fact, they lost more than they gained. Veteran defenseman Ed Jovanovski signed with Florida, top penalty-killer Vernon Fiddler signed with Dallas and perhaps the most damaging loss, goalie Ilya Bryzgalov signed with Philadelphia. Bryzgalov was the reason that the Coyotes made it to the playoffs two years in a row and it is very doubtful that newly-signed goalie Mike Smith can fill his shoes.
Bottom Line: The Coyotes gained nothing this offseason (that remains to be seen), and with the departure of Bryzgalov, they should not be a threat to the Sharks at all.
My Predcition: The Sharks play the Coyotes six times next year, and I say San Jose will go 5-1 yet again.
The Kings finished fourth in the Pacific last year with 98 points. The Sharks were 3-1-2 against them in the regular season, and defeated them four games to two in the first round of the playoffs last year.
Key Additions: Mike Richards (C), Simon Gagne (RW)
It was the Kings who made the biggest splash during the offseason, making a trade for superstar Mike Richards, then signing Simon Gagne. Both of these players are significant offensive threats who can make plays faster than the blink of an eye.
Defenseman Drew Doughty has started to negotiate his new contract with the Kings and that could be just a a side-attraction to the promising season that the Kings are about to have.
Bottom Line: The Kings gained a lot of offensive superpower, and when combined with the stellar defensive core of Doughty, Jack Johnson, Willie Mitchell and Rob Scuderi, they will challenge the Sharks for the Pacific Division title next year.
My Prediction: The Sharks play the Kings six times during the regular season and I predict a draw—three games each. These teams are very evenly matched; each has great offense, stellar defense and a superb goaltender.
The Stars finished last in the Pacific with 95 points and missed the playoffs by two points. The Sharks were 3-1-2 against Dallas in the regular season.
Key Additions: Sheldon Souray (D), Michael Ryder (RW), Vernon Fiddler (RW), Radek Dvorak (RW), Jake Dowell (C)
The Stars were busy in the free-agent market, plucking players from every angle. Veteran defenseman Sheldon Souray and right wingers Michael Ryder and Radek Dvorak should provide good experience and leadership to the locker room. The aforementioned Fiddler is a monster on the penalty kill and won 53 percent of his faceoffs last year. Young center Jake Dowell has plenty of potential, notching 21 points with the Blackhawks last year.
However, the Stars lost arguably their best player. Brad Richards signed with the New York Rangers, which was a crushing loss to Dallas. Richards was the playmaker and the scorer, leading the team with 77 points. Luckily, there are young players to fill that void. Loui Eriksson, Jamie Benn and Brendan Morrow had excellent years, and defensemen Alex Goligoski, Trevor Daley and Stephane Robidas are exciting, puck-moving players who had terrific seasons as well.
Bottom Line: The Stars lost their superstar Brad Richards, but have a lot to look forward to with their young talent. They should be contenders for the division title next year.
My Prediction: The Sharks play the Stars six times next year, and I say that the Sharks win the series 3-2-1.
Here is my prediction of the Pacific Division standings at the end of the 2011-12 season.
1. San Jose Sharks: Way too much talent, offensively and defensively, plus superb goaltending in Niemi and Nittymaki/Greiss.
2. L.A. Kings: Their new additions should propel them into the second spot.
3. Dallas Stars: Their young talents (Benn, Eriksson, Goligoski) should make up for the loss of Richards and will help them contend for the division.
4. Anaheim Ducks: Good, solid, team, but just way too much talent in the three teams ahead of them.
5. Phoenix Coyotes: Lack of offseason additions plus the departures of Jovanovksi and Bryzgalov is just the start of a disappointing year for the Coyotes.
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