It's that time of year again... FA is slowed down and we have nothing to do but sit around twiddling our thumbs waiting for the season to start. Time to start prognosticating on who our 15/16 winners and losers will be. Here goes:
Rob's 15/16 Top 5 Teams:#5 -
Chicago Blackhawks
Anthony always puts up a contender, this year will be no different. There's some questions. What happens in goal between Lehtonen and Niemi will be interesting. Overall plenty of point producers and plenty of depth for Chicago to contend for the Central east division title.
#4 -
Detroit Red Wings
Lots of top flight talent here, although, lots of old guys too. Still, plenty left in the tank here for Detroit to compete for another title. 3 starting goalies won't hurt.
#3 -
Carolina Hurricanes
I usually underestimate this team. Not this year. Way too much talent here to overlook and grabbing Hammond in the draft was killer. So far 3 teams from the Central East... Tough division.
#2 -
Anaheim Ducks
Yawn. Since kicking my a$$ in the 14/15 finals, Tyler has done next to nothing with his roster due to life circumstances. Lucky for him, he didn't have to do a thing. This roster looks even better to me than it did last year if that's possible.
And the top ranked preseason team is.... drumroll....
#1 -
Florida Panthers
Honestly I'm glad I beat them in the playoffs last year cause it would have made us all look bad to let him win a title so soon after rebuilding from the bottom up. And, I'm quite sick of giving him credit... But, can't help it. This squad is stacked. So much top talent and so much depth. It's quite scary. I don't know how anyone could predict anyone else to win this year. Even with Anaheim out there. This is also the 4th team from Central East in my top 5... Imagine if St Louis was still in that division. Wow!
Here is my full preseason power rankings for the upcoming season:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
Papps is gonna be bullsh!t that I'm more worried about the Caps taking the division from me than Philly.
