Sorting out the East: Top 8

I have had a lot of fun making my predictions for the upcoming season. Many of you enjoyed my predictions for the bottom seven of the conference and I have been diligently working on my top eight. So, as promised earlier this week, here is my top eight ranked teams of the Eastern Conference for the 2009-2010 season.

Counting on Komo

Despite committing the ultimate sin of defecting to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike Komisarek is a a Hell of a player and one that will surely be missed during this upcoming season. While Bob Gainey tried to replace Mike’s presence on the blueline, it would be difficult at best to find someone as hard-hitting, dedicated and with such leadership qualities as his. I sincerely believe that he will thrive in Toronto, and Team USA as well.

He has the particularly advantaegous situation of playing for the same coach and general manager in both the NHL and the Olympics. Ron Wilson, Brian Burke and Mike Komisarek should be the best of friends in no time. Burke loves players like him; expect Komisarek to play heavy minutes for the Leafs and be counted on tremendously for the Olympics.

Give and Go

My bold predictions seem to be generating some debate; the feedback has been good so far. Leafs fans are, of course, less than impressed. Anyway, 43 days until the first puck drops. Until then, here is your Tuesday morning Give and Go…

• Team Canada unveiled their new Vancouver 2010 Olympic jersey. Not a bad design. Would I pay $400 for an authentic? Probably not.
• Shane Corson is a steak and potatoes kind of guy.
• Coach Martin wants a clean slate and discipline on and off the ice. Shouldn’t be too much to ask. The owners of Chez Parée, however, are devastated.
• Habs on the Prize reveal 10 things they’d like to see happen in 2009-2010.
• Captain Marleau was relieved of command in San Jose. Is the writing on the wall yet? What if he was willing to waive his no-trade clause? Sic ’em Bob!
• Finally, speaking of Mr. Marleau, I will leave you with a taste of what he brings to the table.

Sorting out the East: Bottom 7

As we slowly near the first puck-drop of the 2009-2010 season, things are still quiet in the dog days of summer. Soon, however, both NHL and Olympic training camps will commence and before you know it, exhibition games. So, while we patiently wait for the festivities to begin, I will attempt to make my bold prediction for the 2009-2010 Eastern Conference standings.

These rankings are my outlook on the season. They are based primarily on last season’s performance, off-season acquisition, prospects in the system and likelihood to win. Without further ado, I give you my predictions.

The last piece to the puzzle

The Montreal Canadiens just announced that they have resigned young right-winger Matt D’Agostini to a one year, two-way contract. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, as per club policy.

It’s good to see that the last remaining RFA has been signed. This should conclude Bob Gainey’s signing activity for a while. Who knows what is in the works (if anything at all) concerning a possible late offseason trade, however.

Give and Go

Another slow news day in August. 48 days until the puck drops.

This morning I was thinking over what Habs would make the best fantasy hockey draft picks. I’ll whip up an article concerning all things fantasy later on this month as millions prepare for their annual fantasy draft. In the meantime, here’s your Friday morning Give and Go…

• Habs on the Prize lets us know that the language issue is a much, much older phenomenon than most would first assume.
• Lions in Winter compares the Kostitsyns.
• Bonne fete, Josh Georges.
• Oh Tampa Bay, you’re so Web 2.0!
• Yves on Habs does a little research on a legend, Howie Morenz.
• Spector takes a look at what’s shaking for three former Habs.
• Ken Campbell sits down with the Montreal Canadiens newest sniper Mike Cammalleri at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Falling short on predictions

Well, it’s mid-August and you know what that means. Here come the predictions.

This latest list from The Hockey News has Montreal placed 8th in the Eastern Conference. Naturally, this is in contrast to last year’s prediction where THN had the Habs as second-best in the East. Just sneaking into the playoffs next season? Personally, I do not see it happening.

Rather, these new Montreal Canadiens are going to make name for themselves. The initial adjustment period may pose some challenges and there surely will be obstacles along the way, but the team’s sheer offensive threat  in addition to a stronger blueline, emerging goaltender duo and defensive-minded coach should ensure that the Habs end the season ranked higher than 8th. I do not foresee them winning the Eastern Conference title again, but then again I didn’t see it happening in 2007-2008 either.

Ouch! Hits of the year, 2008-2009

Thanks to Jean-Michel for this great find.

I can’t decide which hit amongst Brown, Moreau or Neil hurt the most. I’ll let you decide.

Scott Gomez is fitting right in

Something tells me that Mr. Gomez will mesh quite well with his new surroundings.

RDS caught up with Montreal’s new center at Maxime Lapierre’s golf tournament.

When  asked about the pressures of playing in Montreal, Gomez  cooly replied that the only pressure is to win as a team. He claimed to be very happy to be part of the organization, while citing the team’s off-season signing of Brian Gionta in particularly encouraging as well.

Apparently, he is also wasting no time attempting to appease the hardliners as well.

I’ve started taking (French) lessons. It’s important for me to to learn the language. The only problem is I roll my Rs!

Captain Andrei?

Earlier this afternoon, I came across this article over at Bleacher Report promoting Andrei Markov as the next captain of the Montreal Canadiens. Contributor Felix Sicard makes an excellent case for Markov’s ascension to the captaincy. Take a look, it’s a great read.

He is up there with Lidstrom, Boyle, Green, and Niedermayer as the league’s Tier one defensemen. So why not give this guy the captaincy, and finally have the best player on the team also be the leader of the team. Starting this fall, the Canadiens will have a new face to the franchise.

Personally, I agree with Serge Savard in that the captain should be voted on by the players themselves. After all, the captain is the one who will lead the squad, why not let the squad elect him?