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irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
 Posted - 08/24/2010 : 01:21:55
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@ polishexpress:
The Islanders have some young talent, i'm not going to argue that. But, it all comes in terms of forwards. They lack depth on D and goaltending.
Sadly, I don't see them doing overly well until they commit to a complete rebuild and do things properly.
Also, I believe Tavares has all of the tools required to be an elite NHL sniper. He just lacks having that player to help him achieve.
Moulson broke out last year from no where, really. But I don't see him repeating either. I'm not saying a huge drop in goals, but I'm bet more on the 20 side than the 30.
Irvine/prez. |
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polishexpress
PickupHockey Pro
525 Posts |
Posted - 08/24/2010 : 11:39:07
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I agree completely Irvine.
What I was thinking was that it would be good to keep an eye on some of the young Islanders forwards to use as sleeper picks late in fantasy drafts.
Some may overlook Okposo, but he did put up 50pts last year, and will probably still be playing with Tavares this year. I am kind of hoping that people will overlook Okposo, and he will be useful in pools with caps, since he has a small cap number. |
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Guest4271
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Posted - 08/25/2010 : 05:28:17
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| I think Nathan Horton is going to have a career year for Boston. I believe he will get 35 goals and 75 point range provided he stays healty and Marc Savard stays healthy |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2010 : 07:27:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Guest4271
I think Nathan Horton is going to have a career year for Boston. I believe he will get 35 goals and 75 point range provided he stays healty and Marc Savard stays healthy
Can't agree more. This kid is a tank of a player(6'2"-230 lbs) with speed and has nice hands. He has been in the vacuum of FLA so few get to see him much. I have always impressed in every game I have watched him play.
5 straight 20+ goal season including seasons of 27 and 31 not playing with anyone who resembles mark Savard. With the PP in Boston, I would not be at all surprised to see the guy at or near 40 goals.
He will quickly have the folks in Beantown sayin, ' Phil Who??" |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2010 : 09:39:57
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For all of you predicting the heights that Horton may rise to, I have two words . . . Oli. Jokinen.
I also think that Horton very well may gel with Boston and could have a career year . . . but beware the effect of going from a backwater team to a playoff team that has fans. Beware not being the only offensive option most nights. That would be my only caveat here . . .
Horton has played in the NHL for 6 years, and reached 31 goals in 06/07. Since then, he's had 27g in 82 games, 22 in 67, and 20 in 65.
To be predicting 40 goals, on a pretty defensive team all in all, is really speculative at this point, I'd say. I bet the hockey poolie mags this summer put him around the 74 games mark, to have about 29 goals, 32 assists, for 61 points. What I am saying is that he is up around his career highest point and goal totals, but if it's more, it won't be much more.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Deaner
Rookie
Canada
107 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2010 : 09:43:18
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| bet ya any money phil kessel has more points than horton at the end of the regular season... |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 09/04/2010 : 11:30:22
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| Wow, i'd say if he plays with Savard, he's gonna be in the 70-75 pts range. I don't know if Kessel's gonna get to that level but it should be close between the two. Of course, injuries will have a say. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2010 : 07:56:53
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quote:
Originally posted by Deaner
bet ya any money phil kessel has more points than horton at the end of the regular season...
Obviously I would not bet money on a hockey site with people I don't know. However, I am willing to take this bet for some other kind of wager.
Kessel's best season, al beit a 70 game season, was 60 points when he was played nearly exclusively with Savard as well as Boston's top PP unit. Last season, in another 70 games season Kessel had 55 points. Horton has 2 more points playing in 5 fewer games with a very similar supporting cast. Remember, Booth was out for most of last year.
So yes, points wise I do think Horton will do better than Kessel and am willing to bet on it. Goal wise, I don't think I would take that bet, but definitely will on straight points. Even though Boston is known to be a more defensive team, they are far more offensively talented than their production indicates. I also believe that after 2 seasons of average performance in the playoffs that the GM and coach have realized they need to score a little more than they have in the past. Hence dropping a defenseman in Wideman for a offensive winger in Horton.
What's the wager?? |
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Guest6396
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Posted - 09/06/2010 : 17:28:18
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Playoff Teams
West
1-Detroit
2-Vancouver
3-San Jose
4-Chicago
5-LA
6-Colorado
7-Calgary
8-St. Louis
East
1-Washington (Presidents Trophy)
2-Philly
3-Boston
4-New Jersey
5-Pittsburgh
6-Ottawa
7-Carolina
8-Montreal or Atlanta or Isles (It'll be very close at the bottom)
Worst Teams
30-Florida
29-Columbus
28-Dallas |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2010 : 00:25:06
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Beans, i'd wager cash, as long as it was with a poster who's been around a while and i'd have to have the money transferred to a third party (if i were in the wager, someone like yourself or another moderator would work) to hold till the bet was won. Email money transfers are so easy these days. I certainly wouldn't get into anything crazy like 100+ dollars but 20 or even 50 i'd do? Call me crazy i suppose, but money talks!
Of course, i'm out on this one as i too would be picking Horton.... |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2010 : 07:00:08
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Money is so cold and impersonal. Once the bet is lost and paid, it's done.
I would prefer to get a little more creative, much like the Leafs logo on my avatar for as long as it was. That hurt far more than a few bucks that Slozo and I would have bet. I've made bets in the past about wearing a dress if Edmonton finished behind Calgary in the standings a few years ago. I lost and I paid up. I've also have a running bet with a guy at work. Calgary fan vs Edmonton fan. Loser wears the other teams jersey for the day after each game.
Those bets are fun. I bet for money at the poker table or sports select. Other bets need to be far more creative. |
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polishexpress
PickupHockey Pro
525 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2010 : 18:33:46
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How 'bout this suggestion:
If Beans wins, Alex has to change his avatar to a picture of Blackadder's servant Baldrick (if unfamiliar with the BBC series Blackadder, here's the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldrick) or the Canucks logo that changes the stick to a putter and golf ball!
If Beans loses, well, I don't have any good ideas, a Canucks avatar with Luongo's number on it? |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2010 : 22:10:33
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I like the bet, I will definitely keep it in mind for any future dealings with Alex or the other decent Canuck Fan on the site.
However, this bet is with Deaner and his Kessel will get more points than Horton bet of 'any money."
Still waiting for a reply.
Not to scare you away Deaner, but TSN.ca (AKA the TORONTO sports network) projects Horton with 64 points and Kessel with 59. |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2010 : 23:07:37
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Def not betting against Beans on this one. I too like Horton's chances in this bet, a lot in fact!
Polishexpress.....the putter / ball "Canucks" logo is still one of the funniest things i've seen in regards to roasting a team! |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2010 : 06:09:49
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All this talk about bets, and I think we have gotten sidetracked . . . specifically, we should be talking about TEAMS that will do a lot better/worse than last year, not players.
I've had more time to think about it now, and mull it over. Here are my predictions for most improved / biggest drops:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Most Improved
Toronto Maple Leafs
This one is easy, as they had such a rotten start, such horrible goaltending in the beginning, and had some back luck thrown in with key injuries, that they can only go one way - up. Looking at their record in the last third of the season with a rejuvenated Phaneuf, and a solid tandem in goal, even with a weak forward cast they were extremely competetive. Whether Kaberle goes or not, I look for more of the same - at worst, fighting for the last spot until the last week, at best, maybe 5th in a somewhat weak Eastern Conference. Hey, I think they could be like last year's Sens.
Tampa Bay
Doesn't everything seem different since Stevie Y took over the management of this club? It does to me . . . and it's bound to trickle down to the club. Frankly, much like all the teams in this category, they disappointed last year for most, and I think they are going to have a big bounce back into the playoffs. Stamkos doesn't have to score 50 again, but Lecavalier has to pick it up a bit, and with their defence solidifying, I think they are a playoff team with the free wins against the weak sisters in their division (Atlanta, Florida, Carolina). I say they squeeze in at 7th or 8th.
Boston
They had bad luck with injuries, no one could score it seemed for a while, and their former ace goalie sucked - and on any other team not as deep as the Bruins, this would have spelled disaster. Luckily, they still salvaged the season with a playoff performance, although it was tempered by the four game soul-crushing comeback at the hands of the Flyers. Still, Krejci can't play worse, and Wheeler has to score more. They have a huge pick-up in Horton, and although Wideman is a bit of a hit, Chara should have a better season by his standards. Savard is healthy again as well, and with all those factors combined, they are still a powerhouse whose time is now. I say they jump up to first or second in the conference.
Biggest Drops
Buffalo
A big surprise last year, I don't expect the same performance at all this year, even with Tyler Myers having a fantastic sophomore season. No way can Miller have the same MVP year, and no way can all the small forwards stay healthy all season again, besides the now depleted defence. I say they might fall out of the playoff picture, unless Miller can continue a very high level of play.
Ottawa
Another surprise playoff performer, again, I just can't see it all happening magically again with a rag-tag crew as they did last year. They lost Volchenkov and got the old and now fairly slow Gonchar, who will easily give up as many goals as he gets, I predict (see: reasons why Pittsburgh was bounced from the playoffs). They continue to have ok goaltending, but their offence is pretty stagnant, and will get more so with a diminished Alfredsson. I say they not only miss the playoffs, but are a total bust and they sink to the bottom three . . . but that could be me dreaming. 9th place at best.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Most Improved
St. Louis
Even with all of the off years by their young guns, the Blues were still very competetive and chased for a playoff berth til the last week. I expect Backes and Boyes to bounce back, and their young core, along with a very solid defence and very good goaltending (remember, this is where Halak went, and with Mason already there, it's the top tandem in hockey IMHO) should vault them into the playoff picture again. Easily. I predict they finish 5th or 6th in the conference, and challenge for second in the division.
Calgary
Yeah, I know . . . the coach has issues, and some key players are getting older. But even with Iginla only scoring 35 goals or less (see: inside joke), their forward crew is stronger than ever with the additions of Hagman and Stajan for a full season. Any club that has Daymond Langkow as your third centre is not a weak sister by any means . . . and I think that with a full season for the new parts to gel, the Flames will get back in the post-season.
Biggest Drops
Phoenix
As magical as last season was for the Coyotes, I predict total disaster this year, their last one in the NHL. Their very tough but aging defence will succumb to age and injuries; their star forwards will fall back to reality (see: Stempniak); and the goaltending will still be good, but not at the level it was last year. Just too many things went right last year for them to make the playoffs two years in a row with this collection of misfits. Will return to the bottom-feeders.
Nashville
A team which continually over-achieves, I don't see them making the playoffs again. Not with Rinne in goal, not with the forward crew they have, and not with their very shallow defence after Weber and Suter. David Legwand is their #1 center, need I say more? And who here expects Hornqvist to come up with another 30 goal season? Not me! I say they will still be competetive, then crash at the end of the season.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2010 : 08:37:44
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I will try to keep this simple(based on last year's regular season:
Teams on the way up:
Calgary, Boston, Philly, Edmonton( but not making the playoffs), Tampa Bay
Teams on the way down:
NYR, Chicago(slightly, but still a good team), Carolina, Phoenix
Teams that people are talking about that will be very similar to last year:
Toronto, St. Louis, NYI, Buffalo, LA
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 02:46:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Pasty7
in this thread i keep hearing a older iginla a diminished iginla ..... IMO iggy is still a top 10 player in the league and is FAR better player than most teams number one forward,, a guranteed 500 goal scorer and even a good chance at 600 and hes what 33? 34 .... he is very capable of bringing home all the hardware next year that Crosby and the two russian have brought home the last 3 years,, Iggy is very very capable of a 100 point season next year if he gets some help
Pasty
Love going back on early predictions and seeing some of the ones that were bang on and other complete flops!
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 10:35:47
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Very amusing thread! This is one of the better comments:
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Vancouver will be a good team and MIGHT make the Finals, however I will bet my life they don't play Tampa and I would nearly bet my life that Vancouver would not beat Chicago, San Jose, and Detroit in 3 straight rounds.
Beans, not as though it's a guarantee to happen, but i'm guessing you're happy no one took you up on this bet?  |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 10:50:48
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Yep.
2010/11 Regular Season
Phil Kessel - (82gp) 32 goals, 32 assists, 64 points.
Nathan Horton - (80gp) 26 g, 27 a, 53 pts.
That's a pretty bad beat down . . . especially considering the fact that Kessel played about half the season or more with the incredible Tyler Bozak as his center.
I like that I was almost entirely correct about the Eastern Conference (except for the Sabres), and yet, I was wrong almost across the board for the West. Such is the nature of the prediction.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 14:54:03
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Slozo, Beans and i were two of the most prominent "pro-Horton" fans there was! I'm surprised he didn't even crack 60 points! I could have lost a lot of money had i bet on him! I figured he was almost a guaranteed 70+ guy this year!  |
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Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 15:40:54
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Yep.
2010/11 Regular Season
Phil Kessel - (82gp) 32 goals, 32 assists, 64 points.
Nathan Horton - (80gp) 26 g, 27 a, 53 pts.
That's a pretty bad beat down . . . especially considering the fact that Kessel played about half the season or more with the incredible Tyler Bozak as his center.
I like that I was almost entirely correct about the Eastern Conference (except for the Sabres), and yet, I was wrong almost across the board for the West. Such is the nature of the prediction.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
But actually up untill well after X mas your Buffalo prediction was pretty accurate aswell,, i believe you said the Miller would dip in performance and so would the Sabres and that is exactly what happend ,, except they got their game back for the last 3rd of the season to ruin your perfect east predictions!
"I led the league in "Go get 'em next time." - Bob Uecker
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 16:04:25
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Even a broken clock is right twice a day. I don't think there is anyone one here who can brag about how great they are at predictions. Some predictions are freebies. For someone to take credit for something like "as goes Miller as go Buffalo" is like someone taking credit for the sun rising in the morning. I, like most, have a decent prediction leveled off with a less than accurate prediction. Much like some who claim to have hit the East dead on without realizing the predicted a fall for the Penguins without a puck-moving defensemen and stated PItt needed a monster season from both Crosby and Malkin for the Penguins to not fall.
As far as Horton goes, absolutely dead on. I was one of those predicting great things out of Horton based on what he did in FLA. I was also making those assumptions with Savard healthy and Horton's centre. I still believe Horton has chops for 40 goals and it still might happen. But it didn't happen this season, that's for sure!!
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Edited by - Beans15 on 05/16/2011 16:08:58 |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 16:26:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. I don't think there is anyone one here who can brag about how great they are at predictions. Some predictions are freebies. For someone to take credit for something like "as goes Miller as go Buffalo" is like someone taking credit for the sun rising in the morning. I, like most, have a decent prediction leveled off with a less than accurate prediction. Much like some who claim to have hit the East dead on without realizing the predicted a fall for the Penguins without a puck-moving defensemen and stated PItt needed a monster season from both Crosby and Malkin for the Penguins to not fall.
As far as Horton goes, absolutely dead on. I was one of those predicting great things out of Horton based on what he did in FLA. I was also making those assumptions with Savard healthy and Horton's centre. I still believe Horton has chops for 40 goals and it still might happen. But it didn't happen this season, that's for sure!!
If that's you giving me a speck of credit from the dust blowing in the wind there Beans . . . well, then thanks for all the love, dude!
I don't think I need to point out your record versus mine . . . that Leafs logo said it all last year; it says it all right now; and it will again, say it all this summer.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 17:13:50
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Here's some of mine from the summer:
My predictions, albeit early.....
TB improves, maybe squeezes into 7th or 8th?.... Did better but still partly correct!
Leafs improve, just miss the dance....Bang on!
Habs finish just out of playoffs, Price has decent year, nothing too special, nothing horrible....Far off! I continue to bet against this team and they continue to make me look bad!
Pitts makes playoffs, seed depends on div winners of course...Pretty much bang on
Van finishes top 3 in west..... Correct, but even better than i expected
Chi falls a bit, still makes playoffs, hopefully doesn't face the Canucks in the playoffs!.... Again, pretty much got it
SJ takes a step down the ladder, still easily makes playoffs.... Didn't drop as much as i thought they would, but still correct
STL slips into 8th seed....screw you Beans!
Overall, not too shabby.  |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 05/16/2011 : 17:25:32
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My post was intend to point to everyone, not anyone specifically. We all put forth predictions and if we hit 50% of them right on, that's pretty good. Everyone remembers the predictions they got correct. No one recalls the predictions they get wrong. Human nature I guess.
And yes, your record against mine is very good in head's up bet. In my defense, most of my bets against your is not based on logic but more on what I want to happen.
But regardless of the reasons, losing is losing. I have yet to beat you, but it will be great when I do.  |
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Who will do well next season? 
