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Pacific Division Power
Rankings
Nothings Happened Yet Edition
Well fellow Shark fans, the regular season is upon
us! After months of nothing happening, the ice is clean, jerseys are laundered,
rosters are set, and 30 teams are ready to set out on their quest for hockey
supremacy. This is the 2nd best time of the year (after the playoffs) because
right now everyone feels happy; everyone thinks they have a chance.
In
the Pacific Division nothing exemplifies this better than the current crop of
teams, all filled with that bright-eyed optimism that comes from training camp.
For at least a couple squads that won't last beyond the initial body check, but
it is fun to dream, isn't it? So, in the spirit of hope, let's look at the best
case scenarios for each of our plucky characters.
#1 - Los Angeles
Kings (Stanley Cup Champions)
What's better than winning your first
Stanley Cup? How about winning your second!! That's that LA did last year, and
along the way they left a trail of broken Pacific Division hearts that has some
wondering if the Kings talents might extend to mental dominance as well. With a
returning core of tested veterans, hungry youngsters, and an all-world goalie
in Jonathan Quick LA looks like a team that is just getting used to sipping
from Lord Stanley's mug. For Darryl Sutter's squad, anything less would be a
letdown.
Last Ranking: n/a
#2 - Anaheim Ducks (Stanley Cup
Finals)
Last year was a breakthrough campaign for Anaheim, yet there
is still unresolved issues with this club. For example, can the team absorb the
loss of leadership from Teemu Selanne's retirement? Will Bruce Boudreau finally
shed his image as a coach who can't win the big game? Will young goaltenders
John Gibson and Frederick Anderson be able to handle the load? Does the
addition of Ryan Kessler push the 'idiot' value of the Ducks (with Ryan Getzlaf
and Corey Perry) into overload? In a perfect world the Ducks will answer all
these queries definitively, and if they do then winning the Western Conference
wouldn't be shocking. However, it might be a stretch to see them knocking off
Championship calibre Boston or Pittsburgh.
Last Ranking: n/a
#3 - San Jose Sharks (Stanley Cup Finals)
Okay, last year is well
known. In fact I've already written my own cathartic piece on it. It's time for
all of us to move on, or at least try and see where things could go RIGHT.
Thankfully, there is talent on this squad, which should benefit from the
injection of more youth, hunger, and speed (such as that provided by Mirco
Mueller). While some might question whether moving Brent Burns back to D will
really propel the team forward, I expect his time spent scoring goals will only
enhance his ability to jump into the rush and allow him to admirably filling
the role vacated by the departed Dan Boyle. As experience is not lacking, there
is no reason why the Sharks shouldn't be a contender within the Western
Conference and a tough out once the playoffs start. If things break their way
this is a team more than capable of finally reaching the finals; but the older
legs of Thornton and Marleau just might make hoisting the Cup too much to
expect.
Last Ranking: n/a
#4 - Vancouver Canucks (2nd Round of the Playoffs)
Since this is just a ranking of potential, the Canucks hold down the
4th spot due to their experience, individual talent, and name recognition. Do I
honestly think they'll make it this far? No, but it's hard to say that a squad
boasting Ryan Miller, the Sedin twins, and a defense corps of Dan Hamhuis, Alex
Edler, and Kevin Bieksa doesn't have the potential to make some noise in the
playoffs. Adding to the hope in Van-City is the arrival of youngsters Linden
Vey and Bo Horvat (currently nursing a sore shoulder) which should add
precociousness to a rather bland group of forwards. Hope rides high, but will
the reality live up to that hype?
Last Ranking: n/a
#5 -
Edmonton Oilers (1st Round of the Playoffs)
For years the Oilers have
teased observers with high draft picks and talented forwards, but each year
they plummet to earth due to holes on the back-end or in net. Well, this season
will be different as GM Craig MacTavish spent all summer recruiting defensemen
by adding Nikita Nikitin and Mark Fayne, who will be joined by last year's #7
overall draft choice Darnell Nurse. Is that going to be enough? It certainly
will be close, as for the first time in years the Oil look like a respectable
NHL team, and one that is poised to finally play meaningful April hockey.
Last Ranking: n/a
#6 - Calgary Flames (Top 10 Draft Choice)
Let's be clear: the Flames will be better than last season. While no
one expected much from Calgary last year, they still managed to impress with a
gritty workman like attitude. After another year of growth for Sean Monahan and
Joe Cobourne, a good draft (Sam Bennett), and decent player acquisitions (Jonas
Hiller, Devon Seteguchi, Raphael Diaz) the Flames roster is both deeper and
more talented. Despite this, the playoffs remain far away, but at least Calgary
is heading in the right direction. Another high draft choice would definitely
help speed things along, however building a winning atmosphere is also
important. With that in mind the Flames will continue to compete hard, and let
the chips fall where they may; probably in the 7 - 10 range come draft day.
Last Ranking: n/a
#7 - Arizona Coyotes (Top 3 Draft Choice)
A shiny new name, a new potential owner, and the same sad-sack club.
Actually, that isn't fair: this year's Coyotes squad is FAR worse than previous
editions with the loss of Mike Ribeiro and Radim Vrbata. That means the burden
falls more heavily on workhorse goaltender Mike Smith, who just happened to see
his reliable back-up Thomas Greiss leave and journeyman Devin Dubnyk take his
place. All that means is Mr. Smith should see action in at least 70 games this
year, while having the honour of watching his offense be led by such luminaries
as Sam Gagner, Mikael Bodker, and Shane Doan. Seriously, that is it. Unless Joe
Vitale is much better than everyone thinks. At least the defense corps boasts
Keith Yandle and Oliver-Ekman Larsson, but with talent in short supply they
might find themselves as trade bait - or perhaps just mutiny and demand out.
The good news: the draft is stocked with players, and the 2018 Coyotes should
be a fun squad to watch.
Last Ranking: n/a
Contact Ryan
at at ryanhall@letsgosharks.com
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