Season Preview Overload

by Joe Dunman on Oct 2, 2007 11:45 AM MDT in NHL News

We all know that season previews are generally worthless, especially considering that last year the teams that appeared in the previous Stanley Cup finals didn't even make the playoffs. Anything can happen. But, regardless of how meaningless they can be, predictions, power rankings and the various other forms of season previews are always fun.

So how does the Avalanche stack up?

Generally speaking, Colorado is getting a much better shake in this season's predictions and previews than it did last year. The off-season acquisition of Ryan Smyth, Scott Hannan and Jaroslav Hlinka is really starting to ease criticism for a team used to nothing but glowing reviews. The "experts" are buying the notion that GM Francois Giguere wants another Cup banner hanging from the ceiling of the Pepsi Center.

The team preview at TSN.ca is pretty positive, but the focus of doubt lies on the goaltending situation, appropriately. I'm worried about it, too.

Sports Illustrated also is relatively supportive of the Avalanche, and, if order is any indication, expects the team to finish third in the Northwest behind Vancouver and Calgary. I don't think Calgary is going to be that good, but whatever. Anyway, the one major weakness cited by SI is, of course, goaltending. Oh, and what they refer to as "smallish defensemen."

Now, I don't usually agree with much of anything Scott Burnside says, but his preview of the Avalanche at ESPN.com has to be commended. He goes out on a limb, at least as far as his colleagues are concerned, and predicts a Northwest Division title for the Avalanche and a three seed in the Western playoffs. I think he's right, just based on roster strength and pre-season performance.

Burnside's colleague, John Buccigross, doesn't share the rosy view. He has the Avalanche ranked seventh in the West, and finishing third in the Northwest behind Vancouver and Calgary. Bah.

Finally, ESPN.com has released their pre-season power rankings, and, to my surprise, the Avalanche is listed extremely high. They are ranked fifth in the Western Conference (behind the Sharks, Ducks, Wings and Flames) and eighth overall. Not too bad for a team that missed the playoffs last season. Personally, I don't see how it's possible for the Flames to be ranked so high, but I don't get my own ESPN column, so I guess I should shut up.

At any rate, the Avalanche did very well in the previews. Not that any of them matter, but it's nice to know that a franchise with such a winning history is regaining some of the high regard it lost in the salary cap era.

MY MEANINGLESS PREDICTION: The Avalanche will finish 49-26-7 for 105 points and the Northwest Division title and a 3 seed in the playoffs. Not that it's worth anything.

The hockey season begins tomorrow night for the Avalanche, as they face the Dallas Stars at home on Pepsi Center ice.

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Comments

Flames?

I don't get why everyone's high on the flames this season either. They have basically the same team as the team that barely finished 8th last season, and instead of an incompetent coach who has no discipline of his players, they got a hardass who has already alienated one of his better players (Huselius) has the potential to alienate another (Tanguay) and hasn't been able to coach worth a lick since 1994.

Why are they so attractive?

by Jibblescribbits on Oct 2, 2007 2:32 PM MDT reply actions

RE: Flames?

I think it's all about Jerome Iginla, and I don't understand everyone's obsession with him, either. To be honest, I don't think he's that great of a player.

If the Avs signed him, I'd be fine with it, of course, but the guy is just not a superstar like Crosby, Heatley or Joe Thornton.

And he almost killed himself in a fight last season.

Dion Phaneuf is overrated, Iginla is overrated, Tanguay is playing below his ability (as usual) and the only really great player on the entire team is Kipper. I hope he jets for greener pastures when his contract ends. The Avs would have about $6 million in goalie money just sitting around if he did...

by Joe Dunman on Oct 2, 2007 2:42 PM MDT up reply actions

Re: Flames

"Why are they so attractive?"

The tight jeans and makeup? Or is that just for Kipper and Phaneuf when they go clubbin'?

The Flames have the potential to be a good team even if it's on the back of Kipper. And if Aucoin can become a steady defensive force, they would have a pretty good D lineup.

Plus they're still riding on their cinderella story a bit I think. The Flames run vs. the Oilers run just felt so different. There was more mystique and charm for the Flames and I think a lot of people still have that sentiment ingrained in their minds.

Or I'm talking' out my you-know-what. You never know.

But I'll predict the Avs go 0-82-0. So no matter what, I can't be disappointed!

And Iginla FTL. Never liked that guy.

by Shane @ Mile High Hockey on Oct 2, 2007 5:29 PM MDT up reply actions

Re: Flames

I just hate how they totally slouched into the playoffs last year then embarrassed themselves with some of the most rotten, dirty antics seen in the post-season for years. It was ridiculous how bad they sucked.

And they keep getting the better end of every trade with the Avalanche. I hate that more than anything.

Jordan Leopold better be the second coming of Ray Bourque or something similar. That's all I'm saying.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 2, 2007 5:48 PM MDT up reply actions