Whose your playoff team for 2023 (since the Blues are out)
Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2023 11:54 pm
I've been following the Lightning since 2010 when I moved to Florida, but I kind of want to see the Devils make some hay. Yes, a popular Blues choice might be Boston to see if Montgomery can get them to a Cup win.
For me, Devils, Lightning, Bruins in that order. While I've heard NHL Radio talking heads praise the Avalanche, they continually fail to mention goaltending when talking about the Avs - and their current goaltenders aren't Cup caliber goalies. I don't see the West winning crap this season.
Yes, I know Tarasenko is on the Rangers... but I can't root for any team with Patrick Kane on it...
And with all of the moves Toronto made, they still don't have what I would consider a Cup caliber defensive corps. Sure, they have a ton of forwards, but defensively - all adding Luke Schenn did is provide them a " 7th" defenseman to play physical when the rest of the crew isn't getting it done.
Reilly, Brodie, McCabe, Giordano, Gustaffson are the top 5... then it's - Holl, Liljegern, Timmins, and Schenn as the 6th defenseman. Yes, depth matters for the playoffs which is where Schenn comes in, but he's not supplanting any of the top 5 and isn't necessarily better than the 3 he's competing with for a spot to play. Only 3 defenseman are under the age of 30... Reilly (28), McCabe (29), and Liljegren (23). That's an old defensive corps and when it comes to playoffs, older players are more injury prone. It's just a thing. So while Canadian based press might be touting the Leafs, that old defense makes me think they won't get out of the first round when they lose again to Tampa.
For me, Devils, Lightning, Bruins in that order. While I've heard NHL Radio talking heads praise the Avalanche, they continually fail to mention goaltending when talking about the Avs - and their current goaltenders aren't Cup caliber goalies. I don't see the West winning crap this season.
Yes, I know Tarasenko is on the Rangers... but I can't root for any team with Patrick Kane on it...
And with all of the moves Toronto made, they still don't have what I would consider a Cup caliber defensive corps. Sure, they have a ton of forwards, but defensively - all adding Luke Schenn did is provide them a " 7th" defenseman to play physical when the rest of the crew isn't getting it done.
Reilly, Brodie, McCabe, Giordano, Gustaffson are the top 5... then it's - Holl, Liljegern, Timmins, and Schenn as the 6th defenseman. Yes, depth matters for the playoffs which is where Schenn comes in, but he's not supplanting any of the top 5 and isn't necessarily better than the 3 he's competing with for a spot to play. Only 3 defenseman are under the age of 30... Reilly (28), McCabe (29), and Liljegren (23). That's an old defensive corps and when it comes to playoffs, older players are more injury prone. It's just a thing. So while Canadian based press might be touting the Leafs, that old defense makes me think they won't get out of the first round when they lose again to Tampa.