Outlook for 2006-07

[jeffbear]

With September creeping up on us like some sort of sneak thief, it's probably time to start gathering thoughts about how the Hurricanes stack up for the upcoming season prior to the publication of pre season mags ... which should start hitting newsstands soon.

I think that the hockey media at large will probably bend over backwards to pick this team higher seeing as how they all blew it last summer ... but the question is ... how high do the Canes actually DESERVE to be picked?

I see Carolina in the mix at the top end of the Eastern Conference along with Buffalo and Ottawa. I also feel certain that SOMEBODY else will step up into that mix ... maybe Philly, maybe the Rangers, or maybe somebody that finished out of the picture last season like Atlanta. I just have a strong feeling that a wildcard will emerge again this season similar to how Carolina and Buffalo did last season.

Thoughts?

[PacknCanes]

I think that's about right, and I'd add to keep an eye out for the Caps. No, I don't think they'll make the playoffs, but they could have a very large say in who does so. The Rangers scare me...Renney proved last year that he knows what he's doing, and most importantly the culture has changed 180 degrees on Broadway. Jagr now believes he can win, and when he puts his mind to something everyone else had better get out of the way.

[jeffbear]

Yeah, I think Washington is poised to make a step up in class, but they're still more than a couple of pieces away from being a contender. Atlanta could be scary if they stay healthy, and I d like the direction that the Rangers have taken this off season. I do wonder if Jagr won't miss some of the departed Czech forwards though.

In the West ... look out for San Jose, Anaheim and Calgary. I like the Sharks to mature into a real powerhouse, the Ducks are a defensive juggernaut and Calgary added some nice offensive pieces to a rock solid defensive club. Also look for Columbus as wildcard ... the moves they made for last season seem to have a bit of a time delay feature. If they get goaltending they're going to get better quickly.