04-22-2006, 05:06 AM
SpazBear,Apr 22 2006, 12:36 AM Wrote:To DeeBye: Leafs Fire Quinn -- WTF?
Let's look on the bright side: This year you have the unprecedented opportunity to give completely unbiased opinions about who will win the Stanley Cup. So let's have 'em: Who & Why.
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I am glad that the Leafs fired the coaching staff. Quinn did a lot for the team while he was there, but never could advance them to the ultimate goal. It's time for a change.
I'm really hoping that the Leafs throw a boatload of cash towards Brent Sutter (coached the world junior Canadian team the last two years, and is a bigger hardass than his brother) for the coaching job, but Paul Maurice (former Hurricanes coach, present Toronto Marlies coach) is a decent back-up plan.
If I was betting cold hard cash, I'd go with New Jersey. That is the only team that has solid experienced "done it all" goaltending, which is of extreme importance in the playoffs. Brodeur can win a Stanley Cup by himself, and he has proven it in the past.
If Hasek can get back from his injury and play as his usual self, I can't discount Ottawa (as much as it pains me to say it). They have a VERY talented team. I don't see Emery leading them to a Cup, but a healthly Hasek definitely can.
Detroit certainly has enough talent and experience to win it all, but their weakness is probably goaltending.
My "dark horse" picks are San Jose and Edmonton. Yeah, I know that I chose two teams from the west, but I just don't see any eastern team outside of Jersey or Ottawa winning it all.