After two weeks of *real* hockey, the Western Conference still appears to be as competitive as ever. Though powerhouses Chicago and St. Louis are currently leading the way, let’s not undermine our own hockey clubs. Canada presents two exciting teams to watch (sorry Calgary fans) out West this season in the young and talent-loaded Edmonton Oilers and of course, the 2012-early-exit (stage left) Stanley Cup contender Vancouver Canucks.
The Flames in Calgary will most likely have a hard time sparking up this time around. While forwards Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay and goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff may be consistent, they aren’t getting any younger and it’s going to take more than refugees such as Lee Stempniak, Matt Stajan (ironically a former Leaf!) and inexperienced Leland Irving to step into their shoes. The blueline is a little more solid with Jay Bouwmeester and newly acquired Dennis Wideman. The playoffs may be far, far away for this group, but perhaps they can benefit from a high draft pick for this year’s draft.
Ah yes, speaking of draft choices, Edmonton has certainly had more than their fair share of first overall picks over the past several seasons. The Oilers are certainly quick and talented up front with the super-kid line featuring Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Taylor Hall and overtime/shootout specialist Jordan Eberle. It will be interesting to see where 2012 first-overall pick Nail Yakupov will fit in; likely alongside centre Sam Gagner. On the back end however, Edmonton is still very weak. While undrafted acquisition Justin Shultz will offer some scoring punch, Edmonton’s real concern is protecting on-again, off-again netminder Devan Dubnyk. The addition of gritty Mark Fistric is certainly a step in the right direction and should help take some of the load off the injury-prone Ryan Whitney. Hopefully overpaid also-rans Shawn Horcoff and the like will either start producing or at least stay out the way.
Did I hear something about being overpaid and staying out of the way… of pucks? Allow me to direct you to playoff EPIC FAIL specialist Roberto Luongo. *End Luongo rant here* There is absolutely no doubt that once again, Vancouver boasts Canada’s best chance for a Stanley Cup. With the usual fire-gun personnel up front in the Sedin bros, Alex Burrows, and youngster Zack Kassian, the Canucks should be in fairly good shape in the point production department. If newly acquired David Booth can find his game and Ryan Kesler’s injury situation brightens, we are looking at some serious punch up front. On D we have the usual suspects, Alex Edler and Kevin Bieksa; who also provide substantial offensive contributions along with several stay-at-home guys including latest addition Jason Garrison. As usual, the only question comes in goal: This is Cory Schneider’s year! After an exceptional performance in Vancouver’s first-round playoff match-up against would-be champions the L.A. Kings, Schneider has clearly proven himself worthy of being Vancouver’s go-to goalie.
Well, it certainly looks like it will be worth staying up to watch the West coast games this season. With a shortened season, the competition in the exciting Western conference promises to be even more gripping than in most years; every point will count in the run up to the playoffs. Who knows? Maybe this is finally the year that Edmonton clambers out of the hockey basement. Or perhaps Vancouver will finally find a way to capitalize on a group of experienced and talented players. In any case, looking forward to more news worthy play. ‘Till next time dedicated hockey fans!
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