2001-2002 Predictions

Starting with the team assembled this summer to compete, the Detroit Red Wings finished atop their division last year and no doubt will do so again this year. Why? Two words, one goaltender, Domenik Hasek. The Wings made one of the most significant moves in the NHL this summer, trading winger Vyacheslav Koslov, a first-round draft pick and a prospect to the Buffalo Sabres for the best goalie in the game. Sure the Red Wings signed two aging super-snipers in Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille, but Hasek will prove to be the catalyst. Still not sure? He backstopped an average, defensive-minded Sabres team to the Finals in 1998. Add Hasek, Hull and Robitaille to an explosive mix that already included centers Steve Yzerman and Sergei Fedorov; wingers Brendan Shanahan and Darren McCathy; defensemen Nicklas Lidstrom, Chris Chelios and Steve Duchesne and you've got a solid team. The question is: are they too old? Many, many Red Wing players were born in the 1960s, and Igor Larionov is not far off from his 73rd birthday. Staying healthy will be germane.

Facing the Red Wings in this spring's 2002 Western Conference Finals will be the powerful Colorado Avalanche. While a plethora of NHL teams signed and traded for big players this summer, the reigning champs stayed within the organization and made their players very happy. Crafty center Joe Sakic, bulky offensive defenseman Rob Blake and the legendary and unerring goalie Patrick Roy all re-signed to satisfying contracts that will keep the core of this great team together. Center Peter Forsberg’s recent decision to sit out a full season to let his body heal from sundry injuries – including an emergency surgery to remove his damaged spleen – will certainly diminish the team’s offensive dimension. And the retirement of Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque will subtract poise and leadership from the club, but mix in maturing young talent – forwards Chris Drury, Alex Tanguay, Milan Hedjuk, and defenseman Martin Skoula. Then grind into the corners with the gritty players. And then augment the offense with a fully healed and rejuvenated Forsberg when he returns at mid-season (he will, he will). You've got a true contender ready to defend its championship.

Rounding out the East

Why not the Caps? They have all the essential ingredients in potent form – a superb goalie, a hard-shooting offensive defenseman, a pair of super-scoring wingers, and a deft-passing center. The core of the Washington Capitals is this: Olaf Kolzig, Sergei Gonchar, Peter Bondra, Jaromir Jagr and Adam Oates. The new kid on the block just happens to be the greatest offensive force ever exported from the Czech Republic? Jaromir Jagr. And his acquisition is the most significant (and one-sided) since Wayne Gretzky was traded from Edmonton to LA in 1988. For a trio of prospects, a few draft picks and some cash, Jagr came to the Caps and joined a strong squad without disrupting the nucleus; indeed he melded seamlessly into the nucleus. Now only a few obstacles exist, all of which can be overcome to form a champion. Oates must accept his contract, acquiesce to his demotion from the captaincy and commit to the team. Trevor Linden must play with the strength and desire he displayed for years with the Vancouver Canucks. Chris Simon must become the fearsome enforcer/power winger that he was two seasons ago (maybe he should grow his hair long again). And the Capitals must keep defense as their cornerstone.

Go To Page: 1 2