SEASON PREVIEW: The Northwest Division
All week long we are going to take a look at the different divisions in the NHL. We don't know much about other divisions. The Pens are in our mouth 24/7 because of the blog, so while you jokes are smokin and jokin reading about the Sharks in your spare time, we're making photoshops.
We pay attention to the Northwest Division like we do when we get out student-loan bill in the mail. We see it, but we don't give a shit. But eventually you have to pay attention to it.
Last year Vancouver ran the show:
This year could be a different story. There are some decent teams on the rise. We're taking a look at all five teams. Join us.
One-Sentence Thought:
The Flames are going to be terrible.
Matchup with the Pens this year:
October 8 @ Flames
Player that will probably score against the Pens:
Olli Jokinen. Basically a lock.
Favorite Flames moment last year:
When they didn't make the playoffs.
Rinkotology player to watch:
Iginla. Pretty much the go-to pick. He's still only 34 years old. Maybe grab up Kiprusoft.
Best Flames blog:
Matchsticks and Gasoline. By default, basically.
Predicted finish:
Last. Could be a long one in Flameville.
One-Sentence Thought:
Ryan Whitney is on their powerplay.
Matchup with the Pens this year:
October 9 @ Oilers
Player that will probably score against the Pens:
MAF/Beej will have a shutout.
Favorite Oilers moment last year:
This mockumentary on Jordan Eberle's sick goal.
Rinkotology player to watch:
Tons of talent in Oil Country, but not sure if any are ready for primetime. Taylor Hall if you had to.
Best Oilers blog:
Lowe Tide always first in our hearts.
Predicted finish:
Third place. Could be this year's 2006-2007 Penguins.
One-Sentence Thought:
Idiots.
Matchup with the Pens this year:
October 6 @ Canucks - opening night
Player that will probably score against the Pens:
Mikael Samuelsson.
Favorite Canucks moment last year:
The Riots. Here are some pics.
Rinkotology player to watch:
Ryan Kesler is emo, but he will put up the points. Bobby Lu is a solid choice, as well, because we didn't have time to make a stat category for goalies choking.
Best Canucks blog:
Orland Kurtenblog is all over shit.
Predicted finish:
Probably going to finish first.
One-Sentence Thought:
$4 if you can name five players on their team.
Matchup with the Pens this year:
November 15 @ CONSOL, March 3 @ Avalanche
Player that will probably score against the Pens:
Milan Hejduk for some reason
Favorite AV's moment last year:
When Paul Stastny's dad cried about their roster moves.
Rinkotology player to watch:
Matt Duchene is going to score a million goals.
Best Avalanche blog:
JibbleScribbits just does things right.
Predicted finish:
Maybe, just maybe they will do something. All starts in net. Don't even know who their goalie is.
One-Sentence Thought:
Get real.
Matchup with the Pens this year:
October 18 @ Wild
Player that will probably score against the Pens:
Guillaume Latendresse, because that French idiot always scores against the Pens.
Favorite Wild moment last year:
When they knocked Dallas out of the playoffs in the last game of the season.
Rinkotology player to watch:
Dany Heatley is going to score 40 goals, and he doesn't even have to worry about actually playing in the playoffs this year.
Best Wild blog:
Predicted finish:
Fourth maybe
