From: allan@cs.UAlberta.CA (Allan Sullivan)
Subject: Smythe Division analysis
Organization: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 05:25:26 GMT


Since there's not much going on in r.s.h., (and all
of the Eric Lindros posts are over)  I though I would
see about getting some discussion going. So, I am making a summary
of all the NHL teams (starting with the Smythe), analyzing each
for characteristics and predicting what will happen in the next
year.

Note that this is only opinion, based on information heard
through net-nooze, newspapers, and a healthy dose of Don Cherry.
(Ooops, just kidding on that.) Please don't come back to me in
May, saying "nah nah, your predictions were wrong". After all,
one or two key injuries can completely change the outlook of
a division.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Calgary Flames
--------------
The team to watch for in the Smythe division is the Calgary Flames.

Although the Flames have plenty of talent, they terribly under-achieved
last season. Their largest problem is their habit of trading 'leadership'
players (such as Mullen, Gilmour, and Ramage). Thus, while they may have
the talent to be successful, they don't have the motivation. These
problems were compounded by the fact that many of the key players
may have become 'tired' after playing in the Canada Cup AND a full season.

The acquisition of King as coach should greatly improve the situation.
King will likely provide improved coaching, motivate the players, and
prevent the GM Doug Risebourough from trading key players.

Mike Vernon might want to be traded. That will open an opportunity
for Trevor Kidd. Although the trade with Toronto may have been
a failure in the short term, things may not be as bad if they
can get the Toronto acquisitions working for them. 

Although they may not become Division champs, they should finish
near the middle of the Smythe division.
make the playoffs. 

Vancouver Canucks
-----------------
Over the course of the past few seasons, GM Pat Quinn
was able to assemble a team of large, tough players, and
Coach Pat Quinn has been able to motivate them. McLean
is solid in nets, and the Canuck's top line should remain
productive. Loosing Larionov was unfortunate, but the
problem is not insurmountable. Bure is improving (the
most important development will be his defensive play).

The Canucks should finish in the top half of the Smythe division.


Edmonton Oilers
---------------
Glen Sather has a big job on his hands; Many of the 'key' players
are nearing the end of their contracts (Damphousse and Manson being
the most notable), and the Oilers will either have to pay a lot
more money, or loose them. Yet Sather has shown an uncanny ability
to assemble winning teams, and the Oilers have solid coaching with
Ted Green.

The Oilers are one of the most balanced teams in hockey. They have
many 20+ goal scorers and great defensive forwards (MacTavish, etc.).
Their defense had injury trouble last year, and as such they had
to work in a few younger players.

Ranford will be a large ingredient to the Oiler's success, but
there are other able goaltenders in the system (most notable being
Ron Tuggnut).

Look for the Oilers to finish in the middle of the Smythe division.

Winnipeg Jets
-------------
The Jets have one of the most solid goaltending staffs in hockey.
This alone will help the Jets win many games. They also have
a good defense core. One thing the Jets are missing is offense.
Although they have taken steps to improve the situation, it
may take a while for their offensive lines to click.

The Jets should finish anywhere from the lower half to the
middle of the division.

LA Kings
--------

The Kings are perhaps the hardest team to predict.

The Kings are getting older, and many of the players are close
to retirement. (Many of the key players tend to get injured easily
as well.)

Others have predicted that the Kings are a team which has been
decimated in recent years, as young players have been traded
for aging vetrans. As such, the Kings may embark on a massive
rebuilding program. However, with the money that McNall is willing
to invest, the Kings can sign some high-priced free agents to
shorten the rebuilding stage.

There are some bright spots in the Kings future. Luc Robitaille
is a star, and Hrudey is a solid goal keeper.

The Kings should finish in the last half of the Smythe division,
although a playoff spot is definitely obtainable.


San Jose Sharks
---------------
The Sharks had a very successful introduction to the NHL last
year. They were one of the most solid expansion franchises in
NHL history. Although it is doubtful they will make the playoffs,
the team should continue to improve.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   \  \                   |Allan Sullivan (allan@cs.ualberta.ca)
    \  \                  |Department of Computing Science,
     \  \_______          |University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
      \    ###  \     _   |---------------------------------------------------
       \___###___\   (_)  |My opinions are mine and mine alone.
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"It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the
 credit..."          - U. of A. Golden Bears Hockey Motto (C. Drake)
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