From: allan@cs.UAlberta.CA (Allan Sullivan)
Subject: Patrick division Analysis and Predictions
Organization: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 1992 23:04:35 GMT


Finally, here is the last segment - An analysis of the Patrick division
teams for the coming year.

Disclaimer: The Patrick division has a lot of parity. Also, information
about some of the teams is lacking. So, I did the best I can...

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


NY Rangers
----------
The NY Rangers have a good blend of young, talented players and seasoned
vetrans. They have the talent to gain the Stanley cup. The big question
is the health of Messier; if he's healthy, the team will go far. If
he misses a lot of games, it will be difficult for the team to adjust
to his on-ice/off-ice pattern.

The Rangers could finish first in the division again this year; however,
they may take some lessons from the Hawks, and sacrifice a few regular 
season points so that they are in better shape around playoff time.

Look for the Rangers to finish either near the top or middle of the
divison.

NY Islanders
------------
The Islanders have made some moves to improve the team. The management
shake-up (done to give Trottier a job) may help to give the team
a boost. However, the Patrick is a very tight division; they might
improve, yet it still may not be enough to make the playoffs.

The Islanders should finish in the bottom half of the division, but a
playoff spot is possible.


Washington Capitals
-------------------
Washington had one of the best defensive corps in hockey last season.
That alone should keep them competative. Their forwards are aging,
but should still be productive.

The Caps went from a team who won with a strong defense two years
ago, to a team who won with a strong offence last year. Being able
to dictate the tempo of the game would help them out.

Look for the Caps to finish around the middle of the division.

Pitts. Penguins
---------------
The Penguins are one of the most talented teams in hockey. During the
regular season last year, they had a very potent offence, while in
the playoffs they showed that they could play a defensive game as
well. They could very well repeat as Cup champs.

However, the Penguins are facing some major difficulties; Their regular
season defence is poor, as is their goaltending. Mario's back is a
problem, and the team probably won't respond well to an on-again/off-again
Mario. The Penguin's payroll is mushrooming. Coaching is a big question.
And worst of all, they are in danger of loosing some of their key
team leaders (eg. Mullen, Trottier).

Last year, the Penguins played so-so hockey until the playoffs, then
turned it up in the playoffs. Given the parity withing the Patrick
division, if the Pens decide to sand-bag it this year, they could 
miss the playoffs.

The Pens could finish anywhere within the Patrick. (More likely near
the top, but there are too many factors to tell for sure.)


New Jersey Devils
-----------------
With Stevens on the blue line, the Devils are in good shape. The
question is, what will they get for Burke? (Ideally, they could
use a center.) With a favourable trade, they should have no
trouble making the playoffs. 


Phil. Flyers
------------
The Flyers are an unknown quantity. Lindros should perform well,
as should the other players on his line. The question is, will
it be enough?

The Flyers are a young team; although there is a chance that
they will miss this year's playoffs, they should eventually 
become a contender within this division.


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   \  \                   |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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