From: allan@cs.UAlberta.CA (Allan Sullivan)
Subject: Norris Division - Analysis and predictions
Organization: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 05:32:18 GMT


This is the second part in my pre-season analysis of teams
in the NHL. (This time, its the teams in the Norris division; see
the previous post for the Smythe division.)


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Toronto Maple Leafs
-------------------
The Maple Leafs will be the team to show the most improvement
in the Norris. Cliff Fletcher has done a lot to turn around
a team which was ruined by bad management. (Many of his 'improvements'
have been expensive, but the Toronto market is large enough to handle
increases in ticket prices.) The acquisition of Pat Burns may 
help the situation too. Depth on the team is currently lacking, but
there is some good talent in the Leaf farm system.

Grant Fuhr should be solid in nets (especially with improved defensive
help), while Felix Potvin will get some work throughout the year.
They have some talented goal scorers, and if they remain healthy
the Leafs should have no trouble in offense. (The health status of
Clark's is a big question.) Although many of the players are
old, they should remain productive long enough for the Leafs
to work in some younger talent gradually.

Look for the Leafs return to the playoffs, and finish somewhere
in the middle of the division.

Detroit Red Wings
-----------------
The Wings have been steadily improving over the past 3 years.
Barring any major trades they are one of the strongest teams
at center. Their defense was weak, but there are some strong
points (eg. Lidstrom). Tim Chevaldae has matured into a
capable goaltender. 

A team with a lot of offensive power. Look for them to finish
in the top half of the division next year.

Chicago Black Hawks
-------------------
Keenan is leaving his coaching job, but his repacement is
quite capable of motivating the team.

Continued strong goaltending by Belfour, and strong defensive
play will ensure continued success. One minor problem
is the depth in Hawk scoring... The Hawks need goal
scoring from more than just their Roenick line.

The keys to the Hawks - Chelios, Smith, Larmer, Roenick and
Belfour should remain productive, although Keenan may do a 
lot of trading with the remaining players.

Look for Chicago to finish either in the middle or the top
half of the division.

St. Louis Blues
---------------
The Blues have made a few major management errors in the past
(starting with the mid-season trade to Vancouver a few years
ago). Hull is definitely the key to the Blue's success,
although he will have a lot of support from the team's tight
checking and strong goaltending.

Look for the Blues to finish in the middle of the Norris
division this season.

Minnesota Stars
---------------
The North Stars were probably stronger following the Shark
expansion. However, losses in the farm system will eventually
catch up with them.

Jon Casey has shown great playoff ability, but if he
slumps during the regular season again, the North Stars
could miss the playoffs.

Look for the Stars to finish in the bottom half of the
Norris.


Tampa Bay Lightning
-------------------
An expansion franchise. What more can I say?

They should finish last in the 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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