From: allan@cs.UAlberta.CA (Allan Sullivan)
Subject: Adams division Analysis and Predictions
Organization: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 1992 18:43:45 GMT


Here is the 3rd part of my 4 part series, giving analysis and
predictions for teams in the Adams division. (The Patrick division
is still to come...)

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Boston Bruins
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The Bruins have a noticable lack of 'superstar' talent. Yet most
of their players are hard working, and they all seem to function
as a team. That alone should give them victories in many games.

Last year's mid-season additions (Oates, Juneau, etc.) will
help the team a lot, especially when they get a full year
to play. The coaching change will also be a big benefit.

Moog should have another good year. Backup goaltending is a
question; Lemalin should be able to do the job.

Look for the Bruins to have another winning year (> .500),
and finish in the middle or top of the Adams division.


Montreal Canadiens
------------------

Many have suggested that Montreal is about to go into a tailspin, that
their defensive strategy hasn't worked and that the team has to
rebuild. However, the situation isn't as bad as that... The Canadiens
did finish first in the league last season, and they did so with
a young defense corps. (The defense should get better with experience.)
They do lack offence; However, many of their front line players are
good goal scorers who were forced to play a defensive game; different
coaching may allow them to regain some of their scoring.

If the Canadiens switch to a more offensive game, they will put
more pressure on the goaltender. Roy is a great goaltender, and
can probably handle the pressure. The Canadiens do need a better
backup however.

The Canadiens should finish about the middle of the division.


Quebec Nordiques
----------------
There are a number of questions about the Nordiques; Will the
players obtained in the Lindros deal sign? Will Hextall return
to his old form? How many Nordique players will want to be
traded from Quebec?

The Nords have several talented players. (They obtained some
quality players in the Trade.) One thing they are missing however
is a 'leadership' type player to motivate the team. (Motivation
won't come from the Management/coaching side...)

The Nordiques should finish anywhere from the middle to the bottom
half of the division.

Hartford Whalers
----------------
The Whalers are a team with little scoring depth. Last year, they
went on lengthy loosing streaks. The new people in management
should help Hartford's case next year, although it may take a while
to build the team into a contender.

Hartford does have some talent, especially in goal. If they win
games next season, it will likely be due to strong defence and
goaltending.

The whalers should finish in the bottom half of the division.

Buffalo Sabres
--------------
Muckler did well in obtaining Lafontaine last year. However, this
coming year will be the REAL test of his abilities as a GM.

There is enough talent on the Sabres to make the playoffs. Goaltending
should be helped by the addition of Hasek. (Although admittedly the
Sabres already had several goaltenders who can play great when
healthy and properly motivated.)

The Sabres should finish anywhere from the top half to the middle
of the division.


Ottawa Senators
---------------
An expansion team. What more can I say?

Look for them to finish last and miss the playoffs.


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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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