The 5 Worst NHL Teams in 2009-2010
on Aug.11, 2009, under Gambling
It is plain to see who is not going to make the grade again this year in the NHL. This off season has been a fairly slow one in comparison to previous years, but with that being said – the strong got stronger, the weak got weaker.
Here is a list of the five worst NHL teams going into the 2009-2010 season.
1. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS – Brian Burke does not even say that his team will be good, but don’t tell the fans that, they are going to win the cup every year since the glory days in 67. The additions of Primeau and Komisarek and solid on the defensive side of things, but who is going to score? Ponikarovsky and Blake have spurts of brilliance, but nothing that is going to put the Leafs in the post season…again.
2. Atlanta Thrashers – Ilya Kovalchuk is a nice addition to the team, and so is Antropov, but it’s simply not enough. Somewhat the opposite of Toronto, the Thrashers should have a pretty respectable offense, but teams will score on them left and right. A weak defensive unit and weak goal tenders will hurt the Thrashers yet again.
3. Edmonton Oilers – It’s never a wise move to let three of your players know you’re willing to trade them away for someone else. Especially when you don’t end up getting that player. Look for Smid, Cogliano, and Penner to rub it back in the team’s face by playing an entire season of hockey with little motivation to do well for the GM who was willing to trade them away in a flash.
4. COLORADO AVALANCHE – What happened to these guys? Just two short years ago the Northwest was the best division in hockey, and now with the Avs, Oilers, and flighty Wild, it is one of the worst – Bettman, you have achieved parity in the league, somewhat. With Sakic retiring, and Budaj as your starter, things aren’t looking good this year. If Stastny, Hejduk and newcomer Matt Duchene can make some noise, they may not be on this list. Odds are they will finish out of the playoffs…again. Budaj, really???
5. Florida Panthers – Perhaps the biggest bunch of no-names on an NHL roster, and a less than interested fan base. It’s not good to be a Florida Panther and it’s not good to be a fan. Booth and Weiss are both decent players, but that’s all they’ve got. I expect a last place finish in Florida.
There are some teams who normally would make this list, but I see them improving. These include New York (Islanders), the Stars, Los Angeles, and Tampa Bay.