Comments on: Which teams would have an edge in a shortened season?

By: danphipps01

danphipps01 — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 22:26:41 +0000

At the same time, teams with goalies who were top-notch for a high volume of games last year (Rinne, Lundqvist, guys like that) will be that much more dangerous in a short season. Twenty-five fewer starts will only leave guys like them even more on top of their game.

By: desertfan

desertfan — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 21:55:56 +0000

With all Canadian teams virtually “sold-out” with season tix forget the BOYCOTT theory.

On Jan 14? 15? or ?? Tor,Van,Mon,Ed,and Wpg will be FULL of Nhl fans.

By: martysbetter

martysbetter — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 19:06:41 +0000

As a Devils fan, this is what worries me having a goaltending duo who will both be in their 40s by season end.

It took Marty a while to get going last season, it will be interesting to see how the layoff effects him…if we have a season of course.

By: dutchman1350

dutchman1350 — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 19:02:18 +0000

Another huge factor will be goaltending. Teams with a good back up will have an advantage, as they will see a lot of games with a compressed schedule.

By: atwatercrushesokoye

atwatercrushesokoye — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:30:07 +0000

The Oilers are still 1-2 more drafts and free agent cycles away from being serious Cup contenders…still too many holes. They should be in contention for the playoffs whenever the next season takes place, and being there will be a huge step in the learning curve for them.

By: atwatercrushesokoye

atwatercrushesokoye — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 18:27:06 +0000

It’s long in the fact that they played two extra months, and for a west coast team there’s the added travel. No doubt the few extra months of rest benefits them.

And that’s not taking anything away from them because yes their run was dominant.

By: zetaone

zetaone — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 17:53:56 +0000

In my opinion it would be a dark horse team like the Kings last year (even though they were picked to win before the season by many). The Oilers came on strong towards the end of the year and had pretty tight games, many 1-0, 2-1 wins. Maybe one of the PA teams, if they ever figure out their defense/goalie problems.

/shrug

By: ron05342

ron05342 — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 17:18:28 +0000

The Kings did not have a “long, grueling playoff run.”

It was short, dominant, and it should easily benefit them in a shortened season.

By: bcisleman

bcisleman — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:53:36 +0000

October and November have been season killers for the Isles the last fewso that may help. Having Vis will also benefit them. If the season goes south he and Nabby will be very good trade assets.

By: johnnyresults

johnnyresults — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:26:47 +0000

how about the caps!? they’ve never had the misfortune of enduring a long run to win the cup so I imagine they’ll be well rested!

By: atwatercrushesokoye

atwatercrushesokoye — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:24:07 +0000

Calgary is annually dreadful in November and December, since we’ve skipped over those maybe we’ve got a shot?

As for Mark Spector’s beliefs that the Oilers are the favorite cause they’ve been playing together, that’s only 4 of their players and while they might have an advantage for the first 10-15 games once the other teams get their legs back and get some practices together they’ll quickly catch up to the Oilers.

By: greej1938l

greej1938l — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:20:51 +0000

this is all speculation…no way to know unless it happens. no advantages anybody

By: haroldkahoney

haroldkahoney — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:07:08 +0000

hopefully the team that plays best to empty arenas. (in a perfect world).