I know the majority of the answers are going to be Canuck-based as most of the people on this board forget there are other teams in the NHL but what/who are you going to be most focused on this NHL season? I have 4 things, 3 players and one event. In no particular order:
1. Alex Galchenyuk: Being a Montreal fan and having watched him play in junior, I am really focused on the development of this kid. He is raw talent if I have ever seen it and with some refinement and experience I think he's a 30-40 goal scorer and a 80+ point player in the future.
2. Jordan Eberle: He had a bit of a rough year last season but this guy is a blue chipper. Based on his talent level, his international history and the fact he is a true right winger, I think he will be in Sochi come February. I also think the Oilers will be a playoff team this year and he will be a big reason why.
3. John Tavares: My pick for MVP this year. he broke out last year but this year he will join the elite. The Islanders proved last season with a strong performance in the playoffs versus the Pens that they are a team ready to take the next step. An easy 90 point scorer, maybe even 100. Also will be in Sochi.
4. The Olympics: Not so much for the event itself but for the role reversal Russia and Canada will have. We will go from heroes to villains and I wonder how the group they send there will respond. In 2010, we pasted the Russian when we played them and it is quite possible they will do it to us on their turf. I believe the Canadians need to embrace the villain role and make the adjustments need to be successful on the international ice surface while still being able to play physical-style Canadian hockey.
1. Alex Galchenyuk: Being a Montreal fan and having watched him play in junior, I am really focused on the development of this kid. He is raw talent if I have ever seen it and with some refinement and experience I think he's a 30-40 goal scorer and a 80+ point player in the future.
2. Jordan Eberle: He had a bit of a rough year last season but this guy is a blue chipper. Based on his talent level, his international history and the fact he is a true right winger, I think he will be in Sochi come February. I also think the Oilers will be a playoff team this year and he will be a big reason why.
3. John Tavares: My pick for MVP this year. he broke out last year but this year he will join the elite. The Islanders proved last season with a strong performance in the playoffs versus the Pens that they are a team ready to take the next step. An easy 90 point scorer, maybe even 100. Also will be in Sochi.
4. The Olympics: Not so much for the event itself but for the role reversal Russia and Canada will have. We will go from heroes to villains and I wonder how the group they send there will respond. In 2010, we pasted the Russian when we played them and it is quite possible they will do it to us on their turf. I believe the Canadians need to embrace the villain role and make the adjustments need to be successful on the international ice surface while still being able to play physical-style Canadian hockey.
