Hi guys, I come in peace.
I've recently gotten big into hockey due to NHL 12. I really admire the compassion of the fans and players and the pure physicallity too often taken from other sports.
Having not grown up a hockey fan I have no team I really root for but I have instrerests in the Lightning (where I live, big fin of Stamkos, St.Louis, and Lecavlier) The Oilers (name, underdogs, the Nuge) and the Jets (Evander Kane, feel for them having their team taken).
My question is do ANY of those teams have a chance at the playoffs? Has it been done before? I'm aware of their current situations but don't know the implications of being 21-23(?) this late in the year. You have to have at least 45 wins to have a shot at the playoffs correct?
Also how is Stamkos playing this year? He's on his way for a Rocket award but doesn't seem to have many points, is this a product of his teammates or him being selfish? Where is he considered in the top players discussion?
Congrats! You've picked the most entertaining sport to be a part of IMO. The play is fast, the skill is immense, and the players are, almost to a man, among the most likeable pro athletes you'll find in any sport.
With regard to your teams, you've picked some tough teams to root for (this season, anyway). The Oilers started exceptionally hot, but they cooled off pretty quickly and are now among the bottom dwellers of the league. Tampa Bay was good last year and got crazy hot during the playoffs (during which they unceremoniously ousted my beloved Caps), but this season, they've been a big disappointment, and are pretty far out of the playoff picture. Winnipeg has been dancing in and out of the top eight in the East all season; they're not in the playoff picture at the minute, but if they get hot and get a little luck with the teams in front of them, they could conceivably make it.
The Oilers have got three young stars in the league in Eberle, Hall, and rookie Nugent-Hopkins, so even though they've tanked this year, they've got a bright future ahead of them if their management can add a couple of pieces over the next couple of seasons. Tampa Bay has two wily veterans in St. Louis and Lecavalier who are among the best at their positions, and super-stud Stamkos who will lead the league in goals several more times in his career. Their main goaltender Roloson (who's a bit past his prime in his early 40's) played out of his mind last year, but has very much looked his age this year. St. Louis and Lecavalier have got a few good years left in them, but if their organization can't capitalize on their talent and experience in the next few years, Stamkos won't be enough to keep them from hitting the dreaded 'rebuilding' stage for a few seasons. Winnipeg has a lot of solid talent in Kane, Andrew Ladd, Dustin Byfuglien, and their goalie Andrej Pavelec, but IMO they need a real breakaway talent to complement their depth. They've got a lot of potential though, and with just one or two good moves, they'll be very scary very quickly.
All IMO, of course...
