A look at the top lines around the NHL
NHLHS NHL writers Anthony Curatolo and Brandon Macdonald take a look at the potential top lines from around the NHL. Taking it one step deeper, they give their projected outlook from a fantasy perspective on how each line could potentially produce this upcoming NHL season.
As we’ve skated through the NHL preseason and have witnessed our first glances at most teams around the league to start the actual year, we will take a look at the potential top lines around the league that are likely to be the mainstay top line for their respective clubs.
There has been a decent amount of change around the league this off-season and here at NHLHS, we will break down how each lines production could pan out around the league.
Keep in mind that there will be line juggling to start the season as coaches will attempt to find the proper chemistry amongst the forward units to provide a competitive game scenario. What we present to you below are projected lines to start the year. Whether they were the way the lines finished the season last year, or what has come from initial reports out of training camps.
Anaheim Ducks:
Bobby Ryan – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry
The boys are back in town. After a summer long battle in Bobby Ryan camp, the youngster from Cherry Hill, NJ has finally agreed to a new contract extension with the club which will see him remain a Duck for the next five years. The returns of Saku Koivu and Teemu Selanne help the veteran presence and the second line situation, and allows for the top line to stick together and produce for another season, to say the least. With Joffrey Lupul finally cleared to being training from his injuries, there is good news all around. Surprising seasons from Dan Sexton and the trade that brought in Jason Blake will be hopeful helping additions to the top nine.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Ryan Getzlaf – GP G 28 A 43 PTS 71
Corey Perry – GP 80 G 32 A 27 PTS 59
Bobby Ryan – GP 78 G 31 A 34 PTS 65
Atlanta Thrashers:
Niclas Bergfors – Nik Antropov – Evander Kane
It will depend on chemistry, but this could be a deadly top line for the Thrashers this season. The second full season for Evander Kane will see him continue to grow in to a power forward and having Dustin Byfuglien to learn the ropes from will undoubtedly help him. Without the likes of Ilya Kovalchuk and Max Afinogenov, the Thrashers will lean heavily on Niclas Bergfors and Kane for goal production. It could really go either way in Atlanta, but the future is bright.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Nik Antropov – GP 80 G 24 A 49 PTS 73
Niclas Bergfors – GP 79 G 28 A 33 PTS 61
Evander Kane – GP80 G 24 A 27 PTS 51
Boston Bruins:
Milan Lucic – David Krejci – Nathan Horton
Injuries put a damper on the offensive production for Boston last season – both during the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. This year, it seems as if there is a lot carrying over from last year. Top line Center Marc Savard, who is still battling through post concussion symptoms and it is anyone’s guess at this point if he will start the season healthy with Boston, will be missed to say the least. The lack of production from Michael Ryder and company added to the issues for the Bruins. This year, with a few newcomers on board and some new situations to attack since Dennis Wideman has been shipped out in favor of Nathan Horton, the Bruins will hope to be back among the eight teams heading into the playoffs in 2011.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
David Krejci – GP 75 G 26 A 35 PTS 61
Nathan Horton – GP 80 G 35 A 28 PTS 63
Milan Lucic – GP 74 G 23 A 35 PTS 58
Buffalo Sabres:
Jason Pominville – Derek Roy – Thomas Vanek
It’s not a secret that the Buffalo Sabres are a team that rely heavily on the netminding of Ryan Miller, but they do boast a few offensive weapons. The 2009-10 season saw a 12 goal drop for winger Thomas Vanek, who scored 28, and the Sabres need Vanek to return to form this year. The team did little update their roster in the offseason, which shows that management has faith in their squad. Derek Roy is once again going to once again be leaned on for steady offensive production. Jason Pominville did suffer an injury early in the season, but that shouldn’t stop him from reaching the 60 point plateau this year.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Derek Roy – GP 82 G 26 A 60 PTS 86
Thomas Vanek – GP 76 G 29 A 33 PTS 62
Jason Pominville – GP 75 G 27 A 40 PTS 67
Calgary Flames:
Alex Tanguay – Olli Jokinen – Jarome Iginla
After last seasons debacle out of Calgary, and the trades that called for GM Darryl Sutters head, the off-season signings of Olli Jokinen and Alex Tanguay can truly only make one person happy: Jarome Iginla. To be fair, the chemistry between the group when they were once Flames players was fantastic however, Jokinen and Tanguay have since fallen off the map of talented skaters within the NHL. This will be their year to bounce back. If they can find what was once a dominant line within the league, it could provide to be one of the better top lines.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Olli Jokinen – GP 70 G 25 A 25 PTS 50
Alex Tanguay – GP 76 G 16 A 40 PTS 56
Jerome Iginla – GP 77 G 34 A 33 PTS 67
Carolina Hurricanes:
Jussi Jokinen – Eric Staal – Tuomo Ruutu
In hopes to forget the season that was 2009-10 and embark on 2010-11 in proper fashion, the Hurricanes were sent overseas for the NHL Premier games and Cam Ward put on quite a show in front of the crowd oversees. In order for this Hurricanes team to make any noise this year, Ward will need to provide consistent goaltending and stay healthy. Though injuries have arrived in Carolina, and who is to place a time table on anyone’s return, you will likely see plenty of line juggling over the course of the first two weeks. Eric Staal will continue to lead the way, and offensive production must be at a premium this year out of him.
Jussi Jokinen – GP 76 G 31 A 28 PTS 59
Eric Staal – GP 80 G 34 A 37 PTS 71
Tuomo Ruutu – GP 72 G 21 A 22 PTS 43
Chicago Blackhawks:
Marian Hossa – Jonathan Toews – Patrick Kane
What can be said about the talent that was kept on board by the 2009-10 Stanley Cup Champions other than adjectives that would all equal one simple word: Wow. Cap casualties Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Laad, Kris Versteeg, Ben Eager and a few other role players have all been sent packing from the Chicago organization. However, when Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Dave Bolland remain in tact good things will remain within Chicago.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Jonathan Toews – GP 82 G 30 A 55 PTS 85
Marian Hossa – GP 70 G 44 A 49 PTS 93
Patrick Kane – GP 82 G 34 A 50 PTS 84
Colorado Avalanche:
Chris Stewart – Paul Stastny – Milan Hejduk
The Colorado Avalanche surprised the hockey world in 2009-10 moving from the basement in to the eight playoff spot in the Western Conference. Led by Paul Stastny, who had his best statistical season, and youngsters like Matt Duchene and Chris Stewart leaves little to the pondering mind, outside of a sophomore slump, to say they can not achieve last years production. Trade deadline acquisition Peter Mueller will start off the season on the injured list with a concussion, but his return will only add more offense to this team. Expect Stewart to play a bigger role, as well as veteran Milan Hejduk to be his consistent self. Youth is definitely served on this team with T.J. Galliardi and Ryan O’Reilly, who will have bigger seasons and the opportunity to move up the depth chart.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Paul Stastny – GP 75 G 29 A 54 PTS 83
Chris Stewart – GP 80 G 32 A 39 PTS 71
Milan Hejdux – GP 70 G 26 A 35 PTS 61
Columbus Blue Jackets:
Rick Nash – Antoine Vermette – Kristian Huselieus
When Rick Nash compliments your play you know you are doing something right. In an article posted this off-season on NHL.com, Nash was on record stating how good the chemistry between he and fellow line mate Antoine Vermette is. If this line can stay healthy and Huselieus can squeeze past his streaks, there could be potential for a very good year from them. There could also be a disaster. This is a washy situation in Columbus and we will have to hope for the best.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Rick Nash – GP 78 G 31 A 30 PTS 61
Antoine Vermette – GP 73 G 22 A 40 PTS 66
Kristian Huselieus – GP 68 G 25 A 30 PTS 55
Dallas Stars:
Loui Eriksson – Brad Richards – James Neal
The Mike Modano era is now over in Dallas, but let’s face it, that happened when Brenden Morrow took over as team captain in 2006. Brad Richards returned to form in 2009-10 with 67 assists which he added on top of scoring 24 goals to total 91 points. Wingers Loui Eriksson and James Neal both benefited from playing with Richards and another season will prove it was no fluke. Expect big things in big D from this trio as they will be relied on to carry the offense. The second line of Mike Ribeiro, Jamie Benn and Morrow should take some of the pressure off as well and could provide quite the top six for production out of Dallas this year.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Brad Richards – GP 79 G 23 A 58 PTS 81
James Neal – GP 82 G 31 A 30 PTS 61
Loui Eriksson – GP 76 G 27 A 34 PTS 61
Detroit Red Wings:
Pavel Datsyuk – Henrik Zetterberg – Johan Franzen
The timeless franchise may just be coming to an end. Boasting on of the oldest teams in the NHL, the Red Wings also have the most experience. Pavel Datsyuk is the best two-way forward in the league and after a statistically disappointing season last year, Datsyuk will look to capitalize on his scoring chances this year. A seasoned Jimmy Howard should allow the Wings to take a few more chances offensively and the scoring in Mo-Town should be that much better this season.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Henrik Zetterberg – GP 75 G 25 A 48 PTS 73
Pavel Datsyuk – GP 82 G 32 A 66 PTS 98
Johan Franzen – GP 70 G 28 A 30 PTS 58
Edmonton Oilers:
Dustin Penner – Sam Gagner – Ales Hemsky
Despite all the young and exciting talent that the Oilers boast, it is the veterans that will lead the way. Dustin Penner is out to prove that last year was, once again, not a fluke. While Oiler nation will finally see if Ales Hemsky is truly for real. Sam Gagner, as we all know, has all the talents to be a great center in the NHL and with two shifty wingers on his side, the time is now for the young man to break out.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Dustin Penner – GP 82 G 34 A 30 PTS 64
Sam Gagner – GP 70 G 18 A 38 PTS 56
Ales Hemsky – GP 74 G 23 A 28 PTS 51
Florida Panthers:
David Booth – Stephen Weiss – Michael Frolik
The young, rebuilding Florida Panthers will have a lot of adjusting to do this season. When Nathan Horton was shipped to Boston in favor of Dennis Wideman and the 15th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, it left a glaring hole on the top line. This hole has yet to be filled, and with a void this big, it leaves little to help the rest of the line up. Expect a long, possible painful season from the Cats in South Florida.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Stephen Weiss – GP 82 G 25 A 35 PTS 60
David Booth – GP 77 G 26 A 33 PTS 59
Michael Frolik – GP 80 G 21 A 19 PTS 40
Los Angeles Kings:
Ryan Smyth – Anze Kopitar – Wayne Simmonds
The team who have been compared to the Chicago Blackhawks of last year most frequently are the Kings. With Anze Kopitar getting better and better each year, youngster Wayne Simmonds proving his talent and Ryan Smyth being in the best shape of his entire playing career, there is potential to have one of the most dominant and productive top lines in all of the NHL. Of course, things will mix and match to start the season, as we have witnessed already from head coach Terry Murray but before you know it, all signs point to the creating of a very balanced top nine with a comfortable top six.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Anze Kopitar – GP 82 G 31 A 73 PTS 104
Wayne Simmonds – GP 80 G 22 A 29 PTS 51
Ryan Smyth – GP 79 G 34 A 32 PTS 66
Minnesota Wild:
Andrew Brunette – Mikko Koivu – Martin Havlat
Trouble in paradise. Unable to find a solution to the offensive production, considering Martin Havlat has yet to live up to his contract and no one else on the team has been able to find their scoring touch, the Minnesota Wild find themselves in a position to be one of the bottom teams in the Western Conference this year.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Mikko Koivu – GP 80 G 30 A 36 PTS 66
Antti Miettenen – GP 77 G 22 A 30 PTS 52
Martin Havlat – GP 72 G 20 A 28 PTS 48
Montreal Canadiens:
Brian Gionta – Scott Gomez – Michael Cammalleri
La belle province. The Habs are always an NHL team under the national spotlight and this season will be no different. Although the spotlight will not be on the offense. Carey Price is now the man in Montreal, but the likes of Mike Cammalleri, Scott Gomez and captain Brian Gionta will have to carry the offensive load for the team. Gionta is going to face the pressures of being the second American-born captain for the Habs, but that shouldn’t affect his offensive output, while Cammalleri will likely be depended on for scoring the majority of goals for the Canadiens.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Scott Gomez – GP 80 G 23 A 45 PTS 68
Brian Gionta – GP 82 G 27 A 49 PTS 76
Mike Cammalleri – GP 81 G 38 A 36 PTS 74
Nashville Predators:
Steve Sullivan – Matthew Lombardi – Patric Hornqvist
If history can repeat itself, Matthew Lombardi and Patric Hornqvist are setting themselves up to have quite the season in Nashville. Though, chemistry and learning to play together will be the number one key to developing that chemistry during the first two weeks of play. Barring health issues, and any other concerns from the black and white product, this top line does have what it takes to put up quite the points this year. Nashville will rely heavily on secondary scoring, but with J.P. Dumont, Martin Erat, and the hopes that Colin Wilson will finally develop into a top six talent on board, it should be yet another fun seasons for Preds fans.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Steve Sullivan – GP 70 G 22 A 27 PTS 49
Matthew Lombardi – GP 80 G 27 A 44 PTS 71
Patric Horqvist – GP 82 G 32 A 36 PTS 68
New Jersey Devils:
Ilya Kovalchuk – Travis Zajac – Zach Parise
Also know as the “ZIP” line, this trio has the potential to earn themselves quite the surplus in points totals come seasons end. There is nobody that will benefit more from the addition of Ilya Kovalchuk than Travis Zajac. Look for the young centre to have a career season with not only assists, but also goals. Zach Parise is already in a league of his own, and being a part of this trio will continue to help him excel within his position with ease.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Zajac – GP 82 G 29 A 45 PTS 74
Parise – GP 80 G 34 A 43 PTS 77
Kovalchuk – GP 79 G 43 A 30 PTS 73
New York Islanders:
Matt Moulson – John Tavares – Nino Niederreiter
When John Tavares suffered a concussion to start the year, not only did it totally destroy the hopes of Isles fans across the hockey nation, it puts a damper on the development that everyone within the hockey community was looking forward to witnessing. With Kyle Okposo, Rob Schremp and Mark Streit already on the shelf to start the year, doom and gloom awaits. Unless potential stud prospect Nino Niederreiter can step up and fill in on the top line upon Tavares’ return, it’s slim pickings at the Old Barn in Nassau County.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
John Tavares – GP 70 G 26 A 44 PTS 70
Matt Moulson – GP 80 G 27 A 22 PTS 49
Nino Niederreiter – GP 78 G 24 A 27 PTS 51
New York Rangers:
Marian Gaborik – Derek Stepan – Alex Frolov
For the first time in a few years the Rangers were not one of the most active teams on the free agent market. They did, however, land coveted free agent Alex Frolov from the LA Kings. Frolov will join Marian Gaborik on the top line, which should make for some flashy goals this season in the Big Apple. In his first season with the Rangers Gaborik played in 76 games (second highest total of career) and matched his career high with 42 goals. If the preseason was any indication, Gaborik and Frolov have found the chemistry and Derek Stepan could turn into the teams number one center in no time. Brandon Dubinsky has found the perfect slot on the second line with Ryan Callahan and Artem Anisimov and with the chemistry they have, do not expect that line to be broken up any time soon.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Derek Stepan – GP 73 G 21 A 25 PTS 46
Marian Gaborik – GP 78 G 41 A 40 PTS 81
Alex Frolov – GP 79 G 22 A 42 PTS 64
Ottawa Senators:
Daniel Alfredsson – Jason Spezza – Alexei Kovalev
The Ottawa Sentators have a lot of work to do this season. They have some tremendous talents with Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza to go with veteran wit in Alexei Kovalev, but they are in a tough division and will need to play good team hockey if they plan on making the playoffs. Expect big numbers from the top line in Ottawa, but when it comes to offensive depth, the Sens are definitely lacking.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Jason Spezza – GP 77 G 23 A 50 PTS 83
Daniel Alfredsson – GP 60 G 20 A 30 PTS 50
Alexei Kovalev – GP 68 G 22 A 30 PTS 52
Pittsburgh Penguins:
Chris Kunitz – Sidney Crosby – Evgeni Malkin
What is there to say about the Penguins offense that hasn’t already been said. They are tremendously deep down the middle, but depend on second tier wingers to get the job done. Expect Evgeni Malkin to play the wing on the first and second line throughout the season while also dabbling as the second line centre. Big numbers will be put up by Sidney Crosby no matter who he plays with.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Sidney Crosby – GP 77 G 38 A 65 PTS 103
Chris Kunitz – GP 79 G 21 A 30 PTS 51
Evgeni Malkin – GP 79 G 33 A 68 PTS 101
Philadelphia Flyers:
Mike Richards – Jeff Carter – Dan Carcillo
The trio attempts to compliment each other. With a surplus of Centers on the Philadelphia roster, someone will have to move to wing and it seems, at least to start the season, that Mike Richards will fill that role. With that being said, the top line to start the season, as mentioned above, has the potential to be one of the better top lines in the NHL.
Although the acquisition of Nikolai Zherdev, even with all the knocks on Zherdev and his lack of defensive abilities, his offensive production will compliment the play of his responsible two-way teammates. Jeff Carter, who has scored 30 or more goals in each of the previous two seasons, has two gifted line mates to play with as well. Sitting at 99 goals in his NHL career, Zherdev will reach a milestone, barring injury, this season with Philadelphia – even as part of the 3rd line.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Carter - GP 76 G 38 A 30 PTS 68
Richards – GP 80 G 32 A 51 PTS 83
Carcillo – GP 72 G 16 A 12 PTS 28
Phoenix Coyotes:
Lee Stempniak – Wojtek Wolski – Shane Doan
A surplus of moves out of Phoenix seem to be counteractive as they attempted to replace what they lost. Matthew Lombardi and Zybnek Michalek have since found new teams but Phoenix will look to some familiar faces as well as the addition of veteran Ray Whitney to help the offensive situations as a whole. With skaters like Wolski and Stempniak – as long as they can progress in the same instance as the season prior to this, there could be enough firepower among this Coyotes group to lead them directly into the playoffs once again this year.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Wojtek Wolski – GP 80 G 24 A 37 PTS 61
Lee Stempniak – GP 82 G 30 A 34 PTS 64
Shane Doan – GP 82 G 28 A 42 PTS 70
San Jose Sharks:
Dany Heatley – Joe Thorton – Patrick Marleau
What can truly be said about one of the top offensive units in the game today? Outside of the playoff knocks on the Sharks cast, regular season play is dominant year in and year out. Simply stated, when ‘Jumbo’ Joe Thorton is your top line Center and you can dish the puck off to a sniper like Dany Heatley or a very solid goal scorer like Patrick Marleau, there is no reason any of the three – slumps included – should not be able to earn at least 65 points or more this upcoming season. We know, they did not start the season together, but it is only a matter of time until things return to normal.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Joe Thorton GP 75 G 21 A 63 PTS 84
Dany Heatley GP 80 G 35 A 33 PTS 68
Patrick Marleau GP 76 G 31 A 33 PTS 64
St. Louis Blues:
David Backes – Andy MacDonald – David Perron
The Blues are one of the youngest teams in the league and this season we will really get to see what kind of talents they boast. David Perron and David Backes are big parts of the organization and they will have to produce in order for the team to win. The addition of Jaroslav Halak should allow the forwards and defenseman to have a little more freedom on the offensive side of the puck, which should lead to more goals.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Andy MacDonald – GP 77 G 25 A 25 PTS 50
David Backes – GP 80 G 30 A 36 PTS 66
David Perron – GP 81 G 23 A 45 PTS 68
Tampa Bay Lightning:
Simon Gagne – Steve Stamkos – Martin St. Louis
It’s hard to believe that Vincent Lecavalier would ever be the number two center on the Lightning, but the emergence of Steven Stamkos has moved him to that position. The Lighting are stacked on the offensive side of the puck and should have no problems scoring this season, their biggest question is between the pipes. But leaving goaltenders out of the equation, St. Louis, Stamkos and likely newcomer Simon Gagne can surely provide the offensive pop needed to make some noise within the Southwest Division.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Steven Stamkos – GP 82 G 55 A 55 PTS 110
Martin St. Louis – GP 77 G 23 A 60 PTS 83
Simon Gagne – GP 60 G 27 A 25 PTS 52
Toronto Maple Leafs:
Kris Versteeg – Tyler Bozak – Phil Kessel
Say what you will about Tyler Bozak being too young and too far off for a top line Center role. Then, watch the magic that will be created between Versteeg and Kessel to help propel Bozak and his point production to match that of the weakest top line Center from around the NHL. The Leafs are looking to make a statement this year and it’s playoffs or bust at that. In what has already started out as a surprising but promising start of the season in Toronto, one can only hope that they continue to rise and play consistent hockey all year long. Here, we aren’t hoping we are projecting this to happen.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Tyler Bozak – GP 82 G 22 A 25 PTS 47
Phil Kessel – GP 81 G 42 A 29 PTS 71
Kris Versteeg – GP 76 G 27 A 33 PTS 60
Vancouver Canucks:
Daniel Sedin – Henrik Sedin – Alex Burrows
Even without his twin, Henrik Sedin led the league in points last year proving that, as fantastic as a player combination the brothers are, Henrik can handle all situations when called upon. Yes, Alex Burrows has missed the start of the year due to the injury bug but once he returns, the Canucks truly have one of the most dominant top lines in all of the NHL. The twins and Burrows will lead this organization to the promise land sooner than one may expect.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Henrik Sedin – GP 82 G 33 A 43 PTS 76
Daniel Sedin – GP 78 G 32 A 47 PTS 79
Alexander Burrows – GP 68 G 27 A 35 PTS 62
Washington Capitals:
Alexander Ovechkin – Nicklas Backstrom – Mike Knuble
Does anyone truly expect to see a lack of production from one of the greatest Center/Winger combination’s in the entire league? Forsberg Jr., or as we know him Mr. Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Ovechkin make for one of the most dangerous offensive attacks the game has ever witnessed. With young Backstrom developing with every shift in every game, and only getting better, as well as Ovechkin being the pure goal scorer he is, this lethal top line duo along with veteran Mike Knuble will be atop the statistical charts come April. The only question that needs to be answered is if the offensive output will be enough to help the Capitals to their first Stanley Cup appearance in 13 years.
Projections for the 2010-11 season:
Nicklas Backstrom – GP 80 G 35 A 89 PTS 124*
Alexander Ovechkin – GP 78 G 86 A 53 PTS 139*
Mike Knuble – GP 80 G 22 A 28 PTS 50
Nicklas Backstrom – GP 80 G 35 A 63 PTS 98
Alexander Ovechkin – GP 78 G 52 A 45 PTS 97
Mike Knuble – GP 80 G 22 A 28 PTS 50
With those projections, and the general consensus over ruling any other ideas we had in mind, the top three to round out the league this season are:
#3 - San Jose Sharks
#2 – Vancouver Canucks
#1 – Washington Capitals
Honorable mentions: The New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers sure have some fire power that will be tough to contain throughout the course of the season. Though not cracking the top three, we feel the would absolutely be among the top five if we had decided to go that far.
Who would be the best first line in your opinion?
*For the haters.
Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS NHL Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC
Brandon Macdonald
NHLHS Editor
bmacdonald@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @bMacdonald8
Alexander Ovechkin – GP 78 G 37 A 45 PTS 82
Absolutely stupid numbers for Ovi. Either of you who want to back up your numbers with a bet, i’ll take the over on goals, assist, and points. How does a self styled “expert” pull these numbers out of their butt?
This is one of the worst articles I’ve ever read. Not only are a significant portion of the line combo’s inaccurate (which I will ignore since some team’s propensity for line juggling) the totals simply make no sense at all. H Sedin dropping 40+ points? Ovechkin career low in points (both his predictions are ridiculous), Parise/Kovalchuk sub 80 points? Kopitar then is inexplicably going up 20 points. While I think Kopitar has potential for growth, in this trend of NHL-wide downward spiral, how is it he avoids plummeting down 10-20 points after a single season of near PPG?
It’s called PREDICTIONS and PROJECTIONS. This has nothing to do with PAST PERFORMANCES, who started the year on the top line, what the lines look like now, etc. People need to relax. Instead of realizing that it took us about a week to write and complete this – to have fun and give everyone a bit of an idea on what the top lines could/should (in our opinions) look like. We do this for fun, we like to have fun with the sport we love.
Yet, homer fans, everyone else thinking they are a hockey god, and the fact that did anyone ever think maybe some of the figures we placed in there were strictly for reactions? It’s good to see the passion of the average and regular hockey fan come out – that makes us proud. That is why we come up with this material for all of you each and every day. So we left a few things to be determined, gave a glimpse of a “projection” – for instance, Franzen does NOT play on the top line, but SHOULD – Stepan is NOT THE top line Center in NY – YET!
Bash away, for it comes with the territory and the fact that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I appreciate all the feedback to be quite honest. But sometimes, people need to look a bit deeper and between the lines to realize what exactly is being done.
Instead of going INSANE over the fact that I THINK “MAYBE” Ovi has an off year and doesn’t score 40 (he’s a dirty hitter and I think he’s going to blow his knee out and miss some time this year), etc.
Think of, or ask why instead of blatantly destroying material. We aren’t rocket scientists nor prophets – we are writers who love the sport that we do write on and enjoy to have some fun with it from time to time.
Thank you all, for your concern about Sedin and Ovechkin and everyone else that we might have left off.
For the Kings comment – Simmonds will be on the top line this year. Write that down. If it doesn’t happen, I’ll embarrass myself anyway you like.
Listen to The Hockey Guys – i’ll – ON THE AIR – call myself out if need be.
But, at the end of the day (and for ALL THE CAPS COMMENTS) when Washington was the LAST team we completed, after a weeks time of coming up, editing and creating material in this article, as well as others, you should have cut us a bit of slack.
You think Ovechkin will miss 4 games with a blown knee and will therefore score only 37 goals? I don’t want to argue over this with you because you are obviously biased, and therefore you wont be persuaded by something as insignificant as facts. I do however want to exploit your bias for my own personal amusement and so i’ll leave by saying:
Crosby is a dirty hitter too, a punch in the sac here a spear in the groin there, the only difference is he does it after the whistle, and its always premeditated. Maybe someone will take exception and blow out his knees for him, then he’ll miss 4 more games and crash to 50 points…
I don’t think Anthony is biased. If you are referring to my comment earlier I don’t like Ovechkin based off one isolated incident.
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/03/26/408497/ovechkin-hit-blindsides-legace.html
Are you kidding me? You can’t simultaneously say you did this to create a reaction and then complain about said reaction. On top of that you changed the offending numbers and then say posters are mean. I think you pulled back the curtain a little too far here by saying you did some of this “strictly for reactions”
The other thing that bugs me is that you don’t ever explain these statistical anomalies that you propose. How for instance, can you explain that Daniel Sedin will score 6 less points this year while playing in 15 more games. That might be useful information if you were trying to actually make an educated point instead of garnering page views from the OMG he said what crowd.
“But sometimes, people need to look a bit deeper and between the lines to realize what exactly is being done.”
You mean we should’ve of realized you were just being a disingenuous click whore and to ignore this? O.K. Or now, the litany of excuses, that it was rushed? (after a week for two people to write 30 paragraphs), or that it was just for fun, or just to create a reaction, or just leaving a few things yet to be determined, or it was just a “glimpse” of a projection. Perhaps you should have explained that, or maybe you should’ve spent some more time trying to make coherent thoughts.
Then again, maybe I’m just INSANE.
so ovechkin is going to have a career low in goals, assists, and points…why on earth do you think that?
So you’re predicting Alex Ovechkin to have his worst season ever? 82 points? Only 38 goals?? WTF?
The Rangers top line (Gaborik-Frolik-Stepan) over the Penguins (Crosby-Malkin-Kunitz), Red Wings (Zberg-Datsyuk-??) or Flyers (Carter-Richard-??)? I’m from NY originally and even I think that’s crazy.
Plus a lot of these lines don’t actually play together 5-on-5 (Franzen doesn’t play with the other 2, Kane doesn’t play with Hossa and Toews, Simmonds is the third line in LA).
Pretty weak stuff
Hahahaha… dude… it’s called alphabetical order. The Rangers weren’t ranked ahead of the Flyers or Penguins.
Ps… the guy wrote the thing and said Dubinsky has found the perfect spot as 2nd line center… though it was announced he would be forced to move to the left wing sometime in the middle of the summer and hasn’t played Center since.
Has to be the dumbest written piece I’ve ever written.You show Crosby and Malkin both with over 100 points,but Ovechkin and Backstrom with low 80s points and then you chose them first and dont mention pitt.While I agree witht he rankin as Washington having the top line I see Ovi around the 50-60 goal mark with about 60 assists.And Backstrom to be right around 100 total points also.Your predictions make no sence based on you rankings,dumb!
Sorry meant to write read,not written.
Anze Kopitar = 104 points (he had 81 in 82 games played last year)
Derek Roy = 86 points (69 in 80 games played last year)
Alex Ovechkin = 82 points (109 in 72 games played last year)
Good for Alex that he’s started strong with 7 points in 4 games, otherwise he’d never hit that astronomically high 82 point estimate.
I just wasted 5 minutes of my life reading this post. I would take the over that the Ovechkin line combines for at least 260 points this year. You have the following players outscoring Ovie: Mike Richards, Stamkos (by almost 30 points), St. Louis, Thorton, Spezza, Koptitar, Datsyuk, Stastny, DEREK ROY (?), and that DOESNT include Crosby and Malkin by 20 points each, and playing LESS games than him this year. No way should you be writing about the sport of Hockey. If it makes you feel better, I just wasted another 5 mins of my life leaving this comment.
Haha, I was thinking the same thing. He has Stamkos putting up 55 goals and 110 points and Ovechkin not even reaching 40 goals. Not only is this ridiculous, he doesn’t even back it up with any sort of explanation.
By the way, Ovechkin has 4 goals and 7 points in 4 games…you should reassess your prediction.
I couldnt wait to get to the comments to post how idiotic I thought this piece was. However, all the other posters already made all my points. This article is pathetic.
Were you educated?
Really your Caps line predictions = garbage. you have no clue. But Stamkos will have 110 points?
The Ovechkin numbers are just laughable. This has got to be the worst “expert” post i’ve ever seen.
I think Brandon and Anthony meant to write 182, that would please all you Caps homers
I’m not going to flat out call your lack of journalistic integrity into play here, just merely wonder aloud about it- HAVE YOU ANY KNOWLEDGE OF HOCKEY!? Everyone else summed it up pretty good but your predictions for Ovechkin are a total joke. I’m guessing it was a misprint because there is no way in the 78 games you predict he will play that he only gets 37 goals. He’s already tearing it up up with 4 goals and 7 points. I await your edited version because you can’t be serious with this.
@admin
It doesn’t take a homer to believe that Brandon and Anthony were way off there. No one expects 182 points but somewhere around 50 goals and at least 100 points is probably more realistic. I guess it takes a “homer” to expect Ovechkin to do what he has done every year he has been in the league, except for his 2nd year where he had a paltry 46 goals (sarcasm). At the very least an explanation would be good to back up the prediction instead of overcompensating snark.
I hate Ovi, but think he will at least break 100 points. Anthony does not, feel free to email him asking him why. He clearly does not feel the need to respond to your comments.
The homer remarks is essentially because all of your IPs are in the DC area and because if we don’t write something nice about the Caps we usually receive a backlash. I don’t agree with the projections, just having fun with the over-the-top commentary.
In short, calm down guys its just an article.
Well, Anthony should grow a sac and man up when he puts something as stupid as his projections up and gets called out for it.
To admin, why do people have to be Caps fans (homers) to think that those numbers are absurd. His point totals in the NHL: 106 as a rookie, then 92, 112, 110, 109….so maybe he’s on a downward spiral to…..107?
Love him or hate him, the guy is crazy good, and I think any hockey fan (casual or obsessed) would take the over on OV scoring 82 points. Can we get some sort of explanation why he is taking such a drastic step back this year?
I’m in China, and I posted that guess was ridiculous. Are China IP addresses the same as DC?
Hahahahaha. I love how a stupid prediction is supposed to be justified because we are all just *haters* and homers. Maybe, just maybe the haters are the ones making the predictions. Looks that way to me. I also like how you told us to calm down while changing the predictions and making a side note about the hating homers commenting on the article. You guys act like the severely drunk girl at the party that gets all defensive and tells everyone else that THEY are the drunk ones.
I have no problem with you guys having your own opinions but you should at least back it up with something. Anyways I’m pretty sure you guys made that stat line up to bring traffic through the site so mission accomplished.
Brandon Dubinsky is the second line LW and Anisimov centers the line. Also, while many of us Rangers fans hope that Stepan will center the first line this season (I believe he will at some point), Eric Christensen centered it the first two games and signs are pointing to Chris Drury centering it for the home opener on Friday.
Really? 31 goals for Marleau, and 35 for Heatley? I fully expect Heatley to regress, but in his case, a regression would mean eclipsing 40 goals or even approaching 50. I also don’t expect Marleau to see a 14 goal decrease in production. Fail.
You are aware that Franzen does not play on a line with Dasyuk and Zetterberg, right?
If you are going to do a take like this, at least make sure the lines actually exist.
Nearly a 40 point drop off for Sedin with his brother hopefully with him all season? Heatly and Marleau sub 70 points in Thorntons contract year? In general where you getting your figures from?????
uhhh, the Kings first line was Smyth-Kopitar-Brown for the first two games, and is now Loktionov-Kopitar-Brown. Although Simmonds played on the first line for some time last year, he hasn’t been anywhere near the first line so far this season.
In (partial) defense of the abused:
While those numbers are predictions are pretty stupid, why waste time ranting about them? Admin admits that the authors have a bias, independent of gameplay, against Ovechkin and have some internal reasons, based on gameplay, that he will underperform this year. They’re fans, its just a guess, that’s ok, case solved. The only difference between their predictions and mine is that at some point they’re going to have to match them with reality in the public sphere. But I would bet good money that an editor somewhere concocted this piece, and no one thought they were getting married to rigorous, scientifically generated predictions. Don’t give it your time and energy.
However:
@admin
Posting from Los Angeles (far, far away from D.C.). And to repeat, they are dumb numbers.
You say that Travis Zajac is poised to have a career year, yet you predict that he’ll match his assists and score only 4 more goals than last season. i’d tack on 10 – 15 more assists with Kovie on his wing.
Gomez and Gionta are the Habs second line. The first line is Cammalleri, Plekanec, Kostitsyn.
Cammy and Plek should have a combined 150 points. AK46 is a wild card, but he’s on a contract year.
I agree that there will be some regression for the Sedins’ numbers and Hank’s going to have to work for the Art Ross, but to put them below 80 is ridiculous. Since the lockout, they’ve been scoring a point a game…now, I’m no mathematician (and if I were, then I’d be the Devils’ GM right now), but I’m willing to bet that 82 is bigger than that joke of 79 you gave Hank and Dan.
Hmm altering your predictions based on comments and then defending them in the comments section is not very “expert”-like behavior.
Yeah, they’re just predictions, but that doesn’t mean I can say whatever I want. I could say that Martin Brodeur will skate out as a forward and score 30 goals. Hey, it’s just a prediction. It’s just as likely as Ovechkin not scoring 40 goals(I actually laughed at loud when I saw that.)
The amendment to the Ovechkin stats were a joke, based off the reactions
Uh, no. These were the original numbers that got everyones panties in bunch.
Nicklas Backstrom – GP 80 G 26 A 63 PTS 89
Alexander Ovechkin – GP 78 G 37 A 45 PTS 82
Mike Knuble – GP 80 G 22 A 28 PTS 50
After said reaction, those numbers were changed and the mock ones added.
And here’s what is the most pathetic thing about this. From Anthony’s defense above, “did anyone ever think maybe some of the figures we placed in there were strictly for reactions?”
Uh yeah of course, but you cant get all prickly about the reactions if that is your stated goal, especially when you are predicting low statistical outliers based on a personal bias. And the whole, we took a week on this but the rushed the Caps section is a joke.
The amended stats were a joke…
I wasn’t referring to the sarcastic “for the haters” stats. The original post had Ovi at 37 goals, it is now changed. If you’re gonna go rogue, stick to your guns. Perhaps you should watch Fox News for some pointers on the whole Say Crazy Sh*t and make money thing.
I don’t usually leave comments but these predictions are ridiculous. And the way you defend them by saying it’s just for “fun”, well once you make projections people will critique. It’s part of the “game”.
[...] kicks I also ran this for an 82-game season when I saw NHL Hot Stove predicted Ovechkin would only score 37 goals. For an 82-game season, I have Ovechkin scoring on average 42 goals, plus or minus [...]
The funny thing is, he is actually much much closer to being right. 37 goals for Ovechkin? OV could play all year with a left handed stick and score 37 goals.
I know everyone else has already said this, but I think the point can be made again. The projections are retarded and everyone already picked apart the reasons why. The line combos aren’t a surprise, and maybe the paragraphs are ok, but the points thing is a joke, and you can’t deny it.
In regards to the “calm down it’s just an article” statement, maybe it would make sense to write a GOOD article then.
[...] • Interesting look at the top lines for each team, how they’re faring and what’s expected of them. That Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Nathan Horton line is one to watch. What’s the best line you’ve seen so far? [NHL Hot Stove] [...]