Re: WGN Reporting Turco signed for $1.75 per. Niemi also si
[quote name="PatrickSharpRules"]
Well those who turned him into a chump are wrong, not man did though. At the price, there's no way you can say Turco isn't more valuable, I think at the same price he's a better goaltender. Not to mention I've wanted him in the Indian Head back when Niemi was driving the zamboni in Finland.
I think our team is just as talented as last year. Gonna be a different team no doubt, but I would not be surprised if we see more points in the regular season. Healthy Hossa all year..... Makarov, Leddy, Lalonde, Beach, Dowell, Bickell, all SKILLED players, Turco instead of Huet for 48 games......Missing Ladd and Steeg will hurt the most IMO. Can't wait for this season to start, I can't take anymore bandwagoners who went apeshit after the cup win telling me the Hawks are gonna suck next year.[/quote]
You don't have to be a bandwagoner to be a little bit pragmatic. Last year's team won the Cup and had 52 wins and 112 points. Even if the guys coming in were every bit as skilled as the ones departing (and who's to say they aren't, but the guys coming in are very inexperienced compared to the ones departing), don't you even worry a little bit about chemistry? Let's face it. The guys leaving this team were damn good players too. Without them we don't win last year. This was a TEAM effort. Yes, the core is back and that's great, but I have to think we take a little step back next year. Just a little. Yes, we should make the playoffs with ease and yes, I think we could contend. But there hasn't been a repeat cup winner since 97-98. Its damn hard to repeat, even harder when you have about 8-9 new faces in the lineup.
On one hand, I'm glad there is turnover on the team because it keeps guys hungry. I don't think there is a chance the 10-11 Hawks become complacent. However, to achieve more than 112 points next year I think is a stretch.
I don't think any knowledgeable fan thinks the Hawks will "suck" next year, but I'm sure there are those like me who are taking more of a wait and see approach.