Post by Joe Hockey on Sept 13, 2018 19:27:43 GMT -7
The Hawks have made the playoffs since joining the league, carrying on Troubles tradition. After feeling their way the first two seasons, they came within a win of first place in the division last year, maybe punching above their weight.
The Hawks don't have a stellar offence, bottom half in the league. Their star player last year, Brad Marchand, is getting old and will still be their best player this year. The group following is ok, but no real super stars in the making. Look for the same guys, Barzal, Lee and Keller, to fill out the top roster spots. The Hawks forwards, as a group, are beginning to age, with five players 30 or older. The Hawks have some decent prospects in the pipeline who could make a splash this year, Joel Eriksson Ek, Spencer Foo, Colin White, or Tage Thompson the most likely. Watch for Sam Steel and Kirill Kaprizov in the future. This year offence might be iffy, but it should be ok in the future. Offence rating: 9th
Better news on defence. Top half in the league, once again led by Tory Krug and Ivan Provorov. Fairly big drop off to the next level, but all capable of chipping in on a regular basis. Also good news, other than Duncan Keith, all are 27 years old or younger, and not yet in their prime. Not much on the farm, with only Pierre-Olivier Joseph making the bigs soon. Defence rating: 6th
This team, in all its history has never missed the playoffs. It won't happen this year either.
Breakout Player: Colin White
Top Rookie: Sam Steel
Season Prediction: 22 - 28 - 4 - 48 pts, 3rd place Platinum Division, 8th overall.
The Hawks don't have a stellar offence, bottom half in the league. Their star player last year, Brad Marchand, is getting old and will still be their best player this year. The group following is ok, but no real super stars in the making. Look for the same guys, Barzal, Lee and Keller, to fill out the top roster spots. The Hawks forwards, as a group, are beginning to age, with five players 30 or older. The Hawks have some decent prospects in the pipeline who could make a splash this year, Joel Eriksson Ek, Spencer Foo, Colin White, or Tage Thompson the most likely. Watch for Sam Steel and Kirill Kaprizov in the future. This year offence might be iffy, but it should be ok in the future. Offence rating: 9th
Better news on defence. Top half in the league, once again led by Tory Krug and Ivan Provorov. Fairly big drop off to the next level, but all capable of chipping in on a regular basis. Also good news, other than Duncan Keith, all are 27 years old or younger, and not yet in their prime. Not much on the farm, with only Pierre-Olivier Joseph making the bigs soon. Defence rating: 6th
This team, in all its history has never missed the playoffs. It won't happen this year either.
Breakout Player: Colin White
Top Rookie: Sam Steel
Season Prediction: 22 - 28 - 4 - 48 pts, 3rd place Platinum Division, 8th overall.