[Jump]

I hate to see Steve go but Campbell is going to add a lot to the Sharks Defense.

[WileE]

I just got home from class a bit ago and have been catching up on what all happened today. All I can say is HOLY FREEKIN" CRAP!!

For starters, the Pens getting Hossa. Talk about a scary PP now. Damn.

I can't believe that the Sabers actually traded Campbell. SJ just got alot better on the blue line for a while to come.

Federov to the Caps...sure, he isn't the player he was, but I can see him playing alongside Semin. That will be fun to watch.

I am still trying to sort through everything. For as slow as it was building, alot of trades went off today. I am suprised, as I always am.

Go Pens!!

[Jump]

Yeah, as great as all the Sharks defensive talent is I think it was just too young over all to be consistent. The Forwards were having to worry too much about defense. Now we have a proven defensive leader and PP controller back there. It's good for the team as well as that young talented staff that now has someone to follow and learn from.

[Sephiroth]

So who do you guys like for the Stanley Cup champions this year? And who do you think will be in the finals for each conference

[WileE]

That's tough. I want to say the Pens win it all...which could happen, but I think it is too early to make that call. Once Crosby gets back, and we see Hossa alongside him, then I will feel more comfortable with that call. On paper, I see it like this:

Eastern Conference
Pens: Today's coup has put the league on notice. They now have two solid scoring lines, and two of the finest offensive defencemen in the league. On paper, the only weak spot is in goal, and I think they will suprise. I can see them going at least to the conference finals, and likely playing for the cup.

Sens: Always a strong team, they got a little help at the deadline, but I am not sure if it is enough. Their biggest problem right now is their chemistry is shot...and anyone who knows hockey knows chemistry goes a long way. Can they recover, yes. The question is will they? I can see them playing the Pens in the conference final. That would be one hell of a series.

Caps: The Capitals have become alot more scary with a couple small trades. Federov, as I said above, is not the player he was, but he still has alot of skill. As a veteran anchor with Kolzov, They now have two sound scoring lines which are young, but will only improve. I have always like Huet, and I think he can backstop Washington possibly into the second round of the playoffs. I don't think they have enough yet though. If they can keep Federov and Kozlov for a couple more years though...look out.

Canes: They got a little help today, but I don't think they are going to be able to do enough with it. They have just been too inconsistant this year. Can they maky the playoffs? Yes, but I will be suprised to see them clear the first round.

Habs: Another team that didn't do much today. It is unfortunate, as if they had won the Hossa lottery, I think the Habs become the hands down favorite to win a Cup. A nicely balanced team that is almost as scary as the Pens. I can definately see a Habs - Pens conference final...and that would be a GREAT series to watch.

Western Conference
Stars: I have to agree with ESPN.com in saying that the Stars won today. While Richards has a huge salary, they are exactly what Dallas has needed in a solid centerman to go with Modano. While they gave up alot in Jokkinen and Smith (especially Smith), Richards fills a gaping hole.

Detroit: The perennial contenders, I like the Stuart pickup. Adds a veteran D to a young blueline corps for cheap. I think they go deep again this year.

Sharks: While one player does not make a team a winner, I think that Campbell, assuming Wilson can lock him up, have one of the bigger pieces they need to win a Cup. If they can add one solid sniper they can win a cup. Unfornately, they didn't...so they won't.

Avs: While I am super happy that Forsberg is back with the Avs, and not in the East, again, one man does not a team make. Half are hurt, half are young. This team is like a train going around a bend too fast where it is up on two wheels, just barely in control. Until they address their problems in goal, the Avs will be an early playoff exit.

Coyotes: Yeah, I see them making the playoffs this year. I don't think they have the guns to make a big run, but just have a good series or two will go a long way to establishing them as a real team.

Ok, so who do I see in the finals...

East: Pens - Habs ---- Pens win the conference because I want them to.
West: Dallas - Detroit --- Though they look terribly pedestrian right now, I see Detroit making their usual power run.

Cup Finals: Pens in 7 -- Because I am the King, and it is my birthday!