Battle In The East Division
When you look up and down the east division standing there are 4 teams all in a playoff positon (Regina, Moose Jaw, Brandon, Swift Current). All teams at the current moment are all in a realistic position to claim the East Divison title and probably resulting in second place in the conference. Before I go on further, I am open to your opinions, it's just what I mention is in the end, just my opinion.
For me personally, I follow the Broncos and try my best to keep up with the team and developments and such. Each of the four teams mentioned, like I said earlier, are all in a position that either could grab the east title but only one team can. Who will that be (realisticly and unbiased)? When looking at each team specifically(goaltending, defense, forwards, special teams, and overall team makeup), there are strengths and weaknesses of course, like all teams. Considering these four teams only, I am wondering what their strengths are, weaknesses, and why they will or why they won't capture the east division crown. I've pondered this question for a while, I have my thoughts but I'm curious what others think. Maybe this thread needs to be on the league section perhaps I'm not sure.
I am a huge Broncos fan but I've been able to catch several Regina games and have a general opinion. Of the four teams, I think Rowat may be the best goaltender of the group but not by much (especially as of late in the Pats little slump they are in). I think their true strenght is on defense with guys like Teuburt, Bender, Pyett, Jackson, and Barley. You have guys like Pyett, Jackson, and Bartley that are strong on the PP and moving the puck as well as steady stay at home dmen in Teubert and Bender (matching up against teams top lines come playoffs perhsps?). The Pats forwards have a strong element of veteran leadership with guys like Watt, Doucett, McAgnus, Krause, Elder. The strenght up front is the Eberle/Krause/McAgnus line. I think come playoffs if teams key on, and they probably will, that line especially Eberle then that takes away a key component in gaining much offense. Their PP and PK have been close to the top but of all four teams considered, each have a pretty solid PP and PK. Overall, after the deadline Regina did get added leadership which is great come playoofs but I strongly believe if teams key on Eberle and that top line, then Regina will be lacking in the goal scoring area.
I don't know too terribly much about Brandon but I do know they have a pretty potetant forward group. I won't make comments on their defense because I don't know much about their players. I do recall they have two solid lines and can score with the best of them. Their goaltending, from what I can remember, were hoping to be addressed come the deadline but not much happened in this area. The biggest thing I worry about is their overall offensive capabilities.
Moose Jaw has two solid lines in Bast's line and Riley H's line. Each consists of size and strong offensive punch. I do recall MJ go Ellerby and Wishurt which helps with their defensive core alot. Overall though, Mj is a big team but not a strong skating team which could bite them in the butt especially against faster teams like Swifty for example. Joey P in my opinion is very up and down. If he can become consistent then MJ could make some noise.
Now for Swifty. I'm going to try and not be biased. State my facts and that. I've been following the Broncos for as long as I can remember. This year is special especially now after the deadline. A pretty solid (not stellar but solid) goaltending tandum in Yonkman and Guggenberger (something like that), definite upgrade on d with the additions of Stemllar and Dudas, great depth at forward and great overall team speed. With the additions of Stemlar and Dudus it they added elements of grit, leadership, and solid defensive/offensive instincs. I don't believe we have the best defense of the four teams but those two defently were an upgrade. Our strength is our depth at forward and overall team speed. Wudrick/Eakin/Dowling AND Tassone/Nelson/Dansereau AND Felde/Smith/Weise make up a great three line combination that the coaching staff can put uo in all situations against any line I think. The fourth line is pretty good too in Dalecky/Steiler/Hoban.
I am a broncos fan and I do feel the Broncos have a solid chance to get the east title but when push comes to shove ladies and gentle, all four teams are pretty damn good and who ever finishes first will be a good choice regardless.
Reply With Quote
