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| | Monday, October 4 Are Rangers the Orioles of hockey? | |||||
| Oct. 4, 1999
A few things are clear after the first edition of ESPN.com's Power Rankings. A lot of people think the Rangers and Sharks are overrated. They might be right about the Blueshirts. In addition, it looks like the absence of Ron Tugnutt and Alexei Yashin won't slow down Ottawa too much, but one weekend does not make a season.
Here are your comments this week:
The Rangers at No. 4, are you kidding me? They're more like No. 14. Theo Fleury got a taste of the injury bug last year and look for more of the same for him this year, as his mighty 5-foot-6 body gets bashed around by the bigger, meaner Eastern Conference teams. You thought the Caps had a lot of injuries last year? Look at the Rangers' age and tell me they won't be missing a lot of players throughout the year. Steve Nelson San Francisco I really admire your bravery in putting the Rangers No. 4. They turned over the cash, now lets see how well (coach) John Muckler can turn green into silver. Peter Rimshnick Branchville, NJ What's up with the Rangers being No. 4? Like they deserve that. You will soon see that they will be the Baltimore Orioles of hockey. Free agents do not get you a ring. Also, ranking the Flyers 10th is ridiculous. I know we are not healthy, but the finals aren't for another eight months. Like who makes up these rankings anyway? Michelle Philadelphia
Ottawa is not a one-man team like you morons think. They possibly have one of the deepest defensive corps and can roll over three potent scoring lines even without (Alexei) Yashin. Thanh Nguyen Ottawa, Ont.
San Jose, No. 7?!? Toronto at No. 13? Behind San Jose and Florida? You must be insane. Let me thank you right now: It was exactly this kind of sentiment which let the Leafs take advantage of being underestimated last year. At least you're not adding to the pressure. I'm looking forward to seeing you eat your words (again and again). Go Leafs go! Sumir Sennik Boston Why did you rank the Montreal Canadiens so high? They should have sole possesion of Last place! Get rid of (GM Rejean) Houle! Dave Quebec Someone's doing their homework. It's great to see that you have the Sharks ranked 7th. They should have beaten the Avs in the playoffs, and they probably have one of the three best coaches in the league. Which coach has gotten more out of his players than Darryl Sutter? Kevin Caselli San Jose Unless Mario decides to be a player/owner, Pittsburgh will make the playoffs when penguins fly. Richard Smith Edmonton, Alberta Leafs? Panthers? Sharks? All rated ahead of the Senators, who you've slotted fourteenth? Guys, get with it, willya! Of course, Yashin had a career year, but every time I hear someone spouting off about Yash carrying the team on his back, I want to spout right back. Give us a break! It's a team game, and the number of players who can make such a difference is very low -- and No. 19 isn't among 'em. The Senators are all about depth, discipline, and hard work. I'll enjoy watching you eat your words as the season progresses. Fourteenth indeed! Doug McLauchlan Ottawa I think Detroit should have been No. 1. Forget last season. The Wings won seven of nine games in the exhibition, and Ken Wregget (the backup goalie) got three shutouts. Dallas doesn't have the Cup anymore; it's up for grabs. Dustin Berns Detroit Thank you guys for finally giving the respect to the Blues that they deserve. Here is a team that had the fewest shots against and the worst save percentage. That translates to bad goaltending. Then what happns: The Blues get a premier goaltender, and basically a Stanley Cup caliber team. St.Louis outshot Dallas but lost to Belfour. This year, it won't happen. Jake Bye Nashville Everything looked accurate, except the Washington Capitals were highly underanked. I mean this team was in the finals in '98. And the only reason they missed the '99 playoffs is because of nagging injuries. This team will win the Southeast, and be a threat in the playoffs. C. Parries Salem, Va. Now granted the Habs are not Cup contenders but 27th behind Tampa Bay, Calgary, Vancouver? I think someone went a bit too hard on the vodka this summer. Karim Renno Montreal |  | |||||
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