Rangers

Metropolitan Division

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1. Washington Capitals

Having the best record once again isn’t out of the question for them.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

Health and deciding on a goaltender are their two concerns for repeating as Cup champions.

3. New York Islanders

Their depth is almost unmatched in a deep division.

4. New York Rangers

A solid veteran group that will keep them in the Cup conversation.

5. Philadelphia Flyers

Staying relatively quiet in the offseason they won’t surprise anyone this year.

6. New Jersey Devils

Making a big splash and acquiring Taylor Hall is a good start for the offensive upgrade.

7. Columbus Blue Jackets

The direction of the franchise has flatlined somewhat.

8. Carolina Hurricanes

Their top 6 forwards are solid. Who will be the stalwart on the blue line? Continue reading →

2016 MLB Trade Deadline Review

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As with past deadline deals these will be highly scrutinized for many years. Instantly we see and decide who got the better end of the deal, but we really won’t know until at least two or three seasons down the road. The only way to know in real time is if the team getting the established major leaguer goes on to win a World Series. Time will tell if that happens this year with the flurry of names (a few marquee ones) being dealt this July.

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2016 MLB All-Star Teams

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For the 86th year of the Midsummer Classic, baseball turns its sights to Petco Park in San Diego, California. This will be the first time the MLB All-Star game will be played at the San Diego Padres new ballpark. It was first opened back in 2004. Now every year there is always a lot of discussion and some of it a little dated about how the teams are put together. No system will ever be perfect. Fans don’t always get it right and managers won’t either. The fact that the players are able to vote for participants was a great choice and they know who is deserving. Regardless of who should or shouldn’t be in the game lets just accept that the best players will always be involved one way or another. Here are my all-stars keeping with the rules that every team be represented and a total of 34 players for each league.

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2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview

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Eastern Conference

Wild Card Team #2 vs. Metropolitan Division Winner

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington Capitals

Players to Watch: F Wayne Simmonds and G Braden Holtby

Who Wins: Capitals in 6 games

Metropolitan Division #3 vs. Metropolitan Division #2

New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Players to Watch: F Derek Stepan and F Phil Kessel

Who Wins: Penguins in 7 games

Wild Card Team #1 vs. Atlantic Division Winner

New York Islanders vs. Florida Panthers

Players to Watch: F John Tavares and D Aaron Ekblad

Who Wins: Panthers in 6 games

Atlantic Division #3 vs. Atlantic Division #2

Detroit Red Wings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Players to Watch: F Dylan Larkin and G Ben Bishop

Who Wins: Lightning in 6 games

Western Conference

Wild Card Team #2 vs. Central Division Winner

Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars

Players to Watch: F Zach Parise and F Tyler Seguin

Who Wins: Stars in 6 games

Central Division #3 vs. Central Division #2

Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis Blues

Players to Watch: F Patrick Kane and F Vladimir Tarasenko

Who Wins: Blackhawks in 6 games

Wild Card Team #1 vs. Pacific Division Winner

Nashville Predators vs. Anaheim Ducks

Players to Watch: F Filip Forsberg and F Ryan Kesler

Who Wins: Ducks in 6 games

Pacific Division #3 vs. Pacific Division #2

San Jose Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings

Players to Watch: F Joe Pavelski and D Drew Doughty

Who Wins: Kings in 6 games