As the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup Finals approach, the online betting experts have already started to discuss the teams that will be making the most noise in 2012-2013. Most online sportsbook experts would expect to see the four conference finalists back in contention next season as all four teams look to have their core players locked up in contracts for a while. But there are other teams that have been building up momentum in the Eastern and Western Conferences that could be trouble for the top teams next season. Let's take a look at the teams that may start living up to expectations in the next NHL season.
Eastern Conference
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres were the single biggest disappointment of the 2011-2012 season. New owner Terry Pegula had laid out a plan for success that included a Stanley Cup championship. None of the sports pay per head experts expected the Sabres to walk away with a championship in Pegula's first full season, but they also did not expect the Sabres to take the huge step backwards that it wound up taking. The Sabres blamed injuries for its problems, but it was the injuries that allowed Buffalo to discover talent such as Marcus Foligno and Braden McNabb. If the Sabres can continue to build on its late season success from 2011-2012, then it could be a force in 2012-2013.
The Sabres were the single biggest disappointment of the 2011-2012 season. New owner Terry Pegula had laid out a plan for success that included a Stanley Cup championship. None of the sports pay per head experts expected the Sabres to walk away with a championship in Pegula's first full season, but they also did not expect the Sabres to take the huge step backwards that it wound up taking. The Sabres blamed injuries for its problems, but it was the injuries that allowed Buffalo to discover talent such as Marcus Foligno and Braden McNabb. If the Sabres can continue to build on its late season success from 2011-2012, then it could be a force in 2012-2013.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins have a difficult decision to make about its goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. During the course of an 82-game regular season, Fleury seems consistent enough to win games. But when the playoffs start, Fleury falls apart. If Pittsburgh continues to rely on Fleury in net, then the Penguins could be in for another short postseason in 2012-2013. The Penguins already have a potent offense and a powerful defense. A change in goal could put the Penguins back into Stanley Cup contention in 2012-2013.
The Penguins have a difficult decision to make about its goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. During the course of an 82-game regular season, Fleury seems consistent enough to win games. But when the playoffs start, Fleury falls apart. If Pittsburgh continues to rely on Fleury in net, then the Penguins could be in for another short postseason in 2012-2013. The Penguins already have a potent offense and a powerful defense. A change in goal could put the Penguins back into Stanley Cup contention in 2012-2013.
Western Conference
Nashville Predators
A betonline review of the Nashville Predators in 2011-2012 shows a team that is continuing to improve. The Predators made some significant gains on offense in the 2011-2012 season, but failed to bolster a defense that was weakened by free agency. The Predators are only a few player moves away from being a legitimate Cup contender in 2012-2013. The only question is whether or not the Predators are prepared to make those moves in time to capitalize on the core the team already has.
A betonline review of the Nashville Predators in 2011-2012 shows a team that is continuing to improve. The Predators made some significant gains on offense in the 2011-2012 season, but failed to bolster a defense that was weakened by free agency. The Predators are only a few player moves away from being a legitimate Cup contender in 2012-2013. The only question is whether or not the Predators are prepared to make those moves in time to capitalize on the core the team already has.
St. Louis Blues
St. Louis head coach Ken Hitchcock is a smart guy. He understands that finishing high in the NHL odds and standings during the regular season means very little when the playoffs begin. His Blues were one of the top teams in the league all season long, but faltered when the playoffs came around. An injury to goaltender Jaroslav Halak did not help, but the Blues did not do much to win in the post-season. A year of experience and a healthy Halak will make St. Louis a strong contender in 2012-2013.
St. Louis head coach Ken Hitchcock is a smart guy. He understands that finishing high in the NHL odds and standings during the regular season means very little when the playoffs begin. His Blues were one of the top teams in the league all season long, but faltered when the playoffs came around. An injury to goaltender Jaroslav Halak did not help, but the Blues did not do much to win in the post-season. A year of experience and a healthy Halak will make St. Louis a strong contender in 2012-2013.
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