Rec and Sports

Who Are the Weakest Hockey Teams in 2010?

Predicting the best teams in the NHL can often be full of surprises, but predicting the league’s worst team is usually a little easier. Not much has happened since the end of the NHL season, but the best teams became a little better, and the bad teams a little worse.

The following list comprises the 5 teams that I believe will have the worst seasons in 2010. I haven’t ranked these from worst of the worst to best of the worst, because they’re all really bad and it’s hard to say.

1. Toronto Maple Leafs – This is a tough one since the team’s fans are some of the most loyal in all of hockey, but it’s been 42 years since their last Stanley Cup and their next one definitely won’t be coming in 2010. They’ve made a few minor enhancements at defense, but this team simply has no offense. Look for another very weak season in Toronto.

2. ATLANTA THRASHERS – With the obvious trade of Kovalchuk prior to the deadline, you will see Ilya play his heart out for top dollar and a instant shot at the cup. The signing of Borat’s countryman Antropov will help, but these two will not be able to do it alone. The defense is still suspect, and 2 underachieving goalies don’t help. No playoffs…again.

3. Edmonton Oilers – It’s never a wise move to let three of your players know you’re willing to trade them away for someone else. Especially when you don’t end up getting that player. Look for Smid, Cogliano, and Penner to rub it back in the team’s face by playing an entire season of hockey with little motivation to do well for the GM who was willing to trade them away in a flash.

4. Colorado Avalanche – Remember when the Avs were a top team in hockey? It was just two seasons ago where the team legitimately contended, but the mighty have fallen. The loss of Joe Sakic to retirement and an inadequate replacement in Budaj all lead to trouble in Colorado.

5. Florida Panthers – Perhaps the biggest bunch of no-names on an NHL roster, and a less than interested fan base. It’s not good to be a Florida Panther and it’s not good to be a fan. Booth and Weiss are both decent players, but that’s all they’ve got. I expect a last place finish in Florida.

I know that you may be saying what about…(fill the blank in with the Islanders, Dallas, Kings, Lightning). I hate to tell you that I think all four of those teams are on the upswing and are going to surprise a few people this season.