(Wicked Cool Photo of Ilya Bryzgalov: Getty Images)
Yeah, I suppose most sports sites do their previews before the season starts. But we think different here at Ladies… Also, we’re hella busy and I needed a few days to deal with that whole ALCS outcome, obviously. I spent the weekend doing a lot of intentional walking. I trust Girardi did the same.
Let’s focus on hockey now, shall we? The Pacific Division, y’all!
Anaheim Ducks
In 2009-10…did I say they had the edge over the Sharks? Yeah, this is why I should never make predictions. They missed the playoffs.
This season…the Ducks must carry on without Scott Niedermayer’s beard, though Selanne and Koivu will still provide much needed veteran leadership for a team that was considered by some to be undisciplined last season. Bobby Ryan is in the mix for five years – let’s hope he doesn’t coast through the first year of his contract. We hate that.
Hottie to watch…a healthy Ryan Getzlaf, who currently leads his team in points.
I went back a few years for this one, but obviously it's because I dig the jersey.
Dallas Stars
In 2009-10…meh. As expected, finished 12th in the West and missed the postseason despite a winning record.
This season…it is absolutely surreal to see a Stars team without Mike Modano, who began his season in the Motor City. I always imagined he’d retire in Dallas. Nevertheless, expect the team to return to the postseason with now that they’ve had a season to settle in with Marc Crawford at the helm and Brenden Morrow to have a better year.
Hottie to watch…I choose you, James Neal!
How can you not love that smile?
Phoenix Coyotes
In 2009-10…finished 4th in the West and lost to Detroit in the quarterfinals.
This season…are the Coyotes for real? Don’t worry about those current numbers in the standings – they’ll crawl out of the Western Conference basement before long. Phoenix kept quite a few of their key guys (although Raven’s boy Matt Lombardi is now with the Preds) and added veteran Ray Whitney to the mix. Of course, you would think that the promise of good things to come would put some people in the seats of the Jobing.com Arena (Wait! It’s the Jobing.com Arena…)
Hottie to watch: Shane Doan could use some love right now.
San Jose Sharks
In 2009-10…they won the West in the regular season only to get shot down by the eventual Stanley Cup champs in the Conference Final.
This season…is anyone as tired of this team as I am? Every year, so much promise…only to come up short. And as much as I dig on the cuteness of Joe Thornton, I would have to think the patience of Sharks fans must be wearing thin (and they may want to talk to Boston fans for advice on how to deal). But you still have Marleau, Heatley and off-season acquirement Antero Niittymaki. Again, so much promise. Why can’t this translate into a trip to the Finals?
Hottie to watch: I have to go with CuteSports’s boy Joe Pavelski. We ALL heart him!
Los Angeles Kings
In 2009-10…I called this one correctly. They made the playoffs, but lost to the Canucks in Round One.
This season…there’s a reason TSN had them ranked 5th in their NHL preview. The Kings are for real – as of tonight they were trailing Nashville (1st overall FTW!) for 1st in the Conference. Goalie Jonathan Quick and D-Man (and Olympic Gold medalist) Drew Doughty are exceeding expectations. It’s all good in L.A.
Hottie to watch: Do the Drew. He won’t be day-to-day forever (we hope! Concussions suck!)
We thank you for your patience and hand it off to you: anyone coming out a clear winner in the Pacific Division this season?
Ladies... 