Well in advance of the 2011-12 NHL season, I'll start taking a look at the Winnipeg Jets' chances in their (somewhat) inaugural season.
As the Thrashers last year, the Jets posted a sickly 80 points to finish second last in the Southeast Division. With realignment expected for the 2012-13 season, and a move to the Western Conference, Winnipeg won't be able to count on perpetual loser Florida to bring up the rear.
For this year there is indeed a Florida team for the Jets to beat up on. And they'd better make good on those games, because intra-divisional points are otherwise going to be hard-fought.
Washington, Carolina, and Tampa are all top-flight teams, with Tampa coming off its stunning bid for a berth in the 2011 cup final, coming up just short at the hands of the Bruins.
In this blogger's opinion Tampa are still the ones to beat, and the Jets are outclassed at every position. 41-year-old Dwayne Roloson is still a force in the nets. The Jets will need the white-clad sixth man to beat the Lightning in Winnipeg.
In the Caps, the Jets have a very talented opponent. Washington's high-flying (some would say over-rated) forwards have been balanced out recently by more grit and a solid defence. Iffy goaltending over the years has threatened to make Philadelphia's netminders look consistent; the Caps' off-season acquisition of Tomas Vokoun (take that, Florida!) could make this underachieving team downright formidable in 2011-12.
The Carolina Hurricanes are tough to read. Significant losses over the summer include Joe Corvo and Erik Cole, who both signed elsewhere. It may not matter whether teenaged sensation Jeff Skinner can avoid a sophomore slump or not. The Canes' depth is disappearing, and with it goes their chances of a playoff spot. It'll be fun to see Cam Ward and Eric Staal visit Winnipeg, and just as fun to see the Jets send them packing.
Next article: Jets vs. Canada.
