What I hate is people who predict crap like this and if they’re right they’re gonna be all proud of themselves and show-off making everyone look stupid. But you also need to expect criticism if your wrong too, and most people can’t do that.

The Kings won’t win the Cup, they have a long way to go. They picked up some great youngsters at the draft that will help the team in 3-4 years. And in 3-4 years I expect them to be contenders if they keep the core of the team together. The Kings will probably make the playoffs and lose first round b/c of the lack of quality defensemen.

FLYERS WILL WIN THE CUP!!!! (you heard it here first)

2 more rumors (with less merit because of salary) were John LeClair and Guerin. The Kings were one of 4 teams that LeClair waived his NO TRADE clause for. I’m still not sure why Guerin’s name pops up but I’d love to have him here.

If none of these come true Frolov would be the guy. He scored well as a rookie even with all of the different linemates he had to deal with. That, to me, signifies a strong player. Imagine if he was teamed with Allison and Deader? All three have that similar gritty playing style so it would be a great fit. If that would be the “worst” case, then I am very happy.

I say the Kings will aquire another forward somewhere in the season when a team is hurting for a goalie. We trade Storr and get a good winger, and seeing how Taylor operates, a 1st or 2nd rounder, and/or a future consideration. (I don’t know how he does it, but I ain’t complanin’) Huet was very impressive at the end of the season and will be a great backup.

Although our D isn’t stellar, it is better than good. Miller and Matti (when he puts his mind to it) can keep the net clear. Modry is a very quiet scorer. He puts up good numbers but only if you are a Kings fan would you notice. That kind of makes him a secret weapon. Corvo was also impressive and if Lubo would just pull the trigger more often…

If all that doesn’t work, then we’ll just send Lappy, his younger mini-me Avery, and Belanger to pester the first line (and score some unexpected goals, even without Mikko). If that STILL doesn’t work Flynn, Brennan, Norton, or Maxim Kuznetsov (cuts-nutz-off) will beat your team up and steal the cup…BWAHAHAHA!!!!

Sure, there’s the Anaheim factor, but don’t expect that to happen every year. J.S. Giguere had the best playoff run I’ve ever seen for a goalie. He was truly amazing (and lucky). The only way to do what Anaheim did is on the shoulders of a scalding hot goalie. I don’t expect Checko to do what Giguere did, but I would not be surprised to see the Kings make it as far as the Conference Finals. Beyond that, I don’t know. Dallas is still tough. Anaheim will be back. Minnesota is a spoiler. Detroit could have a long run if Cujo gets hot. Vancouver is still a very talented team. Colorado can’t be counted out, even without Roy. And then you have the East to think about.

Isn’t it amazing the the 8th seed in the West took the Devils to 7 games in the Finals? To me, that doesn’t indicate that the West is on the weak side as you maintain, it indicates that the West is very, very deep in talent.

As for Robitaille, I’ll say 22 goals for Luc.

’nuff sed

Is it Watermelon flavor , this time?

DaMick