Scotty Nostradamus '09-10

Just like last season, I am going to shake the magic sno-globe and see where everything lands. It is kind of ridiculous - let's face it meteorologists have science on their side and they stink at predicting the future. But we all like to play prognosticator so I will step into the role again. Granted, many of my predictions last season were wrong, but what the hell?

Standings
Eastern Conference
1. * Washington - Ovie, Backstrom, healthy Semin, healthy Green, Mike Knuble ... even Poti can't pull them down.
2. * Boston - Even without Kessel they can score and Timmy T and Mount Zdeno make sure other teams don't.
3. * Philadelphia - Pronger's elbows help make up for Emery's woes.
4. Pittsburgh - No Scuderi hurts more than expected but Cindy, Gina and the Flower are still around.
5. Carolina - Staal bounces back and hits 100, while the Wizard Whitney continues his mightily unappreciated wizardry.
6. New Jersey - Mmmmmmaaaaaarrrrrtttttyyyyy. Mmmmmmaaaaaarrrrrtttttyyyyy.
7. Buffalo - Population of Pominville surges back to norm while Miller makes his case for Olympic starter.
8. Toronto - Strong defense gives the Monster some confidence and Kessel comes out strong ... in December.
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9. NY Rangers - Tortorella's tough talk can only go so far with a flawed superstar and a overburdened goaltender.
10. Montreal - MexiCan't can't make up for Steve Penney Carey Price and Cammalleri is no Kovalev.
11. Tampa Bay - Healthy Mike Smith with an improved defense helps Vinny04 find his game again.
12. Atlanta - Offense will have more punch but no XLB and weak goaltending spells doom.
13. Florida - Loss of Bouwmeester and Anderson hurts. A lot.
14. Ottawa - No Heatley, injury-prone goaltending and Jarkko Ruutu aren't a recipe for success.
15. NY Islanders - Too many kids, too terrible a defense but I have a bad feeling that they will be damned good in the near future. And that's one helluva bad feeling.
* = Division Leader

Western Conference
1. * Detroit - They're the Red Wings, 'nuff said.
2. * San Jose - Regular season stars yet again.
3. * Calgary - Top three D can't be beat as Sutters star in home province.
4. Dallas - Healthy captain Morrow doesn't let Turco slide, proves that the Avery distraction was indeed the reason they sucked.
5. Vancouver - Improved defense helps Lou chase Stanley silver along with Olympic gold.
6. Chicago - Twenty-Cent leads charge in last season before cap woes kill dream.
7. Anaheim - No Pronger, no problem as Hiller is no Swiss cheese.
8. St. Louis - Prepare to get Oshied as JD's brats come up big again.
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9. Columbus - Even Hitch can't stop Mason from pulling a Price.
10. Los Angeles - The kids are alright. Not good, not bad, alright.
11. Nashville - No Radulov, no goals. No Zanon, no blocked shots.
12. Phoenix - Off ice turmoil too much, even for Captain Canada Shane Doan.
13. Minnesota - Lemaire was there for a reason. Can't attack without any offense.
14. Edmonton - Two coaches not better than one, especially if twitchy Bulin Wall crumbles.
15. Colorado - Everything will be downhill after the Sakic ceremony.
* = Division Leader

I won't do individual awards but here are 10 other shots in the dark:

*The NHL will have more than three 100 point scorers. And Zach Parise will be one of them.
*Bobby Ryan will score 45 goals.
*Jeff Carter will not.
*The Olympics will cost the Detroit Red Wings the Stanley Cup.
*Mats Sundin will return to the NHL, and will play for the Rangers.
*Mmmmaaarrrtttyyy Brodeur will get injured again.
*Los Angeles will trade for a goaltender at the deadline, thinking they can run for the playoffs.
*Jacques Martin won't last the season in Montreal.
*Versus and Direct TV won't come to terms, screwing hockey fans yet again.
*I will finally make it to Philly for a game and will escape without a criminal record.

Now for some personal certainties: Aside from crossing Philly off my arena list, I am also going to get out to a few Olympic games in Vancouver - have tix to two Russia games, one Sweden, one Finland and trying to get one for a USA game as well. While I am out west I will catch my first junior game (Seattle vs. Vancouver) and may even get a NCAA DI game in this season to; I may not hit the Winter Classic this time around - no one worth rooting for - but will try to get to Fenway for BU/BC the next week. Fingers crossed.

Here on the blog I have no big plans for new types of content: no podcasts, radio or video shows. If you can think of something you want - aside from me to stop hating on Brashear - feel free to chime in. I hope to have a new masthead hopefully by the end of the weekend though. Peepin' Foes for the Pens and for the Sens will both be up by Friday afternoon.

 Scotty Nostradamus '09-10: A Remarkable NHL Season

The 2009-2010 NHL season, often referred to as "Scotty Nostradamus '09-10," holds a special place in the annals of hockey history. It was a season filled with memorable moments, remarkable performances, and unexpected twists that captivated fans and left a lasting impact on the league. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane, revisiting the highlights of the '09-10 season, exploring the extraordinary achievements of players, and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive look at this unforgettable chapter in NHL history.

Setting the Stage

1. The Return of Ovechkin and Crosby

The '09-10 season marked the return of two of the NHL's brightest stars: Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals and Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both players had faced injuries in the previous season, and fans were eager to see them back on the ice.

2. Olympics Intrigue

The season had an added layer of excitement due to the Winter Olympics, held in Vancouver, Canada. Many NHL players represented their respective countries in the tournament, adding an extra dimension of international competition to the season.

Remarkable Performances

1. The Golden Goal

The pinnacle of the season for many was the gold medal game at the Olympics. Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in overtime, often referred to as the "Golden Goal," securing Canada's victory and becoming an instant national hero.

2. Ovechkin's Scoring Prowess

Alex Ovechkin led the league in goals for the second consecutive season, netting an astounding 50 goals. His incredible scoring ability and physical style of play made him one of the most exciting players to watch.

3. Milestones Galore

The '09-10 season was marked by several milestones, including Martin Brodeur's record-breaking 104th shutout and Teemu Selanne's 600th career goal. These achievements added to the season's historic significance.

Surprise Teams and Underdogs

1. Phoenix Coyotes

The Phoenix Coyotes, under the guidance of head coach Dave Tippett, emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the season. They clinched a playoff berth and provided an inspiring underdog story.

2. Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche, led by rookie head coach Joe Sacco and young talent like Matt Duchene, also exceeded expectations by making the playoffs.

FAQs: Reflecting on Scotty Nostradamus '09-10

As fans look back on the '09-10 NHL season, questions often arise about its impact, memorable moments, and the legacy of players involved. Here are some FAQs that provide insights into this remarkable season:

1. What made the '09-10 season so special?

The '09-10 season was notable for its blend of remarkable individual performances, international intrigue with the Olympics, and the emergence of surprise teams, making it a memorable and well-rounded season.

2. How did Sidney Crosby's "Golden Goal" impact his career?

Sidney Crosby's "Golden Goal" catapulted him into legendary status in Canadian hockey history. It cemented his reputation as a clutch performer and added to his legacy as one of the NHL's all-time greats.

3. What was the significance of Alex Ovechkin's 50-goal season?

Ovechkin's 50-goal season solidified his reputation as one of the league's premier goal scorers. It showcased his scoring prowess and established him as a player to watch for years to come.

4. How did the underdog stories of teams like the Coyotes and Avalanche resonate with fans?

The success of underdog teams like the Coyotes and Avalanche resonated with fans because it exemplified the unpredictable and inspiring nature of sports. Their achievements added an extra layer of excitement to the season.

5. What impact did the '09-10 season have on the NHL as a whole?

The '09-10 season showcased the NHL's global appeal, with the Olympics drawing international attention. It also reaffirmed the league's status as a source of thrilling, unpredictable, and memorable moments for fans worldwide.

Scotty Nostradamus '09-10 stands as a testament to the enduring magic of the NHL. From Sidney Crosby's "Golden Goal" to Alex Ovechkin's scoring prowess, from the surprising success of underdog teams to the milestone achievements of veteran players, the season provided a diverse array of moments that continue to resonate with hockey enthusiasts.

As we look back on this remarkable season, we are reminded of the profound impact that sports can have on our lives. The '09-10 NHL season served as a reminder that in the world of sports, anything is possible, and the most extraordinary moments can unfold when we least expect them. It remains a cherished chapter in the rich tapestry of NHL history, celebrated by fans, players, and hockey aficionados alike.