Game Misconduct 2004: Newsletter #2

3/12/04 by phil

I meant to write a few more articles for Game Misconduct 2004 but haven't had much time to get around to writing. What I mean to say is that I was going to submit eight articles whilst webdisaster was getting retooled, but now have lost the creative energy. I have kept in touch with most of you via phone, but I wanted to write at least one more article. Otherwise, the previous newsletter, GM Newsletter #1 would seem a little silly, as it should have just been THE newsletter, not #1, because that implies multiple articles. Well here ya go -- my predictions for chosen teams, along with a brief scouting report. Their overall stat is listed in parentheses.

Eastern Conference

1. New Jersey Devils (88). This team is sure to be picked by someone. NJ has a lot of scoring potential from players such as Gomez and Elias. Scott Stevens is one of the best defensemen in the game, and Martin Brodeur is a great goalie. One thing I think is also good about this team is their depth. Even their third and fourth lines put out some decent players.

2. Philadelphia Flyers (87). Their first line is insane. Lindros, who is also a big hitter, has Mark Recchi and John LeClair skating alongside for guaranteed scoring chances every game. They seem to lack the depth of NJ, plus their goalie isn't quite as big of a name. I can't even remember who it is. This team should be an early pick, I believe.

3. Washington Capitals (86). Anchored by Bondra, Oates, Klee, and Gonchar, the Capitals are another great choice for Saturday. They sport a well-balanced attack. They have speed and size. No one in the east can match Philly's first line, but overall the Capitals would be a good match for them. Kolzig is stopping the puck for the Caps, and I believe he is the #1 rated goalie in NHL 2001.

4. Buffalo Sabres (80). The fourth spot in the east is a three way tie. The Sabres have Hasek in goal. I still think Hasek is a totally overrated goaltender, but EA has overrated him in this game as well, making him an excellent addition to the team. Up front Buffalo has Peca and Satan. They are a good checking team, but their defense and scoring is a little weak.

4. New York Rangers (81). The Rangers are a bit streaky of a team in NHL 2001. Sometimes they seem to do really well. Anchored by Messier, Leetch, Graves, and Richter, they are capable of beating any team in the league. However, their big hitters seem to shift around. Sometimes Graves is a big hitter (and was always penalized for me!), and sometimes Leetch is. This inconsistency is something that bothers me, but I would definitely consider them if I was picking fourth in the east.

4. Toronto (82?). I forgot to write down their number. It could be 74 also. Either way, Toronto is a team that may be chosen simply because I like them. They have some good scorers, but their backline is a little weak. Gaining momentum can be hard if you don't have any hitters on the ice. However, Joseph is a good goalie and this team cannot be completely overlooked.

Western Conference

1. Dallas (85). I know their overall rating isn't the highest, but this team is dynamite. They are possibly the only team that has a first line almost as huge as Philly's, with Modano centering for Hull and Lehtinen. On top of that, Hatcher and Matvichuk are two big hitters paired up for D at the same time. It is pretty easy to gain momentum with this team. Belfour is a rock-solid goalie as well. This team should be picked first or second, I believe.

2. Colorado (86). Good players all around. Possibly has the best top two scoring lines. Deadmarsh, Sakic, Forsberg, Foote, Bourque, and Roy headline this star-studded cast. All areas of the ice will be well-covered with this team. I don't think I need to say any more.

3. Detroit (84). This team is a big question mark. They are a great scoring team, but will anyone have the cajones to choose this team? Can we live with ourselves if the Redwings win GM04? Well, if I win it with Detroit, I know that the $40 will be enough to buy off my conscience. Therefore, I put the 'wings at number 3. They have the usual good players, but Osgood in goal gets about a B or B- from me. He'll probably do alright for ya, but he is capable of a letdown.

4. St. Louis Blues (82?). Ahhh, the home-town favorite. I think the Blues bring a pretty solid team to the table, plus since most of us are fans, I think the Blues will get picked at some point. Pronger and MacInnis are one of the best defensive pairings in the game. I haven't scouted them as much, however, so I really can't comment much more.

4. Vancouver Canucks (79?). Know who Todd Bertuzzi is? You probably do now. And in NHL 2001, the EA folks already knew that this team is LOADED with hitters. Their checking stat is a 97. Cripes. When I played this team, I always had at least two big hitters on the ice at all times. You can get the momentum pretty easily with this team, but beware: their scoring is not that great. For the best effect, edit the lines so that the Morrison/Naslund/Bertuzzi line is #1. This will be the line to get most of your scoring. The others are okay, but don't have the finesse that the first line has.

There's some other teams on the fringe, but everyone will probably stick with the teams listed here. Hope to see you at the game on Saturday!