Roto Exclusive : Guest Contributions and Featured Articles

The Skinny: With the acquisition of Rick Nash, the continual housing of arguably the world’s greatest
goaltender, the dynamism of Marian Gaborik and a depth chart on both ends of the ice that has grown
to be its most impressive since the Messier glory days, it’s time for the Blueshirts to take that next leap.
Unfortunately, despite St.Louis’ remarkable season last year, I find it hard to believe Brian Elliott; a welltravelled
journeyman for years will have an easy time replicating the ridiculous numbers he posted last
season. Although, while I expect Jaroslav Halak to fully return to prominence and return to the role of
undeniable #1 netminder in town, the Blues still figure to be a middle of the road playoff bound team,
with a one step back, two step forward possibility for 2013-14. With even more high-end young studs
seemingly ready for their debuts, in Ty Rattie & Vladimir Tarasenko, there will undoubtedly be baby
steps needed to integrate them into the top 6 full time.
Meanwhile, the East & West Conference versions of each other, San Jose & Washington, would have
remained in this grouping had I penned this piece each year since the lockout, for all SEVEN of those
seasons! With Semin departed, Mike Green still a shadow of his former self + Anti Niemi & and aging
Shark rosters at bay, I still expect both teams to stay put in this category for another season more.
(Believe me, as impartial as I am, a litany of playoff drafts past, with yours truly stating “This will be the
year…” for either the Caps or Teal sweater-ers, while yielding more of the same wasted potential each
time, has not factored into this assessment………….too much)
Fizzling in the Periphery
(This group naturally is created for the up and comers of the hockey world!)
Minnesota Wild 18/1
Carolina Hurricanes 22/1
Buffalo Sabres 25/1
Tampa Bay Lightning 28/1
Edmonton Oilers 30/1
Anaheim Ducks 40/1
Dallas Stars 50/1
The Skinny: Many of you may well point out at the Edmonton Oilers & Minnesota Wild as the logical
choices here, and you’re absolutely right! This is the glory round of futures betting. You can lay small
units spread over a few different franchises here, while still yielding high payouts if you hit one! Chaching!!
Thus on that note, I’d venture to include the Carolina Hurricanes on this list as well, with Minny
as the team to attribute the heaviest weight to; though probably not for the reasons you think.
Edmonton may yet not be ready for prime time yet, but a playoff appearance may well be in the cards if
Devan Dubnyk is truly ready to take the torch and Ryan Whitney is full recovered. The ultra-talented
youngsters are surely ready to step out of the NHL basement.
33