Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Talking Hockey Today

09/18/2014 at 1:59pm EDT

Scott Burnside of ESPN hedl an online chat today...

Realistic expectations for my Bolts this year? How far can they go, will Stamkos get 60 goals, is Drouin as good as they say, will Bishop have another great season, and finally how about some love for the most underrated Dman my man Victor Hedman. Thanks Scotty muah!!!

Scott Burnside No question the Lightning are the 'it' team in the east this year and with good reason. Love the additions including locking up Ryan Callahan, bringing in Anton Stralman, Brian Boyle. They appear built with the Bruins in mind in terms of grit and depth. Still, Bishop has to show last year was not a fluke. Stamkos if he stays healthy will be in the Hart/Art Ross discussion and love the steps Hedman has taken forward. Still really young up front but nothing wrong with that. I have the Bolts nipping at the Bs heels atop the Atlantic. After that? Pretty sure they're not going to get swept next spring.

Hi Scott, who do you think has the greatest potential Pacioretty or Landeskog?

Scott Burnside Good question. Pacioretty is the real deal and he'll get even more chance to show his stuff this year but in terms of all-around game I think I'd go with Landeskog. Very poised, very smart. Tough to call but that's the way I'd lean.

Can Tarasenko be a 45+ goal scorer this year?

Scott Burnside That would have put him in second place in the league last year. That's a lot to ask the kid even if he has one of the most dangerous shots in the league. I think 35 is more reasonable and if he gets that the Blues will, as expected, be in the mix for the Central Division crown. The fact he was coming off a hand injury at the start of the playoffs against Chicago last spring was a significant factor in the Blues losing four straight after taking a 2-0 series lead. He's going to be real good. Just maybe not 'that good' this season.

much more

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

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