SEASON PREVIEW, 2019-20

With the puck soon to drop on the league’s 27th season - a season that welcomes two new franchises - FHL beat writer Morganwigge dons his prognosticators cap and takes a closer look at the haves, have-nots, maybes and maybe-nots of each of the 12 teams.




BADGER BOB
GM: John Chester
YEARS IN LEAGUE: 4
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1
LAUGHING BAGS: 1
LAST SEASON: 12th Place
DRAFT PICKS: F-F D-G F-F D-G F-D F-F | D-F F-G
Overview
GM Chester walked onto the draft day stage with the deadweight of the Laughing Bag sitting on his shoulders; the 2017-18 FHL Cup champion determined to shed the FHL booby prize and return his team to their championship ways. A hefty portion of the remodeling job was quickly handed to David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand, the two Bostonians selected by GM Chester in the first round. Mark Giordano and Jordan Binnington were then summoned to the stage - the highly regarded second rounders paving the way for two additional forwards, a goalie and a defenseman; Blake Wheeler, Patrice Bergeron, Jacob Trouba and Petr Mrazek each pulling a Badger Bob jersey over their head.
Why Badger Bob will win the FHL Cup
Despite his glowing numbers, David Pastrnak skates under the radar; most thinking of Nikita Kucherov and Alexander Ovechkin when the discussion turns to goal scoring. Pastrnak however has arguably the deadliest shot of any player roaming the FHL ice, the still-only 23 year-old ripping 38 goals in just 66 games. Had Pastrnak avoided injury, the Czech sniper would have toyed with a 50 goal season. A healthy Pastrnak will score 50 goals this year. Brad Marchand used to be known only for his yapping and unsportsmanlike conduct. That isn’t the case anymore as the hard-nosed winger has posted consecutive seasons of 85, 85 and 100 points. Marchand will surpass the 100 point mark in 2019-20. Age-wise, Mark Giordano may be on the back nine of his career but the team he quarterbacks scores a ton of goals, the Calgary Flames depositing 289 pucks last year; second best in the NHL. As such, the reigning Norris-winning defenseman will again net 70 points. Jordan Binnington anchors the goalie position, the previously unknown backstop now regarded as one of the best in the league. Last year, in a limited role (32 GP), Binnington posted jaw-dropping numbers of 1.89 (GAA) and .927 (SV%). Over the course of a full season those numbers will equate to 40 wins and a zamboniload of points from the paint.
Why they won’t
As the Boston Bruins go, so goes Badger Bob; GM Chester also housing Patrice Bergeron in addition to Marchand and Pastrnak. Bergeron is the fuel that ignites the Bruins fire. When Bergeron is on the ice, the play (and points) of his linemates are elevated. Bergeron however is extremely fragile, the aging 34 year-old playing only 64 and 65 games the past two seasons. When Bergeron gets hurt, and he will (he was injured during the preseason), the potent Boston attack will be potent no more; the Badger Bob forward attack drifting to the shoulder of the FHL highway. Jacob Trouba is the Bob’s second best defenseman. Trouba has averaged 29.8 points over the course of his 6-year NHL career. Granted last year he collected 50 points, but you don’t marry a woman just because she looks good one day of the week. GM Chester will have to divorce himself from Trouba (or have a tryst with another defender) if he hopes to hoist the Cup. While Binnington was impressive in goal last year, one good season doesn’t guarantee longterm success (reference: blind squirrel and nut). When Binnington falters, Petr Mrazek will be called upon to carry the load. Petr Mrazek? Yes, the guy who has won an average of 12.3 games the past three seasons. Are you going to put your “Who will win the FHL Cup?” money on those numbers? Me neither.




BLULINERS
GM: Ken Hamilton
YEARS IN LEAGUE: 26
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4
LAUGHING BAGS: 1
LAST SEASON: 7th Place
DRAFT PICKS: F-F F-F D-G F-F D-F G-G | D-F D-G
Overview
After ruling the roost for almost all of 2017-18 - leading for most of the year before stumbling into 2nd place - the Bluliners were a complete non-factor last year, the proud Original Six franchise spending the bulk of the season in the (big yawn) middle-of-the-pack. With four FHL Championships to their credit, don’t expect the same from the Bluliners this year; the know-how-to-win franchise securing the services of Patrick Kane and Steven Stamkos in the first round of the draft. Round 2 would see the Bluliners boss calling the names of Taylor Hall and Jack Eichel. With four forwards in tow, the Bluliners then turned their attention to the defense and goaltending position, GM Hamilton convincing both Drew Doughty and Phillip Grubauer to join his four-time champion clan.
Why the Bluliners will win the FHL Cup
Last year Patrick Kane played a huge role in the FHL Cup winning ways of the Wild Ducks. Kane was also a key player for the Bluliners when they last hoisted the Cup in 2014. Kane is a winner - and he again will shine a very bright light on the team that drafted him, the crafty 30 year-old sure to surpass the 110 points he pocketed last year. Stamkos is one of the best players on a Tampa Bay team that lead the NHL in scoring. Playing alongside Nikita Kucherov, Stamkos pocketed 45 goals and 98 points; numbers he will top in the upcoming season. Drew Doughty will pace the Bluliners blueline attack, the NHL workhorse netting an average of 52.5 points over the past two seasons. On the ice for over 26 minutes per game - and with his LA Kings team bettering their play - Doughty will collect 60 points this year. A backup for the entirety of his career, Philipp Grubauer was arguably better than the goalies he sat behind; his career .921 GAA number far better than the league average. As a bona fide starter this season, the 27 year-old German will win 40 games, bag a league-leading number of points and - at the end of the season - be named a Vezina Trophy finalist.
Why they won’t
Beyond Kane and Stamkos, the Bluliners are looking at Taylor Hall, Jack Eichel and Evgeni Kuznetsov; two injury prone players and one coke addict. Hall and Eichel will get hurt again while the typically high-energy Kuznetsov - with white powder no longer fueling his game - will see both his energy and numbers dwindle. Kyle Connor missed all of training camp and will surely stumble out of the gate, his numbers to fall short of projections. While every NHL team wants a Drew Doughty on their team, the same can’t be said of any team in the FHL; the two-way defender spending far too much time preventing goals; not enough time scoring goals. Doughty has averaged 42.5 points over the course of his 11-year career; hardly Cup-winning numbers. Beyond Doughty, there’s Mikhail Sergachev and Vince Dunn; two defensemen whose nicknames are “Slim” and “Pickings.” With no track record as a starter, Philipp Grubauer would be a good second goalie. He’s not. He’s the guy the Bluliners are leaning on. When Grubauer falters, GM Hamilton will be relying on a guy named Elvis Merzlikins; a goaltender who has won a grand total of zero games at the NHL level (that’s zero with a capital Z) - and when Elvis leaves the building, so will the FHL Cup chances of the Bluliners.




BOULDER FLYERS
GM: Paul Morgan
YEARS IN LEAGUE: 23
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3
LAUGHING BAGS: 0
LAST SEASON: 2nd Place
DRAFT PICKS: F-F D-D F-G G-D F-F D-F | G-F F-F
Overview
After pestering the two GM’s picking in front of him as to who they were going to draft, GM Morgan was convinced that Connor McDavid would be wearing a blue and orange Boulder Flyers jersey. When the Polar Bears went off-script and selected McDavid with the second overall pick, GM Morgan was thrown for a “what the hell do I do now” loop. After giving Brent Burns some thought, the Flyers opted for Nathan MacKinnon with the 3rd overall pick - and then Johnny Gaudreau, 19 picks later. Knowing the importance of a sound defense, the three-time champion Flyers then drafted defensemen P.K. Subban and Tyson Barrie. In the 3rd round GM Morgan returned to the “Forward” aisle of FHL Mart, the Flyers finding Alex DeBrincat on the top shelf. The Flyers 6th pick would net a netminder, Connor Hellebuyck asked to set up shop in front of the Boulder Flyers net.
Why the Boulder Flyers will win the FHL Cup
At 24 years of age, Nathan MacKinnon is only beginning to hit his stride. Last year the durable center played all 82 games and netted 99 points. MacKinnon will contend for the Art Ross as he remains the straw that stirs the drink of the potent Colorado offense. Despite being tiny (5’9” and 5’ 7”) Gaudreau and DeBrincat post huge numbers. Gaudreau netted 99 points last year while DeBrincat ripped 41 goals. Gaudreau will match that number while DeBrincat - still with an upside at just 21 years of age - will flirt with a 50 goal campaign. The defensive trio of P.K. Subban, Tyson Barrie and Zach Werenski rival the best defense in the league. After playing second fiddle in Nashville, Subban’s numbers will soar as the go-to guy in Jersey. Barrie will bounce Morgan Reilly from the powerplay point and hoard most of the powerplay points, while Zach Werenski will again post a double-digit number of goals after netting 11, 16 and 11 his first three years in the NHL. The goaltending tandem of Connor Hellebuyck and Matt Murray is sound; both heavy workload starters for two very competitive teams; the acrobatic pair to combine for an FHL Cup-worthy 70 wins.
Why they won’t
Being young is great if you’re into wrinkle-free skin and a full head of hair. It’s not that great if youngsters comprise a good chunk of your fantasy hockey team. GM Morgan realized he was in trouble when six of the players he drafted walked onto the stage carrying a teddy bear and a toy truck. Jack Hughes is a starting forward. He’s 18 years-old. Andrei Svechnikov is 19. Brady Tkachuk has been alive for just 20 years. While the Flyers do have proven forwards, the forward slot isn’t deep - and shallow teams don’t win FHL Cups. The go-to guy while in Colorado, Tyson Barrie will be assigned to the second powerplay unit in Toronto. His numbers will dwindle. P.K. Subban netted just 39 points last year. Subban will be better in New Jersey but his numbers won’t reach an elite level; Subban’s numbers being classified “elite level” only twice in his widely inconsistent 10-year NHL career. Connor Hellebuyck has one good season under his belt - and that wasn’t last season. Last year Hellebuyck won 10 fewer games than the previous year; his win totals tumbling from 44 to 34. Actually, all of his numbers have taken a turn for the worse; a turn that will ultimately leave the Boulder Flyers pointed in the wrong direction.




CENTRAL RED ARMY
GM: Tom Buker
YEARS IN LEAGUE: 3
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0
LAUGHING BAGS: 0
LAST SEASON: 6th Place
DRAFT PICKS: F-F D-G G-F F-D D-G F-D | F-F D-F  
Overview
The Central Red Army have yet to seriously compete for the FHL Cup, the 4th year franchise typically wallowing with the FHL champion wannabes. GM Buker hopes Leon Draisaitl will reverse his fortunes and lead his Army to the Promised Land, the German center selected with the team’s first overall pick. Draisaitl was then accompanied on stage by future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby. A defenseman and a goaltender would follow, Thomas Chabot and Tuukka Rask donning the red and yellow of the Central Red Army. The 3rd round was used to bolster the goalie and forward attacks, the amplified names of Carey Price and Gabriel Landeskog echoing throughout the packed arena.
Why the Central Red Army will win the FHL Cup
It’s difficult to believe that Leon Draisaitl is only 23 years-old, his career potential largely untapped. Riding shotgun for Connor McDavid, Draisaitl netted 50 goals and 105 points. Playing with best player in the world in McDavid, Draisaitl’s numbers will again soar into triple digits. Sidney Crosby could be the steal of the draft, the perennial 100 point producer netted with the 20th overall pick. It’s difficult not to compete for the FHL Cup when you harness that level of talent that late in the round. Matthew Tkachuk will also compete for “Steal of the Draft” honors, the 34 goal scorer - abducted in the 6th round - a lock for 40 goals and 85 points. Gabriel Landeskog can’t help but gather points as he roams the ice with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen. Thomas Chabot arrives with little fanfare but the 22 year-old is as good as they come, Chabot netting 55 points in just 70 games last year; an elite level 64 points over the course of an 82 game season. With another year of experience under his belt, Chabot will clock 70 points. There will be points aplenty between the pipes as Carey Price and Tuukka Rask will combine for 70 wins and 10 shutouts. If either falter, a caped David Rittich is waiting in the wings to save the day, the hungry Calgary backstop a lock to win 30 games.
Why they won’t
There are plenty of reasons for GM Buker to be nervous. Draisaitl is good. He needs McDavid to be great. As such, the Army’s Cup-hopes are tied directly to the health of McDavid - a player who flies up and down the ice, occasionally running into endboards and goalposts. Landeskog is another who needs another to elevate his game. The eight-year veteran becoming fantasy-relevant only when Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon wandered onto the scene. Crosby is 32 years of age. Elite athletes (save George Forman) don’t get better with age. As the team’s 4th best forward, Tomas Hertl is being asked to contribute a significant number of points. The 25 year-old enigma has never scored more than 74 points in a season; Hertl’s career points-per-season average just 40.7. On the blueline, beyond Chabot, there are Shayne “Jekyll and Hyde” Gostisbehere and Justin “Just Hyde” Schultz. Gostisbehere’s game is inconsistent; sometimes pretty, often not. One year after potting 65 points, Gostisbehere coughed up 37. There’s nothing pretty about Justin Schultz, the 29 year-old with a career average of 25.2 points per season; eclipsing the 50 point mark just once. You don’t win FHL Cups with a subpar defense - and the defense of the Central Red Army is subpar.




CHERRY PICKERS
GM: Ron Recoskie
YEARS IN LEAGUE: First Year
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0
LAUGHING BAGS: 0
LAST SEASON: Did Not Play
DRAFT PICKS: D-G D-F F-G F-F F-D F-G | D-F F-F
Overview
GM Recoskie was late in arriving to the draft day stage, the first year GM initially denied entry into the arena when FHL security weren't able to confirm his identity. When that was sorted (and Sam the rent-a-cop was fired) the Toronto-based GM made instant waves, drafting a hometown defenseman and a hometown goaltender with his first two picks; Morgan Rielly and Frederik Andersen each placing a Cherry Pickers cap on their head. Intent on bringing a strong defense to the season, GM Recoskie then asked Victor Hedman to join him on stage. Hedman was followed by two forwards and a goalie; Artemi Panarin becoming a Cherry Picker late in the 2nd round; Elias Pettersson and Carter Hart picked by the Pickers in Round 3.
Why the Cherry Pickers will win the FHL Cup
Last year, distracted by contract talks and contract speculations, Artemi Panarin’s head was never fully engaged. Still, the 27 year-old pocketed 87 points. His mind now at ease - comfortably signed to a 7-year contract - the Russian’s game will reach new heights in New York, a 100 point season virtually guaranteed. When thoughts turn to "who will win the Art Ross trophy?" the names McDavid and Kucherov are bandied about, however, don’t be surprised to see Elias Pettersson contending for the NHL/FHL scoring lead, the Swedish sensation netting 28 goals and 66 points (71 GP) as a 19 year-old. Jamie Benn is a “Steal of the Draft” candidate, the 2015 Art Ross recipient snagged in the middle of the 4th round - the Dallas winger a lock to score 80 points. The defensive pairing of Morgan Rielly and Victor Hedman will combine for 35 goals, 125 points and Cupful of bonus points. Frederik Andersen will carry the load in Toronto; a load that will yield 65 starts and 40 wins. Carter Hart is a 21 year-old prodigy. As the go-to guy in Philly, Hart’s career .917 SV% will result in 35 wins - keeping the Cherry Pickers in the Cup hunt for the duration of the season.
Why they won’t
A lot of very good players have choked on the Big Apple, and so will Artemi Panarin; the shy, unassuming center sure to melt under the glare of the white-hot New York spotlight. The Cherry Pickers have a shallow offense as Anze Kopitar sits in the 4-slot. Last year Kopitar scored just 22 goals and 60 points. At 32 years of age, those numbers will continue to travel south. Sure Jamie Benn won the Art Ross trophy, but he only scored 89 points in doing so. He’s good, just not that good. When Victor Hedman gets hurt - and he will - the Cherry Pickers will be relying on Charlie McAvoy and Jake Gardiner to hold the fort. Question: Are McAvoy and Gardiner capable of holding the fort? Answer: No (think Alamo). Carter Hart is good but largely unproven. His Philadelphia team is bad, and that’s proven. Bench goalie Carter Hutton will be called into action if Frederik Andersen takes a powder. That spells instant doom for the Cherry Pickers as no team has ever won the FHL Cup with two starting goalies named “Carter.”




ICE HOGS
GM: Steve Henry
YEARS IN LEAGUE: 14
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2
LAUGHING BAGS: 0
LAST SEASON: 8th Place
DRAFT PICKS: G-F D-G F-D F-D F-F F-G F-D F-F | F-D F-F
Overview
The Ice Hogs have won two FHL Cups but they haven’t put much of a dent in the competition since their last championship in 2007; 12 long years ago. GM Henry hopes his newly drafted team will put a stop to the ugly, the "Hockey Cheerleader of the Week" architect securing the services of Andrei Vasilevskiy with the 12th overall pick. Forward John Tavares would follow Vasilevskiy onto the stage, the Toronto center greeted warmly by GM Henry and the entire Ice Hogs staff. A defenseman, another goalie, a forward and another defenseman were next to be ushered to the Ice Hogs pen; Erik Gustafsson, Braden Holtby, Sebastian Aho and Oliver Ekman-Larsson all handed a Ice Hogs jersey and a matching black and red cap.
Why the Ice Hogs will win the FHL Cup
The Ice Hogs have no holes in their boat - the forward, defense and goaltending slots all littered with solid performers. Sure-thing John Tavares paces the forward attack, the 29 year-old center a safe bet to net 90 points. Sebastian Aho, still green behind the ears at 22 years of age, is coming off a 30 goal and 83 point campaign. He’ll be even better this year. A healthy Filip Forsberg will score 35 goals, Nicklas Backstrom will net 85 points and Jonathan Toews will match the 81 point figure he posted last year. Swedish sensation Erik Gustafsson will eclipse his 17 goal, 60 point season while Oliver Ekman-Larsson - playing for an offensively improved Coyotes team - will make a return trip to Twenty Goal Land. The two players standing in the crease are as good as they make ‘em, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Braden Holtby - both workhorses - to combine for 75 wins. When the ice spray settles on 2019-20, the Ice Hogs may not have a player holding a year-end trophy, but it won't matter -  the Hogs will claim their 3rd FHL Cup with a deep, balanced, unrelenting attack.
Why they won’t
Filip Forsberg is a very good player - when he plays - the oft-injured forward dressing for just 67 and 64 games the past two seasons. Fragile Filip will be shelved again in 2019-20. Now 31 years of age, Nicklas Backstrom’s numbers are trending in the wrong direction, the pass-first forward no longer a force. Before last year’s 81 point outburst, Jonathan Toews recorded seasons of 58, 58 and 52 points - undraftable numbers. In short, Toews isn’t that good. At one point in his career Oliver Ekman-Larsson played as if he would score 20 goals each and every season. He hasn’t reached that number since 2015; his last three seasons yielding goal totals of 12,14 and 14. Like Toews, Larsson isn’t that good. Alexander Pietrangelo won’t be much help, the 29 year-old defenseman scoring just 41 points last year. Can a Stanley Cup hangover last more than one season? The answer is “yes” if you’re talking about Braden Holtby, the play of the 30 year-old taking a dump since he won the Stanley Cup in 2018; his SV% and GAA falling below the league average. While the Ice Hogs hoped 2019-20 would bring their 3rd FHL Cup - with a pen full of players who are unable to deliver - the 14th-year franchise will be fortunate to steer clear of the Laughing Bag.




MISCONDUCTS
GM: Dave Smalley
YEARS IN LEAGUE: 24
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2
LAUGHING BAGS: 1
LAST SEASON: 4th Place
DRAFT PICKS: D-D F-F G-G F-F D-F G-F | F-F F-D
Overview
Last season featured a bit for everything for the Misconducts; the team making a serious run at the FHL Cup before stumbling into 4th place (out of the money) in the waning weeks of the season. To right those frustrating wrongs, the Misconducts lay claim to what could be the top prize of the entire draft - Brent Burns snatched by GM Smalley with the 4th pick in the first round. Another defenseman would follow, John Carlson quickly summoned to the draft day pulpit. Wanting to address his needs at all three positions, GM Smalley’s selection of two defensemen was followed by the inking of two forwards and two goalies; Mitchell Marner, Claude Giroux, Ben Bishop and Martin Jones all taking a seat next to their smiling GM.
Why the Misconducts will win the FHL Cup
FHL numbers-wise, Brent Burns was 16 points better than the second best defenseman in the league; a staggering 68 points better than the 8th ranked FHL blueliner. The season hasn’t started and the Misconducts, because of Burns alone, could already be sitting on a sizeable lead. John Carlson will add to that lead, the 29 year-old sure to improve on the fat 70 points he netted last year. With Burns and Carlson on the blueline, the Misconducts have the best one-two punch in the league. Mitchell Marner is just hitting his stride, the John Tavares wingman to again flirt with a 100 point season. Vladimir Tarasenko - always a threat to score 40 goals - will score 40 goals. Ben Bishop and Martin Jones will play a lot, win a lot and score a lot - a lot of points eventually leading to <cue dramatic music> the highly coveted FHL Cup.
Why they won’t
At 34 years of age, Brent Burns is entering the Twilight (of his career) Zone. As is the case with every athlete, at some point their elite game is carted to the curb. If this wasn’t the case then Stan Mikita would still be leading the league in scoring (if he wasn’t dead). Asking Burns to match last year’s 83 point season is asking far too much. A less intimidating shot, a lost step and a healthy Erik Karlsson will devour a good chunk of Burns’ numbers. In the crease we find the very fragile Ben Bishop and the very bad Martin Jones. Bishop is good but he’ll be shelved before Thanksgiving. Jones was awful last year. He won 36 games only because he played a lot, his SV% of .896, embarrassingly bad. The San Jose Sharks want to win a Stanley Cup and their patience with Jones is running thin. Translated: Jones will lose his starting job (i.e. less starts and fewer points). The Misconducts will be hard-pressed to score goals. Marner and Giroux are good but they’re both pass-first forwards. How may hat tricks are these two gonna post? If you’re thinking “none,” then you are correct. What about Tarasenko? He’s a 40 goal scorer, correct? No. Tarasenko scored 40 goals just once in his career (2016). His past two seasons: 33 and 33. You have to score a lot of goals to win FHL Cups and the Misconducts won’t score a lot of goals.




POLAR BEARS
GM: Mike Elya
YEARS IN LEAGUE: 9
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1
LAUGHING BAGS: 0
LAST SEASON: 5th Place
DRAFT PICKS: F-F D-D G-D G-F G-F F-F | F-F F-D
Overview
The Polar Bears - a champion in 2016 - are hoping to make a return trip to the winner’s circle and they want Connor McDavid to carry them there. That became evident two picks into the draft when GM Elya lay claim to the fleet-footed, all-world forward. That pick was later consolidated by the selection of Brayden Point, late in the first round. The two first round forwards were then joined on stage by two defenseman - Matt Dumba and Torey Krug entering the den of the Polar Bears. A goalie and another defenseman were next, Devan Dubnyk and Justin Faulk both handed a copy of the yellow and black book, “Winning the FHL Cup for Dummies.”
Why the Polar Bears will win the FHL Cup
It’s difficult to believe but Connor McDavid is entering his 5th season in the NHL. Over the course of those five seasons McDavid has averaged 1.29 PPG (106.3 points per 82 game season). All that and McDavid is only 22 years old. With those numbers, McDavid is capable of carrying any team to the FHL Cup, including the Polar Bears. Last year Brayden Point netted 41 goals and 92 points. Only 23 years old - and playing for the same lethal team on the same lethal line - those numbers will continue to rise. In net, Devan Dubnyk and Semyon Varlamov will provide the foundation on which the Bears will construct the championship season, the pair combining for 60 wins. Very seldom is Matt Dumba labeled an elite defenseman. His numbers however say otherwise. Last year the ripshot defender scored 12 goals in just 32 games before succumbing to injury; a pace that would have provided the 25 year-old with 31 goals over a full season. Dumba will sidestep injury this year and help McDavid carry the Bears to their 2nd FHL championship.
Why they won’t
McDavid and Point are great while Viktor Arvidsson, Forward #3, is rock solid. Beyond that the forward cupboard is mostly bare. Alex Galchenyuk has never scored more than 56 points in a season. Ryan O’Reilly is a two-way forward and two-way forwards can’t compete with only-want-to-score forwards. Jakub Voracek has had flashes of brilliance, but on most nights he’s a flash in the pan. And then there’s William Karlsson, the flashiest of all flash in the pans, the Swedish center scoring just 24 goals after netting 43 goals in 2018. If the forward slot doesn’t unravel the Bears, the duo of Devan Dubnyk and Semyon Varlamov will. The oft-injured Varlamov has enjoyed just one good year his entire career. Varlamov won 41 games in 2014. That season was followed by win totals of 28, 28, 6, 24 and 20. The numbers are falling and they’ll continue to fall as a member of the tepid New York Islanders. Devan Dubnyk’s game is trending in a similar direction. After posting 40 victories in 2017, Dubnyk’s win totals have taken a dive. The defensive slot is also vulnerable. Matt Dumba and Torey Krug will keep the Polar Bears head above water, but their buoyant play will be sunk by the performance of Justin Faulk, the team’s No. 3 defender. The benchmark for FHL defensemen is 50 points. Faulk has played eight NHL seasons and not once has he scored 50 points; Faulk’s substandard play ultimately dragging the Bears to the bottom of the FHL pond.




ROCKY ROCKS
GM: Rocky
YEARS IN LEAGUE: First Year
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0
LAUGHING BAGS: 0
LAST SEASON: Did Not Play
DRAFT PICKS: D-G F-F F-D G-F D-F F-F | D-F G-F
Overview
There has never been a feeble person with the given name of Rocky - Marciano, Graziano, Balboa, all strong, imposing characters; the list goes on. Hell, even Rocky the Squirrel had a certain air about him. After the 7th pick in the first round of the draft, the name “Rocky Rocks” was added to that intimidating list, the first year franchise signing multiple FHL Cup champion Erik Karlsson to a seven month contract. Sergei Bobrovsky would follow Karlsson, the elite netminder pitching his tent in Rocky Rocks camp. The second round would welcome two forwards - Mikko Rantanen and Jake Guentzel - while Round 3 ushered in the point-heavy game of forward Sean Monahan and defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
Why Rocky Rocks will win the FHL Cup
Not that long ago, a GM would have been considered foolish to pass on Erik Karlsson, regardless of where they were picking in the draft. On draft day, no fewer than six GM’s passed on the services of arguably the best FHL defenseman since Ray Bourque and Brian Leetch. In a league that values the rare gifts of an offensive defenseman, there are none better than Karlsson, the now-healthy rearguard primed for an 80 point season. Mikko Rantanen has only scratched the surface of his potential, the 21 year-old Finn departing the 2018-19 season with 31 goals and 87 points. Jake Guentzel netted 41 goals - and he’ll up those totals this season as he continues to skate alongside Sidney “Here, You Score” Crosby. Sean Monahan, Dylan Larkin and Brock Boeser will all contribute solid numbers. Dougie Hamilton will unleash substantial points from the blueline. Hamilton doesn’t register many assists but he deposits a ton of goals, 18 of his shots finding the back of the net last season; second best in the NHL. As the new Florida backstop, Sergei Bobrovsky will win 40 games and lead all FHL goalies in scoring. John Gibson won’t be Bobrovsky-good but he’ll register 30 wins; more than enough points to keep Rocky’s road (to the FHL Cup) completely free and clear.
Why they won’t
As Rocky Rocks best forward, Mikko Rantanen is being asked to contribute heavily to the team’s point totals. That task will be difficult in the early goings as Rantanen - instead of fine-tuning his game in the preseason - was likely holed-up at Tim Hortons scarfing down Timbits; the yesterday-signed winger starting the season largely unprepared. Scoring goals will be an issue. Beyond Guentzel, there isn’t a sniper in the bunch. Forward depth is also a concern. Dyan Larkin’s numbers will be limited by a bad team; Brock Boeser has never scored more than 56 points in a season and Mathew Barzal - just 62 points last year - hasn’t been the same since John Tavares skipped town. Shea Theodore fills the third slot on Rocky’s defense; a very important position given the value of FHL defenseman. Theodore’s career numbers: 8, 9, 23 and 37 points. File that under “Not Good.” John Gibson’s numbers are solid but the 26 year-old has spent a considerable amount of time on the shelf. When Gibson goes down, the Rocks will be relying on Mikko Koskinen to keep the team afloat. Koskinen is a part-timer who backstops a non-playoff team in the Edmonton Oilers. That and his career numbers are 3.02 (GAA) and .904 (SV%). A bad team, a bad GAA and a bad SV% spells bad news for Rocky Rocks.




SC COBRAS
GM: Mike Murphy
YEARS IN LEAGUE: 4
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0
LAUGHING BAGS: 1
LAST SEASON: 10th Place
DRAFT PICKS: F-G F-G D-D D-F F-F F-F  | F-G D-D
Overview
The SC Cobras have four seasons under their belt and have yet to finish higher than 4th place, their first season in the league. Subsequent campaigns found the Cobras in 9th, 12th and 10th place respectively; the 12th place finish saddling the Cobras with the dreaded Laughing Bag. When this year’s Draft Lottery provided the Cobras with the 1st overall pick, the dark clouds quickly parted - the California-based boss selecting greased-elbow puckslinger Nikita Kucherov with the premium pick. Pick No. 2 lassoed veteran goaltender Pekka Rinne while the Cobras 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th selections netted forward Evgeni Malkin, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, and defensemen Seth Jones and Shea Weber.
Why the SC Cobras will win the FHL Cup
Connor McDavid is widely regarded as the best player in the NHL. True maybe, but winger Nikita Kucherov outpointed the so-called “Face of the NHL” by 12 points. Kucherov is a pure goal scorer, the 26 year-old sniper wanting absolutely nothing to do with helping someone else score. With a 2.0 point goal worth twice the number of an assist, a huge season from Kucherov will provide the SC Cobras with a huge advantage in the chase for the elusive FHL Cup. With 1,002 career points in 852 games, Evgeni Malkin will substantially aid GM Murphy in his quest for the FHL Holy Grail. Jeff Skinner scored a very quiet 40 goals last year. Skinner will make even more noise this year as a 45 goal campaign will place him within range of the Rocket Richard trophy. Mika Zibanejad will prove to be a draft day heist. After scoring a quiet 30 goals last year, Zibanejad’s numbers will soar as a member of the retooled Rangers. On the blueline, Jones and Weber are joined by Keith Yandle. Drafted in the 4th round, the unheralded Yandle will produce first round numbers quarterbacking a lethal Florida powerplay. Yandle pocketed 62 points last year; expect 70 points this year. Rinne and Marc-Andre Fleury form a formidable wall between the pipes, the play-a-ton duo to combine for 130 starts, 70 wins and 10 shutouts.
Why they won’t
While Kucherov will hold his own, he can’t do it alone - Kucherov will need help from his teammates. One of those teammates is Evgeni Malkin; a brittle forward who historically arrives at the rink ready, willing and unable; the fragile Russian virtually guaranteed to spend a long stretch of games on the shelf. Entering his 14th year in the league, Malkin hasn’t played a full slate of games since 2009. Since the strike-shortened season of 2013, Malkin’s “games played” numbers are 60, 69, 57, 62, 78 and 68. Now 33 years old - and a mere bump or a shove from yet another injury - Malkin won’t play more than 60 games. While Jones and Yandle will carry their weight, Shea Weber won’t carry his, the veteran defenseman collecting only 33 points last year. Now 34 years-old, those numbers will tumble even further, Weber’s once whistling shot now whistling dixie. Pekka Rinne has been able to avoid the shelf in recent years but at 36 years of age, Rinne is no longer a workhorse. With his Nashville team hoping to keep him fresh for the playoffs, Rinne will see less starts than all FHL starting netminders. Less starts equals less points. Less points equals no FHL Cup for you.




VEGAS VIPERS
GM: Lawrence Miller
YEARS IN LEAGUE: 4
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 0
LAUGHING BAGS: 0
LAST SEASON: 3rd Place
DRAFT PICKS: F-F D-F F-D G-F G-G D-F | F-D F-G
Overview
After being denied entry into the exclusive Top Three Money Club in Years 1, 2 and 3, the Vegas Vipers were able to break through the door in Year 4, the team ultimately landing in 3rd place. Happy with the improvement but by no means content, GM Miller now has his eyes focused on the FHL Cup. At the draft, GM Miller also had his eyes focused on one of his favorite players, Aleksander Barkov selected with the team’s first pick. Next, another Vipers favorite was snagged, Tyler Seguin drafted by the Sin City franchise. Last year the Vipers didn’t draft a defenseman until the 6th round (true story) and subsequently spent much of the season trying to fill the void. To avoid that mistake, the Vipers acquired a defenseman with two of their next four picks; forwards Jonathan Huberdeau and Alexander Radulov sandwiched between the selection of rearguards John Klingberg and Cale Makar.
Why the Vegas Vipers will win the FHL Cup
Aleksander Barkov toyed with a 100 point campaign before tapping out at 96 (35g, 61a). Just 24 years-old, Barkov will blow through the century mark to lead all FHL forwards in scoring. Tyler Seguin will score 45 goals and Jonathan Huberdeau will better the 92 points he posted last year. Defenseman Cale Makar has been labeled “Future Norris Winner,” by many in the hockey community, the 20 year-old collecting six points (1g, 5a) in 10 playoff games for his Colorado Avalanche team. With Tyson Barrie now skating with Toronto, Makar has been moved to the point on the lethal Mackinnon-fueled Colorado powerplay (translated: ton-o-points). John Klingberg will complement the play of Makar by netting 65 points of his own. In goal, Jacob Markstrom will improve on his 28 victory season, the Vancouver backstop to win a career-best 35 games. Again healthy, Cory Schneider will reclaim the starting job in Jersey and win 30 games for his vastly improved Devils team.
Why they won’t
M&M’s are good when you have a bowl of them on your lap or a handful in your mouth. M&M’s are not nearly as good when they’re the two defenseman you are relying on to guide you to the FHL Cup. Makar and Morrissey won’t be helping anyone win the league championship. Cale Makar comes with a lot of bells and whistles but the youngster has played just 10 games at the NHL level; none during the regular season. The bells and whistles will make some noise but they won’t result in elite-level points. Josh Morrissey is a serviceable defender but ”serviceable” has never resulted in trophies and season-ending parades. Last year Morrissey collected just 31 points; his career best (egads). Granted Morrissey will see more powerplay time with Jacob Trouba in New York, but more ice time does not make an average player great. If a wonky defense doesn’t derail the Vipers, the goalie slot will; the tandem of Markstrom and Schneider striking fear in no one. Markstrom is an average goaltender who plays for a sub .500  team. Schneider is a struggling part-time goaltender; the wobbling veteran slated to share the crease with MacKenzie Blackwood. The Vipers own the rights to Blackwood, but having two part-time goalies who play for the same team is no help. It’s bad math, as in, 1+1= 1. Of course netminder Ilya Samsonov could save the day. He won’t. The 8th round draft pick already holding a one-way ticket to Waiverville.




WILD DUCKS
GM: Scott Collard
YEARS IN LEAGUE: 25
FHL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 9
LAUGHING BAGS: 0
LAST SEASON: 1st Place
DRAFT PICKS: F-F D-D F-F D-D G-G F-G | F-F F-G
Overview
By winning the FHL Cup last year, the Wild Ducks begin the season with nine championships listed on their resume, a not-even-close league record; the second best franchise (Bluliners) with only four titles. Renown for his love of the trade, GM Collard was working the phones prior to the draft - the defense-loving owner hoping to move up so he could secure the services of either Brent Burns or Erik Karlsson. Unsuccessful, the Ducks instead focused on forwards in the early goings, selecting Alexander Ovechkin and Auston Matthews in the first round. It was then GM Collard turned his attention to defense, Roman Josi and Kris Letang asked to stand on the Ducks blueline. In Round 3 two additional forwards would join the fray, Mark Scheifele and Patrick Laine each handed a copy of the Wild Ducks Company Handbook - a single piece of paper with the phrase “score a lot or be traded” printed on each side.
Why the Wild Ducks will win the FHL Cup
While the Ducks weren’t able to get their hands on a sledgehammer defenseman, they exited the draft with a stellar group of offensive rearguards, the trio of Roman Josi, Kris Letang and Rasmus Dahlin damn near the best in the league. Josi and Letang both bagged 56 points last year; Letang securing his numbers in just 65 games. They’ll both be better this year. Josi will return to the 60 point plateau and a healthy Letang will post 70. As an 18 year-old rookie the highly-touted Dahlin carded 9 goals and 35 assists. With a year of experience under his belt, those numbers will soar; his final figures to exceed 60 points. The Wild Ducks always - and we’re not sure how (an investigation is currently being conducted) - seem to grab a player in a round in which said player should have been drafted earlier. This year was no different as Patrik Laine - a first round pick the past two years - was secured with the 23rd pick in Round 3. That acquisition, combined with the drafting of Ovechkin, Matthews, Scheifele and Joe Pavelski, leaves the Wild Ducks with arguably the best offense in the league and, in six months time, their 10th FHL Cup championship.
Why they won’t
On paper the Wild Ducks appear formidable. A closer look however reveals an enormous number of holes. Alexander Ovechkin is 34 years-old. His aging game long overdue for a slide. No player is more inconsistent than Patrik Laine, the hugely talented but easily distracted winger rumored to be more interested in girls, partying and video games than scoring goals. Chinks have suddenly developed in Auston Matthews once pristine armor, the surprisingly fragile Maple Leaf recently falling off the “Golden Boy" wagon (see TMZ for details). The Joe Pavelski tent - 35 years old - is ready to fold. There is no wonkier defenseman that Kris Letang. His last injury-free season was never. The foundation of every team is the goaltending. While goaltending may never be the direct reason a team wins the FHL Cup, without a solid foundation of goalie points, the forward and defensive attacks will crumble. The Wild Ducks foundation is comprised of Corey Crawford and Jonathan Quick; good back in the day but good no more. Quick won just 16 games last year, posting numbers of 3.38 (GAA) and .888 (SV%). He gets hurt a lot. Crawford won 14 games. He also gets hurt a lot. Combined, the pair have less wins than your typical FHL starter. Last year the Wild Ducks constantly spun the “Goalie of the Week” wheel, and won. Defying the odds in 2018-19, they won’t be so lucky this year.

All owners go into a draft with a plan. Badger Bob (B2) was no different. But my plan didn't go beyond the player who I wanted to select with my first pick in the first round -- 10th overall. That player was forward David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins.

From there, I believed I'd have to bob -- pun intended -- and weave as a result of which players had been selected. The rest of my draft would have to evolve.

Fortunately, Pastrnak was still on the board when I selected 10th in the first round. And as I figured would be the case, my draft evolved from there.

No question I thought it was a great start to have Pastrnak as my first selection. He was a key player on the B2 championship team and head-to-head runner-up of 2017-18. And he was the first step toward hopefully rectifying awful offense that helped B2 go first to worst in 2018-19.

The eye-catching thing to an observer about the B2 roster undoubtedly is the Boston trio of Pastrnak, Marchand and Bergeron. While atypical, I think it will work this season since the Bruins will be a hungry team having fallen just short last season of winning the Stanley Cup.

These players make Boston lethal whenever they are on the ice together -- either 5-on-5 or on the first power-play unit.

I feel I'll get my money's worth even if Pastrnak and Bergeron make one trip to the injured list with a short-term injury and Marchand is suspended for 10 games or less. Looking for 72 games apiece or so.

Hitting bonus territory is the name of the game in the FHL. And these three are capable of doing so frequently.

Ironically, Pastrnak, Marchand and Bergeron are now on the same B2 fantasy team as goaltender Jordan Binnington of St. Louis, who played a starring role in denying Boston the Stanley Cup last spring.

B2 management believes Binnington will continue his solid play. And he'll do so behind a Blues defense that got stronger just before the season by acquiring D Justin Faulk from Carolina.

In the FHL as in the NHL, strong secondary scoring is needed. I believe B2 will get solid secondary production from F Blake Wheeler of Winnipeg, F Timo Meier and F Elias Lindholm of Calgary.

I think getting Wheeler with my fifth pick -- first pick of the third round -- was huge. Wheeler is consistent and durable. Another season of 90 points or so should be in the cards. However, I think his distribution of goals versus assists will be heavier toward goals this season. Last season, Wheeler had 20 goals and 71 assists.

Meier will open the season getting a lot more power-play time due to the departure of Joe Pavelski to Dallas. Thus, I am expecting him to again score 30+ goals this season.

And Lindholm I believe was a great pick for late in the draft. He'll get points playing with F Johnny Gaudreau and F Sean Monahan as well as fellow B2 teammate D Mark Giordano.

To succeed in the FHL, an anchor D is required. B2 management is extremely happy to have Giordano in the role in which Victor Herman of Tampa Bay thrived in 2017-18 and then did not meet expectations in 2018-19.

Truth be told, Hedman lost some time last season due to injury last season as he did in 2017-18. But his 2018-19 season was not as strong as 2017-18.

Giordano heads the group of defensemen who are arguably the biggest question mark for B2.

The second D drafted -- Jacob Trouba of the New York Rangers -- is a KEY piece in the puzzle.
New in Ranger blue this season from Winnipeg, Trouba will be given the opportunity to quarterback the Rangers' top power-play unit. It's a gamble for the Rangers and for B2.

If Trouba thrives, it will be a big boost for the Rangers and B2. If he is another Kevin Shattenkirk... Well, I haven't thought about that (although I do think Shattenkirk will do well for Tampa Bay since he does not have to do much in the way of heavy lifting.)

The other two D are Miro Heiskanen of Dallas and Darnell Nurse of Edmonton.

Looking for Heiskanen to take a step up in offense in his second season in NHL. Believe his point total can go from low 30s to mid 40s. Having talented forwards such as Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and Alex Radulov up front will help Heiskanen's point production. But I admit he too is a bit of a gamble.

I view Nurse as a bit of an insurance policy. If Nurse quarterbacks the top Edmonton power-play unit which includes two players named McDavid and Draisaitl, he will at least duplicate his point total from last season -- low 40s.

No. 2 goaltender Petr Mrazek of Carolina also is a bit of a gamble. But he plays behind a strong group of D.

And last but not least, looking forward to seeing what rookie wing Kappo Kakko can do with the Rangers, who are on the way back up. The second pick in the entry draft is viewed now by some knowledgeable observers as a more polished player than the top pick, center Jack Hughes of New Jersey.

But keep in mind that they are two different players. Kakko is a wing who has to have a physical element to his game. Meanwhile, Hughes is a center whose first priority is offense.

Net-net. B2 believes the forwards will lead the way. Am also looking for decent contributions from the defensemen led by Giordano and the goaltenders led by Binnington.