Now that the Tampa Bay Lightning have Stamkos and Melrose, I think they will beat the Red Wings in the 2009 Finals! I saw Stamkos play in juniors. He is a goal scorer and an agitator.
I think the Red Wings definitely have a shot to pull out a repeat next year. Even with Hasek retiring they have a strong team and will definitely be a contender in next year's season.
What does everyone else think?
George
I think it is possible for both teams. They both will be strong. and Now the young guns on Pittsburgh's team knows what it takes to get to the big show.
Robb
That is a good point. The Penguins were strong throughout the playoffs and with their "seasoning" of a finals series I think that would be a big boost to their confidence if they made it next year.
Smitty
As long as the Red Wings have Datsyuk, Lidstrom, and Zetterberg, they are going to be contenders to be Cup Champs. With opponent's being shut down by Draper and Lidstrom and using their defense to try to contain Datsyuk and Zetterberg, role players like Mikael Samuelson and Jiri Hudler can fly under the radar and produce.
I think they have some hard work ahead of them but definitely see them in the playoffs again and possibly going all the way. Trying to repeat as the Cup winner isn't easy to say the least and it will be a long season for them.
Chris
As long as they work hard in the off-season and continue to come together as I team I think they have a great shot for a repeat. It will be anything but easy but I think the chance is there. If anyone can, the Wings can do it.
Smitty
I think those sound like betting words! Have you laid out any money for this with friends or anything? We do that from time to time for predict's on the next years run, sometimes we are really shocked when they actually do what fans say they should.
I think the Lightning will need more that those two solid players to beat the Wings next year. The Wings are much more rounded and have the experience over the Lightning. I think they'll do better but beat the Wings in the finals? I don't see it.
Smitty