TOP 3 MODERN DAY RIVALRIES LOOKING TO GET HEATED THIS SEASON

 1) CHICAGO VS VANCOUVER

The Vancouver-Chicago rivalry is probably the most entertaining rivalry hockey has seen post-lockout. Forget about Capitals-Penguins. This isn’t just about two players, its about hatred given and received by both teams. Both teams are stacked with Superstars (Toews, Hossa, Kane for Chicago, and Daniel, Henrik and Luongo for Vancouver.) But the best part is that they’ve been meeting in the playoffs for seven game series every year. Both teams are basically stacked at every position, which makes it even more fun to watch. They’ve each been to the finals the past two years, so it’s going to be interesting to see how close series is, especially after Chicago focused on experience this summer instead of speed and skill

2) SAN JOSE VS DETROIT

Even though the Sharks have gotten so close, they have yet to get to the finals in team history. And it seems as though any trip in the playoffs means a meeting with the Wings.  This year looks to be no different, with one key addition to the Sharks blueline, and a key departure to that of the Wings. San Jose got Brent Burns this past summer, and also forward Martin Havlat. Detroit lost Brian Rafolski to retirement, which has not helped them, but they are looking at Ian White to take on a defensive responsibility, and help out the team as much as possible. This year, both teams should be stronger then last year, meaning I expect the Western Conference champs to be, or meet one of these two teams in the conference finals. It is a great rivalry that the players really get into, and especially after last years Sharks got so close to the finals, they will be thirsty to drink from the cup.

3) PANTHERS VS LIGHTNING

The past few years have been very good for the Florida rivalry, with Stamkos vs Vokoun. But this year will be much more entertaining, with Florida filling up their roster with players like Brian Campbell, Tomas Kopecky, and Tomas Fleishmann. The Lightning are still going to be in the playoff hunt, with Stamkos, St. Louis and Lecavalier staying put. This rivalry has always had tons of goals, with both teams being based around the forwards, and goaltending being mediocre. The series should be much closer then it has in the past, with Florida evening out their roster over the summer.

Article by Noah Goren.

HABS LOOKING HOT FOR 2011-2012 - Standouts at each position for this coming season:

2011-2012 IS GOING TO BE LARGE FOR THE HABS

The new guys on board for the Habs could make the difference for the team this year.

Forward =  #72 Erik Cole

After coming off a 52 point performance, Erik Cole is looking for another solid season in his new home. The Canadiens are hoping that his size and consistency will pay off in the long run. He’s a 6 foot 2 power forward with good scoring ability. He’s looking to get onto that 1^st line with Plekanec and Cammalleri, which needs a big presence in front of the net. Last season that line struggled due to injuries and lack of consistency from Andrei Kostitsyn, who is now slotted as a 3^rd line winger. I predict Cole to have about 60 points, as he’s now playing with more talented players who can give him the puck.

Defense = #26 Josh Gorges

The Kelowna, BC native played only 36 games last season, due to injury, yet he is still considered one of , if not the most consistent defenceman on the team. A solid leader, he and Hal Gill are the anchors to the penalty kill. He is an underrated player, who is truly adored by fans. He should have an “A” on his sweater, as he always shows great leadership qualities on and off the ice. Look for him to play with Andrei Markov for most of the season, as Gill played and was a great mentor for PK Subban. Look for Gorges to have about 25 points this season, and as always be a plus player, especially now with a healthy Andrei Markov.

Goalie = #30 Peter Budaj

I know everyone is going to be extremely surprised with my pick of him over Carey Price, but I feel as though a strong team needs to have a strong goaltending tandem. Look at the Bruins last year, they were comfortable putting in Tuuka Rask. Well I feel comfortable with all 4 of our goalies  (Carey Price, Peter Budaj, Nathan Lawson and Peter Delmas) going into this season. I feel as though Budaj will play in about 20 games this year, and win about 12 of them. He has to be prepared and take advantage of his opportunity this year as it is probably his last year to make a name for himself. He had a rocky start to his career in Colorado, but I believe that after this summer, the Canadiens whole team is stronger, including the goalie situation.

2011-2012 is going to be key for the Habs faithful and these guys make all the real Montreal fans smile with anticipation.

Article written by Noah Goren.

Get Real Hockey is Back !!! Do you want experience as a writer ?

The summer is gone and the world needs hockey.  We are cranked up for some serious action as the boys look forward to hitting the ice hard. The tragedy in Russia weighs on everyone's mine in the hockey world and they will be remembered by fans across the world when the NHL season opens their pre-season.

If you have something to say and you want the world to know; please sign up with us as a writer.  This is the second season for Get Real Hockey.  We will be publishing all the submitted stories on Getrealhockey.blogspot.com and Getrealhammered.com.

We want super fans who love their teams to come forward and write for our sites.  The second season for the Get Real family will be much better than the first.  We have ideas that we are going to implement and get the house rocking !!! Join us for an amazing 2011-2012 season.