Should I stay or should I go?

Burnside has a look at which NHL Coaches he thinks will make it through the season, and who is on the chopping block already:

Given the higher expectations in Washington this season, it will be interesting to see how GM George McPhee and owner Ted Leonsis react if the Caps can't stay in the playoff hunt. Coach Glen Hanlon has done a good job with little to work with in the past, but after starting the season 3-0, the Caps have lost four straight and have been outscored 17-7. Still, the Caps are thinking long haul, so Hanlon should be able to stick around

I couldnt believe it when I saw the blurb for this article that Burnside seemed to be saying Gretzky might be fired. Apparently, Scotty didnt really believe it either:

The Coyotes are dreadful (2-5), but that's to be expected. And who is going to fire Wayne Gretzky in the middle of the season? No one.

Scott Burnside, Caps Stalker

Apparently, Scott Burnside is going to "chronicle" the Caps this season. I know a lot of people hate Scottie, and he does say some stupid stuff, but I think he is okay. And any coverage of the Caps is welcome.

Which team will be this season's surprise story? ESPN.com is picking the Washington Capitals and Scott Burnside will chronicle the team's travels throughout the season. In Part I, we begin with the team's newfound vision at training camp.

Here is Part I.

Finally, some love!

From Scott Burnside's ESPN chat (you have to have the "In" membership to view the whole thing, so the link not might work for those without it):

Ryan, DC: Scott, should I hold off on making plans this spring to make room for a Caps run in the playoffs?

Scott Burnside: Well, I can say the Caps are our darkhorse team pick at ESPN.com. At least for a little while in the spring, you should hang around. A lot of things will have to go right for the Caps. Nicklas Backstrom will have to be an NHL player. But the Caps have defined themselves as a very hard working, very physical team. I think they sneak in for the final playoff spot.

Jack (Denville, NJ): the suprise team of the 2007/08 NHL season will be.............

Scott Burnside: I'm going to hedge my bets and give you a couple. I think the Caps are ready to make a move. I think the Blues will slide into a playoff spot. If you're looking for a negative slide - sadly, I think the Predators are looking to slide out of the playoffs.

Damn right Scotty!