Ok, I'm back for part two of my season prediction. Its now time to look at the Pele division.
PELE division
Mexico
Mexico finished in 2nd place behind Rio last season. More than half of the players on the team tried the free agency market during the offseason. Two players, Bill Guerin and Pavol Demitra decided to go elsewhere. This has resulted in that the Right wing of the Bruritos isn't even close to what it was last season. The team has great depth and shouldn't have to suffer from injuries and slumps on any position.
Grade card
Centers: A
Right W: B
Left W : B
Defense: A-
Goalies: A-
OVgrade: B+
Cairo
Cairo came close to upset Rio in the first round last season. My guess is that the Egyptian team will have an even earlier exit this season. Retirements might become a problem real soon. Can the "The Rocket" continue to play like he did in the end of last season. Milley is in his second season in the league and he needs to put up the numbers this season.
Grade card
Centers: B(-)
Right W: B+
Left W : B+
Defense: B-
Goalies: A
OVgrade: B
Santiago
New season and a new GM, talk about deja vu. The"Dolly's", as I'll refer to this team from now on, have never been in the playoffs. I think that will change this season. The team is looking pretty good all around, they just have to hope that they can stay healthy and away from slumps. Guerin and Dupuis will be nice additions to the teams offense.
Grade card
Centers: B+
Right W: B+
Left W : A
Defense: B-
Goalies: B
OVgrade: B(+)
Cape Town
Koivu has to continue leading this team if they are to succeed. Larry Robinson is another key player that will have to improve from last season. He only saw 56 games last season. The team had an amazing amount of 1st rounders in this years draft. A few of those will be given a chance to prove themselves. Watch out for Gionta. The team is deep in most positions.
Grade card
Centers: A
Right W: A-
Left W : B
Defense: B+
Goalies: A
OVgrade: A-
Rio
The Carnavales made it all the way to the finals last season and might be able to do so this season aswell. GM Jason has done a great number of changes to his team since last season, most of them has improved his team. Right now I only see one thing stopping the Carnivals from winning the division title, Eric Lindros.
Grade card
Centers: A
Right W: A
Left W : A-
Defense: A-
Goalies: A
OVgrade: A-
Havana
The Harlots are the punching bags of the Pele if you ask me. I'd be very surprised if this team makes it to the playoffs this season. It'd require that atleast two of the other GM's fall down dead or simply ignore their teams. The goalies is the teams strongest postition, thats probably a VERY good thing. Mark Bell has already proved that he can carry an entire team on his shoulders, can he do it again with Havana ?
Grade card
Centers: C
Right W: C
Left W : B-
Defense: B
Goalies: A
OVgrade: C+
Overview
Rio
Cape Town
Mexico
Santiago
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Cairo
Havana
Next up: The Borg division.