re: Choosing an NHL team to follow (STL Blues, it is - questions on pg. 7)

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I used to like the Wild. Now I hate them more than the Red Wings for moving the Aeros to N Dakota or wherever they went

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They are in Minnesota. Their AHL team should be closer than Texas.

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Do you remember enjoying a particular team or player last playoffs?

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Honestly, as sad as it is, I have a hard time remembering which teams or players impressed me. If you had asked me a few months ago, I would've been able to answer this.

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However, if you refuse to make the smart decision, I'd go Oilers or Blues.

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The Blues are a team I would definitely consider. I've been impressed by the energy of their crowds and those jerseys are pretty nice.

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I will suggest the Minnesota Wild. I saw a lot of their younger guys come through Houston when the Aeros were here and the team is improving, they just need to get over the Blackhawk hump in the playoffs.

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The only hockey game I've ever been to was an Aeros game, so this makes a lot of sense. But, considering the Aeros are no longer with us, I'm not sure how big of a draw that is for me.

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You will get called a bandwagon fan, and I am biased, but I would follow the Blackhawks. I was a fan when I was younger and started following them heavily a few years back before I moved to Chicago.

As someone who is looking for a team to follow, they are a good one because:

1) they are a winner. Always makes it easier to get excited
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2) they have two young stars, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who both signed matching 8 year deals in the offseason

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That's tempting.

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Don't go with the Blackhawks. People will laugh when you tell them you just started following Chicago. Plus, there isn't much fun in following the conference favorite.

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I probably won't. I just said it was tempting.

Its tough to beat growing up with a team and going through the ups and downs with them. (Go Hawks)
Going by your description I dunno if you would want to follow the my Blackhawks but they are in the middle of an epic run that if it keeps up with be described as a dynasty.
Ill tell you like ive told others. If I were a new fan and couldn't pick the Hawks I would follow the St. Louis Blues.
They are up and coming power that hasnt quite hit its stride due to injuries but yoy would be hopping on the bandwagon at a good time.
For God's sake just dont pick the damn Penguins. I doubt there's any room left on that bandwagon and theyre soft like cotton.

If you want excitement then you should absolutely choose the LA Kings.

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I probably won't. I just said it was tempting.

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Don't let the haters sway you. This is the MSB on a Louisiana site, not like there is a ton of lifelong fans on here

Avs FTMFW.

Aeros are now in Des Moines, Iowa.

The reason that they are there is the fricking Houston Rockets not the Wild.

jump on the Wild pain train, brah, for nothing else than getting to say, "Let's go Wild!"

I wouldn't choose Oilers. You mentioned competence in your OP. If that's important to you, well... Edmonton's had some team-building issues lately, and I'll just leave it at that.

Also, based on the "Yankees", I'd say no to the following:

Any of the Original Six (Blackhawks, Red Wings, Leafs, Canadiens, Rangers, Bruins)
Penguins
Kings

I'll give you the biased answer to think about the Blue Jackets. We were the youngest team in the league last year and won our first two playoff games in franchise history. Our goaltender won the Vezina (best goalie in the league) two seasons ago and is still only 25 years old. I legitimately believe in 2-3 years we'll be Cup contenders. It'd be kind of cool for you to jump on now since still haven't even won a playoff series ever (Yes, never in our history). You would not be accused of bandwagon, but you'd be hopping on board at a great time. Plus, there are a lot of CBJ fans on this site, which just makes it a little more fun.

You mention the Blues and Wild. Both of those are great choices. Definitely not "Yankees" but very competent organizations, with strong (but not outstanding) recent success. The other nice thing about them is they're both in Dallas' division, which means you'll have more opportunities to make the drive up there to see them play in the regular season than if you were a fan of teams outside Dallas' division.

Other teams I'd consider:

Ducks
Avalanche
Lightning

If you have any specific questions on any of those teams, feel free to ask.