Predictions:
Atlantic
1. Jersey. Nobody can really get past them in this division. Philly can give them a run, but ultimately, the NEW best goaltender currently in the league leads this defense.
2. Philly. Only team that can really give Jersey a run for their money, but only if EVERYTHING goes exactly right. Yet another disappointing run for them will result in Jeremy Roenick getting traded for a package of plastic cups, a 3423 round draft choice, and a bag of Doritos.
3. NY Islanders. They'll make it. Barely. And win a few games. And go out. Average, average, average.
4. NY Rangers. This is going to be a blast to watch.
5. Pittsburgh. I want to see Mario do his BERZERKER attack on another 23 year old, deer-in-the-headlights-scared defenseman. That's about the only entertaining thing about this team.
Northeast
1. Ottawa. Nobody else in the division is even CLOSE to being as deeply rich in talent as this team is right now. There are players that are getting sent to the minors that have more talent than most of the Penguins players. That's scary. They win this year, and we're looking at the making of a dynasty.
2. Toronto. Ageless Joe Nieuwendyk and washed up goon Bryan Marchment are apparently going to lead them into the beyond...riiiiiight.
3. Boston. Potvin is not the answer, but with Samsonov and Thorton both healthy, pray for opposing defensemen and goalies.
4. Buffalo. Getting Chris Drury is a good start for this franchise's rebuilding.
5. Montreal. Of course, this depends on which Jose Theodore they get.
Southeast
1. Florida. Talent, talent, talent at every position.
2. Tampa. Maybe a win or two. The loss of Prospal is going to hurt them.
3. Atlanta. One year away.
4. Carolina. I'm not convinced in many players on this team, besides Erik Cole, Kevin Weekes, and whether Eric Staal can emerge.
5. Washington. Last year was...luck.
Central
1. Detroit. Duh. Though the loss of Fedorov will make them less fear striking on offense. But Derian Hatcher gives this team depth, and the return of Hasek makes them instant favorites. A quiet move acquiring Ray Whitney will help them too.
2. St. Louis. Pronger, MacInnis, which will force the Calder winner last year to the second line. Deep defense, and an underrated offense could help this team contend.
3. Columbus. They need Todd Marchant to step up, along with Darryl Sydor and Marc Denis. If that happens and Rick Nash, a future star to pound goals in, does just that, they could sneak in at #8.
4. Nashville. Still a lot of work to be done, but resigning Legwand, pretty much their star, and keeping Tomas Volkoun, who is their future goalie, were good moves, as well as keeping Andy Delmore.
5. Chicago. Look up 'mess' in the dictionary. You'll see the Indian head.
Northeast
1. Colorado. Score, score, score. Defense? Average. Goalie? Remains to be seen. They are contenders though.
2. Vancouver. It all falls on Cloutier. He'll do well in the regular season, but get lit up when it actually counts.
3. Minnesota. Their system gives them the ability to win without a star. They have a great tandem of netminders, and a defense that fits their system.
4. Edmonton. Meh, they're better than Calgary.
5. Calgary. Just not yet.
Pacific
1. Anaheim. I'm sold. Giguere heads up a quietly efficient defense, and they got two great offensive weapons in the offseason.
2. Dallas. Marty resigned, but Hatcher is gone, and no, Numminen won't replace him.
3. Los Angeles. Roman helps them, and will do better than Potvin.
4. San Jose. They lost Teemu, pretty much their entire offense falls on Vincent Damphousse. Not a great time to be a Sharks fan.
5. Phoenix. New uniforms don't hide the fact that this team sucks.
EAST:
Ottawa
Jersey
Florida
Philly
Tampa
Toronto
Boston
Isles
WEST:
Detroit
Colorado
Anaheim
Dallas
St. Louis
Vancouver
Minnesota
Los Angeles
Ottawa v. Detroit
Ottawa in 6