1. Los Angeles Kings
They’re still one of the deepest teams in the NHL.
2. Anaheim Ducks
One more year of Teemu means another run at the Cup.
3. Vancouver Canucks
New coach, new attitude. Need the old Luongo.
4. San Jose Sharks
Probably the last run for the current group of stars.
5. Edmonton Oilers
It’s time to see how this group plays with expectations.
6. Phoenix Coyotes
A stable ownership group will put the focus on hockey.
7. Calgary Flames
Clearly a rebuilding year, but they have some bright spots.
Kings
Head Coach: Darryl Sutter
Key Position: Forward – Losing Dustin Penner takes away some size on the top two lines, but there is enough depth to help offset that. It just means bigger roles for the likes of Kyle Clifford, Dwight King, Trevor Lewis and Jordan Nolan. Whoever out of that bunch can take charge will help this team contend.
Key Acquisitions: RW Matt Frattin, LW Daniel Carcillo, D Jeff Schultz, G Ben Scrivens
Key to Win the Cup: Stay Healthy
Ducks
Head Coach: Bruce Boudreau
Key Position: Defensemen – There is enough young talent to help offset the trade of Bobby Ryan, but the Ducks will need to improve their defense after a disappointing early end to their season last year in the first round. Too many turnovers at inopportune times lead to easy goals for the opposition.
Key Acquisitions: RW Dustin Penner, RW Jakob Silfverberg, D Mark Fistric
Key to Win the Cup: No first round exit
Canucks
Head Coach: John Tortorella
Key Position: Goalie – The last time the Vancouver Canucks were a powerhouse in the NHL, their goaltender Roberto Luongo was without a doubt the best in the game. If Vancouver wants to get back to the Cup Final they will need him at his best and new head coach John Tortorella knows it.
Key Acquisitions: F Brad Richardson, D Yannick Weber
Key to Win the Cup: They need the old Roberto Luongo back
Sharks
Head Coach: Todd McLellan
Key Position: Forward – They were ranked near the bottom half in goals scored per game last year, but their power play was near the top half of the league. That can’t happen again this year if the Sharks want to make one last push with this current group for a Stanley Cup berth.
Key Acquisitions: C Tyler Kennedy
Key to Win the Cup: Don’t listen to the hype
Oilers
Head Coach: Dallas Eakins
Key Position: Defensemen – Edmonton can score with the best teams in the NHL. Their biggest problem isn’t necessarily their goalie position, but rather their shots against per game. Next to last in the league last year. Adding Andrew Ference will help, but the up and comers in this group need to do better.
Key Acquisitions: D Andrew Ference, G Jason LaBarbera, LW David Perron
Key to Win the Cup: Exceed all expectations
Coyotes
Head Coach: Dave Tippett
Key Position: Power Play – Besides not scoring enough goals on even strength, they struggled to score when they had the advantage. They also struggled to stop opponents from taking advantage with a man advantage. With added stability knowing the franchise is definitely going to stay in Arizona the Coyotes focus should be strictly on the ice.
Key Acquisitions: C Mike Ribeiro, G Thomas Greiss
Key to Win the Cup: Score more goals
Flames
Head Coach: Bob Hartley
Key Position: Goalie – With the retirement of long time net-minder Miikka Kiprusoff the Flames now have a huge hole. They were very good on special teams last scoring goals on the power play and preventing goals from being scored on the penalty kill. However, their goals per game average of 3.27 was third worst and with the loss of Kiprusoff it won’t get any better.
Key Acquisitions: LW T.J. Galiardi, D Kris Russell, G Karri Ramo, C Sean Monahan
Key to Win the Cup: Worry about it next year
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