Hockey

Central Division

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1. Chicago Blackhawks

The deepest roster in the Western Conference should keep them in the conversation for Cup contenders.

2. Nashville Predators

Last years Cup run was no fluke. They’ll remain favorites to return.

3. St. Louis Blues

Plenty of talent to go around, but that salary cap is going to start collapsing on them.

4. Minnesota Wild

There’s plenty of fire power on offense, but do they have enough to stop opponents come playoff time?

5. Dallas Stars

A few major acquisitions has them knocking on the door of clinching a playoff berth.

6. Winnipeg Jets

Playing in a tough division has them remaining near the bottom of the conference.

7. Colorado Avalanche

They’ll need to decide soon who will remain for their inevitable roster rebuild. Continue reading →

Atlantic Division

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1. Montreal Canadiens

As long as Carey Price remains in net, they will remain atop the division.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs

The young core is getting better at a rapid pace.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning

With the return of Steven Stamkos, Tampa has their sights set on a Cup run.

4. Ottawa Senators

Their playoff run last year was something to marvel. Time to see if they can go further.

5. Boston Bruins

The youth movement has begun in Boston.

6. Buffalo Sabres

Another head coaching change means the Sabres have to get on track quickly.

7. Florida Panthers

A disappointing season means lower expectations, which could bode well for this young, but talented group.

8. Detroit Red Wings

Moving into a new arena always brings optimism, but it will be hard to overlook their flaws. Continue reading →

Metropolitan Division

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1. Pittsburgh Penguins

Their depth is unmatched in a tough division.

2. Washington Capitals

A little roster shakeup might be just what they needed.

3. New York Rangers

So goes Henrik in net, so goes the Rangers Cup chances.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets

Their quick rise in the division was no fluke and having the reigning Vezina trophy winner proves that.

5. New York Islanders

It would be amazing if they didn’t retain their captain John Tavares at some point this year.

6. Carolina Hurricanes

Having a different full-time net-minder will go a long way in changing their fortunes.

7. Philadelphia Flyers

The top six forwards are solid, but their blue line and goaltender situation is a bit in flux.

8. New Jersey Devils

While they shouldn’t be the worst team in the conference, there will be growing pains along the way. Continue reading →