Hockey

Atlantic Division

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1. Boston Bruins

Defense has led to success in the past and should do wonders this year.

2. Montreal Canadiens

They always seem to be so close the last few years. Maybe this year will be different?

3. Tampa Bay Lightning

The moves they made for the defensive unit will help immensely.

4. Detroit Red Wings

Not a lot of scoring options, but that didn’t deter them in the past.

5. Toronto Maple Leafs

Like Montreal, Toronto fans have been wanting a winner for some time now.

6. Ottawa Senators

The franchise is paving the way for the future and it does look bright.

7. Florida Panthers

A few veteran additions should help build a solid young core.

8. Buffalo Sabres

Last year was rough, but the Sabres do have some assets to build on. Continue reading →

Central Division

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1. Chicago Blackhawks

With a stacked roster they should remain Cup contenders.

2. Colorado Avalanche

The surprise of the league last year they’ll have to build on that success.

3. St. Louis Blues

The problem wasn’t in net, it was up front with the top scoring lines.

4. Dallas Stars

Be prepared for a Hart Trophy like season from Tyler Seguin.

5. Minnesota Wild

Getting Vanek might be the final piece to the puzzle.

6. Winnipeg Jets

A loyal fan base will have to wait another year for a playoff spot.

7. Nashville Predators

With a new coach in place for the first time in franchise history, there will be a learning curve. Continue reading →

Pacific Division

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1. Anaheim Ducks

Getting Kesler should put the Ducks right at the level the rival Kings are at.

2. Los Angeles Kings

Keeping Gaborik long-term will help in the Kings title defense.

3. San Jose Sharks

A few shakeups on the roster puts the emphasis on winning now.

4. Vancouver Canucks

How much Ryan Miller has left will determine the Canucks success.

5. Arizona Coyotes

A new branding isn’t the only thing the Coyotes want to change.

6. Edmonton Oilers

With a stacked division in front of them it might be another year for the breakout season.

7. Calgary Flames

Being in rebuilding mode the Flames are still looking for an identity. Continue reading →

2014 Stanley Cup Champions

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They were nearly swept in the first round. Their backs were against the wall with their crosstown rivals. And they had to defeat the defending Stanley Cup champions. Now imagine if the Los Angeles Kings had won the Stanley Cup last year. This would be their third consecutive Cup title and the first such feat since 1983 when the New York Islanders had finished off their fourth consecutive championship.  Continue reading →

2014 Stanley Cup Final Preview

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New York Rangers vs. Los Angeles Kings

It isn’t the quintessential ‘David vs. Goliath’ matchup as both teams are located in two of the biggest media markets in the country. With the Kings recent success of winning a Stanley Cup they have the upper hand on the Rangers who last won the Cup in 1994. Continue reading →