Hockey

Central Division

Standard

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

Standard

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 →

Stanley Cup Conference Finals Preview

Standard

NHL_2014_StanleyCupPlayoffs-672x357

Eastern Conference

New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens

Players to Watch: G Henrik Lundqvist Rangers and D P.K. Subban Canadiens

Who Wins: Canadiens in 6 games

Western Conference

Los Angeles Kings vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Players to Watch: F Anze Kopitar Kings and F Jonathan Toews Blackhawks

Who Wins: Blackhawks in 7 games

NHL Stanley Cup Semifinals Preview

Standard

NHL_2014_StanleyCupPlayoffs-672x357

Eastern Conference

Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins

Players to Watch: D P.K. Subban Canadiens and G Tuukka Rask Bruins

Who Wins: Bruins in 7 games

New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Players to Watch: F Brad Richards Rangers and G Marc-Andre Fleury Penguins

Who Wins: Penguins in 6 games

Western Conference

Los Angeles Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks

Players to Watch: F Anze Kopitar Kings and F Ryan Getzlaf Ducks

Who Wins: Ducks in 7 games

Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Players to Watch: F Zach Parise Wild and F Patrick Kane Blackhawks

Who Wins: Blackhawks in 6 games