1. San Jose Sharks-The Sharks get the nod here because they are the best team every regular season. There's no reason it should change now. By adding two solid goaltenders in Antti Niemi and Antero Niittymaki, the battle for the starting job will motivate both goalies to perform well. Add that to an already stellar offense, the Sharks have what it takes to maintain their regular season dominance. Playoffs are still a completely different matter.
2. Vancouver Canucks-Certainly ambitious to put the Canucks ahead of the Stanley Cup champions. However, the Canucks have an easier division to compete in with the only other team in the division to make the playoffs being the eighth seeded Avalanche last year. The Canucks have a solid consistency on offense, defense, and in the net that will key them to finishing second.
3. Chicago Blackhawks-To think the defending champs will not win their division is on the border of insanity. Yes they lost some of their depth and their goalie, however the core remains. Toews, Hossa, Kane, and Keith are four of the best players in the league and three of the four are age 27 or younger. This group will play virtually identical to its style last year by getting into a high scoring game and simply eliminate difficult shots for Marty Turco.
4. Detroit Red Wings-A healthy Red Wings team is sure to provide better competition for the Blackhawks in the Central Division. The addition of veteran Mike Modano will likely be overlooked and while he does not have the skill he once possessed, the respect he has within that locker room could go a long way. The key is going to be Jimmy Howard's sophomore campaign. Honorable mention Nick Lidstrom's return.
5. Los Angeles Kings-The Kings have some of the best young talent in the NHL. Lead by Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar, and Jonathan Quick in the net, the Kings will learn from their playoff experience last year and will likely make a conference semi-finals appearance this year.
6.Phoenix Coyotes-Phoenix drops off from it's remarkable run last year since the club in it's state of financial crisis, was strapped in terms of improving the team. However, the Coyotes still have a lot of talent and leadership (Shane Doan), a great head coach (Dave Tippett), and an elite goaltender (Ilya Bryzgalov) that will help sustain their success.
7. Anaheim Ducks-Things are looking up on the frozen pond of Anaheim. The move of (Cherry Hill native) Bobby Ryan from wing to center gives the Ducks a tremendous 1-2 punch in terms of f0rward lines. Ryan will center future Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne (yes, he is a HOF player) while Ryan Getzlaf centers the top line alongside Corey Perry. If Jonas Hiller can have a productive season, look for the Ducks to be back in the playoffs and perhaps be a dark horse.
8. St. Louis Blues-No it's not a j0ke, the Blues will be the final playoff team in the West. The addition of Jaroslav Halak with the phenomenal young talent of foward T.J. Oshie and defenseman Eric Johnson will get the Blues back to the postseason.
9. Nashville Predators-The Preds lost one of their greatest franchise leaders in Jason Arnott. It will be extremely difficult to overcome his loss. Combine that with the loss of goalie Dan Ellis, a very reliable backup goaltender to steal some games and it comes back to haunt them.
10. Colorado Avalanche-The Avs surprised everyone with their playoff appearance and tremendous series with the Sharks. However, the Avs problem is not from within. While they did not do much to improve themselves in the offseason, other teams have acquired more talent. So while the Avs haven't hurt themselves, they haven't helped themselves either.
11. Calgary Flames- It's going to be a long year in Alberta. The Flames play a gritty style and yet their only key addition was bringing back center Olli Jokinen to team up with Jarome Iginla. Calgary has some of the most loyal fanbases in the league and they are going to be stuck with mediocrity.
12. Minnesota Wild- The Wild will look to continue their transition from a trap system to a high pressure system, yet still lack the personnel to do so. Mikko Koivu is by far their best player and goalie Niklas Backstrom looks to bounce back after an injury-filled season last year. Still, the Wild just don't have the horses yet to compete with the elite teams of the conference.
13. Columbus Blue Jackets- Steve Mason is the key to the Jackets getting back to their successful ways. The offense has the parts it needs with Rick Nash and R.J. Umberger providing a great 1-2 punch. It's Mason and the spotty defense that will be the key to any improvement.
14. Dallas Stars- Remember when the Stars used to be one of the best teams in the league year in and year out? Those days are long gone as the Stars prized acquisition last year was a young, but talented goalie who had been injured all year. Kari Lehtonen looks to begin anew in Dallas and keep them in games with the little offensive weapons they have.
15. Edmonton Oilers- The Oil can have the same start to their preview as the Stars. Any dynasty that existed has almost completely faded. Four years after coming within a period of winning the Cup, the Oilers are now a laughing stock. There is some reason for hope though. Taylor Hall, the 2010 number one overall pick will certainly put this passionate fanbase back in the seats. He has exceptional skill, speed, and goal-scoring ability that will hopefully get the Oil back on the path to where it belongs as a legitimate contender.
East coming up tomorrow, no playoff predictions until the playoffs arrive.
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