[Red Slinger]

To add a little perspective, here are how the teams (based on points) finished the last two seasons and the difference from 2010/11 to 2011/12:

Vancouver
2010/11- 117
2011/12- 111
Difference -6

I think it's fair to say that Vancouver is still the class of Canadian teams (in terms of points, not character) and that they will likely be at the top of this list again this year. There may be a slight drop off due to injuries and uncertainty in net but they are still strong.

Ottawa
2010/11- 74
2011/12- 92
Difference +18

Ottawa had a nice rebound season from the disaster the year before. Which team will show up this year? Hard to say but I imagine that Karlson will come back down to earth a little bit and Alfredsson may have lost a step. I'd say they'll probably be somewhere in the mid to high 80's for points based on a pro-rated season.

Calgary
2010/11- 94
2011/12- 90
Difference -4

They've been fairly consistent around the same point total for the last 3-4 years. They may improve with some new players and coaches or they may not or they may stay the same. I think the Flames will likely be hovering around the same point totals as long as Kiprusoff is healthy.

Winnipeg-
2010/11- NA
2011/12- 84
Difference NA

A young team on the upswing but still need a little more seasoning. Mind you, they also likely got a boost from being the expansion team/returning heroes. That positive sentiment (especially with the lockout) may have waned a little.

Toronto
2010/11-85
2011/12-80
Difference -5

I think they improved a little up front. It will be interesting to see what Carlyle can do with this team for a full season but I think they'll be a little better.

Montreal
2010/11-96
2011/12-78
Difference -18

I don't think this team is as bad as last season showed. They may, in fact, have a rebound season similar to Ottawa last season but I wouldn't bet on it. I think they're better than their 78 points showed last season but nowhere near as good as the 96 the year before.

Edmonton
2010/11-62
2011/12-74
Difference +12

Obviously the Oilers ar a team on the rise but they are still extremely young. I could legitimately see them improving by (a pro-rated) 6-8 points which could put them around 10th in the West.


Overall, I think 6 of the teams will all be very close to each other in terms of points while Vancouver will be a little bit ahead of the pack.