San Jose may have a regression back to earth this year - long playoff runs can do that to western teams.
Anaheim is weaker
LA is weaker
Arizona should improve, but goaltending is questionable
Oilers will improve (shudder) but defence is questionable, as is ability to play a fast paced game
Vancouver is no better or worse - Eriksson is a good player, but that team is like the pre-rebuild flames
Calgary has addressed goaltending, question mark on secondary scoring, but should improve
It is a tough year to predict the pacific, as there is no longer a clear standout
1. Flames
2. Sharks
3. Coyotes
4. Ducks
5. Oilers
6. Kings
7. Canucks
But separation between 1-6 will be very small
As for the rest
Central
1. Dallas
2. Chicago
3. Nashville
4. St. Louis
5. Minnesota
6. Winnipeg
7. Colorado
Atlantic
1. Lightning
2. Panthers
3. Habs
4. Sabres
5. Red Wings
6. Bruins
7. Senators
8. Leafs
Metro
1. Penguins
2. Capitals
3. Flyers
4. Islanders
5. Rangers
6. Blue Jackets
7. Devils
8. Hurricanes
slightly controversial picks that Rangers and Red Wings start to slide
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