Predictions of Next NHL Season
Thursday, September 07, 2006

Posted by Froberg10

Here is a break-down of what I portray as the top teams in each division next season, with my thoughts on off-season picks and talent around the National Hockey League. Enjoy the article and agree to disagree.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division- New Jersey Devils. I don’t think Philly did enough work in the off-season to make up the ground they lost with all the injuries last season. Forsberg is going to miss at least 20 games next season, and I don’t think Primeau is going to come back as strong as he has been in previous years. The only way the New York Rangers will have as good of a season as they did last year is because of the addition of Shanahan. The Islanders have arguably made the best moves for their team in the off-season, but those will not show for future years. Pittsburgh’s Crosby and Malkin, (if allowed to leave Russia) carry a big load and handle it well. Fluery plays well in net, but their lack of defense makes them vulnerable to high scoring affairs. New Jersey will be keeping the core players from last season.

Northeast Division- Anyone’s game. By far the toughest division to predict, I see all these teams making the playoffs if that’s even possible. Ottawa basically only loses Chara who really didn’t help anyways with the firepower they tote in Alfredsson, Spezza and Heatley. Buffalo keeps the exact same core players that took them to within one game of the cup finals, but if they run into salary cap problems and can’t sign Miller back as goaltender they finish last in this division. Toronto makes some moves to pick up better defensemen to add to Kaberle and Brian McCabe, who busted out of his shell last season. They also signed Frozen Four MVP Robbie Earl, who I think outperforms Phil Kessel in Boston. Speaking of Boston they pick up Chara who will help the 30 year old rookie goaltender who had a breakthrough season last year. Kessel’s presence helps spark the offence, but it’s the veteran leadership (Mark Savard) that carries them next season. Finally you have Montreal. I don’t think they lost a single player to free-agency as they signed the lethal Michael Ryder to a deal. Look for him to become a pure goal scorer this season. I saw spirts of goal scoring prowess from this guy the past two seasons, but I think this season whenever he finds the puck in the slot he will find the open corner and snipe. Amazing shot for a weak skater.

Southeast Division- Carolina Hurricanes. They didn’t lose any core players that really led them to the Cup this season and no team in their division gives them a run for their money unless Tampa’s goaltending is excellent. Bertuzzi’s influence helps Florida in no way. Ovechkin is still amazing to watch and will help Washington pick up some wins this year, but it wont be until Backstrom is on his line, where they will both excel and carry a hurting francise.


b]WESTERN CONFERENCE[/b]

Central Division- St. Louis Blues. One of the toughest divisions to play next season. Detroit the former powerhouse gets overpowered by the speed and aggressiveness of the new additions to the Blues and Blackhawk’s, who pound them physically as well. The Blues signed Weight, still have Tckacuk, picked up Guerin (I believe) and Hinote from Colorado. They just acquired Manny Legace as well. Chicago picks up players that will make them a well rounded team, but still keep them 3rd or 4th in the division. Columbus finishes at the bottom of the pile, but Nash is still a big presence.

Northwest Division- Calgary Flames. Colorado still has tough defensemen, even with the loss of Blake, but will need to score a hefty amount of goals to make up for the goaltending which is possible with Woltek, Sakic, Hejduk, and Svatos. Vancouver hasn’t done much besides picked up Luongo, which will help them make the playoffs as a 7th or 8th seed, but I don’t think much more. Oilers keep their core and grit, with Smyth leading the way, but Calgary still has the same bunch of guys from when they went to the finals in 2004 and picked up Tanguay from Colorado.

Pacific- Anaheim Mighty Ducks. They have bright young stars who proved themselves in the playoffs this season led by Lupul. They have arguably two of the leagues best 10 defensemen in Pronger and Neidermeyer. Dallas and San Jose stay neck and neck with Anaheim, but in the end the acquisition of Pronger will guide them into first as he guided the Oilers to the finals this past season.