DROP THE PUCK! NHL CONFERENCE PREVIEW, PREDICTIONS
Here’s a look at the NHL’s Western Conference in the predicted order of finish by division (asterisk indicates wild-card playoff teams):
CENTRAL DIVISION
1. St. Louis Blues
Last season: 52-23-7, 111 points, second in Central, lost in division semifinals to Chicago
Who’s gone: G Ryan Miller, LW Brenden Morrow, D Roman Polak
Who’s new: C Paul Stastny, D Carl Gunnarsson, D Chris Butler
Outlook: After trading Jaroslav Halak and counting on Miller down the stretch and in the playoffs backfired, the Blues go into this season with Brian Elliott and Jake Allen. Unlike Miller, they’re used to coach Ken Hitchcock’s system and how few shots St. Louis likes to give up. Up front, Stastny and captain David Backes combine for a nice one-two punch down the middle and there’s plenty of talent on the wings. On defence, Alex Pietrangelo and Jay Bouwmeester lead a group that’s at least five strong.
2. Chicago Blackhawks
Last season: 46-21-15, 107 points, third in Central, lost in conference final to Los Angeles
Who’s gone: C Michal Handzus, F Brandon Bollig, D Sheldon Brookbank
Who’s new: C Brad Richards, D Trevor van Riemsdyk
Outlook: This might be the best top six in the NHL with Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Bryan Bickell and Richards. And that’s still a crazy-deep defence, led by Norris Trophy-winner Duncan Keith. Injuries contributed to last year’s third-place finish, but this is a group that knows to turn it on when it matters. Chicago is a Stanley Cup favourite even if it doesn’t win the Central or even finish second.
3. Dallas Stars
Last season: 40-31-11, 91 points, fifth in Central, lost in division semifinals to Anaheim
Who’s gone: G Tim Thomas, RW Alex Chiasson, D Aaron Rome
Who’s new: C Jason Spezza, RW Ales Hemsky, G Anders Lindback, F Patrick Eaves
Outlook: Jim Nill won the off-season by getting Spezza from the Ottawa Senators for Chiasson, two prospects and a second-round pick and signing Hemsky. Dallas, as a result, is a chic pick to be one of the most improved teams in the NHL and ready to play with the big boys in the West. Much of that depends on the health of goaltender Kari Lehtonen and the play of a virtually anonymous defence led by Alex Goligoski and Trevor Daley. Second-year winger Valeri Nichushkin could also make a substantial leap.
4. Minnesota Wild*
Last season: 43-27-12, 98 points, fourth in Central, lost in division final to Chicago
Who’s gone: G Ilya Bryzgalov, LW Matt Moulson, LW Dany Heatley, D Nate Prosser, D Clayton Stoner
Who’s new: LW Thomas Vanek
Outlook: Goaltending was a huge part of why the Wild made the playoffs last year, and depth in the form of Darcy Kuemper helped them get to the second round and give the Blackhawks a small scare. With Josh Harding injured, Minnesota is counting on Niklas Backstrom staying healthy or Kuemper filling in. Young talent keeps piling up, like centre Mikael Granlund and defenceman Jonas Brodin, and the addition of Vanek should give Mike Yeo’s team a bit more of an offensive punch.
5. Colorado Avalanche
Last season: 52-22-8, 112 points, first in Central, lost in division semifinals to Minnesota
Who’s gone: C Paul Stastny, RW P-A Parenteau, D Andre Benoit, G Jean-Sebastien Giguere
Who’s new: RW Jarome Iginla, D Brad Stuart, C Daniel Briere, F Jesse Winchester
Outlook: Captain Gabriel Landeskog and Calder Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon in separate interviews within an hour said the Avalanche may not get 112 points this year, but they expect the team to be better. It’ll be hard to match last season’s out-of-nowhere success, unless goaltender Semyon Varlamov keeps up a superhuman pace and stays healthy. More likely, Colorado is fighting until the final days for one of the final playoff spots in the West.
6. Nashville Predators
Last season: 38-32-12, 88 points, sixth in Central
Who’s gone: F Patric Hornqvist, F Nick Spaling, D Michael Del Zotto, F Patrick Eaves
Who’s new: RW James Neal, C Olli Jokinen, C Derek Roy, C Mike Ribeiro, D Anton Volchenkov
Outlook: Under new coach Peter Laviolette, the Predators will play a much different, more up-tempo style and have some more weapons with which to do so. Goalie Pekka Rinne being healthy makes a big difference, and Seth Jones should be a year improved learning from Shea Weber. Problem is, this is still the Western Conference, and Nashville is in the toughest, deepest division there is. The Predators will contend, but they have to prove they’re better than Minnesota or Colorado.
7. Winnipeg Jets
Last season: 37-35-10, 84 points, seventh in Central
Who’s gone: C Olli Jokinen, RW Devin Setoguchi, G Al Montoya
Who’s new: C Mathieu Perreault, F T.J. Galiardi, D Keaton Ellerby
Outlook: Meet the new Jets, same as the old Jets. Blake Wheeler said coach Paul Maurice instituted a more professional atmosphere around the team when he took over last year, but the necessary talent to be a playoff contender is still lacking. It would take monster jumps from centre Mark Scheifele and/or defenceman Jacob Trouba and a strong year from goaltender Ondrej Pavelec to make that even a possibility. Pavelec might even need to play more with rookie Michael Hutchinson as his backup.
PACIFIC DIVISION
1. Los Angeles Kings
Last season: 46-28-8, 100 points, third in Pacific, won Stanley Cup
Who’s gone: D Willie Mitchell, C Colin Fraser
Who’s new: F Andy Andreoff, D Brayden McNabb
Outlook: The dreaded Stanley Cup hangover could hurt the Kings, who seem to find their best down the stretch and in the playoffs. The health of Jonathan Quick is important after off-season wrist surgery, but backup Martin Jones isn’t a bad fail safe. Marian Gaborik is back for the long term, so this group is even better than the one that started last season. Young forwards Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson and defenceman Jake Muzzin keep improving and make Los Angeles the team to beat.
2. Anaheim Ducks
Last season: 54-20-8, 116 points, first in Pacific, lost in division final to Los Angeles
Who’s gone: G Jonas Hiller, D Stephane Robidas, C Nick Bonino, RW Teemu Selanne, LW Daniel Winnik, D Luca Sbisa, C Mathieu Perreault
Who’s new: C Ryan Kesler, LW Dany Heatley, F Nate Thompson, D Clayton Stoner
Outlook: By adding Kesler to Ryan Getzlaf down the middle, the Ducks are trying to match the Kings’ one-two punch of Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter. That’s a move that is geared toward a potential playoff series. In the 82 games before that, coach Bruce Boudreau’s bunch is already made to succeed in the regular season. One variable there is rookie John Gibson (and Frederik Andersen) replacing Jonas Hiller and Viktor Fasth. If they’re as good or better, another division title is within reach.
3. San Jose Sharks
Last season: 51-22-9, 111 points, second in Pacific
Who’s gone: D Dan Boyle, RW Martin Havlat
Who’s new: F John Scott, F Tye McGinn
Outlook: On paper, the Sharks are still one of the best teams in the NHL. But the roster doesn’t indicate the state of upheaval they’re in. Joe Thornton has been stripped of the C and Patrick Marleau an A, but each veteran still has a no-trade clause on his new contract that kicks in this season. Wilson talked up a rebuild and made Scott his biggest off-season addition, but San Jose could be the most dysfunctional team to make the playoffs.
4. Vancouver Canucks*
Last season: 36-35-11, 83 points, fifth in Pacific
Who’s gone: C Ryan Kesler, D Jason Garrison, LW David Booth, C Mike Santorelli
Who’s new: G Ryan Miller, RW Radim Vrbata, C Nick Bonino, D Luca Sbisa, C Linden Vey, LW Derek Dorsett
Outlook: Call 2013-14 the worst of times for the Canucks. Injuries hit, John Tortorella lost his mind and tried to storm the Calgary Flames’ locker-room and the season went to hell. Roberto Luongo got traded, Mike Gillis and Tortorella got fired and a new regime took over. With president Trevor Linden, GM Jim Benning and coach Willie Desjardins in place, things should be more stable. Miller will be better facing more shots than he did in St. Louis, and Vey and Sbisa should replace Kesler just fine.
5. Arizona Coyotes
Last season: 37-30-15, 89 points, fourth in Pacific
Who’s gone: C Mike Ribeiro, RW Radim Vrabata, G Thomas Greiss
Who’s new: C Sam Gagner, G Devan Dubnyk, C Joe Vitale, F B.J. Crombeen
Outlook: Dave Tippett is going to have to work some magic after the Coyotes moved Ribeiro, bought out because of what GM Don Maloney called behavioural issues. Gagner who cost almost nothing in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning after the Edmonton Oilers jettisoned him will be counted on to do a lot. Mike Smith might be a system goaltender, but with Tippett’s disciplined team in front of him, he can get the job done.
6. Edmonton Oilers
Last season: 29-44-9, 67 points, seventh in Pacific
Who’s gone: C Sam Gagner, F Ryan Smyth, F Ryan Jones
Who’s new: D Nikita Nikitin, LW Benoit Pouliot, D Mark Fayne, C Leon Draisaitl
Outlook: It seems like every year the young Oilers look ready to make that next step. Edmonton’s identity has become the potential of winning, but the results have been filled with losing. Pouliot and Fayne were smart signings, and goaltending should be at least a little better with Ben Scrivens and Viktor Fasth. But until the core of Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz show evidence they can make the Oilers contenders, they’re still tomorrow’s team, not today’s.
7. Calgary Flames
Last season: 35-40-7, 77 points, sixth in Pacific
Who’s gone: F Michael Cammalleri, D Shane O’Brien, D Chris Butler, G Joey MacDonald
Who’s new: G Jonas Hiller, LW Mason Raymond, RW Devin Setoguchi, D Deryk Engelland, F Brandon Bollig
Outlook: Bob Hartley’s team works hard, but somebody’s got to be last. Hiller is an upgrade over last season’s goaltending, and there are pieces in place at various ages. Sean Monahan is growing, Johnny Gaudreau will be fun to watch, and, if Sam Bennett makes the team, the future will get a test drive. But it’s still rebuilding time in Calgary under president of hockey operations Brian Burke and new GM Brad Treliving. Flames’ fans will have their patience tested but won’t be ashamed of this group.
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Here’s a look at the NHL’s Eastern Conference in the predicted order of finish by division (asterisk indicates wild-card playoff teams):
ATLANTIC DIVISION
1. Boston Bruins
Last season: 54-19-9, 117 points, first in Atlantic, lost in division final to Montreal
Who’s gone: RW Jarome Iginla, LW Shawn Thornton, D Johnny Boychuk, G Chad Johnson, D Andrej Meszaros
Who’s new: None
Outlook: In a salary-cap crunch to round out the roster, the Bruins have kept their core of Selke Trophy-winner Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Brad Marchand, Zdeno Chara and Vezina Trophy-winner Tuukka Rask together. Because of that, Boston is still the beast of the East. What the Habs series showed is the Bruins are beatable with the right matchup, but over an 82-game regular season their depth is difficult to match.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
Last season: 46-27-9, 101 points, second in Atlantic, lost in division semifinals to Montreal
Who’s gone: G Anders Lindback, LW Ryan Malone, RW Teddy Purcell, F B.J. Crombeen, F Nate Thompson
Who’s new: C Brian Boyle, D Anton Stralman, D Jason Garrison, G Evgeni Nabokov, LW Brenden Morrow, LW Jonathan Drouin
Outlook: Despite a first-round sweep at the hands of the Habs, coach Jon Cooper’s team is considered on the rise thanks to star captain Steven Stamkos, defenceman Victor Hedman and goalie Ben Bishop. The addition of rookie Jonathan Drouin to a team that already had two Calder Trophy finalists in Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat gives the Lightning even more of a spark. Winning in the playoffs is the next test for Tampa Bay, and Boyle and Stralman should help in that department.
3. Montreal Canadiens
Last season: 46-28-8, 100 points, third in Atlantic, lost in conference final to New York
Who’s gone: RW Brian Gionta, LW Thomas Vanek, D Josh Gorges, F Daniel Briere, C Ryan White, G Peter Budaj
Who’s new: RW P-A Parenteau, D Tom Gilbert, C Manny Malhotra, F Jiri Sekac
Outlook: Even with plenty of roster turnover, the Habs maintain the identity of a scrappy team that gets offence from P.K. Subban and relies on goaltender Carey Price in big situations. Trading Briere for Parenteau helps replace Gionta, while the signing of Malhotra fills an important bottom-six role. Price staying healthy is always important for Montreal, and that’s especially true in such a competitive Atlantic Division.
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
Last season: 38-36-8, 84 points, sixth in Atlantic
Who’s gone: C Dave Bolland, LW Mason Raymond, F Nikolai Kulemin, D Carl Gunnarsson, C Jay McClement, D Tim Gleason
Who’s new: D Stephane Robidas, F Daniel Winnik, C Mike Santorelli, F Leo Komarov, D Roman Polak, F Matt Frattin, LW David Booth, RW Brandon Kozun
Outlook: The Maple Leafs are the biggest mystery in the NHL with a host of new bottom-six forwards and talk about a changing culture under new president Brendan Shanahan. But the core and coach Randy Carlyle remain. Toronto could finish as high as third or as low as seventh in the division because so much is unknown. Success will ride on the shoulders of goaltender Jonathan Bernier and star winger Phil Kessel, who are capable of carrying a team.
5. Detroit Red Wings
Last season: 39-28-15, 93 points, fourth in Atlantic, lost in conference semifinals to Boston
Who’s gone: F Todd Bertuzzi, F David Legwand
Who’s new: None
Who knows: RW Daniel Alfredsson
Outlook: The Red Wings made it 23 consecutive playoff appearances even after injuries to stars Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datysuk and a host of others ravaged their season. Detroit hopes it can be better by having young players like Tomas Jurco and Tomas Tatar replace aging veterans’ ice time and by staying healthy. Gustav Nyquist might have to score 25 to 30 goals, especially with Datsyuk already hurt. Star coach Mike Babcock is in the last year of his contract.
6. Florida Panthers
Last season: 29-45-8, 66 points, seventh in Atlantic
Who’s gone: D Ed Jovanovski, D Tom Gilbert, F Scott Gomez, G Scott Clemmensen
Who’s new: C Olli Jokinen, C Dave Bolland, LW Shawn Thornton, D Willie Mitchell, D Aaron Ekblad, C Derek MacKenzie, G Al Montoya
Outlook: Stable goaltending from Roberto Luongo for a full season and the growth of youngsters like Jonathan Huberdeau, Nick Bjugstad and Dylan Olsen will help the Panthers improve. Florida won’t be a bottom-feeder anymore, but is it a playoff contender already? Not yet. A top four on the blue-line of Brian Campbell, Dmitry Kulikov, Mitchell and Erik Gudbranson isn’t half bad and if the progression of prospects continues the sun could be rising on a bright future.
7. Ottawa Senators
Last season: 37-31-14, 88 points, fifth in Atlantic
Who’s gone: C Jason Spezza, RW Ales Hemsky, LW Matt Kassian
Who’s new: RW Alex Chiasson, C David Legwand
Outlook: Paul MacLean didn’t become a bad coach from his Jack Adams-winning 2013 season to last year’s disappointment, but this is still a team that lacks whatever Daniel Alfredsson brought beyond production. If prospects like Mark Stone and Curtis Lazar contribute more than expected, the Senators could surprise. Or maybe it’s on goaltenders Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner to show last season was a blip and not the start of a downturn in Ottawa.
8. Buffalo Sabres
Last season: 21-51-10, 52 points, eighth in Atlantic
Who’s gone: D Christian Ehrhoff, F John Scott
Who’s new: RW Brian Gionta, LW Matt Moulson, D Josh Gorges, C Sam Reinhart, D Andre Benoit, D Andrej Meszaros
Outlook: Even with some veteran off-season additions, the race for Connor McDavid (or Jack Eichel or Noah Hanifin, take your pick) is on in Buffalo. General manager Tim Murray has the rebuild going well, but a top-end talent like that could get it on the fast track. Something to watch for is the development of young players Zemgus Girgensons, Rasmus Ristolainen and Reinhart. Goalies Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth won’t help the Sabres avoid the NHL’s basement.
METROPOLITAN DIVISION
1. Pittsburgh Penguins
Last season: 51-24-7, 109 points, first in Metropolitan, lost in division final to New York
Who’s gone: RW James Neal, D Brooks Orpik, D Matt Niskanen, F Jussi Jokinen, C Joe Vitale, LW Tanner Glass, D Deryk Engelland, RW Lee Stempniak
Who’s new: D Christian Ehrhoff, F Patric Hornqvist, F Nick Spaling, G Thomas Greiss, RW Steve Downie, LW Blake Comeau
Outlook: The regime shift from Ray Shero and Dan Bylsma to new general manager Jim Rutherford and new coach Mike Johnston were just a couple of the Penguins’ changes. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin is each still in his prime, but this is a different mix without Neal, Orpik and Niskanen. Marc-Andre Fleury bears watching in a contract year, as does the youth, like defenceman Olli Maatta and winger Beau Bennett. Expectations remain high in Pittsburgh, and justifiably so.
2. New York Islanders
Last season: 34-37-11, 79 points, eighth in Metropolitan
Who’s gone: G Evgeni Nabokov
Who’s new: G Jaroslav Halak, C Mikhail Grabovski, F Nikolai Kulemin, D Nick Leddy, D Johnny Boychuk, G Chad Johhson
Outlook: With a healthy John Tavares after an Olympic knee injury ended his 2013-14 season and Halak and Johnson providing what should be a huge upgrade over last year’s mish-mash in goal, the Islanders HAVE to be better. The early-October additions of Leddy and Boychuk, even at the expense of the future, make New York a playoff team. The biggest question is coach Jack Capuano finding a left-winger to play with Tavares. Thomas Vanek and Matt Moulson aren’t available.
3. Columbus Blue Jackets
Last season: 43-32-7, 93 points, fourth in Metropolitan, lost in division semifinals to Pittsburgh
Who’s gone: D Nikita Nikitin, F R.J. Umberger, LW Blake Comeau, C Derek MacKenzie, D Nick Schultz
Who’s new: LW Scott Hartnell
Outlook: Steady as she goes for the Blue Jackets, who have been on the rise with 2013 Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and some of the best no-name talent in the league. Columbus didn’t have a player in the top 30 in the NHL in points Ryan Johansen was 34th and he was the only player above 51 points. Johansen getting signed to a three-year deal helps, but Nathan Horton’s potential long-term absence has the potential derail this season.
4. New York Rangers*
Last season: 45-31-6, 96 points, second in Metropolitan, lost in Stanley Cup final to Los Angeles
Who’s gone: C Brad Richards, C Brian Boyle, D Anton Stralman, LW Benoit Pouliot, LW Derek Dorsett
Who’s new: D Dan Boyle, LW Ryan Malone, LW Tanner Glass, RW Lee Stempniak, D Mike Kostka
Outlook: Did the Rangers take advantage of good matchups to make the Cup final, or are they among the best in the East for years to come? Veterans like Martin St. Louis and Henrik Lundqvist bet it’s the latter, and Alain Vigneault is one reason to think it’s possible as New York is now accustomed to the former Vancouver Canucks coach. Losing Richards (compliance buyout), Boyle and Stralman will hurt, and there’s almost no depth at centre with Derek Stepan injured.
5. Washington Capitals*
Last season: 38-30-14, 90 points, fifth in Metropolitan
Who’s gone: C Mikhail Grabovski, LW Dustin Penner, G Jaroslav Halak
Who’s new: D Brooks Orpik, D Matt Niskanen, G Justin Peters
Outlook: Defensive breakdowns were Washington’s biggest problem in 2013-14, when the playoffs only got within reach with a late run. The Capitals weren’t as close to making it as the standings look. But with Evgeny Kuznetsov around from the start, new coach Barry Trotz running the show and Alex Ovechkin coming off a 51-goal season, the Capitals could get right back into the post-season. Braden Holtby is key to that possibility.
6. Philadelphia Flyers
Last season: 42-30-10, 94 points, third in Metropolitan, lost in division semifinals to New York
Who’s gone: LW Scott Hartnell, RW Steve Downie
Who’s new: F R.J. Umberger, D Michael Del Zotto, D Nick Schultz
Who knows: D Kimmo Timonen
Outlook: Timonen’s absence for the foreseeable future after the diagnosis of blood clots is worse than anything else that happened to Philadelphia over the summer. Timonen played every situation for the Flyers, and they’ll feel his loss unless Del Zotto can do it all, too. Hartnell for Umberger was a downgrade, too. But GM Ron Hextall has talked about building through scouting and the draft, so one step back for a couple forward might be the way to go.
7. New Jersey Devils
Last season: 35-29-18, 88 points, sixth in Metropolitan
Who’s gone: G Martin Brodeur, D Anton Volchenkov, D Mark Fayne, C Andrei Loktionov
Who’s new: F Mike Cammalleri, RW Martin Havlat, G Scott Clemmensen
Outlook: Had the Devils won even half their shootouts after going 0-13 last season, they would’ve been in playoff contention. Coach Peter DeBoer playing Cory Schneider more and Brodeur less might have done it, too. With Brodeur gone, that won’t be a problem this time around. Jaromir Jagr might not put up 67 points again, so that offence will have to come from somewhere. That could come from Cammalleri or bargain-basement pickup Martin Havlat.
8. Carolina Hurricanes
Last season: 36-35-11, 83 points, seventh in Metropolitan
Who’s gone: C Manny Malhotra, G Justin Peters
Who’s new: D Tim Gleason, C Jay McClement
Outlook: Somebody has to be last in this division, and barring a monster season from captain Eric Staal, winger Alexander Semin, defenceman Justin Faulk or goaltender Cam Ward, it’s the Hurricanes. After five straight seasons out of the playoffs, Carolina is in the midst of a retooling process under new GM Ron Francis and new coach Bill Peters. Jeff Skinner suffering another concussion and Jordan Staal missing the first half of the season with a broken leg has made for a bad start.
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(Canadian Press/Stephen Whyno)
