The Western Conference which thought of as very weak last season, got a lot stronger for this upcoming season and teams that believe they have it easy will quickly find out that any team can win on any given night. To the West we go.
Colorado Avalanche: Salary Cap: $50,844,998 Avg age: 27.7 yrs old Key Player to watch: Ryan Kesler Sleeper: Mike Smith Outlook: This team believes its a playoff caliber team. Look no further than up on offence where you can find a sleuth of young men who can place the puck in the net. What is best is that all forwards are able to play multiple positions which should give those options on how to set the lineup. Kesler, Sharp and Giroux should be the 3 that lead the way this season but Ryan and Claude are also RFA agents so they are looking for a great payday after the season.
If the team will succeed they will be depending a lot on Mike Smith. Acquired in a trade just as the preseason began they believe they found their man for following 2 seasons as backups Budaj and Lehner await for their chance. Their defence is aging with Timonen, Spacek and their Captain Rafalski all over the age of 35. They will need legs in a gruelling 82 game schedule but its nothing new for them as they continue to be at their best year after year. This team also is setting itself up with 3 first round draft picks so if they need to bring in a big body to win now they have that in their back pocket if they chose to go that way.
Prediction: Colorado enjoying a mile high season. 6th in the Western Conference.
Chicago Blackhawks Salary Cap: $56,679,000 Avg age: 28.5 yrs old Key Player to watch: Jeff Carter Sleeper: David Backes Outlook: The Hawks fell just short of a championship last season but are looking forward to getting back there for redemption. In order to complete that task they will rely heavily on tender Craig Anderson. Anderson will have to be sharp as they have a defence that will jump into the rush a lot so he might see 2 on 1 counter rushes coming his way. Should Anderson need a rest here or there veteran Theodore is able to provide a solid game where available.
As I said their defence will look to jump in and create some action on offence. Tobias Enstrom and Mike Green will challenge each other to see who could score more goals but both will see PP time but not PK as they think one minded at times. Enter Robidas and Jan Hedja. They should gel together and play more stay at home defence and match up against the top offensive units each night. Hawks have been tinkering with their forwards during preseason but look to Nathan Horton and Vinny Lecavalier leading the team on offence. Jeff Carter and Matt Moulson will be the go to guys when goals are needed and both could easily net 30 to 35 this year.
Prediction: Chicago on its way back to where they were. Hawks 2nd in the Western Conference.
Columbus Blue Jackets Salary Cap: $29,399,125 Avg age: 27.5 yrs old Key Player to watch: Corey Crawford Sleeper: Justin Abdelkader Outlook: Columbus plays in a strong central division and Crawford is hoping to cause chaos and stealing games as this may be their only hope in getting points this coming season. For lack of better words, the Bluejackets are looking forward to another top draft pick to join their nice long list of promising names just waiting to see some action. Alex Auld is once again backing up in Columbus and might be thrown into the wolves some games as they might be allowing a lot of goals against.
Eric Brewer and Cory Sarich will be the main course on defence, eating up lots of minutes every night. The team does not have any puck moving defensemen nor do they have any offensive weapons so players like Bryan Allen or Clayton Stoner might have to chip in offensively at some point for success. Not much can be said for the team on offence. Brad Marchand will have to prove his worth as he is their best offensive choice. John Madden is the only center that can win face-offs so look for this team to be in chase mode most of the games. Justin Abdelkader and Alex Burmistrov are both young and fast and will need their energy for a boost. When its said and done I am certain they are eying a true center in Hopkins. Schenn and Leddy are in the minors but might help the minors system to a title but could get called up at some point during the year.
Prediction: Feeling BLUE for all jacket fans. Columbus 15th in the West.
St. Louis Blues Salary Cap: $23,605,750 Avg age: 25.5 yrs old Key Player to watch: Kyle Okposo Sleeper: Artem Anisimov Outlook: This team failed to find a key component in the offseason. Justin Pogge is the teams number 1 goalie and if they want any chance to survive they have to make a move to sure up the backend. If not it will be a long season or rotating goalies with Dave Caruso and Joel Martin. The skill level is also lacking on defence where guys are playing that Im not sure if many teams even know they exist. Sean O'donnell is the only familiar name and after that there are names like Brett Carson, Joe Loprieno, Jakub Kindl to name a few and will have some rough days ahead.
Their top line might be their only scoring line. Anisimov, Perron and Okposo are all young and the spark plugs to scoring for the Blues. They do not much more after that. Mike Fisher and Pisani will be secondary scoring and 20 plus goals will be a great achievement for them. Look for a lot of double shifting as much of the rest of the forwards are minor leaguers at best. There doesn't seem to be much help in the farm system as most of them are playing the minutes now on the major club. Look for a top draft pick next season and with Nabakov to return as well.
Prediction: Singing the Blues, St. Louis finishes 13th in the Western Conference
Vancouver Canucks Salary Cap: $54,657,250 Avg age: 28.1 yrs old Key Player to watch: Pavel Datsyuk Sleeper: Nathan Gerbe Outlook: This team is looking like a lock for a post season berth after a couple of seasons mired at the bottom of the west. This team has built up its forward strength thru trade, thru free agency, thru their own system and the time is now to win. Pavel Datsyuk on a 1 yr deal will be looked upon for his leadership and scoring ability but his fellow teammates will be there to help him along. The strength of the team is definitely on the wings with the likes of Booth, Gerbe, Grabner, Clowe, all can play top 6 minutes. Conroy and Mcclement are great 3rd and 4th line centers which will help grind out games and wins for the team.
The defence might have a bit to prove but are led by captain Willie Mitchell. Mitchell and Weaver are great defenders and but not as strong as passers, but they are complimented well with 20 yr old Victor Hedmen and Hjarlmarsson. Look for them to provide some strong offensive presence. In goal it looks to be Backstrom who started all the preseason games to be the guy who takes to the ice on opening night. Sergei Bobrovsky is lurking on the bench and will be ready when called upon. And if this team thinks they need some help they have a farm system ready with the likes of Hodgson, zack smith, D'Amigo, Gravchev, Aulie, its definitely a team that is set for the following years to make their splash.
Prediction: Canucks and knuckling their way to the postseason. Vancouver 3rd in the Western Conference.
Phoenix Coyotes Salary Cap: $51,026,500 Avg age: 29.6 yrs old Key Player to watch: Joffrey Lupul Sleeper: Cory Schneider Outlook: Joffrey Lupul signed a brand new contract for 5 yrs and will now have to translate all that money to goals and points on the ice. Unfortunately another RW won't be on the same line even though they are the 2 best offensive threats. Hedjuk might be playing on the 2nd line but at the same time if Lupul does not produce he might shift to the 2nd line. Ray Whitney is back again for another season and provide leadership on the LW and will want to reach 20 to 25 goals for the Coyotes.
The defence is led by Roman Hamrlik, at 37 might be on his final days in Phoenix. He will have plenty of help behind him.. Oduya and Volchenkov can prove that they are the duo that can shut teams down. Marc Andre Bergeron will start on defence but has the capability to play LW if the coach decides to do so. In goal, Dwayne Roloson the oldest goalie in the league will mentor his successor Cory Schneider. The direction is not yet known but look for an even split of games played between both goalies but perhaps the hotter hand will play more of the games.
Prediction: The desert is too hot but this team might be too cold. Phoenix 12th in the West.
Anaheim Ducks Salary Cap: $52,764,000 Avg age: 26.5 yrs old Key Player to watch: Henrik Lundqvist Sleeper: Alexander Edler Outlook: The defence is mobile, they are big, and they are feared. Luke Schenn and Cody Franson and Edler are all fresh and ready to take the next step. The leader on the core will be Brian Campbell and he will man the power play but look for all 4 to share most of the minutes on defence. Carle and Giordano are the 5th and 6th guys are both will want to get more minutes and will do so if an injury occurs.
Henrik Lundqvist is on a huge 9 million dollar contract and its money in the bank this season. He should be a league leader in GAA and perhaps shutouts and will play as many games as he can to take the team in the playoffs. Brian Elliot is the backup and will probably play anywhere from 10-15 games this season. The offence is not much to talk about but Brad Richards will have to be the primo numero uno on the team. He will be on a line with Pominville who could be a great one two punch assists and goals. Sam Gagner would like to prove his number 2 center role but that could go to Tim Connolly and in what should be a good battle. The depth chart is not much more on forwards but Max Pacioretty is in the minors puzzled when he will get called up to play.
Prediction: Quack, Quack, Quack. Ducks are contenders finishing 5th in the West.
Calgary Flames Salary Cap: $40,885,000 Avg age: 27.1 yrs old Key Player to watch: Ryan Smyth Sleeper: Mikael Backlund Outlook: Calgary's season may go up in flames quicker than it thinks. Giggy will look to have a fountain of youth and regain his form of seasons ago but he looks like a shell of his former self. He will be peppered with shots and doing some shake and bake in hopes to have a decent GAA and save %. The backup spot is more of the spotlight as any of Bishop, Maskstrom, McElhinney can take the job on. On offence its Ryan Smyth and not much more. That is not saying much as Smyth is more of a 3rd line guy but will be playing top line minutes and sharing his wisdom to the youth of the team. They do have Stalberg, Mattais, Backlund and Nodl but they are more than a season away from really busting out. Langenbrunner and Sturm eating a good portion of their team salary may be moved out this season for more a youth movement.
Sheldon Souray is enjoying a resurrgence at the NHL level this season but that will only occur the next BRHL2 season. He will struggle mightily and at 4 million dollars and 34 yrs old he might be great trade bait as well. They do have 3 great young dman in Butler, Mikkelsson and Weber who look to fill the void on the defence core. The team has a plethora of farm players and draft picks and with 2 first rounders the move will most likely to play for next season.
Prediction: Calgary seeing red in losses. Flames 14th in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Kings Salary Cap: $35,614,000 Avg age: 25.8 yrs old Key Player to watch: Milan Lucic Sleeper: Tyler Seguin Outlook: The Kings find themselves in a pickle of a situation. They would like to win now but perhaps time is not the present. Marc Savard will perhaps playing in his farewell season and with a no trade clause he will be looking at his career ending in LA LA land. Unfortunately they may not see the post season because there is plenty of youth who are looking for ice time to improve their games. Kyle Turris and Tyler Seguin will take on bigger roles throughout the year as they battle for the top center ice minutes. Lucic, Svatos and Hudler will provide the goal scoring this team will need in order to succeed.
The defence is all signed up for and the 6 spots are pretty much locked up for Ballard, Foster, Russel, Barker, Lee and Festering. They are all under the age of 30 and can provide the defence that is needed to win the close games which LA will probably be involved in. Case of an injury they do have Nick Boynton a veteran leader in the minors plus rookie Jonathon Blum. Tuuka Rask playing every minute of the preseason so he looks to have locked in on the number 1 job. Josh Harding and Anders Lindback will be backups and the team may just hold all 3 goalies on their pro roster unless a valuable trade offer is made where one can be shipped out for more offence.
Prediction: Take your places, but don't break a leg. Kings just misses out in 10th place.
Edmonton Oilers Salary Cap: $23,106,500 Avg age: 28.0 yrs old Key Player to watch: Andrew Ladd Sleeper: Jason Garrison Outlook: This team has loads of cash but that is mainly because they did not spend much on free agency. They rather build within the organization and do it the proper way. This is just another step in the rebuilding of this proud franchise. Joey MacDonald, not your typical number 1 goalie, will be in net but did have a fine start in preseason. Hopefully that translates to more success come the regular season. Mike Murphy is a prospect minors goalie and he might get called up at some point but if not the backup will be Matt Climie.
Mr. Ladd is the player to watch in an oiler uniform but they do have other weapons for scoring. Kostisyn, Winchester and Mitchell should be able to get their share of chances to pot some points come seasons end. The depth chart though doesnt look much brighter as most guys in their minors system are guys that are well past their prime in the likes of Kovalev and Parrish. The defence will be the bright spot on this encouraging squad. Steve Staois and Scott Hannan are back again and will guide the likes of Nikita Nikitin, David Schlemko and Jason Garrison. The sad part of the news is they are not all that durable with 5 guys under the 65 in the DU rating.
Prediction: another long season to bOIL! Edmonton finishes 11th in the West.
Nashville Predators Salary Cap: $57,887,125 Avg age: 28.4 yrs old Key Player to watch: Evander Kane Sleeper: Lauri Korpikoski Outlook: This team stayed completely status quo from last season. They missed beating out the Hawks in round 1 of the playoffs and Chicago made the Stanley Cup finals. This team believes that one year close call can bring them a bit further with the same squad. Unfortunately this could be their last chance before the blow-up occurs. Martin Brodeur is back in net once again and he may not be the same Brodeur of old. Look for Montoya to carry a bit more load as the Predators will hope to salvage anyway they can into a playoff spot. The defence added one body in free agency. Mattais Ohlund was signed for a 1 yr deal and considering his age this could also be his last chance at glory. Zidlicky and Kronwall are still the two go too guys where they will see minutes on PK and PP along with even strength.
Up front after their rookie seasons JVR and Kane are one year more mature and thus their ice time is sure to pick up. Both were 4th line guys but they might see some 2nd line minutes some nights. That will take ice time away from guys like Dupuis, Brouwer and Cole. At center they still bolster two of the top 10 centermen in face-offs. Belanger and Stoll will be hoping to win many face-offs to carry the puck possession in games.
Prediction: Predators hunting for a spot. Nashville 8th in the West.
Detroit Red Wings Salary Cap: $59,110,687 Avg age: 29.5 yrs old Key Player to watch: Patrick Kane Sleeper: Alex Goglioski Outlook: Kane just cost the Wings and arm and a leg, but they were able just able to sign him 2 yrs and stay under the salary cap. They have 3 5 million dollar men and all play the RW at the moment. Mr. Kovalchuk will probably make his way to the 1st line LW and paired up with Kane in a great wing combo. They will need a centermen that can feed them the puck and since they are basically at the cap R.J Umberger will have to fill that void for the time being. Gaustad and Fiddler will be their two way forwards but mostly coming in for the PK.
Goglioski will achieve more offence than he will for his defence but that suits well for Detroit. They have Orpik, Eaton and Jackman who will be great on the other end of the ice while Alex is trying to score. There weren't able to sure up their farm system with help so if these guys fail look for a quick trade to salvage a fine season this team should have. Marc Andre Fluery will be the show stopper in net. He will amass the max number of starts he can before Clemmensson will have to play his games. This team needs to make the playoffs for a good return on the talent they have.
Prediction: Vroom, Vroom..... Motor city start your engines. Detroit finishes 7th place in West.
San Jose Sharks Salary Cap: $59,473,750 Avg age: 28.8 yrs old Key Player to watch: Daniel Sedin Sleeper: Tomas Fleischmann Outlook: Someone forgot to tell the league office that the Twins play the exact same game. Daniel was rated much higher on SC than his brother Henrik and even though they are on the ice together at all times this did not establish us from noticing that the two may be split up at some point of the BRHL2 season. Jason Spezza is clearly a great choice to fill the shoes and play with Dan Sedin on the top line will Henrik can easily center Michalek and Parise on the 2nd line. Either way they have two great scoring lines as well of an energy line with Galliardi and Latendresse.
Khabibulin will need to be the Bulin wall that he so earned the nickname with. At 38 yrs old his chance may never come again at a cup. Hedberg who also is at 38 sees the same stars aligning and this may be his last shot at destiny. Before the defence is covered let it be known that they want to win now because there is no farm system and there is no prospect list and they no longer have their 1st overall pick so this can be very damaging to the teams future. Oh and they are all capped out as well so you know the goal is nothing else but a cup or its a disaster. Ryan Whitney will carry the torch from Kaberle but both are at their peak for one more season if they can work out the other kinks. Those kinks are McNeill and Gervais who could be liabilities on their back end.
Prediction: Today's special. Shark Soup. San Jose finishes 1st in the West.
Dallas Stars Salary Cap: $57,888,559 Avg age: 28.0 yrs old Key Player to watch: Tim Thomas Sleeper: Erik Condra Outlook: A European flavour of talent on defence has a certain flair and finesse that will be enjoyable to watch. Michalek and Erhoff will be called to play top line minutes as well on the PP. Beauchemin and Vlasic will also be a tandem but dont look for too much scoring over here as the offence will be able to take care of themselves. They have a wealth of talent and could have a potential Art Ross guy. There are a number of line combinations that can be in effect but look for Derek Roy to be teamed up with Gaborik and Cammelleri as your top line. Marian could be on a pace to win a scoring title if he stays healthy. Ryan Callahan, Brian Boyle, Condra and Erikkson are just some other names who are young and poised for big seasons.
What else can you say about Tim Thomas. Words just can't express of the talent level of this individual. He is a monster player never wanting to give up an inch of his net and plays till his last breath. Thomas will exceed all expectations and prove why he is the best in the league. A Vezina trophy candidate perhaps breathing the words of MVP might be a little too much to handle but if Chris Mason takes the net and the Stars don't shine well they will see how valuable Tim is in net.
Prediction: Lining up of the Stars. Dallas earns 4th in the West.
Minnesota Wild Salary Cap: $54,832,500 Avg age: 29.3 yrs old Key Player to watch: Jerome Iginla Sleeper: Wayne Simmonds Outlook: The team was able to keep Iginla and Ribiero together one last season before they leave for UFA. They will be played together and thus will form a line with Vanek. All 3 were tops in preseason scoring and that trend should continue for the next 82 games or more. Todd Marchant another UFA will be their leader on the PK unit and his leadership and experience is bar none the best on the team. Wayne Simmonds should continue to see more ice time and make his way to a bigger role for the club and Derek Stepan will now take his place as a rookie in this lineup.
In goal we Antti Niemi who is an RFA and will hope to cash in on a good season. He must keep in mind that the Wild are a bit older and will lose their legs some games so he must steal points and be the number 1 star as much as possible. Hamuis and Letang are 2 of the more younger dman in the league but they are much more important because they are the heroes of the defence core. Liles and Bieska round up the 2nd unit and with a top 4 as they have teams will find it difficult to manuever in their zone. They will definitely be blocking shots and plenty of them which will help Niemi in the long run.
Prediction: what a WILD finish.... Minnesota finishes just out in 9th place.
Once again the Western Conference.
1. San Jose 2. Chicago 3. Vancouver 4. Dallas 5. Anaheim 6. Colorado 7. Detroit 8. Nashville 9. Minnesota 10. Los Angeles 11. Edmonton 12. Phoenix 13. St. Louis 14. Calgary 15. Columbus
