NHL 2009 – 2010 Projected Season Standings

NORTHEAST DIVISION

Division Summary

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  Boston takes a slight step back in the 09/10 season. The loss of Phil Kessel and his offensive production will certainly be felt. David Krejci missed training camp due to injury, which historically equates to slower starts for most players. Despite solid defence and goaltending, the drop in offensive depth will cost Boston a few points in the standings.

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  Bob Gainey ripped out the core of the Hab’s roster replacing it with the likes of Brian Gionta, Scott Gomez, Mike Cammalleri, and Jaroslav Spacek. He then added sandpaper and size signing free agents Travis Moen, Hall Gill, and Paul Mara. With all of these changes, it remains to be seen if the team will gel. Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak form an excellent goaltending tandem but both goalies are still young and inexperienced. Price is coming off a rocky sophomore season, but should rebound. If Price falters, Halak has shown flashes of excellence in short spurts.

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  The Leafs made major changes during the off-season, solidifying the team from the net out. Brian Burke brought in highly sought-after goalie Jonas Gustavsson to push veteran Vesa Tosakala. While unproven, Gustavsson has an impeccable resume in the SEL, and was an outstanding pre-season addition . The defence is improved with Francois Beauchemin, Mike Komisarek, and Garnet Exelby patrolling the Leaf blueline. Last but not least, Burke mortgaged some of the future trading for 22 year old sniper Phil Kessel. Kessel , finally adds a legitimate first line presence to the Leaf’s forward corps.

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  Ottawa finally rid themselves of a huge distraction and added some offensive depth. The additions of Jon Cheechoo, Milan Michalek, Alexei Kovalev, combined with the emergence of rookie Peter Regin, solidfy the forward corps. Rookie defenceman Erik Karlsson is a dynamic offensive defender who will bring a different look to the Ottawa powerplay. Goaltending remains a question mark. Young goaltender Pascal Leclaire, has an extensive history of injuries and no player can make an impact from the infirmary.

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  In a familiar storyline the Sabres shed key players in the off-season while only managing modest gains (i.e. defenceman Steve Montador). A dynamic top line and adequate secondary scoring will not compensate for weak defense. Buffalo, has serious question marks on the backend. This leads us to believe the Sabres will bring up the rear in this ultra-competitive division.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

Division Summary

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  The Capitals look to take the next step following a disappointing second round playoff exit at the hands of the Penguins. This highly dynamic team, the Caps is loaded with numerous offensive weapons. Jose Theodore remains the only question mark for this powerhouse.

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  The Canes took the NHL by storm in the last half of the 08/09 season. The Hurricanes continued their solid play into the post season, upsetting team after team before meeting their match in the Eastern conference finals. The Canes lost Seidenberg and Babchuk to unrestricted free agency, but brought in former Hurricane Aaron Ward to shore up the defence. Maurice seems to have found the formula for success with this team. We fully expect them to be a huge factor in the SouthEast division.

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  The Thrashers are a highly improved group in 09/10, making many additions to strengthen the team. Nik Antropov, Pavel Kubina, and Maxim Afinogenov compliment a nice collection of impressive youth including: Zach Bogosian, Bryan Little, and Evander Kane. Unfortunately, Atlanta will find themselves on the outside-looking-in come playoff time.

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  The Lightning were in complete disarray last season in part due to a volatile ownership and lack of cohesive vision. Luckily for the Lightning, finishing second last overall in the league means you have no place to go but up. The Bolts do have some great young talent in Steven Stamkos and rookie Victor Hedman ( ancillary benefits of two years of terrible hockey). Tampa later added veterans Mattias Ohlund and Alex Tanguay, but alas, it won’t be enough. Lightning will strike thrice and the Bolts will be dusting off the golf clubs again come April.

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  You have to feel for Panther fans. This team seems to be a perennial one-step-forward, two-steps-back type of franchise. Hiring Peter DeBoer was clearly a big step forward in 08/09, as he was able to squeeze the most out of a modest Panther lineup. When the general manager abandoned ship and the franchise defender walked away, the Cats took two giant leaps backwards. The Panthers have not appointed a GM as of yet, so you really have to question their vision as a whole. There are some positives on this team, Michael Frolik and Dmitry Kulikov to name a few, but Florida is destined to bring-up-the-rear in the SouthEast division.

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Division Summary

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  The Flyers are the class of the NHL. Philadelphia boasts one of the deepest and most talented lineups from top to bottom. Ray Emery may be loose cannon, but it’s hard to question his ability. Chris Pronger’s skill, experience and leadership put this team right over the top.

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  Pittsburgh won’t sneak up on anyone this year – having two of the greatest players on the planet fresh off a Stanley Cup victory will do that to a team. The Pens obviously have the talent but can they can bring the same fire game-in and game-out to avoid the dreaded Stanley Cup hangover?

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  With Jacques Lemaire and his oppressive defensive system back in New Jersey it may seem too easy to predict that the offense will dry up – but that’s exactly what we are expecting. To put the blame solely on Lemaire would be unfair, the Devils lack offensive punch from their blueline, depth at center and on right wing. Brodeur will win them some games, but overall the Devils will regress.

• 

  The Rangers went all in this off-season, opening the vault for UFA superstar Marian Gaborik. The Rangers have decent overall depth but will count on Gaborik’s presence to try to lift them into the post season. He just doesn’t seem to have the ability to stay healthy, and that’s why the Rangers will miss the mark this year.

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  Yes John Tavares is an intriguing story to follow this year, but the Islanders are still a terrible team. We will turn our attention back to them at the 2010 draft when they are selecting again in the top 3.

CENTRAL DIVISION

Division Summary

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  The Blackhawks added some veteran presence to compliment a tremendous and youthful core. The Hawks added Marian Hossa, Tomas Kopecky, John Madden in the off-season. With Khabibulin now in Edmonton, the goaltending reins are firmly in the hands of Cristobal Huet. The Hawks need Huet to overcome his chronic inconsistency to take the next step.

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  The Blues have been a bottom feeder for some time but have shown recent signs of a talented team in the making. A solid mix of experience, and youth combined with excellent goaltending is the fuel that will propel the Blues to a second place finish in the Central division. Take note, the Blues are on the rise.

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  Columbus is in a similar situation to St. Louis and should reap the benefits of a high end stable of young skilled players. Steve Mason is the key cog. Columbus will count on Mason to improve upon his Calder winning performance of last season.

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  It’s hard to imagine Detroit not winning the Central division, but we’re predicting the Wings are finally overtaken this year. As talented as this team is, they don’t compare to last year’s version. The goaltending situation is highly tenuous and probably their biggest weakness.

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  There is not enough established depth and talent to give Nashville any serious consideration in the Central, especially given the competition. GM David Poile is working on fixing that situation as we speak. Until Poile is able to pull something off, the Preds are bound for 5th in the division.

NORTHWEST DIVISION

Division Summary

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  The combination of trade deadline and off-season moves really put the Flames in a position of strength. They also have the fortune of being in the relatively weak NorthWest division. Calgary really only have the Canucks to contend with enroute to top honours in the division and conference.

• 

  The Canucks made some solid moves to fortify the organization. Vancouver’s additions should translate into a more potent powerplay – a real sour spot for the team last year. Luongo may be one of the best goalies in the league, but everyone hopes there is no residue from the team’s disappointing playoff exit in ‘09.

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  Hope springs eternal – and overhauling the coaching staff will give the team a new look. Aside from new coaches, there is no real reason to see Edmonton take a step forward in the West.

• 

  Losing superstar Marian Gaborik was a crushing blow for this franchise, leaving a gaping hole in the overall talent level. Things don’t look good for Minnesota this season and will they will only be buoyed in the standings by the lowly Avalanche.

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  Speaking of the Avalanche, this once mighty franchise is now experiencing the other side of the coin. Colorado is icing a very young and inexperienced team featuring two18-year-old rookie centermen. It won’t be pretty in Denver.

PACIFIC DIVISION

Division Summary

• 

  Doug Wilson made some bold moves this off-season, assembling one of the most feared first lines in hockey – now all they need is some chemistry. The Sharks were hampered by cap constraints forcing them into a salary dumping situation. But those moves opened the door to add Heatley and a plethora of role players for whom the Sharks hope can lift the franchise over the playoff hump.

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  Even without Pronger the Ducks have the making of a fearsome team in the West. Featuring great team skill, deep defense core and solid goaltending tandem, the Ducks will push the Sharks for first place in the Pacific.

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  The Dallas Stars will look to distance themselves from last year’s train wreck. Nothing seemed to go right for the franchise and Dave Tippett finally paid the price. Marc Crawford is now running the show and has plenty of options up front. The defense, on the other hand, is missing a true #1 presence with the departure of Zubov. Turco will have to be better this year if the Dallas hopes to make the playoffs, although Alex Auld is a competent backup.

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  The LA Kings are another very young and highly skilled team. Dean Lombardi has decided their days of toiling in the NHL basement are over, and brought in Ryan Smyth and Rob Scuderi to help the young guys. It’s a nice looking team, but there’s not enough there… yet.

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  The Coyotes will be in tough this year. They have a new coach, a very young team, and numerous questions surrounding the future of the franchise.

Eastern Conference – Final Standings

Western Conference