2006-2007 NHL Season Preview

Eastern Conference

New Jersey: They showed why you should never count them out last year with an improbable division title. Plus, having that Brodeur guy can’t hurt.

Philadelphia: The key for the Flyers is if Peter Forsberg can stay healthy for the whole season. If he can, he will be setting up Simon Gagne all year.

Rangers: Finally ended that long playoff drought last season. With the team finally healthy, and the addition of Brendan Shanahan, they will make the playoffs once again.

Islanders: A 15-year deal to an inconsistent goalie? Did I mention said goalie will be 40 when the contract expires? With this management, the Isles won’t be contending any time soon.

Pittsburgh: Penguins fans have two things to cheer for: 1) Sidney Crosby 2) The Steelers.

Buffalo: Perhaps benefited the most from the new rule changes last year. Despite the youth of the team, they have remarkable chemistry, and were one win away from the finals last year.

Ottawa: Most goals scored last year, third fewest goals against. You don’t have to be a math major to realize that equation wins many games.

Montreal: Showed how important goaltending really is last year with the emergence of Cristobal Huet. Still, they will need to get those forwards clicking before they can contend.

Boston: Made huge acquisitions this offseason (Chara and Savard) but it might not be enough to still be playing in May.

Toronto: Not much for Leafs fans to cheer about. They can’t contend with divisional foes, let alone for the Stanley Cup.

Carolina: No reason to think they aren’t the favorites to repeat, as many of the same pieces are still in place. Playing in a weak division also can’t hurt.

Atlanta: Their record improved in each of the last three seasons. Marian Hossa and Ilya Kovalchuk will lead them to their first ever playoff appearance.

Tampa Bay: So much offensive talent, but will shaky goaltending and defense be a problem again this year?

Florida: Troubled Trouble Bertuzzi and the senior citizen, Eddie Belfour, aren’t the best ways to spend free agent bucks. At least the night life is great in Miami.

Washington: Alexander Ovechkin is the only bright spot on the hapless Caps. He was a human highlight reel in his first season.

Western Conference

Calgary: The Flames have arguably the league’s best goalie and all-around player. It’s only a matter of time before they are rewarded with a Stanley Cup.

Vancouver: Goaltending was a problem last year for the Canucks, but the addition of Roberto Luongo will help them win the big games when they have to.

Colorado: Joe Sakic is nearing retirement and the team is inexperienced. They might miss the playoffs for the first time since they were called the Nordiques.

Edmonton: Last year’s playoff run was just a case of being hot at the right time. Key offseason losses will damage the Western Conference champs.

Minnesota: One of the hardest working defensive teams in the league, but playing in the toughest division in the NHL really hurts their playoff chances.

Nashville: This is the year Detroit gets dethroned as division champs. All the ingredients are there as the additions of Jason Arnott and J.P. Dumont help add some scoring.

Detroit: The loss of Steve Yzerman and Shanahan is a mighty blow to the most dominant team of the past 10 years.

St. Louis: New ownership means the Blues be much better this season. They improved at every position by signing Doug Weight, Bill Guerin, Martin Rucinsky and Manny Legace.

Chicago: One of the worst teams in the league. Credit them for trying by signing solid forwards and a goalie this offseason. However, it will still be a few years before they start competing.

Columbus: Let’s look at the positives: Rick Nash has a lot of upside … plus their uniforms are really cool.

Anaheim: With the top two defensemen in the league and excellent goaltending, this team will be tough to beat. If they can find the back of the net with regularity, no one will be able to stop them.

Dallas: They certainly had a flair for the dramatic with a 12-1 record in shootouts. Too bad the shootout can’t help them in the playoffs, where they have had too many early round exits in the last few seasons.

San Jose: Joe Thornton and Jon Cheechoo are the best scoring duo in the league. The Sharks should compete for the division.

Los Angeles: A new coach who had playoff experience with multiple teams should teach the Kings some discipline and a better style of play. They need to be more consistent to compete.

Phoenix: If only the Great One was playing for this team instead of coaching it …