While the NHL tries to reestablish itself as one of the major sports in North America, they opened their season in London, England. The Los Angeles Kings and the defending NHL champions, Anaheim Ducks, split a pair of games. While the NHL may be in decline, it could be in the middle of resurgence, because there are a handful of exciting players making their way into the league. Also, teams that have had a prosperous past, but have failed to live up to expectations recently, may be on the rise, such as the New York Rangers. Here is a brief preview of the Eastern and Western Conferences.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
For what it’s worth, the Ottawa Senators finished the preseason undefeated. Most people in most sports will tell you that really does not mean much, but it is true that the Senators have an explosive offense that can take them far into the playoffs, again. Dany Heatley and Wade Redden are expected to lead this team, and they could perform exceptionally well because they will be free agents at the end of the season. Another major change the East champs from a year ago will have to overcome is the loss of their coach Bryan Murray. Murray was replaced by assistant John Paddock.
The Buffalo Sabers will have to find a way to make up for the loss of their star offensive player, Chris Drury and goaltender Ryan Miller. An added bonus though, sort of like landing a free agent for free, will be the return of their center Tim Connolly, who missed all of last season battling the after effects of a concussion. They will have a lot to overcome, but they are still expected to be among the best in the conference.
One of the original teams in the NHL, the Montreal Canadians, has looked to improved substantially. Saku Koiva and Michael ryder are back, and the defense will be lead by the veteran Andrei Markov. At goaltender they have returning All-Star Cristobal Huet.
The singing of Chris Drury and Scott Gomez has done a lot to spark a return of interest to hockey in New York. Jaromir Jagr is again, but is still among the best players in the game, averaging well over a point a game. Anything less than a run deep into the playoffs would be considered a disappointment for the Rangers and their fans.
Other teams to keep an eye on this year in the east or the young and improving Pittsburg Penguins and the Florida Panthers. They have both done a great job showing that with a little patience you can turn a team around in just a few short years. Fans of teams don’t always like to wait, but the award is usually more than worth it.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Every year it seems that the Detroit Red Wings will be too old to compete on a high level, then they go on to win 50 games. We may call them old, but Red Wing fans call them experienced. This year is no different, as they bring back a slew of players in their mid 30’s and beyond including Nicklas Lindstrom, Chris Chelios, and Dominik Hasek. They’ve complemented the old-timers with some young blood this year, bringing in Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.
A team that is also always in the mix are the Colorado Avalanche, and this year they have brought is superstar Ryan Smith, previously of Edmonton. It’s hard not to consider them a serious contender, especially when you consider they still have Joe Sakic and Paul Stastny.
A team that everyone expected to perhaps win it last year were the San Jose Sharks. Their biggest off season addition was Jeremy Roenick. He may be a step or two past his prime, but his experience may be just what this team needs to get over the hump. This team is too loaded not to make another run with players Jonathan Cheechoo, Milan Michalek, and perhaps the best player in the league, Joe Thorton.
Other teams you can expect to be around at the end of the season are the Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, and of course the defending champions Anaheim Ducks. There are too many questions regarding all of these teams to consider them for serious contention now.
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