Team Preview: Minnesota Wild

2010-2011: 86 points, 12th in Western Conference
Key additions: RW Devin Setoguchi, LW Dany Heatley, C Darroll Powe, D Mike Lundin
Key departures: RW Martin Havlat, D Brent Burns, G Jose Theodore, LW Andrew Brunette

Backstrom must have a huge season in Minnesota.

Why they'll contend: The Wild completed a revamping over the summer after finishing 26th in team scoring in 2010-2011. In two separate trades with San Jose, Minnesota brought in top-line talents in Devin Setoguchi and Dany Heatley, who six times in his nine year career has eclipsed 39 goals, including hitting 50 twice. Setoguchi is coming off his third consecutive 20+ goal season and figures to chip in prominently in Minnesota. New head coach Mike Yeo is coming off just one season in the AHL, where he lead Houston to the Calder Cup Final. The Wild figure to have a balanced attack under Yeo after an attempt at stingy defense under Todd Richards. The Wild have re-branded themselves this off-season to a more offense-first attack. It should prove successful for a team that has been more concerned with trapping and playing safe hockey in the past in a league where "safe" is death. An up-tempo attack could pay huge dividends in Minnesota as a change of thinking has finally been brought about.

Why they'll falter: The Wild will need improved play from Niklas Backstrom between the pipes this year after finishing 18th in save percentage (.916) and 29th in GAA (2.66) in 2011. The Wild lost a quality defenseman in Brent Burns and management is hoping that by scoring more goals it can overcome that loss. It's quite feasible that by adding Heatley and Setoguchi the Wild could have added 60-70 goals, while losing Havlat will subtract 22 goals from last season's offense. The Wild will need big minutes from Marek Zidlicky and Greg Zanon on defense and will need Mike Lundin and Clayton Stoner to step up and produce in huge ways; maybe more than they're capable of. Heatley will have to prove he is indeed a team player, something that has escaped him in the past as he's wiggled his way out of Atlanta and Ottawa and refused to be dealt to Edmonton. Heatley is an all-world talent, but his sway in the locker room is yet to be seen in Minnesota. Without a big year from Backstrom, quality contributions from their youth, and improved play defensively, the Wild could find themselves on the outside looking in again.

2012 PREDICTION: 8th in Western Conference
Leading scorer: Dany Heatley, 35 G & 82 points
Bold prediction: Darroll Powe hits 10 goals for the first time in his career.

NEXT PREVIEW: MONTREAL CANADIENS

Team Preview: Los Angeles Kings

2010-2011: 98 points, 7th in Western Conference
Key additions: C Mike Richards, LW Simon Gagne
Key departures: W Alexei Ponikarovsky, W Wayne Simmonds, C Brayden Schenn, LW Ryan Smyth, C Michal Handzus

Anze Kopitar will need a big season in LA in 2012.

Why they'll contend: The Kings are loaded top-to-bottom and figure to compete for the top spot in the Western Conference. GM Dean Lombardi got aggressive in the off-season, trading away budding young talent in Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn to bolster his team up the middle, adding Mike Richards in the deal for the aforementioned prospects and adding Simon Gagne through free agency. The Kings figure to score more than the 2.55 goals per game they scored in 2010-2011 (ranked 25th in the league) and their defense looks to be just as reliable. Jonathan Quick will have to take another step forward as he enters his fourth NHL season in the crease. The Kings have patiently stuck to the blueprints of their rebuild plan and it is finally set to pay dividends after a first round exit in 2011. The Kings haven't won a playoff series since 2001 when they beat Detroit in the first round in stunning fashion; since then the Kings have been meddling in mediocrity. But with Richards and Gagne bolstering the offense, Anze Kopitar returning from injury, Dustin Brown leading the way as captain, and when the contract talks settle down Drew Doughty will be back to anchor the blue line in Los Angeles. From the outset the Kings look poised to make a deep run come the spring of 2012.

Why they'll falter: Losing Ryan Smyth could be costly, especially being the great leader he is. Couple that with the fact that Mike Richards hasn't always been the greatest one and it could be a hindrance to the Kings, especially with the L.A. nightlife. But the reality is that Richards and company should be fine as the Kings gear up. The bigger questions lie on the ice: will Jonathan Quick be able to carry the load for the Kings, and will they be able to score? The Kings defense was stifling last season, ranked 7th in the NHL in goals allowed. But offensively the Kings will need to score more, especially with the added firepower, if the want to compete in a run-and-gun Western Conference. If Richards and Gagne can make the contributions they were brought in for, the Kings should have a deadly squad come October.

2012 prediction: 2nd in Western Conference
Leading scorer: Anze Kopitar, 33 goals & 80 points
Bold prediction: Jack Johnson will bring his +/- from -21 to +10, up +31.

NEXT PREVIEW: MINNESOTA WILD

Team Preview: Florida Panthers

2010-2011: 72 points, 15th in Eastern Conference
Key additions: F Tomas Fleischmann, D Brian Campbell, RW Tomas Kopecky, LW Kris Versteeg, RW Scottie Upshall, G Jose Theodore, LW Tim Kennedy, RW Jack Skille
Key departures: G Tomas Vokoun, F Marty Reasoner, LW Niclas Bergfors

Kevin Dineen will shoulder a lot of pressure in FLA.

Why they'll contend: GM Dale Tallon dragged the Panthers through a complete makeover throughout the summer, adding several key pieces while he brought the Panthers over the salary cap floor. The addition of Brian Campbell on defense immediately gave the Panthers credibility. Thereafter Tallon added a handful of forwards which immediately turn the Panthers from cellar-dwellers to playoff contenders. The Panthers will score far more goals than in the past and will play an up-tempo style under new coach Kevin Dineen. Dineen was successful in the AHL for the Portland Pirates since the 2005-2006 season and developed a handful of top-notch prospects, including Sabres forward Nathan Gerbe and Ducks forwards Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf, and Corey Perry. The Panthers are a completely different team than last season, and after missing the playoffs for over a decade it couldn't come at a better time. At the very least the Panthers have conjured up some relevance, something they have been lacking since Pavel Bure departed in the early 2000s. It will be an interesting season in Sunrise this year, but undoubtedly a more successful one than in years past.

Why they'll falter: The Panthers new faces could mean problems with chemistry from the outset. Kevin Dineen will likely take a few bumps and bruises as he adjusts to coaching in the NHL, though it shouldn't be much of a problem. A good start is key to the Panthers as they adjust to playing with each other over the first month or two. Goaltending could be a major problem as well. Jose Theodore and Scott Clemmensen are excellent back-ups, but the fact is one of them needs to step up and be a starter this year. Clemmensen, save a two month span where he played in Marty Brodeur's absence, has never been a starter, and Theodore is nothing of his 2002 Vezina-winning form. Defensively the Panthers are improved, but it may not be enough in what looks to be a competitive Southeast Division. When the dust settles, all eyes will be on the crease as the Panthers look to return to the post-season.

2012 prediction: 9th in the Eastern Conference
Leading scorer: Kris Versteeg, 23 goals & 60 points
Bold prediction: Kevin Dineen will win the Jack Adams award.

NEXT PREVIEW: LOS ANGELES KINGS

Team Preview: Edmonton Oilers

2010-2011: 62 points, 15th in Western Conference
Key additions: C Ryan Smyth, W Eric Belanger, LW Ben Eager, D Cam Barker, D Andy Sutton
Key departures: D Kurtis Foster, D Jim Vandermeer, C Colin Fraser

Eberle (above) is helping leading a youth movement in EDM.

Why they'll contend: The Oilers have finished last in the NHL in consecutive seasons, but there's finally reason for optimism. The team has an excellent mix of young superstars, including forwards Taylor Hall, Linus Omark, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, and newly-minted first rounder Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The team will be exciting, fast-paced, and fun to watch and have solidified things defensively. The additions of Cam Barker and Andy Sutton on the back end will help cut down the shots against (21st in the NHL) and improve the penalty kill (29th in the NHL) from last season. Ryan Smyth's return will go a long way in the locker room. Smyth is a great leader at 35 and spent 12 seasons in Edmonton before being traded in 2007. Smyth's return will help guide the wealth of young talent. If Nikolai Khabibulin can stay healthy, the Oilers will be in good position to climb out of the basement for the first time since the 2008-2009 season.

Why they'll falter: Youth is a wonderful thing, but the Oilers are relying too heavily on it too soon. The majority of the team still can't drink in the United States, and the guys that are old enough to are too old. Smyth & Khabibulin can just as easily be on the IR all year as they could be on the ice, and while Hall, Eberle, and the rest of the group project to be fantastic players and part of what could be a dynasty in the making, they are still a year or two away. Ben Eager was a waste of money to fill their third line and as much as Smyth will make positive contributions in the locker room, Eager will detract. The Oilers will contend some day, and that day will be soon. But 2012 looks to be another year on the outside looking in.

2012 prediction: 14th in Western Conference
Leading scorer: Taylor Hall, 27 goals & 57 points
Bold prediction: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will win the 2012 Calder Trophy.

NEXT PREVIEW: FLORIDA PANTHERS

Team Preview: Detroit Red Wings

2010-2011: 104 points, 3rd in Western Conference, Central Division champions
Key additions: D Mike Commodore, D Ian White, G Ty Conklin
Key departures: D Brian Rafalski, D Ruslan Salei, C Mike Modano, G Chris Osgood

Why they'll contend: Let's face it: they're the Detroit Red Wings. The Red Wings are mighty every year and 2011-2012 figures to be no different. Nicklas Lidstrom is back for one more season, solidifying a back end that is slightly thinned with the loss of Brian Rafalski. Mike Commodore and Ian White are nice pieces, but Rafalski is a top-four defenseman whose skill set is a little more difficult to replace. The Wings are still loaded from top-to-bottom and even as they age there's no reason to think they won't be there at the end of the season. With Pavel Datsyk, Henrik Zetterburg, Johan Franzen, Tomas Holmstrom--you get the picture--leading the way, there's no reason to doubt Detroit yet again. While they may not be the odds-on favorite to take home Lord Stanley's chalice next June, they will certainly be hanging around when the weather turns warm again next spring.

Why they'll falter: Jimmy Howard was fantastic last year between the pipes, but he has to be even more so to push the team to the next level in 2012. Wings management does not appear sold on the University of Maine alum and Howard will need to prove the job is his for the taking or else Ty Conklin may find himself starting more frequently. Age is a concern in Detroit as well. Their core is not getting any younger and may find itself slowing as the season wears on. It hasn't been too much of an issue in seasons past, but it can't go on that way forever. Chicago and Nashville will be tough to play against within their own division, as well as Columbus, meaning it may not be the cake walk it has been traditionally for Detroit in the Central. Losing Rafalski will be a step backwards on the power play, but all-in-all the Wings should secure home ice for the first round in the 2012 playoffs.

2012 prediction: 4th in Western Conference
Leading scorer: Pavel Datsyuk, 33 goals & 84 points
Bold prediction: No Red Wing will win an individual award (Norris Trophy, Selke, etc.) in 2012.

NEXT PREVIEW: EDMONTON OILERS

Team Preview: Dallas Stars

2010-2011: 95 points, 9th in Western Conference
Key additions: RW Michael Ryder, C Vernon Fiddler, D Sheldon Souray, RW Radek Dvorak, C Jake Dowell
Key departures: C Brad Richards, D Karlis Skrastins, RW Jamie Langenbrunner

Why they'll contend: The Stars added a lot of depth in the off-season after finishing just two points out of the playoffs in 2011. The Stars will look to improve on their near miss last season by plugging the gaps. Vernon Fiddler is an excellent face-off guy, Radek Dvorak and Jake Dowell will be boosts to the penalty killing unit, and Michael Ryder and Sheldon Souray, if effective, could help the power play. If Kari Lehtenon is healthy he is a top goaltender at the NHL level, but the question is whether or not he can be on the ice enough to make a substantial impact. Since being drafted in 2002 he has played just two full NHL seasons. The Stars lack just that--stars--but looking at their roster top-to-bottom its easy to see why they could be hanging around at the end of the year. They have a nice mix of guys throughout their line-up that can do the little things, like block shots or kill penalties, that could catapult Dallas over the top.

Why they'll falter: Realistically speaking, a team in Dallas' position will not be able to overcome the loss of Brad Richards. They do not have the financial strength or the depth in the farm system to overcome the loss of a player such as Richards. The Stars took a lot of gambles in the off-season, namely that of the inconsistent Michael Ryder, the oft-injured and now minor league defenseman in Sheldon Souray, and the declining Radek Dvorak. If these pieces work out, Dallas can contend. But the reality is that they all won't work out and they are low-risk, high-reward signings. Even if the risk is low, the reality is that Dallas did not do a ton to improve its roster. The Western Conference will tight as always, and the odds of Dallas keeping pace are slim in 2012.

2012 prediction: 11th in Western Conference
Leading scorer: Loui Eriksson, 23 G & 64 points
Bold prediction: Loui Eriksson will eclipse 10 penalty minutes. Not many bold things in Dallas this year.

NEXT PREVIEW: DETROIT RED WINGS

Team Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets

2010-2011: 81 points, 13th in Western Conference
Key additions: C Jeff Carter, D James Wisniewski, LW Vinny Prospal, D Radek Martinek
Key departures: RW Jakub Voracek, G Mathieu Garon, D Jan Hejda, LW Scottie Upshall

With a talented C to play with, Nash (above) could post huge numbers.

Why they'll contend: The only NHL team without a playoff win, save the Winnipeg Jets franchise, the Jackets were in desperate need of relevance entering the summer. They added Jeff Carter in a blockbuster trade with Philadelphia, finally getting Rick Nash someone to play with. Nash & Carter could form a lethal combination and the possibilities are exciting for Columbus; so exciting that James Wisniewski committed to Columbus over the summer as a free agent. The Jackets immediately made themselves relevant again by making a splash in the trade market, something they've never really done. The Jackets have improved defensively through free agency, but losing Jan Hejda to Colorado could be a bigger hole than anticipated. Columbus will benefit from an improved power play that finished 29th in the NHL last year at 14%. The Jackets are deeper than last season and will make a move up the standings. While they may not be Cup contenders, the additions of Carter and Wisniewski are a step in the right direction and the Jackets should find themselves in the mix in a very tight Western Conference.

Why they'll falter: Despite making headlines over the summer, the Jackets are only so deep. There is too little secondary scoring and while they may have had one of the better summers in the Western Conference they are still a step behind. Goaltending is still an issue with Steve Mason being inconsistent, and the penalty kill was only slightly improved after finishing 22nd in the NHL last year. They'll score more than last season, but will they score enough? After Nash and Carter the talent pool drops off considerably and secondary scoring will be tough to come by. The Western Conference is simply too good, even with the improvements. While the Jackets definitely plugged some holes, there are still many more to be plugged before the team will win it's first playoff game in franchise history.

2012 prediction: 10th in Western Conference
Leading scorer: Rick Nash, 42 goals & 71 points
Bold prediction: Under the right circumstances, Rick Nash will eclipse 50 goals.

NEXT PREVIEW: DALLAS STARS

Team Preview: Colorado Avalanche

2010-2011: 68 points, 14th in Western Conference
Key additions: G Semyon Varlamov, G Jean-Sebastien Giguere, D Jan Hejda, D Sean O'Brien, LW Chuck Kobasew
Key departures: D Adam Foote, D Jean-Michael Liles, RW Tomas Fleischmann

The Avs expected big things from Landeskog (above) in 2012.

Why they'll contend: The big story in Colorado over the summer was their improved goaltending and the team will look to ride it back into the post-season in 2012. Varlamov will benefit from a fresh beginning as a number one, after the 23-year-old was acquired from Washington early in the summer. Giguere will be a reliable back-up and the two will likely come closer to splitting time than one carrying the bulk over the other. Matt Duchene is poised for a breakout season and the addition of Chuck Kobasew will give the Avalanche some much-needed penalty killing help. The Avs penalty kill finished last in the NHL last year at 76.1%, something that will undoubtedly be improved with better goaltending and the addition of Hejda, who averaged 2:50 in shorthanded ice time last year in Columbus. The Avs will be exciting and young to watch and if, in an absolute best-case scenario, the pieces fall into place they could be looking at snagging the 8th seed. Gabriel Landeskog, the team's 2nd overall draft choice in 2011, could crack the roster and add dynamic play-making abilities as well as a committed two-way game. The Avs may be a step away, but they are certainly taking the right steps forward.

Why they'll falter: The Avs are still a young team, perhaps a year or two from competing. There were a lot of probems in Colorado last year that saw them finish 29 points out of the playoffs; problems that cannot be rectified over night or through free agency. The goaltending was addressed, as were parts of the defense, but losing Liles and Foote will be difficult to overcome regardless of how well O'Brien and Hejda play. But for a team with defensive woes that Colorado had last season, including the worst penalty kill and allowing the most goals in the NHL--25 more than the next closest team in Atlanta--the Avalanche will have their work cut out for them in 2012. While there are enough individual pieces to make Colorado an intriguing team to watch in 2012, they are still a few steps away from being the contender they envision.

2012 prediction: 12th in Western Conference
Leading scorer: Paul Stastny, 25 G & 70 points
Bold prediction: Gabriel Landeskog wins the Calder Memorial Trophy.

NEXT PREVIEW: COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Team Preview: Chicago Blackhawks

2010-2011: 97 points, 8th in Western Conference
Key additions: LW Andrew Brunette, LW Daniel Carcillo, D Steve Montador, D Sean O'Donnell, F Rostislav Olsez, G Ray Emery
Key departures: D Brian Campbell, RW Troy Brouwer, G Marty Turco, D Chris Campoli, C Jake Dowell, RW Fernando Pisani, RW Tomas Kopecky

Corey Crawford's success is key in Chicago.

Why they'll contend: The Hawks are still, at the core, the same team that won the 2010 Stanley Cup minus a few spare parts. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Marian Hossa still form an elite trio of forwards that are lethal on the power play that was 4th in the NHL last season. Andrew Brunette is a brilliant addition, adding some secondary scoring and solid two-way forward. Defensively the Hawks got tougher, trading softy Brian Campbell and his not-so-soft contract to Florida and opting to go with Steve Montador and Sean O'Donnell instead. This should bode well for the Hawks who at times were pushed around too easily. In goal the Hawks get an upgrade in Ray Emery over the aging Marty Turco which should be an upgrade behind Corey Crawford, who's ready to take another step forward in carrying the reigns. The Hawks had an evident Stanley Cup hangover in 2011, but in 2012 the Hawks should be more focused and ready to return to Cup-contender status. The Hawks have one of the best leaders in the game in Toews, the ability to score goals in bunches, an improved D corps and reliable goaltending; a lethal mix in a tight division which should lead the Hawks back to the top of the Western Conference.

Why they'll falter: After losing Kopecky, Brouwer, and Pisani, the Hawks lost a lot of secondary scoring. By relying on Toews, Kane, and Hossa too heavily, even being the dynamic players that they are, could be costly if the Hawks put all their eggs in one basket. The Hawks can definitely play a run-and-gun style but need to tighten up defensively if they want to compete in the West. Despite getting tougher on D and shedding his massive contract, Brian Campbell did put up 117 points over 3 seasons in Chicago which is not easily replaced from the back end. Corey Crawford excelled in 2011, but will he be able to continue to put up stellar numbers (33-18-6, 2.30 GAA, .917 SVP) in his sophomore campaign? The Hawks definitely have questions, as do most teams in the West, but are more fit to overcome them than many others. There is a lot of turnover in the locker room, some of which makes sense; but how much will Danny Carcillo cost them? How many extra penalties will the Hawks have to kill? Carcillo could be more of a clubhouse cancer than the Hawks needed, even if they want to get gritty; and frankly, the signing makes no sense. The Hawks are deep enough to make the run, the question is whether or not they'll be hungry and cohesive enough.

2012 prediction: 3rd in Western Conference
Leading scorer: Jonathan Toews, 33 G & 80 points
Bold prediction: Jeremy Morin will lead all Hawks in rookie scoring.

NEXT PREVIEW: COLORADO AVALANCHE

Team Preview: Carolina Hurricanes

2010-2011: 91 points, 9th in Eastern Conference
Key additions: D Tomas Kaberle, G Brian Boucher, C Tim Brent, W Anthony Stewart, LW Alexei Ponikarovsky
Key departures: F Erik Cole, D Joe Corvo

Why they'll contend: The Hurricanes slightly upgraded their roster in the off-season, adding defenseman Tomas Kaberle to replace Joe Corvo who had asked for a trade over the summer. Goaltender Cam Ward is one of the game's elite and the Hurricanes have a dynamic mix of young forwards in Eric Staal, Jeff Skinner, and Brandon Sutter. The Canes made slight tweaks to their bottom two lines, adding Anthony Stewart from Winnipeg who was coming off a career-high 14 goal season and Tim Brent from Toronto who adds penalty killing depth. The addition of Kaberle could provide a huge boost to the back end. Despite sub-par play in Boston after the trade deadline, Kaberle is still a dynamic defenseman who could fit into Carolina's power play nicely. The Canes missed the playoffs by the equivalent of one win last season, losing in their final game. With a successful summer for the ever-shrewd GM Jim Rutherford, which included re-signing Jussi Jokinken and Joni Pitkanen and bringing in back-up goaltending help in Brian Boucher, minor adjustments may pay off big. If Alexei Ponikarovsky can contribute in Carolina the way he did in Toronto two years ago, the Canes will be in excellent shape to return to the playoffs.

Skinner will need to avoid a sophomore slump in 2012.

Why they'll falter: While the Canes made some nice acquisitions over the summer, most of them are anything from a sure bet. Ponikarovsky has struggled since leaving Toronto, as has Tomas Kaberle, and Anthony Stewart didn't even play in the NHL in 2009-2010 after being demoted in Florida. Calder Trophy winner Jeff Skinner will enjoy a more expanded role, but will he be a victim of a sophomore slump? Skinner was dynamic as a rookie but leaning to much on a 19-year-old kid is never Plan A, regardless of his skill and maturity levels. The Canes could use a stay-at-home defenseman and may struggle keeping pucks out of their own net and their penalty kill needs work, finishing in the bottom third in 2010-2011. Having Brian Boucher as a reliable back-up to Cam Ward will take the workload off of the netminder who lead the NHL in minutes last year with 4,318. But if Boucher falters the load will be back on Ward which may not be something the Canes can handle. Playing in a loaded Southeast Division, Carolina may not be deep enough for a playoff run in 2012.

2012 prediction: 10th in Eastern Conference
Leading scorer: Eric Staal, 32 & 65
Bold prediction: Coach Paul Maurice is fired before Christmas.

NEXT PREVIEW: CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

Team Preview: Calgary Flames

2010-2011: 94 points, 10th in Western Conference
Key additions: D Chris Butler
Key departures: D Steve Montador

Why they'll contend: The Flames benefited immensely in 2011 from the breakout season of Curtis Glencross, who notched 24 goals. With another season like this from Glencross and an expanded role from center Mikael Backlund, the Flames could quietly score some goals. Not to mention that Jarome Iginla guy who was good for 43 goals last season. Miikka Kiprusoff has been a standby for years, starting 71 games for the Flames last season and posting a respectable 2.63 GAA and .906 SVP. With the addition of Butler on defense, the Flames defense corps adds youth to an already young back end (median age of the Flames defense is 27.0) and while the Flames don't have any dynamic defenseman they have a sturdy back end in front of Kiprusoff. The Flames were quiet in the off-season and may be putting blind faith into what is essentially a carbon copy of a roster that missed the post-season by 3 points in 2011. But with Iginla, Kiprusoff, Glencross and what should be a reliable defense, the Flames could squeak in in 2012.

Iginla must be superhuman if Calgary wants a playoff berth.

Why they'll falter: Realistically speaking, it's time for a rebuild in Calgary. Iginla and Kiprusoff aren't getting any younger and have been the cornerstones in Alberta for a decade. The prospect pool is water thin and without a strong second half last season they would have missed the playoffs by an Alberta mile. Moving Iginla is hard to fathom, but if the Flames want to maximize their return on their captain it'd be best to move him early. The question is whether or not anyone will take on his $7 million cap hit for another season (his contract expires in 2013). The Flames intend to lean on Glencross, but how realistic is it that Glencross can produce at the clip he did in 2010-2011? The Flames need more contributions out of their defense and need to tighten up in tight games with the margin of error so thin in the Western Conference. The Flames were 20th in the NHL in one-goal games in 2011, something that needs to be fixed under Brent Sutter's regime. The Flames are likely closer to a top-10 pick than a Stanley Cup ring in 2012, but it's up to GM Jay Feaster to realize this and start building for the future now.

2012 prediction: 13th in Western Conference
Leading scorer: Jarome Iginla, 36 goals & 74 points
Bold prediction: Jay Bouwmeester will score 10 goals for the first time as a member of the Flames.

NEXT PREVIEW: CAROLINA HURRICANES

Team Preview: Buffalo Sabres

2010-2011: 96 points, 7th in Eastern Conference
Key additions: D Christian Erhoff, F Ville Leino, D Robyn Regehr,
Key departures: D Steve Montador, D Chris Butler, F Tim Connolly

Ryan Miller's play will be pivotal to the Sabres success.

Why they'll contend: It goes without saying the Sabres are solid on the back end. Ryan Miller is an elite level goaltender who should benefit from a restful off-season and the defense corps has been solidified with the additions of Regehr and Erhoff, the latter coming in off a loaded Vancouver team that made a run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals in 2011. Ville Leino's contract could be a risk but he could be an ace in the hole coming off a career-high 19 goal campaign in Philadelphia. Forwards Tyler Ennis and Nathan Gerbe are both primed to make significant contributions at the NHL level and the Sabres finally have deeper pockets under new owner Terry Pegula to make any adjustments they need mid-season. The Sabres are deeper than in the past and for the first time ever have splurged in the off-season, pushing their cap to the limit. With a healthy, rejuvenated Ryan Miller and an upgraded back-end the Sabres should compete for the top of the Northeast Division.

Why they'll falter: The club took big risks on Erhoff and Leino in the off-season, with Leino being the bigger risk of the two. Leino will have to put his contract to good use if the Sabres want to take the next step. The offense as typically average, and Tomas Vanek and Jason Pominville will be expected to carry the load as usual, though the two have never had tremendous amounts of post-season success. If Ryan Miller plays like the 2010-2011 Ryan Miller as opposed to his Vezina trophy winning 2009-2010 season the Sabres may be in trouble, though back-up Jhonas Enroth is more than capable of picking up some slack if Miller falters. The Sabres will need to get significant contributions out of their back end if they want to make a deep run. Erhoff will be relied on to quarterback a power play that finished 9th in the NHL last year and should be a marked improvement. If Miller, Vanek, and the off-season acquisitions struggle in 2012 it could be a disappointing finish in Buffalo yet again.

2012 Predictions:
FINISH: 3rd in Eastern Conference, Northeast Division champions
LEADING SCORER: Tomas Vanek, 30 goals & 71 points
SURPRISE OF THE YEAR: Tyler Ennis will finish with more goals than Ville Leino.

NEXT PREVIEW: CALGARY FLAMES

Team Preview: Boston Bruins

2010-2011: 103 points, 3rd in Eastern Conference, 1st in Northeast Divsion, Stanley Cup champions
Key additions: W Benoit Pouliot
Key departures: D Tomas Kaberle, F Mark Recchi

Why they'll contend: The Stanley Cup belongs to the Boston Bruins until June of 2012 and there's no reason to think they can't reclaim it. The Bruins were pretty quiet in the off-season with most of the adieu being made of Tomas Kaberle's departure. Kaberle was quiet in Boston, at times struggling, but a full season in Boston may have done wonders. Instead he bolted for Carolina and the Bruins are left with a very similar roster to 2011 which could pose a problem. The Bruins hunger will be the biggest issue: will they be able to re-create the magic from this past year? The Bruins are still as solid as anyone defensively, with Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenburg anchoring a very promising blue line. Tuukka Rask may be leaned on more in the coming season as Tim Thomas ages and is coming off a season where he played 82 games between the regular season and the playoffs. Rask's play could go a long way in pushing the Bruins back to the top of the Northeast Division.

Tyler Seguin will need a big sophomore year in Boston.

Why they'll falter: The Bruins stayed quiet this off-season while Buffalo and Toronto most notably improved around them. Tim Thomas is aging...can he continue his Vezina-worthy form? Will the Bruins goal scoring deficiencies finally catch up to them? Despite having a similar roster to their Cup team from 2011, the Bruins still have some question marks. Mark Recchi's absence will be huge both on the ice and in the dressing room. Marc Savard's absence will catch up to them some day despite being very well-off at the center position. Tyler Seguin will need a big year up the middle, but is it realistic to expect huge things from a 19-year-old kid who put up just 22 points in his rookie campaign? The Bruins will definitely be intriguing to watch in 2012, but I do expect a slow start out of the gate.

2011-2012 PREDICTION: 6th in Eastern Conference
LEADING SCORER: Patrice Bergeron, 70 points
SURPRISE OF THE YEAR: Tuukka Rask earns the starting job after Tim Thomas struggles out of the gate.

NEXT PREVIEW: BUFFALO SABRES 

Team Preview: Anaheim Ducks

2010-2011: 99 points, 4th in Western Conference

Key additions: C Andrew Cogliano, D Mathieu Carle

Key departures: C Kyle Chipchura, C Todd Marchant, D Andy Sutton

Bobby Ryan could eclipse 40 goals in 2012.

Why they'll contend: The Ducks have one of the best, if not the best, lines in the league in Corey Perry-Ryan Getlzaf-Bobby Ryan. Scoring goals won't be a problem at the Pond this season and some of the Ducks talented prospects like Emerson Etem may get a chance to crack the big club. In goal the Ducks are solid as always with Swiss keeper Jonas Hiller tending the pipes and coming off a year where his .924 save percentage was good for 5th in the NHL. The Ducks may not be the deepest team in the NHL, but their sheer firepower is enough to get them into the playofs.

Why they'll falter: Losing Andy Sutton could prove more costly than many think. His 6'5" frame, despite mobility issues, is important and Sutton is shot-blocking machine when healthy. He only played 39 games in 2010-2011, but in 2009-2010 he was 2nd in the NHL in blocked shots. Teemu Selanne will be relied on to have a huge season, but the fact of the matter is he's 41 and has to run out of steam eventually. Hopefully for the Ducks, it won't be this year. Cam Fowler will be leaned on more frequently this season, but he was a -25 last year and was playing over 22 minutes a game. Fowler will need to improve defensively if the Ducks have a shot at advancing deep this season.

Outlook: The Ducks offensive ability is enough to get them into the playoffs, even in a high-flying Western Conference. Perry, Getzlaf, and Ryan combined for 103 goals and 245 points last year, which was 43% of the team's goals. Secondary scoring will be at a premium in Anaheim which could be a downfall and prohibit a deep playoff run, but the Ducks are just deep enough to make it to the postseason and make some noise when they get there.

2012 Predictions: 

FINISH: 7th in Western Conference

LEADING SCORER: Corey Perry, 46 goals & 92 points

SURPRISE OF THE YEAR: Teemu Selanne will fail to eclipse 20 goals.

NEXT PREVIEW: BOSTON BRUINS

Team Previews: Standings

Now that this blog has been dead for a few weeks as July dragged on, the dog days of summer are officially here as the clock flips to August. We will be breaking down each team in the NHL over the course of the month, but first we take a look at the bigger picture. As a newly-christened NHL blogger (as opposed to just a Thrashers writer) I am blessed with the privilege of incorrectly predicting where 30 teams in the NHL will finish. And so, here goes nothing:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

NORTHEAST DIVISION

1. Buffalo Sabres
2. Boston Bruins
3. Montreal Canadiens
4. Toronto Maple Leafs
5. Ottawa Senators

The breakdown: The Bruins will likely suffer a Stanley Cup hangover out of the gate (quite possibly literally after some of their bar tabs) and Buffalo will benefit from the wave of excitement after a big off-season under Terry Pegula's new regime. Montreal will compete for one of the bottom playoff spots in the Eastern Conference and Toronto and Ottawa will continue their rebuild. Toronto will again make steps in the right direction but are still a year and a good GM away from making a real run.

Marian Gaborik's heath in crucial to the Rangers.

ATLANTIC DIVISION


1. Philadelphia Flyers
2. New York Rangers
3. Pittsburgh Penguins
4. New Jersey Devils
5. New York Islanders

The breakdown: This may be the toughest division in hockey and looking ahead is the toughest to predict. The Rangers will benefit immensely from a healthy Marian Gaborik, if he can stay so, and free agent trophy Brad Richards who is reunited with old coach John Tortorella. The Devils are on a steady decline and despite their impressive finish to last season it's tough to envision them competing in such a loaded division. This will also likely be the Islanders last season in last place for a while as their rebuild continues to move along impressively.  What more can be said about the Flyers? They got the goaltender they needed and got a little younger. Not only that, but improved cap flexibility will help GM Paul Holmgren swing a deal they were previously unable to make mid-season because of cap constraints. The Atlantic will be a battle from start-to-finish, undoubtedly.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION


1. Washington Capitals
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
3. Florida Panthers
4. Carolina Hurricanes
5. Winnipeg Jets

The breakdown: This is an extremely intriguing division. The Capitals have loaded up by adding Tomas Vokoun between the pipes and should contend for the top spot. Tampa Bay will trail just a few points in the standings and goaltending may be an issue. The Panthers chemistry will be the biggest question with a complete roster overhaul in the off-season by GM Dave Tallon. Florida, Carolina, and Winnipeg should all be within a few points for each other and may all battle for a playoff spot. Winnipeg pulls up the rear, considering they finished just 8 points ahead of Florida for last place last season and failed to improve like their divisional counterparts and will have a rigorous travel schedule until the divisions re-align in 2012-2013.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

CENTRAL DIVISION

1. Chicago Blackhawks
2. Detroit Red Wings
3. Nashville Predators
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. St. Louis Blues

The breakdown: Chicago made subtle moves to improve, but bringing in Andrew Brunette is a massive acquisition for the Hawks and should fit in nicely. Detroit is aging but still incredibly dangerous as always. Nashville and Columbus should compete for the bottom playoff spots in the Western Conference, but the question is whether or not Columbus will be able to get off to a hot start. With new acquisitions Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski expected to be leaned on heavily in Ohio, Jackets fans definitely have reason for optimism. The Blues seem to be trending backwards after what appears to be a rebuild on verge of flickering out. The Central could be pretty crowded at the top this season, with a lot of new talent coming and going from top to bottom.

NORTHWEST DIVISION


1. Vancouver Canucks
2. Minnesota Wild
3. Colorado Avalanche
4. Calgary Flames
5. Edmonton Oilers

The breakdown: Vancouver will return hungry after falling a win away from a Stanley Cup in 2011. Minnesota is vastly improved with sniper Dany Heatley and skilled forward Devin Setoguchi coming in from San Jose. Colorado will benefit from improved goaltending and their core getting a year older, while Calgary and Edmonton will battle for the bottom for two different reasons: Calgary is on the verge of a rebuild while Edmonton is breaking out of one. If Edmonton doesn't escape the basement this season, they surely will in 2012-2013 with one of the league's most dynamic groups of young talent.

Mike Richards will play a huge role in Los Angeles.

PACIFIC DIVISION


1. Los Angeles
2. San Jose
3. Anaheim
4. Phoenix
5. Dallas

The breakdown: The Kings made some splashes in the off-season, most notably adding Mike Richards from Philadelpha and Simon Gagne from Tampa Bay, which I believe will give them enough firepower to overcome San Jose for the top spot in the division. San Jose and Anaheim will be evenly matched for the second spot, and while San Jose has improved defensively Anaheim still has a ton of firepower in Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Bobby Ryan. Phoenix will likely finish on the outside looking in this season and will likely relocate afterwards, unfortunately. Dallas has begun it's rebuild as well and will bring up the rear in the Pacific for another season.

UPCOMING in the next 30 days will be team-by-team breakdowns as we count down towards training camp in September.