It's Hockey Time, so let's get the preview started. The teams in bold will make the playoffs, with their respective playoff spot in parenthesis. Who will win the Stanley Cup? We shall see come April.
Eastern Conference
Northeast Division
This Division has been the realm of Ottawa, Toronto and Boston over recent years, with Buffalo and Montreal making occasional appearances in the playoffs. Ottawa is the clear favorite, making the conference finals last year. Toronto and Boston should compete as well. Montreal is the wild card, resting on the shoulders of Jose Theodore.
- Ottawa Senators (1)
- Toronto Maple Leafs (5)
- Boston Bruins (7)
- Montreal Canadiens
- Buffalo Sabres
Atlantic Division
This could be the year where the Rangers finally get some kind of run together and make the playoffs. If they do, they will need to win games on the road in their own division. Doing that against New Jersey and the Islanders won't be easy. Philly will get their wins as always, but are still overrated. Pittsburgh is a minor league team with Mario Lemieux.
- New Jersey Devils (2)
- Philadelphia Flyers (4)
- New York Rangers (8)
- New York Islanders
- Pittsburgh Penguins
Southeast Division
One of the worst divisions in hockey decided to pick it up last year, putting Tampa Bay of all teams in the playoffs. Tampa will play strong again, but Washington and Carolina will push to win the division. Atlanta and Florida will grab a hold onto the bottom of the conference and protect it like it was their house.
- Washington Capitals (3)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (6)
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Atlanta Thrashers
- Florida Panthers
Western Conference
Northwest Division
Vancouver put some quality games together and realized their full scoring potential. Now they need to prove it in the playoffs, and against a now very powerful division. Colorado has assembled the Western conference All Stars, but has a young goalie and not much depth beyond the big talent. Minnesota will win 1-0 in every single game.
- Vancouver Canucks (1)
- Colorado Avalanche (4)
- Minnesota Wild (6)
- Edmonton Oilers
- Calgary Flames
Pacific Division
Dallas always seems to hang around in the Western Conference, but now they have to contend with a re-energized Los Angeles team and Anaheim. Anaheim? No matter how much it hurts, as long as Giguere stops the puck, they'll win. San Jose will need another year or two to right themselves, along with Phoenix.
- Los Angeles Kings (2)
- Dallas Stars (5)
- Anaheim Mighty Ducks (8)
- San Jose Sharks
- Phoenix Coyotes
Central Division
- Detroit Red Wings (3)
- St. Louis Blues (7)
- Nashville Predators
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Columbus Blue Jackets
