Atlantic Division
1) Montreal Canadiens
Strengths- It all starts with goaltending and Carey Price who at just 27 years of age has won an Olympic Gold Medal, World Junior Gold and a Calder Cup. Had it not been a horrific high-ankle sprain in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Rangers it could have also been a Stanley Cup added to his awards. In front of Price is a young solid core that GM Marc Bergevin has put in place. Led by their highest paid player in P.K. Subban, forwards Max Pacioretty and third year players Alex Galchenyuk & Brendan Gallagher, the Habs look bound to reach the playoffs and strive for number 25.
Weaknesses- People will question their leadership with the losses of Brian Gionta and Josh Gorges but that should not be a problem, with a tight nit team in place. Their real problems fall on the uncertainty at centre. With Galchenyuk starting the season on the wing, its a good problem to have, but he is a lot better suited down the middle of the ice, which leaves a decision for Head Coach Michel Therrian. The Canadiens also have veterans in Manny Malhotra, Tomas Plekanec, as well with Lars Eller and David Desharnais. On defense there only problem is who fits the 6th Defenseman spot; between Nathan Beaulieau and Jarred Tinordi
Off Season Moves Brought In- P.A. Parenteau, Manny Malholtra, Jiri Sekac, Tom Gilbert
Place they Finish- 1st in Division and 2nd in Conference
2) Boston Bruins
Strengths- The core of: Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Milan Lucic and Brad Marchand are a formidable group that can play with any Top-6 in the NHL. On Defense they have “Big-Z” Zedeno Chara who is the anchor of the group along with Dougie Hamilton and returning from injury Dennis Seidenberg. Goaltending is solid with Tukka Rask who is a lock for a 40-win season. They still compete every game and are one of the league’s best home team.
Weaknesses- They lost some character guys in Johnny Boychuk, Jarome Iginla and Shawn Thornton. For all the talent that the Bruins have they have a problem at times scoring goals.
Off Season Moves Brought In- None
Place they Finish- 2nd in Division and 4th in Conference
3) Tampa Bay Lightning
Strengths- Last year, the Lightning were a solid group behind new bench boss Jon Cooper. This year they went out and made moves to help Steven Stamkos replace the loss of Martin St.Louis. The additions of former Rangers Brian Boyle, Anton Stralman and last year they traded St. Louis for Ryan Callahan all should have big roles. There backend is a little shakey but Victor Hedman will benefit from the additions of Stralman and Jason Garrison should help out on Special Teams. Goalie Ben Bishop is determined to come back from injury and help his team reach the post-season again.
Weaknesses- Besides bona-fide superstar Steven Stamkos it’s hard to tell where all the scoring will come from, but Jonathan Drouin should help. They have an abundance of defenseman on the roster and they are also $2 million over the cap as of October 8th.
Off Season Moves Brought In- Anton Stralman, Jason Garrison, Brian Boyle, Brendan Morrow, Evgeni Nabokov
Place they Finish- 3rd in Division and 5th in Conference
4) Florida Panthers
Strengths- One thing’s for sure is that this team is building for the long haul with players like Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov and now Aaron Ekblad. Roberto Luongo is under contract for a long time and will keep them in games.
Weaknesses- Every year it seems like a revolving door with the players that the Panthers acquire, deal, or lose to free agency. Who knows how long it will take for the team to “gel”. Goals will be tough to come by, but this team knows how to grind.
Off Season Moves Brought In- David Bolland, Shawn Thornton, Jussi Jokinen, Willie Mitchell, Greg Zanon
Place they Finish- 4th in Division and 7th in Conference (WC1)
5) Toronto Maple Leafs
Strengths- Scoring might seem easy for a guy like Phil Kessel but when he slumps so does the team. He has good chemistry with Tyler Bozak who on any other team would be a 2nd or 3rd line centre.
Weaknesses- Much more is expected out of Nazem Kadri, Joffrey Lupul, and captain Dion Phaneuf. James Van Riemsdyk has played well as a Maple Leaf, but has the tendency like Lupul to miss time due to injuries. Jonathan Bernier has been good a times but there needs to be more consistency.
Off Season Moves Brought In- David Booth, Stephane Robidas, Roman Polak, Matt Frattin, Mike Santorelli
Place they Finish- 5th in Division and 9th in Conference
6) Ottawa Senators
Strengths- The Senators have one of the best players in the game in defenseman Erik Karlsson. Alongside newly signed Bobby Ryan and young forwards Kyle Turris and Mika Zibanejad this team finds a way to play well under Head Coach Paul MacLean.
Weaknesses- This team has many holes, goaltending is a question between Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner. Karlsson is great offensively but is no sure thing on defense and Chris Phillips is very old and Marc Methot wants out.
Off Season Moves Brought In- David Legwand
Place they Finish- 6th in Division and 11th in Conference
7) Detroit Red Wings
Strengths- Each year this team has their eyes set on the playoffs and with Henrik Zetterberg & Pavel Datsyuk there is always a chance. The team relishes in their “underdog” status and coach Mike Babcok will always have his team prepared. Can Gustav Nyquist and Jordan Tatar take the next step? Niklas Kronwall is the strong point on a very weak defensive line.
Weaknesses- Goaltender Jimmy Howard has been shaky the last few years, but does manage to play really good some times. Their defensive line used to be the core of the Red Wings success, now it’s their hindrance.
Off Season Moves Brought In- None
Place they Finish- 7th in Division and 14th in Conference
8) Buffalo Sabers
Strengths- The Sabers are building for the future and are a good few years away from actually competing. Cody Hodgson, Tyler Ennis, Matt Moulson will lead the young guys while new captain Brian Gionta and defenseman Josh Gorges should supply valuable leadership.
Weaknesses- Goaltending is a problem with Jonas Enroth and Michael Neuvrith. Tyler Myers has played poorly to say the least since his rookie year, he needs to step it up. He will have the chance now that stay-at-home-defenseman Gorges is apart of the team. Despite Moulson there will be no one else on the team with 20+ goals.
Off Season Moves Brought In- Josh Gorges, Brian Gionta, Andrej Meszaros, Matt Moulson
Place they Finish- 8th in Division and 16th in Conference
Metropolitan Division
1) New York Rangers
Strengths- The Rangers biggest strength is there speed and there depth, oh and they have a guy by the name of Henrik Lundqvist A.K.A. “The King”. Head Coach Alain Vigneault took his team to the Stanley Cup in year one with the team and not much else is expected. Martin St. Louis will have a full season with the team and the loss of Brad Richards will open it up for Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin and Chris Kreider. Ryan McDonagh has emerged as one of the top defenceman in the Eastern Conference. Dan Boyle should be a nice replacement on the point during the Power Play.
Weaknesses- Team does not really boast a top centre, will have to score by committee. Rick Nash needs to step up and score 25-30 goals.
Off Season Moves Brought In- Dan Boyle, Lee Stempniak, Matthew Lombardi, Tanner Glass
Place they Finish- 1st in Division and 1st in Conference
2) Pittsburgh Penguins
Strengths- Sidney Crosby duh. Evgeni Malkin duh. Of course having two of the best players in the world helps. The team added good depth in Patrick Hornqvist who should go well with Chris Kunitz on Sid’s line. Kris Letang returns healthy and ready to go and hill be paired on the Power Play with newly acquired Christian Ehroff.
Weaknesses- For all the offensive prowess that the Penguins possess, they are not a sound team defensively and that is why Dan Bylsma was fired and Mike Johnston was brought in. Losing James Neal who seemed like such a good fit in Pittsburgh. Look for Marc-Andre Fleury to be dealt by the deadline as he will no longer be with this team after the season.
Off Season Moves Brought In- Christian Ehrhoff, Patrick Honrqvist, Steve Downie, Blake Comeau, Thomas Greiss
Place they Finish- 2nd in Division and 3rd in Conference
3) Columbus Blue Jackets
Strengths- They are young. They are fast. And they don’t mind being called underdog. With former Vezina trophy winner Sergei Bobrobsky manning the pipes and a youthful, fast team in front, this team will show everyone in the league why they gave the Penguins a handful in the playoffs last year. Ryan Johansen is the future captain of this team and Brandon Dubnsiky is the team’s pulse. Adding Scott Hartnell gave the team a much needed jolt of lightning on offense after losing Nathan Horton for an undisclosed amount of time.
Weaknesses- Defense is weak and promising star Ryan Murray is starting the season on the Injured Reserve.
Off Season Moves Brought In- Scott Hartnell
Place they Finish- 3rd in Division and 6th in Conference
4) Washington Capitals
Strengths- They can score with Alex Ovechkin. Nicklas Backstrom is a tremendous set-up man. Head Coach Barry Trotz should help them play better defensively with the likes of Mike Green and newly acquired Brooks Orpik & Matt Niskanen.
Weaknesses- For all the talent this team finds a way to blow it. Goalie Braden Holtby will be trusted with the starting role, with only Justin Peters as his backup
Off Season Moves Brought In- Matt Niskanen, Brooks Orpik, Head Coach Barry Trotz
Place they Finish- 4th in Division and 8th in Conference (WC2)
5) Philadelphia Flyers
Strengths- Team is build around Claude Giroux. They bring back R.J. Umberger who had his best season as a member of the Flyers. Brayden Scehnn & Sean Couturier will be counted on heavily.
Weaknesses- They lose the chemistry between Grioux and Scott Hartnell. First it was Chris Pronger, now it looks like Kimmo Timonen may never play hockey again. Defense is shaky to say the least. Can Steve Mason have another good year?
Off Season Moves Brought In- Michael Del Zotto, R.J. Umberger
Place they Finish- 5th in Division and 10th in Conference
6) New Jersey Devils
Strengths- Team still finds a way to score since losing Zach Parise. Mike Camalleri will fill that void. Martin Havlat is a project but at $1.5 million a year it’s worth the bargain. Jaromir Jagr seems to have found the fountain of youth and plays well along side Patrick Elias.
Weaknesses- Travis Zajac is their number one centre, which just won’t cut it. Martin Brodeur is no longer a Devil after more then two decades with the team. Cory Schneider has to prove that he can be a number one.
Off Season Moves Brought In- Mike Cammalleri, Scot Clemmensen, Scott Gomez, Tomas Kaberle, Martin Havlat, Jordan Tootoo
Place they Finish- 6th in Division and 12th in Conference
7) New York Islanders
Strengths- Made strong moves before the season started to bolster a weak defensive line. The additions of Stanley Cup winners Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk will help a young team. Captain John Tavares is a stud and should eclipse 100 points if he stays healthy.Kyle Okposo and Mikhail Grabovski will help JT on the offensive front. Moved to the Barclasys Centre in Brooklyn. Jaroslav Halak fills the pipes for a team that has needed a starting goalie for over a decade. Lots of depth on defense, with nine guys signed to the roster.
Weaknesses- Team can put up lots of goals on special teams, but the question remains if they can play better 5-on-5 hockey.
Off Season Moves Brought In- Jaroslav Halak, Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin, Cory Conacher, Nick Leddy, Johnny Boychuk
Place they Finish- 7th in Division and 13th in Conference
8) Carolina Hurricanes
Strengths- Jeff Skinner and Eric Staal lead a team that is surely in the rebuild phase.
Weaknesses- Losing Jordan Staal before the season hurts for a team that can use as much offense as they can get. Goalie Cam Ward has not been good since 2010. No real top player on the backend.
Off Season Moves Brought In- Jay McClement, Tim Gleason
Place they Finish- 8th in Division and 15th in Conference
Playoff Bracket
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF MATCHUPS:
(A1) Montreal Canadiens v. (WC1) Florida Panthers
(A2) Boston Bruins v. (A3) Tampa Bay Lightning
(M1) New York Rangers v. (WC2) Washington Capitals
(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins v. (M3) Columbus Blue Jackets
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