Take a quick glance at the leading scorers from last year, and you’ll find that the NHL is getting younger with each passing year.  Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeny Malkin, Eric Staal, Derek Roy, Jason Pominville and Ryan Getzlaf all cracked the top 20 in points, and all have been in the NHL for 4 years or less.  Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Peter Mueller all topped 20 goals as rookies last year, while Edmonton’s Andrew Cogliano just missed that number as he finished with 18. 

As younger players are capitalizing on the opportunities granted to them, I want to take this opportunity to take a look at some youngsters who will look to make their first mark in the NHL this season. 

 We start out by examining the brightest young stars in the Pacific Division.

Anaheim
Bobby Ryan, RW…  fans of the Ducks are beginning to become impatient with the 21 year old winger who was drafted second overall behind 2007 NHL MVP Sidney Crosby.  Ryan averaged over a point per game in the AHL last season, and with the departure of Todd Bertuzzi, he will be expected to win the second line right wing spot to start the season.  At 6-1, 213 pounds, Ryan has the frame and hands to excel as a power forward.  His play away from the puck and becoming more effective at the physical aspect of the game are what Anaheim’s brass seems to be looking for him to improve on.

 Brian Salcido, D…  The 23 year old defenseman only needs to see Mathieu Schneider moved and he should have a spot in Anaheim’s top 6 for this season.  Salcido fell one point shy of doubling his point production in his second AHL season.  He has good size and the ability to contribute in the offensive zone.  As the 6th defenseman, don’t expect him to put up staggering numbers since he’ll only see about 12-15 minutes of ice time per night if he makes the big club.

San Jose

Lukas Kaspar, RW/LW…  Kaspar (pronounced like “cash bar”, which puts him onto my “coolest names in hockey” roster) got into 3 games with the Sharks last season.  He has plenty of offensive ability, but needs to learn how to make use of his 6-2, 210 frame.  Consistency also has been a problem for him.  There appears to be a LW spot open in camp, and a strong showing by Kaspar could lead to a full time gig for the 23 year old.  Again, with the top 6 forward positions accounted for, don’t expect this winger to set the league on fire statistically.  He’ll only see about 10-12 minutes per night.

 Logan Couture, C…  The Sharks’ first round draft pick in 2007, an opportunity has opened up for Couture with the injury to Torrey Mitchell.  He has always been overflowing with offensive skills, but last season was his first that he finished with a positive +/- rating.  The 19 year old would benefit from the tutelage of Joe Thornton and Jeremy Roenick.  He has been at or over a point per game the past three seasons in major junior, so he doesn’t have much more to prove at this level.  Again, like most of the rookies that will be on this list, expect 3rd or 4th line minutes.

 Dallas
Fabian Brunnstrom, LW/RW…  This 23 year old Swede enters the league carry the second most pressure to produce as a rookie (behind Tampa’s Steven Stamkos).  He skates like the wind, and has a decent shot.  He just has to fire it more often.  He has a good frame (6-1, 203).  He just has to learn to apply it on the smaller ice surfaces of the NHL.  If he makes the team, it will be as a second liner.  Expect 45-50 points.

 B.J. Crombeen, RW…  This physical winger racked up 39 PIM in just 8 games with the Stars last year.  With the retirement of Stu Barnes, there is an opening on the 3rd or 4th line in Dallas.  Expect Crombeen to fill it, but not have much of an impact in the offensive zone.  Is a bundle of energy who makes his presence known on the ice.

Tobias Stephan, G…  The backup job in Dallas is Stephan’s to lose.  He has a big frame, and experience is the only thing lacking from his game.  He should see 20 games backing up Marty Turco.

Perttu Lindgren, C…  This 21 year old is certainly blessed with the talent to rack up points.  He’ll battle Brunnstrom and James Neal for a spot on the second line.  scouts say he plays well in his own zone, and is better at setting up goals than scoring them. 

Phoenix
Kyle Turris, C…  Expected to win the second line center spot for the Coyotes this year, Turris showed glimpses of what he’s capable of in his 3 game stint at the end of last season.  His play at both ends is NHL caliber, but you have to question if nhe can hold up physically at 6-1, 170.  He’s a top end offensive talent.  If the Coyotes are to climb into the playoff picture this season, Turris will play a big role.

 Mikkel Boedker, RW/LW…  This 18 year old Danish winger made a huge splash in the OHL as a rookie last season.  He is one of the fastest skaters in any league, and he can function at top speed.  It’s a huge jump from major junior to the NHL, but Boedker wouldn’t surprise many by making it seamlessly.  Has an opportunity to win a spot on the second line and could put up number similar to what Peter Meuller posted last season (20 goals).

Kevin Porter, LW/RW…  The reigning Hobey Baker Award winner as college hockey’s best player, Porter has the talent to compete with Boedker for a second line spot.  More likely, Porter will make his NHL debut in an energy role.  He has top end offensive abilities, but those probably won’t show in the NHL until his second or third season.

 Al Montoya, G…  Montoya will battle Mikael Tellqvist for the backup job to Ilya Brzygalov.  Montoya has earned a reputation for letting in bad goals and battling consistency.  Tellqvist hasn’t impressed anyone thus far in his career.  The opportunity is there for Montoya in camp. 

Los Angeles
Teddy Purcell, RW…  Purcell is playing on the second line in the Kings’ exhibition tilts, and he’s producing.  That shouldn’t be a surprise.  The 23 year old scored 25 goals and totaled 83 points as an AHL rookie last year, continuing a meteoric rise from playing in the USHL in 2005-06.  He’s primarily an offensive guy, but that part of his game should more than compensate for any lapses he has in his own zone.  The Kings would love to see 15-20 goals from Purcell this season, and he’s capable of doing it.

 Brian Boyle, C…  At 6-6, 222, Boyle is a tough for defenders to handle.  He should see time in front of the net on the PP, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is the second line center ahead of the disappointing Michal Handzus.  A brief conversion to defense helped Boyle with that end of his game.  He is a tremendous athlete, with agility and coordination seldom seen in players with his size.  Boyle should score 20+ points this season, and it should be the first of many productive NHL seasons for the 23 year old Massachusetts native.

Gabe Gauthier, C/LW…  Gauthier is a small (5-9) but sturdy (205 lbs.) forward and is offensively gifted, scoring over 20 goals in the AHL last season.  He could win a job on the 3rd line as an energy player who cashes in on timely goals.  If he makes the squad, he’ll only get 10-15 minutes per night.

 Drew Doughty, D…  The second pick in this year’s draft, Doughty seems all but assured a spot in LA this season.  He has the tools and mental strength to get PP time.  He has rare offensive abilities for a defenseman.  The only question is if he’s strong enough in his own end.  If he stick with the Kings all season, 5-10 goals and 35-45 points should be a reasonable expectation.

Thomas Hickey, D…  Hickey played hurt last season, but still had an impressive season in the WHL.  The Kings surprised many by selecting the Calgary native 4th overall last year, but there aren’t many left questioning the move.  Unless he completely blows away Doughty in camp, Hickey will probably return to his junior team, but will be one of the first blueliners recalled should injuries or ineffectiveness hit the big club.

Joe Piskula, D…  This 24 year old Wisconsin native appears to be the defensive compliment to Hickey and Doughty.  While it may not happen this year, Kings brass has to envision Piskula (6-3, 214) evolving into a shut down defender who can eat up minutes.  He’ll probably never top 30 points in a season, but his main job will be to prevent goals, not set them up.

Jonathan Bernier, G…  There’s no question that Bernier could be just as effective as LaBarbera.  The question for the Kings brass is will it stunt his development to stick him behind such a green defensive corps?  Bernier has the poise, talent and confidence to be an NHL goalie.  A really good one.

I feel like a 6 year old waiting for Santa Claus, that's how excited I am about the playoffs.  While looking at the standings, 2 potential first round matchups really grab my attention.

If the playoffs started today, Anaheim would face off against San Jose in the first round.  Can you imagine the fan revolt in either these two markets when their team exits in the first round?  Both teams are loaded with talent and carried Cup level expectations since last offseason. 

San Jose was my pick at the start of the season to go all the way, and I'm standing by that.  When you can skate two lines featuring the likes of Joe Thornton, Johnathon Cheechoo, Bill Guerin, Patrick Marluea...  That's quite a talented (and physical) top 2 lines.  Anaheim has the benefit of placing a Norris Trophy caliber defenseman on the ice for an entire game, so for that reason alone I've been nervous about my pick. 

Anaheim is blessed with offensive talent, as Teemu Selanne and Chris Kunitz have been great together this year while Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf provide a second scoring unit very much capable of out-scoring the Sharks, but will they be able to take the pounding from players like Kyle McLaren, Cheechoo, etc.?  The Sharks top line players are much more physical than Anaheims.

The second potential matchup that caught my eye was Detroit vs. Minnesota.  Minnesota is playing unbelievable hockey right now.  Just like the Sharks and Ducks, both of these teams will be greatly disappointed in a first round ouster.

I don't think anyone can keep Gaborik and Demitra off the score sheet.    Rolston is one of the most consistent players in the game, and the defense corps that features Carney, Burns, Foster and Schultz is one of the most underrated in hockey.

Detroit just amazes me.  They are a testament to keeping a core group of players together while tinkering with the fringe guys.  Lidstrom will probably win the next 3 Norris Trophies, Zetterberg has been the hottest player in hockey, and Chelios is a heck of a number 6 defenseman for a coach to stick out there.  Who knows if they'll get anything from the pesky right winger they picked up at the deadline.

Ahhh, the Ides of March.  Let the games begin.

As the season winds down, I'm having fun watching the West.  The top eight are pretty much locked into the playoffs, and it has been fun watching them flip-flop positions as five of the 8 teams are seperated by 3 points.  The lower seven are loaded with young talent and on their way up as youngsters begin to make their mark. 

1.  Nashville (98 pts)

What’s Going On: 

Nashville has rebounded nicely since a 4-6-1 run from January 30 through February 22.  The Predators have registered at least a point in each of their past 10 games (7-0-3).  A good sign as the playoffs approach, the Preds went 3-0-2 on a recent 5 game road trip.  The team seems to be splitting play between goalies in an attempt to see who will play in the playoffs (or to have both ready).  Mason (7-3-0, .923 save % and 2 shutouts in his last 10 games) continues to outplay Vokoun (5-2-3, .916, 1 shutout), but both are playing very well.  Forsberg (2-10-12, 1-5-6 on PP with 2 gwg), Kariya (6-5-11, 2-2-4 PP) and Timonen (1-9-10, 0-5-5 on PP, +5) lead in points in the last 10 games.  Shea Weber (5-2-7, 3-1-4 on PP)has really been playing well over this period as well. 

What’s Coming Up: 

Tough road ahead as they aim for the franchise’s first Presidents Trophy.  Six of their next seven games (and 8 of the final 13) are against teams currently in the playoffs, and five of the next seven are on the road.  Before finishing on the road against Colorado, the Preds will have the benefit of 5 consecutive home games.  A home and home with Detroit leads off the remainder of their schedule, which could go a long way to determining what is still a tight division.

2.  Anaheim (95 pts.):

What’s Going On: 

Dustin Penner (6-2-8, 2 PPG) continues to be a pleasant surprise for the Ducks.  When you can put a 6-7 guy with soft hands in front of the net, it really helps your power play.  After looking rather ordinary for a stretch, this team is looking dominant again as they have registered a point in 13 straight games (9-1-3).  The way they physically dominated Vancouver Sunday night confirmed to me that this is the dominant team in the West.

What’s coming up: 

Only four of their final twelve games are against teams in the playoff hunt.  Seven of those twelve, however, are on the road.

3.  Vancouver (87 pts.)

What’s Going On: 

The Canucks have been really hot of late, going 14-4-2 over the past 20 games.  Unfortunately, this run hasn’t separated them from division rival Minnesota, who lurks two points behind.  What impresses me is that they have been winning without production from the power play unit (3-28 over their past 8 games).  This will have to be fixed before the playoffs, or it will be an early Spring in Vancouver.  I also noticed how Anaheim simply outsmarted them physically (knowing when to get physical) Sunday.  I admire how Kevin Beiksa stood up for his teammates, but your top defenseman can’t be spending 20 minutes in the penalty box.

What’s Coming Up: 

Only five of their final thirteen are on the road, and only five are against playoff teams.  With a schedule like that, they will only have themselves to blame if Minnesota wins the division.

4.  Detroit (95 pts.)

What’s Going On: 

Have closed in on Nashville with a 13-3-4 record over their last 20 games.  No one talks about the red Wings, but they are 3 points behind winning their another President’s Trophy.  Their last four games haven’t gone well, however, as they’ve lost to Boston and Colorado, and needed overtime to beat the Kings.  Zetterberg (12-9-21) and Datsyuk (3-15-18, 8 power play assists in past 10 games) are playing phenomenally right now, and folks in Hockeytown are praying the production carries into the playoffs.

What’s Coming Up: 

Three games left with Nashville should decide the division, and possibly the top seed in the playoffs.  Chris Osgood (3-0-2) is playing well enough since returning from injury that the team can rest Hasek for the playoffs and still give the Predators a run.  Five of the games remaining are against either Chicago or Columbus. 

5.  Dallas (85 pts.)

What’s Going On: 

The Stars have won their last 2, stopping a four game losing streak.  Stu Barnes has struggled, putting up only one point in his past 10 games, while Jeff Halpern has gone scoreless over the same period.  Someone needs to step up and and lead this team offensively.  I thought Nagy would play better with Morrow out. 

What’s Coming Up: 

Eight of final 14 are against non-playoff teams, so the opportunity is there for them to get hot. 

6.  San Jose (85 pts)

What’s Going On: 

With Vesa Toskala out since February 21st, Nabokovhas played in every game.  After starting out this run 2-5-2, Nabby has posted shutouts in 3 of his last four.  He has had to play well, as the power play has gone 2-20 in their past five games.  At least he has had help in his own end.  The penalty killers haven’t given up a power play goal in four games.  Having a goal show he can carry the team is a good sign heading into the playoffs, especially since they started the season rotating goalies.  When Guerin clicks with Cheechoo and Thornton, lookout.  My pick for Western Conference final:  Anaheim vs. San Jose.

What’s Coming Up: 

Eight of last 13 are against non-playoff teams.  This team should start the playoffs on a roll.

7.  Minnesota (85 pts.):

What’s Going On: 

Harding has gone 2-0-1 since Fernandez got hurt.  The kid is ready to play in the NHL.  With the talent already on hand, imagine what they could add with Backstrom as trade bait.  Overall, the team has gone 12-3-3 without their starting stopper.  They’ve allowed 2 power play goals in their last 11 games. 

What’s Coming Up: 

Only four of their last 12 are on the road, which is a good thing for a team that has struggled (16-18-3) away from home.  As dominant as Minnesota is at home, they can finish no higher than 5th if they don’t win the division.  That means, unless one of the top four get eliminated, they won’t have home ice advantage in the playoffs.  Before the season, this was my dark horse.  I liked the moves they’ve made since last off-season, I just can’t see them getting over that road record in the playoffs.  Eight of their last 12 are against teams that are out of the playoffs, and they have one against division leader Vancouver.  This team has the talent to make a run, they have to capitalize and make up the 2 points separating them from the division crown.  They have to fight off Calgary, though, as the teams play 3 times down the stretch.

8.  Calgary (84 pts.)

What’s Going On: 

Have gone 5-1-1 in their past seven, but are winless (0-1-1) in their past two.  Kiprusoff has looked mortal at times this season, unable to bail out mistakes made on the penalty kill (PK ranked 24th in NHL).  Jarome Iginla (5-8-13) has been hot in the past 10 games, and after putting up a four point night against St. Louis, Kristian Huselius (3-10-13) is finally providing a second line to help out with the scoring.

What’s Coming Up: 

Any one of Vancouver (87 pts.), Minnesota (85 pts) and Calgary (84 pts.) could finish 3rd with home ice in the first round, or eighth and having to be road warriors.  Calgary is tied for the least amount of road wins o the year with nine.  They need to win the division more than the Wild, based on their track record.  With eight of their final 14 on the road, and nine of their final games against playoff teams, it would be an accomplishment to hold onto the 8th slot.

9. Colorado (74 pts.)

What’s Going On: 

Being ten points out at this stage pretty much eliminates the Avalanche.  There are two many 3 point games to close that gap with only 13 games remaining.  Their current 5-0-1 stretch this team can make it interesting if Calgary stumbles down their difficult final stretch.  Peter Budaj (who, at 23-15-5 is enjoying a nice breakout season) has been given great support from a penalty kill unit that has clicked (one power play goal allowed over the past 6 games).  Milan Hejduk (7-8-15, 3-3-6 on the power play) has stepped up over the past 10 games, a good sign when your best player is 37 years old.

What’s Coming Up: 

Nine of their final 13 are against teams above them in the standings.  They would have to win nearly all of those games in regulation to make the playoffs.

10.  St. Louis (69 pts.)

What’s Going On: 

In an odd stat, this team’s road (12-12-8) and home (17-17-3) records are nearly identical.  They have played .500 (5-3-2) hockey in their past 10 games, providing hope that they kids will compete next year.  Eric Brewer (1-8-9 past 10 games) is pumped about signing a four year deal to help lead this young team.  Brad Boyes had three assists Monday night to put his totals for six games with the Blues at 2-6-8.  Doug Weight (3-5-8 in the same six games) has enjoyed playing with the youngster that was fetched at the deadline.

What’s Coming Up: 

This team really reminds me of the Penguins last year.  The young talent on this team is going to mature quickly.  With Nashville mortgaging it’s future on this year, the Blues could pass them up in the division next year if that happens.  It may not show in the final record this year, as nine of their final 14 are on the road.

11.  Edmonton (66 pts.)

What’s Going On: 

This team is playing like they’ve thrown in the hat.  This team has lost seven straight in regulation since dealing Ryan Smyth.  They haven’t scored a power play goal in that span (0-18).  I’m really disappointed that Petr Sykora (one point in his past 10 games) and Shawn Horcoff (2-2-4, -5) haven’t filled the leadership role.  You have to wonder if Jarret Stoll (out since February 1st with a concussion) would have filled that void.

What’s Coming Up: 

An end to the Oiler fans' misery.  Fans are still holding out hope of resigning Smyth, and if that happens this team will be a playoff team again.  Losing Jarret Stoll is huge, and hopefully he'll be back strong next year.  Here's hoping the kids added at the deadline will benefit from a change of scenery.

12.  Chicago (61 pts.)

What’s Going On: 

They have won three straight, but road trips to San Jose and Anaheim will end that feel-good string.  Jason Williams is playing well, providing leadership learned from his days with the Red Wings to a lot of youngsters that are getting a chance to prove they belong.

What’s Coming Up: 

Nine of their final 14 are against playoff teams.  I don’t expect much, but this team could surprise a team who looks past them.  This is another young team that has too many high draft picks in its system to stay down much longer, no matter how bad the management.  It’s the old Tamp Bay Buccaneers/Los Angeles Clippers logic:  Eventually, they have to get it right.

13.  Columbus (61 pts.)

What’s Going On: 

Rick Nash (six goals in his past 10 games) has a chance to take over this team at the tail end of this year.  They are players younger than him (Sidney Crosby, Patrice Bergeron, Alex Ovechkin) who have taken a leadership role because of their work ethic, and Ken Hitchcock would love nothing better than for his young superstar to be wearing the “C” next season.  This is his chance to prove it. 

What’s Coming Up: 

Eight of their final 13 are against playoff teams, so if this team wants to show it can be a playoff team next year, it will have a chance to prove it during this stretch. 

14.  Phoenix (57 pts.)

What’s Going On: 

Have gone 5-14-1 in their past 20 games.  On the bright side, the newcomers have looked well since they sold the farm at the deadline.  In the past two games, Daniel Carcillo has scored in both, Niko Kapanen has four points, Mathias Tjarnqvist has 3 points and rookie Bill Thomas notched a goal and an assist Monday night.

What’s Coming Up: 

With all this young talent, and American Peter Mueller on his way up after a stellar season in the WHL, this is another team that could get good in a hurry.  Looking at the future of this team, it’s understandable now why Gretzky signed on for four more years.  There’ still a lot more talent in the pipeline.

15.  Los Angeles (57 pts.)

What’s Going On:

The team was been able to pad  their stats against a lost Edmonton team Monday night, but they’re not playing well.  This franchise seems unable to kick the injury bug in recent seasons.  With Frolov, Cammaller, Kopitar and Dustin Brown, the Kings have a good young nucleus.  I wonder if they’ll deal for another goalie in the off-season.  That’s the only question mark for this team, but it is a huge question mark.

What’s Coming Up: 

All of the young forwards are on now coming into their own, and the defense will get a boost when Jack Johnson joins them (could be as soon as April, depending on Michigan’s post season and if he signs).  It’s hard to evaluate Garon at this point.  He’s been injured, and he has won only 8 of 22 starts.  He does have a save percentage over .900, though.  I get the feeling, based on their forward depth and previous dealings, that the Kings will trade for Backstrom of the Wild in the off-season.

A reflection of a weekend spent watching hockey ...

I watched four hockey games this weekend, and they all ended in a shootout.  I don't care what people say, but when you are sitting in an arena, it's hard not to get excited.  The overtime period is ticking down, the entire arena is on its feet.  When the shootout is taking place, it captures each fan as they scream or moan with each attempt...

I never watched Georges Laraque prior to the Penguins trading for him, but I have to say I'm impressed by the guy.  I thought he was just a fighter, but the way he carries the puck in the offensive zone is quite impressive.  He has soft hands around the goal, which is surprising considering the amount of punches they have thrown...

I am surprised the Wild didn't add a checking defenseman at the deadline.  Nick Schultz, Kim Johnsson, Kurtis Foster...  None of these guys seem to be able to keep opponents from crashing their net.  I don't see Boogaard getting much ice time in the playoffs, and Keith Carney is about the toughest defenseman they have.  I enjoy watching these guys, but I think Chris Pronger would have a field day against them...

I got to watch John Tavares play Saturday night.  If you don't know, he's 15 years old, and he's leading the Ontario Hockey League in goals.  Tavares is drawing comparisons to Sidney Crosby because of what he's accomplished at such a young age.  Crosby is the most dominant player in the NHL right now, so no one can say if the comparisons are accurate until this kid fills out.  However, what seperates Crosby, Ovechkin, Malkin, etc. is the hand eye coordination.  Tavares is playing against 18 and 19 year olds, and his puk handling and positioning are amazing.  To get an idea of what he's doing, picture the difference in yourself  from age 15 to age 19.  His impact can be described simply...  He was on the visiting team, and one of the promotional giveaways was a John Tavares autographed stick...

Look at the talent on the Sharks and Ducks.  They should be dominating.  Niether team should lose 15 games this year.  There isn't one aspect missing from either team, yet watch them play and it seems something is missing...

The Islanders appear to be the low seed in this years playoffs that could make a run.  Ryan Smyth gives this team the grittiness and consistency missing from superstars Satan and Yashin.  Jason Blake should have a lot more room to skate if he plays with Smyth.  I can definitely see DiPietro stealing a few games while in the zone.  Chemistry and a hot goalie are the characteristics that led Calgary and Edmonton to the finals in the past 2 playoffs.  Add in a parity filled conference.  This year, the West is top heavy, so the East will provide the environment most conducive to an upset run.