I will follow this post with one on the Western Conference as soon as i get a chance.
Let the discussions begin!


Eastern Conference

Ottawa Senators:
It looks to me that the senators are going to be a force again next season. They took a hit in the Chara and Havlat department but the Senators can overcome this. They are still deep on offence and have a very mobile defense. Redden will need to step it up another notch though for the defensive core to be as effective as last season. If anything Havlat will be a distraction gone.

Carolina Hurricanes:
Watch for Carolina to have another great season. I don’t see much of a drop off happening here and they may even be better than last season. This team has a lot of emerging talent in the ranks and even a young superstar in Eric Stall and a possible franchise goaltender with Cam Ward.

New Jersey Devils:
Jersey seems to be a team up in the air. There is the potential here for this team to be real good but a lot of that will depend on what happens with the salary constraints, Scott Gomez, and the Mogilny\Malhakov ordeal. I truly think that Elias is worth the money he was paid but I don’t think the length of the deal was right. Too much for too long.

Buffalo Sabres:
The Sabres are a complete team. The roster has depth from goaltending straight up to the forwards. What seems to work here is that there is not a defined superstar on the team but that might change this year if Daniel Briere continues on the upward curve he has been on the last few years. I see lots of leadership here.

Philadelphia Flyers:
The Flyers look to be a middle of the pack solid roster as long as everyone can stay healthy for a full season. The way this roster looks in April may be vastly different than the one we see now. Getting Simone Gagne signed is a must and Forsberg has to be healthy for this team to succeed.

NY Rangers:
The rangers are going to have another solid season but I don’t see a big improvement over last year. The changes made in the offseason were solid but I think they need just a little more in the way of forward depth. Trading a blue-chip goalie like Al Montoya might get them what they need.

Montreal Canadiens:
I was a little disappointed by the way free agency ignored this team, but signing a healthy Samsonov was a very solid move for Montreal. If the goaltending holds up, and I think it will, they will be in the hunt but all it will take is an injury bug and they’re sunk.

Tampa Bay Lightning:
Look out for the TBL. Getting Marc Denis this offseason will prove to be a huge improvement for this team. He really is one of the most overlooked players in the NHL. With some good goaltending and a solid effort from the players this will be a huge rebound season. If not look for john Torts to get the axe.

Atlanta Thrashers:
I don’t really know what to think yet. The Thrashers have so much talent but I don’t think they have the depth on defense to contend for the cup unless Brayden Coburn has a phenomenal rookie season. Look for them to make the playoffs but not a lot more.

Toronto Maple Leafs:
There will be an improvement but I don’t see a huge one happening here. Paul Maurice will
be a breath of fresh air for this franchise and the defense looks alright now albeit overpaid. Where this team is up in the air is on offense. This roster needs the young players to step up huge for a playoff push to happen here and Raycroft needs to have a bounce back season.

Florida Panthers:
The Panthers are going to be a team to watch this season. A step back in goal is a major gain for the forward core on this team. They will have solid goaltending and I bet this will be an exciting up-tempo style hockey team. Look for major gains in Florida this season.

NY Islanders:
I don’t even know where to start here. The front office is a mess and the roster has some major holes in It I don’t think they can overcome. The defense does not look very defensive and where are all the goals going to come from. Its gonna be a long season on the island.

Boston Bruins:
I said this last year and looked stupid but the Bruins are a team that is on the up and up as long as management doesn’t ruin it again. The forwards are young and fast and the defense is a major improvement. If goaltending holds up and Bergeron\Boyes Improve again then this roster is going to look good. I see a jump in the standings. P.S. best of luck to Dave Lewis

Washington Capitals:
The Caps definitely aren’t there yet but the future looks good. There are a lot of very good young players developing and Ovechkin is a superstar already. Look for them to have a season similar to the last but there is hope for the future. Washington needs a highly touted goalie in the system though.

Pittsburgh Penguins:
Wow, I haven’t seen a collection of young talent like this since, well, Pittsburgh in the early nineties. Unfortunately this team won’t see glory for a couple of years yet. Look for the Pens to make a large improvement this season especially if Evgeni Malkin Makes it over here. May push for a playoff spot but not quite there yet.