The NHL season starts tomorrow, so I thought I'd throw together some predictions as to who will finish where, and of course my pick to hoist the 2010-11 Stanley Cup.
Western Conference
1. San Jose - They can win during the season, just not in the playoffs.
2. Detroit - The Wings have long been contenders, don't expect any different.
3. Vancouver - They have all the pieces, and could contend for top spot in the West.
4. Chicago - Tough to repeat, after losing eight guys who were key in cup win.
5. Los Angeles - Excellent defence, and balanced attack make the Kings contenders.
6. Calgary -Kiprusoff gives them a chance to win every night. Offence must improve.
7. Phoenix - Took big steps last year and will be looking to build off it this season.
8. St. Louis - Just missed the playoffs last year. Halak will be the difference.
9. Anaheim -Some talent, but not enough depth. Also lost Scott Niedermayer.
10. Dallas - Kari Lehtonen will have to live up to No. 2 overall draft status.
11. Nashville - Lost Hamhuis, Ellis and Arnott, three key players.
12.Edmonton - On the right track but still a few years away.
13. Colorado - Anderson will have to repeat his heroics from last year. Not likely.
14. Minnesota - Backstrom and Koivu can't do it alone.
15. Columbus - Unfortunately Nash can't play every position.
Eastern Conference
1. Washington - Last year's President's Trophy winners will look to repeat.
2. Pittsburgh - Lost Gonchar, so PP may suffer, but not many weaknesses.
3. Boston - Well rounded with goalie Tuukka Rask developing into a star.
4. Buffalo - Miller is the best goalie in the league. Vanek will lead the way up front.
5. Philadelphia - Stanley Cup runners-up still need a bonified No.1 goaltender.
6. New Jersey - Always seem to find a way to be in the mix. Brodeur obviously helps.
7. Montreal - Fluke last year? Play of Price will make or break the Habs.
8. Ottawa - Gonchar on the PP will help. Spezza and Alfredsson have to be good.
9. Tampa Bay - Slowly rising back into the playoff picture.
10. Carolina - Just not enough depth at any position.
11. NY Islanders -Good young core of forwards, but still a few years away.
12. NY Rangers - Not enough offence, even if Gaborik stays healthy.
13. Atlanta - Rebuilding, but in for a tough year. Byfuglien must play forward.
14.Toronto - Good D-core. On the way back to respectability.
15. Florida - Strong goaltending and top line but not much else.
I see a Washington-Vancouver final, with the Caps exposing Roberto Luongo the same way Chicago has in previous years.
2010-11 Stanley Cup Champions: Washington Capitals
