NHL Predictions

[SmootSmack]

I don't know if there are any other NHL fans here. If you're not that's cool, but if you are I'm posting my predictions for the season here. Would love to read some others.

Northeast:

Ottawa: Basically going for it all now with the signing of Dominik Hasek
Boston: They may be a bit slow on defense, but have some solid veterans
Montreal: Hopefully the year off didn't completely kill their momentum
Toronto: Don't know about some of these "big name" acquisitions, like Lindros
Buffalo: Without Satan they don't have a prayer

Atlantic:

Philadelphia: Can't stand the Flyers but they're good, really good
New Jersey: As long as they have Brodeur, they can compete
New York Islanders: Losing Peca hurts, I doubt Yashin can carry this team
New York Rangers: Jaromir is better than Sidney Crosby right now
Pittsburgh: But Crosby might just be good enough to push Pitt out of last

Southeast:

Tampa: Have everything they need to repeat as Stanley Cup champs
Florida: Niewenduyk could have found better than this
Atlanta: Heatley needed a change of scenery, but his loss will really hurt
Carolina: Major drop-off at this point in the conference
Washington: They need to unload Olie and get some more prospects

Central:

Detroit: The Yankees of the NHL
Nashville: I'm biased, I like the Predators and Kariya is a perfect fit
Columbus: Rick Nash is a legit superstar and Adam Foote is a great mentor
Chicago: Khabibulin is a nice addition, but I think they still lack speed on O
St. Louis: The new cap rules have really hurt the Blues. Time to rebuild

Northwest:

Calgary: Iginla is going to need help if they want to return to the Cup finals
Vancouver: You could argue they've underachieved considering their talent
Edmonton: Peca and Pronger-veterans to help the youngsters down the road
Minnesota: They play too close to the vest too often
Colorado: Don't be surprised to see Sakic gone by the trading deadline

Pacific:

San Jose: Talented, but I think coach Ron Wilson can only take them so far
Los Angeles: I really like the Demitra signing to help Roenick
Dallas: The window has probably closed on them.
Anaheim: Solid defense with Niedermayer and Ozolinsh, but little scoring
Phoenix: Gretzky was the greatest ever but can he teach others to be great

Final Four: Ottawa, Philadelphia, Nashville, Vancouver

Stanley Cup Champs: Ottawa over Vancouver (4-3)