After the first week of the shortened NHL season, it looks like fans are in for a season full of drama and surprises. Traditional powerhouses like the Flyers, Rangers, Red Wings, Captials, and Canucks all got off to slow starts, which can have a huge impact on the playoff picture considering the season is so short. The defending Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings also stumbled out of the gates, only ear ...

1. The Los Angeles Kings [caption id="attachment_11881" align="aligncenter" width="604"] Photo Credit: Gary Hershorn/REUTERS[/caption] Despite the Kings’ sluggish start to the season, I have no doubt that they will find a way to bounce back and reclaim the division.  There is too much talent and consistency in LA.  Suffering virtually no losses from last year’s Stanley Cup team, the Kings are in great shape ...

1. The Minnesota Wild [caption id="attachment_11718" align="aligncenter" width="595"] via www.hockeyfanland.com[/caption] Although this division has been dominated by the Canucks in the past, I’m picking the Wild to win because of their offseason acquisitions of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter.  Adding two superstars to play with the likes of Dany Heatly and Mikko Koivu, the Wild have scoring prowess.  I know th ...

With the start of the hockey season just around the corner, hockey fans everywhere are rejoicing in anticipation for a shortened, yet exciting season. Although this season may be different for all 30 teams around the league, it is especially different for New York Rangers fans. A moderately successful team before last season, the Rangers found themselves the pre-ranked #1 by many NHL experts, only to have t ...

Central Division The St. Louis Blues – The Central Division is probably the strongest all-around division in the Western Conference, and the Blues are a big reason why.  A big, physical, gritty team, the Blues will benefit heavily from the shortened season just like the New York Rangers will.  Featuring forwards David Backes and Chris Stewart, the Blues can really grind down low in the offensive zone.  But ...

The Boston Bruins – There’s nothing indicating that the Northeast Division will finish any differently than last year, with the Bruins on top.  In fact, the only serious threat this team faces is the Ottawa Senators.  The Bruins have been a short-term model of stability over the past few seasons, making the playoffs each of the last five years.  The Bruins can expect production once again from top center, D ...

With hockey returning and the start of the season quickly approaching, I will be previewing each division followed by each conference as a whole before the season start date, which is looking like it will be Jan. 19. The Atlantic Division 1. The Pittsburgh Penguins – Despite falling one point short of the New York Rangers for first place in the Easter Conference last season, the Penguins are in a great spot ...