How They'll Finish in 2008-09

Everyone is predicting a breakthrough season in Chicago, but the Phoenix Coyotes and Boston Bruins are also ready to take the next big step.

From Anaheim and Manhattan, meanwhile, you'll hear the distant, unmistakable sound of hockey teams in free fall.

Or maybe we have it all wrong. But if you can't stand being wrong, you had best steer clear of the sports writing business.

On that note, here's a guess at how the NHL standings will look on April 7, at the end of the final regular season game. The list includes a capsule preview of each team.

Photo: Alex Tanguay joins the Canadiens. (Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)