2008-09 NHL Season Preview and Predictions

Our 2008-09 NHL Season Preview profiles every team. Teams are listed according to our prediction for the final standings.

Click a team name for a capsule profile of strengths, weaknesses and potential going into the 2008-09 NHL season.

Eastern Conference

1. Montreal Canadiens
   The primary question is whether goaltender Carey Price is up to the task. If he falters, general manager Bob Gainey will make a deal.
2. Washington Capitals
   The goaltending is questionable, but even if the Caps fall off last season's scorching pace, they'll beat up on a weak Southeast Division.
3. Philadelphia Flyers
   A three-way Atlantic Division race will go down to the final days before the Flyers win it by a hair.
4. Boston Bruins
   If they get the goaltending, the Bruins are primed for a significant step.
5. New Jersey Devils
   As long as they keep thinking defense first, the Devils remain among the Conference leaders.
6. Buffalo Sabres
   The Sabres have the goaltender and plenty of forward depth. Now they just need everyone on their game.
7. Pittsburgh Penguins
   The Pens need to deal for a defenseman. They won't get anyone as good as Gonchar.
8. Ottawa Senators
   They have some holes, but the Senators will stabilize after last year's season from hell.
9. Florida Panthers
   With reliable goaltending and defensive depth, the Panthers will be an unexpected surprise in the playoff race.
10. New York Rangers
    The off-season turnover provides more questions than answers.
11. Toronto Maple Leafs
    Coach Ron Wilson and goaltender Vesa Toskala will drag this team out of the race for next year's top draft pick.
12. Tampa Bay Lightning
    Too slow at forward, too young on defense.
13. Carolina Hurricanes
    If everything breaks their way, they can climb into the mix for 8th place.
14. Atlanta Thrashers
    Hard to see much improvement from veterans or newcomers.
15. New York Islanders
    DiPietro will have to win a few. The forwards won't.

Western Conference

1. Detroit Red Wings
   Could drop to second or third if they're savng an extra gear for the playoffs.
2. Dallas Stars
   Fierce competition in the Pacific Division will check their run for first place.
3. Minnesota Wild
   If Gaborik is healthy, they could be better than last year's division-winning team.
4. San Jose Sharks
   A rebuilt defense, but the real issue is whether the forwards can all play well in the same year.
5. Chicago Blackhawks
   The kids get all the headlines, but a steady showing by the veterans will ensure a breakthrough year.
6. Calgary Flames
   Never mind the new faces at forward, it's still the Miikka and Jarome show.
7. Anaheim Ducks
   Failure to address a lack of scoring depth means they're due for a slide.
8. Phoenix Coyotes
   They have depth issues, but so do their rivals for the final playoff spot.
9. Colorado Avalanche
   Goaltenders don't match up against the best in the West.
10. Edmonton Oilers
    Last year's hot finish isn't this year's normal. They're a year away.
11. Nashville Predators
    Exodus of veterans will finally take its toll.
12. Columbus Blue Jackets
    Not enough there to shake the playoff drought.
13. Vancouver Canucks
    If Luongo isn't at all-star caliber, disaster looms.
14. St. Louis Blues
    Young forwards have a chance to surprise, but not with this defense.
15. Los Angeles Kings
    Check back in a couple of years.