Projected Eastern Conference Standings

1. Carolina Hurricanes – No Stanley Hangover
2. Ottawa Senators – lots of changes, still a top regular season team
3. New York Rangers – Shanny brings leadership
4. Buffalo Sabres – will fight for division crown
5. NJ Devils – What salary cap? Brodeur still spectacular
6. Atlanta Thrashers – A healthy Lehtonen allows the offense to shine
7. Philadelphia Flyers – Esche not enough to carry club early on, Forsberg health questions
8. Florida Panthers – Auld & Belfour just enough to squeak into playoffs

9. Toronto Maple Leafs – Is Raycroft an upgrade?
10. Boston Bruins – Questions in goal overshadow other improvements
11. Montreal Canadiens – not enough size, all forwards are the same
12. Tampa Bay Lightning – much of the supporting cast gone for the big 3
13. Pittsburgh Penguins – The Malkin/Crosby show, but no D and who is in net?
14. Washington Capitals – Still no help for Ovechkin
15. New York Islanders – Team Turmoil more suited for Ringling Bros. than the NHL

Projected Western Conference Standings

1. San Jose Sharks – No real weaknesses, Big Joe leads the way
2. Nashville Predators – Finally better than Detroit
3. Calgary Flames – Easily the best in the Northwest
4. Anaheim Ducks – Might be #2 or #3 in points but division leaders go 1-2-3
5. Dallas Stars – Save some for the playoffs
6. Detroit Red Wings – Can Hasek last for long, no Stevie Y or Shanny
7. Minnesota Wild – More offense, Fernandez stellar as starter
8. Edmonton Oilers – Sneak in again, can they make another run?

9. Columbus Blue Jackets – Young players blooming, added vets make playoff push
10. Vancouver Canucks – Luongo not enough for a bad team
11. Colorado Avalanche – Sakic and Hejduk only real links to Cup past
12. Phoenix Coyotes – Too many questions about signings
13. Los Angeles Kings – Building for future with O’Sullivan, Kopitar and Johnson
14. St. Louis Blues – Older team spinning its wheels
15 Chicago Blackhawks – Potential for future, but right now not enough talent