NHL Season Preview.

With the opening week of the NHL finally its time for some division predicitions and my prediction of the Stanley Cup winner.

Eastern Conference

Atlantic- For a third straight year look for it to be a two team battle for the Atlantic Division. After winning the Stanley Cup last year don't look for the Penguins to take a step down this year. Although the Flyers did pick up former MVP Chris Pronger to help a defense and a goaltender that has a lot to prove, I just don't think the Flyers have what it takes to over take the high powered offense of the Pittsburgh. Penguins will make another great run to the Stanley Cup Finals but I think that the Capitols will sneak by them and get to the Cup.

Northeast-Is there much more to say then the Boston Bruins. After a magical year in 2008 with a record of 53-19-10 look for the Bruins to take this division easily. Look for them to make a push to the eastern conference finals if they get by the Capitols. I believe they still don't have enough power to get to the Stanley Cup finals just yet.

Southeast- Alex Ovechkin wins his third straight Hart trophy and the Capitols take a huge step forward to be known as a premier team in the NHL. Ovechkin is the most exciting player in the league and since his rookie year the Capitols have improved every year and this year is no different. Look for them to be in the finals this year.

Western Conference

Central-Blackhawks, Blackhawks, Blackhawks. After taking a huge step forward in the playoffs last year and almost getting through the Detroit Redwings, the Blackhawks will claim the central title this year and finally make it back to the Stanley Cup Finals. They are a team full of young talent and with the addition of Marian Hossa and John Madden they get veteran help. Two players that will step up big this year are Kris Versteeg and Cristobal Huet. Huet steps up and proves he can be a great starting goalie in the NHL.

Northwest- I believe the Flames have the defense and talent to win the division over a tough Vancouver team. The Flames will win the division but what should be most talked about in this division is the Canucks. They are built for the playoffs and will make a dangerous push against the Blackhawks because of their play in net.

Pacific- Ducks or Sharks?? Two very sound teams on defense but once again the Sharks are just loaded and with the addition of Dany Heatley they just have to much talent not to win the division over a tough Anaheim team. They will challenge both the Blackhawks and the Canucks for the Western Conference title.

Story of the Year- The 2010 Winter Olympics- The Olympic games will play big this season because it takes place in the middle of the season and can have a huge effect on some of the teams around the league. Those teams who are still in the hunt during that time and do not have many players playing in the games will get a nice two week rest which can really help them coming out of the break. It could tire those players who are going to play for their respected countries. Look for the Olympics to play a major role in playoff seedings and could cost a team home ice advantage.

Stanley Cup Finals- Capitols vs, Blackhawks. Blackhawks pull off a tough game 7 victory and finally get back to the winners circle.

Coach Tom