It’s that time of the year again when every Canadian sports pundit with a computer punches out their NHL predictions, so why would I be any different?
Here’s how I view 2010-11 shaking down.
Western Conference
1) Chicago Blackhawks — a lot of turnover for the champs, but the core is still there
2) Vancouver Canucks — They have the defence, they finally have the offence, now only if Roberto Luongo can prove his very large contract.
3) Los Angeles Kings — This year’s Blackhawks. Loaded with young exciting talent with right amount of veteran experience mixed in.
4) San Jose Sharks — Will fall short of the Kings in the best divisional battle in the West.
5) Detroit Red Wings — Not yet the Dead Things. They have a few more solid runs in them.
6) Nashville Predators — Rock solid on the blue-line, terrific young goalie, and a slowly improving offence. Watch out for Colin Wilson.
7) Colorado Avalanche — Last year’s big surprise continues to get better. Need another big year from Craig Anderson.
8) Calgary Flames — Will be slightly better than last year, but will that appease a fan base that expects so much more?
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9) Phoenix Coyotes — There will be no repeat of last year’s magical ride. Their young guys have to produce now.
10) St. Louis Blues — Another young team emerging from the rebuilding, er, Blues. One more year away.
11) Edmonton Oilers — Much to be excited about, but there will be growing pains. Will be improved just because they can’t possibly go through as many serious injuries as last season. Can they?
12) Minnesota Wild — A team stuck in transition. Not really rebuilding, but tough to argue they are a contender— even for the playoffs.
13) Anaheim Ducks — Will be able to score with anyone, which is a good thing, because with their defence they will be able to stop no one.
14) Columbus Blue Jackets — Relying on young guys to finally find their form, sure didn’t help themselves in the off-season.
15) Dallas Stars — Defence is brutal, scoring won’t be much better, and goaltending is a huge question mark. With the No. 1 pick overall the Stars select . . .
Eastern Conference
1) Washington Capitals — No question the most complete team — in the regular season.
2) Boston Bruins — If Savard comes back they make a run for the Cup.
3) Philadelphia Flyers — Solid top to bottom — until you get to the crease. Also wonder how Nikolay Zherdev will pan out in his return from the KHL. Will constantly be compared to Simon Gagne who was dealt to Tampa Bay.
4) Pittsburgh Penguins — Will miss Jordan Staal more than they want to admit. Strength had always been down the middle. Will they be able to rally like they did last year without Evgeni Malkin?
5) Tampa Bay Lightning — Everything Steve Yzerman seems to touch turns to gold. Their new GM has assembled quite the cast in his rookie season.
6) New Jersey Devils — Will take time to adapt from defence first and always to more offensive system, but will fly once they click.
7) Ottawa Senators — Last year was no fluke. Power play will be one of the league’s best, just need goaltending to hold the fort.
8) Buffalo Sabres — Great goaltending, solid young defence, but will they be able to score?
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9) New York Rangers — Another tough year on Broadway. Still lacking any real punch beyond Marian Gaborik.
10) Montreal Canadiens — Will rue the day they chose Carey Price over Jaroslav Halak.
11) Toronto Maple Leafs — couldn’t drop them any further, the best of the worst? When Tyler Bozak is your No. 1 centre, you have issues.
12) New York Islanders — They were going to take a big step forward but long term shoulder injuries to Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo will hold them back.
13) Atlanta Thrashers — The definition of mismanagement. Look no further than Don Waddell as the culprit. Instead of being fired he’s promoted to team president. Fail.
14) Carolina Hurricanes — Flipped a coin on these last two. Both in full rebuilds. Carolina one year further a long.
15) Florida Panthers — Torn down to the studs. Again. If Dave Tallon can repeat his Blackhawks’ blueprint, they won’t be down here for long.
We’ll talk playoffs in the spring.
jaldrich@www.reddeeradvocate.com