Preseason predictions

Okay, a summer of misfortunate incidents in hockey circles is over. The tragedies involving suicides and the Yaroslavl KHL team plane crash will definitely leave their mark in the seasons to come and the whole international hockey community. Lots of questions, not too many answers. I wish all the strength to the closely affected people around the globe!

Now it's time to put in some prediction for the coming season. Preseason is nearing its end and in a week we'll be off with another thrilling season of world's best hockey. I hope again to catch as much of the action as possible. And to post some thoughts along the way over here.

I'll rush through all the teams and summarize their season in a few words. It'll be fun to return to these thoughts in midseason and the end of regular to see how much of it I got right.

Devils: Will follow their long-time worst season with similar results, now the streaks will be more mixed, but there's going to be more in the L-column.

Islanders: Rising as a challenger with rather young core. Way too inconsistent to break through as a playoff team.

Rangers: Spent again big bucks for premioum players. Maybe it's time to reap some dividends and push through to the playoffs. If duo Richards-Gaborik stays healthy, they'll do a lot of damage this season.

Flyers: Mixed their roster up a lot, but still keep going strong and easily in to the playoffs and further.

Penguins: Very strong preseason, and without Crosby. If Sid the Kid returns and stays healthy, the Pens have a strong grip on the cup in the springtime.

Blackhawks: Still weak from the post-cup roster collapse. However, getting stronger and likely in the playoffs later.

Blue Jackets: All time bottom dwellers might pull off a surprise this season. They have really strong first line and more experience and skill than ever. First playoff appearance in the air?

Red Wings: Getting older and older. Still able to pull off solid numbers throughout the season and get in the playoffs. Can't see them having the juice to go far though.

Predators: Very solid team and Rinne will have a massive year in goal. Not the most entertaining team, but definitely in the playoffs for at least couple of rounds.

Blues: Streaky, inconsistent, but hides some potential for upsets. Not likely going all the way to the playoffs anyway.

Bruins: The B's keep on steamrolling this season like the last. They are one of the sure playoff teams and might not want to let the cup go for another year.

Sabres: Threw a lot of money and got some solid players. No superstars, but definitely strong enough to return to the playoff picture this year.

Canadiens: Keep on being too fragile and are bound to collapse sooner or later and miss the playoffs. May pull off a good streak in the early season again, but will run out of steam.

Senators: If not dead last, then second to it. No chance this season either and will likely loose Jason Spezza along the way for someone with deeper pockets. Need a new ownership or something.

Maple Leafs: Continuing its sad march after seasons of bad decisions on the market. Not going to fight for a playoff spot with this team.

Flames: Dropping fast. Have fought through last seasons and fallen just before the playoffs. This season it's clear that they're out around Christmas. Kiprusoff will hate to see his stock value and start count drop along with the team. Would Iginla bail out seems to be the most interesting topic in Calgary this year.

Avalanche: Very young roster, still learning to play together. If everything clicks perfectly they may become a playoff contender. If not, they'll keep on practising for the seasons to come.

Oilers: Similar to Avalanche, but with a long stretch of bottom finishes, they've gathered a fantastic core of young superstars-to-be. They might be ready enough to make it to the playoffs this season already. A fact is that this team is going to be fun to watch day in and out.

Wild: The once boring Wild may return to the playoffs this season. They're very balanced and have one of the biggest offencive pairs in Koivu-Heatley. Look for 50 goals for Dany and 50 assists for Mikko.

Canucks: Still a bit shocked on the finals result, but will recover for another great season. Thay have all the weapons in the offence and very solid defence, finally locked by Roberto Luongo. Hard to beat, and sure to make the playoffs.

Hurricanes: Surpriser role at best. May fight for the last playoff spots again, especially if Eric Staal stays healthy and happy.

Panthers: Not getting any better this season. Some new bright spots here and there, but still far from becoming a playoff team.

Lightning: Lightning's offence will carry on beng in the top of the leaderboards. Stamkos and St.Louis will keep on conjuring the magic. And that all will carry the team to the playoffs again. Might need more toughness on the middle of the pack to make it any further.

Capitals: Lousy preseason results might lead to some pressure from the management. The team is just too talented to not be better. And they will respond by leading the Southeast again very soon. Time to bounce back mr. Ovechkin.

Jets: Supported by the most enthusiastic crowd in the league, the returning Jets will have the "sixth player" through the season. They will need it to make it to the playoffs. Slight chances exist though.

Ducks: Veteran Ducks will carry on for another year and take the team to the playoffs again. They will be too banged up at that point to make it any further though. Great to see Teemu Selänne bring in some more impressive numbers.

Stars: Excellent results in the preseason might not carry over to the regular season. However, they seem to be doing just fine without Brad Richards and might surprise everyone by making it to the playoffs.

Kings: Very strong team and will surely make it to the playoffs this season. Might even fight for the cup if key guys remain in good playing shape. Would be even better if they could settle the negotiations with Drew Doughty. Totally able to handle themselves without him as well.

Coyotes: Have been playing with the idea of making it to the playoffs last couple of seasons. Seem to have very good workmanlike attitude that might take them there. And might go far if they can keep the attitude. If not, they won't make the playoffs either. No skills for fancy stuff.

Sharks: Sure to make it to the playoffs. Very, very strong and talented team and always full of promise. Would this be the year when they make the run all the way to the finals? It's about time, or the team will start falling to pieces.

There, all teams covered. It's easy to pick some favorites but also thrilling to see the younger challengers rise to the new, faster game. It's also going to be very interesting how things get started on the checking department, since last season stirred off the whole headshot debate. It's hard for me to believe we won't have some serious incidents to review again pretty soon. In the preseason it's been all about political correctness and verbal behavior on the rink. Maybe it's time to let that go and let boys be boys without making any major statements out of what is yelled on the ice. Way better idea is to concentrate on keeping the game fair, clean and hard as it's always been.

Bring it on, gentlemen!