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| Anaheim Ducks | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
Anaheim recalibrated at the end of last season and looked like the
team that won the 2007 Stanley Cup. This season, the resemblance
might be more apparent, even if the roster is dramatically
different. Five Things | Team Preview |
Will the Ducks miss star defensemen Chris Pronger and Francois Beauchemin?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 2 vs. San Jose Home Opener: Oct. 2 vs. San Jose Longest Homestand: 7 games (2 times) Longest Road Trip: 6 games (Jan 21-Feb 1) Back-to-Back: 17 series |
| Atlanta Thrashers | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
Anyone who has watched the Thrashers since they joined the league
has come to expect them to be on the outside looking in when the
playoffs roll around. It won't be much different this season. Five Things | Team Preview |
Is this Ilya Kovalchuk's last season in Atlanta? Or will the Thrashers be able to re-sign their captain?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 vs. Tampa Bay Home Opener: Oct. 3 vs. Tampa Bay Longest Homestand: 5 games (2 times) Longest Road Trip: 7 games (Dec 23-Jan 5) Back-to-Back: 16 series |
| Boston Bruins | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The Bruins still look like the team that dominated last season with
top goalie Tim Thomas and best defenseman Zdeno Chara. Coach
Claude Julien has the key pieces in place for another run. Five Things | Team Preview |
Boston signed coach Claude Julien to an extention. Are good things ahead for the Bruins?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 1 vs. Washington Home Opener: Oct. 1 vs. Washington Longest Homestand: 5 games (Oct 1-12) Longest Road Trip: 7 games (Mar 6-16) Back-to-Back: 17 series |
| Buffalo Sabres | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The Sabres have found ways to fill the gaps largely from their own
system, and the talent level hasn't been bad. The pieces are in
place for the Sabres to be playoff contender. Five Things | Team Preview |
A more consistent effort by the Sabres could lead them back to the postseason.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 vs. Montreal Home Opener: Oct. 3 vs. Montreal Longest Homestand: 5 games (Dec 3-11) Longest Road Trip: 7 games (Jan 14-25) Back-to-Back: 18 series |
| Calgary Flames | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
Five years after an unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Finals, it
looks like the window of opportunity really wasn't open as wide as
the Flames might have once thought. Five Things | Team Preview |
Coach Brent Sutter joins the family in Calgary. Can the brothers
turn the Flames into a contender?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 1 vs. Vancouver Home Opener: Oct. vs. Vancouver Longest Homestand: 5 games (Oct 16-31) Longest Road Trip: 6 games (Nov 27-Dec 7) Back-to-Back: 14 series |
| Carolina Hurricanes | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
A tighter defense, resurgent Cam Ward and an offense that takes
advantage of its overall speed was enough to get Carolina to the
final four in the playoffs. Maybe it will take them further this
time. Five Things | Team Preview |
Carolina's roster looks like the one they won the Stanley Cup with. Are they good for another run?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 2 vs. Philadelphia Home Opener: Oct. 2 vs. Philadelphia Longest Homestand: 4 games (2 times) Longest Road Trip: 4 games (3 times) Back-to-Back: 16 series |
| Chicago Blackhawks | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
After enjoying a storybook season, the Blackhawks have stumbled
through a couple of months of public relations disasters that took
much of the shine off everything they've accomplished in the last
year. Five Things | Team Preview |
Can the Blackhawks shake off the problems that plagued them this offseason?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 2 vs. Florida (Finland) Home Opener: Oct. 10 vs. Colorado Longest Homestand: 5 games (Dec 13-22) Longest Road Trip: 8 games (Jan 16-30) Back-to-Back: 18 series |
| Colorado Avalanche | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The Avs are in an unfamiliar place coming off a last place finish
for the only time since moving to Colorado. They head into a new
season with little reason for optimism. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Joe Sakic era has ended in Denver and it is time for the Avalanche to rebuild.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 1 vs. San Jose Home Opener: Oct. 1 vs. San Jose Longest Homestand: 5 games (2 times) Longest Road Trip: 7 games (Oct 8-21) Back-to-Back: 15 series |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The everything blended together last season behind rookie of the
year Steve Mason, and the Blue Jackets finally made it to the
postseason. Now they have to build on it. Five Things | Team Preview |
Columbus surprised on its way to the playoffs. Now the Jackets will see if they can do it again.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 vs. Minnesota Home Opener: Oct. 3 vs. Minnesota Longest Homestand: 5 games (Feb 4-14) Longest Road Trip: 5 games (Nov 19-26) Back-to-Back: 12 series |
| Dallas Stars | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
There has been a change of direction with the addition of GM Joe
Nieuwendyk and Coach Marc Crawford. It gives the Stars the
opportunity to prove they were not one-hit wonders in 2008. Five Things | Team Preview |
There are a couple of new sheriffs in Dallas: Marc Crawford and Joe Nieuwendyk.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 vs. Nashville Home Opener: Oct. 3 vs. Nashville Longest Homestand: 6 games (Mar 12-21) Longest Road Trip: 5 games (Dec 8-17) Back-to-Back: 12 series |
| Detroit Red Wings | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
Despite lockouts and economic model changes, the Red Wings have
found a way to remain an elite organization and no one will be
surprised if they add to their trophy case this coming season. Five Things | Team Preview |
What will it take for Detroit to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the third straight year?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 2 vs. St. Louis (Sweden) Home Opener: Oct. 8 vs. Chicago Longest Homestand: 4 games (Nov 12-20) Longest Road Trip: 5 games (3 times) Back-to-Back: 13 series |
| Edmonton Oilers | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The Oilers head into the new season with basically the same lineup
that lost eight of the final 11 games last season. It really isn't
much cause for optimism heading into the new campaign. Five Things | Team Preview |
Will adding Nikolai Khabibulin lead the Oilers back to the postseason?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 vs. Calgary Home Opener: Oct. 3 vs. Calgary Longest Homestand: 5 games (Nov 18-27) Longest Road Trip: 6 games (Nov 28-Dec 11) Back-to-Back: 11 series |
| Florida Panthers | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The last time Florida made the playoffs, Bill Clinton was
President. Much has changed in the world since then, but the
Panthers have remained consistent in their inability to move
forward. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Panthers are seeking new owners and a GM, and that may impact the team on the ice.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 2 vs. Chicago (Finland) Home Opener: Oct. 10 vs. New Jersey Longest Homestand: 4 games (Mar 16-21) Longest Road Trip: 4 games (Dec 9-14) Back-to-Back: 17 series |
| Los Angeles Kings | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
A little optimism is probably required for a franchise that hasn't
sniffed a playoff spot in six seasons. But one of these days, the
future really will arrive for the Kings. Five Things | Team Preview |
One of the youngest teams in the NHL last season, the Kings added a couple vets this summer.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 vs. Phoenix Home Opener: Oct. 3 vs. Phoenix Longest Homestand: 7 games (Jan 7-21) Longest Road Trip: 6 games (Oct 10-19) Back-to-Back: 12 series |
| Minnesota Wild | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
Times have changed in the West and the Wild need to adapt. Enter
new GM Chuck Fletcher and coach Todd Richards. Both are expected
to create a more aggressive, offensive style for the team. Five Things | Team Preview |
With a new GM, coach and offensive mentality, the Wild are all about change this season.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 at Columbus Home Opener: Oct. 6 vs. Anaheim Longest Homestand: 5 games (Feb 4-14) Longest Road Trip: 5 games (2 times) Back-to-Back: 15 series |
| Montreal Canadiens | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
There are new owners, a new coach and a lot of new faces in
uniform in Montreal. Major change was inevitable for the Canadiens
after one of the most difficult seasons in team history. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Habs shook up their roster over the summer after a disasterous 2008-09 campaign.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 1 at Toronto Home Opener: Oct. 15 vs. Colorado Longest Homestand: 6 games (Oct 15-26) Longest Road Trip: 7 games (Dec 19-31) Back-to-Back: 16 series |
| Nashville Predators | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The Predators could use some luck after missing the playoffs for
the first time in five seasons and having a goaltender they know
they can count on would probably qualify. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Predators need a strong effort by Pekka Rinne to climb out of the Central Division cellar.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 at Dallas Home Opener: Oct. 8 vs. Colorado Longest Homestand: 5 games (Nov 14-23) Longest Road Trip: 5 games (Oct 17-28) Back-to-Back: 15 series |
| New Jersey Devils | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The defensive-minded Jacques Lemaire, who returned to the Devils
this summer, believes he has adapted his system to the
post-lockout era. In New Jersey, he sees the potential for
more offense. Five Things | Team Preview |
Is it back to the future with New Jersey and coach Jacques Lemaire?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 vs. Philadelphia Home Opener: Oct. 3 vs. Philadelphia Longest Homestand: 5 games (Dec 9-18) Longest Road Trip: 5 games (Jan 9-18) Back-to-Back: 18 series |
| New York Islanders | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The good news for the Islanders is that things can't get much
worse. The team has a reason for excitement heading into the
season, thanks to the arrival of top draft pick John Tavares. Five Things | Team Preview |
What can the Islanders and fans in New York expect from John Tavares?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 vs. Pittsburgh Home Opener: Oct. vs. Pittsburgh Longest Homestand: 4 games (Dec 17-23) Longest Road Trip: 7 games (Nov 11-23) Back-to-Back: 18 series |
| New York Rangers | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
GM Glen Sather's latest reconstruction gives the Rangers a
new-look offense that could make this team, with the kind of
goaltending Lundqvist provides, a dangerous one. Time will
tell. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Rangers picked up fire power during the summer. Will they get
up and go from the start?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 2 at Pittsburgh Home Opener: Oct. 3 vs. Ottawa Longest Homestand: 3 games (7 times) Longest Road Trip: 6 games (Mar 25-Apr 6) Back-to-Back: 12 series |
| Ottawa Senators | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
Dany Heatley kept the Senators in limbo this summer with his trade
demand. Fortunately for Ottawa, it had very little tinkering to do
to the lineup that had the bulk of its key personnel still under
contract. Five Things | Team Preview |
Will Alexei Kovalev be able to fill the offensive void left by Dany Heatley?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 at New York Rangers Home Opener: Oct. 8 vs. New York Islanders Longest Homestand: 5 games (2 times) Longest Road Trip: 5 games (2 times) Back-to-Back: 11 series |
| Philadelphia Flyers | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The Flyers have the offense, defense and potentially the
goaltending, but they have been lacking an intangible
ingredient. They set out to change that by bringing in a future
Hall of Famer. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Flyers make several moves over the summer to vault themselves into the league's elite.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 2 at Carolina Home Opener: Oct. 6 vs. Washington Longest Homestand: 6 games (Jan 19-30) Longest Road Trip: 6 games (Dec 23-Jan 3) Back-to-Back: 16 series |
| Phoenix Coyotes | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
| The Coyotes seem to be dying a death of a thousand cuts. It's slow, painful and inevitably means the end of the desert existence for a franchise that already has one foot out the door. Five Things | Team Preview | 
The future of the Coyotes is one of the NHL's top stories. What happens next?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 at Los Angeles Home Opener: Oct. 10 vs. Columbus Longest Homestand: 6 games (Jan 9-21) Longest Road Trip: 4 games (3 times) Back-to-Back: 13 series |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The Penguins' collective effort was at the heart of their Stanley
Cup victory. They'll get a chance to do it again because GM Ray
Shero has done a masterful job of keeping the lineup together. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Penguins are young and now champs. Is this the start of a new dynasty?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 2 vs. N.Y. Rangers Home Opener: Oct. 2 vs. N.Y. Rangers Longest Homestand: 6 games (Mar 27-Apr 8) Longest Road Trip: 5 games (2 times) Back-to-Back: 16 series |
| San Jose Sharks | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
Shouldn't the Sharks have won a Stanley Cup or made the Finals by
now? They've had the talent to do it, but all San Jose has managed
to accomplish is to become the NHL's biggest enigma. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Sharks added Dany Heatley during the offseason. Will it lead them to success?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 1 at Colorado Home Opener: Oct. 8 vs. Columbus Longest Homestand: 5 games (3 times) Longest Road Trip: 6 games (3 times) Back-to-Back: 13 series |
| St. Louis Blues | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The Blues made the playoffs for the first time in four seasons
last spring. St. Louis made few changes to its lineup over the
summer with the belief that its young talent will take another
step forward. Five Things | Team Preview |
Sometimes making no moves is a good move. Is that the case for the Blues?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 2 vs Detroit (Sweden) Home Opener: Oct. 8 vs. Atlanta Longest Homestand: 6 games (Dec 11-21) Longest Road Trip: 5 games (Dec 23-Jan 2) Back-to-Back: 18 series |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The Lightning were nothing if not a league laughing stock last
season, because of an erratic ownership situation and
ill-conceived personnel decisions. This time, the joke might be on
everyone else. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Bolts improved their defense this summer making them a dark horse for a playoff berth.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 3 at Atlanta Home Opener: Oct. 8 vs. New Jersey Longest Homestand: 5 games (Dec 23-Jan 2) Longest Road Trip: 6 games (Dec 11-21) Back-to-Back: 12 series |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
It shouldn't be any surprise that the expectation level has been
raised a little in Toronto now that the Maple Leafs have gone
through the first significant stage of their rebuilding under GM
Brian Burke. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Leafs improved their defense during the offseason, but where will the offense come from?
|
Opening Night: Oct. 1 vs. Montreal Home Opener: Oct. 1 vs. Montreal Longest Homestand: 4 games (Mar 30-Apr 6) Longest Road Trip: 5 games (2 times) Back-to-Back: 18 series |
| Vancouver Canucks | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
Signing Roberto Luongo and the Sedins was critical for the
Canucks, who have a strong supporting cast in youngsters like Ryan
Kesler and Alex Burrows, and one of the league's better defenses. Five Things | Team Preview |
Roberto Luongo said he wants to finish his career as a Canuck, and backs it up with a big contract.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 1 at Calgary Home Opener: Oct. 5 vs. Columbus Longest Homestand: 8 games (Dec 10-26) Longest Road Trip: 8 games (Jan 30-Feb 14) Back-to-Back: 14 series |
| Washington Capitals | ||
| Wes Goldstein's Take | Video Preview | The Basics |
|
The Capitals looked like a serious Stanley Cup contender last
season with two-time MVP Alex Ovechkin and their young players
proving they are all-star talents. Washington is no less a threat
now. Five Things | Team Preview |
The Capitals were on the verge of a Cup run last spring and could make it happen this season.
|
Opening Night: Oct. 1 at Boston Home Opener: Oct. 3 vs. Toronto Longest Homestand: 5 games (Mar 4-12) Longest Road Trip: 4 games (2 times) Back-to-Back: 13 series |
New Jersey Devils 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Champions
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