NHL POWER RANKINGS: CENTRAL DIVISION

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Central Division has seen a shift in power for the first time in over 10 years. Detroit was not number one and Chicago came out as the champions. Chicago has lost some key players to their Stanley Cup winning team and with the Detroit Red Wings starting off the season with forward Mike Modano, will Marty Turco's goaltending be enough to defend the Blackhawks Central Division title?

5. Nashville Predators

Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

Nashville has made some moves to improve their team but nothing too noticeable. They have always been a grinding team. When I think of the Nashville Predators, there are really no big superstars that come to mind. Sure they have J. P. Dumont but he does not put up the numbers that he used to. Nashville's point leader in 2009-10 was forward Steve Sullivan with 51 points out of 81 games. Sullivan is a good player but I do not see Nashville as a strong team this year.

The Predators have lost key players in recent years but with the signing of Matthew Lombardi, Sergei Kostitsyn and Ryan Parent the team is showing signs of slight improvements.

4. St. Louis Blues

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

St. Louis has some problems but they are looking to their youth for answers. With the loss of forwards Paul Kariya and Keith Tkachuk, St. Louis is not looking too good. Like almost all teams that were powerhouses in the 90's, St. Louis did not add the proper youth to their aging team.

The Blues are showing signs of potential. Erik Johnson is proof. He has only been in the NHL for two years and is already making an impact. St. Louis did sign a new goaltender, Jaroslav Halak. Halak was the hero of the Montreal Canadians, when he helped lead them to a stunning victory over the Washington Capitals. Although I do not believe that St. Louis will make the playoffs, they are taking the right steps in rebuilding their franchise.  

3. Columbus Blue Jackets

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

I am always surprised on how the Columbus Bluejackets either do not make playoffs or fail to advance to the next round. They have a good team. They have a face to their franchise, Rick Nash. Nash is the ideal player and they always seem to add talent but this year will be different for them. Goalie Steve Mason is going into his third year and he always seems to impress me. He acts as the third defenseman and since Chicago lost some of their players, Columbus may just be able to secure a playoff run that they deserve.

2. Chicago Blackhawks

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Sure Chicago won the Cup but can they defend their title? Chicago has lost some key players to their Stanley Cup-winning team but made a key pickup: goalie Marty Turco. Turco looks great compared to Antti Niemi. Niemi was never really a great goalie but he had the support of Chicago. He was always the underdog and everybody loves an underdog. Turco is a dependable goalie which is what Chicago needs. Turco has had some bad years, but with Scotty Bowman helping Chicago out, I think they are making the right move. Letting go of John Madden is a loss for the Hawks, but Chicago has some young talent who will be battling it out to secure a spot on the fourth line.

Chicago has kept their key players, Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa. The roster continues to grow with new talent but these are the main people behind Chicago's Stanley Cup winning team.

Overall, Chicago is a powerhouse and is looking great for next season.

1. Detroit Red Wings

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

There is a reason why it is called Hockeytown. Detroit lives and breathes hockey. Although Detroit did not do so well last season, I believe they will do much better this season. Detroit had many injuries in the 2009-10 season and still they put up a fight. How many teams can be a playoff contender with the amount of injuries Detroit had?

Detroit was without its star forward Johan Frazen for a majority of the season and to add to that Thomas Holmstrom was injured. The Wings also saw many other star players that helped them win the Cup in 2008 fall to injury when they needed them most. Sure goaltender Chris Osgood had a terrible season but Jimmy Howard, stepped up and led the team to victory. Howard proved that he is ready to lead and as a rookie he did great. His GAA was 2.26, as a rookie. Rarely do you see a rookie goaltender have those numbers. The fans expect the Stanley Cup in Detroit so goalies come and go but Howard seems to be a keeper.

Detroit added some depth to their lineup by signing Mike Modano. He wants a Cup and knows Detroit can deliver. Adding Modano is a great move by Detroit. In the past the Wings have given old timers a last chance at glory and hopefully Modano gets another ring before he calls it quits.

Another addition to the roaster is the return of Jiri Hudler. Last year, Hudler left the Wings to play in Russia but this year he is back. The Wings struggled to find a man to replace him in 2009, but luckily he decided to return this season. In the 2008-09 season he had 23 goals and 37 assists. He also was good at shootouts and his speed is uncanny. He is able to put the puck in the back of the net when he needs to.

If the Wings lineup stays healthy, then Detroit will most likely win the division but not without a fight. It will be close between Chicago and Detroit but in the end Detroit's experience will lead to them to be the best in the Central Division.