Definitely a weaker offense—losing Jaromir Jagr is big, both on and off the ice—but the Rangers certainly have their strongest defense in recent memory. Michal Rozsival and Wade Redden are possible All-Stars, and with Daniel Girardi and Marc Staal skating up the ranks, the Rangers have the potential to skate one of the best defenses in the entire league.
Let’s not forget that Henrik Lundqvist has been a Vezina finalist two years in a row. Could this year be the year? Probably not, but he’s still one of the better goalies in the league.
6. New Jersey Devils
Let’s start with the obvious reason why the Devils will make the playoffs—Martin Brodeur. He will probably play at least 73 games again this season, and will probably collect another Vezina trophy.
The Devils' offense is the most consistent in all of hockey. All four lines are equal and can do the same amount of damage as the others. Bobby Holik’s return will bring a solid veteran presence and Brian Rolston will bring necessary scoring power.
7. Tampa Bay Lightning
New additions: Steve Stamkos, Ryan Malone, Gary Roberts, Mark Recchi, Matt Carle, Radim Vrbata, Olaf Kolzig, and Barry Melrose. What do all of these players equal? This year’s Philadelphia Flyers.
I am the last person to believe in Barry Melrose, but I think he will have this team in tip-top shape for the upcoming season. There is a lot of newfound attention being paid to Tampa, and rightfully so. The Lightning may be headed back to the playoffs after taking a season off.
8. Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres fell off last season, and barely missed the playoffs after finishing with the best record in the NHL the previous season. However, this offseason has been much more productive than the last one.
Re-signing Ryan Miller has lowered tensions around the clubhouse, and re-signing Jason Pominville—which should happen soon—will only lower them more.
The Sabres did lose Dimitri Kalinin, who produced eight points this past season, to the Rangers, and replaced him with veteran Craig Rivet, who produced 35 points this past season.
The Sabres might sneak into the postseason and surprise a number of critics this season with their young and talented lineup.
9. Boston Bruins
It’s easy to underestimate this roster, as I did on my first look through. Adding winger Michael Ryder was a smart move for a team that needs a 50-60-point-scorer.
Another strength that this team has is its goalies. Tim Thomas had the best season of his career and looks to be headed in a positive direction, even after a tough first-round loss to the top-seeded Canadiens.
The third reason this team might be able to sneak into the eighth and final spot—Zdeno Chara. Chara learned to harness all of his on-ice abilities and truly became a top-five defenseman last season, as proven by his Norris Trophy nomination. If the Bruins do make the playoffs, Chara will be a large reason why.
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