Ike's 2008-2009 NHL Season Preview

fs". Now if all these "ifs" turn out the way the Avs want them, expect them to make the playoffs, in the lower half of the conference. But I don't see that happening. I see there being more unsolved "ifs" than solved, so I see the Avs sitting just outside of the playoff picture at years end, around 9th or 10th. Expect a big year though, from Marek Svatos.

Columbus- Will this team ever make the playoffs? This is the one question that many Jackets fans must have. This might be the year, but I doubt it. Last year the Jackets' main problem was a lack of scoring. Leclaire and the defense managed to keep the other teams in check, but Columbus couldn't score. The question really comes down to whether Umberger and Huselius can provide the extra offense that Columbus so desperately needs. I don't think they will. Expect Umberger not to even come close to the pace he set in the playoffs last season, and expect Huselius to have a decent season, but not a great one. I see Columbus finishing anywhere from 9th to 11th in the West.

Dallas- This is a team to watch out for. Marty Turco finally proved that he could perform in the playoffs, and I see Dallas having no trouble getting there. With the scoring touch of Richards and Ribeiro, the leadership and heart of Morrow and Avery, and the goaltending of Turco, expect this team to be one of the toughest in the league to play against. Also expect them to surprisingly win their division over San Jose and finish 2nd in the Conference. I believe the Dallas Stars will be definite Stanley Cup contenders. Expect a big year from Brad Richards.

Detroit- I don't think there is much doubt that Detroit is the class of the NHL. With the addition of Hossa, they only added to their already stacked lineup. I see Detroit running away with their divison, but not as easily as they did last year, because of an improved Chicago. Expect Detroit to finish 1st in the West and to be a Stanley Cup Contender. Look for a MVP calibre season from Henrik Zetterberg.

Edomonton- Everyone thought that Edmonton would be a cellar dwellar last season but they surprised most people in accumulating enough points to make a stab at the playoffs. Unfortunately for them, it was not to be, but expect that to change this year. Edmonton has done nothing except build a strong nucleus of quality young players that can skate. The only question is whether Roloson can play up to the calibre that Edmonton needs, as he is getting older. However, expect this team to have a lot of flair this season, and to finish around 7th in the West. Expect a big year for aquisition Erik Cole, as well as another great season from Sam Gagner.

Florida- Don't expect big things from this team. I don't know if this team will ever climb back up to respectibility. When I look at their roster I only really see 3 decent player- Horton, Bouwmeester, and Vokoun, and with Bouwmeester possibly gone soon, the team will be only getting worse. I expect this team to finish near the bottom of the East, between 13th and 15th. Expect a good year from Horton, though.

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