Ike's 2008-2009 NHL Season Preview

Los Angeles- While LA is clearly building a bright future with the likes of Doughty, Hickey, Bernier, and Teubert, I don't expect they'll make much noise in the West this year. They are in a very tough division which has the likes of Anaheim, Dallas, and San Jose. No, Los Angeles won't make the playoffs, but has a bright future. I think they'll be near the bottom of the West again, and in the running for a very nice draft pick. Expect a nice rookie season from Drew Doughty, as well as a stellar campaign from Anze Kopitar.

Minnesota- I believe it is safe to say that this team is going downhill. With the losses of Demitra and Rolston, and now possibly even Gaborik, Minnesota is lacking the quality players that a playoff team needs. They have decent goaltenders, which don't have to do much under Jacques Lemaire's system. The biggest problem for Minnesota this year will be goal-scoring, as I don't see Gaborik and Bouchard being able to produce enough for this team to make the playoffs. I believe that Minnesota will finish last in their division, and out of the playoffs, around 10th in the West.

Montreal- Although this team will be missing the finesse and playmaking of Mark Streit, I see the Canadiens being contenders again in the east. I believe they are certainly the class of the Northeast divison, and should win it quite easily. Montreal has built a team around those who are great skaters, just like the Montreal teams of old. Expect this team to win their division and finish 2nd in the East. Look for great years from Andrei Kostitsyn and Carey Price.

Nashville- Although this team squeaked into the playoffs last year, don't expect it to happen again. They got considerably worse when Radulov skipped town, and are lacking the quality players that a playoff team needs. As well, their goalie situation is not an enviable one, as I'm not sure Dan Ellis is the man. Expect this team to finish well out of the playoffs, near the bottom of the west, as they will get beat up by Detroit and Chicago. Look for nice years from Shea Weber and Martin Erat though.

New Jersey- It seems that the Devils are perennial contenders in the east. While I don't think they'll win the Atlantic, I do see them having a good season and making the playoffs, because of Brodeur, and because of a potent offense including the likes of Parise, Elias, and Rolston. I expect the Devils will thrive once again under the defense-first system of Sutter, and finish anywhere from 4th to 6th in the east. Expect big years from Zach Parise and Elias (if he can stay healthy).

New York Islanders- I believe that the Islanders are truly one of the teams going downhill in the NHL right now. Their top forward is Mike Comrie, along with an aging Bill Guerin. I don't see their offense being good enough to contend in the east, nevermind the stacked Atlantic division. I honestly feel that the Islanders will be the worst team in the NHL this season. Expect nice years though, from Blake Comeau and Mark Streit.

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