Ike's 2008-2009 NHL Season Preview

New York Rangers- I truly believe that the New York Rangers are a Stanley cup contender. With a dynamic offense bolstered by new-comers Nik Zherdev and Markus Naslund, as well as a young, mobile defensive corps bolstered by the aqcuisition of Wade Redden, expect the Rangers to be a contender in the east. And who can forget the all-world talent of Henrik Lundqvist. One thing that will hurt them for sure though, is the loss of Sean Avery. Everyone knows that with him in the lineup, the Rangers one a lot more games than when he was out of it. So we'll wait and see. I however, think that the Rangers will get past the Avery thing, and finish anywhere between 4th and 6th in the conference. Expect nice years from Marc Staal and Nik Zherdev.

Ottawa Senators- Still reeling from their late season melt-down last year, many Senators and Hockey fans are wondering if this team will make the post-season. Rest assured, the Senators will make the playoffs. Now that distraction box Emery is gone, I think it can be fairly said that Gerber can just play now, and not look over his shoulder all the time. I think that Ottawa will have a good season, and finish between 4th and 6th in the east. Expect a big season from Heatley, possibly the Rocket Richard trophy, as well as a good year for Anton Volchenkov. 

Philadelphia Flyers- On the opposite end of the spectrum than the Islanders, we have the Flyers, who just recently finished one of the biggest 1 season turn arounds in history. When I look up and down the Flyers roster, I get the feeling that Paul Holmgren is a genius. His team is absolutely stacked. And expect a healthy Simon Gagne to more than fill in the loss of R.J. Umberger. With Marty Biron proving that he can be the guy, I feel that the Flyers are a true contender, and will win their divison, finishing ahead of Crosby's Pens. Expect big years from Kimmo Timmonen as well as Mike Richards.

Phoenix Coyotes- Is another good, young, team. I don't expect them to make the playoffs though. The aqcuisition of Jokinen will help but they are in too tough of a divison to compete in the West. Anaheim, Dallas, and San Jose will make short work of them. Expect them to finish out of the playoffs, arund 11th in the West. Look for a big year from Peter Mueller though.

Pittsburgh- Is one of the best teams in the league, and destined to be a contender, but I believe they will fall victim to the runner-up jinx. They will be tired, and will fall prey more easily to good teams like Philly, and the Rangers. That being said, they will obviously make the playoffs, but I don't see them winning their division. Expect big years from Crosby and Ryan Whitney.

San Jose- Another great team in the West, who will be a definite contender. I think they will have a little difficulty at the start of the season adjusting to the style of a new coach, but will have a smoking second half, finishing just behind Dallas for the division win. I expect this team to be Stanley cup contender though. Expect big years from Thornton and Boyle.

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