NHL Northwest: Ups, Downs, Unknowns of the League's "Toughest Division"

(Above: Jarome Iginla and Sam Gagner battle in Alberta)  The Calgary Flames are projected to top the NHL’s Northwest Division, but what will rival underdogs have to say about that?

In a league of Cinderella performances and unexpected failures, the Northwest Division epitomises the unpredictable elements of NHL hockey.  The past few years have treated fans of these teams to tight, nerve-wracking standings and bitterly heated rivalries. Talented rosters inexplicably fail and unlikely heroes emerge all over the league, but in the Northwest even the slightest stutter or improvement by one squad can hugely affect each of the other four clubs.  In such a tight division, every team is a potential dark horse.

Last year the Northwest continued their tradition of subtle superiority, but will soon be in for a slide.  Though universally considered one of the toughest divisions in the league by experts, it is often underrated by casual observers because none of its teams boast extravagant point-totals.  Intense divisional competition and “point-snatching” lead to lower but more closely-knit standings. 

In 2007-08 only ten points separated the team in first place from the two tied for last (MIN-98 pts; COL-95 pts; CAL-94 pts; VAN and EDM-88 pts) in what was the tightest division in the NHL.  If analyst forecasts are correct this year won’t be much different, and each club has unique intangibles which will guide them through a tough season and hopefully give them an edge.

Many are predicting the Calgary Flames to rule the roost in '08-'09, still possessing some of the top talent in the West.  Issues with chemistry and regularity led to major forward subtractions (Alex Tanguay, Kristian Huselius, Stephane Yelle, Owen Nolan), but GM Darryl Sutter balanced losses with younger, less-expensive replacements like Mike Cammalleri, Rene Bourque, Curtis Glencross, and Todd Bertuzzi, while retaining an enviable core.

Physicality with a gung-ho/flash style is a Calgary hallmark, re-solidified in recent years with increasingly gifted players and dedicated team focus.  Progressively worrying consistency issues have called this identity into question however, and other teams have learned to take advantage of Flames who now fail to adapt. Can Cammalleri, Bourque, and Glencross finally reach their potential within the team's talented roster, and if so, how will the team adjust?

The addition of new faces will inevitably alter Flames identity, but there will be no bigger question-mark than Todd Bertuzzi and the baggage he carries.  Will the support of well-respected captain Jarome Iginla help him re-integrate into the top of the League?

Star goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff has been questioned in recent years for his slow starts and baffling inconsistencies, issues which are beginning to overshadow the astounding acrobatics he still performs. Skater performance and reaction often reflects goaltender confidence and consistency.  If Kipper does not regain his trademark reliability, the Flames in front of him will change their style and lose that important go-get-’em aspect of their game which has stemmed from an unwavering confidence in their Vezina-winning netminder.

These factors, along with Calgary’s unpredictability (and occasionally disastrous predictability) are the Flames’ most prevalent "unknown" elements.  If they can find consistency though, watch out!  They could take doubters by surprise, since many "outsiders" grossly underestimate their  now-considerable depth. 

The Vancouver Canucks are anticipated to be at the bottom of the standings again, but their offensively-depleted roster will provide fresh players a legitimate chance at promotion.  With so many leaders lost (Trevor Linden, Markus Naslund, Brendan Morrison) and such a decline after the Sedin twins’ projected point-totals, there will be a lot of roles to fill. 

Roberto Luongo, Vancouver's star goalie and now their captain, will have a lot on his plate and will need to play well to hold his team up through the year and down the stretch.  But goaltending isn't the question for the Canucks; how well can the rest of the roster come together to balance the team at the other end of the rink?

New additions like Steve Bernier, Pavol Demitra, and Kyle Wellwood are expected to fit seamlessly into the Canucks system and to some extent replace outgoing skaters.  Players with past and present potential will need to exploit this golden opportunity to carve their own niche in the “rebuilding” team.  On the blueline, Kevin Bieksa will have the most responsibility so far in his NHL career.  Those who were once the focus of high expectations, such as Ryan Kesler, Taylor Pyatt, Matt Pettinger, Wellwood, and Bernier have a chance to overcome personal hurdles and make a real difference to their team.  Vancouver’s season outcome may well depend on it; if they want a come-from-nowhere rally they will need 110% effort from their entire cast.**

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?