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NHL Central Division 2008-2009: Where Will the Surprises Come From?

Senior Writer Written on September 10, 2008

(Page 3 of 3)

lund are ready for the NHL now.

While Oshie is a shorter player who relies on his abilities and attitude to carry him, he’s been able to consistently put up strong numbers at the collegiate level with the Fighting Sioux. As for tasting success, how does three straight Frozen Four appearances sound?

Berglund seems to be the polar opposite of Oshie. He’s tall and has the natural ability to control a game. He can score just as easily as he can pass the puck, and he could develop into a top-line wonder for the Blues. If they’re teamed up this season, then the Blues may have their own dynamic duo on their hands.

A few years ago, most scoffed at the competition that the Detroit Red Wings faced every season: Chicago, Nashville, Columbus, and St. Louis? To most, that seems to be an easy division title.

Starting this season, however, there doesn’t seem to be any such thing: The Preds are always dangerous, the Blue Jackets and Blackhawks seem ready to turn the corner, and St. Louis is building one of the best defenses in the game, anchored by Alex Pietrangelo and Erik Johnson.

Enjoy this while it lasts, Detroit.

Bryan Thiel is a Senior Writer and an NHL Community Leader for Bleacher Report. If you want to get in contact with Bryan, you can do so through his profile. You can also see all of his previous work in his archives.

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written on September 10, 2008 Preview/Prediction

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