NHL Eastern Conference Preview

With the season approaching more quickly than an Alexander Ovechkin wrist shot, there are lots of people making predictions on a variety of things. 

Here are my Eastern Conference predictions, based on what I have seen over the offseason:

1. Philadelphia Flyers

With a healthy Simon Gagne, a newly-appointed captain in Mike Richards, and a group of young players developing together, this club made some noise in the playoffs last year and should continue that momentum this season.  Martin Biron proved down the stretch that he is a starting goalie, and will only gain more confidence in '08-09.   

The defense is reliable, with Timonen and Jones providing the offense and Coburn and an emerging Ryan Parent being shut-down guys.  I expect breakout seasons from Jeff Carter and Joffrey Lupul, and Claude Giroux should be a Calder trophy finalist. 

Daniel Briere will be even more dynamic with a full season in Philly under his belt and a running mate in Gagne.  Mike Knuble will be his reliable self.  Guys like Hartnell, Upshall, and Downie will make this team very tough to play against. 

2. Washington Capitals

Whatever coach Bruce Boudreau is selling, it is working.  Ovechkin and the other Russians in the US Capital ended the season on a tear, and are the class team in the Southeast division.  Hopefully, for their sake, Jose Theodore has indeed returned at least close to his Montreal form, and can withstand the load of 60-65 games between the pipes. 

A returning captain in Chris Clark will add much needed grit, and there should be no shortage of offense from No. 8, second-year player Nicklas Backstrom, and a rejuvenated Sergei Fedorov. 

3. Montreal Canadiens

Although I am not completely buying into the Carey Price mania, he has won at every level and had a good rookie campaign.  Now he has to prove he can be "the Man" over 82 games at the highest level.  There is no debating the skill and the grit, but my question is—can they mesh? 

Kovalev is acknowledged as one of the games top talents, and he has a history of on-again, off-again seasons.  Is this a down season for Kovy?   Koivu is still the leader, but he isn't a top-line player any more. 

This club actually reminds me of the Senators of the pre-lockout days—minus the top-flight goaltender—and this might be another year of the young guys learning how the game is played.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Stanley Cup finalist last season lost a lot of key players that led them to that spot.  However, with two of the top five players in the game, you can't bet against them. 

Replacing Hossa with Satan on Crosby's wing is a slight step down, although Satan's game might mesh better with the Kid's.  Moving Jordan Staal to a more offensive role on a line with Malkin gives the Pens two potent lines. 

The club's depth comes into question after the Hossa deal, especially on the blue line.  Being without their top two blueliners (Gonchar and Whitney) until perhaps the New Year takes them out of the running for the Atlantic Division, in my opinion.  

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