NHL 2011-12: Atlantic Division Predictions

With the trophy fish (Brad Richards) already snagged from a rather small pond (the free-agency market), and the 2011-12 season rapidly approaching, it's time to take a look at the Atlantic Division. 

With multiple offseason x-factors, unrestricted free agency, arbitration, trades and regular-season injuries, this has the potential to be flipped on its head, much like the Flyers roster.

New York Islanders

Once again, the Islanders will find the cellar of the Atlantic. Let's face it, they need help. They lack a quality go-to goaltender and are a young, inexperienced team. 

The Islanders brought in a solid veteran in Marty Reasoner to help develop the young core of this team, but it will take a couple more years for all the team's needs to be addressed. 

Michael Grabner proved last year with his 34 goals that he is an offensive threat. This year, he will again team up with John Tavares, showing the Atlantic that last year's numbers were by no means a fluke. Kyle Okposo will add solid secondary scoring to improve the team's stats, but defensively will not be able to stop opponents from burying the puck. 

To be optimistic, the 2011-12 season will bring another high draft pick in next year's draft.

Prediction: 31-45-6, 68 points (They'll miss the playoffs.)



New Jersey Devils

At the end of last year, the Devils almost seemed unbeatable and fell shy of the playoffs. The Devils have remained fairly quiet this offseason, leaving last year's team intact.

Unfortunately, the Kovy deal might have handcuffed the Devils. The Devils were unable to address their needs through the free-agency market. Brodeur is another year older and is no longer the elite goaltender that he once was. More of the goaltending responsibilities will fall on Johan Hedburg, whose career numbers are mediocre at best.

New Jersey will look to Ilya Kovalchuk to carry the team in the scoring department. For this team to do some damage, they will need Travis Zajac, Zach Parise and Patrik Elias to chip in on the score-sheet as well. While these guys have the potential to put up some big numbers, the Devils still lack depth.

Prediction: 37-38-7, 78 points (They, too, will miss the playoffs.)

Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers have made the biggest boom in the offseason. Trading and then signing Ilya Bryzgalov, trading away Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, and the loss of Ville Leino have kept all hockey fans busy this offseason. 

The Flyers did a nice job addressing their needs for a proven goaltender. The biggest problem with this move is that they gave up 60-plus goals and 140-plus points to get their man. Bryzgalov is a major upgrade in net, but goalies don't win games. Goals do. 

With the loss of Carter and Richards, the Flyers pick up tons of talent that should fill in nicely with Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek, Brayden Schenn, Jaromir Jagr and a couple of draft picks. These moves give the Flyers great depth.

The Flyers will still have plenty of offensive power with Danny Briere, James van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux returning to the lineup. The returning defensive unit can also light up the score-sheet on a nightly basis, but they cannot fix the chemistry lost via trades. Too many moves this offseason will hurt the Flyers early in the season, causing them to drop to a third-place finish in the division.

Before the Flyer faithful jump down my throat, this team will find their groove and be dangerous in the playoffs. I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a run for the Cup.

Prediction: 45-30-7, 97 points (sixth seed)

New York Rangers

Another year, another big free-agency acquisition. 

Brad Richards was brought in to man the center position on the first line and improve a subpar power play. The passing ability of Richards and the lightning-quick release of Gaborik should give a boost to the Rangers' lackluster offense.

Last year, the Ranger team showed that they will grind out every game. Without a true No. 1 scoring line, the Rangers depended on everyone to score. Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Derick Stepan and Brian Boyle were able to be utilized as secondary scoring. 

The defensive unit is among the best and youngest in the league. Marc Staal and Dan Giardi shut down No. 1 lines across the league. Ryan McDonagh stepped in and played the role effectively, but the Rangers are still missing the puck-moving defenseman that they have so desperately been searching for. 

Henrik Lundqvist has been the backbone of this team. He will have a healthy Marty Biron to take the pipes and give him a rest when need be. 

Projection: 44-28-10, 98 points (fifth seed)

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins will once again prove why they are an Atlantic Division powerhouse.

The Penguins will welcome the return of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and newly acquired Steve Sullivan to Pittsburgh. This will greatly improve their offensive game. Look to see Tyler Kennedy, Chris Kunitz and Kris Letang to provide secondary scoring.

Once again, the Penguins defense will be solid. They will be able to chip in offensively, but more importantly regularly contain other teams' big threats. 

Marc-Andre Fleury is back in the net for Pittsburgh. Although not the biggest name in the division, he is almost as reliable. He will have another sound year for the Penguins.

Prediction: 50-26-6, 106 points (first seed)