NHL Predictions 2011-12: 12 Things You Need to Know About the Atlantic Division

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One division that received a lot of buzz this offseason was the Atlantic. Some of the biggest names of the summer, including Jaromir Jagr, Brad Richards, Sidney Crosby and Zach Parise, are all playing for an Atlantic team.

Now the question becomes, how will all of the recent transactions play out in the 2011-12 National Hockey League season?

While each team comes into the new hockey year with varying degrees of expectations,only one team can come out on top.

Here are 12 Atlantic Division predictions for the upcoming season.

The Atlantic Division Will Produce This Year's Vezina Winner

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The Atlantic Division surely doesn't lack talent at the goaltending position. Henrik Lundqvist, Marc-Andre Fleury, Martin Brodeur and Ilya Bryzgalov are all Vezina-caliber goalies.

It wouldn't be surprising if any one of these four players won the Vezina Trophy for the 2012 NHL season.

The guy most likely to walk away with it this year is Henrik Lundqvist. There was a lot made about the Brad Richards signing, but the Rangers only go as far as Lundqvist can take them. Lundqvist is primed for an exceptional season. 

The number two choice is Ilya Bryzgalov. A goaltender of his quality is exactly what the Flyers have been missing and he should benefit from the extra exposure that comes with playing in Philadelphia as opposed to Phoenix. 

Evgeni Malkin Will Lead the Atlantic Division in Scoring

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The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the hottest teams in the preseason and they have been led by Evgeni Malkin who appears ready to step up in Sidney Crosby's absence.

Malkin has already won one NHL scoring title and he may be ready to take a run at another one. He certainly looks as if he'll at least lead the Atlantic Division in scoring.

Having Malkin clicking on all cylinders is exactly what the Penguins need as he was the Conn Smythe winner the year they won the Stanley Cup. 

Brad Richards Will Score Less Than 80 Points

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There are a lot of lofty expectation surrounding Brad Richards, but some of them may be a little unfair. However, that's one of the side effects of signing such a big contract.

While there is no doubt that Richards is a talented hockey player, he shouldn't be looked at as a guy who is going to drastically improve the Rangers.

He has actually only reached the 80-point plateau twice in his NHL career and this season probably won't be the third time. He's getting older and injuries are starting to become a concern.

John Tavares Emerges as a Top Forward

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The New York Islanders have a plethora of young talent. Now is the time for that potential to manifest itself into tangible production.

Someone who is ready to take that next step in John Tavares. He's fresh off a contract extension and appears ready to earn every dollar of his new deal.

Look for his name at or near the top ten of the NHL scoring list. 

The Philadelphia Flyers Will Start off Slow & Improve Down the Stretch

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There has been varying reaction on the summer shake up of the Philadelphia Flyers. Soon we'll see who was right and who was wrong about their offseason assessment of the club.

With all of the new faces in the lineup it may take some time for the team to build chemistry so look for the Flyers to get off to a slow start.

This shouldn't be reason for concern, though. In a reversal of last season the team will start off slow, but then pick it up down the stretch. 

Zach Parise Will Bounce Back from Injury & Return to Form

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In what is Zach Parise's contract year, the forward will be looking to prove to everyone in hockey that there are no long-term ramifications from last season's injury. 

With his future pay day at stake, Parise will rise to the occasion and lead the Devils in scoring. Look for him to amass about 80 points while playing a solid two-way game. 

Zach Parise Will Be Dealt at the Deadline

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Unfortunately for the Devils, they may find it difficult to hang onto Parise after failing to reach a long-term deal this summer.

So that they can recoup some value, the team could potential trade Parise in what would be the blockbuster deal of the 2011-12 NHL season.

Expect the Devils to get a lot in return, at least.

Sidney Crosby Will Return to the Ice by the Midway Point of the Season

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There is still no timetable for Sidney Crosby's return, but he is coming along much better in training camp than he was in the offseason.

Hopefully for Penguins fans, Crosby can soon begin contact drills so he can get back in the lineup.

Look for Sidney Crosby to return by the midway point of the season at the latest. He may start off slow, but he will eventually return to at least close to form. 

This Will Be Martin Brodeur's Final Season

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Martin Brodeur is without a doubt one of the greatest goalies of all-time, but all good things must come to an end.

This may very well be Brodeur's last season playing in the NHL so enjoy his work in the net while you still can.

Although he is in the twilight of his career, he is still one the best goalies in the game.

New York Islanders Will Finish Last in the Atlantic Division

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While the New York Islanders will certainly improve this season, the Atlantic Division is very competitive so it will be difficult for the team in Long Island to win.

The team will take steps in the right direction with the development of their young players. Fans just need to be patient. Eventually, the Islanders will be one of the teams competing for the Atlantic Division title.

3 Team Make the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Atlantic Division

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Although the Islanders won't be participating, expect to see three teams from the Atlantic Division to make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

All of the teams from last year, the Rangers, Penguins and Flyers, will once again be in the playoffs.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Will Win the Atlantic Division

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And of those three teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be the one on top. The Penguins are one of the hottest teams in the preseason so they should come out of the gate firing on all cylinders.

The team will only get better. Sidney Crosby returning will make for a nice midseason addition. If the Penguins can stay healthy, unlike last season, they could also compete for the top spot in the entire Easter Conference.

As for second place, it should be a very tight race between the Rangers and the Flyers with the Flyers coming out ahead.