Top Five NHL Moments I Want To See in 2009

These aren't exactly predictions; they are hopes for the 2009 year in the NHL—plucked from my own warped brain for you to enjoy!

If any come true, 2009 will be a season to remember! Inside are stories about comebacks, the ending of skids...and for one team, the continuation of another in the worst possible way.

Have Fun!!

No. 5

5) Phoenix Coyotes make the Stanley Cup playoffs—and maybe win a round for the first time in over 20 years.

No. 4

4) Gary Bettman, after watching this year's Winter Classic and being exposed to the cold outdoors therein, realizes he was wrong to continue expanding into the Sunbelt. He orders the last four Sunbelt franchises moved to Canadian venues—notably, Winnipeg and Quebec.

Another mistake is righted when he notices Detroit is more East than West, and the divisions are re-aligned for the following season.

No. 3

3) While in Europe, after a league decides to take a chance on him, Sean Avery is hit in the mouth by a puck so hard, it inhibits his ability to speak for the remainder of this season.

He takes this time to get re-acquainted with his brain. After several long and humiliating apologies, he is welcomed back by the NHL for 2009-'10.

No. 2

In a first, the Washington Capitals, having all but clinched the Southeast in early February, pull off the first trade of coaches with the Ottawa Senators.

The Sens win all but three of their final games and clinch sixth in the East. The Caps stay in third with Hartsburg—and per stipulation, coaches are swapped back to start the playoffs.

Washington wins in five.

No. 1

And finally, the moment I most want to see in 2009:

The Montreal Canadiens get Carey Price back, catch Boston, and land first place.

Florida trades for Martin Biron, clinches eighth, and promptly sweeps the Habs.

Boston advances to the Finals, with Michael Ryder winning the Conn Smythe in a losing cause. Ryder agrees to never play for the Habs again.

Happy 100th, Montreal!!