Lukas' 2008-2009 NHL Northeast Predictions

With training camp set to open around the NHL this week, it is time to look at my favorite division—the Northeast.

It should be a duel at the top between the Montreal Canadiens and a surprising Boston Bruins squad. Watch for it to be close every time these two old-time rivals square off, with a tie at the end of the season.

In the offseason Boston made few moves while Montreal made several—most recently trading for Robert Lang. With Lang now a Hab, Bob Gainey said that his Canadiens are no longer interested in Sundin.

Third placwe should see the Ottawa Senators, who jettisoned Ray Emery. I think that Emery was so much of a distraction to the Sens in '07-08 that he is the main reason why they almost missed the playoffs, and then got swept in four by Malkin, and company.

Fourth should be the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Hagman replacing Tucker, Grabovski replacing Wellwood, and Ron Wilson coming in to coach, this should be a much-improved Toronto Maple Leafs squad come October 3—or six days from now, when they take the ice for their first pre-season game.

They should also have a new captain coming out of camp. Look for Stajan, Kaberle, or Antropov to take over that role.

One quick note about the Maple Leafs. In The Hockey News depth charts, it has Grabovski listed as an extra, as well as Kulemin and Colaiacovo.  Wait, what?

Finally, rounding out the division will be the Buffalo Sabres. Look for the Sabres to have a terrible season. Vanek is coming off of a terrible season of his own, and Afinogenov will be the guy to watch. Captains Jason Pominville and Jochen Hecht will also be pressured.

Here are my final predictions:

Division/Conference/Team/Points

T-1st | T-3rd | Boston Bruins | 100-120 points

T-1st | T-3rd | Montreal Canadians | 100-120 points *equal amount to Bruins

3rd | 7th | Ottawa Senators | 85-95 points

4th | 8-9th | Toronto Maple Leafs | 80-93 points

5th | 15th | Buffalo Sabres | 60- 75 points