One Dark Horse Team from Each Division

Urban Dictionary defines a "dark horse" as someone (in this case, a team) who everyone expects to lose but somehow could find a way to win. The season is only a few weeks away and most if not all hockey analysts have their predictions for the upcoming season locked in with a few teams as definite contenders. However, there is always room for change within the fifth-eighth spots of the two conferences. This list aims to show one team from each division that most analysts have passed up on as legitimate cup contenders but have a chance at surprising in 2011-2012. 

Pacific: Anaheim Ducks

Picking a dark horse out of this division is almost unfair. For the past couple of years, the Pacific division has been a powerhouse in the NHL. This past season, the Dallas Stars came within one point of putting the entire division (that would be five out of the eight teams) in the playoffs.

This year, however, may prove to be a bit different. With superstar losses in Phoenix and the already struggling Dallas, it appears as if Los Angeles and San Jose will battle for the division, and possibly conference, lead this season. Although it is expected that Anaheim will be in the race, most analysts have them coming in third between the three clubs. The Ducks, however, have a couple of reasons why they could be lifting the cup next summer.

Ryan-Getzlaf-Perry

Almost enough can't be said of the chemistry and skill of this line. Perry, the recent recipient of the Rocket Richard trophy, can be expected to put up 50-plus goals while Getzlaf and Ryan are slowly becoming stars in Anaheim. This line can be expected to put up near 110 goals this season.

A Healthy Hiller

 After missing the last quarter of the regular season and all of the playoffs, Hiller has declared himself rid of his vertigo/dizziness symptoms this offseason. Hiller posted outstanding numbers including a .924 save percentage before his injury. A healthy Hiller will be deadly in Anaheim this season.

One Question Mark—Teemu Selanne

 Future Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne said earlier this month that he won't be making his decision to play until September. If he continues with a final season, he can help lead this Ducks team to their second Stanley Cup if all things work out correctly. Without the 80 points that the "Finnish Flash" posted last season, the Ducks could be in trouble offensively in 2012. 

Central: Columbus Blue Jackets

The Central Division will brutal this year. Both the Red Wings and the Blackhawks have improved while the Predators didn't lose any key pieces this free agency. The Blues and Blue Jackets both had their fair share of offseason moves but still seem to be within the bottom two of the division. The Blue Jackets, however, added two key big names in Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski to try and make a run at the playoffs. The Blue Jackets have only made the playoffs once in their history but are a team to watch out for this season for these reasons.

Good Crop of Young Talent

 Several notable young players who could make a strong impact this season include former seventh round pick Derek Dorsett who is just coming into his own as a real NHLer as well as a possible appearance from the fourth overall pick in 2010, Ryan Johansen, at the center position. Johansen recorded 92 points in the WHL last season and is expected to try for a position at training camp this September.

A Much Improved Offense 

With Jeff Carter centering superstar Rick Nash and veteran Vinny Prospal at the other wing, Columbus has seemingly formulated a formidable top line. With James Wisniewski on the back end able to put up 50-plus points, Columbus finally has a chance to compete in the Central.

Question—Chemistry on the Top Line

 As mentioned above, it was a very smart move to acquire a skilled center for Rick Nash to play alongside. However, the big question remains: Can two players who both play a similar power forward type of game mesh together on the top line? If they can, look for Nash's point total to jump and for Columbus to make the playoffs for the first time since 2009. 

Northwest: Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild are in a very good position this season. With only slight improvements in Colorado, Calgary and Edmonton, the Wild appear to be the second best team in the very slim Northwest. Obviously, Vancouver will most likely return to their 117 point form this season but the Wild have a chance to make the playoffs this season because of how vulnerable the rest of the division is. 

A Bruising Game

 Clutterbuck recorded over 300 hits last season and still managed to put up 19 goals, a career high. Nystrom and Powe are also big hitters, both being in the Top 30 in the category. Look for Minnesota to really stick it to their weakened division this season.

Healtey and Setoguchi

 Heater and Seto were both acquired by the Wild from trades with the San Jose Sharks this offseason. Injecting these two offensive players into the Wild system will take some time to iron out but once it does, Minnesota will be able to keep up with the rest of the teams in the NHL night in and night out.

Defense is a Question

 Lacking a big name defender is uncommon in the NHL. After Minnesota lost Burns to San Jose, one has to wonder how their defense can compete in a faster NHL. If Minnesota's young defense can mold together and at least be solid defensively, they may have a chance to surprise most with a seventh or eighth seed this season. Don't look for them to contribute offensively too often; their highest point gaining defender was Zidlicky with 24 last season. 

Atlantic: New Jersey Devils

One of the quietest teams this offseason, the Devils focused on re-signing their star forward Zach Parise. Having locked him up for at least one more season, the Devils look to try and get back on the horse after a disappointing 2010-2011 campaign. The Atlantic, however, is one of the tougher divisions and it may prove difficult for New Jersey to sneak in this season. Their late season heroics that saw them put up 22 wins in 26 games have earned my nod as a dark horse this season.

Kovalchuk Returns to Form

 Kovalchuk rode the Devils late season surge in 2011. He registered 22 goals in the final 45 games after posting only nine in his first 36. Almost a two fold increase in production shows that with the right confidence, Kovalchuk can be one of the deadliest snipers in the game. He will prove that again this season.

Brodeur is the Question

Obviously in the discussion for the top three goalies of all time, Brodeur has every type of accolade imaginable. The biggest and most important may be his winning record. The reason this 39-year-old gets the question mark for New Jersey is because of his step back in 2011. Brodeur posted a losing record of 23 wins and 26 losses for the first time in his entire career. While that is a scary good statistic for Brodeur, the two decade superstar goalie losing his form is a scarier thought. If Brodeur can prove once again that he still has what it takes between the pipes, New Jersey could be a dark horse of the Atlantic. 

Northeast: Montreal Canadiens

The Northeast will boast the reigning Stanley Cup champs and improved squads in Buffalo and Toronto. While Toronto may still be one year away from the playoffs, Montreal has a team that can secretly contend this season. Montreal still has fan favorites Carey Price and Brian Gionta but has added some weapons this offseason to give them a shot at a cup.

Offseason Pickups

 Erik Cole moved from the Hurricanes this season, bringing his veteran consistency to Montreal this summer. With his improved offense and leadership, Montreal seemingly fills a big hole in their roster with this pickup.

A Healthy Markov

 After missing 37 games in 2009-2010 and all but nine this season, a healthy Markov re-signed this offseason with Montreal.  Appearing to be healthy again, Montreal could really use his offensive skills on the blue line this season. The one time 64 point scorer could turn Montreal into a dark horse come 2012.

Gomez a Concern

Gomez took a giant step in the wrong direction in 2010-2011 by posting a career low in points (38) and goals (7). Gomez needs to prove why he is worth his $7 million plus paycheck in 2012 if the Canadiens want another shot at the cup.

Southeast: Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina was one of the busier teams during free agency, looking to replace Erik Cole and Joe Corvo. With the Southeast getting more competitive and the top two teams, Tampa Bay and Washington, already locking themselves in at playoff spots, Carolina is going to have to improve on their 2010-2011 season to sneak by. However, Carolina only finished two points out last season and has a legitimate shot at a spot this season.

Role Players Galore

Free agency pickup Alexei Ponikarovsky adds some grit while rising young star Anthony Stewart has shown that he can put up some decent points last season. There is talk that he could play the right wing position and it can be expected that he will improve upon his 39 points he had last season. 

Stanley Cup Winner Kaberle

Tomas Kaberle was the big name signing for Carolina this offseason, signing a three-year $12.5 million contract. With his playoff experience and offensive abilities, look for Kaberle to light up the Hurricane back line in 2011-2012.

Eric Staal in Question

 Eric Staal hasn't posted more than a point per game since his Stanley Cup winning season in 2005-2006. His $8.25 million pay check is in question with his less than stellar seasons. If Staal can regain some offensive flair and go on a midseason run, look for Carolina to be a dark horse in the Southeast. 

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