2011-2012 NHL Eastern Conference Predictions

It's now August and NHL teams have, for the most part, finished tweaking their rosters. Now is as good a time as ever to predict what will happen next year.

Of course, as with every season, there are questions. The new questions this year revolve around whether the Devils can bounce back, and if the Fyers can still succeed after trading away superstars in the summer.

Let's examine which teams will make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference next season.

8. New Jersey Devils

After the run the Devils went on last year, it’s hard not to think they will make the playoffs. The team that finished with 59 points in its last 41 games also gets a full year out of Zach Parise.

Like him or not, you can’t deny what Ilya Kovalchuk brings to the table. He will score 40-50 goals this year.

This team could use some help on the blue line, but it will make the playoffs with a capable offense and a goalie who wants to end his career with a bang. 

7. Tampa Bay Lightning

They have three superstars up front leading the way and a solid defence core. Vincent Lecavalier has started to regain his superstar form and Steven Stamkos is only going to get better. Lady Byng winner Martin St. Louis is still under contract, and is not showing his age.

Speaking of players not showing their age, Dwayne Roloson, 41, is returning for another season. If he can keep up his strong play for a whole season, there’s no telling how good the Lightning could be this year.

6. New York Rangers

The Rangers are one of the teams that got exactly what they needed in the summer. Brad Richards is one of the top centres in the league, and he will turn a mediocre team into a very good one. He is also the perfect candidate to get Marian Gaborik going again after a subpar year.

It's a crime that Henrik Lundqvist has not won the Vezina yet. He is one of the best goaltenders in the league every year. He, along with Richards, will lead the Rangers to the playoffs this season.

5. Boston Bruins

For the most part, this is the same team that won the cup. Boston plays a stingy, defence-first system, and it plays it perfectly.

The Bruins have decent forwards and a solid set of defensemen, led by former Norris winner Zdeno Chara.

They also boast one of the best tandems in net with Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask. Tim Thomas remains one of the best goalies in the league, after a dominant performance in last year’s playoffs.

4. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers finally fixed one of their biggest problems over the years by signing goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. In the process, they traded Jeff Carter and Mike Richards.

It’s hard to believe a team can contend without two of its top performers, but the Flyers have amazing depth with the improved play of Claude Giroux and James van Riemsdyk.

Chris Pronger hopes to play 82 games this year and will anchor the best defence in the league.

3. Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo spent a lot of money in the summer and has a very good team to show for it. Trades for Robyn Regehr and Christian Ehrhoff shore up its defence. The Sabres also added some offense in Ville Leino.

Buffalo is now stacked in every position, including goaltending with Ryan Miller in net.

Youngsters Nathan Gerbe, Tyler Ennis and Tyler Myers will continue to improve, meaning the Sabres will be strong for a long time.

Led by Ryan Miller, Buffalo should be a contender next year.

2. Pittsburgh Penguins

With Sidney Crosby back in the picture, Pittsburgh should be considered one of the top contenders for the cup. Add a full season of Evgeni Malkin, and the Pens become even more dangerous.

Pittsburgh is the strongest team in the league down the middle with Crosby, Malkin and Jordan Staal. Under Jack-Adams-winning coach Dan Bylsma, the club was also the best penalty killing team in the NHL last year.

After a shaky start to the season, Marc-Andre Fleury returned to all-star form and led the Penguins to a playoff spot. Look for him to continue his solid play and cement Pittsburgh as a legitimate cup contender next year.

1. Washington Capitals

The best team in the East last year just got even better with Tomas Vokoun. With an eye toward playoff longevity, the Caps also acquired Joel Ward, Troy Brouwer and Roman Hamrlik.

Alex Ovechkin and company are dying for a chance to play for the cup. Nick Backstrom had a subpar regular season last year (and an even worse playoff performance). He has too much talent for that trend to continue.

The Capitals are hungry for success next season and will finish first while boasting the deepest team in the East.