NHL 2005-2006 Preview

"Hockey is a transition game: offense to defense, defense to offense, one team to another ...

In a transition game, it is out of defense, resilient and forceful, that offense emerges. Body-checking should remain an inevitable and attractive part of their game, but with a new function: not accident, strategy, or a means, of intimidation, but as part of that transition; used as a way to get the puck, to set a game in motion, not to stop it dead in its tracks, to allow a game to hit and run.

We must free the game from the dump and chase, break the congestion of hits, shots, screens, deflections, rebounds, and scrambles. We should should make it seem like more than just patternless chance, more than just fury, mayhem, and the law of averages. Let fans follow it. Let them see goals, and goals in the making. In open ice, a puck can be seen, it isn't hard to follow. And if collisions cause angry, violent feelings, fewer collisions will cause fewer of them. To break the pattern of violence we should get the game out of corners, away from the boards. Get it into open ice." Ken Dryden's The Game (1983)

Hockey is back after a one year labour stoppage and not since the league doubled in 1967 has the game undergone more changes. More than 20 years ago Ken Dryden wrote a book about hockey and where it should go, and at the start of the 2005 the NHL has finally recognized that major changes must be made to save the game from oblivion. Hockey needs to be a game of unrestricted speed and restricted violence to become important in the US.

There will be no red line which will bring the two-line pass to the NHL. But some teams defenseman will merely hang back to prevent scoring. The biggest positive news besides the salary cap which has already brought parity and a level playing field, is new restrictions on goaltenders. Goaltenders movment and equipment is now limited and now there is more room for shooters to shoot.

The fans will come back to hockey in Canada and the Northern US. But as far as the NASACAR friendly south hockey as to re-brand and the MY NHL advertising campaign is a good start.

Now to the game itself.

Tampa Bay and Calgary benefitted from a longer off season because the players had more time to recover. Pittsburgh's franchise was saved with their lucky ball that won Sidney Crosby. Edmonton won big with a big name player (Chris Pronger) coming to the Oilers instead of leaving for a big market team. The other major winners were Anaheim and Columbus who were able to snare big name defenseman away from teams limited by the salary cap. Calgary under the new salary cap was able to sign new players and Tampa Bay with the new focus on inter-division rivalary gets to play teams like Washington, Atlanta, and Carolina more than any other team in the league.

As far as losers. Teams that have a payroll at the NHL basement like Washington, Minnesota, and Buffalo are not going to win games or fans. Big market teams such as Colorado, Toronto, and Detroit can no longer buy players and all teams are going to have their own big name players. The difference between the winners and losers will be rookies and lower cost young players that make a big impact. Drafting and scouting for unknown talent- not free agent signings, now decide who wins the Cup. Rookies will dominate the league this year. Over 100 rookies will play as regulars in the league this year because there are two years of rookies entering this season and more rookies playing allows coaches to less timid of playing their own rookies.

Best Line in Hockey: Samsonov-Thornton-Murray
Joe Thornton recorded over a 100 points 2 seasons ago and he has played with Murray and Samsonov for a few years. Samsonov provides the finesse on the line and Murray plays a similar aggressive game like Joe Big.

Most potent Power Play: Tampa Bay
Pittsburgh's power play will be just as potent. But Tampa Bay was third in scoring last NHL season and the addition of Darryl Sydor late last season combined with Richards-Lecaviler-St. Louis and Boyle on the other point helped the Lightning win the Cup and turn around their struggling Power Play last year.

Rankings of All 30 NHL Teams for the 2005-2006 season:

1. Philadephia Flyers (League Champion)
Bobby Clarke fully utilized the contract buyout option before the deadline and freed up salary cap room by buying out LeClair and Amonte. He made an early splash by acquiring Derian Hatcher and Mike Rathje. But the move that makes the Flyers a favourite to win the regular season was the signing of Peter Forsberg. As far as playoffs goes, the Flyers are hoping Antero Nittymaki pushes Robert Esche as the Number one Goalie because Esche is not good enough to win 4 consecutive playoff rounds.

2. New Jersey Devils
They lost Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer on defense. They also lost Scott Frisen due to cap restrictions but they still have the best player in the league guarding the net. Look for the devils to focus more offense this year with the key addition of Mogilny and the Devils opting to fill their defense with PP specialists.

3. Anaheim Mighty Ducks (Best in the Western Conference)
The Ducks head into this season with a very similar team to the 2003 team that was one game shy of winning the Cup. But this year they added Scott Niedermayer and re-acquired Teemu Selanne. With a healthy Sandis Ozolinsh and consistent goaltending from Jean-Sebastien Giguere getting back in the playoffs is to easy of a goal.

4. Calgary Flames (Best in the Northwest Division)
During this extremely long off season the Flames dumped alot of charter players from their Cinderalla run like Gelinas, Conroy, Commodore but acquired more talented players like Langkow, Amonte, and Hamrilik to take their place. Expectations are high but with Iginla and Kipprusoff on the same team things won't go that badly.

5. Boston Bruins (Best in the Northeast Division)
The Bruins were able to keep their top line, Zhamnov is their second-line centerman, and they signed Brian Leetch giving them a qualified PP QB to replace Gonchar. They have one of the best young defense corps and if Raycroft is resigned they will be a formidable force.

6. Detroit Red Wings (Best in the Central Division)
Due to the salary cap they had to dump Hatcher and Whitney. These buyouts were wise since they were able to re-sign the rest of their core players. Despite the cap the Red Wings are in great shape with emerging stars such as Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Fischer.

7. Montreal Canadiens
Like the two teams ranking ahead of them the Canadiens made some key re-signings. The biggest was the re-signing of Alexei Kovalev playing his first season in the NHL where they will be shootouts. The Canadiens defense trio of Souray, Markov, and Rivet gave the Canadiens steady defense and offense from the rear too.

8. Tampa Bay Lightning (Best in the Souteast Division)
The Lightning suffered major losses. Most notably Khabibulin, Cullimore, and Stillman. But they still have their three offensive superstars St. Louis, Lecaviler, and Richards. John Graheme should be an adaquate replacement considering he's been a backup for a few years in TB and challenged Khabibulin several times for the Number 1 job.

9. Vancouver Canucks
Bertuzzi is reinstated and Naslund is back. The Sedin twins have improved and the Canucks are ready to take-off except when you look whose stopping their pucks and they aren't that imitating for opponents.

10. Pittsburgh Penguins
Easily the most improved team since the last NHL season. The additions of Crosby, Gonchar, Palffy, and Recchi and a healthy Lemieux help greatly. Their only big losses are Morozov and Malkin opting to play in Russsia. In 3 years at the end of Crosby's rookie salary cap and Malkin's second year in the league will be the year the Penguins aim to win the Cup and it will probably be Lemieux last season (for the fourth time).

11. Dallas Stars
They somehow were able to resign both Modano and Zubov. With aging skaters Marty Turco is likely the Stars big asset now.

12. Toronto Maple Leafs
It looks like the end of the leafs. Before the buyouts started the leafs had the lowest available salary cap room in the league. Many surprised when they didn't buyout Ed Belfour or any of their defensemen. The leafs opted to sign problem players like Allison and Lindros for a cheap price. Also they added Jeff O'Neil for next to nothing to replace Mogilny. Their sole hope to make the playoffs rests on the shoulder of Eddie Belfour and the slim hope that he is still an elite goaltender.

13. St. Louis Blues
They lost their top two players Pronger and MacInnis. But the Blues do have depth on defense now with young rearguards such as Brewer and Jackman. Big seasons from Weight and Tkachuk will help. But the reason their ranked this high is because of Patrick Lalime who I still consider to be one of the better starting goaltenders in the league.

14. Edmonton Oilers
The additions of Pronger and Peca gave the Oilers starpower. They have strong depth on offense and defense. Their glaring hole is goaltending. But Conklin played well last NHL season and Jussi Markkannen was the best goalie in Russia last year.

15. Florida Panthers
The addition of Mike Keenan and Jacques Martin show the Panthers Management wants to win now. They have the second best Canadian goalie in Luongo and the addition of character players like Gelinas combined with the youth of Horton and Jokinen should help the Panthers scrape into the playoffs.

16. Columbus Blue Jackets
Defense a glaring weakness since their inception is now their strenght with the additions of Adam Foote and Berard. Up front Nash and Zherdev might be able to score close to 100 goals between them.

17. Ottawa Senators
The addition of an ailing Hasek whose hasn't played a full season in 4 years and Heatley is injury prone and is still recovering from off-ice problems isn't positive for the team. The Senators lost longtime players like Bonk and White but failed to acquire suitable replacements for them through free agency.

18. San Jose Sharks
The team looks alot like the team that missed the playoffs in 2002-2003. Korolyuk is playing in Russia again. But this team they virtually lost all their toughness with the losses of Rathje and Ricci. They are a fast team that will pushed around like a rag doll this year.

19. Atlanta Thrashers
Kovalchuk and Hossa together will be lethal. Their defense is horrible and their starting goalie has played 4 career NHL games.

20. Colorado Avalanche
They lost Forsberg and Foote. They didn't resign Kariya and Selanne. To fill the hole of Forsberg's departure- they signed Turgeon? Unless Patrick Roy returns the Avs will miss the playoffs for the first time in their tenure in Denver.

21. Phoenix Coyotes
Quickly improved with Nedved and Comrie as their centreman. Goaltending is strong with Curtis Joseph likely sitting on the bench as the backup. The Coyotes big mistake might be the signing of Brett Hull (41) who might have to retire mid-season.

22. Nashville Predators
They signed Paul Kariya but the Predators have too many first round draft picks who have failed to become key offensive players.

23. Minnesota Wild
They added Todd White and Brian Rolston. That's it. The league has opened up but the Wild team is still setup for a trap-friendly NHL.

24. Chicago Blackhawks
The Hawks are like a new team with the additons of Khabibulin, Aucoin, and Cullimore. The only reason they aren't in the playoffs is not fixing their offense.

25. Los Angeles Kings
The Hockey News think they will make the playoffs. But with concussion prone Roenick and the least experienced goaltending (other than Atlanta) playing they are not ready yet.

26. Washington Capitals
They won't be rock bottom but close. They are strong on the left-side with Ovechkin and Frisen. Olaf Kolzig still is a solid netminder and these three players will prevent them from finishing deadlast.

27. Carolina Hurricanes
Their goaltending may be questionable. But with Staal poised to have at least a 60 point season and wingers like Stillman and Whitney available to him they might surprise fans.

28. New York Islanders
Milbury deeply regrets signing Alexei Yashin to a 10 year contract. Under a cap 20% of the payroll is eaten up by one selfish player. It doesn't matter if the Islanders get a strong season out of Dipetro because the loss of Hamrlik and Aucoin have decimated their under performing defense.

29. New York Rangers
Jaromir Jagr got his game back in Europe. But the Rangers are still in the middle of rebuilding their team and don't have much else on their team.

30. Buffalo Sabres
Their big free agent signing was Teppo Numminem who had 17 points, 2 years ago. They lost Satan and are going to give their young players plenty of playing time. Since Hasek left the story is still the same. Three young goalies with no clear number 1.

Top 100 NHL players

100. Alexander Frolov, Los Angeles- Had solid season in Russia and is projected to make a major improvement on his 48 point season he had last NHL season.

99. Marek Zidlicky, Nashville- Was part of the Czech Republic's team that won the World Championships and with new wide-open NHL alot of teams want young offensive defenseman like him.

98. Eric Brewer, St. Louis- Was Team Canada's defense in points at the World Cup.

97. Ray Whitney, Carolina- Despite size has been a potent offensive force the last couple of seasons.

96. Mike Peca, Edmonton- If he is number one centerman for Edmonton he might have a breakout year and score 70 points if Smyth and Hemsky are his wingers.

95. Joni Pitkanen, Philadelphia- Is going to have to earn playing time with the Flyer's depth on defense.

94. Jean-Sebestain Giguere, Anaheim- Under gun to perform and should excel with the Ducks's acquistion of Niedermayer.

93. Eric Staal, Carolina- Should easily get 60 points this season after a solid 77 point in the AHL last year.

92. Craig Rivet, Montreal- Canadiens hope Rivet can help a bit offensively with the loss of Brisebrois.

91. Shean Donovan, Calgary- Big Guy can skate and last season he proved he can score and be an excellent penalty killer.

90. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh- He'll start the season in the minors. But he will play a bit for Pittsburgh this year and come playoff time Pittsburgh will play the goalie they feel can best win them the cup.

89. Dwayne Roloson, Minnesota- Roloson knows his job is not safe with Fernandez challenging him for playing time so he spent the lockout in Sweden were he had .931 save percentage.

88. Kimmo Timmonen, Nashville- Speedy Finn leads a strong Predator defense.

87. Jeff Friesen, Washington- Clutch goal scorer talent is wasted in Washington.

86. Ladislav Nagy, Phoenix- Super skilled player is going to enjoy the Coyotes centre upgrade.

85. Bryan Berard, Columbus- Rick Nash is going to benefit receiving passes from the Jackets first bonafide offensive ddfenseman.

84. Todd Bertuzzi, Vancouver- Huge risk. The last two seasons he has missed over 10 games due to suspensions.

83. Jose Theodore, Montreal- He must play well to make Olympic team and for Canadiens to make playoffs.

82. Andrei Markov, Montreal- Led strong Montreal D in assists last NHL season.

81. Ziggy Palffy, Pittsburgh- Electrifying player will light it up with Crosby and Lemieux as possible linemates.

80. Alexander Ovechkin, Washington- With talent lacking caps a great season for him would be getting just 50 points.

79. Sydney Crosby, Pittsburgh- He's so good that getting just 50 points would be considered a dissapointment.

78. Mark Recchi, Pittsburgh- Just 44 goals shy of 500 career goals.

77. Janne Ninimaa, NY Islanders- With the departure of Hamrlik and Aucoin, Ninimaa is the man on the island now.

76. Ryan Smyth, Edmonton- Best in the boards fetching the puck.

75. Sandis Ozolinsh, Anaheim- Paired with Niedermayer that is one frightening PP.

74. Patrick Lalime, St. Louis- May shock alot of "experts" by keeping Blues playoff streak alive.

73. Filip Kuba, Minnesota- The Wild's top defenseman plays in all situations and is part of the exact same defense the wild had two seasons ago when they made it to the NHL's final four.

72. Shane Doan, Phoenix- Scored game winner at the world cup of hockey and now has Nedved as his new centreman.

71. Sergei Samsonov, Boston- Talented player needs to regain 70 point form.

70. Scott Gomez, New Jersey- Always used for trait bait but he keeps moving up the Devils depth chart and is now there Number One Centreman.

69. Pavol Demitra, Los Angeles - Had 84 points in 54 games in Slovakia.

68. Kim Johnsson, Philadelphia- Is projected to get at least 50 points for the Flyers.

67. Mattias Ohlund, Vancouver- Time off helped him recover from nagging injuries

66. Nikolai Khabibulin, Chicago- Stanley Cup Winner might not even make playoffs with new team.

65. John Madden, New Jersey- With Devils not adapting well to new cap situation he might land up as the second line centreman and get power play time this year.

64. Darryl Sydor, Tampa Bay- Aging veteran might be able to have a solid 40 point season and is expected to get more playing team with depleted defense.

63. Jere Lehtinen, Dallas- He might not get 50 points but his defensive ability make him the Stars best forward after Modano.

62. Alexei Kovalev, Montreal- Wide open NHL will benefit slick Russian.

61. Brad Stuart, San Jose- With Rathje gone, Stuart's ice-time will increase.

60. Martin Havlat, Ottawa- Scored 15 goals in 21 games in the Czech republic last year.

59. Ed Belfour, Toronto- 40 year old goaltender is near the end.

58. Adam Foote, Columbus- Playing for a new team for the first time in his career and is expected to turn around the Blue Jackets dreadfull defense.

57. Curtis Joseph, Phoenix- Looks like he will be a backup this year behind Boucher. But he's low maintenance and if gets the opportunity he will shine.

56. Glen Murray, Boston- Part of the league's number one line and could help Thornton attain the scoring title

55. Mike Rathje, Philadelphia- Longest serving Shark left San Jose in search for the Cup.

54. Brendan Shanahan, Detroit- 42 goals shy of 600 goals.

53. Doug Weight, St. Louis- Blues want him to become a point a player again like he is was when he played for the Oilers.

52. Sheldon Souray, Montreal- Might have hardest shot in the league with retirement of Al MacInnis.

51. Mattieu Schneider, Detroit- Wings bought out Hatcher to keep him.

50. Keith Tkachuk, St. Louis- Failed physical but can be one of the best left wingers in hockey if he wants to.

49. Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh- Winning Crosby will keep Lemieux in the game a little longer.

48. Brian Leetch, Boston- Will receive quality PP time and should perform well with Thornton, Murray, and Samsonov up front.

47. Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose- Is the starting goaltender for a team that didn't add new talent and it won't be his fault if the Sharks miss the playoffs.

46. Vladimir Malakov, New Jersey- Must prove he is worth $3.5 million by scoring at least 40 points this year.

45. Paul Kariya, Nashville- The Predators first ever superstar player.

44. Robert Lang, Detroit- Will have to battle with Datsyuk for the no.1 centre position on Detroit this year.

43. Dan Boyle, Tampa Bay- One of the league's most underrated defenseman showed his potential during the Bolts Cup run.

42. Saku Koivu, Montreal- If healthy 80 points is within reach.

41. Petr Sykora, Anaheim- Niedermayer and a good season from Fedorov could help him score 40 goals this year.

40. Alex Tanguay, Colorado- Might drop down to second line centre if the Avalanche feel their only a one line team.

39. Rob Blake, Colorado- At 35 and a year off, he's one of the players whose production could head south this season.

38. Jaromir Jagr, NY Rangers- His passion returned for hockey in Russia last year.

37. Wade Reddon, Ottawa- Forced to adapt with Hasek's erratic puckhandling.

36. Milan Hejduk, Colorado- The Rocket Richard trophy winner of two seasons ago must have a similar season if Avalanche expect to make playoffs.

35. Martin Gelinas, Florida- Mike Keenen knows what he wants to win and that's why he made one the biggest steals in the leg by signing Gelinas for only $900, 000.

34. Ed Jovanovski, Vancouver- Expect an offensive breakout year from Jovo and possibly a 50 point season.

33. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit- Wings are so lucky that Datsyuk changed his mind and came back to play in North America.

32. Kris Draper, Detroit- The best checking centre in the league had 24 goals last NHL season.

31. Sergei Fedorov, Anaheim- With depleted offensive depth to make cap room for Niedermayer, Fedorov must return to form.

30. Patrick Marleau, San Jose- Has had two consective 57 point seasons and hasn't made the next step yet.

29. Joe Sakic, Colorado- Age and the pressure to play even better with no Forsberg is too much of a burden.

28. Marty Turco, Dallas- Now recognized as one of the best netminders in the league.

27. Zdeno Chara, Ottawa- In a faster NHL will Chara's size hinder him?

26. Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa- Nobody doubts his leadership but he could be tougher which costs him at playoff team.

25. Patrick Elias, New Jersey- Hepatitis could ruin this season for Elias.

24. Sergei Gonchar, Pittsburgh- Most explosive defenseman the Penguins have had since Coffey.

23. Marian Hossa, Atlanta- Could improve his offensive numbers when paired with Kovalchuk.

22. Mike Modano, Dallas- Will rebound and should have at least a 60 point season.

21. Sergei Zubov, Dallas- The stars made sure they kept their defensive workhorse.

20. Andrew Raycroft, Boston- Is unsigned but with so many aging goalies he should be one of the league's best this year.

19. Roberto Luongo, Florida- If the panthers don't make the playoffs this year, Iron Mike may trade him.

18. Bryan McCabe, Toronto- McCable leads stable leaf blueline.

17. Mats Sundin, Torono- Sundin must have one his best seasons ever for the leafs to make it to the post season.

16. Keith Primeau, Philadelphia- Primeau is expected to start scoring points this year and should have a 60 point season with the Flyer's young centreman pushing him for his job behind Forsberg.

15. Derian Hatcher, Detroit- New rules make it tougher for him to do his job.

14. Chris Pronger, Edmonton- Pronger's acquistion made the lockout worth it for Oilers fans.

13. Mikka Kiprusoff, Calgary- Was one short of winning the Stanley Cup and World Cup.

12. Rick Nash, Columbus- Tied for most goals in the league last season. In Switzerland he expanded his game by recording a high amount of assists.

11. Brad Richards, Tampa Bay- Richards is no longer and unknown.

10. Vincent Lecavailer, Tampa Bay- MVP for World Cup.

9. Scott Niedermeyer, Anaheim- He might be able to record 70 points with Fedorov and Sykora up front and the addition of the two line pass in the NHL.

8. Illya Kovalchuk, Atlanta- He had a dissapointing year in Europe but paired with Hossa and Savard he will be dominate once again.

7. Joe Thornton, Boston- MVP of World Hockey Championships.

6. Peter Forsberg, Philadelphia- Could lead Flyer's to Stanley Cup and make every Philadelphia Flyer fan wonder why they have traded for Lindros.

5. Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit- Worst offensive season last NHL season but with Hatcher gone Lidstrom's ice time increase.

4. Markus Naslund, Vancouver- Could be league's highest scorer at 120 points this year.

3. Martin St.Louis, Tampa Bay- Signed six year contract and wants to bring another cup to Tampa Bay.

2. Jarome Iginla, Calgary- Sydney Crosby is the only other player under more pressue this year. Expect Iginla to have a sub-par regular season and the NHL's top power forward pick it up in the playoffs.

1. Martin Brodeur, New Jersey- Won World Cup and won silver at World Championships. He is ready to single handily help the depleted devils win a cup. Also smaller equipment will further heighten the gap between Brodeur and the rest of the NHL's goaltenders.

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NHL 2006-2007 Preview

NHL 2004-2005 Preview

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Updated: May 1, 2007
Created: October 3, 2005

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