NHL 2006-2007 Preview

"If that was an indication the clutching and grabbing is going to be gone now. I really noticed it on the power plays. You know that crosscheck on the back? I didn't feel it. That'll really make a difference with Derian Hatcher, Richard Matvichuk, Chris Prong ... hold it. He's on our team now." Ryan Smyth

In the new NHL alot has changed but alot of the same problems are still intact and not solved. The new NHL on ice was supposed to be more wide open and allow offensive players to dominate. There was more goals and young players like Staal, Crosby, and Ovechkin had breakthrough seasons but during the playoffs defensemen like Pronger and Niedermayer were essential to playoffs victories. In the offseason high scoring forwards like Carter and Allison are having trouble finding teams to sign them because defenseman like Kubina and Salei are in higher demand.

The new NHL was also designed to bring parity league-wide and limit the amount of superstars one team could have. Small market teams could now compete with the big markets and team success would be dependent on good drafting and wise signings. The Edmonton Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals under the new system with the addition of Chris Pronger, a player they couldn't even keep let alone attain under the new system. But after the Oilers were only one win from the Stanley they stll loss Pronger because bigger name players want to play in bigger markets where they can increase their endorsement potential.

2006-2007 Regular Season Predictions (Playoffs Predictions)

1. Anaheim Ducks (2nd Round of the Playoffs)

The Ducks defense should make them the best regular season team in the league but when the playoffs arrive will their offense be enough to score on a hot goalie and who is their goalie?

Offense (16th) The Ducks lost two key offensive players last year, (Fedorov and Sykora) and in the offseason they traded away Joffrey Lupul. The Ducks are placing too much of a burden on young players Getzalf, Penner, and Perry to carry the load in their place, and they will be really lucky to get another 90 point season out of Selanne.

Defense (1st) The addition of Chris Pronger instantly gives the ducks the best defense in the entire league.

Goaltending (16th) The Ducks have an uncertain goaltending situation. Giguere lost the no.1 job in the playoffs to Bryzlagov and likely will be traded. But is Brzlagov is ready to be a full-time no.1 goalie after his cage was rattled in Edmonton?

Key Player: Scott Niedermayer The Ducks are hoping Niedermayer and Pronger will repeat the success of Stevens and Niedermayer in New Jersey.

2. New Jersey Devils (Conference Finals)

The Devils rankings will lower when they start trading away players to crawl under the cap. Regardless the devils are in great shape with Brodeur signing a contract below his market worth and having Elias locked up for 6 years.

Offense (1st)
Elias and Gionta are two of the most lethal scorers in the league and combined with strong defensive forwards like John Madden. The Devils will score and make it tough for other teams to get the puck.

Defense (15th)
The devils defense is in disarray with the loss of Niedermayer and bad signings. (Malakhov and McGillis) On the positive, Rafalski stepped up the devils no.1 defenseman and younger defensemen like Paul Martin should improve.

Goaltending (1st)
Martin Brodeur has consistently been the best (or near best) goalie for over a decade in the NHL. He had a weak start but once he adjusted to the new rules he led the Devils to the playoffs. The only goaltending the devils ever have is their backup.

Key Player-Martin Brodeur With the absense of Stevens and Niedermayer, all of the devils hopes rest of the shoulders of Martin Brodeur.

3. Carolina Hurricanes (Repeat Stanley Cup Champions)

The Canes will be exhausted from a gruelling playoff run and Cam Ward might have his bad days in his first season as a no.1 goalie. The Hurricanes future is bright with their top two players (Staal and Ward) both in their early 20's and other young players improving on their team too.

Offense (4th) Staal is expected to have another 100 point season and combined with the league's top defenseive forward (Brind'Amour) the canes offense will be one of the league's most feared.

Defense (5th) All the experts ridiculed Carolina Hurricanes defense for not having a premiere no.1 defenseman. But when they hoisted the cup former players like Mark Messier commended Carolina's defense for blocking more shots than he has even seen before.

Goaltending (3rd) Cam Ward didn't win the Calder in his rookie season but upped both Ovechkin and Crosby by winning the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe. The last rookie goalie to do this was Patrick Roy making the Hurricanes serious contenders again this season.

Key Player- Eric Staal If Staal doesn't score a 100 points again the canes could miss the playoffs.

4. Detroit Red Wings (2nd Round of The Playoffs)

The Red Wings skaters are near the best in the league but they must solve their goaltending situation quick because they are stuck with the oldest goaltending duo in the league.

Offense (6th) The Red Wings used three offensive lines last year to win the Presidents trophy. But could use a high scoring winger and Robert Lang likely be used as bait to acquire a new goalie.

Defense (3rd) The Red Wings are blessed with two veterans (Lidstrom and Schneider) and also have Niclas Kronwall who could already be a no.1 defenseman on most other NHL teams.

Goaltending (26th) Goaltending is laughable. Hasek is injury-prone and 40 plus. Chris Osgood is past his prime also and this might be the last NHL season for both goalies.

Key Player-Nicklas Lidstrom
Nicklas Lidstrom rebounded in a big way last year and was rewarded with a rich two year contract.

5. Calgary Flames (Stanley Cup Finalists)

The Flames improved their offense by adding more skill and getting rid of some grit. The Flames are hoping to make this year the third season in a row where an Alberta team has won the Western Conference.

Offense (19th) The Flames have Jarome Iginla but are over-stacked with grinder forwards who aren't able to help the team when they run into a hot goalie in the playoffs.

Defense (4th) Dion Phaneuf was a pleasant surprise last year and beat Lundqvist (nominated for the Vezina) and one of the top three rookies in the league.

Goaltending (4th)Miikka Kiprusoff will find it very difficult to repeat last year's steller season.

Key Player-Robyn Regehr The more ice time Rehehr is able to play this year the less pressure on Phaneuf.

6. New York Rangers (First Round of the Playoffs)

Glen Sather certainly shocked the who hockey world by making key signings in the new cap NHL that allowed the Rangers to make the playoffs which they couldn't make for the last 6 years when they spent like drunken sailors.

Offense (5th) If Jaromir Jagr duplicates last season's rebound the Rangers have nothing to worry about.

Defense (27th) The Rangers have serious problems here without a franchise defenseman and weak defensive depth.

Goaltending (5th)Henrik Lundqvist won an Olympic Gold Metal and the Rangers are hoping he rebounds after last year's mediocre playoffs.

Key Player-Jaromir Jagr The sole reason why the Rangers made the playoffs must keep playing at the same tempo as last year and not lose his love for hockey.

7. Dallas Stars (Conference Finals)

The Stars kept their core players and are hoping they maintain last year's numbers and some of the younger forwards step up to replace Guerin and Arnott.

Offense (15th) The Stars will go through some growing pains as they search for a new no.2 centreman who should be able to replace Modano soon.

Defense (10th) Sergei Zubov is one of the best and the Stars are hoping veterans Sydor and Ninnimaa return to form.

Goaltending (6th) Marty Turco wants to prove that he isn't just a great regular season goaltender and beat teams besides Edmonton in the playoffs.

Key Player-Janne Ninimaa With their increased on defense this year, the Stars are hoping Ninimaa can be a top 4 defensman again who could lighten Zubov's workload and help out the power play.

8. Pittsburgh Penguins (Second Round of the Playoffs)

This is my boldest predictions but if both Crosby and Maklin score more than 80 points each it isn't too far fetched for the Penguins to make the playoffs this year.

Offense (11th) The Penguins offense will be dominated by their two centremen and will give several wingers a chance to play with them.

Defense (6th) Ryan Whitney and Sergei Gonchar are two strong offensive defensemen that will greatly aid Crosby/Malkin on the power play.

Goaltending (13th) Marc Andre Fleury will be ready to be a no.1 goalie and with help up front Crosby/Malkin, Fleury will be playing under less pressure and should prove why he was drafted first overall.

Key Player-Evgeni Malkin If Malkin has a Crosby like rookie season the Pengins are in the playoffs and if he falters the Pengins receive another high pick in the draft.

9. Edmonton Oilers (First Round of the Playoffs)

Another brave pick considering what happened the Oilers defense. But the Oilers offense did improve and Roloson is their goalie for a full season and replaces the trio that had the league's worst save percecntage.

Offense (7th) The Oilers are in new territory here. They kept their top offensive players and added Sykora and Lupul. If Schremp and Mikhanov make the team too the Oilers could have the most lethal offense in the league.

Defense (22nd) The loss of Pronger and Spacek is devasting for the defense that allowed the shots on net during the regular season. But some Oilers defensemen are able to play a bigger role but this season Rollie will see lots of rubber.

Goaltending (7th) Dwayne Roloson is a great athletic goaltender and an underrated puckhandler. The Oilers are in solid shape for now.

Key Player-Joffrey Lupul The pressure is immense on the player who the Oilers traded Chris Pronger for and the Oilers hope he lives up to the hype and doesn't turn into the next Jimmy Carson.

10. Boston Bruins (First Round of the Playoffs)

The additions of Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard give the Bruins star power after the loss of Joe Thornton.

Offense (29th) The Bruins have a few good young forwards (Bergeron) but are undermatched compared to most other teams and there is no way Savard will score more than 80 points this year.

Defense (2nd) Zdeno Chara gives giant boost to an already strong defense.

Goaltending (19th) The Bruins are hoping trading away Andrew Raycroft wasn't a mistake.

Key Player-Paul Mara It will be a challenge for Mara to score 40+ points on a team that has a weak offense and to get quality ice time when Chara is on his team.

11. Tampa Bay Lightning (Second Round of the Playoffs)

The Lightning have decided to keep an expensive trio of players (St. Louis, Richards, and Lecavailer) and to stay under the cap several players will be earning the league minimum.

Offense (3rd) The loss of Modin will hurt but any team with Richards and Lecavailer as the two centermen will score lots.

Defense (11th) The Lightning have Dan Boyle returning and were able to replace Kubina with Kuba. The Bolts defense still looks strong compared to their 3rd and 4th offensive lines.

Goaltending (29th) Marc Denis is a better goalie than Grahame but has never made the playoffs as a no.1 goalie and Burke should retire.

Key Player-Martin St. Louis If Tampa Bay is going to have more success this year, St. Louis must rebound and become one of the league's best players.

12. Nashville Predators (First Round of the Playoffs)

The Predators didn't lose any significant players and added Arnott and Dumont. They should improve but by how much?

Offense (24th) The Predators young players haven't established themselves as solid first line material which forced Nashville to over rely on signings to acquire first line players.

Defense (8th) The Predators have league's most underrated defense.

Goaltending (11th) A healthy Tomas Vokoun should lead the Predators easily to the playoffs but is the team playing in front of him strong enough to win a playoff series?

Key Player-Steve Sullivan If Nashville wants to score more this year, Steve Sullivan must be more consistent.

13. Toronto Maple Leafs (First Round of the Playoffs)

The Maple Leafs are near the top in the league for spending and will struggle like last year to sneak into the playoffs.

Offense (23rd) The Leafs forwards aren't a serious offensive threat yet. Sundin is aging and no younger player on the team looks ready to be a point a game player yet.

Defense (7th) On the other hand, a top 3 defense of McCabe, Kaberle, and Kubina is really impressive.

Goaltending (15th) If the leafs make the playoffs this year it's because Andrew Raycroft has regained his form.

Key Player-Tomas Kaberle The leafs are expecting another big season out of Kaberle and once again to help generate offense from the back end.

14. Buffalo Sabres (First Round of the Playoffs)

The Sabres made the playoffs by playing a strong team game but with changes to the team will they be able to repeat?

Offense (22nd) The Sabres lost two key right-wingers Dumont and Grier to free agency and Tim Connolly might also be not ready to start the season due to injury.

Defense (14th) Spacek gives the Sabres a great power play quaterback but will the rest of the defense repeat last year's performance.

Goaltending (9th) Ryan Miller seized the number 1 job by passing two goalies on the depth chart and Biron's departure is imminent.

Key Player-Chris Drury If Connolly misses alot of games this year Drury will be given a more prominent role on the Sabres team.

15. Colorado Avalanche (First Round of the Playoffs)

The Avs were projected to miss the playoffs last year but the team adjusted to the loss of Forsberg and Foote. This season Colorado is in the same spot with loss of Blake and Tanguay.

Offense (14th) Sakic and Hejduk will maintain Colorado's status as one of the better offensive teams.

Defense (17th) Colorado was fortunate to replace Blake with Leopold which minimizes the loss to the team's defense.

Goaltending (12th) Jose Theordore is out of Montreal and could return to Hart form.

Key Player-Marek Svatos Svatos must score at least 30 goals this year to keep Colorado competitive.

16. San Jose Sharks (First Round of the Playoffs)

The Sharks have the league's MVP but what about their defense.

Offense (2nd) Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo's breakout seasons made them the NHL's most lethal duo last year but they suddenly cooled in the playoffs.

Defense (26th) Losing Stuart and Preissing from their defense were put an even greater burden on the Sharks defensive prospects. San Jose can't continue losing defensemen and expect farmhands will be able to shoulder the burden.

Goaltending (17th) Toskala was great in the playoffs but both Sharks goalies had lukewarm regular seasons.

Key Player-Joe Thornton Big Joe helped the Sharks make the playoffs with his MVP season and is expected to deliver an encore.

17. Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks should suprise many be revamping their team with the addition of Havlat and improved seasons from Khabibulin and Aucoin.

Offense (26th) Havlat is a godsent for this lucklustre offense.

Defense (18th) A better season from Adrian Aucoin should change things for better in Chicago.

Goaltending (8th) If Chicago is a serious contendor Nikolai Khabilbulin must play lke a Stanley Cup winning goalie that is worth $6.8 million a year.

Key Player-Cam Barker The more ice time the Hawks prospects take away from experienced veterans the better the team will be.

18. Atlanta Thrashers

The Thrashers just missed the playoffs last year and even with a healthy Kari Lehtonen the thrashers will likely miss the playoffs again because of the loss of Marc Savard.

Offense (9th) The loss of Savard hurts the Thrashers offense a bit but Atlanta still has deadly arsenal upfront with Kovalchuk and Hossa. New additions Rucchin and Nikko Kapenen could make a big impact.

Defense (28th) The Thrashers defense will have another long year. They never have had a strong defense and their defense once again is made up of players that other players cast off.

Goaltending (14th) Kari Lehtonen should have a breakout season this year and goaltending will much improved this year over last year injuries that cost the Thrashers a playoff spot.

Key Player-Illya Kovalchuk Kovalchuk is the Thrashers franchise player and without a bonavide no.1 centerman it is unknown if he can maintain last year's point total.

19. Ottawa Senators

The Senators lost Hasek, Chara, and Havlat in the offseason. Ottawa's big chance for the cup was last year but they faltered in the playoffs and due to cap restrictions they lost several key players and with each team so evenly matched the losses might cost them a playoff spot.

Offense (8th) The Senators have the NHL's most lethal line Heatley-Spezza-Alfreddson but after those three alot of rookies or younger players are part of the huge offensive drop offf after the sens first line.

Defense (16th) The loss of Zdeno Chara is a huge void that can't be filled by any other player. The Senators did accquire Tom Preissing from the Sharks to minimize that loss but he is no Chara.

Goaltending (20th) Goaltending will likely cost the Senators a playoff spot. The Senators will score less and Martin Gerber is no miracle worker and most other starting goalies are stronger than him.

Key Player-Mike Fisher Fisher will be under more pressure this season to generate more offense and not be just a checking center.

20. Montreal Canadiens

With all the changes in the Eastern Conference the Montreal Canadiens kept essentially the same team and after just making the playoffs last year they will fall behind other rapidly improving teams.

Offense (17th) Sergei Samsonov is a great addition of the first line but busts like Radek Bonk have hurt the Canadiens scoring potential from other lines.

Defense (21st) The Canadiens have a strong defense but their top defensemen are all injury prone and they rarely get a full season out of them.

Goaltending (10th) Cristobal Huet should dominate again or he will be benched in favour of former Avalanche starter David Aesbisher.

Key Player-Mike Johnson Newly acquired Mike Johnson is expected to provide the Canadiens with more secondary scoring.

21. Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks are in disarray with Naslund being captainship being questioned. The signing of Luongo didn't help things because it forced Vancouver to give up other players to make salary room.

Offense (25th) The Canucks lost their top two right-wingers and didn't acquire anybody to replace them.

Defense (24th) The lost Jovo and Bryan Allen. Same story as offense. They have to dump skater salaries to make room for Luongo.

Goaltending (5th) Luongo will face the exact same situation in Vancouver as he did in Florida. He is a star goalie who will expected to win every single game.

Key Player-Roberto Luongo Any hopes of making the playoffs rests exclusively on the shoulders of Roberto Luongo.

22. Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers didn't add any significant players and lost defensemen Desjardins and Kim Jonsson hurting their chances of making the playoffs.

Offense (12th) Forsberg and Gagne are two lethal players and emerging players like Carter and Richards should also surpass last year's totals.

Defense (12th) The Flyers defense is now dependent on Hatcher and Rathje, two guys who couldn't adapt to the new NHL last year.

Goaltending (28th) Esche is out for a few months and Nittymaki is not quite ready to be starter yet.

Key Player-R. J. Umberger Clearly players like Umbergers must continue progressing.

23. LA Kings

An aging Rob Blake won't be enough to help this team.

Offense (28th) Demitra was a big loss and this year the Kings will be rebuilding.

Defense (9th) The Kings defense has few weaknesses and is a great defense mixed with offensive and defensive types.

Goaltending (21st) Cloutier lost his starter job in Vancouver but Kings welcomed him with open arms.

Key Player-Brent Sopel The only player to play under Marc Crawford should be part of a strong defense.

24. Columbus Blue Jackets

The uncertainty over Zherdev will distract the team and prevent them from being a playoff contendor.

Offense (13th) Fredrik Modin and a full season out of Rick Nash will benefit the Blue Jackets greatly.

Defense (13th) The Blue Jackets defense is making steady improvement and is no longer a glaring weakness.

Goaltending (23rd) Pasal Leclaire isn't ready yet to be a goaltender that can player 4000+ minutes. Their backup is Ty Conkin- suckers!!!!!!

Key Player-Rick Nash The Blue Jackets hope Nash will fight for the goal scoring lead in the league this year.

25. Florida Panthers

The Panthers foolishly dropped Luongo while they were on the verge of the playoffs and now they could years away from making the playoffs again.

Offense (18th) Will Bertuzzi help or distract Florida?

Defense (19th) The Panthers have a young defense led by Bouwmeester that hasn't developed into a strong defense yet.

Goaltending (18th) Alex Auld did seize the Canucks no.1 job but failed to make the playoffs.

Key Player-Ed Belfour The Panthers are dependent on solid goaltending and the more Belfour pushes Auld the better.

26. Washington Capitals

Many people believe Ovechkin might be the leading point scorer in the league this year and few more prospects making the team this year will help the capitals climb out of the cellar.

Offense (10th) Richard Zednik's addition will be a huge help on a talentless team that is solely dependent on Ovechkin to score.

Defense (30th) Brian Pothier is a great addition but the rest of the defense are castoffs but most them have offensive talent which will have the capitals score goals.

Goaltending (30th) Olaf Kolzig is aging and his game is deteriorating and the capitals have no propsect ready to fill his skates.

Key Player-Alexander Ovechkin If the capitals want to be close to making the playoffs Alexander Ovechkin must surpass 100 points again.

27. St. Louis Blues

The Blues spent alot of money this offseason but that won't help because the NHL recquires great drafting and the Blues are being punished for trading all their draft picks away.

Offense (21st) Tkachuk-Weight-Guerin is officially the league's most washed up first line.

Defense (20th) Jay Mckee will help the Blues defense improve but injuries plagued the Blues blueline last year.

Goaltending (27th) Manny Legace failed to help the Red Wings advance in the playoffs and it is a mystery to see how he plays with a mediocre team playing in front of him.

Key Player-Dennis Wideman One of the few blues prospects must develop in a good power play quaterback.

28. Minnesota Wild

The Wild are a team built for the trap and haven't adjusted to new free flowing NHL.

Offense (20th) Demitra is a big help for this talentless offense.

Defense (23rd) The Wild acquired Kim Jonsson but lost Kuba and Willie Mitchell.

Goaltending (25th) Will Fernandez repeat last year's performance or repeat his career pattern of inconsistent play from one year to the next.

Key Player-Mikko Koivu If the Wild want to shed their trap image, Koivu must receive more ice time.

29. Phoneix Coyotes

The Coyotes are too dependent on Joseph remaining ageless and it's doubtful how much an impact Jovanovski can make.

Offense (27th) Comrie hasn't proved he is a clear cut no.1 centerman and had the no.1 centerman job handed to him after Nedved struggled and Langkow was traded to Calgary.

Defense (25th) Jovanovski has been plagued by injuries and Derek Morris hasn't lived up to his potential.

Goaltending (24th) If Joseph starts showing his age, it will be a very long season.

Key Player-Oleg Sapraykin If the Coyotes want to tease for a playoff spot Sapraykin has to start delivering and become at least a 50 point scorer not a 20 point scorer.

30. NY Islanders

Their backup goalie is the GM which makes them a slam dunk for worst team in the league.

Offense (30th) Yashin will haunt this team for years with his grossly overvalued contract that prevents other talented players from being signed or kept. (Parrish)

Defense (29th) Their defense isn't much better with flops like Tom Poti being brought in to help them.

Goaltending (22nd) DiPetero was drafted ahead of Heatley but he has continuosly failed to show why he was worth trading away Luongo.

Key Player-Robert Nilsson If the NY Islanders don't want to be in the league's cellar young forwards like Nilsson have to start excelling.

Top 100 NHL Players

100. Andrew Raycroft, Toronto Maple Leafs

Former rookie of the year hopes to regain his top form in Toronto.

99. Brian Gionta, New Jersey Devils

48 Goal Breakout season will be tough to repeat.

98. Paul Mara, Boston Bruins

Back to back 40 point seasons have established Mara as one of the league's top offensive defenseman.

97. Marian Gaborik, Minnesota Wild

Gaborik averaged over a point a game last year and his totals should improve with Demitra as his centerman.

96. Nathan Horton, Florida Panthers

This former 3rd overall draft pick is expected to surpass 60 points this year.

95. Eric Brewer, St. Louis Blues

Brewer must start performing in the NHL like he has at the Olympics and at the World Cup.

94. Kari Lehtonen, Atlanta Thrashers

A full year from Lehtonen might be exactly what the Thrashers need to make the playoffs.

93. Andy McDonald, Anaheim Ducks

McDonald stole the no.1 centerman job away from Fedorov and finished with 80+ points.

92. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins

With Crosby/Malkin up front its time for Fleury to live up to his potential.

91. Tomas Vokoun, Nashville Predators

Finished fourth in voting for the Vezina and with key offensive signings Vokoun looks to win his first playoff series this year.

90. Adam Foote, Columbus Blue Jackets

In his "dissappointing" season Foote still managing to accumulate over 20 points and looks to lead the Blue Jackets to the playoffs this year.

89. Olli Jokinen, Florida Panthers

Olli Jokinen accumulated 89 points last year and makes Milbury look like a madman for trading him and Luongo to Florida for Parrish and Kvasha.

88. Alexei Kovalev, Montreal Canadiens

Kovalev started to return to form with a 65 point season but the Canadiens would love him to have another 95 point season.

87. Joffrey Lupul, Edmonton Oilers

Scored 28 goals in his first full-season and Oilers hope those totals will improve while playing for a deeper offensive team.

86. Milan Hejduk, Colorado Avalanche

Hejduk's point totals fell in his return from the lockout but with Tanguay gone, Hejduk is under pressure to rebound.

85. Mike Modano, Dallas Stars

Unlike Hejduk, Modano did rebound and averaged about a point a game.

84. Cristobal Huet, Montreal Canadiens

This young frenchman shocked the entire NHL world by leading the league in save percentage and forcing Theodore out of Montreal.

83. Steve Staios, Edmonton Oilers

Staios has had four straight plus seasons for the Oilers and was considered for Canada's Olympic team. This year he will use his speed to try to become the Oilers no.1 defenseman.

82. Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks

Marleau's talent emerged in the new NHL and despite being bumped to the no.2 centerman, Marleau still set a career high record in points with over 80.

81. Shawn Horcoff, Edmonton Oilers

Horcoff ended all doubts on the Oilers of his ability to be a no.1 centerman during the regular season and helped the Oilers reach the Cup Final in the playoffs.

80. Robert Lang, Detroit Red Wings

In Detroit he is stuck as the team's 3rd line centerman and needs to be traded to generate more offense.

79. Brad Stuart, Boston Bruins

Stuart will also be likely traded if he loses too much ice time to Chara and the Bruins want to bolster their offense.

78. Brendan Shanahan, NY Rangers

Shanny was rejuvenated after a year off and scored 40 goals.

77. Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

Miller seized the Sabres starter job and then led the team to the conference finals.

76. Marek Zidlicky, Nashville Predators

Zidlicky like the other Predators defensemen are becoming known quantities and Marek has recorded back to back 40 plus point seasons.

75. Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators

Spezza had a thunderous start to the season but his point totals levelled off and he didn't excel in the playoffs.

74. Lubomir Visnovsky, Los Angeles Kings

Visnovsky is a known quantity with a 67 point breakout season.

73. Joni Pitkanen, Philadelphia Flyers

Penciled in as the Flyers no.5 defenseman, Pitkanen emerged as the Flyers to defenseman because the other 4 defenseman excelled under the trap.

72. Doug Weight, St. Louis Blues

Weight won the Cup in a supporting role and proves he can be valuable as a first-line centerman or in a supporting role.

71. John Madden, New Jersey Devils

One of the league's grittest checking players could be on the move due to cap problem in New Jersey.

70. Jay Bouwmeester, Florida Panthers

Bouwmeester is now a no.1 defenseman and is seen as the Panther's future franchise player now that Luongo is gone.

69. Marian Hossa, Atlanta Thrashers

Hossa might not be in the playoffs but his point totals aren't diminishing playing with Kovalchuk.

68. Paul Kariya, Nashville Predators

Kariya like Selanne resurrected his career in a non-traditional hockey market.

67. Jose Theodore, Colorado Avalanche

Will Theodore return to MVP form or will he be backing up Budaj.

66. Sergei Gonchar, Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins hope the Gonchar that played in the second half plays like that for the whole season.

65. Adrian Aucoin, Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks hope Aucoin regains his from and logs plenty of minutes and scores more than 50 points.

64. Tomas Kaberle, Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs hope Kaberle's 67 point season was not a fluke.

63. Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets

Is Nash ready to lead the NHL again in goals?

62. Martin Havlat, Chicago Blackhawks

Havlat escapes the shadow of Alfreddson and now is the go-to player in Chicago.

61. Robyn Regehr, Calgary Flames

Not flashy but gets the job done.

60. Ales Hemsky, Edmonton Oilers

Led the Oilers in points and was rewarded with a rich six year contract.

59. Simon Gagne, Philadelphia Flyers

Gagne led the Flyers in points but his major flaw is injuries.

58. Rob Blake, LA Kings

Blake remains ageless and added another 50+ point season to his resume.

57. Nikolai Khabibulin, Chicago Blackhawks

Khabibulin's Cup hangover should end or the hawks will be forced to buy out his contract.

56. Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

Despite having an 87 point season, much more is expected of Datsyuk.

55. Dwayne Roloson, Edmonton Oilers

Roloson proved in last year's playoffs that he is a legitimate starter that can single handily win a playoff series.

54. Francois Beauchemin, Anaheim Ducks

This journeyman defenseman made a huge impact in Anaheim's sudden surge at the end of the season.

53. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsbugh Penguins

The top player in Russia could replicate Crosby's progress.

52. Jordan Leopold, Colorado Avalanche

Leopold is ready to be a no.1 defenseman in Colorado now that he is out of the shadow of Regehr and Phaneuf.

51. Danny Heatley, Ottawa Senators

Heatley has his game back but he still hasn't performed up to his potential in the playoffs and olympics.

50. Saku Koivu, Montreal Canadiens

Koivu has played well the last few years as Montreal's no.1 Centerman but where he has really shined is with Finland at the Olympics and the World Cup.

49. Jamie Langenbrunner, New Jersey Devils

Langenbrunner averages about 50 points during the regular season but as soon as the playoffs arrive he turns into a point a game player.

48. Marty Turco, Dallas Stars

Great regular season goalie needs to maintain his play once the playoffs start.

47. Bryan McCabe, Toronto Maple Leafs

McCabe prospered under the NHL with a 60+ point season.

46. Jonathan Cheechoo, San Jose Sharks

I am not fully convinced Cheechoo will be the league's leading goal scorer again.

45. Frantisek Kaberle, Carolina Hurricanes

Scored the winning Stanley Cup goal and led Hurricanes defensemen with 44 points.

44. Corey Stillman, Carolina Hurricanes

Won back to back Stanley Cups with Carolina and TB.

43. Ryan Whitney, Pittsburgh Penguins

Whitney secured the no.1 defenseman job at the end of the season after starting out in the minors.

42. Kimmo Timonen, Nashville Predators

Underated Predators defensemen leads the Predators defense and internationally starred for Finland internationally.

41. Kris Draper, Detroit Red Wings

One of the NHL's best checkers has 3 cups to prove his worth.

40. Frederik Modin, Columbus Blue Jackets

Won the gold metal for Sweden and NHL season before that won the Cup with Tampa Bay.

39. Peter Forsberg, Philadelphia Flyers

Is one of the league's most lethal and injury-prone forwards.

38. Ryan Smyth, Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton's heart and soul proved his worth in the playoffs by returning to a game despite losing half of his teeth.

37. Mathieu Schneider, Detroit Red Wings

Schneider and Lidstrom give the Red Wings one of the best one-two punches on the power play.

36. Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

Now that Luongo has arrived in Vancouver he faces similar problems. The Canucks were forced to drop other salaries to make room for him.

35. Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks

Back from the dead with a 90 point season.

34. Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames

He was one of the league's most valuable players last year and this year he might experience a lull.

33. Brett Hedican, Carolina Hurricanes

Hedican finally won his first Cup in his third Cup Final and used his speed not to be a flashy player but to block shots.

32. Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes

Despite in his 30's Brind'Amour had his best season by winning the Cup and the Selke.

31. Vincent Lecavailer, Tampa Bay Lightning

Lecavailer recorded his second 70 point season and should be able to show off his talent in the playoffs with stronger goaltending.

30. Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs

Sundin recorded his 10th straight 70+ point season (14-if you adjust the 94/95 lockout season totals) And that is why Don Cherry says Darcy Tucker is the best Leaf forward.

29. Wade Redden, Ottawa Senators

Recorded his first 50 point season and will have to improve now that Chara is gone.

28. Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars

Very few players have better hockey sense and are defensively responsible as Lehtinen. His main flaw is his point totals fluctuate.

27. Brian Rafalski, New Jersey Devils

Is the devils no.1 defenseman and has to further carry the load left from the departure of Niedermayer and Stevens.

26. Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche

Despite a lockout robbing a valuable year from his aging career, Sakic was still a point a game player.

25. Daniel Briere, Buffalo Sabres

58 points in 48 games earned Briere a $5 million contract.

24. Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings

Zetterberg won a Gold Metal for Sweden and challenged Datsyuk for no.1 center job.

23. Jaroslav Spacek, Buffalo Sabres

The new NHL was made for defenseman like Spacek to generate offense from the blueline.

22. Sydney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

Will Crosby improve or have a sophmore jinx?

21. Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators

The Captain finally won something for Sweden at the Olympics and was in the running for league MVP.

20. Markus Naslund, Vancouver Canucks

Bertuzzi blamed the Canucks woes on last year. (Yeah) It was very hard for Canucks last year when Naslund was playing hockey and not ending players careers.

19. Dan Boyle, Tampa Bay Lightning

Boyle led the Lightning with a 50 point season and started to be recognized as one of the NHL's best.

18. Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames

Nobody predicted Phaneuf's phenomenal progress and it appears Phaneuf could be ready to be the Flames no.1 defenseman soon.

17. Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta Thrashers

Just missed his first 100 point by just 2 points.

16. Patrick Elias, New Jersey Devils

Signed a 7 year contract after his incredible season of a point a game during the season and the playoffs.

15. Sergei Zubov, Dallas Stars

Was a potent offensive weapon that developed great defensive skills too.

14. Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes

Last rookie goalie to win the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe- Patrick Roy.

13. Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

Some project Ovechkin could be the NHL's point leader this year.

12. Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins

This giant will turn around the Bruins misfortunes.

11. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Won the Gold Metal and returned the NY Rangers to the playoffs. Not bad for a rookie not even nominated for the Calder.

10. Chris Pronger, Anaheim Ducks

Pronger was the NHL's best player during the regular season and playoffs last year. But after playing 30 minutes a game he is exhausted.

9. Brad Richards, Tampa Bay Lightning

Richards stole the spotlight from St. Louis and Lecavailer this past season by leading the Lightning in points.

8. Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

St. Louis is expected to rebound after a strong second half and playoffs.

7. Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

Lidstrom probably won't repeat his 80 point season.

6. Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes

The NHL's top sophmore surpassed the 100 point barrier and was no.1 centerman for the Stanley Cup Champions.

5. Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames

With the addition of Tanguay and a more talented offense surrounding him Iginla should surpass his 30 goal season.

4. Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers

Jagr found his love for the game again and returned the Rangers to the post-season.

3. Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils

Very few players in any sport consistently perform at the level Brodeur does.

2. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks

Led NHL in points and saved the Sharks season.

1. Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Ducks

Now that Niedermayer has adjusted to the Ducks style and Pronger shouldering some of the border, Niedermayer should beat last year's career point total and make the ducks one of the league's most feared teams.

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canadianwild.ca Interactive: Your Chance To Rant

Updated: May 1, 2007
Created: September 12, 2006

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