5 Storylines for the 2010-2011 NHL Season

The 2010-2011 NHL season is now well underway, although you wouldn't be faulted for not knowing that, considering the league's big debut was a random game taking place in Europe in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday in the United States and Canada. Last season, the NHL was able to benefit at least partially from the massive buzz of Olympic hockey, and ended the season with an Original Six franchise winning a long overdue Stanley Cup. So what are the major storylines to keep an eye out for in the NHL during 2010-2011?

1. The Overhaul in Chicago: The Blackhawks won their way overdue Stanley Cup championship, but, as expected, had to overhaul the roster due to some serious salary cap issues. Gone are playoffs breakout star Dustin Byfuglien and starting goaltender for the postseason run Antti Niemi, and many others. Not that it's time to panic though, they still have Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith, Marian Hossa and others. Still, many of the key pieces are gone, leaving some questions about how well they can defend their championship.

2. Big Expectations & Demands in D.C.: The Washington Capitals flamed out in the playoffs last season, after having put up the best regular season record across the entire league. It effectively ended the Alex Ovechkin vs. Sidney Crosby debate, especially considering Crosby lofted a Gold medal with Canada, while another Ovechkin led team, the Russians, flamed out in the Olympics. The talent and skill is all there, but can the Capitals put it together when it matters most?

3. The Usual Suspects - Pittsburgh & Detroit: After battling each other and trading Stanley Cup wins and losses in 2008 and 2009, neither the Pittsburgh Penguins nor Detroit Red Wings made it to the Finals in 2010. Both are looking to get back there this year, as Detroit looks to a healthier, rested lineup, and the Penguins look to make use of their brand new arena for a nice home ice advantage while throwing Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the kitchen sink at opponents each and every night.

4. Team Canada: Last season, the Montreal Canadiens made a surprising trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, and the Vancouver Canucks made it to the conference semi-finals before being ousted by the eventual Cup winners. But no Canadian team has won the championship for 16 seasons, since the Canadiens took it home in 1993. Is there a Canadian team that can make a real run in 2010-2011? Vancouver has talent at all positions, led by the Sedin brothers, and is in the best position to make a push for the collective Team Canada in the NHL.

5. Offense Instead of Offensive in New Jersey: The Devils were able to resign star Ilya Kovalchuk during the offseason, although it wasn't without controversy, and it took more than one contract attempt. Nevertheless, it gives them two of the best offensive threats in the game with Kovalchuk and Zach Parise, a nice switch for fans whom for two decades have thought that watching the Devils play, with their trapping defense, was more offensive than anything else. Martin Brodeur is still in net, the veterans are still there and the defense is still strong, but this team should score, too.

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