NHL Western Conference- Central Division Preview

Chicago Blackhawks

2005-06 Finish: 26-43-13, 14th West
2005-06 Goals For: 211
2005-06 Goals Against: 285
2005-06 Power Play: 12.2% (30th)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 83.9% (9th)
Points Leader: Kyle Calder (59)
Goals Leader: Kyle Calder (26)
Assists Leader: Kyle Calder (33)

New Faces

(C) Denis Arkhipov, (G) Sebastien Caron, (C/LW) Michal Handzus, (RW) Martin Havlat, (D) David Koci, (G) Patrick Lalime, (RW) Reed Low, (C/LW) Craig MacDonald, (C) Bryan Smolinski

Gone

(G) Craig Anderson, (LW/RW) Matthew Barnaby, (LW/RW) Milan Bartovic, (LW) Mark Bell, (C) Curtis Brown, (LW/RW) Kyle Calder, (C/LW) Mark Cullen, (RW) Eric Meloche, (RW) Shawn Thornton, (LW/RW) Eric Daze

Offence

Left Wing: Martin Havlat, Bryan Smolinski, Rene Bourque, Tony Salemlainen, Colin Fraser
Centre: Michal Handzus, Patrick Sharp, Denis Arkhipov, Michael Holmqvist
Right Wing: Tuomo Rutuu, Radim Vrbata, Martin Lapointe, Brandon Bochenski

A very weak offence last season led the Blackhawks to second last in the Western Conference. A measly 211 goals, and the worst power play in the entire league made the Blackhawks a laughing stock. Kyle Calder, who is no longer with the Blachawks led all Chicago categories. He led almost until the trade deadline, where he got traded to the Ottawa Senators, and he still led the team in points. Although, there have been a lot off acquisitions and changes in their offence, and a healthy Tuomo Rutuu will help the club. The Blackhawks signed Martin Havlat and Bryan Smolinski who have been proven goal scorers their entire career. They also picked up Michal Handzus who will be their number one center. Rene Bourque had a great rookie year, and will look to follow it up this year, and hopefully the Blackhawks do not disappoint again.

Defence

D: Adrian Aucoin, Cam Barker, Duncan Keith, Jim Vandermeer, Jassen Cullimore, Brent Seabrook

Adrian Aucoin had a lot to prove this year, and he should be able to with a better defensive cast along his side. Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, and Cam Barker are the young prospects of this group and will likely look up to Aucoin in hopes that he'll lead the young talent into mature players. The worst defensive team in the league will have a lot to prove, and there is nowhere but up with this supporting defensive cast.

Goaltending

Nikolai Khabibulin jetted out of Tampa Bay when he won the Stanley Cup and went to Chicago. In return he got a hefty contract, and after the lock out, Khabibulin proved he wasn't worth a dime. With a few good streaks on and off during the 05-06 season, Khabibulin didn't show any of his Stanley Cup talent and ended up being a bust. The Blackhawks went out and got a few backups, Patrick Lalime who has been a starter most of his life, will be a backup for the most part (after his back surgery), and will share time with proven back up goalie Sebastien Caron.

Look Out For

Cam Barker is a name you should remember. Barker is a strong, quick and mobile. His strong point shot is good for the power play, and his composure is good enough for the NHL. He showed physical dominance at points in his junior career, and he is ready for the big time. Cam Barker will be back on the blue line trying to improve the weak Blackhawks.

Round-Out

Although the Blackhawks made a lot of moves, they have yet to make any kind of significant moves that will help their team become playoff contenders, immediately. They still face questions on their blue line, in goal, and depth in their second, third and fourth lines. Chicago's owner has been questionable over the past couple of years, and although he's made a great deal of moves, it's not enough to help GM Trent Yawney and Head Coach Dale Tallon.

Prediction: 65 points, 5th in Central Davison

Columbus Blue Jackets

2005-06 Finish: 35-43-4, 13th West
2005-06 Goals For: 223
2005-06 Goals Against: 279
2005-06 Power Play: 14.2% (28th)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 81.8% (17th)
Points Leader: David Vyborny (65)
Goals Leader: Rick Nash (31)
Assists Leader: David Vyborny (43)

New Faces

(RW) Eric Bouguniecki, (RW) Anson Carter, (G) Ty Conklin, (D) Anders Eriksson, (LW) Fredrik Modin, (D) Filip Novak, (D) Tomas Kloucek

Gone

(D) Andy Delmore, (G) Marc Denis, (C) Jan Hrdina, (RW) Trevor Letowski, (C/LW) Michael Rupp, (C) Peter Sarno, (D) Radoslav Suchy, (C/LW) Darcy Verot, (G) Martin Prusek

Offence

Left Wing: Rick Nash, Fredrik Modin, Eric Boguniecki, Alexandre Picard
Centre: Sergei Federov, Gilbert Brule, Manny Maholtra, Alexander Svitov
Right Wing: Anson Carter, David Vyborny, Jason Chimera, Dan Fritsche

A horrible incident kept Rick Nash out of the lineup at the beginning of the season and the Blue Jackets suffered offensively. He only played 54 games, but he had a good pace of scoring. Unfortunately, Nikolai Zherdev is unsigned, and Sergei Fedorov is injured, for the start of the season. Although a somewhat weak cast of offensive stars, the Blue Jackets do have newly signed Anson Carter, and Fredrik Modin who can handle a lot of the offensive responsibility. Manny Malholtra and Jason Chimera showed signs of offensive talent. David Vyborny led the Blue Jackets with 65 points and 43 assists. He is proving to be an offensive threat. Eric Boguniecki, Alexander Svitov and Alexandre Picard have showed that they are able to score goals. Gilbert Brule will be in the line up, full time, and he will have to show up every night, and prove to be their number two center.

Defence

D: Adam Foote, Rostislav Klesla, Ron Hainsey, Duvie Wescott, Radoslav Suchy, Bryan Berard, Anders Eriksson

Adam Foote is a rugged defencemen, and Bryan Berard is offensively gifted, and both will be the veterans who lead this blue line. Young defencemen who have such promise, Rostislav Klesla and Ron Hainsey will be the number two pairing for the Blue Jackets. Although they have great offensive talent, they aren't the best at physical toughness. With the exception of Adam Foote, the rest of the blue line is sort of soft, and that will be a tough problem in the NHL, especially in the Central Davison.

Goaltending

G: Pascal Leclaire, Ty Conklin

After trading Marc Denis, Pascal Leclaire is the new number one goalie in Columbus. Leclaire is going to have to prove he can keep up with the busy schedule of the NHL. A very well rookie season, he sported a .911 save percentage, in his 33 game appearance. Ty Conklin will have to prove he can stay up in the NHL, after a rocky career with the Edmonton Oilers, and only playing 18 games last season, Ty Conklin is going to have a tough time playing within the NHL.

Look Out For

The player, who stands out most for the Blue Jackets, is Gilbert Brule. Gilbert Brule is a small player; with such a physical force and his offensive prowess make him a deadly threat. He was plagued with injuries last year, and he spent the rest of his time in the juniors, until the end of the season. Great passing and soft hands will make him deadly, especially with Rick Nash or David Vyborny on the wing.

Round-Out

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been improving over the past two years, and although Nikolai Zherdev isn't in the line up, the Blue Jackets do have good depth, in the forward position. Rick Nash needs to stay healthy for this team to do anything, and Sergei Fedorov needs to play up to his standards. Ever since his departure of the Detroit Red Wings, he has not had any stellar season since then. Anson Carter and David Vyborny will be counted on highly. Their defence will need a lot of work, and hopefully the young guns improve their game to maintain playoff contention. There are question marks in net, and it will be hard to tell how well they do, with a rookie goalie and a shaky backup. It doesn't look too good for the Blue Jackets.

Prediction: 73 points, 4th in Central Division

Detroit Red Wings

2005-06 Finish: 58-16-8, 1st West
2005-06 Goals For: 305
2005-06 Goals Against: 209
2005-06 Power Play: 22.1% (1st)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 85.5% (3rd)
Points Leader: Pavel Datsyuk (87)
Goals Leader: Brendan Shanahan (40)
Assists Leader: Nicklas Lidstrom (64)

New Faces

(G) Dominik Hasek, (C/LW) Matt Hussey, (C) Greg Johnson, (C/W) Krystofer Kolanos, (RW/LW) Josh Langfeld, (D) Danny Markov, (D) Brad Norton, (D) Dan Smith

Gone

(D) Cory Cross, (D) Bryan Helmer, (G) Manny Legace, (LW) Don MacLean, (C/W) Mark Mowers, (LW/RW) Brendan Shannahan, (C/W) Steve Yzerman (retired), (D) Jason Woolley

Offence

Left Wing: Henrik Zetterberg, Jason Williams, Johan Franzen, Josh Langfeld
Centre: Pavel Datsyuk, Robert Lang, Kris Draper, Greg Johnson, Jiri Hudler
Right Wing: Tomas Holmstrom, Kirk Maltby, Mikael Samuelsson, Dan Cleary

The Red Wings lost a lot of leadership and goal scoring. Steve Yzerman retired after a successful career and Brendan Shannahan left the Red Wings to sign in the New York Rangers. But the Red Wings have a lot of talent, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk lead the Wings in the category. Along with, a very underrated Robert Lang, who can easily score 80 plus points a season. Tomas Holmstrom and Mikael Samuelsson would also help out in the offence. Jason Williams will also be very helpful, as he had a career year last season. Greg Johnson was signed to help with crucial draws, and Jiri Hudler could emerge to be a number one centremen. There isn't going to be much worries about scoring with the Red Wings. They still have balance lines, and emerging young stars, and gritty veterans. The mix works out perfectly for GM Ken Holland and Head Coach Mike Babcock.

Defence

D: Nicklas Lidstrom, Mathieu Schneider, Andreas Lilja, Niklas Kronwall, Danny Markov, Chris Chelios, Bryan Helmer

Nicklas Lidstrom leads the Detroit Red Wings blue line, yet again. The four-time Norris Trophy Award winner will push for another Norris Trophy. Lidstrom has been one of the best all-around players in the NHL for a long time, and he won't have any problems this season. Not only with Lidstrom help out, the tough and energetic 44 year old, Chris Chelios will be back and he can add experience for the young defencemen and physical aggression for the Red Wings. Mathieu Schneider had a career season and will be a solid rock on the blue line. Andreas Lilja, Niklas Kronwall and Bryan Helmer are the newcomers, so-to-speak and all have talent and skill to be with the Red Wings. New addition, Danny Markov will bring his physical edge to the blue line. Unfortunately, Jiri Fischer will most likely not be playing this season, although still on the Red Wings roster, he might be good inspiration for the Red Wings club.

Goaltending

G: Dominik Hasek, Chris Osgood, Jimmy Howard

Dominik Hasek is back, after the Wings gave up on Manny Legace, after one year as a starter. Hasek comes back to the Wings, for the third time, and hopes to add another Stanley Cup ring. The injury riddled goalie hopes to stay in shape for the majority of the season and the playoffs. Hasek does not want another injury that takes him out of the playoffs. Hasek's injuries are a huge risk for the Wings, but they do have a steady back up goalie. Chris Osgood has proved he can be the number one goalie, or be the supportive goalie. With a great winning record, Osgood does not cause problems in the locker room and stays positive, with whatever team he's on. A good duo with good attitudes, will definitely help the Wings to the post-season.

Look Out For

Jiri Hudler will break onto the scene this season. He scored 90 plus points in the AHL for the Grand Rapid Griffins. Smart plays, and creative with the puck and around the puck, and his speed dazzles opponents. He will be ready on opening night.

Round-Out

General Manager Ken Holland has made another successful team for the new season. Holland did not mess around with the core unit of the Red Wings, but he did acquire a lot of players that will help in the areas that needed help with. Greg Johnson will help on the half boards. Dan Cleary will also do the same. If Krystofer Kolanos, Matt Hussey, and Josh Langfeld crack the line up anytime during the season, they will be very helpful in the third or fourth line. Toughness is there, and so is skill, Head Coach Mike Babcock should be very pleased with this line up.

Prediction: 103 points, 1st in Central Division

Nashville Predators

2005-06 Finish: 49-25-8, 4th West
2005-06 Goals For: 258
2005-06 Goals Against: 227
2005-06 Power Play: 18.4% (10th)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 84.6% (6th)
Points Leader: Paul Kariya (85)
Goals Leader: Mike Sillinger (32)
Assists Leader: Paul Kariya (54)

New Faces

(LW) Ramzi Abid, (C) Jason Arnott, (LW/RW) Jean-Pierre Dumont, (C/LW) Shane Endicott, (D) Alex Henry, (C/LW) Josef Vasicek

Gone

(C) Denis Arkhipov, (D) Rick Berry, (D) Mark Eaton, (C/W) Simon Gamache, (RW) Adam Hall, (C) Greg Johnson, (D) Danny Markov, (C/LW) Dominic Moore, (C/LW) Mike Sillinger, (RW) Scott Walker, (D) Brendan Witt, (C) Yanic Perreault

Offence

Left Wing: Paul Kariya, Martin Erat, Scott Hartnell, Jordin Tootoo, Ramzi Abid
Centre: Jason Arnott, David Legwand, Josef Vasicek
Right Wing: Steve Sullivan, J.P. Dumont, Scottie Upshall, Alexander Radulov

The Nashville Predators come a very successful season and wonderful offensive roster. Paul Kariya led the Predators this past season with 85 points. Kariya hopes again he can do the same, but also help the Predators get deeper into the playoffs. An early exit by San Jose, the Nashville Predators felt that they had to address a lot of situations. Most of the core players were re-signed, while there were a couple big signings. J.P. Dumont comes over from the Buffalo Sabres, after having a very successful season. Jason Arnott comes over from the Dallas Stars, who had an up and down season, and then another early exit from the post-season. And Josef Vasicek comes over from the Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. A good year for him, and now that the three have signed with the Predators, Head Coach Barry Trotz will have no worries whatsoever in the scoring department. Ramzi Abid, Scottie Upshall and rookie, Alexander Radulov will do their best at training camps, to earn a roster spot for themselves. Abid and Upshall have shown spurts of good offensive upside, but will have to stay consistent to beat up regulars like David Legwand, Steve Sullivan and Scott Hartnell.

Defence

D: Kimmo Timonen, Marek Zidlicky, Shea Weber, Dan Hamhuis, Alex Henry, Ryan Suter

The Predators look like they have another great defence core. The younger players are developing fast, and effectively. The offence will come in handy for the Predators, as their two-best point men, Kimmo Timonen and Marek Zidlicky combined for 99 points last season and will work again on the power play. Shea Weber came off a great regular season, and adds toughness to the blue line. Dan Hamhuis is another good offensive defencemen, who causes chaos for opponents. Ryan Suter who will likely be with the Predators, can throw punishing hits. The defence is very well rounded, and again, Barry Trotz does not have anything to worry about here.

Goaltending

G: Tomas Vokoun, Chris Mason

Tomas Vokoun got injured last year, just before the post-season and it almost killed the chances of the Predators post-season dreams. However Chris Mason came through last season, and showed he is capable if depended on. Mason led the Predators, however they ran into a very hot San Jose Sharks. Otherwise, he had a good post-season. Tomas Vokoun is now clear to play, and is healthy. An absolutely fantastic season for Vokoun, who posted a 36-18-7 record in 61 games. Vokoun is a workhorse who will play more than 70-75 games this season.

Look Out For

Alexander Radulov tore it up in the QMJHL, and he might make a name for himself in Nashville. The speedy forward, dazzles people with his quickness and moves. Radulov had 152 points in 62 games. Radulov proved he can perform under pressure in the Q, as he scored 55 points in 23 games, and led the Quebec Remparts to a Memorial Cup victory.

Round-Out

This Nashville Predators just upgraded from last year. Paul Kariya got the centre he needed, and Josef Vasicek adds depth down the middle, and J.P. Dumont adds the toughness and grit the Predators need. Every young talent on this team is achieving more and more success and developing tremendously. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Nashville will most likely go deep into the playoffs.

Prediction: 101 points, 2nd in Central Davison

St.Louis Blues

2005-06 Finish: 21-46-15, 15th West
2005-06 Goals For: 197
2005-06 Goals Against: 292
2005-06 Power Play: 14.6% (27th)
2005-06 Penalty Killing: 82.2% (15th)
Points Leader: Scott Young (49)
Goals Leader: Scott Young (18)
Assists Leader: Scott Young, Petr Cajanek (31

New Faces

(RW) Radek Dvorak, (RW) Bill Guerin, (C/W) Dan Hinote, (G) Manny Legace, (D) Jay McKee, (D) Jamie Rivers, (LW) Martin Rucinsky, (C/LW) Doug Weight

Gone

(RW/LW) Jesse Boulerice, (G) Rienhard Divis, (G) Patrick Lalime, (RW) Reed Low, (C/LW) Dean McAmmond, (D) Andy Roach, (RW/LW) Mark Rycroft, (RW) Scott Young (retired), (C/W) Mike Zigomanis, (D) Steve Poapst

Offence

Left Wing: Keith Tkachuk, Martin Rucinsky, Jay McClement, Lee Stempniak
Centre: Doug Weight, Jamal Mayers, Petr Cajanek, Dan Hinote
Right Wing: Bill Guerin, Radek Dvorak, Dallas Drake, Vladimir Orszagh

The worst team in the league should have no problem going up in the standings a little this season. Adding veterans and hoping their key player stays healthy, and the young talent will have to help along the way, the Blues needs to improve every bit of their game. Keith Tkachuk is still in a Blues uniform, and that's the way Head Coach, Mike Kitchen wants it. General Manager Larry Pleau went out and got back Doug Weight, signed Martin Rucisnky, Radek Dvorak, and Jay McKee. This team isn't potent yet, but the possibilities are there. A lot of these players have good chemistry with one or two of their teammates. The young talent of Jay McClement is looking out to be a good one, and Dan Hinote will develop the third liners, and lead the way. The St.Louis Blues will have to organize their team, and hope they have a good defensive system.

Defence

D: Barret Jackman, Jay McKee, Eric Brewer, Christian Backman, Bryce Salvador, Dennis Wideman, Jamie Rivers, Jeff Woywitka

Barret Jackman will be the number one defencemen for the Blues, and veteran tough guy, Jay McKee was signed to add some toughness and grit into the Blues system. Backman, Wideman, Rivers, Brewer, and Salvador will have to take on the role for number two power plays, and penalty kills, and hopefully they'll be able to score some goals. They all have good defensive responsibility, but they aren't the best two-way defencemen out there. Jeff Woywitka is a young talent that might make the roster, and hopes to stay with the Blues. Woywitka has a ton of talent, and this is what the Blues need right now.

Goaltending

G: Manny Legacy, Curtis Sanford, Marek Schwarz

The Detroit Red Wings gave up on Manny Legacy, and he was free to go wherever he wanted to. Legacy will be the number one goalie, and Curtis Sanford will be the backup for the Blues. He had a decent year, considering being on the worst team in the NHL. Legacy had a career season with the Red Wings. Posting a 37-8 record, and earning a 2.19 GAA. Proof that he is a number one goalie, and he is ready for the challenge that lays ahead for the Blues.

Look Out For

Jeff Woywitka has made his way around the NHL world. From one team to the next, and considered a great prospect for each team, the Blues got him from the Chris Pronger to Edmonton trade. He's always posted good offensive numbers in the AHL and now the Blues would like him to come up to the big organization. He has good size and great strength. He is an all-around player, who can get a lot of points, and that will help the Blues into the post-season.

Round-Out

The St.Louis Blues are a work in progress, and that's why new team President John Davidson is hoping this team comes along very smoothly. He's going to have a lot of work to do, but by adding the veterans and the key players for the defence, and a number one goalie, he's already on the right track. They will be going up in the standings, but they will not be playoff contenders. They are heading in the right direction, and they have a few young prospects, that they will need to develop so they have a contending team again.

Prediction: 75 points, 3rd in Central Davison