Boston Bruins
Boston will return as a powerhouse team in the East. With Tuukka Rask inked to a long term contract and new additions like Jarome Iginla and Loui Eriksson joining the already solid Bruins’ core, the Bruins will be a Stanley Cup contender in the East.
Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres failed to impress me this off-season. They picked up veteran defensemen Jamie McBain and Henrik Tallinder and not much else. Even with players like Vanek, Stafford, Myers, and Miller, the Sabres will struggle to make the playoffs, especially if this season is a repeat of last year’s.
Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina has the potential this year, folks. They added noteworthy players like Anton Khudobin, Andrej Sekera, Mike Komisarek, Kevin Westgarth, and Nathan Gerbe to their roster. If these new guys can mesh well with the already skilled core players then you can bet the ‘Canes will be competing for a playoff spot in the East.
Detroit Red Wings
I am excited to see how Detroit will do in the East this year. After picking up Daniel Alfredsson and Stephen Weiss, the Wings will no doubt continue their on-going success into the postseason. However, they will be missing Damien Brunner and Valterri Filppula in their lineup. Keep an eye out for Detroit in the East!
Florida Panthers
I hope the Panthers can give a solid push to contend for a playoff spot this season. They added veterans like Joey Crabb and Scott Gomez to help put up offensive numbers. However, the true question of the Panthers’ scoring comes down to whether or not Jonathan Huberdeau avoids his “sophomore slump” after a great season last year.
Montreal Canadiens
The Habs will no doubt do well again this year as they have last season, plain and simple. They have their core of skilled players and significant youngsters like Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher to help them carry on with their offensive success. If Carey Price can remain solid in net throughout the entire season, the Habs will make a solid effort to win the Cup.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils will surprise me if they can make the playoffs this year. They lost longtime leader Ilya Kovalchuk to the KHL and also lost forward David Clarkson to free agency. They have managed to pick up star goalie Corey Schneider, Ryan Clowe and 41 year-old Jaromir Jagr; however, this alone does not make me consider the Devils as being a playoff team this year.
New York Islanders
The Islanders will make the playoffs this season. I’m saying it loud and proud! They have added players like Pierre-Marc Bouchard and Cal Clutterbuck to their roster to help bring an offensive and physical presence to the ice. Newly named captain John Tavares will surely lead the Islanders to another successful season and, hopefully, postseason.
New York Rangers
The Rangers have what it takes to make the playoffs again this year. They are returning almost all of their players all of which have significant talent. If Rick Nash and the gang start off the season on a high note offensively, they can take the East by storm and be a legit threat in the playoffs. They have the potential to be true Cup contenders, but this regular season will be the true test.
Ottawa Senators
The Sens have a team that could take them to the Stanley Cup this year and that is a fact! They have acquired significant players like Clarke MacCarthur and Bobby Ryan. Both can make a significant difference offensively for the Sens, however, Bobby Ryan is most noteworthy. Ryan can be the “X-Factor” this year for Ottawa bringing his star talent and offensive attributes. Also, if defenseman Erik Karlsson can stay healthy he will help lead the Sens blueline. While missing record–setting captain Daniel Alfredsson, the Sens will look to new captain Jason Spezza to fill that role and lead the team to the Stanley Cup.
Philadelphia Flyers
Can the Flyers bounce back this season? They sure hope so. They have made some interesting moves in picking up veterans like Ray Emery, Mark Streit, and Vincent Lecavalier to improve their chances at having a successful postseason. Emery will help solve Philly’s goalie problem while Streit helps out at the blueline and Lecavalier does his thing at center. Will the Flyers reach the postseason? I think it is very likely that they can.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Put it this way, if the Pens make it to the playoffs no one will be surprised. They have and have had a great team led by a super-skilled crybaby. They have a ton of talent on offense and on “D” but what has been their “Achilles heel” has been their goaltending. They will make the playoffs, we know that, but will Fluery and Vokun crumble again in the playoffs? Probably…
Tampa Bay Lightning
Will the Lightning make a playoff push this season? I think they may have a shot. They have lost recent captain Vincent Lecavalier leaving a gaping role to fill. However, the Lightning have acquired center Valterri Filppula to hopefully help out in that department. They also have 1st Round pick (3rd Overall), Jonathan Drouin (LW), to help out their offense.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs are my pick in the East this year for a great season. They have lost some and gained a significant amount of talent back this offseason. They have acquired Dave Bolland, David Clarkson, Paul Ranger, and Jonathan Bernier. They players have been added to the skilled list of Leafs players like Kessel, Kadri, Phaneuf, van Riemsdyk, Lupul, and Bozak. The Leafs made a solid run last season after being cut short in round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Bruins. Look to the Leafs to make another solid run this year!
Washington Capitals
The Caps could make another playoff appearance this season without a doubt. With Braden Holtby in net and Ovechkin and the gang putting up constant points, they could just find themselves in a race to the Cup. I think the Caps will do well and will most likely make the playoffs this season.
Frank Markasovic
Sports Editor