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The first puck drop of the 2008-09 season is just a few short weeks away, but until then, I thought I'd get everyone back in the hockey spirit by offering some of my predictions for the upcoming season. Feel free to comment, and/or post your own thoughts.

1. Let's have some originality and pick a Stanley Cup winner that isn't Detroit:

Obviously, as a Penguins fan, I want to see them lift the cup, however here are a few other possibilities: If the big guns on the Flyers stay healthy, and Martin Biron performs as a true #1, it's sad to say, but Philly may have a shot this year. Montreal will certainly want to win in their Centennial year, but the Price will have to be very right in order for that to happen. San Jose probably didn't get better in the off-season, but they're still great and a new coach may cure their choking ways. Dallas is certainly a contender, and perhaps if Teemu Selanne comes back to Anaheim, the Ducks may be able to cause some damage.

2. The John Tavares sweepstakes:

It's hard to say if this kid is for real, but at the moment he is the projected number 1 pick. As for the teams that will most liking be fighting for his rights? Unless L.A can get a goalie to last the season, be sure they will be sticking to the NHL basement. Hopefully not for long though, because they have some great young talent. Sorry Leaf fans, but it seems Toronto will be still be good enough to be just bad enough, therefore missing the playoffs and a top 3 draft pick. I'd say the New York Islanders should be in the running for Tavares, as well as Buffalo, Atlanta and, dare I say, Colorado. I also wouldn't be surprised to see the Canucks down there, but as long as they've got Luongo, they won't be that bad (wait a sec, how did the Panthers do with Roberto in net? nevermind)

3. Which 2007-08 non-playoff team will make it to the postseason?

Chicago has got to make the playoffs this year, if they don't, my guess is you'll be seeing the last of Savard behind the bench. Edmonton should make some noise too, but unfortunately for these great young teams, the Western conference remains full of cup contenders. I can't wait to see if the new Tampa Bay will sqeeze their way in, but one wonders if this vast mix of players is simply a surface makeover, rather than a actual competitor. Phoenix will also be shopping for new coaches, and maybe a GM as well if they fail once again to make the playoffs.

4. Which 2007-08 playoff team won't make it this year?

I think Colorado may be in for a bit of a plunge, as well as the Ottawa Senators. Boston was lucky to make it last year, and I think if Carolina and Tampa can pull it togther, the Bruins may be the odd ones out. Nashville might have some trouble this year, and honestly, so may Calgary. They just don't seem good enough to beat up and comers like Chicago, and possibly Phoenix or Edmonton. Yes the Flames have some very good players, but will it be enough?

5. Who will win the Art Ross this year?

Barring injury, I'd imagine Alex Ovechkin has a good shot at leading all players in points, but my boy Crosby will hopefully give him a run for his money. In fact, I wanna see Crosby and Malkin as 1-2 (but that shouldn't surprise anyone). I can see Jarome Iginla up there, and maybe even Lecavilier if Tampa actually can play like a team, rather than a NHL player buffet. Maybe this year will belong to the Sharks and Joe Thornton will take it. Maybe not, but it will be interesting to see if Big Joe can still make Bruin fans cry.

It's fun to make predictions before training camp even starts, but really, as we've seen in the NFL this week, anything can happen and change even what we seem sure will come to be.