FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Last season a few unexpected teams made splashes into the second season of the NHL and I have a feeling that a couple of more may do so this season. So..., here's my list from #1-8.

1) Detroit Red Wings - Even without Hossa, Hudler and Kopecky, this is still the best team in the Western Conference..., their experienced players never seem to fade out during the season and they're loaded in the minors. Only a natural disaster will take Detroit from reaching the top of the conference..., like Osgood imploding or something.

2) Anaheim Ducks - Getzlaf, Ryan, Carter and company made the playoff race interesting last year and should do the same this year. Ryan's finally got a full year under his belt and the core of the Ducks are still young. Hiller showed last year that he wasn't just a backup and if he gets the #1 job from Gigeure..., which he should, Anaheim will roll to first in their division.

3) Vancouver Canucks - With the resigning of the twins and the additions made on the blue line this off season, there's no reason why Vancouver can't win their division. Luongo resigned to a 12 year deal will help push the Canucks into the postseason again..., and their youngsters are just getting started.

4) Chicago Blackhawks - I was contemplating putting the Hawks as the first seed but, thought twice. They're going to have a lot of issues this year, not only cap wise, but with the Hossa contract and Kane's personal issues in their locker room. But with the depth of the Hawks and the finalization of Huet as their starter, Chicago fans will be cheering the red and black into the post season again.

5) San Jose Sharks - Nabokov should have a great year again, Cheechoo will somehow return to his old form, Thornton and Marleau will be stars in the regular season, then flounder in the playoffs (what a shock). Their defense is still pretty good though, with Blake and Boyle returning. But it falls a few places due to the retirement of JR..., he was a good player for this team last season and will be missed (at least he'll throw out some sound bites during the season from somewhere!) 

6) Calgary Flames - Last season's fall from first for the Flames made me rethink this pick..., they really didn't do a lot over the off season, letting go of Bertuzzi and Cammelari were blows to this team but the big hit was getting JayBo to lineup up probably with Dion on the PP. If Kipper comes back to hisold Stanley Cup finalist form and Iginla and the other forwards stay healthy for the season, Calgary will be back in the post season no problem.

7) Edmonton Oilers - I really like the speed and makeup of this team and now that they have a first rate goalie in Khabibulin and a winning coach in Quinn, there should be no reason why Edomonton can't make it this season. Comrie's recent signing was  bit of a shock but he was a good player out west the last time he played there so, he'll be all right. I liked the O'Sullivan deal from last year as well and if Cogliano can put the rumors of him going to Ottawa behind him, he could break out big time in Oil country.

8) Los Angeles Kings - I took the young gun Kings over the Wild for a couple of reasons. First..., this is a deep, young and exciting team to watch and with the additions of Smyth, Scuderi and Williams to a core of Kopitar, Frolov and Brown, it only got better. Their defense is young and Brayden Schenn should be a star in Hollywood this season or next. Secondly, I think this is the year that Quick starts his long career as a starting goaltender in the NHL. He was fantastic for the Kings last season and should be better this year.

Minnesota, Columbus, Dallas, Colorado, Phoenix and Nashville will all miss..., Minnesota will make it interesting as will Columbus but, will fall short. Colorado's rebuilding big time and may secure the first pick next season..., Dallas didn't do anything huge and Nashville won't. As for the Phoenix saga..., I really don't care right now. I just want the puck to drop for this season!