While there are many teams that we can safely assume, or so we'll think anyway, that will make the playoffs like Pittsburgh, the Rangers, Vancouver and others, there are many teams who will be on the proverbial bubble, fighting for those last few playoff spots. There are also a few like the Blue Jackets and the Islanders who, well, likely won't be, so why don't we take a look at some of those teams and what can put them over the edge and into the playoffs.
Eastern Conference:
Tampa Bay: The Lightning have retooled added Sami Salo and Matt Carle on the blue line as well as
Anders Lindback in net. The Lightning had a tough time keeping the puck out of their net last
year, so if they can step it up in their own end they already have the offense to get them there.
Ottawa: A surprise playoff appearance last year was great for Sens fans, but it may be hard to repeat. In
order to do so they will need more goals from their young players and stellar net minding from
Craig Anderson, Robin Lehner or Ben Bishop as well as to sort out their blue line issues.
Montreal: The Habs performed below everyone's expectations last year, including their own, which is why
there was a big shake up in management over the summer. With a healthy Andre Markov, Carey
Price in net and lots of young talent, the Habs should make a push for the post season.
Carolina: Much like Montreal the Hurricanes are coming off a sub-par year that wasn't necessarily reflective
of the talent they have. The have solid goaltending in Cam Ward and the additions of Jordan Stall
and his two way game as well as mercurial sniper Alex Smein may give Kirk Muller's boys the
edge they need.
Florida: The Panthers surprised many winning the south east last year, but will they be able to repeat? They
have a solid top line but will rely on a lot of young players after that. They lost Jason Garrison in the
off season and haven't added many new pieces so may drop off this year.
Buffalo: The Sabers made a push at the end of last season and fell just short. With a healthy Ryan Miller who
looks to have a bounce back year, they have a shot at making the post season.
New Jersey: The Devils made it all the way to the Stanley Cup finals last year, but have lost some pieces
from that team. Martin Brodeur while impressive in the playoffs, isn't getting any younger so it
will be interesting to see what happens in the swamp this year.
Winnipeg: The Jests added size up front to try and give them some more offensive presence but it will be on
Andre Pavelic to keep providing stellar goaltedning if the Jets want to make the post season.
Toronto: The Leafs started out great last year then fell like, well leaves. They need to shore up their defense if
they have any hope of making a serious run for the post season. Randy Carlisle has some young
talent to work with but they will have to step it up for it to work.
Western Conference:
Calgary: The Flames also fell short of a playoff birth last year and once again find themselves relying heavily
on Jerome Iginla and Miika Kipprusof if they have any hope of making the post season. They have
young talent coming along but lack a front line center that could put them over the top.
Dallas: GM Joe Nieuwendyk went out and added veterans Jaromir Jagr and Ray Whitney to help the Stars
return to the post season. He also brought in Derek Roy in a trade from Buffalo. If he can resign
Jamie Benn and they get solid goaltending from Kari Lehtonen the Stars have a shot.
Colorado: The Avalanche have really built up an impressive core of young players and have the youngest
captain in league history. They will need these young stars to take the next step if they are to make
the post season.
Minnesota: The Wild made the biggest splash in free agency, now it's time to see if it was worth it. They have
played a defensive style for years so they will rely on Zack Parise to help them up front. If they
can find a way to manage more goals they could very well make the playoffs.
Edmonton: The young Oilers will likely be one of the more exciting teams to watch this season. They have
an extremely impressive crop of young talent up front and Justin Shcultz on the back end but
they need to keep the puck out of their own net in order to have any chance. Mark Fistic was
signed to help shore up the back end but it will have to be done by committee.
Phoenix: I know they won the pacific last year, but the Coyotes are an enigma at the best of times. They
always seem to find a way to succeed, often because of stellar goaltending, so it will be interesting
to see how it plays out in the desert with new ownership seemingly solidified.
Detroit: For the first time in a long time the Red Wings will not be considered a lock to make the post
season. That's not to say they can't. They will however need stellar performances from Jimmy
Howard and they defense to step up if they want to compete in the west.
Anaheim: The Ducks had an off year last year but with stars Ryan Getzlaf and Cory Perry in contract years
you can bet the Ducks will step up and make a serious run. They have a solid goalie in Joans Hiller
and Teemu Selanne returns for another year.
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