I usually don’t start really following the NHL season until after the NCAA and NFL football seasons, but there are too many potential storylines this year to keep me away for that long.
Here’s my prediction for some of the league’s 30 teams going into 2010-11 NHL season, which begins Oct. 4:
• Will the Chicago Blackhawks repeat?
The loss of several key players, such as Dustin Byfuglien and Kris Versteeg, will seriously limit the team’s chances at back-to-back titles.
• Will the Calgary Flames make the playoffs?
Jarome Iginla and his supporting cast, or lack there of, are getting older and are oft-injured. Chances are 50/50 at best.
• How much of an impact will Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi have in Edmonton?
Hall is being praised as the next savior for Oilers hockey, Eberle is as clutch as they come and by all accounts Paajarvi is a huge talent. They will be fun to watch, but the likelihood of all three making an impact in their rookie years in unforeseeable.
• How long will Carey Price last as the starting goalie in Montreal?
If the fans ran the team he wouldn’t have lasted the preseason, but I think he’ll have a bounce back season.
• Will Jaroslav Halak continue his playoff success in St. Louis?
Halak led the Canadiens’ long run in last year’s playoffs and I think a change of scenery can only further benefit him.
• Will the Tampa Bay Lightning be the most improved team?
Steve Yzerman took over as general manager, they added Simon Gagne, Steven Stamkos scored 51 goals last year, and Lecavalier and St. Louis are poised for comeback years – so, absolutely yes.
• Can the Vancouver Canucks finally take the next step?
Roberto Luongo and the Sedin twins are in the prime of their careers, and Ryan Kesler and Mikael Samuelsson are great depth players, so it almost seems like now or never for the West-Coast club. I think Vancouver has Canada’s best chance at bringing the Stanley Cup home.
• And finally, will the Florida Panthers average more than 5,000 fans per game?
No. I’ve been to a game in Sunrise and the majority of the 5,000 people in attendance were Canadian retirees, snowbirds and tourists.
