NHL Preview '08-09: Eastern Conference

The NHL regular season has already begun oversees in Stockholm, Sweden and Prague, Czech Republic. The Rangers, Lightning, Penguins, and Senators will each have two games played after today, while the rest of the NHL begins play on the homeland ice on Thursday. It is time to break down the Eastern Conference, here is everything you need to know.

ATLANTIC DIVISION
1. Pittsburgh Penguins- Home Ice Throughout Playoffs
2. New Jersey Devils- Playoff Spot
3. New York Rangers- Playoff Spot
4. Philadelphia Flyers
5. New York Islanders

The Penguins still look like the best team in the Eastern Conference despite losing RW Marian Hossa. Crosby and Malkin are still there along with netminder Marc-Andre Fleury. This team is still very young and I expect them to improve and have a chance to win the Stanley Cup. I like the Devils acquisition of Brian Rolston and I believe this team will finish just ahead of the Rangers.

Northea! st Division
1. Ottawa Senators- Northeast Division Champs
2. Boston Bruins- Playoff Spot
3. Montreal Canadiens- Playoff Spot
4. Buffalo Sabres
5. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Senators fell apart last postseason once again after I expected them to make it to the Stanley Cup. This team is still loaded and I believe they will play hungry this season and win this division. The Bruins will shock a ton of people with their improvement with captain Patrice Bergeron healthy and the addition of Michael Ryder. Montreal is still a great team and all three of these teams should make the postseason.

Southeast Division
1. Washington Capitals- Southeast Division Champs
2. Tampa Bay Lightning- Playoff Spot
3. Carolina Hurricanes
4. Atlanta Thrashers
5. Florida Panthers

This may be the worst division in hockey. The Caps are still the favorite with Ovechkin, but the Lightning will contend with them for the divi! sion crown. Nonetheless I see both these teams in the playoff! s. The bottom three teams in this division are very bad.