Predicting the Divisions

A couple GM' were a little upset with my previous articles, accusing me of "bashing" GM's in this league and being to mean. I do not want any GM to be offended by any of my articles. i am just speaking my mind and what i observe. These articles are wriiten with the utmost respect to everyone on this site. As a whole, we have a very good, active league, barring 3 or 4 teams.

Is it even fair...................... Thats what id be asking if i had to play in this divsion. It seems that all of the power teams in this league have been clumped together into one division.

1.  Boston Bruins- GM Andrew Arcesi

Are you crazy? You didnt pick Detroit? Im sure i will hear about it. Even though Andrew ripped my articles, i still have to choose the Bruins to win this division ;)  Its hard to ignore the Bruins. Bostons first and second line are both lines that any team in this league would want as their top line. Boston will rely heavily on their top 3 lines to lead this club, as they do have what some would call an " issue" with their 4th line. But GM Arcesi has shown in the past that he is not afraid to let the goons roll out on the 4th line. Boston does need to try and acquire another NHL calibre defenseman, because if one of the D-Men go down this season, Boston will rely on Frank Corrado to play in the top 6.........

2. Detroit Red Wings- GM Steeve Cyr

This choice comes as no suprise to anyone. Led by the best player in the world, Crosby highlights an all star team. Not only is this team unbelievable right now, Gm Cyr has SOMEHOW managed to stock up the best prospect cupboard in the entire league. Mackinon, Jones, Drouin, Nichuskin, the list goes on and on. Even though Detroit is not as deep as a team as they were last year, they still remain the premier team in the entire league, and the team that most guys model their teams after.

3. Buffalo Sabres- GM Paul Blanchard

Buffalo has what i feel is needed to win in this league..... Depth. The defensive ability of this team is something that will threaten the top dogs . But not only can Buffalo defend, they will be able to score. With guys like Eberle, Richards, Doughty, Staal and Brown leading the charge, watch out for Buffalo. With no glaring roster holes, Buffalo looks ready to compete. Buffalo will have no problem challenging Detroit and Boston for the Divsion title.

4. Toronto Maple Leafs- GM Nick Leonardi

With a 4th line consisting of Dave Bolland, Nikolai Kulemin and Matt Fratin, it goes to show what kind of group Toronto has. It is a real shame that Toronto plays in the division they do, as they could challenge to win any of the other 3 divisions in this league. Toronto will need to add some depth on defense if they want to keep up with the big boys. With Henrik Lundquist leading the charge, Toronto will be a scary team to play.

5. Ottawa Senators- GM Billy Young

Last years Stanley Cup Champions will be in tough to make the post season playing in the metropolitan. But when you have last seasons vezina winner in net, you never know what could happen. Thomas Vanek will try to lead the Senators back to the cup, but with Trevor Lewis as your 2nd line centre, Ottawa will need the " SIM factor" on your side. Ottawa will need to bring in 2 or 3 more players if they want to make a serious push this season.

6. Montreal Canadiens- GM Darren Sawer

Montreal barely missed the playoffs last season, but with the re alignment of teams, it will be hard to steal points again this season. The Canadiens are defintley the one team that could suprise everyone this season though. even though they dont have "that guy", they have a team that is able to win by committe. Montreal has all the required supporting cast, but they still lack the 1 or 2 superstar players that are required to win games in this league. Luckily, montreal has guys like Galchenyuk and Strome coming up the pipe that have the ability to turn into that kind of player needed.

7. Tampa Bay Lightning - GM Jeannot St Pierre

One of the leagues most likeable GM's, GM St Pierre completely overhauled the lightning this off season. Tampa defintiley has quality players in guys like Yandle, Byfgulien, Pavelski and Halak, but with so many roster holes,  Tampa will be in tough to compete in the most competitive division in the entire league.

8. Florida Panthers- GM Ryan Spencer

Another GM, who like a small handful of other guys, has questionable participation in this league. If GM Spencer was able to make 3 or 4 trades, Florida has the ability to be a very good hockey club. Florida has alot of promising guys, but not enough proven players. Florida will be chalenging for a lotter pick this season