Better Late Than Never.....

These predictions have been sitting on a little note pad with my Hockey News 2007-08 season preview magazine for a couple weeks. I know, I know, we're a couple weeks into the season. But, I'll call these predictions "Early Season" rather than "Pre-season" and we'll see how things pan out.

Northeast
x-1. Ottawa
x-2. Buffalo
x-3. Toronto
4. Montreal
5. Boston

I have no doubt that Ottawa will win the division. Second could be a toss up between the Leafs and the Sabres. Leafs fans take heart--the Leafs have improved enough to make the playoffs.

Atlantic
x-1. NYRangers
x-2. Pittsburgh
x-3. New Jersey
4. Philadelhpia
5. NYIslanders

This may be the toughest division in the NHL this year. It's going to be tight. The Islanders have declined significantly, but the loss of Yashin might actually be addition by subtraction. Don't underestimate Ted Nolan being able to get his players to play above their skill level. On the other hand, I wouldn't be surprised if the Devils tanked. Still, overall the safe bet is on Brodeur and the Devils holding on to third and the Islanders being cellar dwellers.

Southeast
x-1. Carolina
x-2. Atlanta
3. Tampa bay
4. Washington
5. Florida

Given the improvement of the Blues and Hawks, the southeast may now be the weakest division. I really think that this division is wide open, with one exception. The Panthers will suck. Have you noticed that the Hurricanes logo looks like a toilet flush? Last year's crappy season has been flushed away and the Canes will regain their Stanley Cup form. Or, at least win the division and make it back to the playoffs.

Central
x-1. Detroit
x-2. St.Louis
3. Nashville
4. Chicago
5. Columbus

St.Louis? Yes, St.Louis. They were respectable once Andy Murray took over. With the decline in Nashville and a weak division aside from Detroit, the Blues will return to the playoffs. The Wings will win the division and the Jackets will tank it--that's without a doubt.

Northwest
x-1. Vancouver
x-2. Minnesota
x-3. Colorado
x-4. Calgary
5. Edmonton

This is a quality division. I think the Canucks have it locked thanks to Luongo. The Avs and Flames will battle it out for 3 and 4. It'll be tough, but I think they'll both find their way into the playoffs.

Pacific
x-1. Anaheim
x-2. San Jose
3. Dallas
4. Los Angeles
5. Phoenix

This may be the easiest division to pick. The Ducks and Sharks are locks for spots one and two. I'm betting that the Kings will land a goaltender that wears No. 29 for a pretty good NHL East team. If they do, that could vault them ahead of the aging and fading Stars and possibly into the playoffs. Otherwise, the Kings might as well put a plywood cut-out in net the way things are going. Even still they won't stink as much as the desert dogs. A great sportscaster once said great players don't make great coaches. Please Wayne, follow the lead of your peers (Yzerman, Hull, Francis, etc.) move upstairs to the office.

There you have it. I'll check back on these around the all-star game.