These are my predctions for the Northeast Divison of the NHL'S Eastern Conference for the upcoming 2008-2009 hockey season. I believe this division will ultimatly send three teams to the playoffs this year. Those three being Montreal, Ottawa, and Buffalo. With Boston just missing out but in the mix right till the end. So here is my 2008-2009 North East Division Preview:
1. Montreal Canadiens (102 points)
(1st in the Northeast)
(3rd in Eastern Conference)
Reason being is that this team has a good mix of veterns mixed with youth and speed. Plus they have good goaltending in Carey Price who is entering his second full NHL season. Plus they have Kovalev, the Kostitsyn boys, Koivu, and Alex Tanguy who they signed in the offeseason who should help their powerplay even more. As if they were not alreay good on the PP to begin with. Thats why I have Montreal at first in this division.
2. Ottawa Senators (96 points)
(2nd in the Northeast)
(6th in the Eastern Conference)
The reason they will finish second in this division is because they still have so much offense in Spezza, Heatley, and Alferdson. Plus they got ride of Emery who was a real cancer for them in their locker room a year ago. Plus with his subtraction they still have Martin Gerber who now emerges as their main guy between the pipes which should help him alot confidence wise. Also eventhough they lost Redden in the offeseason to the Rangers and some key defensemen such as mazaros to Tampa Bay. This team still makes up for it offensivly and is still capable of scoring lots of goals which makes up for it defensivly. Thats why I have Ottawa at #2 in this Division.
3. Buffalo Sabres (90 Points)
(3rd in the Northeast)
(8th in the Eastern Conference)
The reason I believe they will finish thrid in this division and barley sneak into the playoffs is mainly because of Ryan Miller. I believe he will have another stellar season in net
along with Roy, Stafford, and Pominville emerging evenmore. Plus Pominville got a new contrat recently which should help his confidence alot. They also still have Vanek who will score alot along with Rivet who is a very good defensman who they got near the end of last season from San Jose in the Brian Campbell Trade. There is GM Darcy Regier working that magic again. And sorry Boston fans but that magic will end up landing Buffalo at 3rd in this Division along with them barley finishing ahead of you guys for the 8th and final playoff spot in the east. And if I am wrong Boston fans? Then you can bash me as much as you would like at the end of the season?.
4. Boston Bruins (88 Points)
(4th in the Northeast)
(10th in the Eastern Conference)
The reason I believe Boston will finish fourth in this division this year and not make the playoffs is becuase their goaltending is spotty at times. I mean Thomas is good but not that great. Now I know this team is good defensivly and very scrappy in having Chara and Kessel. And also have some decent offensive weapons in Bergeron, Savard, and Sturm. But they are not nearly as talented offensivly as say a Pens, Caps, Rangers, and Sens team in the east. That is why I say they will barley miss the playoffs when you mix that in along with spotty goaltending. Sorry Boston fans but I got the B's finishing fourth in this division and barley missing out on a postseason birth.
5. Toronto Maple Leafs (78 Points)
(5th in the Northeast)
(13th in the Eastern Conference)
(Update I moved from 12th to 13th)
The reason that the Toronto Maple Leafs will finish last in this division is because they are going through a rebulding process. For one they don't have a solid # 1 net minder, not a lot of depth, and lack a bit defensivly. They do have some bright spots though in Sundin still being one of the alltime best centermen, along with an emerging Antropov, Stajan, and Steen. They also have a good goalie by the name of Poggi in their minor league system who is waiting in the wings. He should replace Toskala in net in the not to near future in Toronto I believe. Plus they have a good farm system and are rebulding alot this year. Gone our Bryan McCabe, Kyle Wellwood, Darcy Tucker, Andrew Raycroft. Plus they have a new coach in Ron Wilson this year who is going more with youth then the vets of the past. That is why I have Toronto finishing fifth in this division.
So here is a recap of my picks for this division:
1. Montreal (102 points, 3rd in east)
2. Ottawa (96 points, 6th in east)
3. Buffalo (90 points, 8th in east)
4. Boston (88 points, 10th in east)
5. Toronto (78 points, 13th in east)
I hope you folks enjoyed my Northeast Division Predictions & Priviews? Feel free to leave any comments?
Tags: NHL Hockey Predictions Sports Northeast Division Eastern Conference Habs Sens Sabres Bruins Leafs
