Preseason Preview: Philadelphia Flyers

We're heading down the stretch as it's time for another Preseason Preview. This is where we check out the teams going into the season.

Now, the Philadelphia Flyers.

Team M.O.: The Broad Street Bullies are back and in full-force, as the Flyers are going to put the angriest and toughest team in the NHL on the ice this season. Everyone on this team is either skilled, tough, or many instances both and their off-season acquisitions have literally made them the toughest team in recent history, and that even includes the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks. I mean, even the Flyers' new goaltender is one of the better fighters in the league. I guess I'd be angry too though if the guys on the other side of the state are partying with the Stanley Cup though, so it's hard to blame them.

In short, these guys are pissed off.

Last Season: The Battle of Philidelphia came early this season and much like last time, the Flyers lost out to the Pittsburgh Penguins. While it was a tight series, maybe Danny Carcillo shouldn't have fought Maxime Talbot when he did; that seemed to piss off the Penguins worse than the Flyers. They're going to hope that their off-season acquisitions are "the piece" to their puzzle while relying on a few of the other players to step up their game a bit. They sure got enough guys with a pissed-off attitude though.

Offense: These guys are lead by Mike Richards, who's pissed off and so skilled at all aspects at all ends of the game (including fighting) that he may as well have been born in a Flyers jersey. Jeff Carter, however, was pissed off by the attention Richards was getting and decided to take the largest step forward of anyone on the team and surprised everyone in the league by getting 84 points. Scott Hartnell's another pissed off first liner that's emerging as one of the leagues best power forwards. Simon Gagne isn't as pissed off as those guys, but his 74 points last season sure pissed off the competition. Daniel Briere's pissed that he's injured all the time, because he can still hit a point per game or close to it. Claude Giroux isn't pissed anymore now that Joffrey Lupul's gone, but he's going to act like he is so he can get into the top-six forward role.

But the best has yet to come. Do you think that their group of top-six forwards look good? Their bottom six will beat the $#!+ outta you. Ian Laperriere brings a pissed off veteran presense and should gel well with the other French dudes on the team. If you look up the picture of pissed off in the dictionary, there's Daniel Carcillo who's led the league in PIM for two consecutive seasons. Arron Asham doesn't have to be pissed off, but he's good at it so hey, why not? Riley Cote stays pissed off and that's what keeps him in the game, on the team, and in the league so mega-kudos to you sir. They should be able to fill out the rest of the spots through either promoting some of their younger players (like Jonathon Kalinski or Andreas Nodl) if they don't chose to fill it out with established players (like Darroll Powe). Either way, they should be set.

Defense: Maintaining the pissed-off theme, the Flyers traded for Chris Pronger and have them as not only their top defender, but also an experienced leader who should be nothing but beneficial for a Flyers defense on the verge of putting it all together. Braydon Coburn can be pissed off in games but it may not hurt to embrace that a bit more. Kimmo Timonen isn't as pissed but really doesn't have to be when he works the power play the way he does. Ryan Parent, Matt Carle, and Randy Jones leave the pissed-off antics to everyone else because they're just glad they found a good home in Philadelphia. Ole-Kristian Tollefsen is not only pissed off that Columbus gave up on him, but that he was injured most of last season and wants to use his Norwegian toughness to pound on those pussy Finns and Swedes. The Flyers made a great signing when he became available and have now completed rounded out their wheel of a defensive unit. Good for the Flyers.

Goaltending: Ray Emery was pissed-off in Ottawa because they were a bunch of tight-ass traditionalists who didn't appreciate Ray's cosmopolitan flavors in life. He was pissed-off when he left the NHL and was pissed that trainers try to make players wear their silly little hats. Philidelphia saw this and were like " :-) " and decided to bring him in. Brian Boucher comes back to the Flyers organization for a third time and maybe needs to embrace his inner pissed-offness if he's going to start goaltending the way he has the potential to.

Expectations: I think they've got the best chance to win the Cup this season. Things can always happen but looking at the other teams in the league so far, I really like how these guys are built.

Preseason Preview: Ottawa Senators

We've got 10 teams left folks as it's time for another Preseason Preview. This is where we check out the teams going into the season.

Now, the Ottawa Senators.

Team M.O.: The Sens emerged from being a defense-first team in the pre-lockout days to a finesse team in the post lockout days with a declining degree of results. After making it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007, the Sens haven't been able to regain the stride that got them there. The team seems to be one of the better supported squads, though, so a rebound isn't out of the question.

Last Season: The team finished 11th in the conference and out of the playoffs. A decline in offensive contribution (largely due to how top-heavy their first line was in comparison to their other lines) and an uncertain goaltending situation proved to be too much for the team to overcome. The coach Craig Hartsberg was replaced with Cory Clouston and goaltenders Martin Gerber and Alex Auld were let go through waivers and free agency respectively to promote Brian Elliott and trade for Pascal LeClaire. All would be well if it were for the 13,000 lb elephant in the dressing room in Dany Heatley, who made a trade request that somehow went public. When you're given a NTC and then you ask for a trade, should the NTC even be allowed to be in effect at that point?

Offense: Well, Spezza and Alfredsson are still around, and both are two of the better forwards in the league. Alex Kovalev was acquired in the off-season and will provide a first line presence should Heatley be moved before the season begins. Who knows, maybe Heatley can work it out with the team and give them four legitimate forwards to compete for the top line spot, but I think most signs point to him getting outta there. After that trio (or quartet if Heatley stays) the forwards all look like third unit, checking unit, or energy line players, leaving secondary scoring in a real dangerous position. Mike Fisher is going to have to rebound after last season's point decline, Nick Foligno has to take big steps forward in his game, and the Senators need another top-six forward if they're to have any hope in making secondary scoring possible. Their bottom six forward though are filled with legitimate role players (like Chris Neil as the enforcer and Jarkko Ruutu as the agitator who might be hated worse than Avery) and a strong youth movement, but a veteran presence on the lower lines to go along with Shean Donovan would help keep things stable for this team.

Defense: The defense on this team isn't extraordinary, but it's certainly competent. Filip Kuba did well for the Sens last season while Chris Phillips did better offensively at the sacrifice of his defensive game. Anton Volchenkov and Brian Lee would make for a good second pairing but would do a lot better if they could remain healthy. Jason Smith and Chris Campoli make for a good third-pairing of specialists while Alexandre R. Picard can pick up the games no one else can get into. Like I said, it's not glamorous, but it's adequate and it should work for them.

Goaltending: The goaltending looks promising on this team, it just needs to live up to the hype. Both LeClaire and Elliott have the tools to be starters, but LeClaire needs to avoid the injury bug for once while Elliott's still relatively young for a goaltender. If they can platoon well together, they'll be fine.

Expectations: I need to see what these guys do with the Heatley situation. As it stands now, a healthy and hardworking Senators team can make the playoffs, but it's over for them if or when injuries occur or when guys start taking nights off. They don't have enough natural talent to get there yet so they'll need to compete to make it happen.

Preseason Preview: New York Rangers

It's time for another Preseason Preview. This is where we check out the teams going into the season.

Now, the New York Rangers.

Team M.O.: These guys like to be a complete team that has the best player for every role. Their scoring lines and defensive pairings are balanced, their starting goaltender is the best at being a starting goaltender, they've got the best agitator in the league and have one of the best, though definitely aging, enforcers in the league. The problem is often related to chemistry, player maintenance, and whether or not the players can accept and excel in their roles.

Last Season: They took the Capitals to seven games in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals before being eliminated. They lost the series because they couldn't keep their emotions in line and they'll need to harness that energy better if they're to even think of the playoffs this season.

Offense: Marion Gaborik left the Minnesota Wild to provide the team with a first line winger who's talented yet extremely fragile. The group of Chris Drury, Christopher Higgins, Ryan Callahan, Vaclav Prospal, Ales Kotalik, and Brandon Dubinsky (still an RFA at this time) should be able to score by committee. Sean Avery may be tabbed as a third liner, but he could breakout into a scoring role if he can find consistency with his offensive game. The team added Don Brashear after Colton Orr left for Toronto. The team doesn't have a whole lot of proven NHL depth beyond that, but they'll probably have to settle on using unpolished players like the newly acquired Enver Lisin to fill out the roster spots due to their cap issues.

Defense: The top-four defensemen on this squad have the tools to be dominant but need to put it together. While this especially holds true for Wade Redden, neither Marc Staal, Michael Rosival, or Dan Girardi were able to finish with a positive plus/minus rating. Two of the remaining three spots will likely be filled by a rookie power play specialist and rookie depth defender, so they should take the third spot and give it to Chris Chelios if he'll do it for the minimum (dude, you'll be 48 when the season's done, just take it.)

Goaltending: Hendrik Lundqvist may be temperamental at times, but he loves his team and will throw them on his back if it will lead them to victory. Stephen Valiquette has finally established himself as an NHL backup and is doing well in that role. The goaltending is as good as it's gonna get for the Rangers and they have a solid prospect in Matt Zaba should something happen to these guys.

Expectations: On paper without injuries this looks like a playoff team. If they have to go through any serious adversity though, particularly with Lundqvist, this will not be a good season for them.

Preseason Preview: New York Islanders

It's time for another Preseason Preview. This is where we check out the teams going into the season.

Now, the New York Islanders.

Team M.O.: They're a team built around their goaltender Rick DiPietro where everyone's expected to score by committee. However, they've lacked the collective talent recently due to being in a rebuilding stage so things haven't exactly gone the best for them. These guys haven't been properly managed since the early 90's and have gone from a dynasty in the early 80's to making only five playoff appearances since the 1993–94 season, and each of those series ended in the conference quarterfinals!

Last Season: They won the John Tavares sweepstakes by ending up with the worst record overall last season. It doesn't get lower than that.

Offense: Tavares will be expected to make the jump from junior to NHL. Talk about pressure. The team has a core of young forwards that include Kyle Okposo, Blake Comeau, Jeff Tambellini, Josh Bailey, Frans Nielsen, and Sean Bergenheim. While they took steps forward in their development this season, they're still are a ways off from fulfilling what's expected of them. The secondary scoring provided by Trent Hunter and Doug Weight is increasingly injury-prone, leaving the group of young forwards without much veteran guidance (castoffs Mike Comrie and Bill Guerin didn't do for the Islanders what they're capable of doing on better teams.) Richard Park is surprisingly good at his role, being a checking forward who's good for 30 points, while Nate Thompson and Tim Jackman are settling into fourth line forwards. The team could use reinforcements all around but will probably commit to playing as many of their youngsters as possible, so they'd do well to at a top-six forward and a bottom-six enforcer forward.

Defense: The defense is an NHL defense, but is more fortified with bottom-pairing and utility players as opposed to having two solid top-pairings. Nevertheless, Mark Streit was the strongest player on the team this year and lead the team in point production with 56 points. Bruno Gervais was effective when in the lineup but watched his stats suffer like most defensemen on a rebuilding team. Brendan Witt was, flat out, a disappointment last season. The rest of the defenders were alright, but none of them stand out as being guys you'd want on your top pairings (Andy Sutton was effective when in the lineup, but is he capable of supplying that kind of quality defense the team needs? ) I think the team needs to get a top four defender to even have hope for a decent season.

Goaltending: Goaltending on this team, however, is incredibly deep. DiPietro is still considered the starter, but G.M. Garth Snow went out and signed both Dwayne Roloson and Marty Biron to form a platoon until DiPietro gets back and healthy. They have these gaps in their offense and defense yet somehow their goaltending features not one, not two, but three proven starting goaltenders. Unbelievable.

Expectations: Goaltending can't win everything, and while it would be nice to think that Tavares will immediately join the team and make them contenders again, I have a feeling the team won't acquire the guys necessary to even make the squad remotely competitive. I think they'll finish out of the postseason and will start making noise during their 2010-11 campaign.

Preseason Preview: New Jersey Devils

It's time for another Preseason Preview. This is where we check out the teams going into the season.

Now, the New Jersey Devils.

Team M.O.: This team's built around their goaltender Martin Brodeur and he's one of the best puck moving goaltenders in the history of the NHL. They're also the perfectors of the neutral-zone trap which may bore those who prefer offensive, but get the job done if effectively applied. Their stingy defense was able to win them three cups between 1995-2003 while remaining relevant since the lockout.

Last Season: Sometimes there's surprise upsets and last season, that's what best describes New Jersey's series loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. They're going to be taking the upcoming season very seriously despite losing a few components that were key in last seasons success.

Offense: Their production took a hit with Brian Gionta leaving for the Canadiens, but the team still has an excellent forwards in Zach Parise and Patrik Elias. Further, Travis Zajac is taking huge leaps in his development and production while Jamie Langenbrunner, Dainius Zubrus, and a healthy Brian Rolston can provide some solid secondary scoring. Veteran forward Brendan Shanahan will provide leadership while likely working on a third line with Jay Pandolfo David Clarkston. While this team can use Rob Davison as their forward and utility enforcer and promote Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond to the team from the minors, these guys are still a depth forward or two short to go without having to lean on their younger guys to get into new roles. It may not be a bad idea to have a veteran faceoff specialist or another solid checker to add before the season starts.

Defense: Paul Martin and Johnny Oduya have been absolutely solid in the Devil's system. Colin White provides a solid top four presence while Bryce Salvador, Mike Mottan, and Andy Greene make good for the bottom-pairings and specialists. Another NHL defenseman couldn't hurt, but they may have to make lemonade from lemons and hope it does well.

Goaltending: Martin Brodeur's getting older, but like Lidstrom seems to keep it together with age. Yann Danis is getting a chance at a regular NHL job for the first time after appearing in 31 games last season with the Islanders. They may do well to find a depth goaltender for next season, though it probably won't be Kevin Weekes.

Expectations: When there's a will, there's a way. New Jersey should at least make the playoffs for the upcoming season based on how well-run of an organization they are. Nevertheless, the Devils fans should hope they have enough to put them over the top. Otherwise, the golf clubs may be coming out earlier than normal this season.

Preseason Preview: Nashville Predators

It's time for another Preseason Preview. This is where we check out the teams going into the season.

Now, the Nashville Predators.

Team M.O.: Denfensive-minded and industrious, the team has been lead by G.M. David Poile and Coach Barry Trotz since their inception. They've battled ownership issues but have usually been able to compile a competitive squad on a limited amount of funds. They're in the Central Division though, so a limited budget is hurting a whole lot more than it used to.

Last Season: They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2004 last season. They did respectably well but were in such a deep division in the league that the four other teams in the division were the ones who made it to the playoffs because it's seldom, if ever, when all five teams in one division to make the playoffs.

Offense: Well, they aren't too deep as far as NHL-proven top-six forwards go, so they'll probably have to rely on their younger talent to round out the roster spots left open by various departures. Jason Arnott, J.P. Dumont, and Martin Erat are legitimate top-six forwards, but I don't think they scare anyone as a first-line option. With David Legwand centering the second line, they'll need Ryan Jones to step up his game for that role while praying that Steve Sullivan remains injury free. Going deeper into the depth chart, we see industrious players like Joel Ward, Jerred Smithson, premiere agitator Jordin Tootoo, and utility enforcer Wade Belak get an excellent compliment with the newly acquired Ben Guite and Marcel Goc. Patric Hornqvist has probably graduated to the team by default, so the team may do well to invite a bottom-six forward to training camp to compete with some of the younger guys for that last spot. I'd sign another top-six forward if I were the team, but I don't think they have the option to do that.

Defense: The Preds have an excellent top-pairing of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, both of whom are excellent in all aspects of the defense position (Weber gets the slight not because he has more of mean streak.) However, they need to get a second-pairing defenseman to pair with Dan Hamhuis and a third pairing defender to pair with Kevin Klein. This is even considerate of having Alexander Sulzer graduate to the big club this season. That said, they should look for guys like Mathieu Dandenault and Dennis Seindenberg, both of whom could be had for an affordable price, to help round out the wholes in the defense. I think they may wait to see who hits the waivers until they round it out entirely. Who knows, Andy Delmore may return to Nashville via waivers from Detroit this season.

Goaltending: Pekka Rinne did what every Nashville goalie has done before him and that's take the starting job away from the incumbent. Dan Ellis had a great season two years ago, but someone figured out that he struggles with long shots, which is probably the biggest reason he had a pedestrian season last year. These guys are good as the team's goatenders though, and if anything, should look for a veteran minor goalie to shore up with Mark Dekanich.

Expectations: This team has a heart of gold, but there's too many holes in the team overall that will allow them to withstand injury without it becoming a major issue for the club's success. Unless they get better fortified by camp, I don't expect them to make the playoffs this season.

Preseason Preview: Montreal Canadiens

Whoa! Halfway there! It's time for another Preseason Preview. This is where we check out the teams going into the season.

Now, the Montreal Canadiens.

Team M.O.: The Canadiens like to ice a balanced team that is complete by design. Their top-six produce, their bottom-six has character guys, the defense is versatile and the goaltenders are skilled. They're also by and large incredibly young, though there were some off-season changes made to help correct that.

Last Season: While the expectations were high for their Centennial season, the Canadiens literally crawled over the finish line for the last playoff spot in the East last season (their overall record of 41-30-11 for 93 points was tied with the Florida Panthers; it was the Canadiens' 247 goals to the Panthers' 234 that put them over the top.) It didn't get better in the post-season, as they were eliminated by the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, which ended with goaltender Carey Price giving the Canadiens fans a mock salute as they jeered him in the stands. That's not the image you want to have capping your Centennial season, but I also feel that the Canadiens fans deserved it, too.

Offense: They've got the mullet offense going on: small in the front, big in the back. The guys who are tentatively set to be the team's top three forwards are Scott Gomez (billed at 5'11" with sources saying that's "generous"), Mike Cammalleri (5'9"), and Brian Gionta (5'7"). All the while, physical dudes like Travis Moen and Georges Laraque will provide the opposition with a high level of intimidation. The rest of the roster starts to look a big more fortified in the middle, and I'm thinking that Tomas Plekanec, Guillaume Latendresse, and Andrei Kostitsyn will comprise the second level while all of the young players, including Sergei Kostitsyn, will develop their game around veteran forward Glen Metropolit. To me, its not a matter of the team needing to sign anyone else but for them to act like big boys and take that step forward. Hopefully the new components can make that possible.

Defense: Andrei Markov is one of the best defenders in the league yet for this year, Roman Hamrlik will be the only familiar face in their top five defenders, as the team went out and acquired Jaroslav Spacek, Paul Mara, and Hall Gill for those spots. However, Josh Gorges is developing at an excellent level and Ryan O'Byrne can come out of this as a number seven option, so as I said earlier, they just need to take their game to the next level.

Goaltending: The only problem with the Carey Price/Jaroslav Halak tandem is that they anointed Price the starter when Halak is just as capable. What ended up happening was disruptive to both players. I say let them platoon it out like good teammates, let them start 35 games a piece, and let the guy with the better results get the other games. Throw in Curtis Sanford as a solid Number 3 option and you've got something that doesn't need to take their game to the next level as they just need better management.

Expectations: It's on Jacques Martin to get these guys to work right. If the team fails and the players aren't out closing the bar every night of the week, then coaching is the issue. Luckily, this is a pretty talented team so if they're managed right, they can get back to the form they showed two seasons ago.