As the NHL season begins, storylines are plenty to observe. Wes Goldstein says look out for the Ovechkin-Crosby rivalry to go up a notch and Dany Heatley also challenging for the scoring title, among a few other topics.
After a tumultuous offseason, the NHL returns Thursday night with four games. Wes Goldstein says for the league, it's an opportunity to turn the focus back onto the ice, where it captured magic last spring.
Limiting defections to a minimum and returning a roster bristling with skill and star power, where else would the champion Penguins start our opening rankings? On top of course, Wes Goldstein says.
Leading goal scorer Phil Kessel, will be absent from the Bruins offense this year. But, says, Wes Goldstein, the league's second-best offense last season wasn?t limited to Kessel?s talent.
Not long ago considered a model franchise, key defections and playoff shutouts have slashed the Sabres' credibility. A more stable offseason better change that, Wes Goldstein says.
The Canadiens are still trying to shake off a season that reached the playoffs but still felt like a major failure. At least that set the stage for needed roster makeover, Wes Goldstein says.
The Senators biggest move in the offseason wasn't an acquisition but a disposal. After moving disgruntled Dany Heatley, Wes Goldstien says you can hear the sigh of relief in Ottawa.
Annual optimism might actually be justified in Toronto, Wes Goldstein says, thanks to changes made by GM Brian Burke. Atop the list is the acquisition of Phil Kessel.
The Coyotes mess forces Wayne Gretzky to throw in the towel. Wes Goldstein says the Great One was a magician on ice, but his coaching tenure was a mix of delusion and illusion.
The Sharks seem to get everything right -- except the playoffs. But with the Dany Heatley deal and another deep and talented club, they get another chance to get it right, Wes Goldstein says.
The Coyotes don't know who will wind up owning them or whether they will still call Phoenix home. It's all a big mess for a team that was in rough shape to start with, Wes Goldstein says.
The defense is in place and the goaltending picture is clearing up. If the Kings can get some scoring punch from the young fellas, playoff contention might follow, Wes Goldstein says.
After a disastrous finish to last season, the Stars drafted a new blueprint that includes new management. If they remain healthy and get better goaltending, things will be looking up, Wes Goldstein says.
The Chris Pronger mega-trade with the Flyers was only part of the Ducks' major makeover. It could mean an even more balanced, better Anaheim team, Wes Goldstein says.
The last time the Devils won the Stanley Cup was in 2003. New Jersey looks to the past and brings back Jacques Lemaire to help them return to their glory days, Wes Goldstein says.
It has been bleak on Long Island for quite a while. But with the arrival of John Tavares and the possibility of a remodeled Nassau Coliseum, the Islanders actually have something to look forward to, Wes Goldstein says.
Newcomer Chris Pronger makes the Flyers better. If the team's overhauled goaltending tandem does the same, Philadelphia could be a contender, Wes Goldstein says.
The offseason story itself wasn't new: The Rangers spent big to upgrade the offense, highlighted by adding Marian Gaborik. If it works out this time, New York could be in for a big season, Wes Goldstein says.
You can't write off the Penguins' Stanley Cup as a one-and-done title, not with four stars younger than 25 and a lineup that remains largely intact, Wes Goldstein says.
The Canucks caught teams by surprise last season, going from last place in the division to the conference semis. But expectations are high this year, and everybody knows it.
The Wild lose Marian Gaborik to free agency, but a new offensive-minded management brings in Martin Havlat to fill that void. But the strength of this team remains its staunch defense.
It seemed inevitable that Heatley and the Senators were going to part ways, and it finally happened. Wes Goldstein says the Sharks are willing to take on all of his complaining in exchange for the talent.
Even with its rich history, Edmonton is no magnet for big free agents. So the Oilers -- close to the salary cap -- hope Pat Quinn can quickly develop the young talent.
Joe Sakic may be gone, but the Avalanche have Joe ... Sacco. The new coach has a unique task in Colorado history: Re-building a once-prominent franchise from the ground up.
Calgary strengthened its defense by acquiring Jay Bouwmeester, but the Flames might fizzle again in the playoffs thanks to upgrades by West rivals, Wes Goldstein says.
The Blackhawks took a big step forward on the ice last season, but a step back in summer. But despite front-office turmoil, Chicago has the pieces to keep the good times going, Wes Goldstein says.
The Wings have dominated for more than a decade, but it's getting more difficult. Add an aging, cap-restrained roster to an improved division, and you actually have questions in Detroit, Wes Goldstein says.
Coming off the first playoff appearance in franchise history and with Rick Nash signing for eight years, Wes Goldstein says the Blue Jackets now have to plenty build upon.
The question for the Predators between the pipes could be answered by Pekka Rinne. But can he get enough support up front for Nashville to make the playoffs? Wes Goldstein says probably not.
The Blues climbed out of the Western Conference basement last season to claim a playoff spot. Wes Goldstein says they did so by sticking to their plan and cultivating talent.
They're perhaps the most exciting team in the league to watch. It helps having Alexander Ovechkin. Now the up-tempo Capitals are looking to step up the defense to become elite, Wes Goldstein says.
It all starts with ownership, and with that problem sorted out and an improved roster to join the team's remaining stars, look for the Lightning to compete for a playoff spot, Wes Goldstein says.
In an organization marked by constant change in the front office, the Florida Panthers stayed awfully static on the ice, meaning the playoff drought will likely continue, Wes Goldstein says.
It's one thing for the 'Canes to bring players back for second or third tours. But a coach? Paul Maurice's return sent Carolina on a run to the East finals, generating optimism for this season, Wes Goldstein says.
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