Pierre McGuire says the Penguins are the most interesting team to watch this season. Basically, he believes they'll either be great and change the way a lot of teams build their rosters (with much greater emphasis on scoring goals again), OR they'll implode under the bad and inexperienced blueline and be forced to scrap this four lines of offense concept. I tend to believe him in this case, although probably not as dramatically as he says. But we really can go either way.
For argument's sake, the last time I can recall a team openly trying to implement a four-line attack, it was the 2005-06 Buffalo Sabres (and all they did was win the Presidents' Trophy that year).
I believe Columbus might be the class of this division now. I like their coach. They are as big and mean as any team in the NHL these days, and they have loads of young talent (many of whom seem to fly under the radar). They also might have the best goaltender in the division, and possibly even the best coach (I like Richards' style). Adding Saad was huge, as well.
I expect the Hurricanes to be better. Not good enough to reach the playoffs but definitely enough to be a thorn in everybody else's side. They were really done in by bad goaltending last season but Eddie Lack is quite good imo. I like where they're trending.
We have no idea what to expect from Dave Hakstol and John Hynes, but I think the Devils will be among the worst teams in the NHL this season (and I think they're OK with that). Jersey seems to be trying to do what Toronto is doing, but the big differences are a much weaker prospect pool and a complete unknown behind the bench (instead of arguably the top coach in the biz). As for Philly, who knows! Berube's shelf life was short but he seemed to want to build Philly into a defensive team without the personnel for it. Hakstol might make a big impact but we won't know for a while. I do think they'll be better, though.
The Rangers have the winning pedigree under Vigneault, but their window is closing imo. I still think they're a playoff team. The Caps might be hurt early on without Backstrom but are too good to miss the playoffs, imo.
SO, if the Blue Jackets, Rangers and Caps are playoff locks, then that leaves the Pens, Isles, Flyers and Hurricanes for one or two spots. It may only be one spot. Other teams that could be in the mix for those playoff spots include Detroit, Florida, Ottawa, MAYBE Toronto. I think Boston has regressed to the point where the playoffs are almost out of reach, while the Sabres are nowhere near ready yet imo. I assume Tampa Bay and Montreal are in.
It's going to be a great race. If you are a true hockey fan, not just a Penguins fan, you are hoping this Rutherford style works. Because it should be fun to watch and it would be great if other teams tried to copy.
