1. Tampa Bay Lightning
Zany new owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie have changed everything in Tampa Bay, the GM, coaches, the players, likely even parking attendants. They even took a run at signing Mats Sundin. Tampa Bay started early by trading for Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts on June 30 and signing them to contracts before they became free agents the next day. When it was all over they had committed to $200 million in contracts. How will it work out? Who knows. They are still weak in net and defense but I doubt they are standing pat with the current lineup. It will be fun to watch this bunch.
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins lost quite a few players to free agency with the most significant being Marian Hossa. But any team that has both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin is going to be dangerous and explosive. Young Jordan Staal is another potential superstar that could break out this year and he's only turning 20. The Penguins have picked up some secondary scoring in Satan and Sykora. They also are solid in net with Marc-Andre Fleury. This team has Stanley Cup potential.
3. San Jose Sharks
Every year the Sharks have been identified as a possible Cup finalist but seem to always fall short. This year may be different. The Sharks have always managed to stay well below the salary cap (last year they were at $40 million). But not this year. The Sharks went on a spending spree and picked up Rob Blake and Dan Boyle and their payroll jumped to $56 million. They still may try to trade Patrick Marleau but the owners are committed to winning and are willing to spend the money,
4. Montreal Canadiens
It's the Canadiens 100th anniversary and the usually rabid fans are already in a frenzy. They bagged the amateur draft and the all star game, will retire Patrick Roy's number, and are trying to organize an outdoor game at the Olympic Stadium. But none of this will matter if they don't win the Cup. Bob Gainey tried his best to convince Sundin to sign with Montreal but last week gave up waiting and traded for Robert Lang. Montreal has a young and explosive offense but they have a lot of question marks. Can Carey Price carry the team deep in the playoffs? Is the defense good enough? Which Alexi Kovalev will show up this year - the passionate, creative scorer or the moody floater?
5. Chicago Blackhawks
This team has a lot of young talent just starting to come together. What team wouldn't want to have Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith, Cam Barker and Brent Seabrook? If you haven't heard of them all you will soon. They also signed free agents Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet to solidify their back end. Chicago hasn't made the playoffs in 9 season but they streak is going to end soon.
12 years ago
