Atlantic Division Part I

Today, we will be starting our predictions, both Justin and I will be selecting a division for the day and then breakdown each teams current status and then an overall prediction of how the division will play out during the upcoming season. As we begin our predictions for the upcoming hockey season, we take a look at what will most likely be the most competitive division in all of hockey, the Atlantic Division.


New Jersey Devils

After losing in the second round of this past years playoffs, the Devils maybe going through one of the worst offseasons the franchise has seen in a long time. The Devils lost two of their staple players in defensemen Brian Rafalski and center Scott Gomez to the Red Wings and Rangers respectively. Also leaving via free agency was Brad Lukowich who resigned with the Lightning. To replace these voids, the Devils have signed forward Danius Zubrus, and defensemen Karel Rachunek and Vitali Vishnevski. Currently the Devils have 8 UFA's from last year's roster. Young forward JP Parise is going to an arbitration case with the club.

Looking towards next season, it is easy to say that the Devils will not be as dominate as in years previous. However, anytime you have Martin Brodeur in net, your team has a chance to win. In addition, the hiring of former Islander Brent Sutter as head coach signals that the Devils will be playing with more younger players from within their system. The Devils might be this season's Flyers. As the hockey world was stunned to see the once powerful Flyers plummet to the bottom of the league last season, it wouldn't surprise me if the Devils fall dramatically from last season. I don't see the Devils reclaiming the Atlantic Division title again in 07-08 but they will most likely be battling for one of the final playoff spots.


Pittsburgh Penguins

After a very successful season for the franchise in which many of their young stars shined brightly, the Penguins are looking to build upon last year's success. The team will field a relatively similar roster from last season, while only losing forwards Chris Thorburn and Michel Ouellet. In addition to locking up both Sidney Crosby and Ryan Whitney (two of the franchises cornerstones) the Penguins have also added the services of defensemen Darryl Sydor and forward Petr Sykora.

At this point in the summer, I have to say the Atlantic Division winner will be a toss up between the Penguins and Rangers. We realize that the Penguins will have one of the best offensive teams in the game with both Crosby and Malkin leading the way. The test of how well this team can/will actually be falls on the shoulders of goalie Marc-Andre Fluery. At times last year MAF was outstanding, but atothers, he had people asking if he was the same goalie they had drafted first overall. For the Penguins to go far in the playoffs, MAF will have to play a more consistent game.

Once Justin posts his half of the division predictions we will predict the final standings of the division.