Atlantic Division Part II

First we take a look at the revamped Flyers...

This team will take on a much more multi-dimensional look than the team that led the Flyers to the cellar of the NHL. Last year's team depended heavily on the play and leadership of Peter Forsberg. The Flyers have overhauled their roster and look much more dangerous in 07-8.

Upfront, the Flyers have plenty of firepower. Most notably is the addition of UFA Danny Briere. Briere, along with a healthy Simon Gagne, give the Flyers two of the better scoring forwards in the division. Former Predators Scott Hartnell and Scottie Upshall will likely have strong seasons playing in a very competitive Phily sports market.

The question on the Flyers roster is the play of their defenseman. There is no doubt that Kimmo Timonen can play, but with Derian Hatcher not getting any younger, there will be a lot of pressure on youngsters Alex Picard and Braydon Coburn to crack and contribute to the Flyers roster. Mike Rathje is quite effective, when healthy that is. In goal, Martin Biron will once again be given the chance to lead a team. He lost his job in Buffalo to Ryan Miller, so look for a big year from Biron.

While the Flyers offense is definitely quicker and younger than in year's past, I'm not convinced their blue line will match up against the rest of the division. While this team certainly looks much better on paper, it will be hard for a team to bounce all the way back to the playoffs after a 56 point season.

Now the Rangers...

The Rangers stunned the hockey world on July 1st with the dual announcing of both the signings of Scott Gomez and Chris Drury. Both were considered 2 of the top UFAs available this summer. Now, for the first time since Jaromir Jagr's arrival in NY, the Rangers should be able to roll two high quality scoring lines. If you figure Drury centers a line with Shanahan and Prucha, combined with Gomez centering a line with Jagr and Straka, then the rest of the NHL will have its hands full all season long. The Rangers backline is quite young, but have proven they could compete with the big boys. The Rangers feature no big name defenseman, yet the team finnished among the tops in the league last season in shots against.

It pains me to admit, but I do believe that Henrik Lunqvist is the best goalie in the NHL when he is on his game. Yes, that's right, I said best, right up there with Roberto Luongo. The problem for the Rangers is that Lunqvist was NOT always on his game last season. He struggled the first half of the season, the same way he struggled the second half of the season before last. If Lunqvist is on for an entire season, look for the Rangers to compete with the Penguins for the division crown. However, if Lunqvist falters, along with an injury or two on D, look for the Rangers to be battling for the 7th or 8th seed. The pressure is on the Blueshirts this season. This is the best team they have fielded since 1997.