#30 |  |
Coming off a difficult season, the Jackets are probably heading for another one. This team was exciting maybe one or two years in their franchise history, but after loosing Rick Nash to N.Y. they'll have to dig deep to get out of the cellar.
#29 |  |
New York Islanders
The Rick DiPietro saga seems to have cursed these guys for some time now. Even with John Tavares (who I believe can and will probably end up being moved) & Michael Grabner, this team struggles to get anything going. Hopefully Evgeni Nabokov can salvage a lot of games for them this year.
#28 |  |
Montreal Canadiens
I'd really like to give this club a higher ranking, but with their on again-off again success it seems pointless. Last season was a nightmare for players and fans and unless someone other than Carey Price really shines out there then this Canadiens squad is destined for the bottom in 2013.
#27 |  |
Winnipeg Jets
There are many reasons why I can place the Jets higher in our rankings, but to me there is just too much wrong going on right now. The lockout delayed what should've been the first season of a new realignment, allowing the Jets to keep there travel costs down. But with a condensed, mainly Eastern Conference schedule & talent that is still developing, I see Olli & the Jets staying right around here.
#26 |  |
Toronto Maple Leafs
It's sad when you have this many Canadian teams stuck in the bottom, but it's also sad when you have a franchise that has some of the top talent in the league that can't get it together. Some teams wish they had the fan base this club has, but when strange moves like firing Brian Burke happen then you realize why Toronto is ranked so low.
#25 |  |
Buffalo Sabres
Ryan Miller was once the best goaltender in the U.S. He's still an incredible talent, but he's not pulling out wins for his team like he used to. Players like Jason Pominville & Tomas Vanek aren't playing like that Sabres team from a couple years agao. Last years playoff push wasn't enough, and unless they pick up the pace in this condensed schedule they'll get swept behind.
#24 |  |
Calgary Flames
Calgary hasn't been elite for a while, but with all the talent they have I can't put them any lower than this. An aging Jarome Iginla & an apathetic/unmotivated Jay Bouwmeester haven't been getting the job done along with everyone up in the tundra.
#23 |  |
San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have been getting it done for a while & I'm sure they wished they never let Milan Michalek skate away in another jersey. This year's a little different though. Can they continue to get it done with both Big Joe Thornton & Patrick Marleau? Can Logan Couture razzle dazzle these guys deep into the playoffs? This year's a little different.
#22 |  |
Tampa Bay Lightning
It seems like father time has forgotten about Vincent Lecavalier & Martin St. Louis. They have to give alot of credit to the young, budding superstar that is Steven Stamkos for their seemingly new fresh legs. Beyond that the addition of Matt Carle & the idea of Victor Hedman contributing give Tampa a nice chance to make some noise this year. But they'll need alot more push to make it past the stromg Southeast Division this year.
#21 |  |
Dallas Stars
Jamie Benn seems to be the only real "star" on this Stars team. I mean yes, you now have one of the most prolific figures to ever play hockey in Jaromir Jagr, but he's now 40 & looking slow. The team lacks depth. The window on this team is closing quick with the long tenured veterans, but what's interesting is that this team is still scary on any given night.
Well, that rounds up the first of a three part installment on the pre-season rankings. Stay posted for part two: #20-11 coming soon!
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