Hello & welcome to part 2 of our 3 part series of preseason power rankings! Here we have the bulk of the league. We're starting to look at potential playoff teams & maybe even Stanley Cup contenders. Let's get started:
#20
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Anaheim Ducks
Good News: Teemu Selanne is back again for another year with his buddies in Anaheim. The Ducks looked strong towards the end of the season but came up short. If they want to succeed this year, they need Bobby Ryan & Corey Perry to really contribute.
#19
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Ottawa Senators
More Good News: It also seems like Daniel Alfredsson will be returning to his club. Craig Anderson seems to be their #1 this year which will be a huge part to their success if he can lock it down this season. Also expect Jason Spezza & Erik Karlsson to be tipping points on whether this team makes a playoff run this season.
#18
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Colorado Avalanche
Colorado has the talent & youth but what they don't have is clutch. Last season's efforts fell short at the end and that's obviously not a good thing when you're in a shortened year. If Matt Duchene can get things rolling with Paul Stastny, you'll have two very dangerous lines that will make the Avalanche a threat for the postseason.
#17
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New Jersey Devils
The reigning Eastern Conference champs are back!....but with out their top line! The reports circling about the uncertainty of Ilya Kovalchuk's return & the loss of leader Zach Parise makes this team a sure bet to not repeat this year as conference champs. The Devils are still incredibly strong without them.
#16
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Washington Capitals
Alot of people jump on the Capitals train every year, & who wouldn't when you got ELITE talent in Alexander Ovechkin. The Capitals added a few pieces to the puzzle in the offseason to try and beef up for the suddenly strong Southeastern division this year. With a good start this year Washington can easily become a favorite.
#15
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Florida Panthers
Last year was one of the most heart-breaking losses any team had in the playoffs. After a double-overtime, Game 7 defeat to the eventual Eastern Conference champs, many people were left wondering whether or not the Panthers could of made it that far. With new "possible" addition Alex Kovalev & the rise of Jonathan Huburdeau, Florida looks as strong or even stronger than last year.
#14
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Minnesota Wild
I know what you're thinking: "How could this be such a low ranking?? These guys are stacked this year!" Well there's a little thing called "chemistry" which we haven't seen yet since Zach Parise & the gang haven't even skated together yet in a game. This rank will rise no doubt by the end of the season.
#13
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Nashville Predators
Isn't it fun watching a scrappy, hard-nosed team destroy boards night after night? The Predators lost a big piece with Ryan Suter, but with Shea Weber still in the mix sometimes you can be thankful that at least you have one!I expect big things from this Nashville team regardless of their loss.
#12
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Phoenix Coyotes
Two words: Mike Smith. Geez this guy is a brick wall isn't he? It sometimes makes me wonder what a crazy fanbase this team would have if it was located somewhere else. Phoenix deserves an NHL franchise, but I'm not going to get into that. Expect nothing buy excellence this year from this squad.
#11
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Carolina Hurricanes
The only reason I'm ranking Carolina this high is because, unlike Minnesota, there is "chemistry" here. The Staal brothers lived with each other as children for Christ's-sake. If Cam Ward pulls out a stellar year whilst Alexander Semin smooths in a nice transition, the Hurricanes will be the favorite in the Southeast.
Well there you have it! expect the final installment tomorrow including our #1 spot! Enjoy!
