2007-2008 NHL Season Preview

Oct 08, 2007

Summer is over and the boys on skates are back for another NHL season. Is this the year a Canadian team takes back the Cup, or will the Sharks or a kid named Sid have something to say about that?

NHL Preview - Stanley Cup Contenders

Detroit Red Wings - The Red Wings were one round away from getting to the finals. Will the addition of Brian Rafalski be enough to get Mo-town over the hump? They arguably have the strongest offense in the league, so don't be surprised if the Wings are the last team standing!

Anaheim Mighty Ducks - The defending Stanley Cup champions will have a big bulls-eye on their backs this season. Although it'll be tough to repeat, they have the tools to return to the finals and perhaps win it again. Don't forget Chris Pronger is still the best defenseman in the NHL.

Ottawa Senators - No disrespect to Vancouver, but if there's a Canadian team that can win the Stanley Cup, it's the Ottawa Senators. Dany Heatley is a legitimate MVP candidate and the Scotiabank Place is one of the most hostile arenas in the league. When goalie Ray Emery recovers from wrist surgery, watch out!

Pittsburgh Penguins - Sidney Crosby might have looked like a deer in headlights in his first NHL playoffs, but wisdom comes from experience. He's the best player the game has seen since Mario Lemieux and we think this will be his breakout season. While realistically the Penguins are still a few years away, we still pick them as our darkhorse to challenge for the cup.

San Jose Sharks - General Manager Doug Wilson has put together a great roster, led by MVP candidate Joe Thornton. A lot of experts are picking the Sharks to go all the way!

NHL Preview - Players To Watch

Jeremy Roenick - This NHL veteran was all set to hang it up until the San Jose Sharks called. People think Roenick is too old to play and we know how he loves to prove people wrong. Can he help the Sharks reach the NHL's promise land?

Todd Bertuzzi - This controversial player has a new team and fresh start since signing with the Anaheim Ducks. Can this once promising star put his past behind him and start playing like his old self?

Roberto Luongo - If the Canucks had any offense during last season's playoffs, they would have been serious contenders. The reason? Roberto Luongo is hands down the best goalie in the game and he's worth every dollar of that humongous contract. Expect even better things out of him this season.