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Eastern Conference predictions

Last update: October 8, 2008 - 10:54 PM

1. MONTREAL CANADIENS

'07-08: 54-21-7 (115 points)

Considering this city riots after even the most mundane victories, stay off the streets.

2. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

'07-08: 49-23-10

(108 points)

If Malkin-Crosby stay healthy, there's no reason to think this won't be another big year.

3. WASHINGTON CAPITALS

'07-08: 41-35-6 (88 points)

There are few better spokesmen for the NHL than Ovechkin. Does he ever stop smiling?

4. NEW YORK RANGERS

'07-08: 45-30-7 (97 points)

Many feel this team's going to dip, but I don't see it.

5. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

'07-08: 47-27-8 (102 points)

Could be one big name away from being a true contender.

6. NEW JERSEY DEVILS

'07-08: 42-30-10 (94 points)

Rolston says Jersey has "Lemaire philosophy, so I will be fine."

7. CAROLINA HURRICANES

'07-08: 40-34-8 (88 points)

Justin Williams' injury hurts, but as long as Eric Staal's healthy, Hurricanes will contend.

8. FLORIDA PANTHERS

'07-08: 44-28-10 (98 points)

Haven't won a playoff round since 1996, but their eight-year postseason absence will end.

9. OTTAWA SENATORS

'07-08: 34-36-12 (80 points)

This team is on the fall, and it already has a goalie controversy between Martin Gerber (above) and Alex Auld.

10. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING

'07-08: 38-37-7 (83 points)

Made lots of offseason noise, but it's not easy going from last to playoff party.

11. BUFFALO SABRES

'07-08: 39-33-10 (88 points)

Sabres relied solely on an offseason maturation of a young locker room, but pieces are missing.

12. BOSTON BRUINS

'07-08: 32-43-7 (71 points)

Overcame major odds to make last season's playoffs, but health will be paramount this year.

13. ATLANTA THRASHERS

'07-08: 41-32-9 (91 points)

Won't have the Marian Hossa distraction this year, but this is always an underachieving bunch.

14. NEW YORK ISLANDERS

'07-08: 44-31-7 (95 points)

Just not enough talent, although a lot could depend on Kyle Okposo's jump.

15. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

'07-08: 33-36-13 (79 points)

This will be a long, torturous rebuilding for the Center of the Hockey Universe.

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