NHL Eastern Conference predicted order of finish

(predicted order of finish)

With stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, James Neal and now Brandon Sutter, it all comes down to erratic Marc-Andre Fleury in the cage.

Super deep up front and on the back end, the big question is whether Tuukka Rask and former Wild goalie Anton Khudobin can cement the net.

After a draft blockbuster last June, the Staal Brothers, Eric and Jordan, are united and joined by enigmatic Alexander Semin. This team could be stacked with Jeff Skinner, Justin Faulk and Cam Ward.

Arguably the best goaltender in the world, Henrik Lundqvist, anchoring a team with a top line that now includes Rick Nash and Marian Gaborik.

Claude Giroux, a bona fide superstar, will now be leading a deep roster with the only worry being what's going on in Ilya Bryzgalov's "universe."

Good mix of star power (Jason Spezza) and young up-and-comers (Erik Karlsson, Jakob Silfverberg and Mika Zibanejad).

Team continues to reinvent goaltending with Anders Lindback trade, but Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis will get the Bolts back in the playoffs.

Mike Ribeiro was a good acquisition, but it will be up to Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom to carry the Capitals in a deepening division.

Yes, they shocked everyone by going to last year's Stanley Cup Finals, but Martin Brodeur is 40 and Zach Parise is in Minnesota.

Nearly made a late push into the playoffs last year, but instigator Steve Ott was the Sabres' only big offseason addition.

At some point John Tavares, Frans Nielsen, Michael Grabner and Matt Moulson have to lead team out of the doldrums, right? Right?

Likely last year in the East; there are big holes on a roster that cause this rabid fan base heartache.