WESTERN CONFERENCE
Predicted order of finish:
1. San Jose:
Addition of Brent Burns on defense will keep the Sharks among the NHL’s elite.
2. Vancouver:
Blowing the Stanley Cup still hurts, but the Canucks have plenty left for another big run.
3. Detroit:
The Red Wings are old but still have a ton of offense and Nick Lidstrom on the blue line.
4. Los Angeles:
Additions of Mike Richards and Simon Gagne boost an already-good Kings team.
5. Chicago:
Big stars remain, but the Blackhawks haven’t replaced the quality depth that won the Cup in 2010.
6. Nashville:
With Pekka Rinne in goal and Shea Weber and Ryan Suter on defense, the Predators still will be difficult to score against.
7. St. Louis:
The Blues look like they have the talent and hunger to make it back to the postseason.
8. Calgary:
Tired in some areas, but the Flames still have a good team.
Conference finals:
San Jose over Vancouver
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Predicted order of finish:
1. Tampa Bay:
The Lightning came within one goal of making the Stanley Cup Finals last year.
2. Boston:
Defending Cup champions face complacency issues that plague winners but will win a lot of games.
3. Buffalo:
New Sabres owner Terry Pegula spent big bucks in the offseason, so expectations are high.
4. Philadelphia:
The Flyers finally have a real goalie in Ilya Bryzgalov.
5. Washington:
Goalie Tomas Vokoun gives the Caps better veteran presence, but the defense is suspect.
6. Pittsburgh:
With Sidney Crosby’s return still uncertain, the Penguins will fight to stay in the top tier.
7. N.Y. Rangers:
Coach John Tortorella may set a record for profanity on HBO’s Winter Classic special.
8. Montreal:
The Canadiens are good, especially with Carey Price.
Conference finals:
Tampa Bay over Montreal
STANLEY CUP FINALS
San Jose over Tampa Bay
