The puck drops this Thursday afternoon as the 2010-11 National Hockey League season commences. The new season starts with an original six matchup between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs.
After taking home the Stanley Cup last season, the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to repeat this year. While still atop the list of best teams, the Blackhawks lost a few key players from a year ago. While the big names such as center Jonathan Toews and winger Patrick Kane remain, it will be interesting to see how the team performs this season.
Ranked last overall last season, the Edmonton Oilers have been restructuring their organization by bringing in younger players. With first-round pick Taylor Hall, the Oilers are bringing up two other rookies that have spent time in the minors. Winger Jordan Eberle has been dominant in the junior leagues and international competition. Winger Magnus Paajrvi-Svesson has been shocking the West with his quick and accurate shot. Despite this, it's important to note the Oilers are still rebuilding.
After winning the Northeast Division last year, the Sabres are looking to repeat and go deep into the playoffs. The off-season acquisition of veteran forward Rob Niedermayer may give the club the needed experience to push pass the first round of the playoffs.
With so many new faces in new places, here's a preview of who to watch out for this season.
Team To Watch: Boston Bruins
After a shocking pre-season trade last year, Toronto acquired forward Phil Kessel from the Bruins in exchange for this year's first round pick. Boston selected 18-year-old center Tyler Seguin No. 2 overall. With the acquisitions of forwards Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell, the team added more firepower and grit to their offense. Aside from their offensive improvements, Boston returns one of the best goaltending tandems in the NHL in Tuukka Rask and Tim Thomas. Clearing out the front of the net again is former Norris trophy winner Zdeno Chara on defense.
The only thing that could hurt the Bruins this season could be injuries. If they stay healthy, this team may be a strong contender to go deep into the playoffs this season.
Team To Flop: Ottawa Senators
Always a post-season presence, the Ottawa Senators may find themselves leaving the elite eight of the Eastern Conference this year.
After losing major shot blocking defenseman Anton Volchenkov to free agency, there will be more strain on the notoriously weak goaltending pair of Pascal Leclaire and Brian Elliot. Leclaire and Elliot will likely split time while they battle it out for the starting position in goal for the Senators.
Award Winners:
Hart Trophy: Sidney Crosby
Given to the player who proves most valuable to his team, the Hart Trophy could wind up in the Penguins' star's hands once again. Sidney Crosby has been a nominee for the Hart Trophy for the past four years and won it in 2006 and 2007. Crosby was also one of the joint recipients of the Maurice Richard trophy (most goals in a season) last year, which could be a perfect jump off point for his 2010-11 performance.
Calder Trophy: P.K. Subban
Subban made an appearance on the Montreal Canadiens' blue line in the post-season last year, impressing fans with two assists in two games. His strenuous off-season training could make him a solid rookie defender for the Canadiens.
Vezina Trophy: Ryan Miller
Voted on by each team's general manager, the Vezina Trophy is given to the league's best goaltender. Buffalo's Ryan Miller took home the award last season, and is a good pick again this year. Miller is a focused goaltender who is always one step in front of the attack. His composure makes him an easy candidate for another Vezina.
Norris Trophy: Tyler Myers
By playing more than 20 minutes in 77 out of 82 games, Myers ranked 11th among defensemen last season. Assuming he will not become a victim of the sophomore slump, Myers should be hoisting another off-season trophy.
