Division Previews: The Northeast
In preparation for the 2011-2012 NHL season, BlueNoteZone will be presenting divisional previews. Covered in this entry is the Northeast Division.
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The Northeast Division features your defending Stanley Cup Champions and four more-than-hungry teams wanting to take their place in 2011-2012.
The one team that’s least likely to dethrone the champion are the Senators, still immersed in rebuilding mode and a youth movement. Additionally, the Maple Leafs may be a year or two away from greatness, but they at least have a solid shot at making the postseason again, finally.
The main contenders are the Canadiens, with their astounding combination of youth and veteran talent and backstopped by one of the league’s top young goaltenders in Carey Price, and the Sabres, emboldened by new ownership that is willing to spend on a winning product on the ice and put his money where his mouth is, building from the outside and within.
As for the Bruins, expect them to fall off at least a slight bit as some important pieces to their Cup run have since left the club for “greener” pastures and the core is yet another year older.
It’s a toss-up as to who will win the division, but keep an eye on Montreal and Buffalo, as both teams boast rosters that are built to make the postseason.
PREDICTED DIVISION FINISH:
1) Montreal Canadiens
2) Buffalo Sabres
3) Boston Bruins
4) Toronto Maple Leafs
5) Ottawa Senators
