Northeast Division Preview

With training camps officially opening next week, and many unofficial workouts already in progress, it's high time that The Blue & White previewed the division.

Boston Bruins

They have added #1 goalie Manny Fernandez, and got a nice return for Shean Donovan in Peter Schaefer. This makes the Bruins a better team in 07/08 than it was in 06/07. The Bruins, however, were near the bottom of the league both in offense and defense last year on their way to a last place finish in the division.
The biggest change in Boston during the offseason was the arrival of Manny Fernandez, who is a definite improvement on one of the leagues shortest fuses, Tim Thomas. Thomas' 3.13 GAA from last season was ugly, but on the other hand he was a top 5 goaltender in shootouts. Manny will shave off some goals against this year and the Bruins just might finish ahead of Montreal for 4th place in the division.
Bottom Line: They have not done enough to compete for the playoffs this year.


Buffalo Sabres

Arguably the league's biggest losers in the offseason. Buffalo lost Daniel Briere and Chris Drury - their #1 and #2 centres - but boasted the deepest forward unit in the league last year. Their 308 goals for was far and away the best in the league. Moreover, Danius Zubrus (a natural centre who had been playing the wing in Buffalo) split for New Jersey. Good thing for Buffalo they have ridiculous depth at the forward position. Drew Stafford and Clarke MacArthur will step into full-time roles, and Tim Connolly will be counted on to offset the loss of the big two centres. They'll likely not lead the league in goals, but they'll still be far above-average. After all, Ryan Miller is still between the pipes and their underrated defense is still in tact.
Bottom Line: Although weakened by free-agent losses, Buffalo is still strong and should have no problems finishing 2nd in the division.


Montreal Canadiens

Lucky for Montreal, Buffalo's bedshitting in the offseason overshadows their own. The Habs lost Sheldon Souray's 26 goals (and leadership) that they are trying to replace with Roman Hamrlik. Ouch. Also, Sergei Samsonov, their biggest free-agent acquisition a year ago was run out of town. Can't really blame them on that one. Additions to the team are either rookies or minor, aging pieces.
Carey Price, challenging for the backup role out of training camp, is the real deal, and may take over the starting goaltending duties by season's end. Chris Huet and his Al-Pacino-slicked-back haircut is little more than Price's placeholder from here on.
Bottom Line: Montreal is in some real trouble this year. A 5th place finish unless their crop of young'uns really steps up.


Ottawa Senators

The class of the Northeast Division. Sure, they lost Tom Preissing, Mike Comrie, and Peter Schaefer - a tall order for some teams - but all three were minor players on the Senators. The team hasn't made any major additions or subtractions in the offseason, which suits the Stanley Cup finalists just fine. If Ottawa can rid itself of Martin Gerber's contract, they'll be able to pick up another player that will likely make them unstoppable.
The Wade Redden storyline continues in Ottawa - is he staying or is he going? Well, it says here that he's going this year. He is a free agent at year's end, along with 11 other Senators, including Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza. How the fuck can they afford to bring back Heatley, Spezza, and Redden you ask? They can't, and the smart money is on keeping the dominant first line in tact - Bryan Murray is smart enough to get something back for Redden via trade rather than lose him for nothing.
Bottom Line: Ottawa is still really fucking good, and should beat out Buffalo for a first place finish in the division.


Toronto Maple Leafs

Picking up Vesa Toskala, Jason Blake, and Mark Bell have made the team much stronger. After placing a respectable 4th in the conference (in goals for) last season, the Leafs should better last year's 258 goals. Moreover, Vesa Toskala should cut down a few from the Leafs' abysmal 268 goals against (6th worst!) from last year.
The Leafs defense, although no different from last year, stands to improve. 2006/07 saw brutal years from Bryan McCabe (defensively) and Pavel Kubina (offensively...and defensively), as well as first full NHL seasons for Ian White and Carlo Colaiacovo. Still offensive minded as a whole, the Leafs defense is not nearly as bad defensively as they are made out to be.
The Leafs did lose Mike Peca, but he barely played last season due to a knee injury. The loss of his penalty killing prowess will be softened by Jason Blake's skillz.
Let's not forget the importance of playing 41 home games on improved ice.
Bottom Line: After missing the playoffs by a single point last year, the Leafs will finish 3rd in the division and (finally) get back into the second season.