Western Conference Prediction

1) Detroit (Central)--> It takes a gambling man to bet against the Wings, who kept their Stanley Cup winning roster intact and added sniper Marian Hossa to the fold. The only possible factor that could hold this team back would be a poor season from goalie Chris Osgood

2) Dallas (Pacific)--> If Sean Avery can be the effective player that he proved to be at times with the Rangers, the Stars will be a tough team to beat in the West. They have above average scoring, solid defense and an All-Star goalie in Marty Turco.

3) Calgary (Northwest)--> Captain Iginla now has a bona-fide winger to play with in Mike Cammalleri, and Todd Bertuzzi is looking rejuvenated. If goalie Mikka Kiprusoff can return to All-Star form, the Flames will be a big contender.

4) San Jose (Pacific)--> A returning group of forwards will be joined by a revamped blueline which includes veteran stars Dan Boyle and Rob Blake. Evgeni Nabokov is capable of stealing games in net.

5) Edmonton (Northwest)--> One of the NHL's most improved teams, the Oilers have a great core of young players and acquired some veteran help in gritty forward Erik Cole and speedy defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky. Mathieu Garon will have to continue his progression between the pipes.

6) Anaheim (Pacific)--> The Ducks have taken a step backwards, but will still compete. They have potential All-Stars at every position, but their depth has been destroyed by Burke's attempts to fix salary cap woes.

7) Chicago (Central)--> The Hawks have surrounded young leader Jonathon Toews with an abundance of talent, including their biggest off-season acquisition, puck-moving blueliner Brian Campbell. This team could surprise a lot of people this season.

8) Vancouver (Northwest)--> The Canucks will continue to have scoring woes, which will prevent them from reaching the upper tier of the conference. But world-class goaltending from Roberto Luongo and a strong blueline will help this team squeak into the playoffs.

9) Phoenix (Pacific)--> An exciting team with a bunch of young talent, the Coyotes' lack of experience will hold them back in the playoff race. Look for this team to be a contender in the next 2 or 3 years.

10) Minnesota (Northwest)--> Coach Jacques Lemaire's defensive minded system will keep this team in every game, but distractions stemming from the Marian Gaborik contract debacle, lack of scoring depth and goaltending questions will keep this team out of the playoffs.

11) L.A. Kings (Pacific)--> The Kings have perhaps the brightest future of any NHL team, especially on the blueline, but they are not ready for the next step. Goaltending will be their main issue until top prospect Jonathon Bernier is ready.

12) Columbus (Central)--> The Bluejackets made a lot of moves this off-season, in an attempt to surround Rick Nash with more talent. In order to reach the playoff level, Nash will have to score like a Hart Candidate, and Pascal Leclaire must prove that he can handle the grind of a full season in net.

13) Nashville (Central)--> It will take a repeat performance from Dan Ellis in net for this team to be anywhere near the playoff picture, after losing a top young scorer in Alex Radulov to the KHL. The Predators will struggle to score this season.

14) Colorado (Northwest)--> The Avs' biggest downfall will be in net, as a tandem of Peter Budaj and Leafs' cast-off Andrew Raycroft is far from promising. Huge years from Sakic and Stastny will be key if the Avs are to make any noise.

15) St. Louis (Central)--> A team made up of aging veterans and young kids, the Blues could end up almost anywhere in the West, depending on the contributions of rookies who are being asked to play large roles. The loss of former first overall pick, defenceman Erik Johnson, is a huge loss for this team.