There are so many things all happening at once. The 2014 NFL regular season is cruising, the MLB playoffs are upon us, and the NBA had some blockbuster moves in its offseason. However, we shouldn’t forget the final league that makes up the big four, the NHL.
The NHL is now onto its preseason, and there are so many intriguing things to look out for. Yet, you don’t have to worry as we give you five of the top storylines in the NHL preseason.
For more the best sports action in North America, check out our MLB American League Wild Card Race and our complete picks for NFL Week 4.
[sc:NHLArticles ]2014 NHL Preseason Preview
Key Injuries
In his four-season career, the New York Rangers’ center Derek Stepan has not missed a regular-season game. However, he suffered a broken fibula during a Rangers on-ice conditioning test and is expected to miss four to six weeks. If he takes as much time to recover, he’ll miss the Rangers’ first 12 games of the regular season.
[sc:NHL240 ]Stepan’s injury will make way for the Rangers’ other centermen like Dominic Moore, J.T. Miller and Kevin Hayes. However, Miller and Hayes are still unproven in the big leagues, while Moore was a third-string center for the Rangers last year. Having a number of options to take over Stepan’s role in the first few weeks, you can look out for the Rangers’ centermen to each get significant playing time in the preseason games. The Rangers are +450 to win the Metropolitan Division.
When the NHL season starts, the Detroit Red Wings will be without their most dynamic player, center Pavel Datsyuk. The Red Wings center suffered a dislocated shoulder in an exhibition opener at Pittsburgh. With Datsyuk out, you can count on seeing more of the Red Wings’ captain Henrik Zetterberg on the ice for the time being. The Detroit Red Wings are worth a look at +600 to win the Atlantic Division.
Coaching Changes
After disappointing seasons (and even during), blame often lands on teams’ front offices and coaching staffs. Last season, the Pittsburgh Penguins failed to make the Eastern Conference final for the fifth-straight time after their 2009 Stanley Cup win. They fired coach Dan Bylsma who had a 252-117-32 regular season record and a 43-35 postseason record for the Penguins since 2009.
Bylsma was replaced by Mike Johnston who led the Western Hockey League’s Portland Winterhawks from 2008-2014 with a record of 231-114-10-10. Johnston also guided the team to win the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2013. With the coaching change, the Penguins are +450 favorites to win the Eastern Conference, behind only the Boston Bruins.
Meanwhile, then Washington Capitals coach Adam Oates lost his job after the team failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Oates will be replaced by former Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz. Trotz has a winning regular season record of 557-479-160 but owns a disappointing 19-31 slate in the playoffs after 15 seasons in Nashville.
Rookie Watch
There are quite a few rookies to watch out for in the NHL preseason. Derrick Pouliot, Darnell Nurse, Aaron Ekblad, Ryan Pulock, and Rasmus Ristolainen are just a few names. However, Pouliot and Ekblad seem to have the best chances of breaking out this season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ defense prospect, Pouliot, posted career-highs of goals (17), assists (53) and points (70) in the 2013-2014 season of the Western Hockey League. After the Penguins lost defensemen Brooks Orpik, Matt Niskanen and Deryk Engelland to free agency, Pouliot will have a chance to win a spot in the roster.
In the meantime, the Florida Panthers have their own promising defense prospect in Ekblad, the first overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Ekblad was named the best defenseman in the Ontario Hockey League last season with 23 goals, 30 assists and tying for fifth in the league with 53 points. He could contribute in a serious way for the Panthers immediately.
Free Agent Signings
Meanwhile in the Atlantic Division, the Montreal Canadiens re-signed P.K. Subban to an eight-year, $72 million contract. Now the NHL’s highest paid defenseman, Subban set career-highs in points (53) and assists (43) playing in his fifth season in the league. With the Montreal defenseman just entering his prime, he will be a great contributor for the Canadiens in years to come.
Ryan Miller started last season with the Buffalo Sabres, who were arguably the worst team last year, before being transfered to the St. Louis Blues. With the Blues, Miller was able to post a shaky .903 save percentage and 2.47 goals allowed average. During the offseason, the Vancouver Canucks managed to sign the talented goaltender to a three-year $18 million contract. The Canucks are hoping for Miller to rediscover his top form and help get them back to the playoffs.
Another top free agent who entered the free agency market is Thomas Vanek, who powered Montreal in playoffs with 10 points split between goals and assists. During the offseason, Vanek signed a three-year contract with the Minnesota Wild on July 1. Vanek will complete a creative three-point attack with captain Mikko Koivu at center and right wing Charlie Coyle for the Wild.
Western Powerhouses Set to Rule Again in 2014-2015
When looking at potential Stanley Cup champions, look no further than the Western Conference. There are just too many good teams hailing from the West. The Chicago Blackhawks won the Cup in 2010 and 2013, while the Los Angeles Kings too it in 2012 and 2014.
This year won’t be much different especially with Western Conference teams bolstering their rosters. The Blackhawks signed Richards to bolster their already deadly roster, the Nashville Predators added centers Mike Ribeiro and Derek Roy to strengthen up their middle, the St. Louis Blues took Paul Stastny, and the Anaheim Ducks acquired Ryan Kesler from the Vancouver Canucks.
The Western Conference teams are so evenly matched, even the odds reflect the tight race at the top. The Blackhawks are the favorites to win the conference at +375, while the Kings (+450), Blues (+550) and Ducks (+600) aren’t too far behind.
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