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Ultimate Fantasy Pool Guide 2010-11

The Hockey News - Poolbook 2010

<h2><b>WELCOME TO THE 12TH ANNUAL</b></h2><p class="dropcap"><span>U</span>ltimate Guide, dedicated to hockey pool and fantasy league players. Our pages are full of statistics and player projections to help you challenge for the title in your league. The following legend lists abbreviations for statistics and leagues that are found in player profiles, rosters and stats pages. Because our deadline was in mid-July, we were unable to link the final wave of free agents with their new teams. So players with NHL shields have projections based more on past production than any expected output with their new team. A list of unrestricted free agents at the time of our deadline is on page 23.</p><p><b>NHL Teams</b> Ana-Anaheim, Atl-Atlanta, Bos-Boston, Buf-Buffalo, Cgy-Calgary, Car-Carolina, Chi-Chicago, Col-Colorado, Clb-Columbus, Dal-Dallas, Det-Detroit, Edm-Edmonton, Fla-Florida, LA-Los Angeles, Min-Minnesota, Mtl-Montreal, Nsh-Nashville, NJ-New Jersey, NYI-New York Islanders, NYR-New York Rangers, Ott-Ottawa, Phi-Philadelphia, Pho-Phoenix, Pit-Pittsburgh, StL-St. Louis, SJ-San Jose, TB-Tampa Bay, Tor-Toronto, Van-Vancouver, Wsh-Washington.</p><p><b>Minor Pro</b> AHL-American League (Abbotsford, Adirondack, Albany, Binghamton, Bridgeport, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Hamilton, Hartford, Hershey, Houston, Lake Erie, Lowell, Manchester, Manitoba, Milwaukee, Norfolk, Peoria, Portland, Providence, Rochester, Rockford, San Antonio, Springfield, Syracuse, Texas, Toronto, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Worcester), ECHL-(formerly known as East Coast League).</p><p><b>Major Junior</b> OHL-Ontario League, QMJHL-Quebec Major Junior League, WHL-Western League, USHL-United States League.</p><p><b>U.S. colleges</b> CCHA-Central Collegiate Hockey Association, ECAC-Eastern College Athletic Conference, HE-Hockey East, WCHA-Western Collegiate Hockey Association.</p><p><b>Europe</b> Aus-Austria, Bel-Belarus, Cze or Czech-Czech Republic, Fin-Finland, Ger-Germany, Kaz-Kazakhstan, Pol-Poland, Rus-Russia, Svk-Slovakia, Swe-Sweden, Swi or Switz or Sui-Switzerland, <b>Others</b> WJC-World Junior Championship, USA (under-18) or USNTDP is the U.S. national team development program.</p><p><b>Statistics</b> A-assists, Adv-advantage, Avgaverage, BMI-bench minors, D-defenseman, C-center, G-goals, GAA-goals-against average, GP-games played, GPG-goals per game, GK-goalkeeper, GT-game-tying, GW-game-winning, Ht-height, H/R-home/road, L-losses, LEA-league, LW-left winger, Min-minutes, Min/Pt-minutes per point, Pct-percentage, PPGA-power play goals against, PIM-penalties in minutes, Pos-position, PP-power play, PPG-power play goals or points per game, Pts-points, RW-right winger, S-shots, SA-shots against, SF-shots for, SH-shorthanded situations, Sh-shots on goal, SL-shootout losses, SO-shutouts, SP-shooting percentage or save percentage, T-ties, Tot-total, W-wins, Wt-weight, Yrs-years, +/-&ndash; plus-minus.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

Features

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ABBREVIATIONS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-011325/9471818-1-eng-US/f0027-012.jpg" title="f0027-01" width="556" height="207"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-02928/9471811-1-eng-US/f0027-022.jpg" title="f0027-02" width="1397" height="838"><figcaption class="caption-body">DEREK ROY <span class="photo-credit">(BILL WIPPERT/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>B</span>UFFALO IS the NHL&rsquo;s chameleon squad, constantly changing styles to fit its personnel. With Vezina Trophy goalie Ryan Miller on top of his game, plus Calder Trophy winner Tyler Myers leading the blueline, the Sabres are now a more defensive team than in the past. Still, there is some offensive depth. The addition of impact rookie Tyler Ennis and a major rebound season from Thomas Vanek will only help.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-03674/9471804-1-eng-US/f0027-032.jpg" title="f0027-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-04497/9471797-1-eng-US/f0027-042.jpg" title="f0027-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>SABRES DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-05344/9471790-1-eng-US/f0027-052.jpg" title="f0027-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-06257/9471783-1-eng-US/f0027-062.jpg" title="f0027-06" width="640" height="2822"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

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Departments

TROPHY WINNERS HOLD DOWN FORT

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-01295/9473468-1-eng-US/f0052-012.jpg" title="f0052-01" width="520" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>I</span>T WILL BE difficult for Hart and Art Ross winner Henrik Sedin to duplicate his magical 2009-10, but the Canucks will still be a high-scoring team. There is depth with second-line center Ryan Kesler and rookie Cody Hodgson behind Sedin, while Manny Malhotra brings intangibles and more faceoff acumen. Christian Ehrhoff, Alex Edler and Dan Hamhuis lead the defense, while wing is also a strong suit.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-02182/9473461-1-eng-US/f0052-022.jpg" title="f0052-02" width="847" height="1365"><figcaption class="caption-body">HENRIK SEDIN <span class="photo-credit">(JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-03121/9473454-1-eng-US/f0052-032.jpg" title="f0052-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-0499/9473447-1-eng-US/f0052-042.jpg" title="f0052-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>CANUCKS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-0573/9473440-1-eng-US/f0052-052.jpg" title="f0052-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-0662/9473433-1-eng-US/f0052-062.jpg" title="f0052-06" width="640" height="2772"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

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CANUCKS ADD SOUL TO HART

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0133-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0146/9474127-1-eng-US/f0133-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Tampa Bay&rsquo;s Zenon Konopka had a lot of dance partners in his first full NHL season.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0318/9474134-1-eng-US/f0133-032.jpg" title="f0133-03" width="163" height="185"></div><h2><b><i>MAJOR PENALTIES</i></b></h2><p><b>1. Zenon Konopka, TB</b>&nbsp;33</p><p>2. Ian Laperriere, Phi <b>26</b></p><p>3. Brandon Prust, Cgy/NYR <b>25</b></p><p>4. Matt Carkner, Ott <b>24</b></p><p>5. Colton Orr, Tor <b>23</b></p><p>6. Shawn Thornton, Bos <b>21</b></p><p> - Jared Boll, Clb <b>21</b></p><p>8. George Parros, Ana <b>20</b></p><p>- Krys Barch, Dal <b>20</b></p><p>- Cam Janssen, StL <b>20</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0231/9474120-1-eng-US/f0133-022.jpg" title="f0133-02" width="2149" height="1090"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

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IN THIS ISSUE

GUILTY AS CHARGED

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OPENING FACEOFF

<div class="byline">By Brian Costello</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0004-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-012160/9470753-1-eng-US/f0004-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">PETER MUELLER</figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE MOST COMPELLING part of 2009-10, from a fantasy league perspective, was the vast number of forwards who had breakout seasons so far removed from the norm that it&rsquo;s bound to have interesting repercussions on draft day.</p><p>Never before have I seen such differences &ndash; call them aberrations &ndash; in scoring totals as players go from one team to the next.</p><p>Lee Stempniak was a lost puppy in Toronto, scoring 14 goals in 62 games. After being traded to Phoenix, he scored 14 goals in 18 games. So what are we to expect in 2010-11? The 20-goal pace he averaged the previous four seasons or his 64-goal clip with the Coyotes?</p><p>It seemed 17 goals was about what Guillaume Latendresse was good for during parts of four seasons with Montreal. With Minnesota, he scored at a 37-goal pace through 55 games.</p><p>Benoit Pouliot, the player he was traded for, was a first-round flop with the Wild, scoring just nine goals in 65 games in four seasons. With Montreal, he connected at a 32-goal-a-season clip (15 goals in 39 games).</p><p>Peter Mueller was on a downward trajectory during three seasons in Phoenix, going from 54 points as a rookie to 36 as a sophomore to just 17 in 54 games last season. But after a deadline-day trade to Colorado in exchange for Wojtek Wolski, Mueller scored nine goals and 20 points in 15 games.</p><p>After four seasons with the Avalanche, Wolski looked like a bona fide 50-point man. But he had 18 points in 18 games in Phoenix, possibly raising the bar on expectations for him.</p><p>My advice is not to get seduced by what I call the Jason Blake Supremacy. During Blake&rsquo;s first six seasons, he averaged 18 goals as a plucky second/third-liner. So what happens when he busts out for 40 goals as a 33-year-old in 2006-07? The Toronto Maple Leafs expect him to do it again and again and pay him accordingly as a free agent. In the three seasons since, Blake reverted back to 20-goal-a-season form and wore out his welcome in Toronto.</p><p>Was that his fault or were expectations too high?</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-021835/9470746-1-eng-US/f0004-022.jpg" title="f0004-02" width="590" height="142"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-031476/9470739-1-eng-US/f0004-032.jpg" title="f0004-03" width="428" height="748"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(MICHAEL MARTIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

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MAKING SENSE OF WEIRD STATS

<div class="byline">By Ryan Kennedy</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0006-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-012387/9470822-1-eng-US/f0006-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Tampa Bay&rsquo;s Steven Stamkos is a world-class goal-scorer, but it didn&rsquo;t happen right away.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(SCOTT AUDETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE TAYLOR OR TYLER DEBATE raged on before this summer&rsquo;s NHL draft, but the fun didn&rsquo;t stop just because sweaters have been designated to the pair.</p><p>As NHL rookies, Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin will be expected to step into the lineup right away, as has been the trend among top picks recently. And while having a shiny new prospect in an NHL jersey provides a great level of anticipation among fans, poolies should look to an interesting statistical trend. That is, rookie scoring has plummeted since the lockout.</p><p>Part of the reason is the bar was set rather high. In 2005-06, Alex Ovechkin rang up 106 points as a freshman phenom to lead all newbies. Evgeni Malkin hit 85 points in the next campaign, followed by Patrick Kane (72), Bobby Ryan (57) and Matt Duchene (55) in successive years bringing us to the present.</p><p>Of course, Kane and Steven Stamkos were both top-10 scorers in the NHL last season (joining Ovechkin) and Malkin has won an Art Ross Trophy, so the trend does not hold up over time, but it does introduce a bit of caution when it comes to projecting rookie totals for Hall and Seguin.</p><p>While playing in the NHL as a teen is a great accomplishment, even some of the best players have needed to adjust their targets accordingly.</p><p>Tampa Bay&rsquo;s Stamkos is the poster boy for patience. After an underwhelming start to his freshman campaign that was kneecapped by the mis-coaching of Barry Melrose, Stamkos posted strong returns in the second half of the season, then took off at the World Championship as a member of Team Canada. Playing alongside fellow Bolt Martin St-Louis, Stamkos lit up the international field for 11 points in nine games and took home a silver medal for his efforts. Upon returning to the NHL last fall, the Lightning center broke out with a 95-point campaign and a share of the Rocket Richard Trophy, tying Sidney Crosby with 51 goals.</p><p>&ldquo;I gained a lot of confidence from my first World Championship,&rdquo; said Stamkos, who had a modest 23 goals and 46 points as an NHL rookie in 2008-09. &ldquo;The second half of my first year went well and being able to carry over that success at an international competition with some skilled guys was a huge confidence booster for me, just knowing I could compete at that level.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-012130/9470815-1-eng-US/f0007-012.jpg" title="f0007-01" width="921" height="1764"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-021443/9470808-1-eng-US/f0007-022.jpg" title="f0007-02" width="1022" height="1802"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Taylor Hall & Tyler Seguin face huge expectations this season. Harness yours on draft day.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(BOTH: NOAH GRAHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>Returning to the topic of trends, New York Islanders savior-in-waiting, John Tavares also had a good-but-not-great rookie campaign, but then went on to score seven goals in seven games at the World Championship for Canada, partly on what was later discovered to be a broken foot. He&rsquo;s looking to repeat Stamkos&rsquo; sophomore success this year.</p><p>&ldquo;Playing at a high level like that and being able to extend my season and learn from a lot of the guys I was playing with, it was great to have success,&rdquo; Tavares said. &ldquo;But (also to) really learn a lot more about myself and what&rsquo;s going to make me successful at that level.&rdquo;</p><p>Stamkos, who has played with Tavares on several different Canadian national teams, sees no reason why Tavares can&rsquo;t have a breakout season this year.</p><p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s a great player in his own right,&rdquo; Stamkos said. &ldquo;There are ups and downs in this league, but it&rsquo;s how you finish and he finished the season really strong and had a great World Championship. He&rsquo;s going to do it, he&rsquo;s that skilled.&rdquo;</p><p>So the question for poolies becomes timing. If you&rsquo;re in a keeper league, you have to get in on the ground floor with top prospects, because the names are too big to stay under the radar. Since 2004, every forward drafted first overall who has played more than one NHL season has had at least an 88-point year &ndash; and that low mark came from Kane in 2009-10.</p><p>But if your pool is a single-year entity, chances are a rookie such as Tavares or Stamkos went higher than their performance warranted once the campaign was complete. The key is for the player to grow over the off-season, whether it&rsquo;s from a transcendent international performance or simply having an 82-game schedule under his belt and a whole summer to hit the weight room and hone skills.</p><p>&ldquo;I think any young guy, going season to season, you always want to improve and make great strides in your game and be more consistent and contribute more and more on a nightly basis,&rdquo; Tavares said. &ldquo;So for sure I want to make jumps, whether it&rsquo;s offensively, defensively, accountability, just being an overall leader and a good team player.&rdquo;</p><p>For Hall and Seguin, there will be plenty of time to grow into all those things and both have the pedigree to become forceful NHLers. As for an initial offensive splash, treat them like an NHL GM should and be patient; the numbers will eventually come, even if you have to wait a season or two.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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proceed with caution

<div class="byline">By Rory Boylen</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0008-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-012278/9470853-1-eng-US/f0008-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>S</span>INCE THE LOCKOUT, the leading rookie point total has fallen each year. From the 106 by Washington&rsquo;s Alex Ovechkin in 2005-06 to the 55 put up by Colorado&rsquo;s Matt Duchene in &rsquo;09-10, the leading freshman total has slowly been in decline.</p><p>But not next year, according to our prognostications. Edmonton&rsquo;s diminutive speedster and Canadian world junior hero Jordan Eberle is expected to take the league by storm. In fact, the 59 points we have him penciled in for would have been good for second on the 2009-10 Oilers team.</p><p>But Eberle is far from the only rookie to watch. Taylor and Tyler, the two most hyped players from the 2010 draft, are both expected to jump seamlessly into NHL life. Seguin joins a powerful Bruins team ready for a bounce back to the top of the East, while Hall joins Eberle, our cream of the rookie crop, on a young and emerging Oilers team.</p><p>It&rsquo;s worth noting exceptional youngsters Zach Boychuk and Nikita Filatov will play their first full year in the NHL, but will not be Calder Trophy eligible because they have already reached the games played plateau.</p><p>This sturdy dozen of NHL rookies are listed with their projected point totals according to The Hockey News pool guru Murray Townsend. All are eligible for the Calder Trophy as the NHL&rsquo;s top rookie.</p><p>1 JORDAN EBERLE, C, EDM, 59 POINTS &ndash; Proved to be a clutch goal-scorer in two World Junior Championships, finishing as Canada&rsquo;s all-time leading goal scorer at the event. He&rsquo;s had a taste of professional life with Springfield in the American League the past two springs and played in the 2010 World Championship.</p><p>2 TYLER ENNIS, C, BUF, 56 &ndash; Small, but slick. Ennis has already shown he can score in the NHL &ndash; even in the playoffs. He now must prove he can do it consistently for a prolonged period of time.</p><p>3 TAYLOR HALL, LW, EDM, 53 &ndash; Won two consecutive Memorial Cups and is the first to earn back-to-back Memorial Cup MVPs.</p><p>4 TYLER SEGUIN, C, BOS, 47 &ndash; Tied with Hall atop the Ontario League scoring race in 2009-10, but has one less year of junior experience. A sturdy two-way player, Seguin challenged Hall late, much like Duchene did with John Tavares last year.</p><p>5 P.K. SUBBAN, D, MTL, 47 &ndash; The prospect who gets Habs fans giddy, Subban showed a lot of promise in his post-season call-up, but still needs to learn when to check his instincts at the blueline.</p><p>6 NAZEM KADRI, C, TOR, 41 &ndash; The seventh overall pick from 2009 dominated the OHL upon his return, putting up 93 points in 56 games. His nifty hands can provide a ton of excitement.</p><p>7 CODY HODGSON, C, VAN, 38 &ndash; A back injury kept him from kicking off his NHL career in 2009-10 and he was off the ice for all but 13 Brampton Battalion games.</p><p>8 JAMIE MCBAIN, D, CAR, 38 &ndash; Made a scene in 14 call-up games in 2009-10, popping in an unexpected 10 points. Just another shrewd piece of GM Jim Rutherford&rsquo;s well-thought-out puzzle.</p><p>9 JOHN CARLSON, D, WSH, 37 &ndash; Jumped onto the mainstream hockey map with a gold medal-winning OT marker against Canada at the WJC and continued to thrive with Hershey in the AHL and even the Capitals.</p><p>10 CASEY WELLMAN, C, MIN, 36 &ndash; Son of ex-Major League Baseball infielder Brad Wellman, Casey was a college free agent signing in 2010. He&rsquo;ll contribute, but needs to add more bulk before breaking out.</p><p>11 BRAYDEN SCHENN, C, L.A., 36 &ndash; Scored 99 points and appeared in the Memorial Cup final in his final junior season. Has a strong two-way sense for the game and is seen by many as future captain material.</p><p>12 MIKAEL BACKLUND, C, CGY, 35 &ndash; In a thin Calgary system, Backlund provides an offensive light for a defense-first team. He notched 10 points in 23 NHL games in 2009-10.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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FABULOUS FRESHMEN

<div class="byline">By John Grigg</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0010-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-012249/9470884-1-eng-US/f0010-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">JONATHAN QUICK <span class="photo-credit">(JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>I</span>F TIM THOMAS CAN LOSE his No. 1 status in Beantown just months after accepting the Vezina Trophy in Sin City, no NHL goaltending job is safe. But who, this season, could go from backup to No. 1 or from stud to dud? And which prospects will be scrambling depth charts in the near future? THN has the inside scoop on all three.</p><h2><b>THREE GOALTENDERS WHO COULD GO FROM BACKUP TO NO. 1:</b></h2><h3><b>SCOTT CLEMMENSEN, FLORIDA</b></h3><p>With No. 1 Tomas Vokoun a 2011 unrestricted free agent, the thinking is that GM Dale Tallon will use Vokoun as a trade chip in Florida&rsquo;s re-building process. If that happens, Clemmensen, 33, &ndash; who proved as a Devil in 2008-09 that he can carry the load &ndash; will vault into the top spot.</p><h3><b>JONAS GUSTAVSSON, TORONTO</b></h3><p>The rookie Swede was supposed to apprentice behind a healthy Vesa Toskala last season. But, healthy or not, Toskala was horrible and Gustavsson, 25, played a lot early. Things calmed once J-S Giguere was brought to town, but with Giguere entering the final year of his contract, &lsquo;The Monster&rsquo; has the chance to be &lsquo;The Man&rsquo; by season&rsquo;s end.</p><h3><b>COREY CRAWFORD, CHICAGO</b></h3><p>Yes, Antti Niemi was the goalie of record for the Blackhawks&rsquo; first Stanley Cup in 49 years. But he allowed four or more goals in eight of 22 contests. With Cristobal Huet surely a salary cap casualty, Crawford, 25, will begin the season with the Hawks. Not long ago, Crawford was ahead of Niemi on the Chicago depth chart and their roles in the organization could easily have been flipped last season. If Niemi falters, Crawford will get his chance.</p><h2><b>THREE OTHERS WHO COULD LOSE THEIR JOBS:</b></h2><h3><b>JONATHAN QUICK, LOS ANGELES-</b></h3><p>Quick set the team mark for wins last season, but if you don&rsquo;t think he has his work cut out for him, you haven&rsquo;t heard of Jonathan Bernier. The American League&rsquo;s goaltender of the year and a first-team all-star last season, the 22-year-old was also undefeated in three NHL games with a shutout, 1.30 GAA and .957 SP. Quick will have to post the best statistics of his career to fend off Bernier.</p><h3><b>NIKLAS BACKSTROM, MINNESOTA</b></h3><p>At a $6 million cap hit, Backstrom taking a backseat would be a nightmare for the Wild. After posting the league&rsquo;s best save percentage and winning a Williams Jennings Trophy as a rookie in 2007, Backstrom, 32, led the Wild to a division title in 2008 before being nominated for the Vezina Trophy in 2009.</p><p>But with a Wild style of play that skewed towards offense last season, Backstrom&rsquo;s numbers tumbled. He may never have fully recovered from hip surgery in 2009 and injuries dogged him as last season wore on.</p><h3><b>SEMYON VARLAMOV, WASHINGTON</b></h3><p>No. 1 by default, Varlamov must prove he&rsquo;s a legitimate NHL goaltender, able to play consistently day in and day out. If Varlamov, 22, doesn&rsquo;t grab the opportunity and run with it, look for 2009 Calder Cup MVP Michal Neuvirth to steal the job.</p><h2><b>THREE GOALIES ANY TEAM WOULD WANT IN THEIR SYSTEM:</b></h2><h3><b>JACOB MARKSTROM, FLORIDA</b></h3><p>THN&rsquo;s No. 2 prospect in Future Watch 2010 will apprentice in the AHL with Rochester to begin his North American career. But Mark-strom, 20, tore up the Swedish Elite League for two seasons and has shone internationally. He is Florida&rsquo;s goalie of the not-too-distant future.</p><h3><b>CHET PICKARD, NASHVILLE</b></h3><p>The Western League&rsquo;s top goaltender in 2008 and &rsquo;09, Pickard had a rough rookie pro season with AHL Milwaukee. But Nashville goaltending coach Mitch Korn has pumped out NHLers with worse pedigrees than Pickard&rsquo;s for the past 20 years. Korn&rsquo;s prot&eacute;g&eacute;s include Dominik Hasek, Olaf Kolzig, Martin Biron and, in Nashville, Chris Mason, Dan Ellis and Pekka Rinne.</p><h3><b>ROBIN LEHNER, OTTAWA</b></h3><p>The goaltending situation in Ottawa is muddy &ndash; most have performed well in spurts, but none look like the real deal. Lehner, 19, whose dad used to be Henrik Lundqvist&rsquo;s goalie coach, is progressing nicely after coming to North America last season to play junior. Watch for him to push for playing time as early as 2011-12.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0010-01

PUCKSTOPPER RE-SHUFFLING

<div class="byline">By Adam Proteau</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0012-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-012196/9471020-1-eng-US/f0012-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">BRIAN CAMPBELL | CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS <span class="photo-credit">(NOAH GRAHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>E</span>VERY YEAR, POOLIES INVEST their time, emotions (and occasionally, their money) in NHLers whom they select to be part of their fantasy hockey team. And every year, a handful of players disappoint those who picked them by underwhelming on the ice.</p><p>Sometimes, that&rsquo;s because the player is highly susceptible to injury. Sometimes, it&rsquo;s because they&rsquo;re a streaky player and their streak of poor play lasts all season. And sometimes, it&rsquo;s because the skills they showed in previous years abandoned them altogether.</p><p>So who should you steer clear of when drafting this year?</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-021722/9471125-1-eng-US/f0012-022.jpg" title="f0012-02" width="106" height="106"></div><p>JASON BLAKE, LW Streaky scorer had just one assist in 16-game mid-season slump with Toronto last year.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-031105/9471118-1-eng-US/f0012-032.jpg" title="f0012-03" width="106" height="106"></div><p>DUSTIN BYFUGLIEN, RW On one hand, he&rsquo;s playing for a new boss and a contract; on the other, no Kane or Toews.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-04657/9471111-1-eng-US/f0012-042.jpg" title="f0012-04" width="106" height="106"></div><p>MICHAEL RYDER, RW Former Hab scored 27 goals and 53 points for Bruins in &rsquo;08-09, just 18 goals and 33 points last season.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-05462/9471104-1-eng-US/f0012-052.jpg" title="f0012-05" width="106" height="106"></div><p>TIM CONNOLLY, C Had a career-best point total last season, but missed 166 games over the past five years with injuries.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-06376/9471097-1-eng-US/f0012-062.jpg" title="f0012-06" width="106" height="106"></div><p>DAYMOND LANGKOW, C Gritty veteran&rsquo;s offensive numbers dropped by at least 12 points each of the previous three seasons.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-07310/9471090-1-eng-US/f0012-072.jpg" title="f0012-07" width="106" height="106"></div><p>JUSSI JOKINEN, LW Don&rsquo;t be fooled by goal total from last year (30): previous high in four other NHL campaigns is 17.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-08261/9471083-1-eng-US/f0012-082.jpg" title="f0012-08" width="106" height="106"></div><p>BRIAN CAMPBELL, D Goes long stretches without scoring and maybe it&rsquo;s time to worry about that small frame.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-09211/9471076-1-eng-US/f0012-092.jpg" title="f0012-09" width="106" height="106"></div><p>CHRIS STEWART, RW Had monster second year for Avs (28 goals, 64 points), but netted 16 between NHL and AHL in &rsquo;08-09.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-10189/9471069-1-eng-US/f0012-102.jpg" title="f0012-10" width="106" height="106"></div><p>DERICK BRASSARD, C Young center had 10 goals in 31 NHL games in 2008-09 &ndash; and only nine in 79 games last year.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-11175/9471062-1-eng-US/f0012-112.jpg" title="f0012-11" width="106" height="106"></div><p>KARI LEHTONEN, G Back problems limited former THN top prospect to just 112 games the past three seasons.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-12151/9471055-1-eng-US/f0012-122.jpg" title="f0012-12" width="106" height="106"></div><p>NIKLAS KRONWALL, D Supposed heir to Lidstrom has played more than 68 games only once in five-plus seasons.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-13135/9471048-1-eng-US/f0012-132.jpg" title="f0012-13" width="106" height="106"></div><p>RYAN WHITNEY, D A 45 assist, 59-point season in &rsquo;06-07 was his peak; he hasn&rsquo;t broke the 40-point plateau since.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-14125/9471041-1-eng-US/f0012-142.jpg" title="f0012-14" width="106" height="106"></div><p>CORY STILLMAN, LW Has name recognition value, but injuries sidelined 36-year-old 19-plus games each of past four seasons.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-15117/9471034-1-eng-US/f0012-152.jpg" title="f0012-15" width="106" height="106"></div><p>JUSTIN WILLIAMS, RW Since 2007, Williams has broken his hand and leg and torn his ACL. He&rsquo;s averaged just 61 games.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-16105/9471027-1-eng-US/f0012-162.jpg" title="f0012-16" width="106" height="106"></div><p>BRENT BURNS, D Dangerous when healthy, but concussion issues sidelined Burns for 48 games in the past two years.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-1788/9471013-1-eng-US/f0012-172.jpg" title="f0012-17" width="106" height="106"></div><p>BENOIT POULIOT, LW His 30-goal pace in Montreal last season could easily slip back into the 15-20 range.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-1876/9471006-1-eng-US/f0012-182.jpg" title="f0012-18" width="106" height="106"></div><p>J-P DUMONT, LW Discounting injury-plagued 2005-06, he posted his worst offensive season in seven years. He&rsquo;s tired at 32.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-1966/9470999-1-eng-US/f0012-192.jpg" title="f0012-19" width="106" height="106"></div><p>BRIAN ROLSTON, C Clearly no longer a 30-goal scorer, the 37-year-old Rolston is nearing the end of a solid career.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2061/9470992-1-eng-US/f0012-202.jpg" title="f0012-20" width="106" height="106"></div><p>MATT MOULSON, LW His 30-goal production shocked the hockey world. The shock will continue if he matches that total.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2146/9470985-1-eng-US/f0012-212.jpg" title="f0012-21" width="106" height="106"></div><p>MICHAL ROSZIVAL, D Paid like an elite D-man, yet plays much worse. Point totals have dropped three straight seasons.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2232/9470978-1-eng-US/f0012-222.jpg" title="f0012-22" width="106" height="106"></div><p>ALEX KOVALEV, RW What you get out of Kovalev is sketchy. You&rsquo;ll have an easier time revealing the meaning of life.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2326/9470971-1-eng-US/f0012-232.jpg" title="f0012-23" width="106" height="106"></div><p>SIMON GAGNE, LW Hernia woes sidelined Gagne for 24 games in &rsquo;09-10 &ndash; and he sat out 60 the previous two years.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2420/9470964-1-eng-US/f0012-242.jpg" title="f0012-24" width="106" height="106"></div><p>ED JOVANOVSKI, D Missed only two games between 2007-09, but reverted back to injury-prone form last season.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2519/9470957-1-eng-US/f0012-252.jpg" title="f0012-25" width="106" height="106"></div><p>CHRIS KUNITZ, LW Injuries led to 32 missed games and his worst offensive output ever (13 goals, 32 points) last season.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2618/9470950-1-eng-US/f0012-262.jpg" title="f0012-26" width="106" height="106"></div><p>ALEX STEEN, LW Put up 24 goals and 47 points in 68 games last year, but underachieved in previous seasons.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2718/9470943-1-eng-US/f0012-272.jpg" title="f0012-27" width="106" height="106"></div><p>MARC-EDOUARD VLASIC, D Offensive game lagged last season. At 23, he&rsquo;s better suited as a defensive ace.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2816/9470936-1-eng-US/f0012-282.jpg" title="f0012-28" width="106" height="106"></div><p>RYAN MALONE, LW Now 30, still hasn&rsquo;t broken 30-goal barrier and missed an average of 12 games past four seasons.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-2915/9470929-1-eng-US/f0012-292.jpg" title="f0012-29" width="106" height="106"></div><p>MIKHAIL GRABOVSKI, C Regressed last year. With Tyler Bozak and Nazem Kadri in Toronto&rsquo;s tow, he&rsquo;ll get lost in shuffle.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-3015/9470922-1-eng-US/f0012-302.jpg" title="f0012-30" width="106" height="106"></div><p>ALEXANDRE BURROWS, LW Thirty-five goals were his most since major junior in &rsquo;01-02. Time for a reality check?</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-3115/9470915-1-eng-US/f0012-312.jpg" title="f0012-31" width="106" height="106"></div><p>TOMAS FLEISCHMANN, LW Amassed career-best 23 goals, 51 points, but was a healthy scratch in the playoffs.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p></div>

f0012-01

HEARTACHES AND HEADACHES

<p>OUR POOL GURU made his point. Or perhaps we should say he came within a point.</p><p>Murray Townsend, who has been making player projections for more than 20 years, picked Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin to finish tied for second in NHL scoring with 110 points. Remarkably, they did tie for second, but with 109 points. Almost bang-on.</p><p>Having projections work out to near perfection is a bonus for Townsend. Having projections finish within the ballpark is the mandate.</p><p>Townsend watches multiple games every night during the season, logs his own detailed statistics daily and makes notes on each and every player.</p><p>Detailing his formula for making projections isn&rsquo;t something Townsend is going to share, but his philosophies are largely common sense.</p><p>&ldquo;A lot of things are from a lifetime of experience,&rdquo; Townsend said. &ldquo;Like a young player&rsquo;s progression, how players follow up career seasons, the age effect, who does a player play with.&rdquo;</p><p>Townsend notes it goes well beyond a player&rsquo;s ability. &ldquo;Everything is about a player&rsquo;s role with the team, especially if they&rsquo;re on the power play.&rdquo;</p><p>The pool guru acknowledges getting used to the salary cap has been a challenging process for him because it creates another layer of player expectation and therefore player movement.</p><p>The projections you see in these pages are part of a well thought-out process of checks and balances. Sure, he&rsquo;ll get a few bang-on and he&rsquo;ll miss some by a wide margin, but the majority are well within an impressive range.</p><p>One player, or players, who have confounded Townsend over the years are the Sedins. Townsend figured they maxed out in 2008-09 with 82 points apiece and called for them to slip to 80 last season. Well, Henrik led the NHL with 112 points and Daniel scored at a pace that would have been 111. He&rsquo;s calling from them to slide back to 90 and 89 points this season.</p><p>&ldquo;Almost positive they&rsquo;ve peaked,&rdquo; he said.</p><h2><b>FORWARD &REVERSE</b></h2><p>Some players peaked last season, others were young or caught in a rut. Here&rsquo;s Townsend&rsquo;s look at players projected to increase or decrease their point totals.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0013-011937/9471163-1-eng-US/f0013-012.jpg" title="f0013-01" width="569" height="536"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0013-021355/9471156-1-eng-US/f0013-022.jpg" title="f0013-02" width="569" height="536"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0013-01

TOWNSEND AGENCY

<div class="byline">By Ryan Dixon</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0014-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-012168/9471194-1-eng-US/f0014-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(ELSA/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>L</span>ET&rsquo;S GET THIS RIGHT out of the way: the notion every player toiling in the final year of a contract should be poolie catnip is a bit of a misnomer.</p><p>For hard evidence, look no further than the 15 goals and 50 points Olli Jokinen put up last year, meaning his lowest output since the end of the lockout coincided with the conclusion of his contract.</p><p>The opportunity to turn a monster season into a big payday isn&rsquo;t enough to get every player a prominent spot on the scoresheet, but the added incentive of playing for your future can provide a boost. With that in mind, here&rsquo;s a glance at some intriguing skaters who are eligible to become unrestricted free agents next summer. Other UFAs in 2011 are denoted in the skater profile section with UFA badges.</p><h2><b>VILLE LEINO, 26, Philadelphia</b></h2><p>In 55 games during parts of two seasons with Detroit, Leino produced 16 points &ndash; and not much changed when he was traded to Philly last February. He was even a healthy scratch for the first four games of the playoffs, but once he drew into the lineup, his stock started a steady climb. Playing alongside Daniel Briere and Scott Hartnell, Leino notched seven goals and 21 points in 19 post-season games.</p><p>The 26-year-old Finn is entering the final year of a deal that pays him $825,000. If his production from the playoffs spills over to the regular season, Leino will feel like he just won the lottery.</p><h2><b>ZDENO CHARA, 33, Boston</b></h2><p>Boston staked the future of its franchise on signing Chara the last time he was a UFA, back in the summer of 2006. The 2009 Norris Trophy winner and B&rsquo;s captain has scored between 43 and 51 points each of his four years in Beantown, but his goals dipped from 19 in 2008-09 to seven last year as the Bruins struggled to score.</p><h2><b>JOE THORNTON, 31, San Jose</b></h2><p>Until he wins a Cup, there will always be questions about Thornton&rsquo;s leadership capabilities. But even though he hasn&rsquo;t hit the 90-point barrier in two seasons, &lsquo;Big Joe&rsquo; remains one of the game&rsquo;s elite playmakers.</p><h2><b>BRAD RICHARDS, 30, Dallas</b></h2><p>Richards signed a five-year deal worth $7.8 million annually after hitting 91 points in 2005-06. He didn&rsquo;t come close to matching that total until again registering 91 last year. Will he go another handful of seasons before equaling that production or are the point-a-game campaigns here to stay?</p><h2><b>ALEXANDER SEMIN, 26, Washington</b></h2><p>The Caps inked Semin to a one-year extension last December, giving them some flexibility. But with so much firepower in Washington, you wonder if there&rsquo;s an odd-man-out scenario developing here.</p><h2><b>MARK GIORDANO, 27, Calgary</b></h2><p>The Toronto native was a revelation in 2009-10, his third full season in the league. When Dion Phaneuf continued to slump and Jay Bouwmeester never got on track, Giordano took off and led Flames D-men with 11 goals and 30 points. After seeing what UFA blueliners got this summer, it would be a surprise if he didn&rsquo;t test the waters in 2011.</p><h2><b>MIKKO KOIVU, 27, Minnesota</b></h2><p>It&rsquo;s hard to imagine Koivu leaving Minnesota, where he&rsquo;s become the team&rsquo;s Mr. Everything and is coming off a career-best 71-point season.</p><h2><b>PATRICE BERGERON, 25, Boston</b></h2><p>Bergeron has had two seasons to put that nasty concussion behind him; can he get back to being the 70-point player he was before the initial injury in 2007?</p><h2><b>DAVID BACKES, 26, St. Louis</b></h2><p>After busting out for 31 goals in 2008-09, Backes lapsed to 17 last year. Both his fortunes &ndash; and the Blues&rsquo; &ndash; should be back on the rise.</p><h2><b>TIM CONNOLLY, 29, Buffalo</b></h2><p>His 73 games last year were the most he&rsquo;s played in a post-lockout season. Still, can&rsquo;t imagine teams are lining up to commit long term.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0014-01

THE INCENTIVE OPPORTUNITY

<div class="byline">By Ryan Kennedy</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0016-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-011937/9471253-1-eng-US/f0016-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">CAM BARKER <span class="photo-credit">(JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>F</span>ANTASY DRAFTS ARE WON and lost in the later rounds. While it may have seemed like a fun idea to tab Sergei Shirokov on a flyer with your last pick of 2009-10, there was somebody else in your pool doing a little more research and taking Matt Moulson or Alex Steen. That right there would represent a nearly 50-point swing in a points-only pool.</p><p>So who are this year&rsquo;s dark horses? As with the NHL in general these days, it&rsquo;s a young man&rsquo;s game. Here&rsquo;s a look at some of the top candidates to break out and the reasons why they&rsquo;ll have the opportunity to do so.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-021488/9471288-1-eng-US/f0016-022.jpg" title="f0016-02" width="117" height="121"></div><p>TROY BROUWER, RW &ndash; CHICAGO It was Stanley Cup or bust in Chicago last year and even though the goal of a championship was met, now the &lsquo;bust&rsquo; part begins. Due to the cap crunch, the Hawks shed some name players and opportunity awaits for Brouwer, who put up 40 points in 2009-10. He can easily exceed that with more of an offensive role this year.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-031092/9471281-1-eng-US/f0016-032.jpg" title="f0016-03" width="117" height="121"></div><p>BRANDON SUTTER, C &ndash; CAROLINA Sutter had a streaky sophomore campaign, but proved he could put up big points in the NHL. This season is all about ironing out those flat stretches and the 6-foot-3 center will certainly get the chance, working behind Eric Staal as the Canes&rsquo; No. 2 pivot.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-04819/9471274-1-eng-US/f0016-042.jpg" title="f0016-04" width="117" height="121"></div><p>ERIK KARLSSON, D &ndash; OTTAWA The young Swede enters his second NHL season with a lot of promise as the quarterback of Ottawa&rsquo;s power play. His 26 points in 60 games with the Senators last year was a good start, but there&rsquo;s more to come from the gifted point man.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-05587/9471267-1-eng-US/f0016-052.jpg" title="f0016-05" width="117" height="121"></div><p>BRANDON YIP, RW &ndash; COLORADO Yip&rsquo;s points-pergame ratio was excellent in limited duty during his rookie season, popping in 19 points in 32 games. And while the Avs are young, don&rsquo;t expect a sophomore jinx from Yip &ndash; he&rsquo;s a four-year man from Boston University and at 25 years old, he won&rsquo;t be overwhelmed by increased expectations.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-06481/9471260-1-eng-US/f0016-062.jpg" title="f0016-06" width="117" height="121"></div><p>ROMAN HAMRLIK, D &ndash; MONTREAL With Andrei Markov on the shelf with an ACL injury for the first portion of the season, the Habs will need someone to step up from the blueline offensively. While P.K. Subban is the sexy pick, look for Hamrlik, a veteran, to get his licks in as well, especially if the full-time glare hits Subban hard.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-07418/9471246-1-eng-US/f0016-072.jpg" title="f0016-07" width="117" height="121"></div><p>DAN SEXTON, RW &ndash; ANAHEIM Nearly a point-pergame player in the AHL, Sexton was good for about half of that with the Ducks last season. Given that he has the speed and just needed to get more strength out of his 5-foot-9, 165-pound frame, look for Sexton to increase his offense and influence in Anaheim after an off-season of training.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-08361/9471239-1-eng-US/f0016-082.jpg" title="f0016-08" width="117" height="121"></div><p>CAM BARKER, D &ndash; MINNESOTA Given the injury histories of fellow Wild blueliners Brent Burns and Marek Zidlicky, look for Barker to get ample time showing off his offensive wares in Minnesota. As a member of the Blackhawks, Barker put up a career-high 40 points in 2008-09 and can certainly repeat that performance on a less potent squad.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-09314/9471232-1-eng-US/f0016-092.jpg" title="f0016-09" width="117" height="121"></div><p>RADEK DVORAK, RW &ndash; FLORIDA The Panthers may be one of the least sexy teams in the league, but some-one has to put up the points. And while Dvorak isn&rsquo;t a topliner, he is a secondary threat, playing on the last year of his contract. At 33, the Czech vet needs to prove he&rsquo;s still got it.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-10286/9471225-1-eng-US/f0016-102.jpg" title="f0016-10" width="117" height="121"></div><p>KYLE TURRIS, C &ndash; PHOENIX He&rsquo;s now 21 and more physically adaptable for the NHL after a season in the AHL. The Coyotes won&rsquo;t want to frustrate the third overall selection from 2007, so chances are he&rsquo;ll get an opportunity on the second or third line.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p></div>

f0016-01

DON’T SNOOZE THE SLEEPERS

<div class="byline">By Jamie Ross</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0018-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-011817/9471354-1-eng-US/f0018-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">STEVE DOWNIE <span class="photo-credit">(DOWNIE: SCOTT AUDETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>STEVE DOWNIE WAS A SAVIOR in a lot of pools last season.</p><p>The rugged Lightning right winger turned heads when he scored 22 goals and 46 points and amassed 208 penalty minutes while skating on Tampa Bay&rsquo;s top line. It was a breakout season for Downie, who proved there&rsquo;s an offensive upside to the 23-year-old&rsquo;s hard-nosed game.</p><p>With those stats, he ranked among the best of the bad boys in the NHL; those in-your-face fan favorites who mix grit with a touch of offense to find the scoresheet in more ways than one. And in fantasy hockey, those players score poolies key points in PIM-counting leagues.</p><p>Downie&rsquo;s success was a pleasant surprise. The 29th-overall pick in 2005 became the first player since Theo Fleury in 2001-02 to register more than 20 goals and 200 PIMs in a season. Downie led the league with 59 minor penalties and was No. 3 in total PIMs.</p><p>Don&rsquo;t count on him making any fewer trips to the sin bin in the future, either; Downie has earned more than 100 PIMs in every season since his sophomore year in major junior. But his intensity has gotten him into trouble in the past, too (he has served two 20-game suspensions in his three-year pro career). So in order for him to be your key double-threat &ndash; PIMs and points &ndash; you&rsquo;ll need him in the lineup, not in front of the league&rsquo;s disciplinary committee.</p><p>On the offensive side, it&rsquo;s hard to imagine Downie&rsquo;s numbers will regress as long as he&rsquo;s skating with Tampa stars Steven Stamkos and Martin St-Louis.</p><p>You won&rsquo;t see any marquee names on these lists &ndash; no Corey Perry or Ryan Getzlaf. We&rsquo;re reserving the top 10s here for players who will still be around after the first few rounds of fantasy drafts.</p><h2><b>PIMs AND POINTS</b></h2><p>These players can be relied on to provide both points and penalty minutes, season after season. Included are totals from 2009-10.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-021365/9471347-1-eng-US/f0018-022.jpg" title="f0018-02" width="743" height="588"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-03986/9471340-1-eng-US/f0018-032.jpg" title="f0018-03" width="311" height="574"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(BURROWS: JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>LOOK OUT FOR&hellip;</b></h2><p>These players didn&rsquo;t rack up the points or the PIMs in the NHL for a variety of reasons last season. But count on them totaling decent numbers in both in 2010-11.</p><h3><b>Player</b></h3><p>Zach Bogosian, Atl</p><p><b>David Clarkson, NJ</b></p><p>B. Dubinsky, NYR</p><p>Taylor Hall, Edm</p><p>Nazem Kadri, Tor</p><p>Milan Lucic, Bos</p><p>Sheldon Souray, Edm</p><p>P.K. Subban, Mtl</p><p>Scottie Upshall, Phx</p><p>Colin Wilson, Nsh</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-04667/9471333-1-eng-US/f0018-042.jpg" title="f0018-04" width="310" height="574"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(CLARKSON: JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>POINTS BUT NO PIMs</b></h2><p>In fantasy leagues that count both points and PIMs, poolies should think twice before picking these second-tier guys. They can score, but are passive on penalties.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-05459/9471326-1-eng-US/f0018-052.jpg" title="f0018-05" width="743" height="590"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-06360/9471319-1-eng-US/f0018-062.jpg" title="f0018-06" width="310" height="575"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(MOULSON: BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0018-01

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NUMBERS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-021134/9471461-1-eng-US/f0020-022.jpg" title="f0020-02" width="256" height="77"></div><p><b>1. Alex Ovechkin</b>&nbsp;<i>(EF)</i></p><p><b>2. Sidney Crosby</b>&nbsp;<i>(AP)</i></p><p><b>3. Nicklas Backstrom</b>&nbsp;<i>(JG)</i></p><p><b>4. Evgeni Malkin</b>&nbsp;<i>(RK)</i></p><p><b>5. Henrik Sedin</b>&nbsp;<i>(BC)</i></p><p><b>6. Joe Thornton</b>&nbsp;<i>(RD)</i></p><p><b>7. Steven Stamkos</b>&nbsp;<i>(RB)</i></p><p><b>8. Anze Kopitar</b>&nbsp;<i>(NS)</i></p><p><b>9. Daniel Sedin</b>&nbsp;<i>(JK)</i></p><p><b>10. Alex Semin</b>&nbsp;<i>(JH)</i></p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-03813/9471454-1-eng-US/f0020-032.jpg" title="f0020-03" width="256" height="77"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0020-02

TOP 10

<div class="byline">By Dustin Pollack</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0020-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-011571/9471423-1-eng-US/f0020-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">ALEX OVECHKIN | WASHINGTON CAPITALS <span class="photo-credit">(BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>W</span>E&rsquo;VE SPENT THE summer applauding and hissing GMs around the league and now it&rsquo;s time that we, the experts and the fans, get the opportunity to put on the GM hat and give our best shot at putting together a championship team.</p><p>That&rsquo;s right, it&rsquo;s fantasy hockey.</p><p>In this &lsquo;fantasy land,&rsquo; there are no salary caps or contract negotiations (we&rsquo;ll leave those divots in the ice to the real execs).</p><p>Ten of our best and brightest got together during the off-season and drafted teams of 10 players, each of which has the potential to be crowned champion come April, 2011. The purpose is to provide poolies a look at how a simple, yet typical hockey draft will unfold in October.</p><p>No, TSN did not broadcast our draft lottery, but defending pool champion and THN managing editor Ed Fraser had the ping-pong balls bounce his way and won the first-overall selection. With the pick, Fraser inked perennial 50-goal scorer Alex Ovechkin, who will bounce back after his team&rsquo;s playoff disappointment. With the second pick, writer Adam Proteau selected Sidney Crosby, who like Ovechkin saw his team fall to eighth-seeded Montreal.</p><p>Swedish sniper Nicklas Backstrom, fresh off his first 100-point season, was snagged third overall by editor John Grigg. Hoping for a major comeback campaign from his first round selection, writer Ryan Kennedy selected Evgeni Malkin at No. 4.</p><p>Special sections editor Brian Costello put his faith in defending Art Ross and Hart Trophy winner Henrik Sedin and after slipping out of the top five, Joe Thornton was scooped up at No. 6 by writer Ryan Dixon.</p><p>Steven Stamkos and Anze Kopitar jumped into the first round next after breakout seasons and were taken by web guru Rory Boylen and intern Nick Spector.</p><p>Only in fantasy hockey would a competitor who finished last the previous season pick near the bottom again the following year. Unfortunately, that was the case for editor-in-chief Jason Kay, who selected Daniel Sedin at No. 9.</p><p>Art director Jamie Hodgson rounded out the first round making for a trifecta of Capitals, selecting Alex Semin before kicking off the second round by taking Patrick Kane.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-011271/9471416-1-eng-US/f0021-012.jpg" title="f0021-01" width="956" height="1258"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Great late picks are key. Ed Fraser took Steven Stamkos and Marian Gaborik late last year.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JAMIE HODGSON/THN)</span></figcaption></div><p>The selection process slowed as the cream of the crop were snatched up, making room for a few gutsy selections in the later rounds including Jiri Hudler (Grigg, 63rd), Tomas Fleischmann (Spector, 73rd) and Derick Brassard (Kennedy, 77th) among others. And much to his own chagrin, Fraser went with oft-injured Buffalo center Tim Connolly to round out the top 100.</p><p>Fraser won the pool last year thanks largely to cagey later round picks (Steven Stamkos, 43rd and Marian Gaborik, 63rd). It also helped he picked third overall and selected Sidney Crosby.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-02824/9471409-1-eng-US/f0021-022.jpg" title="f0021-02" width="960" height="897"><figcaption class="caption-body">EVGENI MALKIN | PITTSBURGH <span class="photo-credit">(GREGORY SHAMUS/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0020-01

THE FRIENDLY CONSULTANTS

<h2><b>Round 2</b></h2><p>11. P. Kane (JH)</p><p>12. M. Green (JK)</p><p>13. M. St-Louis (NS)</p><p>14. P. Datsyuk (RB)</p><p>15. I. Kovalchuk (RD)</p><p>16. R. Getzlaf (BC)</p><p>17. R. Nash (RK)</p><p>18. E. Staal (JG)</p><p>19. J. Toews (AP)</p><p>20. V. Lecavalier (EF)</p><h2><b>Round 3</b></h2><p>21. M. Gaborik (EF)</p><p>22. Z. Parise (AP)</p><p>23. P. Marleau (JG)</p><p>24. H. Zetterberg (RK)</p><p>25. J. Iginla (BC)</p><p>26. D. Heatley (RD)</p><p>27. P. Stastny (RB)</p><p>28. D. Setoguchi (NS)</p><p>29. B. Richards (JK)</p><p>30. C. Perry (JH)</p><h2><b>Round 4</b></h2><p>31. L. Eriksson (JH)</p><p>32. D. Alfredsson (JK)</p><p>33. M. Hossa (NS)</p><p>34. M. Koivu (RB)</p><p>35. J Spezza (RD)</p><p>36. J. Carter (BC)</p><p>37. M. Savard (RK)</p><p>38. T. Zajac (JG)</p><p>39. D. Keith (AP)</p><p>40. C. Stewart (EF)</p><h2><b>Round 5</b></h2><p>41. D. Doughty (EF)</p><p>42. P. Sharp (AP)</p><p>43. M. Cammalleri (JG)</p><p>44. C. Giroux (RK)</p><p>45. M. Richards (BC)</p><p>46. R. Kesler (RD)</p><p>47. A. Hemsky (RB)</p><p>48. T. Vanek (NS)</p><p>49. N. Horton (JK)</p><p>50. S. Gomez (JH)</p><h2><b>Round 6</b></h2><p>51. J. Jokinen (JH)</p><p>52. J. Franzen (JK)</p><p>53. D. Krejci (NS)</p><p>54. J. Pavelski (RB)</p><p>55. D. Roy (RD)</p><p>56. J. Tavares (BC)</p><p>57. T. Hall (RK)</p><p>58. A. Burrows (JG)</p><p>59. M. Duchene (AP)</p><p>60. P. Mueller (EF)</p><h2><b>Round 7</b></h2><p>61. B. Laich (EF)</p><p>62. D. Brown (AP)</p><p>63. J. Hudler (JG)</p><p>64. P. Kessel (RK)</p><p>65. B. Ryan (BC)</p><p>66. D. Briere (RD)</p><p>67. B. Morrow (RB)</p><p>68. W. Wolski (NS)</p><p>69. T. Plekanec (JK)</p><p>70. M. Samuelsson (JH)</p><h2><b>Round 8</b></h2><p>71. P. Bergeron (JH)</p><p>72. M. Havlat (JK)</p><p>73. T. Fleischmann (NS)</p><p>74. J. Langenbrunner (RB)</p><p>75. A. McDonald (RD)</p><p>76. M. Ribeiro (BC)</p><p>77. D. Brassard (RK)</p><p>78. S. Gagne (JG)</p><p>79. K. Huselius (AP)</p><p>80. V. Filppula (EF)</p><h2><b>Round 9</b></h2><p>81. D. Boyle (EF)</p><p>82. R. Smyth (AP)</p><p>83. J. Pominville (JG)</p><p>84. N. Antropov (RK)</p><p>85. S. Weiss (BC)</p><p>86. J. Neal (RD)</p><p>87. C. Pronger (RB)</p><p>88. N. Kadri (NS)</p><p>89. D. Penner (JK)</p><p>90. T. Myers (JH)</p><h2><b>Round 10</b></h2><p>91. T. Seguin (JH)</p><p>92. J. Arnott (JK)</p><p>93. B. Rafalski (NS)</p><p>94. M. Raymond (RB)</p><p>95. J. Staal (RD)</p><p>96. B. Boyes (BC)</p><p>97. T. Ennis (RK)</p><p>98. R. Bourque (JG)</p><p>99. T. Bozak (AP)</p><p>100. T. Connolly (EF)<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

The rest of the TOP 100

<div class="byline">By Kyle Palantzas</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0022-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-011458/9471523-1-eng-US/f0022-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">ALEXANDER FROLOV <span class="photo-credit">(GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>FREE AGENCY PANDEMONIUM hit the hockey realm once again this summer.</p><p>Newswires were jammed as GMs imported and exported NHL talent, shipping players &ndash; and their families &ndash; to new hockey markets.</p><p>Fans rekindled savior-like expectations for their squad&rsquo;s big-ticket acquisition or recoiled in the unvarnished reality of a dismantled roster.</p><p>The beginning of July is notorious for bloated contracts, where GMs jump the gun to lock down the biggest names on tap.</p><p>But what about those playing the waiting game?</p><p>The 2009-10 season saw nearly 200 free agent signings, with more than a quarter of them inked months after the July 1 floodgate opened.</p><p>Impact players such as Vaclav Prospal and Maxim Afinogenov were snagged late last off-season, but both finished second in scoring on their teams and earned less than $2 million combined.</p><p>The later portion of the off-season is packed with deals between cash-strapped teams and vulnerable players, who get picked up for a bargain.</p><p>Remember this, poolies: Late signees can be gems in fantasy warfare.</p><h2><b>2010-11 UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-021075/9471516-1-eng-US/f0022-022.jpg" title="f0022-02" width="1023" height="2047"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0022-01

LATE SIGNINGS OFTEN BEAR FRUIT

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0023-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-011274/9471554-1-eng-US/f0023-012.jpg"></div><p><b>TEAM LOGO</b></p><h2><b>FLICKERING FLAMES ON REBOUND</b></h2><p>THE NHL&rsquo;S lowest-scoring team will be better this time around; it can&rsquo;t do worse. As always, Jarome Iginla leads the way on offense. It would be great if Rene Bourque and Mark Giordano could maintain their new levels of production, while more is needed from Daymond Langkow and Matt Stajan. If Jay Bouwmeester returns to form and rookie Mikael Backlund breaks out, Calgary is playoff bound.</p><h2><b>WRITE UP</b></h2><p>A team synopsis with identifications and explanations of fantasy and pool league players.</p><h2><b>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</b></h2><p>The best prospects in each franchise&rsquo;s system are listed in terms of long-term NHL upside. Candidates for this year&rsquo;s roster in bold.</p><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><p>Check out our point-projection measuring stick for a graphic depiction of anticipated scoring totals for most players on the team.</p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Here&rsquo;s where to find team leaders in power play points, plus-minus and penalty minutes. Stats are from &lsquo;09-10.</p><h2><b>DEPTH CHART</b></h2><p>Here&rsquo;s a pecking order of how the team&rsquo;s roster stacks up this year. Line combinations and defense pairings may vary by the fall.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0023-01

ULTIMATE GUIDE THE TEAMS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-011403/9471620-1-eng-US/f0024-012.jpg" title="f0024-01" width="521" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE DUCKS lost another big piece this off-season with the retirement of future Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer, but they still boast a formidable attack up front. It&rsquo;s led by center Ryan Getzlaf and wingers Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan. They can form a deadly No. 1 line, but coach Randy Carlyle prefers not to place all his eggs in one basket. Anaheim lacks in secondary scoring and offensive blueline depth.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-021008/9471613-1-eng-US/f0024-022.jpg" title="f0024-02" width="824" height="1349"><figcaption class="caption-body">RYAN GETZLAF <span class="photo-credit">(DEBORA ROBINSON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-03714/9471606-1-eng-US/f0024-032.jpg" title="f0024-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-04516/9471599-1-eng-US/f0024-042.jpg" title="f0024-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>DUCKS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-05376/9471592-1-eng-US/f0024-052.jpg" title="f0024-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-06307/9471585-1-eng-US/f0024-062.jpg" title="f0024-06" width="640" height="2825"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0024-01

ANAHEIM LOSES A STALWART

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-011244/9471686-1-eng-US/f0025-012.jpg" title="f0025-01" width="568" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE POST-KOVALCHUK era is upon Atlanta, but there is a lot of hope. Bryan Little, Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien, Tobias Enstrom, Zach Bogosian and Niclas Bergfors represent the new nucleus. They&rsquo;re well supported by Nik Antropov and Rich Peverley. Young netminder Ondrej Pavelec is another key component. There will be less high-octane offense, but more structure overall, without Kovy.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-02877/9471679-1-eng-US/f0025-022.jpg" title="f0025-02" width="1394" height="838"><figcaption class="caption-body">NIK ANTROPOV <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-03613/9471672-1-eng-US/f0025-032.jpg" title="f0025-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-04424/9471665-1-eng-US/f0025-042.jpg" title="f0025-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>THRASHERS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-05314/9471658-1-eng-US/f0025-052.jpg" title="f0025-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-06253/9471651-1-eng-US/f0025-062.jpg" title="f0025-06" width="640" height="2802"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0025-01

THRASHERS YEARN TO SPREAD WEALTH

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-011418/9471752-1-eng-US/f0026-012.jpg" title="f0026-01" width="475" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE BRUINS are deep, especially at center. They got even deeper with the selection of No. 2 overall draft pick Tyler Seguin. There is a nice mix of youth and experience up front, while the blueline is led by the incomparable Zdeno Chara. It will be impossible for Boston not to improve offensively in 2010-11, after finishing last in the East in goals. Make no mistake, though: this is still a defense-first outfit.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-021017/9471745-1-eng-US/f0026-022.jpg" title="f0026-02" width="824" height="1350"><figcaption class="caption-body">DAVID KREJCI <span class="photo-credit">(BRIAN BABINEAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-03803/9471738-1-eng-US/f0026-032.jpg" title="f0026-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-04602/9471731-1-eng-US/f0026-042.jpg" title="f0026-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>BRUINS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-05460/9471724-1-eng-US/f0026-052.jpg" title="f0026-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-06384/9471717-1-eng-US/f0026-062.jpg" title="f0026-06" width="640" height="2763"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0026-01

OFFENSE BOUND TO GET BOOST

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-011398/9471884-1-eng-US/f0028-012.jpg" title="f0028-01" width="482" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE NHL&rsquo;S lowest-scoring team will be better this time around; it can&rsquo;t do worse. As always, Jarome Iginla leads the way on offense. It would be great if Rene Bourque and Mark Giordano could maintain their new levels of production, while more is needed from Daymond Langkow and Matt Stajan. If Jay Bouwmeester returns to form and rookie Mikael Backlund breaks out, Calgary is playoff bound.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-02983/9471877-1-eng-US/f0028-022.jpg" title="f0028-02" width="824" height="1350"><figcaption class="caption-body">JAROME IGINLA <span class="photo-credit">(DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-03739/9471870-1-eng-US/f0028-032.jpg" title="f0028-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-04538/9471863-1-eng-US/f0028-042.jpg" title="f0028-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>FLAMES DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-05424/9471856-1-eng-US/f0028-052.jpg" title="f0028-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-06369/9471849-1-eng-US/f0028-062.jpg" title="f0028-06" width="640" height="2817"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0028-01

FLICKERING FLAMES ON REBOUND

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-011234/9471950-1-eng-US/f0029-012.jpg" title="f0029-01" width="526" height="210"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-02847/9471943-1-eng-US/f0029-022.jpg" title="f0029-02" width="1398" height="839"><figcaption class="caption-body">ERIC STAAL <span class="photo-credit">(GREGG FORWERCK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HIS IS A GOOD offensive Canes team and now they&rsquo;re starting to incorporate more youth into the lineup. The defensemen are mobile and add production to the squad, while the forwards are deep enough for a three-line attack. Ray Whitney will be missed, but Jussi Jokinen and Zach Boychuk will pick up the slack on the wings. Eric Staal leads the offense, while the crease area is ably manned by Cam Ward.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-03607/9471936-1-eng-US/f0029-032.jpg" title="f0029-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-04457/9471929-1-eng-US/f0029-042.jpg" title="f0029-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>HURRICANES DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-05381/9471922-1-eng-US/f0029-052.jpg" title="f0029-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-06317/9471915-1-eng-US/f0029-062.jpg" title="f0029-06" width="640" height="2787"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0029-01

SMOOTH TRANSITION TO YOUTH MOVEMENT

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-011407/9472016-1-eng-US/f0030-012.jpg" title="f0030-01" width="611" height="194"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE STANLEY CUP champs are led by a versatile quintet of talent: center Jonathan Toews, right wingers Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa, versatile forward Patrick Sharp and Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Duncan Keith. There is also plenty of depth at all positions, except at center. Goaltender Antti Niemi is now the most understated championship netminder ever, but can he help the Hawks repeat?</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-02965/9472009-1-eng-US/f0030-022.jpg" title="f0030-02" width="824" height="1351"><figcaption class="caption-body">PATRICK KANE <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-03708/9472002-1-eng-US/f0030-032.jpg" title="f0030-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-04526/9471995-1-eng-US/f0030-042.jpg" title="f0030-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>BLACKHAWKS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-05405/9471988-1-eng-US/f0030-052.jpg" title="f0030-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-06337/9471981-1-eng-US/f0030-062.jpg" title="f0030-06" width="640" height="2763"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0030-01

CHICAGO WANTS THE REPEAT

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-011288/9472082-1-eng-US/f0031-012.jpg" title="f0031-01" width="561" height="201"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-02863/9472075-1-eng-US/f0031-022.jpg" title="f0031-02" width="1399" height="838"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAUL STASTNY <span class="photo-credit">(MICHAEL MARTIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE AVS quickly rebuilt their team and now boast a formidable core. There is center strength with Paul Stastny and sophomores Matt Duchene and Ryan O&rsquo;Reilly, plus power forward Chris Stewart, versatile Peter Mueller and ageless Milan Hejduk. J-M Liles, Kyle Quincey, Ryan Wilson, Kyle Cumiskey and rookie Kevin Shattenkirk are all mobile blueliners. In goal, Craig Anderson is now entrenched.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-03659/9472068-1-eng-US/f0031-032.jpg" title="f0031-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-04512/9472061-1-eng-US/f0031-042.jpg" title="f0031-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>AVALANCHE DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-05408/9472054-1-eng-US/f0031-052.jpg" title="f0031-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-06344/9472047-1-eng-US/f0031-062.jpg" title="f0031-06" width="640" height="2817"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0031-01

MOUNTAIN MAKEOVER HAPPENED QUICKLY

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-011382/9472148-1-eng-US/f0032-012.jpg" title="f0032-01" width="521" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>C</span>OLUMBUS FIGURES to open things up more under rookie coach Scott Arniel. This is great news for captain Rick Nash, Czech winger Jakub Voracek and young pivot Derick Brassard. Sadly, there isn&rsquo;t a ton of support here. Antoine Vermette, Kristian Huselius and R.J. Umberger are the best of the rest, while the returning Nikita Filatov is one to watch. Expect Steve Mason to bounce back in net.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-02929/9472141-1-eng-US/f0032-022.jpg" title="f0032-02" width="824" height="1351"><figcaption class="caption-body">RICK NASH <span class="photo-credit">(JAMIE SABAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-03681/9472134-1-eng-US/f0032-032.jpg" title="f0032-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-04515/9472127-1-eng-US/f0032-042.jpg" title="f0032-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>BLUE JACKETS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-05404/9472120-1-eng-US/f0032-052.jpg" title="f0032-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-06343/9472113-1-eng-US/f0032-062.jpg" title="f0032-06" width="640" height="2827"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0032-01

SAME CAST, BUT NEW APPROACH

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-011231/9472214-1-eng-US/f0033-012.jpg" title="f0033-01" width="539" height="339"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-02845/9472207-1-eng-US/f0033-022.jpg" title="f0033-02" width="1402" height="846"><figcaption class="caption-body">BRAD RICHARDS <span class="photo-credit">(JONATHAN DANIEL/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE STARS are in transition, due to a murky ownership situation. Mainstay Mike Modano is gone, but the center position remains a strength with Brad Richards and Mike Ribeiro. They&rsquo;re even stronger on the wings, as they boast goals, grit and two-way presence there. The blueline lacks a bona fide power play quarterback, but Stephane Robidas does his best. In goal, Kari Lehtonen must stay healthy.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-03665/9472200-1-eng-US/f0033-032.jpg" title="f0033-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-04540/9472193-1-eng-US/f0033-042.jpg" title="f0033-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>STARS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-05456/9472186-1-eng-US/f0033-052.jpg" title="f0033-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-06398/9472179-1-eng-US/f0033-062.jpg" title="f0033-06" width="640" height="2812"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0033-01

CHALLENGES AWAIT MODANO-LESS STARS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-011398/9472280-1-eng-US/f0034-012.jpg" title="f0034-01" width="550" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>D</span>ETROIT WILL continue to rely on virtually the same cast that went to the final in 2008 and 2009, after re-signing captain Nicklas Lidstrom and wingers Tomas Holmstrom and Todd Bertuzzi. Czech winger Jiri Hudler is also back, following a one-year hiatus in the KHL. Hudler, center Valtteri Filppula and goalie Jimmy Howard represent most of the youth on this veteran-laden squad.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-02967/9472273-1-eng-US/f0034-022.jpg" title="f0034-02" width="824" height="1351"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAVEL DATSYUK <span class="photo-credit">(DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-03769/9472266-1-eng-US/f0034-032.jpg" title="f0034-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-04620/9472259-1-eng-US/f0034-042.jpg" title="f0034-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>RED WINGS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-05511/9472252-1-eng-US/f0034-052.jpg" title="f0034-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-06460/9472245-1-eng-US/f0034-062.jpg" title="f0034-06" width="660" height="2822"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0034-01

WINGS STILL HAVE GOODS TO MAX OUT

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-011302/9472346-1-eng-US/f0035-012.jpg" title="f0035-01" width="487" height="210"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-02921/9472339-1-eng-US/f0035-022.jpg" title="f0035-02" width="1399" height="839"><figcaption class="caption-body">ALES HEMSKY <span class="photo-credit">(ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HERE ARE better days ahead for the Oilers, as young names such as Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson represent the new foundation of this massive rebuilding plan. Ales Hemsky, who missed most of 2009-10 due to injury, is still the top scorer, while Eberle, Sam Gagner, Dustin Penner and Hall will provide support. In goal, veteran Nikolai Khabibulin needs to rebound in a big way.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-03762/9472332-1-eng-US/f0035-032.jpg" title="f0035-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-04624/9472325-1-eng-US/f0035-042.jpg" title="f0035-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>OILERS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-05531/9472318-1-eng-US/f0035-052.jpg" title="f0035-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-06479/9472311-1-eng-US/f0035-062.jpg" title="f0035-06" width="640" height="2792"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0035-01

NO WHERE BUT UP FOR REBUILDING OILERS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-011298/9472412-1-eng-US/f0036-012.jpg" title="f0036-01" width="526" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>B</span>IG CHANGES are in order for the Panthers. New GM Dale Tallon is committed to a rebuilding plan and he began by trading Nathan Horton to Boston and Keith Ballard to Vancouver. Among the newcomers are defenseman Dennis Wideman, who will help the power play, and wingers Steve Bernier and Michael Grabner. The team&rsquo;s best player is its goalie: Tomas Vokoun today and Jacob Markstrom tomorrow.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-02870/9472405-1-eng-US/f0036-022.jpg" title="f0036-02" width="824" height="1351"><figcaption class="caption-body">STEPHEN WEISS <span class="photo-credit">(GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-03717/9472398-1-eng-US/f0036-032.jpg" title="f0036-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-04572/9472391-1-eng-US/f0036-042.jpg" title="f0036-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>PANTHERS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-05485/9472384-1-eng-US/f0036-052.jpg" title="f0036-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-06428/9472377-1-eng-US/f0036-062.jpg" title="f0036-06" width="640" height="2822"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0036-01

GM TALLON REBUILDING IN MIAMI

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-011158/9472478-1-eng-US/f0037-012.jpg" title="f0037-01" width="521" height="210"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-02807/9472471-1-eng-US/f0037-022.jpg" title="f0037-02" width="1405" height="851"><figcaption class="caption-body">ANZE KOPITAR <span class="photo-credit">(NOAH GRAHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE KINGS have several young players already producing in the NHL, led by defenseman Drew Doughty and center Anze Kopitar. L.A. hopes two more (at least) youngsters joins the fray in 2010-11; goaltender Jonathan Bernier and center Brayden Schenn. The former will challenge Jonathan Quick for the No. 1 job, while Schenn will forgo his final junior campaign in the WHL if deemed ready.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-03646/9472464-1-eng-US/f0037-032.jpg" title="f0037-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-04552/9472457-1-eng-US/f0037-042.jpg" title="f0037-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>KINGS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-05498/9472450-1-eng-US/f0037-052.jpg" title="f0037-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-06440/9472443-1-eng-US/f0037-062.jpg" title="f0037-06" width="640" height="2792"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0037-01

MORE YOUTH, TALENT RIPENING ON VINE

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-011258/9472544-1-eng-US/f0038-012.jpg" title="f0038-01" width="584" height="203"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>M</span>INNESOTA IS now better equipped to play a more offensive style, which coach Todd Richards began to implement last season. The arrival of Guillaume Laten-dresse last year helped, as did the presence of captain Mikko Koivu and talented winger Martin Havlat. If P-M Bouchard and Brent Burns return from injury issues and Cam Barker finally establishes himself, this team will score plenty.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-02862/9472537-1-eng-US/f0038-022.jpg" title="f0038-02" width="824" height="1351"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARTIN HAVLAT <span class="photo-credit">(JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-03693/9472530-1-eng-US/f0038-032.jpg" title="f0038-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-04563/9472523-1-eng-US/f0038-042.jpg" title="f0038-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>WILD DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-05456/9472516-1-eng-US/f0038-052.jpg" title="f0038-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-06389/9472509-1-eng-US/f0038-062.jpg" title="f0038-06" width="640" height="2763"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0038-01

POWER RETURNS TO WILD

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-011155/9472610-1-eng-US/f0039-012.jpg" title="f0039-01" width="535" height="210"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-02758/9472603-1-eng-US/f0039-022.jpg" title="f0039-02" width="1398" height="839"><figcaption class="caption-body">MIKE CAMMALLERI <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE CANADIENS re-signed Tomas Plekanec (and Benoit Pouliot) in the offseason, so the projected top-six forwards look the same in 2010-11. The offense is supported by defensemen Andrei Markov (who will not be ready to start the season) and P.K. Subban, a strong candidate for the Calder Trophy. With Jaroslav Halak traded, the time is now for goalie Carey Price to make this his team.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-03595/9472596-1-eng-US/f0039-032.jpg" title="f0039-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-04497/9472589-1-eng-US/f0039-042.jpg" title="f0039-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>CANADIENS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-05417/9472582-1-eng-US/f0039-052.jpg" title="f0039-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-06344/9472575-1-eng-US/f0039-062.jpg" title="f0039-06" width="640" height="2822"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0039-01

STABILITY IN FASHION, EXCEPT IN NET

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-01852/9472676-1-eng-US/f0040-012.jpg" title="f0040-01" width="493" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE PREDATORS traded away their captain, so Jason Arnott will not be centering the first line anymore. Instead, free agent acquisition Matthew Lombardi will get the nod, with sophomore Colin Wilson also expected to step up and move back to the middle from the wing. This team will continue to struggle for goals, though blueliners Shea Weber and Ryan Suter add some offense.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-02532/9472669-1-eng-US/f0040-022.jpg" title="f0040-02" width="823" height="1350"><figcaption class="caption-body">PATRIC HORNQVIST <span class="photo-credit">(JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-03409/9472662-1-eng-US/f0040-032.jpg" title="f0040-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-04331/9472655-1-eng-US/f0040-042.jpg" title="f0040-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>PREDATORS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-05284/9472648-1-eng-US/f0040-052.jpg" title="f0040-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-06248/9472641-1-eng-US/f0040-062.jpg" title="f0040-06" width="640" height="2782"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0040-01

NASHVILLE STILL STUCK FOR GOALS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-01737/9472742-1-eng-US/f0041-012.jpg" title="f0041-01" width="496" height="210"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-02470/9472735-1-eng-US/f0041-022.jpg" title="f0041-02" width="1399" height="838"><figcaption class="caption-body">ZACH PARISE <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE DEVILS added a familiar face in Jason Arnott to the second line, which will move Patrik Elias back to his more natural left wing position. New coach John MacLean will probably keep more line continuity than predecessor Jacques Lemaire, so the top unit of Zach Parise-Travis Zajac-Jamie Langenbrunner figures to be a constant. New Jersey needs to improve the power play and its blueline scoring.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-03383/9472728-1-eng-US/f0041-032.jpg" title="f0041-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-04332/9472721-1-eng-US/f0041-042.jpg" title="f0041-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>DEVILS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-05300/9472714-1-eng-US/f0041-052.jpg" title="f0041-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-06262/9472707-1-eng-US/f0041-062.jpg" title="f0041-06" width="640" height="2812"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0041-01

MACLEAN, ARNOTT MAKE OLD NEW AGAIN

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-01777/9472808-1-eng-US/f0042-012.jpg" title="f0042-01" width="501" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE YOUNG Islanders are ready to take another step forward and they&rsquo;ll be led by 2009 first overall selection John Tavares, who&rsquo;s eager to bust out in Year 2. He is supported with fellow youth in forwards Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey, Matt Moulson, Rob Schremp and Frans Nielsen. Veteran Mark Streit leads the way along the blueline and rookie Travis Hamonic looks like a real find for the future as well.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-02496/9472801-1-eng-US/f0042-022.jpg" title="f0042-02" width="824" height="1351"><figcaption class="caption-body">JOHN TAVARES <span class="photo-credit">(JAMIE SABAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-03388/9472794-1-eng-US/f0042-032.jpg" title="f0042-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-04314/9472787-1-eng-US/f0042-042.jpg" title="f0042-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>ISLANDERS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-05270/9472780-1-eng-US/f0042-052.jpg" title="f0042-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-06241/9472773-1-eng-US/f0042-062.jpg" title="f0042-06" width="640" height="2763"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0042-01

BABY STEPS FOR YOUTH BRIGADE

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-01763/9472874-1-eng-US/f0043-012.jpg" title="f0043-01" width="474" height="210"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-02526/9472867-1-eng-US/f0043-022.jpg" title="f0043-02" width="1406" height="850"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARIAN GABORIK <span class="photo-credit">(NICK LAHAM/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE RANGERS need to improve their offense in 2010-11, since they lack depth. In fact, star right winger Marian Gaborik accounted for 42 of the team&rsquo;s 222 goals last season. Sophomore defenseman Michael Del Zotto will help with the moribund attack and Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Callahan will get better, too. More scorers are required for the Blueshirts to return to the days of high-octane offense.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-03439/9472860-1-eng-US/f0043-032.jpg" title="f0043-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-04339/9472853-1-eng-US/f0043-042.jpg" title="f0043-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>RANGERS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-05294/9472846-1-eng-US/f0043-052.jpg" title="f0043-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-06242/9472839-1-eng-US/f0043-062.jpg" title="f0043-06" width="640" height="2763"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0043-01

POP-GUN ATTACK SEEKING SIZZLE

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-01665/9472940-1-eng-US/f0044-012.jpg" title="f0044-01" width="489" height="232"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span>FTER FLIRTING with the idea of trading top center Jason Spezza, the Senators decided to keep him &ndash; for now. He&rsquo;ll be counted on to lead the offense, with Erik Karlsson and free agent vet Sergei Gonchar manning the power play points. Peter Regin is another Sen who will receive more offensive exposure. Ottawa needs either Brian Elliott or Pascal Leclaire to exhibit goaltending dominance.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-02417/9472933-1-eng-US/f0044-022.jpg" title="f0044-02" width="871" height="1379"><figcaption class="caption-body">DANIEL ALFREDSSON <span class="photo-credit">(JOEL AUERBACH/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-03313/9472926-1-eng-US/f0044-032.jpg" title="f0044-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-04252/9472919-1-eng-US/f0044-042.jpg" title="f0044-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>SENATORS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-05214/9472912-1-eng-US/f0044-052.jpg" title="f0044-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-06188/9472905-1-eng-US/f0044-062.jpg" title="f0044-06" width="640" height="2797"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0044-01

GRADUAL PASSING OF TORCH

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-01570/9473006-1-eng-US/f0045-012.jpg" title="f0045-01" width="530" height="205"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-02370/9472999-1-eng-US/f0045-022.jpg" title="f0045-02" width="1399" height="838"><figcaption class="caption-body">MIKE RICHARDS <span class="photo-credit">(DAVE SANDFORD/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE FLYERS ARE as deep on offense as any team in the NHL and any number of forwards may lead the team in scoring. It could be captain Mike Richards, or playoff leader Daniel Briere, or emerging playmaker Claude Giroux, or two-way winger Simon Gagne or leading goal-scorer Jeff Carter. Philly is loaded. On defense, they get plenty of contributions from Chris Pronger, Kimmo Timonen and Matt Carle.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-03311/9472992-1-eng-US/f0045-032.jpg" title="f0045-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-04276/9472985-1-eng-US/f0045-042.jpg" title="f0045-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>FLYERS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-05246/9472978-1-eng-US/f0045-052.jpg" title="f0045-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-06213/9472971-1-eng-US/f0045-062.jpg" title="f0045-06" width="640" height="2807"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0045-01

OFFENSIVE WEAPONS COME IN WAVES

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-01570/9473072-1-eng-US/f0046-012.jpg" title="f0046-01" width="433" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE ACQUISITION of Wojtek Wolski last season gave Phoenix an offensive spark. However, the Coyotes are a defense-first outfit under coach Dave Tippett. That will continue to provide goalie Ilya Bryzgalov with great stats, though perhaps not as good as &lsquo;09-10. Shane Doan, Martin Hanzal and Radim Vrbata provide offensive support, while Kyle Turris and Keith Yandle are ready to bust out.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-02361/9473065-1-eng-US/f0046-022.jpg" title="f0046-02" width="824" height="1351"><figcaption class="caption-body">WOJTEK WOLSKI <span class="photo-credit">(CHRISTIAN PETERSEN/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-03259/9473058-1-eng-US/f0046-032.jpg" title="f0046-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-04213/9473051-1-eng-US/f0046-042.jpg" title="f0046-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>COYOTES DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-05169/9473044-1-eng-US/f0046-052.jpg" title="f0046-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-06148/9473037-1-eng-US/f0046-062.jpg" title="f0046-06" width="640" height="2817"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0046-01

METHODIC APPROACH A SUCCESS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-01524/9473138-1-eng-US/f0047-012.jpg" title="f0047-01" width="528" height="210"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-02342/9473131-1-eng-US/f0047-022.jpg" title="f0047-02" width="1398" height="839"><figcaption class="caption-body">SIDNEY CROSBY <span class="photo-credit">(GREGORY SHAMUS/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span>S LONG AS Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are clicking on all cylinders, the Penguins will produce. However, they do need more help in order to win the ultimate prize again. Third-line center Jordan Staal and offensive defenseman Alex Goligoski have untapped upside, while winger Chris Kunitz is a decent complementary option. The problem in Pittsburgh these days is a lack of scoring depth.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-03274/9473124-1-eng-US/f0047-032.jpg" title="f0047-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-04209/9473117-1-eng-US/f0047-042.jpg" title="f0047-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>PENGUINS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-05159/9473110-1-eng-US/f0047-052.jpg" title="f0047-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-06129/9473103-1-eng-US/f0047-062.jpg" title="f0047-06" width="640" height="2821"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0047-01

BALANCE AND DEPTH STILL MISSING LINK

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-01403/9473204-1-eng-US/f0048-012.jpg" title="f0048-01" width="526" height="210"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE BLUES have enough offensive depth to do some damage in the West, provided their young forwards keep progressing. Those names include T.J. Oshie, David Perron, David Backes and Patrik Berglund, as well as defensemen Erik Johnson and Alex Pietrangelo. They&rsquo;ll also get a boost from new No. 1 goalkeeper Jaroslav Halak and a return to form from scoring winger Brad Boyes.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-02256/9473197-1-eng-US/f0048-022.jpg" title="f0048-02" width="847" height="1365"><figcaption class="caption-body">BRAD BOYES <span class="photo-credit">(AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-03176/9473190-1-eng-US/f0048-032.jpg" title="f0048-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-04143/9473183-1-eng-US/f0048-042.jpg" title="f0048-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>BLUES DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-05105/9473176-1-eng-US/f0048-052.jpg" title="f0048-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-0686/9473169-1-eng-US/f0048-062.jpg" title="f0048-06" width="640" height="2807"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0048-01

PLENTY RIDING ON YOUTH

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-01369/9473270-1-eng-US/f0049-012.jpg" title="f0049-01" width="635" height="193"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-02272/9473263-1-eng-US/f0049-022.jpg" title="f0049-02" width="1398" height="839"><figcaption class="caption-body">JOE THORNTON <span class="photo-credit">(JED JACOBSOHN/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE SHARKS rode the big line of Patrick Marleau-Joe Thornton-Dany Heatley for much of the season last year and then were led by the second line of Ryane Clowe-Joe Pavelski-Devin Setoguchi in the playoffs. San Jose will be scary if ever its top two lines can click at the same time. On defense, Dan Boyle is as good as it gets in terms of production. Also, center Logan Couture will play a bigger role in &lsquo;10-11.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-03209/9473256-1-eng-US/f0049-032.jpg" title="f0049-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-04191/9473249-1-eng-US/f0049-042.jpg" title="f0049-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>SHARKS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-05151/9473242-1-eng-US/f0049-052.jpg" title="f0049-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-0681/9473235-1-eng-US/f0049-062.jpg" title="f0049-06" width="640" height="2826"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0049-01

ONE-TWO PUNCH JUST LACKS TIMING

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-01352/9473336-1-eng-US/f0050-012.jpg" title="f0050-01" width="555" height="231"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE BOLTS are back on track after a few seasons of shaky ownership and spinning their wheels. New coach Guy Boucher prefers an up-tempo style that leads to plenty of scoring chances, perfect for the likes of Steven Stamkos, Martin St-Louis, Vincent Lecavalier, Steve Downie, Victor Hedman and Pavel Kubina. The goaltending situation is murky, but more talent is coming &ndash; especially up front.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-02253/9473329-1-eng-US/f0050-022.jpg" title="f0050-02" width="824" height="1351"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARTIN ST-LOUIS <span class="photo-credit">(SCOTT AUDETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-03143/9473322-1-eng-US/f0050-032.jpg" title="f0050-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-04113/9473315-1-eng-US/f0050-042.jpg" title="f0050-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>LIGHTNING DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-0575/9473308-1-eng-US/f0050-052.jpg" title="f0050-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-0663/9473301-1-eng-US/f0050-062.jpg" title="f0050-06" width="640" height="2797"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0050-01

ELECTRIC FEELING IN TAMPA

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-01300/9473402-1-eng-US/f0051-012.jpg" title="f0051-01" width="528" height="210"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-02217/9473395-1-eng-US/f0051-022.jpg" title="f0051-02" width="1394" height="838"><figcaption class="caption-body">PHIL KESSEL <span class="photo-credit">(GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>I</span>N 2010-11, Toronto will become more of an offensive threat. Having wingers Phil Kessel and Kris Versteeg, and defenseman Dion Phaneuf for a full season helps, as will more development from center Tyler Bozak. Rookie pivot Nazem Kadri will also factor into the mix and emerge as a top-six forward before long. In goal, J-S Giguere and Jonas Gustavsson will have a healthy battle for starts.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-03152/9473388-1-eng-US/f0051-032.jpg" title="f0051-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-04122/9473381-1-eng-US/f0051-042.jpg" title="f0051-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>MAPLE LEAFS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-0587/9473374-1-eng-US/f0051-052.jpg" title="f0051-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-0673/9473367-1-eng-US/f0051-062.jpg" title="f0051-06" width="640" height="2772"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0051-01

FRESH NEW FACES BOOST EXPECTATIONS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-01275/9473534-1-eng-US/f0053-012.jpg" title="f0053-01" width="548" height="211"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-02183/9473527-1-eng-US/f0053-022.jpg" title="f0053-02" width="1394" height="838"><figcaption class="caption-body">NICKLAS BACKSTROM <span class="photo-credit">(G FIUME/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span> TEAM WITH Alex Ovechkin on it will always take the offensive spotlight, but add Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green and it becomes scary. Include Alexander Semin, Tomas Fleischmann, Brooks Laich, Mike Knuble and John Carlson and you get the best offense in hockey. Look for more of the same in 2010-11. In goal, the tandem of Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth face heightened expectations.</p><h2><b><i>TOP 10 PROSPECTS</i></b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-03129/9473520-1-eng-US/f0053-032.jpg" title="f0053-03" width="583" height="1307"></div><p><i>*Bold indicates good candidate for 2010-11 roster</i></p><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 09-10 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-04111/9473513-1-eng-US/f0053-042.jpg" title="f0053-04" width="779" height="620"></div><h2><b>CAPITALS DEPTH CHART</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-0583/9473506-1-eng-US/f0053-052.jpg" title="f0053-05" width="776" height="570"></div><h2><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-0672/9473499-1-eng-US/f0053-062.jpg" title="f0053-06" width="640" height="2807"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0053-01

FIREWAGON HOCKEY OR BUST FOR CAPS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-01284/9473831-1-eng-US/f0054-012.jpg" title="f0054-01" width="472" height="154"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>HE HOCKEY NEWS projects point totals for players expected to score at least 16 points in 2010-11. Those bound for 35 or more points are identified in these skater profiles. If you&rsquo;re in a deep pool and have to reach below 35 points, check out the projection chart on team pages or the master list on pages 138-142.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-02165/9473824-1-eng-US/f0054-022.jpg" title="f0054-02" width="2200" height="1257"></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-03110/9473817-1-eng-US/f0054-032.jpg" title="f0054-03" width="211" height="211"></div><p>RISING STAR: Identifies player whose production is on a marked upwards trajectory</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0483/9473810-1-eng-US/f0054-042.jpg" title="f0054-04" width="211" height="211"></div><p>UFA IN 2011: These players are pending unrestricted free agents in 2011 and may perform better</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0563/9473803-1-eng-US/f0054-052.jpg" title="f0054-05" width="210" height="211"></div><p>ICE TIME WORK HORSE: Skaters who are expected to log a lot of ice time in comparison to the norm</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0646/9473796-1-eng-US/f0054-062.jpg" title="f0054-06" width="210" height="211"></div><p>POWER PLAY ACE: A projected regular on the team&rsquo;s first power play unit</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0727/9473789-1-eng-US/f0054-072.jpg" title="f0054-07" width="211" height="211"></div><p>BANG FOR THE BUCK: These players provide better offensive statistics than reflected by their 2010-11 salary</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0819/9473782-1-eng-US/f0054-082.jpg" title="f0054-08" width="211" height="211"></div><p>SIN-BIN GUY: Skaters who have had or are projected to accumulate 70 or more penalty minutes this season</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0914/9473775-1-eng-US/f0054-092.jpg" title="f0054-09" width="214" height="211"></div><p>RED FLAG: A player prone to injury, suspension, healthy scratch, demotion or return to junior or Russia</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-1012/9473768-1-eng-US/f0054-102.jpg" title="f0054-10" width="211" height="211"></div><p>TRENDING DOWN: A skater whose production is expected to continue or start dropping in 2010-11</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-01252/9473761-1-eng-US/f0055-012.jpg" title="f0055-01" width="2362" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0056-01223/9473754-1-eng-US/f0056-012.jpg" title="f0056-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0058-01222/9473747-1-eng-US/f0058-012.jpg" title="f0058-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0060-01179/9473740-1-eng-US/f0060-012.jpg" title="f0060-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0062-01178/9473733-1-eng-US/f0062-012.jpg" title="f0062-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0064-01148/9473726-1-eng-US/f0064-012.jpg" title="f0064-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0066-01145/9473719-1-eng-US/f0066-012.jpg" title="f0066-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0068-01112/9473712-1-eng-US/f0068-012.jpg" title="f0068-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0070-0196/9473705-1-eng-US/f0070-012.jpg" title="f0070-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0072-0193/9473698-1-eng-US/f0072-012.jpg" title="f0072-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0074-0187/9473691-1-eng-US/f0074-012.jpg" title="f0074-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0076-0179/9473684-1-eng-US/f0076-012.jpg" title="f0076-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0078-0173/9473677-1-eng-US/f0078-012.jpg" title="f0078-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0080-0164/9473670-1-eng-US/f0080-012.jpg" title="f0080-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0082-0161/9473663-1-eng-US/f0082-012.jpg" title="f0082-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0084-0157/9473656-1-eng-US/f0084-012.jpg" title="f0084-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0086-0157/9473649-1-eng-US/f0086-012.jpg" title="f0086-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0088-0165/9473642-1-eng-US/f0088-012.jpg" title="f0088-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0090-0158/9473635-1-eng-US/f0090-012.jpg" title="f0090-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-0159/9473628-1-eng-US/f0092-012.jpg" title="f0092-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0094-0151/9473621-1-eng-US/f0094-012.jpg" title="f0094-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0096-0163/9473614-1-eng-US/f0096-012.jpg" title="f0096-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0098-0173/9473607-1-eng-US/f0098-012.jpg" title="f0098-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0100-0151/9473600-1-eng-US/f0100-012.jpg" title="f0100-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0102-0148/9473593-1-eng-US/f0102-012.jpg" title="f0102-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0104-0152/9473586-1-eng-US/f0104-012.jpg" title="f0104-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0106-0147/9473579-1-eng-US/f0106-012.jpg" title="f0106-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0108-0151/9473572-1-eng-US/f0108-012.jpg" title="f0108-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0110-0148/9473565-1-eng-US/f0110-012.jpg" title="f0110-01" width="2362" height="3225"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0054-01

ULTIMATE GUIDE SKATERS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-0146/9473932-1-eng-US/f0111-012.jpg" title="f0111-01" width="469" height="155"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>B</span>ETWEEN THE PIPES we focus our attention on NHL goalies projected to be starters or shared No. 1 stoppers in 2010-11. We also include goalies who have starter credentials and therefore may be moved. Only the top 40 goalies in projected workload are profiled. See page 143 for a complete list of goalie projections.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-0222/9473925-1-eng-US/f0111-022.jpg" title="f0111-02" width="2200" height="1257"></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-0317/9473918-1-eng-US/f0111-032.jpg" title="f0111-03" width="211" height="211"></div><p>RISING STAR: Identifies goalies whose performance is on a marked upwards trajectory</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-048/9473911-1-eng-US/f0111-042.jpg" title="f0111-04" width="211" height="211"></div><p>UFA IN 2011: These goalies are pending unrestricted free agents in 2011 and may perform better</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-055/9473904-1-eng-US/f0111-052.jpg" title="f0111-05" width="211" height="211"></div><p>BANG FOR BUCK: These goalies provide better statistics than reflected by their 2010-11 salary</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-064/9473897-1-eng-US/f0111-062.jpg" title="f0111-06" width="214" height="211"></div><p>RED FLAG: A goalie prone to injury, suspension, healthy scratch, demotion or return to junior ranks</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-073/9473890-1-eng-US/f0111-072.jpg" title="f0111-07" width="211" height="211"></div><p>TRENDING DOWN: A goaltender whose performance is expected to continue or start declining in 2010-11</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0112-0153/9473883-1-eng-US/f0112-012.jpg" title="f0112-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0114-0153/9473876-1-eng-US/f0114-012.jpg" title="f0114-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0116-0150/9473869-1-eng-US/f0116-012.jpg" title="f0116-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0118-0147/9473862-1-eng-US/f0118-012.jpg" title="f0118-01" width="4725" height="3225"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0111-01

ULTIMATE GUIDE GOALIES

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0120-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-0147/9474082-1-eng-US/f0120-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">2009-10 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS | CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS <span class="photo-credit">(DAVE SANDFORD/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-10/9474089-1-eng-US/f0120-102.jpg" title="f0120-10" width="163" height="185"></div><h2><b>OVERALL</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-0222/9474075-1-eng-US/f0120-022.jpg" title="f0120-02" width="215" height="188"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-0314/9474068-1-eng-US/f0120-032.jpg" title="f0120-03" width="430" height="925"></div><h2><b>CONFERENCE STANDINGS</b></h2><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-045/9474061-1-eng-US/f0120-042.jpg" title="f0120-04" width="110" height="79"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3><b>EASTERN CONFERENCE</b></h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-05/9474054-1-eng-US/f0120-052.jpg" title="f0120-05" width="1248" height="524"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-06/9474047-1-eng-US/f0120-062.jpg" title="f0120-06" width="112" height="79"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3><b>WESTERN CONFERENCE</b></h3><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-07/9474040-1-eng-US/f0120-072.jpg" title="f0120-07" width="1248" height="524"></div><h2><b>DIVISION</b></h2><h3><b>EASTERN CONFERENCE</b></h3><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-08/9474033-1-eng-US/f0120-082.jpg" title="f0120-08" width="443" height="1149"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-0148/9474026-1-eng-US/f0121-012.jpg" title="f0121-01" width="1171" height="525"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(FRANCOIS LACASSE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-0229/9474019-1-eng-US/f0121-022.jpg" title="f0121-02" width="1183" height="1619"></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-0319/9474012-1-eng-US/f0121-032.jpg" title="f0121-03" width="911" height="1551"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-0412/9474005-1-eng-US/f0121-042.jpg" title="f0121-04" width="908" height="578"><figcaption class="caption-body">2009-10 SCORING LEADER | HENRIK SEDIN <span class="photo-credit">(BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0122-0149/9473998-1-eng-US/f0122-012.jpg" title="f0122-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0124-0150/9473991-1-eng-US/f0124-012.jpg" title="f0124-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0126-0147/9473984-1-eng-US/f0126-012.jpg" title="f0126-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0128-0147/9473977-1-eng-US/f0128-012.jpg" title="f0128-01" width="4725" height="3225"><figcaption class="caption-body">RYAN MILLER | BUFFALO SABRES <span class="photo-credit">(BILL WIPPERT/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0130-0146/9473970-1-eng-US/f0130-012.jpg" title="f0130-01" width="4725" height="3225"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>MICHAEL LEIGHTON | PHILADELPHIA FLYERS</p><p>STEVEN STAMKOS | TAMPA BAY</p><p>CHRIS STEWART | COLORADO</p><p>BRANDON SUTTER | CAROLINA</p><span class="photo-credit">(FRANCOIS LACASSE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; STAMKOS: JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES; STEWART: MICHAEL MARTIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; SUTTER: GREGG FORWERCK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>INCREASE, DECREASE</b></h2><p class="dropcap"><span>C</span>omparisons are done on points per game of all active players who played at least 20 games in each of the past two seasons. Steven Stamkos had the biggest increase, while Todd White experienced the most dramatic drop.</p><h2><b>NHL ENTRY DRAFT</b></h2><p>The 2010 draft was held June 25-26 in Los Angeles. Listed below are each team&rsquo;s picks. Information includes round/overall, name, position, 2009-10 team and league.</p><h2><b>ANAHEIM DUCKS</b></h2><p>1/12. Cam Fowler, D, Windsor (OHL); 1/29. Emerson Etem, RW, Medicine Hat (WHL); 2/42. Devante Smith-Pelly, RW, St. Michael&rsquo;s (OHL); 5/122. Christopher Wagner, RW, South Shore (EJHL); 5/132. Tim Heed, D, Sodertalje (Swe Jr.); 6/161. Andreas Dahlstrom, C/W, AIK (Swe2); 6/177. Kevin Lind, D, Chicago (USHL); 7/192. Brett Perlini, RW, Michigan State (CCHA).</p><h2><b>ATLANTA THRASHERS</b></h2><p>1/8. Alexander Burmistrov, C, Barrie (OHL); 3/87. Julian Melchiori, D, Newmarket (CCHL); 4/101. Ivan Telegin, LW, Saginaw (OHL); 5/128. Fredrik Pettersson-Wentzel, G, Almtuna (Swe2); 5/150. Yasin Cisse, RW, Des Moines (USHL); 6/155. Kendall McFaull, D, Moose Jaw (WHL); 6/160. Tanner Lane, C, Detroit Lakes (High-MN); 6/169. Sebastian Owuya, D, Timra (Swe Jr.); 7/199. Peter Stoykewych, D, Winnipeg South (MJHL).</p><h2><b>BOSTON BRUINS</b></h2><p>1/2. Tyler Seguin, C, Plymouth (OHL); 2/32. Jared Knight, C, London (OHL); 2/45. Ryan Spooner, C, Peterborough (OHL); 4/97. Craig Cunningham, LW, Vancouver (WHL); 5/135. Justin Florek, LW, Northern Michigan (CCHA); 6/165. Zane Gothberg, G, Thief River Falls (High-MN); 7/195. Maxim Chudinov, D, Cherepovets (KHL); 7/210. Zach Trotman, D, Lake Superior (CCHA).</p><h2><b>BUFFALO SABRES</b></h2><p>1/23. Mark Pysyk, D, Edmonton (WHL); 3/68. Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, D, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL); 3/75. Kevin Sundher, C, Chilliwack (WHL); 3/83. Matt Mackenzie, D, Calgary (WHL); 4/98. Steven Shipley, C, Owen Sound (OHL); 5/143. Gregg Sutch, RW, St. Michael&rsquo;s (OHL); 6/173. Cedrick Henley, LW, Val-d&rsquo;Or (QMJHL); 7/203. Christian Isackson, RW, St. Thomas (High-MN); 7/208. Riley Boychuk, LW, Portland (WHL).</p><h2><b>CALGARY FLAMES</b></h2><p>3/64. Maxwell Reinhart, C, Kootenay (WHL); 3/73. Joey Leach, D, Kootenay (WHL); 4/103. John Ramage, D, Wisconsin (WCHA); 4/108. Bill Arnold, C, USNTDP (USHL); 5/133. Michael Ferland, LW, Brandon (WHL); 7/193. Patrick Holland, RW, Tri-City (WHL).</p><h2><b>CAROLINA HURRICANES</b></h2><p>1/7. Jeff Skinner, C, Kitchener (OHL); 2/37. Justin Faulk, D, USNTDP (USHL); 2/53. Mark Alt, D, Cretin-Derham (High-MN); 3/67. Danny Biega, D, Harvard (ECAC); 3/85. Austin Levi, D, Plymouth (OHL); 4/105. Justin Shugg, LW, Windsor (OHL); 6/167. Tyler Stahl, D, Chilliwack (WHL); 7/187. Frederik Andersen, G, Frederikshavn (Den).</p><h2><b>CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS</b></h2><p>1/24. Kevin Hayes, RW, Nobles (High-MA); 2/35. Ludvig Rensfeldt, LW, Brynas (Swe Jr.); 2/54. Justin Holl, D, Minnetonka (High-MN); 2/58. Kent Simpson, G, Everett (WHL); 2/60. Stephen Johns, D, USNTDP (USHL); 3/90. Joakim Nordstrom, C, AIK (Swe Jr.); 6/151. Mirko Hoefflin, C, Mannheim (Ger Jr.); 6/180. Nick Mattson, D, Indiana (USHL); 7/191. MacMillian Carruth, G, Portland (WHL).</p><h2><b>COLORADO AVALANCHE</b></h2><p>1/17. Joey Hishon, C, Owen Sound (OHL); 2/49. Calvin Pickard, G, Seattle (WHL); 3/71. Michael Bournival, LW, Shawinigan (QMJHL); 4/95. Stephen Silas, D, Belleville (OHL); 4/107. Sami Aittokallio, G, Ilves (Fin Jr.); 5/137. Troy Rutkowski, D, Portland (WHL); 5/139. Luke Walker, RW, Portland (WHL); 7/197. Luke Moffatt, C, USNTDP (USHL).</p><h2><b>COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS</b></h2><p>1/4. Ryan Johansen, C, Portland (WHL); 2/34. Dalton Smith, LW, Ottawa (OHL); 2/55. Petr Straka, RW, Rimouski (QMJHL); 4/94. Brandon Archibald, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL); 4/102. Mathieu Corbeil-Theriault, G, Halifax (QMJHL); 5/124. Austin Madaisky, D, Kamloops (WHL); 6/154. Dalton Prout, D, Barrie (OHL); 7/184. Martin Ouellette, G, Kimball Union (High-NH).</p><h2><b>DALLAS STARS</b></h2><p>1/11. Jack Campbell, G, USNTDP (USHL); 1/11. Jack Campbell, G, USNTDP (USHL); 2/41. Patrik Nemeth, D, AIK (Swe Jr.); 3/77. Alexander Guptill, LW, Orangeville (CCHL); 4/109. Alex Theriau, D, Everett (WHL); 5/131. John Klingberg, D, Frolunda (Swe Jr.).</p><h2><b>DETROIT RED WINGS</b></h2><p>1/21. Riley Sheahan, C, Notre Dame (CCHA); 2/51. Calle Jarnkrok, C, Brynas (Swe); 3/81. Louis-Marc Aubry, C, Montreal (QMJHL); 4/111. Teemu Pulkkinen, LW, Jokerit (Fin Jr.); 5/141. Petr Mrazek, G, Ottawa (OHL); 6/171. Brooks Macek, C, Tri-City (WHL); 7/201. Benjamin Marshall, D, Mahtomedi (High-MN).</p><h2><b>EDMONTON OILERS</b></h2><p>1/1. Taylor Hall, LW, Windsor (OHL); 2/31. Tyler Pitlick, C, Minnesota State (WCHA); 2/46. Martin Marincin, D, Slovakia U20 (Svk); 2/48. Curtis Hamilton, LW, Saskatoon (WHL); 3/61. Ryan Martindale, C, Ottawa (OHL); 4/91. Jeremie Blain, D, Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL); 5/121. Tyler Bunz, G, Medicine Hat (WHL); 6/162. Brandon Davidson, D, Regina (WHL); 6/166. Drew Czerwonka, LW, Kootenay (WHL); 7/181. Kristians Pelss, F, Dyn. Riga (Blr Jr.); 7/202. Kellen Jones, F, Vernon (BCHL).</p><h2><b>FLORIDA PANTHERS</b></h2><p>1/3. Erik Gudbranson, D, Kingston (OHL); 1/19. Nick Bjugstad, C, Blaine (High-MN); 1/25. Quinton Howden, C, Moose Jaw (WHL); 2/33. John McFarland, LW, Sudbury (OHL); 2/36. Alexander Petrovic, D, Red Deer (WHL); 2/50. Connor Brickley, C, Des Moines (USHL); 3/69. Joe Basaraba, RW, Shat. St. Mary&rsquo;s (High-MN); 4/92. Sam Brittain, G, Canmore (AJHL); 4/93. Benjamin Gallacher, D, Camrose (AJHL); 4/99. Joonas Donskoi, RW, Karpat (Fin Jr.); 5/123. Zach Hyman, C, Hamilton (CCHL); 6/153. Corey Durocher, LW, Kingston (OHL); 7/183. R.J. Boyd, D, Cushing Academy (High-MA).</p><h2><b>LOS ANGELES KINGS</b></h2><p>1/15. Derek Forbort, D, USNTDP (USHL); 2/47. Tyler Toffoli, C, Ottawa (OHL); 3/70. Jordan Weal, C, Regina (WHL); 5/148. Kevin Gravel, D, Sioux City (USHL); 6/158. Maxim Kitsyn, LW, Novokuznetsk (KHL).</p><h2><b>MINNESOTA WILD</b></h2><p>1/9. Mikael Granlund, C/W, HIFK (Fin); 2/39. Brett Bulmer, RW, Kelowna (WHL); 2/56. Johan Larsson, LW, Brynas (Swe Jr.); 2/59. Jason Zucker, LW, USNTDP (USHL); 6/159. Johan Gustafsson, G, Skare (Swe3); 7/189. Dylen McKinlay, RW, Chilliwack (WHL).</p><h2><b>MONTREAL CANADIENS</b></h2><p>1/22. Jarred Tinordi, D, USNTDP (USHL); 4/113. Mark MacMillan, F, Alberni Valley (BCHL); 4/117. Morgan Ellis, D, Cape Breton (QMJHL); 5/147. Brendan Gallagher, RW, Vancouver (WHL); 7/207. John Westin, LW, MODO (Swe Jr.).</p><h2><b>NASHVILLE PREDATORS</b></h2><p>1/18. Austin Watson, LW, Peterborough (OHL); 3/78. Taylor Aronson, D, Portland (WHL); 5/126. Patrick Cehlin, RW, Djurgarden (Swe); 6/168. Anthony Bitetto, D, Indiana (USHL); 7/194. David Elsner, W, Landshut (Ger2); 7/198. Joonas Rask, C, Ilves (Fin).</p><h2><b>NEW JERSEY DEVILS</b></h2><p>2/38. Jonathon Merrill, D, USNTDP (USHL); 3/84. Scott Wedgewood, G, Plymouth (OHL); 4/114. Joe Faust, D, Bloomington (High-MN); 6/174. Maxime Clermont, G, Gatineau (QMJHL); 7/204. Mauro Jorg, RW, Lugano (Swi).</p><h2><b>NEW YORK ISLANDERS</b></h2><p>1/5. Nino Niederreiter, RW, Portland (WHL); 1/30. Brock Nelson, C, Warroad (High-MN); 3/65. Kirill Kabanov, LW, Moncton (QMJHL); 3/82. Jason Clark, C/LW, Shat. St. Mary&rsquo;s (High-MN); 5/125. Tony DeHart, D, Oshawa (OHL); 7/185. Cody Rosen, G, Clarkson (ECAC).</p><h2><b>NEW YORK RANGERS</b></h2><p>1/10. Dylan McIlrath, D, Moose Jaw (WHL); 2/40. Christian Thomas, RW, Oshawa (OHL); 4/100. Andrew Yogan, C/LW, Erie (OHL); 5/130. Jason Wilson, LW, Owen Sound (OHL); 6/157. Jesper Fasth, RW, HV71 (Swe Jr.); 7/190. Randy McNaught, RW, Saskatoon (WHL).</p><h2><b>OTTAWA SENATORS</b></h2><p>3/76. Jakub Culek, LW, Rimouski (QMJHL); 4/106. Markus Sorensen, RW, Sodertalje (Swe Jr.); 6/178. Mark Stone, RW, Brandon (WHL); 7/196. Bryce Aneloski, D, Cedar Rapids (USHL).</p><h2><b>PHILADELPHIA FLYERS</b></h2><p>3/89. Michael Chaput, C, Lewiston (QMJHL); 4/119. Tye McGinn, LW, Gatineau (QMJHL); 5/149. Michael Parks, RW, Cedar Rapids (USHL); 6/179. Nicholas Luukko, D, The Gunnery (High-CT); 7/206. Ricard Blidstrand, D, AIK (Swe Jr.); 7/209. Brendan Ranford, LW, Kamloops (WHL).</p><h2><b>PHOENIX COYOTES</b></h2><p>1/13. Brandon Gormley, D, Moncton (QMJHL); 1/27. Mark Visentin, G, Niagara (OHL); 2/52. Philip Lane, RW, Brampton (OHL); 2/57. Oscar Lindberg, C, Skelleftea (Swe Jr.); 5/138. Louis Domingue, G, Quebec (QMJHL).</p><h2><b>PITTSBURGH PENGUINS</b></h2><p>1/20. Beau Bennett, RW, Penticton (BCHL); 3/80. Bryan Rust, RW, USNTDP (USHL); 4/110. Tom Kuehnhackl, RW, Landshut (Ger2); 5/140. Kenneth Agostino, LW, Delbarton (High-NJ); 6/152. Joe Rogalski, D, Sarnia (OHL); 6/170. Reid McNeill, D, London (OHL).</p><h2><b>SAN JOSE SHARKS</b></h2><p>1/28. Charlie Coyle, C/RW, South Shore (EJHL); 3/88. Max Gaede, RW, Woodbury (High-MN); 5/127. Cody Ferriero, C, Governor&rsquo;s Academy (High-MA); 5/129. Freddie Hamilton, C, Niagara (OHL); 5/136. Isaac MacLeod, D, Penticton (BCHL); 6/163. Konrad Abeltshauser, D, Halifax (QMJHL); 7/188. Lee Moffie, D, Michigan (CCHA); 7/200. Christopher Crane, RW, Green Bay (USHL).</p><h2><b>ST. LOUIS BLUES</b></h2><p>1/14. Jaden Schwartz, C, Tri-City (USHL); 1/16. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, Novosibirsk (KHL); 2/44. Sebastian Wannstrom, RW, Brynas (Swe Jr.); 3/74. Max Gardiner, C, Minnetonka (High-MN); 4/104. Jani Hakanpaa, D, K-Vantaa (Fin Jr.); 5/134. Cody Beach, RW, Calgary (WHL); 6/164. Stephen MacAulay, LW, Saint John (QMJHL).</p><h2><b>TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING</b></h2><p>1/6. Brett Connolly, RW, Prince George (WHL); 3/63. Brock Beukeboom, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL); 3/66. Radko Gudas, D, Everett (WHL); 3/72. Adam Janosik, D, Gatineau (QMJHL); 4/96. Geoffrey Schemitsch, D, Owen Sound (OHL); 4/118. James Mullin, C/RW, Shat. St. Mary&rsquo;s (High-MN); 6/156. Brendan O&rsquo;Donnell, C, Winnipeg South (MJHL); 7/186. Teigan Zahn, D, Saskatoon (WHL).</p><h2><b>TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS</b></h2><p>2/43. Bradley Ross, LW, Portland (WHL); 3/62. Greg McKegg, C, Erie (OHL); 3/79. Sondre Olden, W, MODO (Swe Jr.); 4/116. Petter Granberg, D, Skelleftea (Swe Jr.); 5/144. Sam Carrick, C, Brampton (OHL); 5/146. Daniel Brodin, LW, Djurgarden (Swe); 7/182. Josh Nicholls, RW, Saskatoon (WHL).</p><h2><b>VANCOUVER CANUCKS</b></h2><p>4/115. Patrick McNally, D, Milton Academy (High-MA); 5/145. Adam Polasek, D, P.E.I. (QMJHL); 6/172. Alex Friesen, C, Niagara (OHL); 6/175. Jonathan Iilahti, G, Blues (Fin Jr.); 7/205. Sawyer Hannay, D, Halifax (QMJHL).</p><h2><b>WASHINGTON CAPITALS</b></h2><p>1/26. Evgeny Kuznetsov, C, Chelyabinsk (KHL); 3/86. Stanislav Galiev, RW, Saint John (QMJHL); 4/112. Philipp Grubauer, G, Windsor (OHL); 5/142. Caleb Herbert, C, Bloomington (High-MN); 6/176. Samuel Carrier, D, Lewiston (QMJHL).</p><h2><b>FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0132-0223/9473963-1-eng-US/f0132-022.jpg" title="f0132-02" width="1049" height="947"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

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NHL STATISTICS 2009-10

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0134-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-0148/9474172-1-eng-US/f0134-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Sidney Crosby took more faceoffs for his team than any other player in the league.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-0314/9474179-1-eng-US/f0134-032.jpg" title="f0134-03" width="163" height="185"></div><p>&#8902;ROOKIES &#9633;NOTABLE PLAYERS</p><h2><b><i>PCT. OF TEAM FACEOFF</i></b></h2><p><b>1. Sidney Crosby, Pit</b>&nbsp;38.2</p><p>2. Paul Stastny, Col <b>38.0</b></p><p>3. Tomas Plekanec, Mtl <b>35.1</b></p><p>4. Antoine Vermette, Clb <b>34.5</b></p><p>5. Stephen Weiss, Fla <b>34.0</b></p><p>6. Jonathan Toews, Chi <b>33.7</b></p><p>7. Mikko Koivu, Min <b>33.1</b></p><p>8. Patrice Bergeron, Bos <b>32.5</b></p><p>9. Travis Zajac, NJ <b>32.3</b></p><p>10. Henrik Sedin, Van <b>32.2</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-0224/9474165-1-eng-US/f0134-022.jpg" title="f0134-02" width="2149" height="1091"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

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QUICK STICKS

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0135-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0135-0145/9474217-1-eng-US/f0135-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Caps defenseman Jeff Schultz made sure his high-flying mates were backed up well.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0135-0322/9474224-1-eng-US/f0135-032.jpg" title="f0135-03" width="163" height="185"></div><h2><b><i>BEST</i></b>&nbsp;<b><i>PLUS-MINUS</i></b></h2><p><b>1. Jeff Schultz, Wsh</b>&nbsp;+50</p><p>2. Alex Ovechkin, Wsh <b>45</b></p><p>3. Mike Green, Wsh <b>39</b></p><p>4. Nicklas Backstrom, Wsh <b>37</b></p><p>5. Christian Ehrhoff, Van <b>36</b></p><p>- Alexander Semin, Wsh <b>36</b></p><p>- Daniel Sedin, Van <b>36</b></p><p>8. Henrik Sedin, Van <b>35</b></p><p>9. Alexandre Burrows, Van <b>34</b></p><p>10. Mark Fistric, Dal <b>27</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0135-0225/9474210-1-eng-US/f0135-022.jpg" title="f0135-02" width="2149" height="1090"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

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TWO-WAY WIZARDS

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0136-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0136-0149/9474262-1-eng-US/f0136-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Scott Clemmensen had a save percentage in shootouts similar to that of regulation time.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(GREGG FORWERCK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0136-0315/9474269-1-eng-US/f0136-032.jpg" title="f0136-03" width="163" height="185"></div><p>&#8902;ROOKIES &#9633; NOTABLE PALYERS</p><h2><b><i>SHOOTOUT</i></b>&nbsp;<b><i>SAVE PERCENTAGE</i></b></h2><p><b>1. S. Clemmensen, Fla</b>&nbsp;.909</p><p>2. Josh Harding, Min <b>.900</b></p><p>3. Alex Auld, Dal/NYR <b>.867</b></p><p>4. Antti Niemi, Chi <b>.812</b></p><p>5. Dan Ellis, Nsh <b>.800</b></p><p>6. Antero Niittymaki, TB <b>.783</b></p><p>7. Ray Emery, Phi <b>.778</b></p><p>8. Jaroslav Halak, Mtl <b>.762</b></p><p>- Johan Hedberg, Atl <b>.762</b></p><p>10. Pekka Rinne, Nsh <b>.756</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0136-0228/9474255-1-eng-US/f0136-022.jpg" title="f0136-02" width="2149" height="1121"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0136-01

SAVING GRACE

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0137-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0137-0144/9474307-1-eng-US/f0137-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Dany Heatley used a wicked shot and quick release to settle nine of San Jose&rsquo;s games.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0137-0319/9474314-1-eng-US/f0137-032.jpg" title="f0137-03" width="163" height="185"></div><h2><b><i>GAME</i></b>&nbsp;<b><i>WINNING GOALS</i></b></h2><p><b>1. Dany Heatley, SJ</b>&nbsp;9</p><p>2. Daniel Sedin, Van</p><p><b>8</b> - Patric Hornqvist, Nsh <b>8</b></p><p> 4. Evgeni Malkin, Pit <b>7</b></p><p>- Alexander Ovechkin, Wsh <b>7</b></p><p>- Ryan Malone, TB <b>7</b></p><p>- Troy Brouwer, Chi <b>7</b></p><p>- Rich Peverley, Atl <b>7</b></p><p> - Martin St-Louis, TB <b>7</b></p><p>10. Sidney Crosby, Pit <b>6</b></p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0137-0228/9474300-1-eng-US/f0137-022.jpg" title="f0137-02" width="2149" height="1090"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0137-01

GAME BREAKERS

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0138-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0138-0142/9474450-1-eng-US/f0138-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARIAN HOSSA | CHICAGO 72 PTS <span class="photo-credit">(BILL SMITH/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0138-0310/9474457-1-eng-US/f0138-032.jpg" title="f0138-03" width="163" height="185"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0138-0223/9474443-1-eng-US/f0138-022.jpg" title="f0138-02" width="2147" height="1528"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0139-0222/9474436-1-eng-US/f0139-022.jpg" title="f0139-02" width="2142" height="2231"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0139-0134/9474429-1-eng-US/f0139-012.jpg" title="f0139-01" width="1032" height="1148"><figcaption class="caption-body">RENE BOURQUE | CALGARY 53 PTS <span class="photo-credit">(CLAUS ANDERSEN/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0140-0140/9474422-1-eng-US/f0140-012.jpg" title="f0140-01" width="1032" height="723"><figcaption class="caption-body">MIKE FISHER | OTTAWA 48 PTS <span class="photo-credit">(FISHER: ANDRE RINGUETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0140-0221/9474415-1-eng-US/f0140-022.jpg" title="f0140-02" width="1033" height="722"><figcaption class="caption-body">SHEA WEBER | NASHVILLE 45 PTS <span class="photo-credit">(WEBER: JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0140-0312/9474408-1-eng-US/f0140-032.jpg" title="f0140-03" width="2142" height="1528"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0141-0135/9474401-1-eng-US/f0141-012.jpg" title="f0141-01" width="2144" height="2232"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0142-0134/9474394-1-eng-US/f0142-012.jpg" title="f0142-01" width="2144" height="2237"></div><h2><b>Projections for Goaltenders</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0143-0135/9474387-1-eng-US/f0143-012.jpg" title="f0143-01" width="1033" height="938"><figcaption class="caption-body">PEKKA RINNE | NASHVILLE 39 WINS <span class="photo-credit">(RENNE: JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0143-0219/9474380-1-eng-US/f0143-022.jpg" title="f0143-02" width="1032" height="939"><figcaption class="caption-body">ILYA BRYZGALOV | PHOENIX 35 WINS <span class="photo-credit">(BRYZGALOV: DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0143-0314/9474373-1-eng-US/f0143-032.jpg" title="f0143-03" width="2142" height="1181"></div><h2><b>POOLIE WORKSHEET</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0144-0137/9474366-1-eng-US/f0144-012.jpg" title="f0144-01" width="2144" height="2248"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0145-0135/9474359-1-eng-US/f0145-012.jpg" title="f0145-01" width="2362" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0146-0136/9474352-1-eng-US/f0146-012.jpg" title="f0146-01" width="4725" height="3225"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0148-0134/9474345-1-eng-US/f0148-012.jpg" title="f0148-01" width="2362" height="3225"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0138-01

2010-11 PROJECTED TOTAL checklist

<div class="byline">By Darryl Dobbs</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0150-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0150-0132/9474488-1-eng-US/f0150-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Second-year players such as Toronto&rsquo;s Tyler Bozak must be aware of higher expectations.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>S</span>OME CALL THE PHENOMENON the sophomore jinx. Some call it the sophomore slump. Whatever you want to label it, there is some unknown influence that takes a promising rookie and drags his stats downward in his second season.</p><p>It&rsquo;s frustrating for poolies, who assume stats go steadily upward with development and experience. Patrik Berglund owners are just the latest to look up at the fluorescent lighting in their office and ask &lsquo;why?&rsquo;</p><p>To tackle the problem, I looked at a number of variables &ndash; the rookie&rsquo;s age, whether he is European or North American and whether he&rsquo;s a forward or a defenseman. Goalies were not investigated.</p><p>My early hypothesis? None of these variables make a difference.</p><p>For the most part, the hypothesis was bangon. In looking at every rookie who posted a minimum of 25 points between 2006-07 through 2008-09, 31 of the 59 sophomores, or 52.5 percent, followed up with a slump. I define a slump as a points-per-game average in the player&rsquo;s sophomore campaign being below the average in his rookie season.</p><p>The only variable that has any kind of impact, strangely enough, is age. The strange thing being the younger the rookie, the less susceptible he is to the so-called curse.</p><p>This could be explained by the fact that any teenager who makes the NHL must be of elite calibre. Approximately two-thirds of the post-lockout freshmen under the age of 21 (as of April of their rookie season) avoided a sophomore slump the following year. Whereas those 21 and over (36 of them) suffered the jinx at a rate of nearly two-thirds.</p><p>I drilled down further and gave each age group a separate analysis. But there was not a lot of difference between 18, 19, or 20-year-olds. Nor was there a difference between any particular age that was 21 and older. But the line between the two clusters, however, was quite obvious.</p><p>So, despite the small sample size, the trend is clear. Although nothing is absolute, the sophomore slump strikes more of those players who are 21 or older.</p><p>To give you an edge and avoid heartache in your pool, at the right are the at-risk sophomores for the coming season.</p><p>NICLAS BERGFORS, ATL &ndash; The 23-year-old flourished after his arrival in Atlanta, but had just four points in the final 11 games.</p><p>PETER REGIN, OTT &ndash; His hot/cold season may be more of a trend than you thought.</p><p>ARTEM ANISIMOV, NYR &ndash; His outcome will be depend on whether he remains on the third line, or moves up to the second.</p><p>TYLER BOZAK, TOR &ndash; Last season&rsquo;s production pro-rates to 60 points over a full season. That&rsquo;ll be tough to match.</p><p>TIM KENNEDY, BUF &ndash; As with Anisimov, a scoring role for Kennedy will absolutely avoid the jinx.</p><p>ROB SCHREMP, NYI &ndash; His entire pro career has been hexed. Why stop now at the curse of all hockey curses?</p><p>BRANDON YIP, COL &ndash; With so many sophomores on the Avs, two or three of them slumping will have a domino effect.</p><p>DAN SEXTON, ANA &ndash; On the second line, he surprised us all. On the third line, he disappeared.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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Ultimate Fantasy Pool Guide 2010-11

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