The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.

Ultimate Fantasy Pool Guide 2008-09

The Hockey News - Poolbook 2008

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0177-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0177-0115/9201657-1-eng-US/f0177-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>SIDNEY CROSBY <b>|</b> Pittsburgh Penguins</p><p>J-P DUMONT <b>|</b> Nashville Predators</p><p>SCOTT NIEDERMAYER <b>|</b> Anaheim Ducks</p><span class="photo-credit">(CCROSBY: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES; DUMONT: JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES;
NIEDERMAYER: DEBORA ROBINSON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="88" height="100"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>2008-09 PROJECTED TOTALS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0178-0117/9201650-1-eng-US/f0178-012.jpg" title="f0178-01" width="4566" height="2455"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>ANDREI MARKOV <b>|</b> Montreal Canadiens</p><p>MATTHEW LOMBARDI <b>|</b> Calgary Flames</p><p>BRANDON DUBINSKY <b>|</b> New York Rangers</p><span class="photo-credit">(MARKOV: ANDRE RINGUETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; LOMBARDI: DALE MACMILLAN/GETTY IMAGES; DUBINSKY: SCOTT AUDETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0180-0115/9201643-1-eng-US/f0180-012.jpg" title="f0180-01" width="2166" height="2592"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0177-01

DEPARTMENTS

NHL CHECKLIST

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-02912/9199195-1-eng-US/f0034-022.jpg" title="f0034-02" width="700" height="1165"><figcaption class="caption-body">FREDRIK MODIN <span class="photo-credit">(MODIN: PHILLIP MACCALLUM/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-011337/9199202-1-eng-US/f0034-012.jpg" title="f0034-01" width="200" height="176"></div><p>The Blue Jackets are a defensive-minded squad under coach Ken Hitchcock, but rely heavily on star winger Rick Nash for offense.</p><p>A one-time 40-goal man, Nash missed the milestone by two goals in 2007-08, but will get there again. Fifty goals is not out of Nash&rsquo;s reach, but, he needs a better supporting cast first.</p><p>Kristian Huselius will replace Nikolai Zherdev on the wing, playing with more consistency and causing less headaches for GMs.</p><p>Swedish veteran Fredrik Modin is also a strong winger with scoring ability, but has had a hard time remaining healthy.</p><p>There are also solid role players, led by Jason Chimera, Manny Malhotra and Jiri Novotny. The team has high hopes for Czech winger Jakub Voracek, who will get every opportunity to earn a top-six winger spot this year.</p><p>While the Jackets are strong on the wings, they are weak at center. Neither Malhotra or Novotny are solid options for the first or second line and Rookie Derick Brassard needs time to develop.</p><p>On defense, new acquisitions Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman have made the backend even bigger and tougher. Kris Russell is a few years away from handling the quarterback duties.</p><p>In goal, Pascal Leclaire has arrived as the No. 1 man. As the team improves, so will his numbers.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-03726/9199188-1-eng-US/f0034-032.jpg" title="f0034-03" width="334" height="596"><figcaption class="caption-body">RICK NASH <span class="photo-credit">(NASH: DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-04582/9199181-1-eng-US/f0034-042.jpg" title="f0034-04" width="456" height="2067"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-05477/9199174-1-eng-US/f0034-052.jpg" title="f0034-05" width="826" height="2455"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0034-02

Not enough Nash to go around

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-011240/9199018-1-eng-US/f0031-012.jpg" title="f0031-01" width="699" height="1127"><figcaption class="caption-body">ERIC STAAL <span class="photo-credit">(STAAL: SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-05384/9199025-1-eng-US/f0031-052.jpg" title="f0031-05" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>The scoring depth and veteran leadership up front is impressive in Carolina, but the injury woes are worryingly consistent.</p><p>Captain Rod Brind&rsquo;Amour, linemate Justin Williams and left winger Ray Whitney were among the walking wounded in 2007-08, a big reason for the team&rsquo;s lack of success.</p><p>Brind&rsquo;Amour, Eric Staal and Matt Cullen provide a great 1-2-3 punch at center. All three see power play time, with Staal and Cullen manning the point on occasion. Williams, Whitney, the rejuvenated Sergei Samsonov and Scott Walker are key veteran contributors on the wings.</p><p>Tuomo Ruutu, Patrick Eaves and Chad LaRose provide depth in case of injury and can all produce third-line numbers as well. Rookie center Brandon Sutter will be brought along slowly, but will see NHL action as a 19-year-old.</p><p>The top defenseman on the power play is Joe Corvo, who added a different dimension upon his arrival from Ottawa via trade. With Corvo and new, puck-moving addition Joni Pitkanen in the fold for a full season, less will be asked of Czech veteran Frantisek Kaberle, who failed to score in 80 games in 2007-08.</p><p>In goal, Cam Ward will continue to be leaned on heavily. He is coming off a 36-win campaign and is firmly entrenched as the No. 1 man in Raleigh.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-02830/9199011-1-eng-US/f0031-022.jpg" title="f0031-02" width="333" height="597"><figcaption class="caption-body">ROD BRIND&rsquo;AMOUR <span class="photo-credit">(BRIND&rsquo;AMOUR: KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-03628/9199004-1-eng-US/f0031-032.jpg" title="f0031-03" width="469" height="2080"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-04485/9198997-1-eng-US/f0031-042.jpg" title="f0031-04" width="848" height="2494"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0031-01

Depth up front Canes best asset

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0007-05" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-05396/9198050-1-eng-US/f0007-052.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(CROSBY: GREGORY SHAMUS/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-04574/9198057-1-eng-US/f0007-042.jpg" title="f0007-04" width="194" height="198"></div><p><b>For complete list of projections see pg. 177</b><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0007-05

Hot 100

<div class="byline">by Brian Costello</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0003-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0003-021597/9197860-1-eng-US/f0003-022.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAT RIGGIN <b>|</b> Calgary Flames</figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span>s one of the original participants of hockey pools, I implore the National Hockey League to make things the way they were back in the early 1980s when we first started doing these things.</p><p>Just turn your channel to NHL Classics and watch a game from the 1980s or earlier. No, I don&rsquo;t mean for the moustaches. I&rsquo;m talking about the size of goalie equipment. Those were the days when a small goalie like Pat Riggin remained a small goalie and not a stuffed jalapeno like Manny Legace.</p><p>There&rsquo;s no question in my mind the caliber of goaltending is better than ever. Most stoppers are supremely talented and conditioned and are capable of dominating games. So why did their equipment have to get bigger over the years? It&rsquo;s putting a huge drag on offense that poolies crave.</p><p>The NHL competition committee is looking into the matter and the dimensions have been streamlined. Unfortunately, it hasn&rsquo;t been enough. Safety of the stoppers isn&rsquo;t an issue because the equipment is stronger and lighter than ever.</p><p>Scoring dropped 5.5 percent last season to 5.44 goals per game. It dropped 4.8 percent in 2006-07 to 5.76 GPG after hitting a nine-year high of 6.05 GPG following the lockout. Another 5.5 percent drop this season and we&rsquo;ll match the 50-year GPG low of 5.14 we hit in 2003-04.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-012090/9197853-1-eng-US/f0004-012.jpg" title="f0004-01" width="514" height="124"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-021768/9197846-1-eng-US/f0004-022.jpg" title="f0004-02" width="333" height="623"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(MILES NADAL/HHOF)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0003-02

PLEASE MR. COMMISSIONER

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0006-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-012312/9197915-1-eng-US/f0006-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">PATRICK KANE | Chicago Blackhawks <span class="photo-credit">(KANE: BILL SMITH/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>We&rsquo;re not saying the Chicago Blackhawks are going to win the Stanley Cup, or even be serious challengers for it.</b></p><p><b>But pool guru Murray Townsend does rate the Hawks No. 1 in terms of the buzz they&rsquo;re creating from a pool/fantasy league perspective. They&rsquo;ve got great young talent, led by Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, and they added interesting pieces in Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet.</b></p><p><b>We also don&rsquo;t mean New Jersey will finish last in the NHL standings. What we mean by putting the Devils 30th is they didn&rsquo;t do much to help your hockey pool. They added well-aged veterans Bobby Holik and Brian Rolston this off-season. Does that sounds like the makings of an offensive juggernaut?</b></p><h2><b>1. CHICAGO</b></h2><p>Will Campbell plus young stars equal playoffs?</p><h2><b>2. NY RANGERS</b></h2><p>Lots of changes, they should be able to score.</p><h2><b>3. PITTSBURGH</b></h2><p>Who else cashes in on Crosby and Malkin?</p><h2><b>4. WASHINGTON</b></h2><p>Maybe the NHL&rsquo;s most exciting team.</p><h2><b>5. DETROIT</b></h2><p>Hossa could make them better than last year.</p><h2><b>6. CALGARY</b></h2><p>Does Cammalleri strike gold with Iginla?</p><h2><b>7. TAMPA BAY</b></h2><p>Is Stamkos the next Lecavalier?</p><h2><b>8. COLUMBUS</b></h2><p>Nash and Umberger lead revamped offense.</p><h2><b>9. PHOENIX</b></h2><p>Young Gretzky team on the rise.</p><h2><b>10. EDMONTON</b></h2><p>They should have a great power play.</p><h2><b>11. DALLAS</b></h2><p>Avery, Brunnstrom, and Richards from the start.</p><h2><b>12. MONTREAL</b></h2><p>Everything went their way last season; can it happen again?</p><h2><b>13. PHILADELPHIA</b></h2><p>They&rsquo;ll be better than last season if Gagne comes back.</p><h2><b>14. LOS ANGELES</b></h2><p>Doughty and Johnson should be breakout defensemen.</p><h2><b>15. MINNESOTA</b></h2><p>Defensive team becoming more offensive?</p><h2><b>16. NY ISLANDERS</b></h2><p>Are Okposo and Streit answers or question marks?</p><h2><b>17. BOSTON</b></h2><p>Success will depend on impact of Bergeron and Ryder.</p><h2><b>18. ATLANTA</b></h2><p>Will new coach John Anderson open up the offense?</p><h2><b>19. OTTAWA</b></h2><p>The Big Three and then everybody else, same as usual.</p><h2><b>20. CAROLINA</b></h2><p>Lots of depth on the forward lines.</p><h2><b>21. SAN JOSE</b></h2><p>A lot of players need rebound seasons.</p><h2><b>22. BUFFALO</b></h2><p>No superstars, but many good scorers.</p><h2><b>23. FLORIDA</b></h2><p>With Jokinen gone, can they score?</p><h2><b>24. COLORADO</b></h2><p>Goaltending biggest question mark.</p><h2><b>25. TORONTO</b></h2><p>Front-runners in John Tavares sweepstakes?</p><h2><b>26. VANCOUVER</b></h2><p>New GM, same old problems.</p><h2><b>27. ST. LOUIS</b></h2><p>Still a ways to go.</p><h2><b>28. ANAHEIM</b></h2><p>Not many changes; will Teemu Selanne come back?</p><h2><b>29. NASHVILLE</b></h2><p>They still have two solid scoring lines.</p><h2><b>30. NEW JERSEY</b></h2><p>Same old guys, but it works for them.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0006-01

The Fantasy Impact Standings

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-021547/9197981-1-eng-US/f0006-022.jpg" title="f0006-02" width="289" height="252"></div><p>CONN SMYTHE MARIAN HOSSA</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-03904/9197974-1-eng-US/f0006-032.jpg" title="f0006-03" width="254" height="255"></div><p>HART SIDNEY CROSBY</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-04563/9197967-1-eng-US/f0006-042.jpg" title="f0006-04" width="282" height="253"></div><p>ART ROSS SIDNEY CROSBY</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-05438/9197960-1-eng-US/f0006-052.jpg" title="f0006-05" width="279" height="252"></div><p>VEZINA HENRIK LUNDQVIST</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-06308/9197953-1-eng-US/f0006-062.jpg" title="f0006-06" width="273" height="263"></div><p>NORRIS DION PHANEUF</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-07188/9197946-1-eng-US/f0006-072.jpg" title="f0006-07" width="263" height="269"></div><p>CALDER STEVEN STAMKOS<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0006-02

THN TROPHY PICKS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0007-021406/9198012-1-eng-US/f0007-022.jpg" title="f0007-02" width="873" height="711"><figcaption class="caption-body">FABIAN BRUNNSTROM <span class="photo-credit">(BRUNNSTROM: IHA)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="88" height="100"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>E</span>very year a few teams take a flyer on players biding their time in Europe. Some are born there, others are North Americans who didn&rsquo;t make the NHL the first time. This year the arrival of Fabian Brunnstrom to Dallas (and to a lesser extent, Ville Leino in Detroit) has ushered in a new era of &lsquo;late bloomer&rsquo; hype. However, the results of how these diamonds in the rough fare in the NHL have been mixed.</p><p><b>Jaroslav Hlinka, C, Colorado</b> The 30-year-old rookie was a point-per-game threat in various top Euro leagues, but was a healthy scratch by the end of last season.</p><p><b>Cory Murphy, D, Florida</b> Although he was slowed by injuries, he still delivered, with 12 of his 17 points coming on the man advantage.</p><p><b>Magnus Johansson, D, Florida</b> Signed by Chicago in &rsquo;07-08 and lauded for his mobility, the Swedish defender was a healthy scratch by December and shipped to Florida soon after.</p><p><b>Niklas Backstrom, G, Minnesota</b> Brought in by the Wild in &lsquo;06-07 to help Manny Fernandez, Backstrom was such a hit he supplanted the starter. He led the league in goals-against average (1.97) and save percentage (.929) as a rookie.</p><p><b>Johnny Oduya, D, New Jersey</b> The Devils signed him in 2006 and after a quiet rookie season, he broke through as a key member of the blueline in &rsquo;07-08.</p><p><b>Brian Rafalski, D, Detroit</b> Now that he&rsquo;s winning Cups every three to four years (first with the Devils, now with Detroit), it seems incredible New Jersey signed the gifted D-man as an undrafted free agent.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></div>

f0007-02

Euro signings risky business

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-021672/9198088-1-eng-US/f0008-022.jpg" title="f0008-02" width="972" height="2565"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(OTHERS: GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="88" height="100"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span> popular phrase in hockey is &ldquo;act like you&rsquo;ve been there before.&rdquo; When it comes to avoiding the dreaded &lsquo;Stanley Cup hangover,&rsquo; it seems the key is just that: experience.</p><p>In analyzing the stats of some of the major offensive contributors on recent Cup finalist teams, veterans had much better statistical seasons the year after a Cup run than their younger teammates. The 2004 finalists, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Calgary Flames, were not considered, since the lockout gave everyone a long break.</p><p>Generally, players older than 30, such as Carolina&rsquo;s Rod Brind&rsquo;Amour or Ottawa&rsquo;s Daniel Alfredsson, put up better regular season numbers the year after playing for the championship, while youngsters such as Eric Staal or Dany Heatley saw their production drop.</p><p>And just to prove it isn&rsquo;t all about age, Scott Gomez and Patrik Elias both put up better numbers after the 2003 Stanley Cup for New Jersey. But while they were both in their early 20s at the time, they had also played in two other Cup finals before that, winning in 2000 and losing the next year.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p><i>*Season after cup</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0008-02

Is the Cup run a curse for the inexperienced?

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-012211/9198126-1-eng-US/f0008-012.jpg" title="f0008-01" width="659" height="925"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(LECLAIRE: DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>PASCAL LECLAIRE, Columbus</b>&nbsp;<b>8</b></p><p><b>J-S Giguere, Anaheim 6</b></p><p><b>Martin Brodeur, New Jersey 6</b></p><p><b>Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary 6</b></p><p><b>Roberto Luongo, Vancouver 6</b></p><p><b>Henrik Lundqvist, NY Rangers 6</b><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0008-01

Projected shutouts

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0009-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-011989/9198164-1-eng-US/f0009-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>+29</p><p><b>JAMES SHEPPARD | Minnesota Wild</b></p> <span class="photo-credit">(SHEPPARD: SCOTT A. SCHNEIDER/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="88" height="100"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-021384/9198157-1-eng-US/f0009-022.jpg" title="f0009-02" width="675" height="1667"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(OVECHKIN: BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0009-01

Fickle fluctuation

<p class="dropcap"><span>W</span>elcome to the 10th annual Ultimate Guide, dedicated to hockey pool and fantasy league players. Our pages are full of statistics and player projections to help you challenge for the championship in your season-long 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 appears on page 137. Enjoy the issue.</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 LEAGUES</b> AHL-American League (Albany, Binghamton, Bridgeport, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Hamilton, Hartford, Hershey, Houston, Iowa, Lake Erie, Lowell, Manchester, Manitoba, Milwaukee, Norfolk, Peoria, Philadelphia, Portland, Providence, Quad City, Rochester, Rockford, San Antonio, Springfield, Syracuse, Toronto, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Worcester), ECHL-(formerly known as East Coast League), UHL-United League, CHL-Central League, SPHL-Southern Professional League.</p><p><b>MAJOR JUNIOR</b> OHL-Ontario League, QMJHL-Quebec Major Junior League, WHL-Western League, USHL-United States League (Tier II).</p><p><b>U.S. COLLEGES</b> CCHACentral 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 or USNT is the U.S. national team development program.</p><p><b>STATISTICS</b> A-assists, Adv-advantage, Avg-average, BMI-bench minors, Ddefenseman, C-center, Ggoals, 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, LWleft winger, Min-minutes, Min/Pt-minutes per point, Pct-percentage, PPGApower 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, SAshots 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>

Ultimate Guide to abbreviations

<div class="byline">by John Grigg</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0010-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-012180/9198226-1-eng-US/f0010-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(ANDRE RINGUETTE/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>&ldquo;Who the&hellip;?&rdquo;</p><p>There&rsquo;s one in every fantasy pool. While other GMs compete for expensive veterans, this guy (or gal) unearths valuable fantasy players mining the rookie list. Going off the board doesn&rsquo;t always work. But if it does half the time, it&rsquo;s worth the risk.</p><p>Productive rookies are more valuable than nearing-the-end players. There won&rsquo;t be any Crosbys or Ovechkins in 2008-09, probably not even a Malkin. But 40 to 50 points from a young player expected to improve as he gains experience is fantasy gold.</p><p>Rookies normally come cheap and can generally be picked up later in the roster-building process. And as the season progresses, they become valuable bargaining chips in trade discussions.</p><p>Simply put, solid rookies offer fantasy rosters value and versatility.</p><p>This year everyone will be clamoring for Steven Stamkos and Fabian Brunnstrom. If you can get your hands on either (especially Stamkos) without blowing up your roster plan, you should. But if you can&rsquo;t, don&rsquo;t worry. There are many others to consider.</p><p>THN&rsquo;s resident rookie guru is Murray Townsend. Last year, he pegged Nicklas Backstrom and Jonathan Toews to lead NHL rookies in scoring with 70 points. Patrick Kane&rsquo;s 72 points (Townsend had him third with 59) ended up leading the league, but Backstrom was right there with 69 points. Toews finished third with 54 points (with 18 games missed) and Peter Mueller finished fourth with 54 points (Townsend had him fourth at 51).</p><p>This year, Townsend predicts Stamkos will lead with 63 points, followed by Phoenix&rsquo;s Kyle Turris with 61. But Nathan Gerbe? T.J. Oshie? They&rsquo;re two players who will fly under radars, but could pay dividends to whoever picks them up.</p><h2><b>01. STEVEN STAMKOS &ndash; C, 18, Tampa Bay</b></h2><p>Stamkos has all the talent he needs to score on his own, but playing with Vinny Lecavalier and Martin St-Louis will boost his numbers. The more time he spends playing with the veterans, the more poolies can expect. (63 points)</p><h2><b>02. Kyle Turris &ndash; C, 19, Phoenix</b></h2><p>Turris got his feet wet with the Coyotes in March and didn&rsquo;t look out of place. He may surpass Peter Mueller and Shane Doan to become the team&rsquo;s leading scorer. (61 points)</p><h2><b>03. Fabian Brunnstrom &ndash; LW, 23, Dallas</b></h2><p>The Stars won the Brunnstrom sweepstakes in early May and &ldquo;the best European not in the NHL&rdquo; will make an immediate impact on the second or third line as a mature rookie. (54 points)</p><h2><b>04. Kyle Okposo &ndash; RW, 20, New York Islanders</b></h2><p>Islanders fans have been excited about Okposo&rsquo;s scoring potential since he was selected sixth overall in 2006. After a nine-game stint last year, look for him to start the season on one of the top two lines. (52 points)</p><h2><b>05. Drew Doughty &ndash; D, 18, Los Angeles</b></h2><p>The No. 2 pick in the 2008 draft is already a deft, NHL-ready playmaker. He&rsquo;s slick with the puck and fleet of skate, so he&rsquo;ll fit right in with all of the young talent on the Kings. (46 points)</p><h2><b>06. Jakub Voracek &ndash; RW, 19, Columbus</b></h2><p>Voracek is more of a playmaker than scorer, which suits the Blue Jackets fine. They&rsquo;ve been searching for someone to get Rick Nash the puck since he entered the league. (43 points)</p><h2><b>07. Nathan Gerbe &ndash; C, 21, Buffalo</b></h2><p>Gerbe led the NCAA in scoring and was a Hobey Baker finalist. If the diminutive forward can adapt to NHL-level physicality, he will slide onto the second or third line. (40 points)</p><h2><b>08. T.J. Oshie &ndash; C, 21, St. Louis</b></h2><p>Oshie averaged better than a point per game at North Dakota for three seasons. Look for him to slide into a second-line role, possibly on the wing, in St. Louis. (39 points)</p><h2><b>09. Ted Purcell &ndash; RW, 23, Los Angeles</b></h2><p>Purcell put up 25 goals and 83 points in just 67 games as an American League rookie last season. He also acquitted himself well during a 10-game call-up late last season. (38 points)</p><h2><b>10 Zach Bogosian &ndash; D, 18, Atlanta</b></h2><p>Bogosian may be the best defenseman the Thrashers have already. He led Peterborough of the Ontario League in scoring last season and plays a mean, physical game. (38 points)<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0010-01

IN THIS ISSUE

DON’T FORGET FAB FRESHMEN

<div class="byline">by Jordan Samery</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0012-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-012123/9198264-1-eng-US/f0012-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span>s much as NHL players want us to believe they go on the ice every single game with the same drive and effort as their other PA brethren, the fact is some people have a little more motivation than others.</p><p>A great fantasy owner will base their picks on trends leading to future performance. Jason Blake was signed to a five-year, $20-million deal based on his 40-goal 2006-07 campaign. Mike Richards was signed to a 12-year, $69-million contract with 40-goals seasons ahead on his path, not in the rear-view mirror.</p><p>An important group of players to focus on when choosing your team are those who will become unrestricted free agents in 2009. Players such as Henrik Zetterberg and Marian Hossa fit the bill, but will surely be early pool picks anyway. Here are 10 players who might step up because they&rsquo;re UFAs in 2009.</p><p>Projection</p><p>62 POINTS</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-021659/9198257-1-eng-US/f0012-022.jpg" title="f0012-02" width="255" height="116"></div><p><b>ONE</b> With two straight seasons of just 56 games, health has been <b>MAXIM AFINOGENOV</b>&rsquo;s biggest enemy. In 2006-07, the Russian speedster averaged better than a point-per-game and was on the verge of breaking out big time. If he can stay injury-free, look for a huge year.</p><p><b>TWO</b> In his eighth season, <b>NIK ANTROPOV</b> finally used his 6-foot-6 frame to live up to his potential. Coming off a career-high 26 goals and 56 points, he will now be playing for his first long-term deal since turning pro.</p><p><b>THREE BRIAN GIONTA</b> will be looking to show his 48-goal, 89-point performance in 2005-06 was not a fluke. The diminutive, but feisty Boston College grad is just the type of player who should be flourishing in the &lsquo;new NHL&rsquo; and will have to find the right fit in coach Brent Sutter&rsquo;s more aggressive approach to the game.</p><p><b>FOUR</b> While playing on a line with Evgeni Malkin, <b>PETR SYKORA</b> put up 63 points in 2007-08, having his best season since he totaled 81 in 2000-01. He fits in nicely with the young and talented Penguins and his one-timer is as good as ever.</p><p><b>FIVE</b> On the verge of a new season, is there a sexier pool pick than <b>JOHAN FRANZEN?</b> &lsquo;The Mule&rsquo; ended 2007-08 on fire with 15 goals in 16 games before tacking on 13 more in 16 playoff games.</p><p><b>SIX</b> A slow start (16 points in 33 games) and the return of Scott Niedermayer led to Anaheim&rsquo;s mid-season trade of <b>ANDY MCDONALD</b>. But the center recovered nicely in St. Louis to finish with 36 points in his final 49 games. It&rsquo;s time he stops being underappreciated.</p><p><b>SEVEN FRANCOIS BEAUCHEMIN</b>, though offensively talented, wasn&rsquo;t given much power play time with the presence of Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer the past two seasons. Though a risky pick due to the talent around him, he could wind up being the steal of your pool on the blueline if given a chance to show his abilities.</p><p><b>EIGHT MIKE CAMMALLERI</b> began 2007-08 with 13 points in his first 11 games, but a rib injury &ndash; that some say he never fully recovered from &ndash; slowed him down. Look for him to regain 80-plus point form in Calgary.</p><p><b>NINE</b> An injury-marred season didn&rsquo;t stop <b>SHAWN HORCOFF</b> from scoring at nearly a point-per-game clip (50 points in 53 games) in 2007-08. Though a knee injury shortened his year, Horcoff showed more than a few flashes of brilliance and could play his way to a big raise in 2008-09.</p><p><b>TEN</b> The prototypical player for this list is <b>ALEX TANGUAY</b>. The talented forward underachieved in 2007-08 and failed to score 20 goals for the first time since 2001-02. He had trouble adjusting to Keenan-style hockey, but gets a fresh start in Montreal and a chance to improve his value in the final year of his deal.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0012-01

SOMETHING TO PROVE

<div class="byline">by Ryan Kennedy</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0014-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-012100/9198309-1-eng-US/f0014-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(PHOTO BY JENNIFER POTTHEISER/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-021576/9198316-1-eng-US/f0014-022.jpg" title="f0014-02" width="131" height="124"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p><b>The pieces are really beginning to fall into place for Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin.</b></p><p><b>Th rough three NHL seasons, Ovie has tallied 310 points in 245 games. Last year, he had his best total to date &ndash; 65 goals and 112 points in 82 games. And as if that didn&rsquo;t terrify opponents enough, all indicators point to the Russian wunderkind breaking his personal goal-scoring mark this season.</b></p><p><b>&ldquo;Remember,</b> there were seven games in a row last year when he didn&rsquo;t have any,&rdquo; noted Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. &ldquo;And he still ended up with 65. I can think of at least five (chances) he missed to get to 70.&rdquo;</p><p>Of course, the affable Boudreau is one of a number of reasons Ovechkin has a shot at putting up numbers the league hasn&rsquo;t seen since 1995-96, when Mario Lemieux posted 161 points in just 70 games and teammate Jaromir Jagr notched 149 in 82 contests.</p><p>Once Boudreau stepped behind the Washington bench on Nov. 22, 2007, Ovechkin&rsquo;s offense went from ridiculous to ludicrous: He posted three five-point nights and a four-spot, which he hadn&rsquo;t done under previous coach Glen Hanlon&rsquo;s regime through 22 games. Not only that, but his overall multi-point games mushroomed, too. Pre-Boudreau, Ovie had five multi-point sojourns in 22 contests, or one every 4.4 games. Under Boudreau, that number increased to 30 double-dips in 60 games, or one every two games. So what strategy did the reigning Jack Adams Trophy winner employ to get the most out of his best soldier?</p><p>&ldquo;Just play &rsquo;em,&rdquo; Boudreau said matter-of-factly. OK, there&rsquo;s a little more nuance to it than that.</p><p>&ldquo;When I could tell he was &lsquo;on,&rsquo; I&rsquo;d let him go,&rdquo; the coach continued. &ldquo;When he was on, I would be playing him 24 or 25 minutes a night. When he&rsquo;s just playing normal, maybe it&rsquo;s 21 or 22 minutes.&rdquo;</p><p>Maximizing Ovechkin&rsquo;s talents also plays into the equation. While the dynamo from Moscow is no liability on defense, it&rsquo;s certainly not the reason people know him, so a simple philosophy was instilled in the left winger.</p><p>&ldquo; I tell him, &lsquo;when you have the puck, go where you want to go,&rsquo; &rdquo; Boudreau noted. &ldquo; &lsquo;But when you don&rsquo;t, let&rsquo;s play defense as a team.&rsquo; &rdquo;</p><p>For his part, No. 8 recognizes the impact his coach had last season.</p><p>&ldquo;What he did in four months&hellip;we won the division,&rdquo; Ovechkin noted. &ldquo;Next year, maybe the Stanley Cup.&rdquo;</p><p>As optimistic as Ovechkin is about his team&rsquo;s future, winning the Southeast is a far cry from taking the Cup. Winning a playoff round will be the first step, but at least now Ovechkin has a pretty serious crew of weapons around him to help achieve that goal. Along with finally having some skilled centers to play with in Nicklas Backstrom, Sergei Fedorov and Michael Nylander (who missed a big chunk of the season due to rotator cuff surgery), Ovechkin also has a pretty good decoy in Alexander Semin, who came into his own in 2006-07, when he posted 73 points in 77 games.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-011876/9198302-1-eng-US/f0016-012.jpg" title="f0016-01" width="858" height="996"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>&ldquo;When teams are playing Detroit, they talk about Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. In Pittsburgh, it&rsquo;s Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin,&rdquo; Boudreau said. &ldquo;We want them to think of Semin and Ovechkin.&rdquo;</p><p>One decision Boudreau will have to make this summer is where to place his Russian bombers. By the end of the season, Ovechkin was on a line centered by the rookie Backstrom, with Viktor Kozlov (who centered Ovie early in the campaign) on the right side. Semin was paired with deadline acquisition Sergei Fedorov and the parity was one reason the Caps clawed their way to the post-season.</p><p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;ve got two of the best pure goal-scorers in the game on two different lines,&rdquo; Boudreau said.</p><p>But the eggs-in-one basket approach was raised over the summer when the Russian line of Ovechkin, Semin and Fedorov torched the World Championship for a total of 37 points and a combined plus-30 rating in nine games, winning a gold medal in the process.</p><p>Semin and Ovechkin have always worked well together on the man advantage in Washington, netting 10 and 22 power play goals respectively last season, but Boudreau has so far kept them apart on regular shift duty for a pretty simple reason: the good friends are too polite when they play together.</p><p>&ldquo;The problem is, they would always look for each other,&rdquo; Boudreau said. &ldquo;One would have a scoring chance, but then would pass it to the other instead.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0017-011655/9198295-1-eng-US/f0017-012.jpg" title="f0017-01" width="2476" height="1334"><figcaption class="caption-body">While taking some more &lsquo;shots&rsquo;, Ovechkin takes a closer look at his hard-earned wares from the 2007-08 season&rsquo; <span class="photo-credit">(BRUCE BENNETT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>Clearly that situation was rectified at the worlds in Quebec City. Ovechkin posted six goals and six assists and Semin led the troika with six goals and seven assists, while Fedorov tallied five goals and seven assists. In terms of glory, Ovechkin has seemed just as happy to dish as he has to score in his career so far&ndash; slightly under half of the sniper&rsquo;s 310 career NHL points to date have been assists (147).</p><p>Which brings us back to the original question: Just how many points can a healthy Ovechkin put up in a season now that the freight train is clocking along at full speed? What is the ceiling on this guy? Will we see 150 points from the Washington wonder this season?</p><p>&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think anything is out of the question with him,&rdquo; said Capitals GM George McPhee. &ldquo; &lsquo;Limitations are not in this guy&rsquo;s vocabulary.&rdquo;</p><p>And McPhee, who drafted Ovechkin back in 2004, believes the young man has what it takes to drive his game to another dimension.</p><p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s really comfortable with who he is,&rdquo; the GM noted. &ldquo;He feels a responsibility to be a really good player and to be the best. You see that in all the great players; they have confidence in their soul.&rdquo;</p><p>As for the man himself, Ovechkin is bemused by the question of whether 150 points is a legitimate goal for this season and offers an enigmatic answer:</p><p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s with God,&rdquo; he offered. &ldquo;Who knows what&rsquo;s going on tomorrow?&rdquo;</p><blockquote class="pullQuote">I don&rsquo;t think anything is out of the question with him. <b>Limitations</b> are not in this guy&rsquo;s <b>vocabulary.</b></blockquote><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0014-01

FEATURES

SKY’S THE LIMIT

<div class="byline">by Murray Townsend</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0018-15" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-1579/9198557-1-eng-US/f0018-152.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">DUSTIN BYFUGLIEN <b>|</b> Chicago Blackhawks <span class="photo-credit">(BILL SMITH/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>I</span>f we could predict exactly what a player will do each season, pools wouldn&rsquo;t be much fun. But we can certainly shorten the prediction odds and we can shorten them even further for some players. Some players are risks we should let someone else bother with, while some other players are risks, but have a potential high reward. We have both in our Buyer Beware listings.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-011753/9198550-1-eng-US/f0018-012.jpg" title="f0018-01" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>BOBBY RYAN</b></h2><p>It&rsquo;s now or never for the 2005 second overall draft pick to shine.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-021330/9198543-1-eng-US/f0018-022.jpg" title="f0018-02" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>TODD WHITE</b></h2><p>He&rsquo;s not likely to play pivot for Kovalchuk anymore.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-03963/9198536-1-eng-US/f0018-032.jpg" title="f0018-03" width="73" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>CHUCK KOBASEW</b></h2><p>Might score 30 goals, or five like he did two years ago.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-04652/9198529-1-eng-US/f0018-042.jpg" title="f0018-04" width="72" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>TIM CONNOLLY</b></h2><p>Last four seasons cut short with major injury issues.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-05446/9198522-1-eng-US/f0018-052.jpg" title="f0018-05" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>MATTHEW LOMBARDI</b></h2><p>Long-expected breakout season hasn&rsquo;t happened yet.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-06352/9198515-1-eng-US/f0018-062.jpg" title="f0018-06" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>SERGEI SAMSONOV</b></h2><p>What went up, then down, then up could go down again.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-07284/9198508-1-eng-US/f0018-072.jpg" title="f0018-07" width="73" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>DUSTIN BYFUGLIEN</b></h2><p>Was 19-goal season a tip of the iceberg or an aberration?</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-08213/9198501-1-eng-US/f0018-082.jpg" title="f0018-08" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>RYAN SMYTH</b></h2><p>Consistent when healthy, but his style leads to more injuries.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-09173/9198494-1-eng-US/f0018-092.jpg" title="f0018-09" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>FREDRIK MODIN</b></h2><p>At 34, is the big Swede starting to break down?</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-10146/9198487-1-eng-US/f0018-102.jpg" title="f0018-10" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>FABIAN BRUNNSTROM</b></h2><p>So much hype, what if all those scouts were wrong?</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-11130/9198480-1-eng-US/f0018-112.jpg" title="f0018-11" width="73" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>DAN CLEARY</b></h2><p>Does the long-term contract put him on autopilot?</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-12118/9198473-1-eng-US/f0018-122.jpg" title="f0018-12" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>SHAWN HORCOFF</b></h2><p>All that valuable power play time might go to the younger kids.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-1396/9198466-1-eng-US/f0018-132.jpg" title="f0018-13" width="73" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>DAVID BOOTH</b></h2><p>He won&rsquo;t fly under the defensive radar anymore after 22-goal year.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-1487/9198459-1-eng-US/f0018-142.jpg" title="f0018-14" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>MICHAL HANDZUS</b></h2><p>Big contract doesn&rsquo;t mean big production.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-011513/9198452-1-eng-US/f0020-012.jpg" title="f0020-01" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>MARC-ANDRE BERGERON</b></h2><p>Good for a while; not so good for a longer while.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-021098/9198445-1-eng-US/f0020-022.jpg" title="f0020-02" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>ALEXEI KOVALEV</b></h2><p>Great comeback season, but could easily fall back to norm.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-03793/9198438-1-eng-US/f0020-032.jpg" title="f0020-03" width="73" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>VERN FIDDLER</b></h2><p>He surely maxed out offensively last season, didn&rsquo;t he?</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-04548/9198431-1-eng-US/f0020-042.jpg" title="f0020-04" width="73" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>JAMIE LANGENBRUNNER</b></h2><p>He doesn&rsquo;t always play up to his talent level.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-05340/9198424-1-eng-US/f0020-052.jpg" title="f0020-05" width="71" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>BILL GUERIN</b></h2><p>Off-season shoulder surgery, at 37, and wasn&rsquo;t scoring much.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-06277/9198417-1-eng-US/f0020-062.jpg" title="f0020-06" width="73" height="71"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>BRANDON DUBINSKY</b></h2><p>It&rsquo;ll be interesting to see how he fares without Jagr.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-07230/9198410-1-eng-US/f0020-072.jpg" title="f0020-07" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>MARTIN GERBER</b></h2><p>He&rsquo;s one trade away from losing his starter&rsquo;s job.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-08168/9198403-1-eng-US/f0020-082.jpg" title="f0020-08" width="73" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>JOFFREY LUPUL</b></h2><p>Streak scorer&hellip;and non-scorer. How durable is he?</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-09123/9198396-1-eng-US/f0020-092.jpg" title="f0020-09" width="73" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>ED JOVANOVSKI</b></h2><p>Most seasons (but not last) he&rsquo;s a frequent injury-list member.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-1092/9198389-1-eng-US/f0020-102.jpg" title="f0020-10" width="72" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>JORDAN STAAL</b></h2><p>Took a giant scoring step back in sophomore season.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-1171/9198382-1-eng-US/f0020-112.jpg" title="f0020-11" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>JONATHAN CHEECHOO</b></h2><p>Is he a 20, 30, or 50-goal scorer? Traditional slow starter.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-1255/9198375-1-eng-US/f0020-122.jpg" title="f0020-12" width="71" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>KEITH TKACHUK</b></h2><p>Turns 37 during the season and a constant injury worry.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-1340/9198368-1-eng-US/f0020-132.jpg" title="f0020-13" width="72" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>JEFF HALPERN</b></h2><p>Will miss part of season after knee surgery.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-1436/9198361-1-eng-US/f0020-142.jpg" title="f0020-14" width="72" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>NIK ANTROPOV</b></h2><p>Shows flashes, but that&rsquo;s all they are.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-1531/9198354-1-eng-US/f0020-152.jpg" title="f0020-15" width="70" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>SAMI SALO</b></h2><p>Annual candidate for MIP (most injured player).</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-1626/9198347-1-eng-US/f0020-162.jpg" title="f0020-16" width="73" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>ERIC FEHR</b></h2><p>Maybe this is his year or maybe he&rsquo;ll have recurring back issues.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0018-15

ATTENTION ALL SHOPPERS

<div class="byline">by John Grigg</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0020-17" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-1721/9198588-1-eng-US/f0020-172.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">John Tavares is like gold in keeper leagues <span class="photo-credit">(CLAUS ANDERSEN/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>I</span> am a 32-year-old married male, a homeowner, father to one dog and a cat. I&rsquo;m also an unabashed sports geek. We &lsquo;speeks&rsquo; are not special; we&rsquo;re typical geeks. We love sports, always have, always will and often annoy others with how big a part they play in our lives.</p><p>At any point during the year, I&rsquo;m participating in five or six pools covering five or six sports. But there&rsquo;s one pool especially close to my heart. The granddaddy of &rsquo;em all, my Holy Grail: my NHL keeper pool.</p><p>Drafting teenagers, signing free agents, managing a salary cap, making trades and mining the waiver wire are all part and parcel of being a keeper-league general manager.</p><p>Sound interesting? Since you&rsquo;re reading THN&rsquo;s Poolbook, I&rsquo;ll bet it does. It should also sound familiar. Because having the power to shape a roster over a period of years is exactly what an NHL GM does. And that&rsquo;s why hockey geeks like myself are uniting in greater numbers via keeper pools.</p><p>They&rsquo;ve been around for decades, but the Internet has led to an explosion in keeper-pool popularity. There are dozens of websites either partly or wholly devoted to their administration, allowing users to tailor-make leagues as per their own wants and needs.</p><p>The site our league uses offers over 60 statistical categories to customize the scoring system. Categories range from the obvious &ndash; goals and shutouts &ndash; to the more obscure, such as shorthanded time on ice and shootout saves (not including shots that miss the net). Stats can be calculated head-to-head, in rotisserie format or points-based. The site also runs live drafts, allows GMs to set weekly lineups and post polls, has a message board and includes a news feed. That makes our fantasy experience user-friendly and as realistic as you want.</p><p>Now, I have to admit, I&rsquo;m a little more hardcore than your average fantasy speek. Other than being the Grand Poobah of the Withrow Warriors Hockey Club, I&rsquo;m also co-commissioner of our pool. So I&rsquo;m a super-speek.</p><p>I had a hand in writing the rules. I run the auction and draft. I oversee the website. I am the record keeper. I am often the first call other GMs make with questions or concerns. I worry and fret when controversial decisions need to be made. I mediate and arbitrate.</p><p>All the while, I actively work to improve my franchise. Needless to say, it can be somewhat consuming. But I love it.</p><p>The amount of time and energy I spend at it all is the annoying ingredient of my geekdom. At home, the pool drives my wife up the wall. As you can imagine, roster deadlines and disputed trades don&rsquo;t exactly top her &lsquo;important things worth stressing about&rsquo; list.</p><p>Socially, pool talk is death. Surprisingly, roster deadlines and disputed trades don&rsquo;t just annoy significant others. They also elicit &lsquo;here-we-go-again&rsquo; eye-rolls and quick &ldquo;Oh, hold on a sec&rdquo; interjections-come-polite departures from people I don&rsquo;t live with &mdash; unless I&rsquo;m at a gathering of my poolie peers. Like our trade-deadline party.</p><p>As for GMing philosophy, I&rsquo;m a long-term thinker &mdash; some may say a dreamer. A dynasty-builder, I hope.</p><p>Like all long-termers, I dream of the day when the fruits of my patient-labor are realized with a series of championships. To that end, I&rsquo;ve been hording draft picks and acquiring talented youngsters since Day 1. So the Warriors have a bright future, I think.</p><p>As I write, my wheeling and dealing has left the Warriors with more players than can be carried into next season and a wealth of draft picks. With a bloated roster, an expansion draft on the horizon, annual player-protected lists due soon and our player auction and draft to plan for, I&rsquo;ve got some serious work to do.</p><p>Trading, strategizing and scouting. Ah, the bliss of keeper pools.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0020-17

KEEPER POOLIE GEEKS OUT

<div class="byline">by Murray Townsend</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0023-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0023-011243/9198633-1-eng-US/f0023-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>KYLE BRODZIAK | Edmonton Oilers</b> <span class="photo-credit">(ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>N</span>ow that we&rsquo;ve had a couple years to digest the new NHL, there&rsquo;s no need to lose your cookies. It&rsquo;s just like the old NHL, only different.</p><p>Teams are still learning the best way to strategize and deal with the salary cap, but there are some definite trends we can observe and use to our advantage in our fantasy leagues. Here are some of them:</p><h2><b>WHAT WAS YOUR NAME AGAIN?</b></h2><p>You keep noticing these names popping up on the scoring sheets you never heard of. They&rsquo;re not on your list of top prospects for that team, they just show up and start scoring. Curtis Glencross, Kyle Brodziak, Brandon Dubinsky, Tyler Kennedy&hellip;the list goes on and on.</p><p>What can you do? Not much. They&rsquo;re awfully hard to predict. Just keep a closer eye on AHL teams. Most of the time if they can score in the AHL, they&rsquo;re a candidate for the NHL. If they can do the job and they come cheap, they have value.</p><p>You&rsquo;ll notice these guys aren&rsquo;t wasting their shot. They&rsquo;re hungry and it shows.</p><h2><b>SALARY LISTS</b></h2><p>We never used to be overly concerned with salaries. Now we&rsquo;re all about them. It&rsquo;s no longer about how useful or valuable a particular player is, but rather how useful they are with respect to their salary. Salary lists are listed on <a href="http://TheHockeyNews.com">thehockeynews.com</a>. If a player has a year or two remaining on his contract and he&rsquo;s not expensive, he&rsquo;ll be playing. And so teams don&rsquo;t have to worry, when they strike gold with a young player, they&rsquo;re signing them long term. Alexander Ovechkin, for example, is locked in until he needs a cane to help him skate around the ice.</p><h2><b>PAY FOR NO PLAY</b></h2><p>Older players are expendable and expendable quickly. Darcy Tucker is one year removed from an excellent season. One rough year and he&rsquo;s bought out by the Maple Leafs. Others who couldn&rsquo;t find work last season were Anson Carter and Jeff O&rsquo;Neill, and the list will get longer this year. You might as well go with the younger players and cheaper salaries.</p><p>The other thing is teams may need to find cap room and buy players out to free up some space for free agents and players who can help the team.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-011349/9198626-1-eng-US/f0024-012.jpg" title="f0024-01" width="1239" height="905"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MIKE SMITH | Tampa Bay Lightning</b> <span class="photo-credit">(SMITH: SCOTT AUDETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>I&rsquo;LL PLAY, YOU WATCH</b></h2><p>Teams can only afford one No. 1 goalie nowadays. It&rsquo;s rare for the backup to win the job, much less get much playing time. If they start to look too good, they start to look too expensive and they&rsquo;re more attractive as trade bait. That happened last season with Mike Smith in Dallas and Ilya Bryzgalov in Anaheim, which led to the Ducks giving away Bryzgalov because it didn&rsquo;t make sense anymore for them to pay him. Mind you, young players still have to earn their way. Pascal Leclaire did it in Columbus last season, but that was rare. You are our No. 1 goalie until you are injured and then you&rsquo;re in danger of losing your job.</p><h2><b>COLLEGE PLAYERS</b></h2><p>This is a generalization, but it&rsquo;s something for fantasy players to keep in mind. College players can be inconsistent. They can earn a job with their skating and their speed, but that doesn&rsquo;t always translate into scoring in the NHL, especially with defensemen. Matt Carle went from 42 points to 15 (albeit in 15 fewer games). What happened?</p><p>Tom Poti alternates between 40-some points and 20-some points. John-Michael Liles and Jordan Leopold have also been inconsistent.</p><h2><b>FRINGE EUROPEANS</b></h2><p>If a European is going to be a fringe player in the NHL, he can go back to Europe and be a key contributor. No point sticking around. Fantasy players have to be careful. A promising European who gets a lack of playing time often returns to Europe rather than spending time on the bench, in the stands, or in the AHL, which means they&rsquo;re lost for the season, even if there are injuries. Niko Kapanen is a recent example.</p><h2><b>WELCOME BACK</b></h2><p>North Americans who go to Europe often return as better players. Cory Murphy looked like gangbusters last season before getting injured. The bigger ice surface helps their skating, for one thing. For another, they come back hungrier to succeed in North America. Defenseman Mark Giordano might be a good example this year in Calgary after spending last season with Moscow Dynamo.</p><h2><b>RUSSIAN FLU</b></h2><p>The love affair with Russian players is more like a divorce nowadays. There are transfer agreement problems, the risk of drafting them and never seeing them, and players who come across the pond, tread water and then paddle back as quickly as possible. For every Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin, there is an Alexei Mikhonov, Artem Kryukov, and Igor Knyazev. First round pick Nikita Filatov had to make a big deal this summer about ensuring everyone he was committed to coming to North America.</p><h2><b>HEY LITTLE FELLA, WANNA PLAY?</b></h2><p>Small players can make it in the NHL now. A small player&rsquo;s size is becoming less and less of a factor. In fact, they&rsquo;re becoming more attractive because they can be faster and quicker than the big guys. If you can&rsquo;t catch them, you can&rsquo;t hit them. For example, Buffalo prospect Nathan Gerbe is listed at 5-foot-5, 160 pounds. A gust of wind could knock him over, but touch him in the new NHL and it&rsquo;s a likely trip to the penalty box.</p><h2><b>WE&rsquo;VE GOT MONEY AND WE&rsquo;RE WILLING TO OVERPAY</b></h2><p>Offer sheets to restricted free agents used to be as useful as goal judges sitting behind the net. Now, it&rsquo;s different. Edmonton went out and got Dustin Penner last season and overpaid mightily. Some of it depends on where a team is under the cap and how much money they have to spend, and some of it depends on their willingness to give up draft picks.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-02971/9198619-1-eng-US/f0024-022.jpg" title="f0024-02" width="796" height="734"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>MATTHEW LOMBARDI | Calgary Flames</b> <span class="photo-credit">(LOMBARDI: JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>SKATE LIKE THE WIND</b></h2><p>People say you have to be an excellent skater to play in the NHL now. Mind you, they&rsquo;ve been saying that forever. What happens though, is skating is just one component of the game and doesn&rsquo;t mean you can score, check or do anything other than skate fast. That aspect may land them in the show, but it can&rsquo;t always keep them there. We&rsquo;ve been hearing for a couple of years Phoenix prospect Enver Lisin is the fastest skater in the game. Yet that hasn&rsquo;t translated into production. And Calgary&rsquo;s Matthew Lombardi? His problem is he skates too fast for his hands to catch up.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0023-01

IT’S A SALARY CAP WORLD

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0025-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0025-011205/9198664-1-eng-US/f0025-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>TEAM LOGO</b></p><p><b>WRITE UP</b></p><p>Team synopsis written with a slant towards pool and fantasy league players.</p><p><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></p><p>These are each team&rsquo;s leaders in power play points, plus/minus and PIMs for 2007-08. Numbers include totals with previous teams.</p><p><b>2008-09 ROSTER</b></p><p>Position-by-position report of those candidates vying for a spot on the team, listed alphabetically by position</p><p><b>POINT PROJECTION</b></p><p>Need a projection quickly? Flip through the pages and get the goods in seconds</p></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="88" height="100"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>O</span>ur team section gives you all the information you need to dominate your pool. We&rsquo;ve added The Power Zone this year to give you more of an advantage on your fellow poolies.</p></div><div style="clear: both;"><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></div>

f0025-01

ULTIMATE GUIDE THE TEAMS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-02977/9198723-1-eng-US/f0026-022.jpg" title="f0026-02" width="704" height="1162"><figcaption class="caption-body">CHRIS PRONGER <span class="photo-credit">(PRONGER: DEBORA ROBINSON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-011359/9198730-1-eng-US/f0026-012.jpg" title="f0026-01" width="213" height="120"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Ducks don&rsquo;t play an ideal style for poolies and fantasy leaguers. Coach Randy Carlyle &ndash; a former all-star defender &ndash; likes to keep games close by limiting the chances against and most of Anaheim&rsquo;s top-end talent is on defense and between the pipes.</p><p>Up front, it&rsquo;s becoming a two-man show in Orange County. If center Ryan Getzlaf and right winger Corey Perry don&rsquo;t produce on a given night, chances are Anaheim won&rsquo;t score more than a goal.</p><p>There is potential for a very good power play, with the two scoring stars joined by blueliners Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer and Mathieu Schneider. However, scoring depth remains a major issue. The Anaheim faithful still don&rsquo;t know when 2005 first-rounder Bobby Ryan will be able to replace long-time Duck Teemu Selanne, if ever, but Ryan&rsquo;s their best hope right now.</p><p>That leaves second-liners Chris Kunitz and UFA signee Brendan Morrison as the only other reliable producers. Offensive defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron was sent to Minnesota, where he&rsquo;ll get power play time.</p><p>Aside from Ryan, speedy center Ryan Carter could emerge this season as a top-six forward, but he&rsquo;s more likely to be a role player. Ditto for checking-line center Samuel Pahlsson. If Selanne doesn&rsquo;t return, Anaheim will need to find another scorer.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-03783/9198716-1-eng-US/f0026-032.jpg" title="f0026-03" width="334" height="577"><figcaption class="caption-body">RYAN GETZLAF <span class="photo-credit">(GETZLAF: GLENN JAMES/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-04586/9198709-1-eng-US/f0026-042.jpg" title="f0026-04" width="469" height="2064"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-05447/9198702-1-eng-US/f0026-052.jpg" title="f0026-05" width="834" height="2470"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0026-02

One-two punch, but not much else

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-011288/9198782-1-eng-US/f0027-012.jpg" title="f0027-01" width="703" height="1125"><figcaption class="caption-body">ERIK CHRISTENSEN <span class="photo-credit">(CHRISTENSEN: DAVE SANDFORD/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-04484/9198789-1-eng-US/f0027-042.jpg" title="f0027-04" width="216" height="176"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span>fter the Thrashers dealt Slovakian right winger Marian Hossa at the trade deadline last season, the team was left with one bona fide star: Russian left winger Ilya Kovalchuk.</p><p>Kovalchuk has two 50-goal seasons under his belt and he&rsquo;s a good bet to hit the milestone once again. But beyond that, the pickings are slim.</p><p>Candidates to center No. 17 include the very ordinary Todd White, the still-raw Bryan Little and the largely unproven Erik Christensen. Eric Perrin, who can play on any line, is a fall-back option. The fact Kovalchuk finished 2007-08 with the now-departed Bobby Holik as his main center says a lot.</p><p>Aside from Atlanta&rsquo;s franchise player, the best of the lot on the wings are Perrin, Colby Armstrong and the inconsistent Slava Kozlov.</p><p>Mark Recchi was productive, but he&rsquo;s moved on to Tampa Bay. Jim Slater was supposed to be a scorer, but has settled into a checking role.</p><p>Further complicating Atlanta&rsquo;s plight is the lack of scoring options on defense. If No. 3 overall draftee Zach Bogosian plays, he will help. But after Tobias Enstrom and, possibly, newcomer Ron Hainsey, no other blueliner poses much of a threat.</p><p>In goal, the tandem of Kari Lehtonen and Johan Hedberg figures to keep the Thrashers in games. Unfortunately, they won&rsquo;t put up many wins because of the team&rsquo;s deficiencies in other areas.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-02905/9198775-1-eng-US/f0027-022.jpg" title="f0027-02" width="335" height="602"><figcaption class="caption-body">ILYA KOVALCHUK <span class="photo-credit">(KOVALCHUK: SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-03660/9198768-1-eng-US/f0027-032.jpg" title="f0027-03" width="472" height="2083"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0027-05333/9198761-1-eng-US/f0027-052.jpg" title="f0027-05" width="850" height="2471"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0027-01

One-man show has little help

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-02947/9198841-1-eng-US/f0028-022.jpg" title="f0028-02" width="699" height="1161"><figcaption class="caption-body">PHIL KESSEL</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-011342/9198848-1-eng-US/f0028-012.jpg" title="f0028-01" width="184" height="185"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Bruins will get a big boost from the return of center Patrice Bergeron in 2008-09. First-line center Marc Savard can always be counted on for point-per-game production, but the return of Bergeron will help Savard get back to the 90-point plateau, after a 78-point 2007-08 campaign.</p><p>Bergeron&rsquo;s return is bad news for Czech youngster David Krejci, who shared the second-line center job last season. On the wings, Michael Ryder will be expected to bounce back from his poor showing with the Montreal Canadiens last season and put up at least 55 points.</p><p>There is hope both Phil Kessel and Milan Lucic will emerge as big-time scorers down the road, but for now they will continue to make steady offensive progress. Boston also has high hopes for rookie winger Blake Wheeler. And Chuck Kobasew can score goals in bunches, but is injury-prone.</p><p>Peter Schaefer needs to redeem himself after a woeful first season with the Bruins. And whatever happened to former 44-goal winger Glen Murray?</p><p>On defense, it&rsquo;s all about captain Zdeno Chara. He&rsquo;s the main focal point on the power play and usually teams with Dennis Wideman.</p><p>In goal, Tim Thomas carried the mail for the Bruins last season, but Manny Fernandez will be ready to challenge the American for minutes after knee surgery wiped out most of 2007-08.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-03714/9198834-1-eng-US/f0028-032.jpg" title="f0028-03" width="332" height="599"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARC SAVARD <span class="photo-credit">(BOTH: SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-04518/9198827-1-eng-US/f0028-042.jpg" title="f0028-04" width="465" height="2085"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-05406/9198820-1-eng-US/f0028-052.jpg" title="f0028-05" width="842" height="2478"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0028-02

Bruins hope youth keeps improving

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-011190/9198900-1-eng-US/f0029-012.jpg" title="f0029-01" width="694" height="1136"><figcaption class="caption-body">DEREK ROY <span class="photo-credit">(ROY: GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-04436/9198907-1-eng-US/f0029-042.jpg" title="f0029-04" width="215" height="144"></div><p>Despite their struggles last season, the Sabres are still a deep offensive team.</p><p>It&rsquo;s just they&rsquo;re not as deep or as talented as in the recent past. Some of their key performers &ndash; forwards Tim Connolly, Jochen Hecht and Maxim Afinogenov and defenseman Jaroslav Spacek &ndash; are prone to injury, which compromises the depth.</p><p>Others such as Dan Paille and Clarke MacArthur may have trouble finding a spot in the regular lineup. Buffalo is led by goal-scorer Thomas Vanek, two-way pivot Derek Roy and all-around winger Jason Pominville, though none are threats to win a scoring title.</p><p>Drew Stafford, Ales Kotalik, Connolly, Hecht and Afinogenov provide more depth, while Paul Gaustad leads the foot soldiers on the bottom two lines.</p><p>While the Sabres already appear to have too many similar forwards, diminutive NCAA star Nathan Gerbe is on the horizon and will push for playing time in his first pro campaign, despite his size.</p><p>On defense, Spacek will get help from Slovak Andrej Sekera, who was impressive in a 37-game trial last year. Craig Rivet was acquired from San Jose and will provide added veteran leadership.</p><p>In goal, Ryan Miller is the No. 1 guy, but will have Patrick Lalime to help carry the load. Don&rsquo;t expect Miller to appear in the 75-plus games he did last season, since he wore down in the second half.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-02816/9198893-1-eng-US/f0029-022.jpg" title="f0029-02" width="333" height="599"><figcaption class="caption-body">THOMAS VANEK <span class="photo-credit">(VANEK: BILL WIPPERT/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-03583/9198886-1-eng-US/f0029-032.jpg" title="f0029-03" width="472" height="2072"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0029-05363/9198879-1-eng-US/f0029-052.jpg" title="f0029-05" width="856" height="2472"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0029-01

Offensively gifted, but injury prone

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-02918/9198959-1-eng-US/f0030-022.jpg" title="f0030-02" width="703" height="1162"><figcaption class="caption-body">DAYMOND LANGKOW <span class="photo-credit">(LANGKOW: SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-011349/9198966-1-eng-US/f0030-012.jpg" title="f0030-01" width="200" height="168"></div><p>In Calgary, it always starts with Jarome Iginla, who has averaged 96 points the past two seasons.</p><p>Coach Mike Keenan likes to shuffle Iginla from line to line, but he usually has Daymond Langkow as his pivot. Langkow is probably best suited for second-line duty, but he does have good chemistry with the franchise right winger.</p><p>Speedster Matthew Lombardi is another option for Iginla at center, but he doesn&rsquo;t provide enough consistent production to remain on the top unit.</p><p>Owen Nolan was a pleasant surprise as the second-line right winger, but left as a UFA. His spot will likely be filled by the unlikely signing of Todd Bertuzzi, who Calgary fans loved to boo the past couple of seasons.</p><p>If Bertuzzi doesn&rsquo;t produce right away on the top two lines, that will create an opening for David Moss, who was limited to 41 games due to injury. Ideally, Moss would play a third-line role in Calgary.</p><p>On defense, Dion Phaneuf is as good as it gets in terms of production and he has support in Adrian Aucoin, whose first season in Calgary was a success. Keep an eye on Mark Giordano, who returns to the NHL after a one-year hiatus in Russia. He&rsquo;ll battle Aucoin for ice time on the power-play unit.</p><p>Miikka Kiprusoff is entrenched as the starter, but there is some concern about his declining numbers. Look for him to play 70-plus games again.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-03670/9198952-1-eng-US/f0030-032.jpg" title="f0030-03" width="334" height="595"><figcaption class="caption-body">JAROME IGINLA <span class="photo-credit">(IGINLA: GERRY THOMAS/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-04494/9198945-1-eng-US/f0030-042.jpg" title="f0030-04" width="459" height="2081"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-05379/9198938-1-eng-US/f0030-052.jpg" title="f0030-05" width="845" height="2478"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0030-02

Flames must find right fit for Iginla

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-02884/9199077-1-eng-US/f0032-022.jpg" title="f0032-02" width="699" height="1163"><figcaption class="caption-body">JONATHAN TOEWS <span class="photo-credit">(TOEWS: BILL SMITH/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-011323/9199084-1-eng-US/f0032-012.jpg" title="f0032-01" width="184" height="168"></div><p>The Blackhawks are relevant again and a lot of the praise goes to super-sophomores Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.</p><p>As NHL rookies, they finished first and third in team scoring and would have been 1-2 had Toews not missed time due to injury. They didn&rsquo;t always play together as freshmen, but were most dominant in combination with Patrick Sharp at left wing.</p><p>Sharp enjoyed a career season (36-26-62) that will be hard to duplicate. There is enough scoring depth in Chicago these days for coach Denis Savard to play his three studs together in 2008-09. But a lot of that will depend on the health of right winger Martin Havlat who, as usual, was limited to just 35 games because of injury.</p><p>Fellow Czech Robert Lang, rugged winger Andrew Ladd, and rookie Troy Brouwer round out a solid group of forwards. The wild card is sometimes-defenseman Dustin Byfuglien, who made a smooth conversion to the wing.</p><p>On defense, Brian Campbell will step in as the No. 1 offensive rearguard, with Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and James Wisniewski behind him on the depth charts. Cam Barker is still getting his feet wet at the NHL level, but it&rsquo;s time for him to step it up.</p><p>The goaltending is solid, but pricey with Nikolai Khabibulin and Cristobal Huet earning a combined $12.375 million. Something has to give.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-03643/9199070-1-eng-US/f0032-032.jpg" title="f0032-03" width="333" height="595"><figcaption class="caption-body">PATRICK KANE <span class="photo-credit">(KANE: SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-04477/9199063-1-eng-US/f0032-042.jpg" title="f0032-04" width="472" height="2092"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-05374/9199056-1-eng-US/f0032-052.jpg" title="f0032-05" width="833" height="2457"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0032-02

Young guns lead the way in Chicago

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-011182/9199136-1-eng-US/f0033-012.jpg" title="f0033-01" width="705" height="1150"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAUL STASTNY <span class="photo-credit">(STASTNY: SCOTT AUDETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-05431/9199143-1-eng-US/f0033-052.jpg" title="f0033-05" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>There is a changing of the guard in Denver, as Joe Sakic passes the torch to Paul Stastny.</p><p>Colorado&rsquo;s leading scorer last season, Stastny will become familiar with the position of leading the offense the next several seasons. Meanwhile, Sakic has yet to determine whether he wants to continue playing and is coming off an injury-filled campaign.</p><p>Help for Stastny will come from wingers Milan Hejduk and Ryan Smyth, as well as emerging youngsters Wojtek Wolski and T.J. Hensick. Marek Svatos has sniper potential, but has yet to fulfill it.</p><p>Tyler Arnason provides third-line offense, while Svatos might see time there as well. Darcy Tucker could be a real steal if he can regain his 20-goal form. Also, keep an eye on second-year winger David Jones.</p><p>On defense, John-Michael Liles and Adam Foote were kept away from unrestricted free agency, while Brett Clark &ndash; who was limited to 57 games last season because of a shoulder problem &ndash; and Jordan Leopold lend support. Ruslan Salei is a secondary option from the back end.</p><p>The Avs might see some real problems in goal with the departure of former No. 1 man Jose Theodore. It&rsquo;s now up to Peter Budaj &ndash; who outplayed Theodore a couple years ago &ndash; and the down-but-not-quite-out Andrew Raycroft to put in consistent, if not spectacular, performances each night.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-02808/9199129-1-eng-US/f0033-022.jpg" title="f0033-02" width="333" height="600"><figcaption class="caption-body">JOE SAKIC <span class="photo-credit">(SAKIC: DOUG PENSINGER/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-03638/9199122-1-eng-US/f0033-032.jpg" title="f0033-03" width="472" height="2078"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-04513/9199115-1-eng-US/f0033-042.jpg" title="f0033-04" width="846" height="2465"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0033-01

Avs’ strong point is not goaltending

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-011252/9199254-1-eng-US/f0035-012.jpg" title="f0035-01" width="701" height="1165"><figcaption class="caption-body">BRAD RICHARDS <span class="photo-credit">(RICHARDS: DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-04590/9199261-1-eng-US/f0035-042.jpg" title="f0035-04" width="208" height="136"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Stars boast better center depth than most NHL outfits, thanks to the arrival of Mike Ribeiro from Montreal two seasons ago and Brad Richards from Tampa Bay last season.</p><p>They combine with long-time Star Mike Modano to form an impressive 1-2-3 punch. However, it is the play of the Stars&rsquo; wingers in 2008-09 that will be under the microscope. Captain Brenden Morrow elevated his play to new heights during the postseason and proved capable of leading the offense (as well as the dressing room.</p><p>The other intriguing winger in Dallas is Swedish speedster Fabian Brunnstrom, who comes over from Europe with much fanfare and lofty expectations. He&rsquo;ll get every opportunity to produce as a top-six forward.</p><p>Jere Lehtinen is still around to provide stability, but won&rsquo;t have any fellow Finns to play with, as Niklas Hagman and Antti Miettinen aren&rsquo;t returning.</p><p>On defense, the Stars are deep, versatile and talented. They boast the steadiness and leadership of Sergei Zubov, Philippe Boucher, Stephane Robidas and Trevor Daley, as well as the upside of Matt Niskanen. Zubov is the linchpin on the power play, but both he and Boucher suffered through injuries last season.</p><p>There&rsquo;s nothing to worry about in goal, either, as rock-solid Marty Turco will man the mesh.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-02879/9199247-1-eng-US/f0035-022.jpg" title="f0035-02" width="334" height="597"><figcaption class="caption-body">BRENDEN MORROW <span class="photo-credit">(MORROW: GLENN JAMES/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-03726/9199240-1-eng-US/f0035-032.jpg" title="f0035-03" width="472" height="2072"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-05498/9199233-1-eng-US/f0035-052.jpg" title="f0035-05" width="834" height="2457"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0035-01

Stars shine bright up the middle

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-02818/9199313-1-eng-US/f0036-022.jpg" title="f0036-02" width="703" height="1173"><figcaption class="caption-body">HENRIK ZETTERBERG</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-011234/9199320-1-eng-US/f0036-012.jpg" title="f0036-01" width="216" height="160"></div><p>The Stanley Cup champs are a well-oiled machine with a plethora of point-producing players.</p><p>It starts with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg as a lethal 1-2 punch. They normally play with Tomas Holmstrom at right wing, while any combination of Johan Franzen, Valtteri Filppula, Dan Cleary and Mikael Samuelsson usually fill out the second line. Now, Marian Hossa will be worked into Detroit&rsquo;s winning formula.</p><p>Datsyuk and Zetterberg play in all situations and are the NHL&rsquo;s best two-way forwards, which gives them the opportunity to be elite point producers.</p><p>Detroit&rsquo;s power play is also lethal, with the big line up front and all-stars Nicklas Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski on the points. Franzen, who came of age during the 2008 playoffs, is an emerging force with the man advantage and could take Holmstrom&rsquo;s spot on the first unit.</p><p>Youngsters Filppula and Jiri Hudler are on the second unit, along with Swedes Samuelsson and rearguard Niklas Kronwall &ndash; another Detroit player whose coming-out party was the &lsquo;08 playoffs.</p><p>Two potential sleepers for 2008-09 are Slovakian Tomas Kopecky, who is coming off injury, and speedy rookie Darren Helm. In goal, veteran Chris Osgood usurped the now-retired Dominik Hasek during the post-season and led the club to another championship. Ty Conklin is a very capable backup.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-03673/9199306-1-eng-US/f0036-032.jpg" title="f0036-03" width="334" height="579"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAVEL DATSYUK <span class="photo-credit">(BOTH: DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-04531/9199299-1-eng-US/f0036-042.jpg" title="f0036-04" width="472" height="2090"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-05450/9199292-1-eng-US/f0036-052.jpg" title="f0036-05" width="830" height="2461"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0036-02

Champions taking no prisoners

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-011101/9199372-1-eng-US/f0037-012.jpg" title="f0037-01" width="699" height="1149"><figcaption class="caption-body">ANDREW COGLIANO</figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-05464/9199379-1-eng-US/f0037-052.jpg" title="f0037-05" width="72" height="73"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>Y</span>outh is now served in Edmonton, with the team relying heavily for offense from the likes of forwards Robert Nilsson, Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano, and defenseman Tom Gilbert.</p><p>Ales Hemsky is still the leader of the Oilers attack, but he has a lot more to work with now. Center Shawn Horcoff has been miscast as the team&rsquo;s first-line center in the past, but will be a perfect complement to Cogliano once the latter emerges as the No. 1 pivot.</p><p>In Dustin Penner and Erik Cole, the Oil boast a couple of versatile power forwards. Leaders Ethan Moreau and Fernando Pisani have an interesting project in Gilbert Brule (projected 22 points) to work with unless coach Craig MacTavish slots him on the top two lines immediately.</p><p>The Oilers are blessed with several quality options to quarterback their power play: Lubomir Visnovsky and Sheldon Souray are naturals. The emerging Gilbert will not see as much time with the man advantage in 2008-09 because of the return to health of veteran Souray.</p><p>The fourth line will be anchored by the versatile Kyle Brodziak in 2008-09.</p><p>In goal, Mathieu Garon leapfrogged over Dwayne Roloson last season. Garon excels in the shootout, but has had difficulty cementing the No. 1 job in the past. Therefore, Roloson will still see 20-25 games.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-02758/9199365-1-eng-US/f0037-022.jpg" title="f0037-02" width="335" height="599"><figcaption class="caption-body">ALES HEMSKY <span class="photo-credit">(BOTH: ANDY DEVLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-03608/9199358-1-eng-US/f0037-032.jpg" title="f0037-03" width="472" height="2076"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-04514/9199351-1-eng-US/f0037-042.jpg" title="f0037-04" width="838" height="2463"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0037-01

Youth taking over Alberta’s north

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-02806/9199431-1-eng-US/f0038-022.jpg" title="f0038-02" width="702" height="1101"><figcaption class="caption-body">NATHAN HORTON <span class="photo-credit">(HORTON: JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-011190/9199438-1-eng-US/f0038-012.jpg" title="f0038-01" width="200" height="192"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Panthers enter a new era minus former captain Olli Jokinen. With the big Finnish center now in Phoenix, the Panthers will rely even more heavily on the David Booth-Stephen Weiss-Nathan Horton line that was very impressive last year.</p><p>They move from the second unit to the top line, but the supporting cast, besides free agent signing Cory Stillman, is relatively weak. Brett McLean is coming off a career year and will be given every opportunity to match his &lsquo;07-08 totals.</p><p>Czech winger Rostislav Olesz needs to step up due to the departure of Jokinen, while Slovakian veteran Richard Zednik will attempt to put his gruesome throat slash from last season behind him.</p><p>There&rsquo;s also veterans Ville Peltonen and Radek Dvorak, whose NHL careers are winding down.</p><p>The defense is in much better shape thanks to the addition of Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton from the Jokinen deal. They join Jay Bouwmeester, Mike Van Ryn, Cory Murphy, Bryan Allen and Noah Welch on a deceivingly strong blueline corps.</p><p>Bouwmeester is the leader in all aspects, while Murphy and Van Ryn will battle for power-play time. If the special teams don&rsquo;t shine for the Panthers, they&rsquo;ll be doomed.</p><p>In goal, the Panthers are in the reliable hands of Tomas Vokoun. Since the Cats don&rsquo;t score a lot, the goaltending needs to be solid each and every night.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-03649/9199424-1-eng-US/f0038-032.jpg" title="f0038-03" width="369" height="658"><figcaption class="caption-body">JAY BOUWMEESTER <span class="photo-credit">(BOUWMEESTER: ELIOT J. SCHECHTER/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-04522/9199417-1-eng-US/f0038-042.jpg" title="f0038-04" width="466" height="2076"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-05419/9199410-1-eng-US/f0038-052.jpg" title="f0038-05" width="838" height="2496"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0038-02

Look for defense to be main focus

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-011096/9199490-1-eng-US/f0039-012.jpg" title="f0039-01" width="703" height="1151"><figcaption class="caption-body">ALEXANDER FROLOV <span class="photo-credit">(FROLOV: BRUCE KLUCKHOHN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-04461/9199497-1-eng-US/f0039-042.jpg" title="f0039-04" width="176" height="152"></div><p>The rebuilding is in full force in Los Angeles, as witnessed by the departure of winger Mike Cammalleri to the Calgary Flames.</p><p>Now, the likes of Anze Kopitar, Alexander Frolov, Patrick O&rsquo;Sullivan and Dustin Brown will be responsible for leading the offense for years to come. They will be joined by AHL scorers Brian Boyle and Teddy Purcell, a couple of big forwards with scoring potential.</p><p>The supporting cast isn&rsquo;t quite as encouraging, as underachieving Michal Handzus and Kyle Calder are the best of a mediocre bunch. Veteran Derek Armstrong is still around for his 35-40 points, but the Kings lack quality role players up front.</p><p>On defense, Lubomir Visnovsky was shipped to Edmonton for Jarret Stoll and Matt Greene. That&rsquo;ll put more pressure to produce offensively on Tom Preissing and Jack Johnson, while top pick Drew Doughty will contribute right away.</p><p>Defensively, it will be baptism by fire for a lot of them. Unless the forwards are vigilant about picking up their wingers, the goals against will rise.</p><p>The goaltending situation is still up in the air, with journeyman Jason LaBarbera the likely starter. Swede Erik Ersberg will attempt to hold off top prospect Jonathan Bernier for the No. 2 job, though it&rsquo;s a matter of time before the latter takes over the starting role.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-02712/9199483-1-eng-US/f0039-022.jpg" title="f0039-02" width="333" height="601"><figcaption class="caption-body">ANZE KOPITAR <span class="photo-credit">(KOPITAR: NOAH GRAHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-03554/9199476-1-eng-US/f0039-032.jpg" title="f0039-03" width="472" height="2080"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-05384/9199469-1-eng-US/f0039-052.jpg" title="f0039-05" width="830" height="2471"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0039-01

Growth from within a gradual process

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-02477/9199549-1-eng-US/f0040-022.jpg" title="f0040-02" width="700" height="1160"><figcaption class="caption-body">PIERRE-MARC BOUCHARD <span class="photo-credit">(BOUCHARD: BRUCE KLUCKHOHN/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-01787/9199556-1-eng-US/f0040-012.jpg" title="f0040-01" width="210" height="136"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>J</span>ust when the Wild were starting to mature offensively, free agency took its toll. Gone are Brian Rolston, Pavol Demitra and Branko Radivojevic.</p><p>Replacing the departed are Owen Nolan, Antti Miettinen and Andrew Brunette, which means franchise winger Marian Gaborik will be even less enthused about playing for the Wild this season.</p><p>That won&rsquo;t prevent the speedy &ldquo;Gabby&rdquo; from hitting 40-plus goals and 80-plus points if he stays healthy, but his status as a possible UFA after 2008-09 should worry the Minnesota faithful.</p><p>Rolston&rsquo;s return to New Jersey, leaves the playmaking to winger Pierre-Marc Bouchard, center Mikko Koivu and Brunette. The Wild will also get an offensive boost from sophomore center James Sheppard, who got his feet wet last season, getting into 78 games.</p><p>The blueline is led by emerging star Brent Burns. He&rsquo;ll be helped by big-shooting Kurtis Foster &ndash; coming back from a badly broken leg &ndash; and smooth puck-mover Kim Johnsson. New arrival Marek Zidlicky will boost the power play. The Wild don&rsquo;t get much offense from Nick Schultz or Martin Skoula; they specialize in own-end maintenance.</p><p>Goaltending is a team strength, with Finn Niklas Backstrom the clear-cut starter and youngster Josh Harding an excellent backup.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-03367/9199542-1-eng-US/f0040-032.jpg" title="f0040-03" width="333" height="589"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARIAN GABORIK <span class="photo-credit">(GABORIK: MICHAEL MARTIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-04298/9199535-1-eng-US/f0040-042.jpg" title="f0040-04" width="472" height="2090"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-05255/9199528-1-eng-US/f0040-052.jpg" title="f0040-05" width="825" height="2477"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0040-02

Loss of big guns doesn’t bode well

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-01676/9199608-1-eng-US/f0041-012.jpg" title="f0041-01" width="697" height="1168"><figcaption class="caption-body">CHRIS HIGGINS</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-04292/9199615-1-eng-US/f0041-042.jpg" title="f0041-04" width="200" height="136"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>A</span> great offensive team with a killer power play became even better in the off-season with the addition of left winger Alex Tanguay from Calgary.</p><p>Tanguay will fit in nicely onto a squad that is knee-deep in scoring forwards: Alexei Kovalev, Tomas Plekanec, Chris Higgins, Saku Koivu and the impressive Kostitsyn brothers (Andrei and Sergei).</p><p>Kovalev&rsquo;s 84-point campaign was unexpected, so a return to the 65-70 point range is the expectation this time around. Tanguay replaces winger Michael Ryder, while young Guillaume Latendresse continues to toil on the third or fourth lines until his skating improves.</p><p>Two more free agents, Mark Streit and Bryan Smolinski, will be replaced by young two-way forwards Maxime Lapierre and Kyle Chipchura.</p><p>On defense, Andrei Markov is the quarterback of the NHL&rsquo;s best power play, but a new partner is needed due to the loss of Streit. Roman Hamrlik could be placed in that role, though he&rsquo;s better in his own end nowadays.</p><p>Don&rsquo;t expect a lot of offense from the rest of the blueline brigade, as the likes of Mike Komisarek and Francis Bouillon are strictly defensive defensemen.</p><p>The goaltending situation is young, with ultra-talented sophomore Carey Price the clear-cut starter and 23-year-old Slovak Jaroslav Halak the backup. Price is set to play 55-60 games.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-02419/9199601-1-eng-US/f0041-022.jpg" title="f0041-02" width="337" height="585"><figcaption class="caption-body">ALEXEI KOVALEV <span class="photo-credit">(BOTH: SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-03338/9199594-1-eng-US/f0041-032.jpg" title="f0041-03" width="472" height="2078"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-05263/9199587-1-eng-US/f0041-052.jpg" title="f0041-05" width="830" height="2464"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0041-01

More French added to the connection

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-02438/9199667-1-eng-US/f0042-022.jpg" title="f0042-02" width="698" height="1168"><figcaption class="caption-body">J-P DUMONT <span class="photo-credit">(DUMONT: JOHN RUSSELL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-01709/9199674-1-eng-US/f0042-012.jpg" title="f0042-01" width="216" height="128"></div><p>The Predators are a team that&rsquo;s always looking for balance, be it in the scoring department or in terms of their overall plight.</p><p>However, two leaders have clearly emerged on offense: Jason Arnott and J-P Dumont form two thirds of an excellent first line. The third member of the line varies greatly, but Czech winger Martin Erat and excitable Russian Alexander Radulov are the two likely candidates this season.</p><p>The other will find himself next to two-way pivot David Legwand, who is very good when he can stay consistent &ndash; which has been a major issue for him. Speaking of injuries, winger Steve Sullivan will attempt to come back from his serious back issues. If he can, he&rsquo;ll round out the Preds&rsquo; top six forwards.</p><p>Nashville&rsquo;s biggest strength is along the blueline, where Ryan Suter, Shea Weber and Dan Hamhuis reside. All three are capable of producing points, but are used in all game situations as well.</p><p>Marek Zidlicky was the closest thing to a powerplay specialist on the team, but he&rsquo;s off to Minnesota. That will leave more time for Suter, Weber and Hamhuis to push their offensive potential forward.</p><p>Nashville has resolved its goaltending situation with the deal that sent Chris Mason to St. Louis. Dan Ellis will battle Finnish rookie Pekka Rinne for playing time. Ellis is coming off a career season, but Rinne is a sleeper with great upside.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-03341/9199660-1-eng-US/f0042-032.jpg" title="f0042-03" width="332" height="601"><figcaption class="caption-body">JASON ARNOTT <span class="photo-credit">(ARNOTT: DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-04273/9199653-1-eng-US/f0042-042.jpg" title="f0042-04" width="472" height="2073"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-05238/9199646-1-eng-US/f0042-052.jpg" title="f0042-05" width="828" height="2460"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0042-02

Preds still seeking balance, security

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-01700/9199726-1-eng-US/f0043-012.jpg" title="f0043-01" width="701" height="1178"><figcaption class="caption-body">PATRIK ELIAS <span class="photo-credit">(ELIAS: ANDY MARLIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-04290/9199733-1-eng-US/f0043-042.jpg" title="f0043-04" width="168" height="160"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Devils didn&rsquo;t score more under new coach Brent Sutter last season, but that was because of personnel, not philosophy. They played more of a forechecking game, but just didn&rsquo;t have the horses to regularly light the lamp.</p><p>Left winger Zach Parise returns as the best of the lot. Brian Gionta will improve on his 22 goals and 53 points from a year ago, as will Czech Patrik Elias, a former 96-point man. The return of Brian Rolston and Bobby Holik will certainly help as well.</p><p>The Devils also need more production from Jamie Langenbrunner and Travis Zajac.</p><p>New Jersey boasts one of the best checking-line centers in the game in John Madden, but asking him to produce offense is never wise. Dainius Zubrus was brought aboard to play a top-six role, but looked most comfortable on Madden&rsquo;s line.</p><p>Part of New Jersey&rsquo;s scoring woes can be explained by a lack of offensive support from the back end. The loss of Brian Rafalski to Detroit really hurt, as Paul Martin was incapable of picking up the offensive slack. Instead, speedy rearguard Johnny Oduya emerged as a surprise in the points department, but a lot more is required in Newark.</p><p>The team has Martin Brodeur to rely upon for 75-plus games of goaltending mastery. The four-time Vezina trophy winner is still the franchise player and a big reason for most of their victories.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-02471/9199719-1-eng-US/f0043-022.jpg" title="f0043-02" width="333" height="600"><figcaption class="caption-body">ZACH PARISE <span class="photo-credit">(PARISE: ANDY DEVLIN/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-03390/9199712-1-eng-US/f0043-032.jpg" title="f0043-03" width="464" height="2083"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0043-05249/9199705-1-eng-US/f0043-052.jpg" title="f0043-05" width="834" height="2468"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0043-01

Rolston, Holik return to Devils

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-02367/9199785-1-eng-US/f0044-022.jpg" title="f0044-02" width="702" height="1147"><figcaption class="caption-body">BILL GUERIN <span class="photo-credit">(GUERIN: MIKE STOBE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-01602/9199792-1-eng-US/f0044-012.jpg" title="f0044-01" width="159" height="156"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Islanders will let the kids play in 2008-09, as several veterans who played a big role on last season&rsquo;s team, namely forwards Miroslav Satan, Ruslan Fedotenko and Josef Vasicek, as well as defenseman Bryan Berard, have left via free agency.</p><p>Therefore, it&rsquo;s now up to winger Kyle Okposo, versatile forward Blake Comeau and defenseman Chris Campoli to help pick up the slack.</p><p>Last year&rsquo;s leading scorer, center Mike Comrie, totaled just 49 points, the lowest of any team-leading scorer in the NHL. Captain Bill Guerin led the way with 23 goals, but Okposo will lead the Isles in that category this season if given enough ice time with the man advantage.</p><p>While the youth will provide hope for the future, it&rsquo;s Guerin and the rickety veterans who will have to eat up some minutes. Doug Weight was signed to play set-up man for Guerin. Two-way forwards are Mike Sillinger, Trent Hunter and Richard Park.</p><p>On defense, Berard&rsquo;s quarterback skills will now fall to newcomer Mark Streit, who comes over after a terrific season in Montreal.</p><p>In goal, the Islanders have a franchise player in Rick DiPietro, who needed late-season hip surgery, but should be 100 percent healthy when the start of the regular schedule rolls around.</p><p>He&rsquo;ll have a new backup in Joey MacDonald or Yann Danis, since Wade Dubielewicz left for Russia.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-03271/9199778-1-eng-US/f0044-032.jpg" title="f0044-03" width="332" height="601"><figcaption class="caption-body">MIKE COMRIE <span class="photo-credit">(COMRIE: ANDRE RINGUETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-04215/9199771-1-eng-US/f0044-042.jpg" title="f0044-04" width="456" height="2092"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-05184/9199764-1-eng-US/f0044-052.jpg" title="f0044-05" width="846" height="2473"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0044-02

Every Isles victory will be methodical

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-01515/9199844-1-eng-US/f0045-012.jpg" title="f0045-01" width="703" height="1158"><figcaption class="caption-body">CHRIS DRURY <span class="photo-credit">(DRURY: SCOTT LEVY/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-04241/9199851-1-eng-US/f0045-042.jpg" title="f0045-04" width="159" height="156"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Rangers will sport a vastly different look in 2008-09. Up front, the team will rely even more on the center threesome of Scott Gomez, Chris Drury and Brandon Dubinsky, all three about to embark on their second seasons on Broadway.</p><p>The arrival of Nikolai Zherdev, Dan Fritsche, and Markus Naslund will boost the second and third lines, while young wingers Nigel Dawes and Ryan Callahan will be given greater responsibilities.</p><p>The losses of Jaromir Jagr, Sean Avery and Martin Straka as well as the unlikely return of Brendan Shanahan will allow the youth to step up.</p><p>Another beneficiary of the mass exodus on the wings is Czech Petr Prucha, who found himself in the press box for most of the playoffs last spring. Still, Prucha is only 26 and capable of lighting the lamp if given top-six winger minutes.</p><p>The signings of Wade Redden and Dmitri Kalinin as well as the returns of Michal Rozsival and Paul Mara enabled the Rangers to deal blueliners Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman to Columbus in the Zherdev trade.</p><p>Daniel Girardi will try to pick up the slack, on the heels of a promising 10-goal, 28-point year.</p><p>With all the changeover, even greater emphasis will be placed on the netminding of Henrik Lundqvist. The Swedish puck-stopper is close to becoming the standard of excellence at his position.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-02327/9199837-1-eng-US/f0045-022.jpg" title="f0045-02" width="333" height="597"><figcaption class="caption-body">SCOTT GOMEZ <span class="photo-credit">(GOMEZ: JAMIE SABAU/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-03273/9199830-1-eng-US/f0045-032.jpg" title="f0045-03" width="472" height="2084"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-05214/9199823-1-eng-US/f0045-052.jpg" title="f0045-05" width="854" height="2483"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0045-01

Influx of new faces again on Broadway

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-02325/9199903-1-eng-US/f0046-022.jpg" title="f0046-02" width="696" height="1147"><figcaption class="caption-body">JASON SPEZZA <span class="photo-credit">(SPEZZA: GREGORY SHAMUS/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-01505/9199910-1-eng-US/f0046-012.jpg" title="f0046-01" width="158" height="184"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>ry as they may, the Senators continue to be a one-line operation. Repeated attempts to break up the Dany Heatley-Jason Spezza-Daniel Alfredsson combination haven&rsquo;t produced the desired results, so Ottawa might as well put all of its eggs in one basket and see what happens.</p><p>It worked well in leading the team to the Stanley Cup final in 2007 and the lack of viable top-six forward options could make the decision to keep the Senators&rsquo; No. 1 line intact a no-brainer.</p><p>This year&rsquo;s supporting cast will include checking-line center Mike Fisher, two-way stalwarts Antoine Vermette and Chris Kelly, utility forward Dean McAmmond and promising sophomore Nick Foligno. Young Foligno isn&rsquo;t ready for huge minutes, but will see quite a bit of ice time.</p><p>The loss of Cory Stillman to free agency will also hurt secondary scoring.</p><p>On defense, the departure of Wade Redden to the Rangers via free agency means more offensive responsibilities for Slovakian defender Andrej Meszaros, who is coming off a 36-point campaign.</p><p>With Ray Emery now out of the picture in the crease, it&rsquo;s Martin Gerber&rsquo;s job to lift Ottawa back to prominence. The problem is he&rsquo;s basically a 1A or stud backup goalie at this stage of his career. Battling him for time will be Alex Auld, who has proven capable during various stints around the NHL.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-03233/9199896-1-eng-US/f0046-032.jpg" title="f0046-03" width="333" height="595"><figcaption class="caption-body">DANY HEATLEY <span class="photo-credit">(HEATLEY: ANDRE RINGUETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-04190/9199889-1-eng-US/f0046-042.jpg" title="f0046-04" width="460" height="2081"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-05150/9199882-1-eng-US/f0046-052.jpg" title="f0046-05" width="833" height="2457"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0046-02

Sens’ terrific troika carries hefty load

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-01476/9199962-1-eng-US/f0047-012.jpg" title="f0047-01" width="705" height="1102"><figcaption class="caption-body">MIKE RICHARDS <span class="photo-credit">(RICHARDS: LEN REDKOLES/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-04195/9199969-1-eng-US/f0047-042.jpg" title="f0047-04" width="192" height="136"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>here are few teams with more scoring depth up front than the Flyers. They are led by a trio of centers of varying skill-sets and physical dimensions: Daniel Briere, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.</p><p>Briere is the offensive leader, Richards does it all and Carter has the makings of a stud goal-scorer. The latter&rsquo;s power-play time is hurt by the presence of Briere and Richards on the first unit, but he&rsquo;s as good as it gets as a third-line pivot.</p><p>The Flyers are also deep on the wings, with the main concern being the health of Simon Gagne, a frequent concussion casualty. Wingers Mike Knuble and Joffrey Lupul can put the puck in the net, while Scott Hartnell can do a little of everything.</p><p>Supplying the shift disturbance will again be Scottie Upshall and Steve Downie, who are loved in Philly as much as they are hated everywhere else.</p><p>With R.J. Umberger off to Columbus and Vaclav Prospal back in Tampa Bay, a spot up front will be QMJHL scoring star Claude Giroux&rsquo;s for the taking.</p><p>On defense, the Flyers boast a great combo of experience and youth in Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn. They play a lot in all game situations, including quality minutes on the power play.</p><p>In goal, the tandem of Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki is as good as the Flyers have had in a very long time. Biron will play the most minutes, but Niittymaki has already proven to be reliable.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-02319/9199955-1-eng-US/f0047-022.jpg" title="f0047-02" width="331" height="595"><figcaption class="caption-body">DANIEL BRIERE <span class="photo-credit">(BRIERE: JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-03255/9199948-1-eng-US/f0047-032.jpg" title="f0047-03" width="469" height="2092"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-05146/9199941-1-eng-US/f0047-052.jpg" title="f0047-05" width="838" height="2468"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0047-01

Balance and depth Philly’s hallmarks

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-02219/9200021-1-eng-US/f0048-022.jpg" title="f0048-02" width="704" height="1144"><figcaption class="caption-body">PETER MUELLER <span class="photo-credit">(MUELLER: NORM HALL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-01345/9200028-1-eng-US/f0048-012.jpg" title="f0048-01" width="184" height="192"></div><p>The Phoenix is rising in the desert and the team is doing it with youth.</p><p>While captain Shane Doan remains the focal point up front and the addition of former Florida captain Olli Jokinen will help, it&rsquo;s the potential of second-year forwards Peter Mueller and Martin Hanzal, as well as 2008-09 Calder candidate Kyle Turris, that has Coyotes fans excited.</p><p>With enough of a supporting cast around him, Doan will continue to improve his totals despite the fact he&rsquo;ll be 32 the first week of the season.</p><p>Mueller was a great surprise as a rookie and was far more consistent than anticipated. Hanzal faded in the second half, but was also a revelation.</p><p>Turris will become a key ingredient immediately. With Jokinen on board, expect Turris to center the second line. Daniel Winnik, another 2007-08 rookie forward, will see less ice time as a result of the new additions but will produce from the third line.</p><p>In Dan Carcillo, Phoenix boasts one of the premier agitators (and penalty-minute accumulators).</p><p>On defense, Ed Jovanovski will continue to be the power play quarterback. More will be expected from Zbynek Michalek and Derek Morris, with Keith Ballard gone to Florida in the Jokinen deal.</p><p>The goaltending is in the capable hands of Ilya Bryzgalov, a steal when picked up off waivers from Anaheim. He&rsquo;ll be backed up by Mikael Tellqvist.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-03157/9200014-1-eng-US/f0048-032.jpg" title="f0048-03" width="332" height="601"><figcaption class="caption-body">SHANE DOAN <span class="photo-credit">(DOAN: JEFF GROSS/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-04131/9200007-1-eng-US/f0048-042.jpg" title="f0048-04" width="461" height="2085"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-0597/9200000-1-eng-US/f0048-052.jpg" title="f0048-05" width="844" height="2474"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0048-02

Talent injection sure to raise spirits

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-01305/9200080-1-eng-US/f0049-012.jpg" title="f0049-01" width="703" height="1101"><figcaption class="caption-body">EVGENI MALKIN <span class="photo-credit">(MALKIN: GREGORY SHAMUS/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-05103/9200087-1-eng-US/f0049-052.jpg" title="f0049-05" width="72" height="72"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>The loaded roster the Penguins featured in the playoffs last spring has been adjusted, though the biggest keys to success are still around.</p><p>No team can boast a one-two punch down the middle quite like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. When the former went down to injury, the latter became a Hart Trophy candidate.</p><p>Malkin&rsquo;s right-hand man last year was Petr Sykora, who scored 28 goals and will continue to be the right winger on the second scoring line. However, Ryan Malone&rsquo;s presence is gone from the left side of the Malkin line and it will be difficult to find someone with the same type of chemistry.</p><p>Crosby&rsquo;s linemates also remain a mystery. Free agents Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis did great work with No. 87 in the playoffs and Hossa won&rsquo;t be easy to replace.</p><p>Maxime Talbot, Miroslav Satan, and Ruslan Fedotenko will all get a chance to tryout for a top-six role.</p><p>The power play will be a strength again, with offensive D-men Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney manning the point. Kris Letang is ready for a breakout season on the back end, while Brooks Orpik and Hal Gill will continue to provide defensive stability.</p><p>In goal, Marc-Andre Fleury will continue to progress into a No. 1 stud netminder. Since Ty Conklin signed in Detroit, Dany Sabourin will be backup.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-02217/9200073-1-eng-US/f0049-022.jpg" title="f0049-02" width="332" height="593"><figcaption class="caption-body">SIDNEY CROSBY <span class="photo-credit">(CROSBY: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-03159/9200066-1-eng-US/f0049-032.jpg" title="f0049-03" width="472" height="2090"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-04142/9200059-1-eng-US/f0049-042.jpg" title="f0049-04" width="834" height="2459"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0049-01

More of the same for Sid and crew

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-02199/9200139-1-eng-US/f0050-022.jpg" title="f0050-02" width="702" height="1127"><figcaption class="caption-body">BRAD BOYES <span class="photo-credit">(BOYES: DILIP VISHWANAT/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-01290/9200146-1-eng-US/f0050-012.jpg" title="f0050-01" width="184" height="144"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Blues are a team in transition. While there are still a few key veterans filtered through the lineup, it&rsquo;s time for the youngsters with tons of promise to shine.</p><p>Up front, they are led by two former staples of the Anaheim franchise: Paul Kariya and Andy McDonald. They provide most of the playmaking for snipers Brad Boyes and Keith Tkachuk.</p><p>Sophomore winger David Perron will continue his progression into the Blues&rsquo; top-six forward brigade and 45-50 points isn&rsquo;t unexpected. Two more rookies will also debut in St. Louis this season: T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund.</p><p>Since the Blues are not a high-scoring outfit, expectations for the rookies won&rsquo;t be through the roof. The supporting cast up front includes the streaky Lee Stempniak, hard-hitting David Backes and versatile Jay McClement.</p><p>On defense, Erik Johnson is primed to take over as the undisputed quarterback of the power play. On a higher-scoring outfit, he&rsquo;d be a good bet to surpass the 50-point plateau.</p><p>And St. Louis needs Johnson to score, since Eric Brewer has settled into a defensive role while Barret Jackman and Jay McKee are stay-at-home types.</p><p>The goaltending will be solid with veterans Manny Legace and Chris Mason sharing the duties.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-03127/9200132-1-eng-US/f0050-032.jpg" title="f0050-03" width="333" height="582"><figcaption class="caption-body">PAUL KARIYA <span class="photo-credit">(KARIYA: DAVE REGINEK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-04101/9200125-1-eng-US/f0050-042.jpg" title="f0050-04" width="472" height="2088"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-0567/9200118-1-eng-US/f0050-052.jpg" title="f0050-05" width="823" height="2458"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0050-02

Youth to be served only in due course

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-01275/9200198-1-eng-US/f0051-012.jpg" title="f0051-01" width="705" height="1100"><figcaption class="caption-body">PATRICK MARLEAU <span class="photo-credit">(MARLEAU: DON SMITH/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-04111/9200205-1-eng-US/f0051-042.jpg" title="f0051-04" width="200" height="168"></div><p>&ldquo;Team Underachievement&rdquo; will bring back most of the same cast of characters this season and most will be better this time around.</p><p>The straw that stirs the drink in San Jose is Joe Thornton, whose free-flowing style of play clashed with former coach Ron Wilson&rsquo;s penchant for strict defensive play. A three-time 100-point man, look for Thornton to get back there again in 2008-09.</p><p>Captain Patrick Marleau, the subject of trade rumors, may be the biggest beneficiary of a coaching change. He has lost the second-line center job, but is better suited to left wing, anyway.</p><p>The new second-line pivot is Joe Pavelski, who finished 2007-08 fifth on the team in scoring with 40 points. Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo should also be revived by the change in coaching philosophy.</p><p>The defense initially took a hit with the loss of Brian Campbell, but GM Doug Wilson filled the void with Dan Boyle, even though it meant parting with underachieving young defender Matt Carle. The Sharks also signed Rob Blake, who will add consistent offense, although he&rsquo;s now a shadow of his former self. Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich will be counted on for steady defensive play.</p><p>The goaltending is in the capable hands of Vezina finalist Evgeni Nabokov, who will once again see the vast majority of the playing time.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-02200/9200191-1-eng-US/f0051-022.jpg" title="f0051-02" width="324" height="590"><figcaption class="caption-body">JOE THORNTON <span class="photo-credit">(THORNTON: GERRY THOMAS/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-03140/9200184-1-eng-US/f0051-032.jpg" title="f0051-03" width="472" height="2080"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-0578/9200177-1-eng-US/f0051-052.jpg" title="f0051-05" width="830" height="2452"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0051-01

Sharks sure to play with offensive flair

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-02167/9200257-1-eng-US/f0052-022.jpg" title="f0052-02" width="701" height="1105"><figcaption class="caption-body">MARTIN ST-LOUIS <span class="photo-credit">(ST-LOUIS: SCOTT AUDETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-01271/9200264-1-eng-US/f0052-012.jpg" title="f0052-01" width="168" height="168"></div><p>The Lightning is attempting to rebuild as quickly as the Flyers did last season.</p><p>To that end, they have added another future franchise center in Steven Stamkos via the draft and several wingers via free agency who all add something different.</p><p>Still, this team will once again be led by center Vincent Lecavalier and right winger Martin St-Louis. They&rsquo;ll again be joined by Vaclav Prospal at left wing, after the latter was reacquired in the offseason. Stamkos and Ryan Malone figure to make up two-thirds of the second scoring line.</p><p>Finn Jussi Jokinen, acquired at last season&rsquo;s trade deadline in the Brad Richards deal, is one possibility to play a top-six role, as is newcomer Radim Vrbata. Streaky winger Michel Ouellet is best suited for third-line duty, as is newbie Adam Hall. A healthy Ryan Craig will help out on a checking line too, as will Jeff Halpern if he recovers from injury.</p><p>While the forward situation looks really good, the defense corps&hellip;doesn&rsquo;t. Tampa&rsquo;s former No. 1 defender Dan Boyle is gone, while Filip Kuba, Paul Ranger, Matt Carle, Shane O&rsquo;Brien, Alex Picard, and Mike Lundin make an unspectacular top six.</p><p>The goaltending remains a question mark, but both Mike Smith and Karri Ramo will be given ample opportunity to make a significant impact, while Olaf Kolzig is in the fold as insurance.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-03111/9200250-1-eng-US/f0052-032.jpg" title="f0052-03" width="334" height="571"><figcaption class="caption-body">VINCENT LECAVALIER <span class="photo-credit">(LECAVALIER: SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-0489/9200243-1-eng-US/f0052-042.jpg" title="f0052-04" width="472" height="2111"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-0567/9200236-1-eng-US/f0052-052.jpg" title="f0052-05" width="823" height="2470"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0052-02

Bolts quickly re-tool for run up the chart

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-01255/9200316-1-eng-US/f0053-012.jpg" title="f0053-01" width="695" height="1096"><figcaption class="caption-body">NIK ANTROPOV <span class="photo-credit">(ANTROPOV: GRAIG ABEL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-04105/9200323-1-eng-US/f0053-042.jpg" title="f0053-04" width="168" height="176"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he soap opera that is the Toronto Maple Leafs will continue to make headlines well into 2008-09, but a new coach and top-five draft pick (Luke Schenn) provides hope.</p><p>GM Cliff Fletcher did some housecleaning in the off-season, cutting loose underachievers Darcy Tucker, Kyle Wellwood and Andrew Raycroft.</p><p>The team will struggle for offense in 2008-09, but under coach Ron Wilson, will be a better defensive squad. Up front, centers Matt Stajan and Nik Antropov and winger Alexei Ponikarovsky will play bigger roles. UFA pickup Niklas Hagman will have an opportunity on a scoring line. The potential for above-average production lies with three youngsters: Alex Steen, Jiri Tlusty and rookie Nikolai Kulemin.</p><p>There are also wild cards: veteran Jason Blake, free-agent signee Tim Stapleton, big forward Mark Bell and little center Mikhail Grabovski. Newcomer Jamal Mayers will provide leadership.</p><p>On defense, Tomas Kaberle, Bryan McCabe, Pavel Kubina and Anton Stralman are all capable of putting up good offensive numbers, but as a group will struggle defensively. That means top-notch goaltending will be vital to the team&rsquo;s success.</p><p>Wilson decided to use Sharks&rsquo; netminder Evgeni Nabokov virtually every night last season, so expect similar treatment with starter Vesa Toskala.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-02171/9200309-1-eng-US/f0053-022.jpg" title="f0053-02" width="332" height="600"><figcaption class="caption-body">JASON BLAKE <span class="photo-credit">(BLAKE: STEVE BABINEAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-03121/9200302-1-eng-US/f0053-032.jpg" title="f0053-03" width="451" height="2089"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0053-0578/9200295-1-eng-US/f0053-052.jpg" title="f0053-05" width="829" height="2471"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0053-01

Top-six forward jobs up for grabs

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-02151/9200375-1-eng-US/f0054-022.jpg" title="f0054-02" width="695" height="1100"><figcaption class="caption-body">HENRIK SEDIN <span class="photo-credit">(H. SEDIN: MARK BUCKNER/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-01260/9200382-1-eng-US/f0054-012.jpg" title="f0054-01" width="184" height="176"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>N</span>ew GM Mike Gillis wants the Canucks to play a more offensive style in 2008-09, but is it even possible? When the scoring dried up last season, the team tightened up defensively and tried to ride the coattails of franchise goaltender Roberto Luongo, but couldn&rsquo;t make it work.</p><p>Gone are longtime first-liners Markus Naslund and Brendan Morrison, meaning the torch has been passed to the Sedin twins. Playmaker Henrik and goal-scorer Daniel can both be 80-point men at the NHL level. It looks like power forward Steve Bernier will be the man to line up beside the Sedins. The addition of Pavol Demitra will surely put him with the twins on the power play.</p><p>Checker Ryan Kesler is an emerging talent who can chip in, if infrequently. Taylor Pyatt proved incapable of becoming a fixture next to the Sedins and is a role player going forward. Kyle Wellwood had a couple of good seasons in Toronto, but must overcome conditioning issues.</p><p>The Canucks have a strong defense corps, with veterans Mattias Ohlund, Sami Salo and Kevin Bieksa leading the way. All have been injury prone, but have stepped up when needed.</p><p>Despite the deep blueline, it is Luongo who holds the key to success for the Canucks. As long as he continues to play at an elite level, Vancouver will be a contender for a playoff spot.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0398/9200368-1-eng-US/f0054-032.jpg" title="f0054-03" width="329" height="600"><figcaption class="caption-body">DANIEL SEDIN <span class="photo-credit">(D. SEDIN: JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0474/9200361-1-eng-US/f0054-042.jpg" title="f0054-04" width="452" height="2070"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-0556/9200354-1-eng-US/f0054-052.jpg" title="f0054-05" width="825" height="2475"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0054-02

Wanted: a scorer besides a Sedin

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-01232/9200434-1-eng-US/f0055-012.jpg" title="f0055-01" width="689" height="1095"><figcaption class="caption-body">NICKLAS BACKSTROM <span class="photo-credit">(BACKSTROM: BILL WIPPERT/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-0553/9200441-1-eng-US/f0055-052.jpg" title="f0055-05" width="216" height="144"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Capitals are suddenly the NHL&rsquo;s media darlings, thanks in large part to superstar Alex Ovechkin and a free-wheeling style of play led by coach Bruce Boudreau.</p><p>Ovechkin and Swedish sophomore-center Nicklas Backstrom are on the verge of becoming the most lethal combination in the league. Ovechkin&rsquo;s sheer power and incredible shot mesh perfectly with Backstrom&rsquo;s passing skills and hockey smarts. The third member of the line could be one of Viktor Kozlov, Alexander Semin or Chris Clark. The job used to belong to Clark, but injuries made him an afterthought last year. Kozlov played a lot in Clark&rsquo;s place, but Semin was used at right wing on the top line when Boudreau needed a goal.</p><p>The return of Swedish pivot Michael Nylander will help create two capable scoring lines. Though he was signed to play with Ovechkin, Nylander must be content to set up Semin instead.</p><p>On defense, Mike Green often plays like a forward. When Boudreau arrived last season, he set Green free to roam at will and the blueliner responded with a 56-point campaign. Green is backed up by veterans Tom Poti and Brian Pothier.</p><p>In goal, newcomer Jose Theodore will have big skates to fill, following long-time starter Olaf Kolzig. Brent Johnson will return to the Caps as the backup goaltender.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-02153/9200427-1-eng-US/f0055-022.jpg" title="f0055-02" width="335" height="597"><figcaption class="caption-body">ALEX OVECHKIN <span class="photo-credit">(OVECHKIN: G FIUME/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-03108/9200420-1-eng-US/f0055-032.jpg" title="f0055-03" width="472" height="2086"></div><h2><b>THE POWER ZONE</b></h2><p>Looking to dominate your pool in various categories? Here&rsquo;s a quick reference guide to 07-08 leaders.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0055-0479/9200413-1-eng-US/f0055-042.jpg" title="f0055-04" width="830" height="2445"></div><p><i>* Denotes top prospects</i><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0055-01

How much help does Ovie need?

<div class="byline">by Justin Dickie</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0056-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0056-01198/9200472-1-eng-US/f0056-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">DAN CARCILLO <b>|</b> Phoenix Coyotes <span class="photo-credit">(NORM HALL/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>ime spent in the penalty box is, more often than not, a bad thing for the penalized player&rsquo;s team. Penalties eat up valuable minutes players could otherwise spend on the ice or, if nothing else, can give the opponent a man advantage for a couple of minutes (or less). But, when it comes to fantasy hockey teams, PIMs can be a secret weapon. Not much can put a smile on a poolie&rsquo;s face easier than an agitator who can chip in the odd point. Here are 10 guys with an offensive slant to consider when looking to satisfy your team&rsquo;s PIM needs:</p><h2><b>ONE</b></h2><h3><b>DAN CARCILLO, LW, PHOENIX COYOTES</b></h3><p>With a staggering 324 penalty minutes in just 57 games last year, the PIM total alone is enough to get him on your roster. Considering he also scored 13 goals and 24 points last season, he&rsquo;ll be one of your most valuable fantasy players, period.</p><h2><b>TWO</b></h2><h3><b>SEAN AVERY, LW, DALLAS STARS</b></h3><p>He only put up half as many penalty minutes as Carcillo last season, but Avery is more of a scoring threat. Avery&rsquo;s capable of 20 goals in the right situation and has accumulated more than 250 penalty minutes in a season twice in his NHL career.</p><h2><b>THREE</b></h2><h3><b>SCOTT HARTNELL, LW, PHILADELPHIA FLYERS</b></h3><p>Hartnell is going to get you the highest point totals of anyone on this list, having scored 40 or more points in a season three times in his career. He has also amassed 100-plus PIMs in a season four times, including a career-high 159 last season.</p><h2><b>FOUR</b></h2><h3><b>STEVE DOWNIE, RW, PHILADELPHIA FLYERS</b></h3><p>In a suspension-shortened rookie season, Downie recorded 12 points and 73 penalty minutes in 32 games. He was a big-time scorer in junior and put up similar PIM totals, so he&rsquo;s worth a long look on draft day.</p><h2><b>FIVE</b></h2><h3><b>ALEX BURROWS, LW, VANCOUVER CANUCKS</b></h3><p>Burrows had to spend a few years pestering his way through the minor-pro ranks to get to the NHL. He made a name for himself last season, combining 179 penalty minutes with 31 points. It&rsquo;s only the beginning for Burrows.</p><h2><b>SIX</b></h2><h3><b>DAVID CLARKSON, RW, NEW JERSEY DEVILS</b></h3><p>Clarkson accumulated 383 penalty minutes in two seasons in the American League and that helped earn him a roster spot with the Devils. He didn&rsquo;t disappoint either, combining 183 minutes worth of agitating with 22 points last season.</p><h2><b>SEVEN</b></h2><h3><b>SHANE O&rsquo;BRIEN, D, TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING</b></h3><p>If you&rsquo;re looking for a final defenseman for your fantasy roster and all the guaranteed offensive options are gone, O&rsquo;Brien is a safe pick. He&rsquo;s good for 20 points and 150 penalty minutes.</p><h2><b>EIGHT</b></h2><h3><b>CHRIS NEIL, RW, OTTAWA SENATORS</b></h3><p>Neil&rsquo;s offensive numbers have dipped the past two seasons, but he&rsquo;s a reliable source for PIMs. He&rsquo;ll get you roughly 200 penalty minutes and 20 points.</p><h2><b>NINE</b></h2><h3><b>STEVE OTT, C, DALLAS STARS</b></h3><p>Like Burrows, Ott truly made a name for himself last season. Unlike Burrows, Ott was a first round pick and this has been expected for a while. He&rsquo;s a lock for 150 penalty minutes and may improve on his career-high 22 points.</p><h2><b>TEN</b></h2><h3><b>JARED BOLL, RW, COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS</b></h3><p>Boll surprisingly made the Blue Jackets out of camp last season, but quickly became known as one nasty piece of work. He only scored 10 points, but he&rsquo;s just 21. He&rsquo;ll be good for 200 PIMs.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0056-01

CHEWING NAILS FOR BREAKFAST

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0057-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-01185/9201063-1-eng-US/f0057-012.jpg"></div><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he Hockey News provides point projections for 391 forwards and defensemen who are expected to score at least 22 points in 2008-09. Could this be the season scoring finally starts to rise? After an increase following the post-lockout crackdown on obstruction, scoring has fallen in consecutive years (6.05 to 5.76 to 5.44 GPG).</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-02132/9201056-1-eng-US/f0057-022.jpg" title="f0057-02" width="2135" height="1414"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(SCOTT CUNNINGHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>THREE-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE</b></h2><p>Detailed three-year statistics from the NHL, minor pros, major juniors, college and Europe. Bold denotes NHL season and career totals. Lea, league; GP, games played; G, goals; A, assists; P, points; Min., average minutes played per game; PIM, penalties in minutes; PPG. points per game; +/-, plus-mius; ES/PP, even strength/power play points</p><h2><b>CAREER STATS</b></h2><p>NHL career totals in games, goals, assists, points, penalty minutes and points per game</p><h2><b>LOGO</b></h2><p>NHL shield denotes unrestricted free agent as of mid-July</p><h2><b>VITAL STATS</b></h2><p>Age as of Oct. 1, 2008</p><h2><b>DURABILITY</b></h2><p>Games not played due to injury/illness or being a healthy scratch</p><h2><b>SALARY</b></h2><p>Pay packet or contract status for 2008-09</p><h2><b>SKINNY</b></h2><p>Inside word on performance and potential for 2008-09</p><h2><b>2008-09 PROJECTION</b></h2><p>Projected games played, goals, assists and points</p><h2><b>AFINOGENOV&ndash;ARMSTRONG</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0058-01196/9201049-1-eng-US/f0058-012.jpg" title="f0058-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>ARNASON&ndash;AVERY</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0059-01172/9201042-1-eng-US/f0059-012.jpg" title="f0059-01" width="2132" height="2228"></div><h2><b>AXELSSON&ndash;BARKER</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0060-01161/9201035-1-eng-US/f0060-012.jpg" title="f0060-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>BEAUCHEMIN&ndash;BERARD</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0061-01158/9201028-1-eng-US/f0061-012.jpg" title="f0061-01" width="2132" height="2224"></div><h2><b>BERGERON&ndash;BERTUZZI</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0062-01161/9201021-1-eng-US/f0062-012.jpg" title="f0062-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>BIEKSA&ndash;BOEDKER</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0063-01127/9201014-1-eng-US/f0063-012.jpg" title="f0063-01" width="2140" height="2236"></div><h2><b>BOGOSIAN&ndash;BOUCHARD</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0064-01133/9201007-1-eng-US/f0064-012.jpg" title="f0064-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>BOUCHER&ndash;BOYES</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0065-01144/9201000-1-eng-US/f0065-012.jpg" title="f0065-01" width="2132" height="2228"></div><h2><b>BOYLE&ndash;BRIERE</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0066-01129/9200993-1-eng-US/f0066-012.jpg" title="f0066-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>BRIND&rsquo;AMOUR&ndash;BRULE</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0067-0199/9200986-1-eng-US/f0067-012.jpg" title="f0067-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>BRUNETTE&ndash;BURROWS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0068-0197/9200979-1-eng-US/f0068-012.jpg" title="f0068-01" width="2144" height="2796"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(BRUNNSTROM: IHA)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>BYFUGLIEN&ndash;CAMPBELL</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0069-0188/9200972-1-eng-US/f0069-012.jpg" title="f0069-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>CAMPOLI&ndash;CARTER</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0070-0182/9200965-1-eng-US/f0070-012.jpg" title="f0070-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>CHARA&ndash;CLARK</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0071-0187/9200958-1-eng-US/f0071-012.jpg" title="f0071-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>CLARK&ndash;COGLIANO</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0072-0183/9200951-1-eng-US/f0072-012.jpg" title="f0072-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>COLE&ndash;CONROY</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0073-0187/9200944-1-eng-US/f0073-012.jpg" title="f0073-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>COOKE&ndash;CULLEN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0074-0176/9200937-1-eng-US/f0074-012.jpg" title="f0074-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>DATSYUK&ndash;DOUGHTY</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0075-0167/9200930-1-eng-US/f0075-012.jpg" title="f0075-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>DOWNIE&ndash;DUPUIS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0076-0168/9200923-1-eng-US/f0076-012.jpg" title="f0076-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>EAVES&ndash;ERAT</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0077-0175/9200916-1-eng-US/f0077-012.jpg" title="f0077-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>ERIKSSON&ndash;FILATOV</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0078-0164/9200909-1-eng-US/f0078-012.jpg" title="f0078-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>FILPPULA&ndash;FORSBERG</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0079-0165/9200902-1-eng-US/f0079-012.jpg" title="f0079-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>FOSTER&ndash;GABORIK</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0080-0153/9200895-1-eng-US/f0080-012.jpg" title="f0080-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>GAGNE&ndash;GETZLAF</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0081-0170/9200888-1-eng-US/f0081-012.jpg" title="f0081-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>GILBERT&ndash;GIROUX</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0082-0151/9200881-1-eng-US/f0082-012.jpg" title="f0082-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>GLENCROSS&ndash;GREEN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0083-0156/9200874-1-eng-US/f0083-012.jpg" title="f0083-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>GUERIN&ndash;HAMRLIK</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0084-0147/9200867-1-eng-US/f0084-012.jpg" title="f0084-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>HANDZUS&ndash;HEATLEY</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0085-0150/9200860-1-eng-US/f0085-012.jpg" title="f0085-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>HECHT&ndash;HIGGINS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0086-0148/9200853-1-eng-US/f0086-012.jpg" title="f0086-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>HOLIK&ndash;HOSSA</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0087-0151/9200846-1-eng-US/f0087-012.jpg" title="f0087-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>HUDLER&ndash;JACKMAN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0088-0156/9200839-1-eng-US/f0088-012.jpg" title="f0088-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>JOHNSON&ndash;JOKINEN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0089-0153/9200832-1-eng-US/f0089-012.jpg" title="f0089-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>JONES&ndash;KALININ</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0090-0149/9200825-1-eng-US/f0090-012.jpg" title="f0090-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>KANE&ndash;KENNEDY</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0091-0143/9200818-1-eng-US/f0091-012.jpg" title="f0091-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>KESLER&ndash;KOBASEW</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0092-0149/9200811-1-eng-US/f0092-012.jpg" title="f0092-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>KOIVU&ndash;KOSTITSYN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0093-0147/9200804-1-eng-US/f0093-012.jpg" title="f0093-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>KOTALIK&ndash;KOZLOV</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0094-0142/9200797-1-eng-US/f0094-012.jpg" title="f0094-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>KREJCI&ndash;KUBINA</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0095-0146/9200790-1-eng-US/f0095-012.jpg" title="f0095-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>KULEMIN&ndash;LANG</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0096-0153/9200783-1-eng-US/f0096-012.jpg" title="f0096-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>LANGENBRUNNER&ndash;LATENDRESSE</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0097-0159/9200776-1-eng-US/f0097-012.jpg" title="f0097-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>LECAVALIER&ndash;LIDSTROM</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0098-0164/9200769-1-eng-US/f0098-012.jpg" title="f0098-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>LILES&ndash;LUPUL</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0099-0141/9200762-1-eng-US/f0099-012.jpg" title="f0099-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>MACARTHUR&ndash;MALONE</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0100-0141/9200755-1-eng-US/f0100-012.jpg" title="f0100-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>MARA&ndash;MARTIN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0101-0144/9200748-1-eng-US/f0101-012.jpg" title="f0101-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>MATTHIAS&ndash;MCCLEMENT</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0102-0139/9200741-1-eng-US/f0102-012.jpg" title="f0102-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>MCDONALD&ndash;MICHALEK</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0103-0140/9200734-1-eng-US/f0103-012.jpg" title="f0103-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>MICHALEK&ndash;MOREAU</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0104-0142/9200727-1-eng-US/f0104-012.jpg" title="f0104-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>MORRIS&ndash;MOULSON</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0105-0138/9200720-1-eng-US/f0105-012.jpg" title="f0105-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>MUELLER&ndash;NASH</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0106-0138/9200713-1-eng-US/f0106-012.jpg" title="f0106-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>NASLUND&ndash;NOLAN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0107-0139/9200706-1-eng-US/f0107-012.jpg" title="f0107-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>NOVOTNY&ndash;OKPOSO</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0108-0141/9200699-1-eng-US/f0108-012.jpg" title="f0108-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>OLESZ&ndash;OVECHKIN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0109-0141/9200692-1-eng-US/f0109-012.jpg" title="f0109-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>PAHLSSON&ndash;PARK</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0110-0139/9200685-1-eng-US/f0110-012.jpg" title="f0110-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>PARRISH&ndash;PENNER</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0111-0138/9200678-1-eng-US/f0111-012.jpg" title="f0111-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>PERRIN&ndash;PIETRANGELO</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0112-0143/9200671-1-eng-US/f0112-012.jpg" title="f0112-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>PISANI&ndash;PONIKAROVSKY</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0113-0139/9200664-1-eng-US/f0113-012.jpg" title="f0113-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>POTI&ndash;PROSPAL</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0114-0144/9200657-1-eng-US/f0114-012.jpg" title="f0114-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>PRUCHA&ndash;RAFALSKI</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0115-0137/9200650-1-eng-US/f0115-012.jpg" title="f0115-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>RANGER&ndash;REINPRECHT</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0116-0140/9200643-1-eng-US/f0116-012.jpg" title="f0116-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>RIBEIRO&ndash;ROBIDAS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0117-0139/9200636-1-eng-US/f0117-012.jpg" title="f0117-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>ROBITAILLE&ndash;ROZSIVAL</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0118-0138/9200629-1-eng-US/f0118-012.jpg" title="f0118-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>RUUTU&ndash;SALEI</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0119-0138/9200622-1-eng-US/f0119-012.jpg" title="f0119-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>SALO&ndash;SAVARD</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0120-0138/9200615-1-eng-US/f0120-012.jpg" title="f0120-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>SCHAEFER&ndash;SEDIN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0121-0140/9200608-1-eng-US/f0121-012.jpg" title="f0121-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>SEKERA&ndash;SHANAHAN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0122-0140/9200601-1-eng-US/f0122-012.jpg" title="f0122-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>SHARP&ndash;SMYTH</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0123-0137/9200594-1-eng-US/f0123-012.jpg" title="f0123-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>SPACEK&ndash;STAAL</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0124-0142/9200587-1-eng-US/f0124-012.jpg" title="f0124-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>STAFFORD&ndash;STASTNY</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0125-0139/9200580-1-eng-US/f0125-012.jpg" title="f0125-01" width="2140" height="2788"></div><h2><b>STEEN-STOLL</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0126-0140/9200573-1-eng-US/f0126-012.jpg" title="f0126-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>STRAKA&ndash;STURM</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0127-0140/9200566-1-eng-US/f0127-012.jpg" title="f0127-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>SULLIVAN&ndash;SYKORA</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0128-0139/9200559-1-eng-US/f0128-012.jpg" title="f0128-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>TALBOT&ndash;TKACHUK</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0129-0139/9200552-1-eng-US/f0129-012.jpg" title="f0129-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>TLUSTY&ndash;TUCKER</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0130-0139/9200545-1-eng-US/f0130-012.jpg" title="f0130-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>TURRIS&ndash;VAN RYN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0131-0138/9200538-1-eng-US/f0131-012.jpg" title="f0131-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>VERMETTE&ndash;VYBORNY</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0132-0138/9200531-1-eng-US/f0132-012.jpg" title="f0132-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>WALKER&ndash;WELLWOOD</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0133-0139/9200524-1-eng-US/f0133-012.jpg" title="f0133-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>WHITE&ndash;WILLIAMS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0134-0141/9200517-1-eng-US/f0134-012.jpg" title="f0134-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>WILLIAMS&ndash;ZEDNIK</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0135-0138/9200510-1-eng-US/f0135-012.jpg" title="f0135-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>ZETTERBERG&ndash;ZUBRUS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0136-0141/9200503-1-eng-US/f0136-012.jpg" title="f0136-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0057-01

ULTIMATE GUIDE SKATERS

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0137-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0137-0137/9201101-1-eng-US/f0137-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Bryan Smolinski is looking to join his ninth NHL team. <span class="photo-credit">(ANDRE RINGUETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>J</span>eff Finger signed a four-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Fourteen million dollars &ndash; or $3.5 million per season &ndash; for a guy who will be a third-pairing defenseman.</p><p>Hey, you can&rsquo;t blame Finger. It&rsquo;s good work if you can get it.</p><p>Unfortunately for other serviceable role players out there, holding out for big contracts might force early retirement. The majority of the players remaining are ones in the Finger mold: guys who will add stability in lesser roles. However, there are still some unrestricted free agents left who poolies will covet.</p><p>The most prominent of this group (as of July 10) is 39-year-old future Hall of Famer Joe Sakic. If he decides to continue playing, it&rsquo;ll surely be with Colorado, where we have his projected scoring totals at 78 points.</p><p>Other UFAs of note for poolies include forwards Mats Sundin, Teemu Selanne, Peter Forsberg, Ladislav Nagy, Jason Williams, Brendan Shanahan and defenseman Bryan Berard. Monitor where these players sign before making your final fantasy league selections.</p><p>Listed are the most prominent UFAs as of July 10.</p><h2><b>2008-09 UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0137-0220/9201094-1-eng-US/f0137-022.jpg" title="f0137-02" width="832" height="2281"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0137-01

THESE GUYS WAIT FOR CAP SPACE

<div class="byline">by Justin Dickie</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0138-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0138-0135/9201132-1-eng-US/f0138-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Jonathan Bernier will rule in net for the Los Angeles Kings sooner or later <span class="photo-credit">(VICTOR DECOLONGON/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><span>H</span>ardcore keeper-league poolies tend to have a &lsquo;whatever-it-takes&rsquo; mentality when it comes to shaping the ultimate team. Usually, whatever it takes in the fantasy hockey world means enduring a couple years of failure while waiting for prized draft picks to develop into stars.</p><p>For example, a Phil Kessel right now isn&rsquo;t nearly as tempting as a Joe Sakic. Kessel might score 50 points this season while Sakic is a virtual lock for 70 or more. But with the long-range forecast in mind, taking Kessel with the expectation he can put up top-line numbers in a couple of seasons makes more sense to a keeper poolie than taking Sakic, who will likely be retired by then.</p><p>So with the mentality of a keeper poolie in mind, here are 10 netminders who won&rsquo;t win you a fantasy championship this season, but will make significant impacts on rosters a few years down the line:</p><h2><b>1 // JONATHAN BERNIER // 20 // LOS ANGELES KINGS</b></h2><p>Bernier enjoyed a four-game stint with L.A. last season, but ended up back in the Quebec League. Still, not many 19-year-old goalies crack NHL rosters these days. He will be a mainstay in the NHL for years and as the Kings get better, so will Bernier.</p><h2><b>2 // TUUKKA RASK // 21 // BOSTON BRUINS</b></h2><p>Rask has a couple veterans ahead of him in Boston, but will get a call-up or two this season. The Bruins say they won&rsquo;t rush him and he still needs to get stronger, but he&rsquo;s the future franchise goalie in Boston and is a worthy middle-round draft pick in your keeper pool.</p><h2><b>3 // STEVE MASON // 20 // COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS</b></h2><p>A big man who covers a lot of net, Mason also has the poise, competitiveness and great positioning scouts drool over. He has a lot of work to do to catch up to Pascal Leclaire, but there&rsquo;s no doubt he has the tools to be a No. 1 netminder in a year or two.</p><h2><b>4 // ONDREJ PAVELEC // 21 // ATLANTA THRASHERS</b></h2><p>Kari Lehtonen has competition. Pavelec dominated junior, put up great numbers as a rookie in the American League and finished off his first pro season with a Calder Cup title. Meanwhile, Lehtonen hasn&rsquo;t fulfilled high expectations in Atlanta and Pavelec now has an opportunity to seize the reins. He&rsquo;ll likely see big minutes in a year or two.</p><h2><b>5 // LELAND IRVING // 20 // CALGARY FLAMES</b></h2><p>Miikka Kiprusoff has six years left on his contract, but Irving will be ready before Kipper&rsquo;s term is up. Irving was the cornerstone of his junior team for three years, racking up 107 wins. He&rsquo;s strong mentally and physically and is an Alberta boy, too.</p><h2><b>6 // JUSTIN POGGE // 22 // TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS</b></h2><p>The most promising young goalie the Leafs have had in their system in years, Pogge faces huge expectations when he arrives in the NHL. He&rsquo;s a big goalie and poised in the crease, but he&rsquo;s still a year or two away from making an impact.</p><h2><b>7 // BEN BISHOP // 21 // ST. LOUIS BLUES</b></h2><p>Bishop will need a year or two in the America League before he&rsquo;s ready for NHL duty, but he&rsquo;s an intriguing prospect. At 6-foot-7, he hardly leaves any net for guys to shoot at. He faced a lot more action in 2007-08, but posted similar stats to his first two seasons at the University of Maine.</p><h2><b>8 // SIMEON VARLAMOV // 20 // WASHINGTON CAPITALS</b></h2><p>With all the young, high-end offensive talent the Caps have, some teams might not think it&rsquo;s fair Washington has a future star goalie in their system, too. Varlamov is a couple years away, but he&rsquo;s a great butterfly goalie with a nasty glove hand.</p><h2><b>9 // COREY CRAWFORD // 23 // CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS</b></h2><p>Those unfamiliar with Crawford may mistake him for a robot. Up, down, side-to-side, the young Hawks netminder is tremendous positionally. With Cristobal Huet coming to town, Crawford may have to bide his time, but he will be the man down the road.</p><h2><b>10 // PEKKA RINNE // 25 // NASHVILLE PREDATORS</b></h2><p>Now that Chris Mason is out of the picture in Nashville, that leaves Rinne as the man to take over the backup role behind Dan Ellis. Rinne has paid his dues in the minors and will have every opportunity to take on more responsibility if Ellis doesn&rsquo;t shine.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0138-01

A LITTLE PATIENCE NEEDED IN NET

<p class="dropcap"><span>I</span>t&rsquo;s safe to say goaltending is better than ever in the NHL. Scoring is again down and remarkable saves are up. Nine of the goalies you see in this section of 60 are new this year, representing a turnover of 15 percent. The starting job is secure for the vast majority of the 30 teams and you&rsquo;ll see that reflected in the projections.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0139-0128/9201254-1-eng-US/f0139-012.jpg" title="f0139-01" width="998" height="1282"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0139-0215/9201247-1-eng-US/f0139-022.jpg" title="f0139-02" width="2136" height="1417"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(JEFF VINNICK/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>THREE-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE</b></h2><p>Detailed three-year statistics from the NHL, minor pros, major juniors, college and Europe. Bold denotes NHL season and career totals. Lea, league; GP, games played; W, wins; L, losses; T, ties; SO, shutouts; SP, save percentage; GAA, goals-against average; SO/Appearance, shutouts per appearance.</p><h2><b>CAREER STATS</b></h2><p>NHL career totals in games, wins, losses, ties, shutouts, save percentage and goals-against average</p><h2><b>LOGO</b></h2><p>NHL shield denotes unrestricted free agent as of mid-July</p><h2><b>VITAL STATS</b></h2><p>Age as of Oct. 1, 2008</p><h2><b>DURABILITY</b></h2><p>Games not played due to injury/illness or being a healthy scratch</p><h2><b>SALARY</b></h2><p>Pay packet or contract status for 2008-09</p><h2><b>SKINNY</b></h2><p>Inside word on goalie performance and potential for 2008-09</p><h2><b>2008-09 PROJECTION</b></h2><p>Projected wins, goals-against average, save percentage and shutouts</p><h2><b>ANDERSON&ndash;BIRON</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0140-0132/9201240-1-eng-US/f0140-012.jpg" title="f0140-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>BOUCHER&ndash;CONKLIN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0141-0130/9201233-1-eng-US/f0141-012.jpg" title="f0141-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>DIPIETRO&ndash;GARON</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0142-0128/9201226-1-eng-US/f0142-012.jpg" title="f0142-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>GERBER&ndash;HEDBERG</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0143-0127/9201219-1-eng-US/f0143-012.jpg" title="f0143-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>HILLER&ndash;KHABIBULIN</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0144-0130/9201212-1-eng-US/f0144-012.jpg" title="f0144-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>KIPRUSOFF&ndash;LECLAIRE</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0145-0129/9201205-1-eng-US/f0145-012.jpg" title="f0145-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>LEGACE&ndash;LUONGO</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0146-0128/9201198-1-eng-US/f0146-012.jpg" title="f0146-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>MACDONALD&ndash;NABOKOV</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0147-0126/9201191-1-eng-US/f0147-012.jpg" title="f0147-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>NIITTYMAKI&ndash;RAYCROFT</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0148-0128/9201184-1-eng-US/f0148-012.jpg" title="f0148-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>RINNE&ndash;SMITH</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0149-0127/9201177-1-eng-US/f0149-012.jpg" title="f0149-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>STEPHAN&ndash;TOSKALA</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0150-0126/9201170-1-eng-US/f0150-012.jpg" title="f0150-01" width="2132" height="2788"></div><h2><b>TURCO&ndash;WEEKES</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0151-0126/9201163-1-eng-US/f0151-012.jpg" title="f0151-01" width="2140" height="2796"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0139-01

ULTIMATE GUIDE GOALIES

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0152-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0152-0126/9201362-1-eng-US/f0152-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(OPENER: NOAH GRAHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="88" height="100"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0154-0126/9201355-1-eng-US/f0154-012.jpg" title="f0154-01" width="4800" height="3150"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>2007-08 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS <b>|</b> Detroit Red Wings</p><p>2007-08 ROOKIE SCORING LEADER <b>|</b> Patrick Kane</p><span class="photo-credit">(DETROIT: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES; KANE: AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0156-0122/9201348-1-eng-US/f0156-012.jpg" title="f0156-01" width="4800" height="3150"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0158-0123/9201341-1-eng-US/f0158-012.jpg" title="f0158-01" width="4800" height="3150"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0160-0125/9201334-1-eng-US/f0160-012.jpg" title="f0160-01" width="4800" height="3150"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0162-0121/9201327-1-eng-US/f0162-012.jpg" title="f0162-01" width="4800" height="3150"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>NIKLAS BACKSTROM <b>|</b> Minnesota Wild</p><p>TIM THOMAS <b>|</b> Boston Bruins</p><p>VESA TOSKALA <b>|</b> Toronto Maple Leafs</p><span class="photo-credit">(BRUCE KLUCKHOHN/GETTY IMAGES; THOMAS: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES; TOSKALA: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0166-0120/9201320-1-eng-US/f0166-012.jpg" title="f0166-01" width="4800" height="3150"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0168-0120/9201313-1-eng-US/f0168-012.jpg" title="f0168-01" width="4800" height="3150"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>MIKE GREEN <b>|</b> Washington Capitals</p><p>MIKE RICHARDS <b>|</b> Philadelphia Flyers</p><p>JOFFREY LUPUL <b>|</b> Philadelphia Flyers</p><p>JASON WILLIAMS <b>|</b> Chicago Blackhawks</p><span class="photo-credit">(GREEN: MITCHELL LAYTON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; RICHARDS: LEN REDKOLES/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES; LUPUL: JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES; WILLIAMS: BILL SMITH/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>GOALIE STATISTICS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0170-0120/9201306-1-eng-US/f0170-012.jpg" title="f0170-01" width="1476" height="2540"></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0170-0212/9201299-1-eng-US/f0170-022.jpg" title="f0170-02" width="579" height="788"><figcaption class="caption-body">CHRIS OSGOOD <b>|</b> Detroit Red Wings <span class="photo-credit">(OSGOOD: DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0170-037/9201292-1-eng-US/f0170-032.jpg" title="f0170-03" width="576" height="790"><figcaption class="caption-body">J-S GIGUERE <b>|</b> Anaheim Ducks <span class="photo-credit">(GIGUERE: DEBORA ROBINSON/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0170-044/9201285-1-eng-US/f0170-042.jpg" title="f0170-04" width="574" height="784"><figcaption class="caption-body">EVGENI NABOKOV <b>|</b> San Jose Sharks <span class="photo-credit">(NABOKOV: RONALD MARTINEZ/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0152-01

NHL STATISTICS 2007-08

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0164-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0164-0218/9201428-1-eng-US/f0164-022.jpg"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0164-0121/9201435-1-eng-US/f0164-012.jpg" title="f0164-01" width="134" height="142"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>PLAYOFFS</b></h2><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0164-036/9201421-1-eng-US/f0164-032.jpg" title="f0164-03" width="122" height="88"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3><b>EASTERN CONFERENCE</b></h3><h4><b>CONFERENCE FINAL</b></h4><p class="dropcap"><b><span>P</span>ITTSBURGH 4 PHILADELPHIA 1 - May 9</b> Pittsburgh 4 Philadelphia 2. <b>May 11</b> Pittsburgh 4 Philadelphia 2. <b>May 13</b> Pittsburgh 4 Philadelphia 1. <b>May 15</b> Philadelphia 4 Pittsburgh 2. <b>May 18</b> Pittsburgh 6 Philadelphia 0.</p><h4><b>CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS</b></h4><p><b>PHILADELPHIA 4 MONTREAL 1 - Apr. 24</b> Montreal 4 Philadelphia 3 (OT). <b>Apr. 26</b> Philadelphia 4 Montreal 2. <b>Apr. 28</b> Philadelphia 3 Montreal 2. <b>Apr. 30</b> Philadelphia 4 Montreal 2. <b>May 3</b> Philadelphia 6 Montreal 4.</p><p><b>PITTSBURGH 4 NY RANGERS 1 - Apr. 25</b> Pittsburgh 5 NY Rangers 4. <b>Apr. 27</b> Pittsburgh 2 NY Rangers 0. <b>Apr. 29</b> Pittsburgh 5 NY Rangers 3. <b>May 1</b> NY Rangers 3 Pittsburgh 0. <b>May 4</b> Pittsburgh 3 NY Rangers 2 (OT).</p><h4><b>CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS</b></h4><p><b>MONTREAL 4 BOSTON 3 - Apr. 10</b> Montreal 4 Boston 1. <b>Apr. 12</b> Montreal 3 Boston 2 (OT). <b>Apr. 13</b> Boston 2 Montreal 1 (OT). <b>Apr. 15</b> Montreal 1 Boston 0. <b>Apr. 17</b> Boston 5 Montreal 1. <b>Apr. 19</b> Boston 5 Montreal 4. <b>Apr. 21</b> Montreal 5 Boston 0. <b>PITTSBURGH 4 OTTAWA 0 - Apr. 9</b> Pittsburgh 4 Ottawa 0. <b>Apr. 11</b> Pittsburgh 5 Ottawa 3. <b>Apr. 14</b> Pittsburgh 4 Ottawa 1. <b>Apr. 16</b> Pittsburgh 3 Ottawa 1.</p><p><b>PHILADELPHIA 4 WASHINGTON 3 - Apr. 11</b> Washington 5 Philadelphia 4. <b>Apr. 13</b> Philadelphia 2 Washington 0. <b>Apr. 15</b> Philadelphia 6 Washington 3. <b>Apr. 17</b> Philadelphia 4 Washington 3 (2OT). <b>Apr. 19</b> Washington 3 Philadelphia 2. <b>Apr. 21</b> Washington 4 Philadelphia 2. <b>Apr. 22</b> Philadelphia 3 Washington 2 (OT).</p><p><b>NY RANGERS 4 NEW JERSEY 1 - Apr. 9</b> NY Rangers 4 New Jersey 1. <b>Apr. 11</b> NY Rangers 2 New Jersey 1. <b>Apr. 13</b> New Jersey 4 NY Rangers 3 (OT). <b>Apr. 16</b> NY Rangers 5 New Jersey 3. <b>Apr. 18</b> NY Rangers 5 New Jersey 3.</p><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0164-044/9201414-1-eng-US/f0164-042.jpg" title="f0164-04" width="125" height="87"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h3><b>WESTERN CONFERENCE</b></h3><h4><b>CONFERENCE FINAL</b></h4><p><b>DETROIT 4 DALLAS 2 - May 8</b> Detroit 4 Dallas 1. <b>May 10</b> Detroit 2 Dallas 1. <b>May 12</b> Detroit 5 Dallas 2. <b>May 14</b> Dallas 3 Detroit 1. <b>May 17</b> Dallas 2 Detroit 1. <b>May 19</b> Detroit 4 Dallas 1.</p><h4><b>CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS</b></h4><p><b>DETROIT 4 COLORADO 0 - Apr. 24</b> Detroit 4 Colorado 3. <b>Apr. 26</b> Detroit 5 Colorado 1. <b>Apr. 29</b> Detroit 4 Colorado 3. <b>May 1</b> Detroit 8 Colorado 2. <b>DALLAS 4 SAN JOSE 2 - Apr. 25</b> Dallas 3 San Jose 2 (OT). <b>Apr. 27</b> Dallas 5 San Jose 2. <b>Apr. 29</b> Dallas 2 San Jose 1 (OT). <b>Apr. 30</b> San Jose 2 Dallas 1. <b>May 2</b> San Jose 3 Dallas 2 (OT). <b>May 4</b> Dallas 2 San Jose 1 (4OT).</p><h4><b>CONFERENCE QUATERFINALS</b></h4><p><b>DETROIT 4 NASHVILLE 2 - Apr. 10</b> Detroit 3 Nashville 1. <b>Apr. 12</b> Detroit 4 Nashville 2. <b>Apr. 14</b> Nashville 5 Detroit 3. <b>Apr. 16</b> Nashville 3 Detroit 2. <b>Apr. 18</b> Detroit 2 Nashville 1 (OT). <b>Apr. 20</b> Detroit 3 Nashville 0.</p><p><b>SAN JOSE 4 CALGARY 3 - Apr. 9</b> Calgary 3 San Jose 2. <b>Apr. 10</b> San Jose 2 Calgary 0. <b>Apr. 13</b> Calgary 4 San Jose 3. <b>Apr. 15</b> San Jose 3 Calgary 2. <b>Apr. 17</b> San Jose 4 Calgary 3. <b>Apr. 20</b> Calgary 2 San Jose 0. <b>Apr. 22</b> San Jose 5 Calgary 3.</p><p><b>COLORADO 4 MINNESOTA 2 - Apr. 9</b> Colorado 3 Minnesota 2 (OT). <b>Apr. 11</b> Minnesota 3 Colorado 2 (OT). <b>Apr. 14</b> Minnesota 3 Colorado 2 (OT). <b>Apr. 15</b> Colorado 5 Minnesota 1. <b>Apr. 17</b> Colorado 3 Minnesota 2. <b>Apr. 19</b> Colorado 2 Minnesota 1.</p><p><b>DALLAS 4 ANAHEIM 2 - Apr. 10</b> Dallas 4 Anaheim 0. <b>Apr. 12</b> Dallas 5 Anaheim 2. <b>Apr. 15</b> Anaheim 4 Dallas 2. <b>Apr. 17</b> Dallas 3 Anaheim 1. <b>Apr. 18</b> Anaheim 5 Dallas 2. <b>Apr. 20</b> Dallas 4 Anaheim 1.</p><h2><b>LEADERS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0164-063/9201407-1-eng-US/f0164-062.jpg" title="f0164-06" width="518" height="2138"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0164-053/9201400-1-eng-US/f0164-052.jpg" title="f0164-05" width="1128" height="748"><figcaption class="caption-body">ALEX OVECHKIN <b>|</b> Washington Capitals <span class="photo-credit">(CLAUS ANDERSON/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h2><b>NHL AWARDS AND ALL-STARS</b></h2><h3><b>AWARDS VOTING</b></h3><p><b>HART TROPHY</b> 1. Alex Ovechkin, Wsh 1313 (128-4-1-0-0) 2. Evgeni Malkin, Pit 659 (1-66-27-13-13) 3. Jarome Iginla, Cgy 565 (2-41-33-26-15) 4. Nicklas Lidstrom, Det 246 (2-7-17-24-20) 5. Martin Brodeur, NJ 239 (1-8-19-21-15) 6. Joe Thornton, SJ 157 (0-3-16-14-14) 7. Evgeni Nabokov, SJ 109 (0-1-12-9-15) 8. Alexei Kovalev, Mtl 94 (0-1-5-15-17) 9. Pavel Datsyuk, Det 43 (0-1-2-7-5) 10. Henrik Zetterberg, Det 17 (0-0-2-1-4)</p><p><b>NORRIS TROPHY</b> 1. Nicklas Lidstrom, Det 1313 (127-5-1-1-0) 2. Dion Phaneuf, Cgy 561 (2-38-37-26-12) 3. Zdeno Chara, Bos 486 (3-38-23-21-12) 4. Sergei Gonchar, Pit 370 (1-24-21-21-24) 5. Brian Campbell, SJ 333 (1-18-16-31-24) 6. Andrei Markov, Mtl 156 (0-4-15-11-20) 7. Mike Green, Wsh 84 (0-1-7-10-12) 8. Chris Pronger, Ana 56 (0-2-5-5-2) 9. Brian Rafalski, Det 25 (0-1-1-2-7) 10. Scott Niedermayer, Ana 22 (0-2-1-1-0)</p><p><b>VEZINA TROPHY</b> 1. Martin Brodeur, NJ 113 (15-12-2) 2. Evgeni Nabokov, SJ 106 (13-13-2) 3. Henrik Lundqvist, NYR 13 (1-0-8) 4. J.S. Giguere, Ana 11 (0-1-8) 5. Miikka Kiprusoff, Cgy 7 (1-0-2) 6. Niklas Backstrom, Min 6 (0-2-0) 7. Roberto Luongo, Van 5 (0-1-2) 8. Cristobal Huet, Wsh 4 (0-1-1) 9. Carey Price, Mtl 2 (0-0-2) Tim Thomas, Bos 2 (0-0-2)</p><p><b>CALDER TROPHY</b> 1. Patrick Kane, Chi 1078 (71-34-26-0-0) 2. Nicklas Backstrom, Wsh 872 (30-51-35-12-4) 3. Jonathan Toews, Chi 647 (19-26-30-38-11) 4. Carey Price, Mtl 461 (11-16-26-30-19) 5. Peter Mueller, Pho 195 (0-2-12-31-28) 6. Tobias Enstrom, Atl 79 (2-1-2-7-21) 7. Sam Gagner, Edm 41 (0-0-0-9-14) 8. Matt Niskanen, Dal 27 (0-1-1-2-9) 9. Andrew Cogliano, Edm 18 (0-0-1-2-7) 10. Brandon Dubinsky, NYR 16 (0-1-0-1-6)</p><p><b>JACK ADAMS AWARD</b> 1. Bruce Boudreau, Wsh 208 (31-15-8) 2. Guy Carbonneau, Mtl 196 (24-23-7) 3. Mike Babcock, Det 65 (6-8-11) 4. Barry Trotz, Nas 60 (4-8-16) 5. Ron Wilson, SJ 32 (2-5-7) 6. Claude Julien, Bos 32 (1-7-6) 7. Michel Therrien, Pit 30 (2-4-8) 8. Joel Quenneville, Col 16 (2-0-6) 9. Brent Sutter, NJ 12 (1-1-4) 10. Peter Laviolette, Car 11 (1-2-0)</p><p><b>FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY</b> 1. Pavel Datsyuk, Det 537 (43-9-7-3-0) 2. John Madden, NJ 447 (18-18-16-17-10) 3. Henrik Zetterberg, Det 425 (22-20-6-10-5) 4. Patrick Sharp, Chi 290 (10-14-13-8-3) 5. Mike Richards, Phi 220 (10-6-6-13-9) 6. Samuel Pahlsson, Ana 163 (7-6-7-3-7) 7. Brenden Morrow, Dal 149 (4-10-4-5-4) 8. Mikko Koivu, Min 122 (3-5-8-4-5) 9. P.J. Axelsson, Bos 106 (1-10-4-1-3) 10. Daniel Alfredsson, Ott 92 (3-4-3-4-7)</p><p><b>LADY BYNG TROPHY</b> 1. Pavel Datsyuk, Det 984 (75-21-13-7-1) 2. Martin St-Louis, TB 261 (2-17-15-11-14) 3. Jason Pominville, Buf 253 (3-12-15-18-10) 4. Nicklas Lidstrom, Det 211 (9-9-7-6-5) 5. Henrik Zetterberg, Det 185 (6-9-6-9-5) 6. Brian Campbell, SJ 147 (4-7-7-5-8) 7. Brad Boyes, StL 138 (2-8-7-7-6) 8. Anze KoPitar, LA 118 (1-3-10-9-10) 9. Alex Ovechkin, Wsh 115 (8-4-1-0-2) 10. Daniel Alfredsson, Ott 98 (1-6-4-5-11)</p><h3><b>ALL-STAR VOTING</b></h3><p><b>CENTER</b> 1. Evgeni Malkin, Pit 555 (93-26-12) 2. Joe Thornton, SJ 282 (23-38-53) 3. Pavel Datsyuk, Det 267 (11-57-41) 4. Vincent Lecavalier, TB 55 (4-7-14) 5. Sidney Crosby, Pit 35 (3-5-5) 6. Henrik Zetterberg, Det 4 (0-1-1) 7. Ryan Getzlaf, Ana 3 (0-0-3) 8. Scott Gomez, NYR 1 (0-0-1) Marc Savard, Bos 1 (0-0-1) Jason Spezza, Ott 1 (0-0-1) Eric Staal, Car 1 (0-0-1) Jonathan Toews, Chi 1 (0-0-1)</p><p><b>RIGHT WING</b> 1. Jarome Iginla, Cgy 653 (128-4-1) 2. Alex Kovalev, Mtl 246 (3-65-36) 3. Daniel Alfredsson, Ott 161 (1-39-39) 4. Marian Gaborik, Min 120 (2-22-44) 5. Dany Heatley, Ott 4 (0-1-1) 6. Sidney Crosby, Pit 3 (0-1-0) Shane Doan, Pho 3 (0-1-0) 8. Martin St-Louis, TB 3 (0-0-3) 9. Brad Boyes, StL 2 (0-0-2) Patrick Kane, Chi 2 (0-0-2) Jason Pominville, Buf 2 (0-0-2)</p><p><b>LEFT WING</b> 1. Alex Ovechkin, Wsh 665 (133-0-0) 2. Henrik Zetterberg, Det 320 (1-99-18) 3. Ilya Kovalchuk, Atl 141 (0-26-63) 4. Dany Heatley, Ott 51 (0-5-36) 5. Rick Nash, Clb 10 (0-1-7) 6. Pavel Datsyuk, Det 9 (0-3-0) 7. Brenden Morrow, Dal 4 (0-0-4) 8. Daniel Sedin, Van 3 (0-0-3) 9. Daniel Alfredsson, Ott 1 (0-0-1) Zach Parise, NJ 1 (0-0-1) Vaclav Prospal, Phi 1 (0-0-1)</p><p><b>DEFENSE</b> 1. Nicklas Lidstrom, Det 668 (133-1-0) 2. Dion Phaneuf, Cgy 411 (42-59-24) 3. Zdeno Chara, Bos 354 (41-42-23) 4. Brian Campbell, SJ 297 (20-53-38) 5. Sergei Gonchar, Pit 288 (23-46-35) 6. Andrei Markov, Mtl 134 (4-27-33) 7. Mike Green, Wsh 59 (1-8-30) 8. Chris Pronger, Ana 58 (1-13-14) 9. Brian Rafalski, Det 38 (1-4-21) 10. Brent Burns, Min 21 (1-3-7) 11. Duncan Keith, Chi 20 (0-3-11) 12. Mathieu Schneider, Ana 12 (1-1-4) 13. Mark Streit, Mtl 11 (0-2-5) 14. Scott Niedermayer, Ana 7 (0-2-1) 15. Ed Jovanovski, Pho 5 (0-1-2) 16. Mike Komisarek, Mtl 5 (0-0-5)</p><p><b>GOALTENDER</b> 1. Evgeni Nabokov, SJ 523 (71-55-3) 2. Martin Brodeur, NJ 475 (56-61-12) 3. J-S Giguere, Ana 82 (3-8-43) 4. Henrik Lundqvist, NYR 74 (1-6-51) 5. Roberto Luongo, Van 12 (1-1-4) 6. Miikka Kiprusoff, Cgy 11 (0-1-8) 7. Chris Osgood, Det 9 (1-1-1) 8. Pascal Leclaire, Clb 4 (0-0-4) 9. Dan Ellis, Nas 3 (0-0-3) 10. Tim Thomas, Bos 2 (0-0-2)</p><h3><b>NHL AWARDS</b></h3><p><b>HART TROPHY</b> (most valuable player) Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals</p><p><b>ART ROSS TROPHY</b> (top scorer) Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals</p><p><b>MAURICE RICHARD TROPHY</b> (top goal-scorer) Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals</p><p><b>CALDER TROPHY</b> (top rookie) Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks</p><p><b>NORRIS TROPHY</b> (outstanding defenseman) Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings</p><p><b>VEZINA TROPHY</b> (outstanding goaltender) Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils</p><p><b>LADY BYNG TROPHY</b> (most sportsmanlike) Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings</p><p><b>SELKE TROPHY</b> (best defensive forward) Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings</p><p><b>JACK ADAMS AWARD</b> (coach of the year) Bruce Boudreau, Washington Capitals</p><p><b>JENNINGS TROPHY</b> (lowest goals-against average) Chris Osgood & Dominik Hasek, Detroit Red Wings</p><p><b>CONN SMYTHE TROPHY</b> (playoff most valuable player) Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings</p><p><b>MASTERTON TROPHY</b> (perseverance, dedication) Jason Blake, Toronto Maple Leafs</p><p><b>KING CLANCY TROPHY</b> (humanitarian) Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning</p><p><b>FIRST-TEAM ALL-STARS</b> C, Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh; LW, Alex Ovechkin, Washington; RW, Jarome Iginla, Calgary; D, Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit; D, Dion Phaneuf, Calgary; G, Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose.</p><p><b>SECOND-TEAM ALL-STARS</b> C, Joe Thornton, San Jose; LW, Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit; RW, Alex Kovalev, Montreal; D, Brian Campbell, San Jose; D, Zdeno Chara, Boston; G, Martin Brodeur, New Jersey.</p><p><b>ALL-ROOKIE TEAM</b> F, Nicklas Backstrom, Washington; F, Patrick Kane, Chicago; F, Jonathan Toews, Chicago; D, Tobias Enstrom, Atlanta; D, Tom Gilbert, Edmonton; G, Carey Price, Montreal.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0164-02

NHL PLAYOFFS 2007-08

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0165-02" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0165-0214/9201473-1-eng-US/f0165-022.jpg"></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0165-0119/9201480-1-eng-US/f0165-012.jpg" title="f0165-01" width="228" height="108"></div><h2><b>NHL ENTRY DRAFT</b></h2><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>he 2008 entry draft was held June 20-21 in Ottawa. Listed below are each team&rsquo;s picks. Information provided includes round/overall, name, position, 2007-08 team and league.</p><h2><b>ANAHEIM DUCKS</b></h2><p>1/17. Jake Gardiner, D, Minnetonka (HS-MN); 2/35. Nicolas Deschamps, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL); 2/39. Eric O&rsquo;Dell, C, Sudbury (OHL); 2/43. Justin Schultz, D, Westside (BCHL); 3/71. Josh Brittain, LW, Kingston (OHL); 3/83. Marco Cousineau, G, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL); 3/85. Brandon McMillan, C, Kelowna (WHL); 4/113. Ryan Hegarty, D, USA U18 (USDP); 5/143. Stefan Warg, D, V. Vasteras HK (Swe Jr.); 7/208. Nick Pryor, D, USA U18 (USDP).</p><h2><b>ATLANTA THRASHERS</b></h2><p>1/3. Zach Bogosian, D, Peterborough (OHL); 1/29. Daultan Leveille, C, St. Catharines (GHL); 3/64. Danick Paquette, RW, Lewiston (QMJHL); 4/94. Vinny Saponari, RW, USA U18 (USDP); 5/124. Nicklas Lasu, LW, V. Frolunda (Swe Jr.); 6/154. Christopher Carrozzi, G, Mississauga (OHL); 7/184. Zach Redmond, D, Ferris State (CCHA).</p><h2><b>BOSTON BRUINS</b></h2><p>1/16. Joe Colborne, C, Camrose (AJHL); 2/47. Maxime Sauve, C, Val-d&rsquo;Or (QMJHL); 3/77. Michael Hutchinson, G, Barrie (OHL); 4/97. Jamie Arniel, C, Sarnia (OHL); 6/173. Nicholas Tremblay, C, Smith Falls (CJHL); 7/197. Mark Goggin, C, Choate-Rosemary (HS-CT).</p><h2><b>BUFFALO SABRES</b></h2><p>1/12. Tyler Myers, D, Kelowna (WHL); 1/26. Tyler Ennis, C, Medicine Hat (WHL); 2/44. Luke Adam, C, St. John&rsquo;s (QMJHL); 3/81. Corey Fienhage, D, Eastview High (HS-MN); 4/101. Justin Jokinen, RW, Cloquet (HS-MN); 4/104. Jordon Southorn, D, P.E.I. (QMJHL); 5/134. Jacob Lagace, LW, Chicoutimi (QMJHL); 6/164. Nick Crawford, D, Saginaw (OHL).</p><h2><b>CALGARY FLAMES</b></h2><p>1/25. Greg Nemisz, C, Windsor (OHL); 2/48. Mitch Wahl, C, Spokane (WHL); 3/78. Lance Bouma, C, Vancouver (WHL); 4/108. Nick Larson, LW, Waterloo (USHL); 4/114. T.J. Brodie, D, Saginaw (OHL); 6/168. Ryley Grantham, C, Moose Jaw (WHL); 7/198. Alexander Deilert, D, Djurgardens (Swe Jr.).</p><h2><b>CAROLINA HURRICANES</b></h2><p>1/14. Zach Boychuk, C, Lethbridge (WHL); 2/45. Zac Dalpe, C/RW, Penticton (BCHL); 4/105. Michal Jordan, D, Plymouth (OHL); 6/165. Mike Murphy, G, Belleville (OHL); 7/195. Samuel Morneau, LW, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL).</p><h2><b>CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS</b></h2><p>1/11. Kyle Beach, C, Everett (WHL); 3/68. Shawn Lalonde, D, Belleville (OHL); 5/132. Teigan Zahn, D, Saskatoon (WHL); 6/162. Jonathan Carlsson, D, Brynas IF (Swe); 6/169. Ben Smith, RW, Boston College (HE); 6/179. Braden Birch, D, Oakville (OPJHL); 7/192. Joe Gleason, D, Edina (HS-MN).</p><h2><b>COLORADO AVALANCHE</b></h2><p>2/50. Cameron Gaunce, D, Mississauga (OHL); 2/61. Peter Delmas, G, Lewiston (QMJHL); 4/110. Kelsey Tessier, C, Quebec (QMJHL); 5/140. Mark Olver, C, Northern Michigan (CCHA); 6/167. Joel Chouinard, D, Victoriaville (QMJHL); 6/170. Jonas Holos, D, Sparta Sarpsborg (Nor); 7/200. Nathan Condon, C, Wausau (HS-MN).</p><h2><b>COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS</b></h2><p>1/6. Nikita Filatov, LW, CSKA Moscow (Rus3); 2/37. Cody Goloubef, D, Wisconsin (WCHA); 4/107. Steven Delisle, D, Gatineau (QMJHL); 4/118. Drew Olson, D, Brainerd (HS-MN); 5/127. Matthew Calvert, LW, Brandon (WHL); 5/135. Tomas Kubalik, RW, HC Plzen (Cze); 5/137. Brent Regner, D, Vancouver (WHL); 6/157. Cameron Atkinson, RW, Avon Old Farms (HSCT); 7/187. Sean Collins, C, Waywayseecapoo (MJHL).</p><h2><b>DALLAS STARS</b></h2><p>2/59. Tyler Beskorowany, G, Owen Sound (OHL); 3/89. Scott Winkler, C, Russell Stover (Mid); 5/149. Philip Larsen, D, V. Frolunda (Swe); 6/176. Matthew Tassone, C, Swift Current (WHL); 7/209. Mike Bergin, D, Smith Falls (CJHL).</p><h2><b>DETROIT RED WINGS</b></h2><p>1/30. Thomas McCollum, G, Guelph (OHL); 3/91. Max Nicastro, D, Chicago (USHL); 4/121. Gustav Nyquist, C, IF Malmo (Swe Jr.); 5/151. Julien Cayer, C, Northwood (HS-NY); 6/181. Stephen Johnston, LW, Belleville (OHL); 7/211. Jesper Samuelsson, C, Vita Hasten (Swe2).</p><h2><b>EDMONTON OILERS</b></h2><p>1/22. Jordan Eberle, C, Regina (WHL); 4/103. Johan Motin, D, Farjestads BK (Swe); 5/133. Philippe Cornet, LW, Rimouski (QMJHL); 6/163. Teemu Hartikainen, C, KalPa Kuopio (Fin Jr.); 7/193. Jordan Bendfeld, D, Medicine Hat (WHL).</p><h2><b>FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKS</b></h2><h2><b>SECOND ROUND DRAFT PICKS</b></h2><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0165-037/9201466-1-eng-US/f0165-032.jpg" title="f0165-03" width="1128" height="1064"></div><h2><b>FLORIDA PANTHERS</b></h2><p>2/31. Jacob Markstrom, G, Brynas IF (Swe Jr.); 2/46. Colby Robak, D, Brandon (WHL); 3/80. Adam Comrie, D, Saginaw (OHL); 4/100. A.J. Jenks, LW, Plymouth (OHL); 7/190. Matthew Bartkowski, D, Lincoln (USHL).</p><h2><b>LOS ANGELES KINGS</b></h2><p>1/2. Drew Doughty, D, Guelph (OHL); 1/13. Colten Teubert, D, Regina (WHL); 2/32. Vyacheslav Voinov, D, Traktor Chelyabinsk (Rus); 3/63. Robert Czarnik, C/RW, USA US18 (USDP); 3/74. Andrew Campbell, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL); 3/88. Geordie Wudrick, LW, Swift Current (WHL); 5/123. Andrei Loktionov, C, Yaroslavl (Rus); 6/153. Justin Azevedo, C, Kitchener (OHL); 7/183. Garrett Roe, LW, St. Cloud State (WCHA).</p><h2><b>MINNESOTA WILD</b></h2><p>1/23. Tyler Cuma, D, Ottawa (OHL); 2/55. Marco Scandella, D, Val-d&rsquo;Or (QMJHL); 4/115. Sean Lorenz, D, USA U18 (USDP); 5/145. Eero Elo, LW, Lukko Rauma (Fin Jr.).</p><h2><b>MONTREAL CANADIENS</b></h2><p>2/56. Danny Kristo, RW, USA U18 (USDP); 3/86. Steve Quailer, RW, Sioux City (USHL); 4/116. Jason Missiaen, G, Peterborough (OHL); 5/138. Maxim Trunev, F, Cherepovets (Rus); 7/206. Patrick Johnson, C, Wisconsin (WCHA).</p><h2><b>NASHVILLE PREDATORS</b></h2><p>1/7. Colin Wilson, C, Boston U (HE); 1/18. Chet Pickard, G, Tri-City (WHL); 2/38. Roman Josi, D, SC Bern (Swi); 5/136. Taylor Stefishen, LW, Langley (BCHL); 6/166. Jeff Foss, D, Rensselear (ECAC); 7/201. Jani Lajunen, C, Blues Espoo (Fin Jr.); 7/207. Anders Lindback, G, Almtuna (Swe2).</p><h2><b>NEW JERSEY DEVILS</b></h2><p>1/24. Mattias Tedenby, LW, HV71 (Swe); 2/52. Brandon Burlon, D, St. Michaels (OPJHL); 2/54. Patrice Cormier, C, Rimouski (QMJHL); 3/82. Adam Henrique, C, Windsor (OHL); 4/112. Matt Delahey, D, Regina (WHL); 5/142. Kory Nagy, C, Oshawa (OHL); 6/172. David Wohlberg, C, USA U18 (USDP); 7/202. Harry Young, D, Windsor (OHL); 7/205. Jean-Sebastien Berube, LW, R-Noranda (QMJHL).</p><h2><b>NEW YORK ISLANDERS</b></h2><p>1/9. Josh Bailey, C, Windsor (OHL); 2/36. Corey Trivino, C, Stouffville (OPJHL); 2/40. Aaron Ness, D, Roseau High (HS-MN); 2/53. Travis Hamonic, D, Moose Jaw (WHL); 3/66. David Toews, C, Shattuck-St. Mary&rsquo;s (HS-MN); 3/72. Jyri Niemi, D, Saskatoon (WHL); 3/73. Kirill Petrov, RW, Ak Bars Kazan (Rus); 4/96. Matt Donovan, D, Cedar Rapids (USHL); 4/102. David Ullstrom, W, HV 71 (Swe Jr.); 5/126. Kevin Poulin, G, Victoriaville (QMJHL); 5/148. Matthew Martin, LW, Sarnia (OHL); 6/156. Jared Spurgeon, D, Spokane (WHL); 6/175. Justin Dibenedetto, C, Sarnia (OHL).</p><h2><b>NEW YORK RANGERS</b></h2><p>1/20. Michael Del Zotto, D, Oshawa (OHL); 2/51. Derek Stepan, C, Shattuck-St. Mary&rsquo;s (HS-MN); 3/75. Evgeny Grachev, C, Yaroslavl (Rus); 3/90. Tomas Kundratek, D, HC Trinec (Cze Jr.); 4/111. Dale Weise, RW, Swift Current (WHL); 5/141. Chris Doyle, C, P.E.I. (QMJHL); 6/171. Mitch Gaulton, D, Erie (OHL).</p><h2><b>OTTAWA SENATORS</b></h2><p>1/15. Erik Karlsson, D, V. Frolunda (Swe Jr.); 2/42. Patrick Wiercioch, D, Omaha (USHL); 3/79. Zack Smith, C, Swift Current (WHL); 4/109. Andre Petersson, W, HV71 (Swe Jr.); 4/119. Derek Grant, C, Langley (BCHL); 5/139. Mark Borowiecki, D, Smith Falls (USHL); 7/199. Emil Sandin, LW, Brynas IF (Swe).</p><h2><b>PHILADELPHIA FLYERS</b></h2><p>1/19. Luca Sbisa, D, Lethbridge (WHL); 3/67. Marc-Andre Bourdon, D, Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL); 3/84. Jacob Deserres, G, Seattle (WHL); 6/178. Zac Rinaldo, C, Mississauga (OHL); 7/196. Joacim Eriksson, G, Brynas IF (Swe Jr.).</p><h2><b>PHOENIX COYOTES</b></h2><p>1/8. Mikkel Boedker, LW, Kitchener (OHL); 1/28. Viktor Tikhonov, W, Severstal Cherepovets (Rus); 2/49. Jared Staal, RW, Sudbury (OHL); 3/69. Michael Stone, D, Calgary (WHL); 3/76. Mathieu Brodeur, D, Cape Breton (QMJHL); 4/99. Colin Long, C, Kelowna (WHL); 6/159. Brett Hextall, C, Penticton (BCHL); 7/189. Tim Billingsley, D, Mississauga (OHL).</p><h2><b>PITTSBURGH PENGUINS</b></h2><p>4/120. Nathan Moon, C, Kingston (OHL); 5/150. Alexander Pechurski, G, Magnitogorsk (Rus3); 6/180. Patrick Killeen, G, Brampton (OHL); 7/210. Nick D&rsquo;Agostino, D, St. Michael&rsquo;s (OPJHL).</p><h2><b>SAN JOSE SHARKS</b></h2><p>3/62. Justin Daniels, C, Kent (HS-CT); 4/92. Samuel Groulx, D, Quebec (QMJHL); 4/106. Harri Sateri, G, Tappara (Fin Jr.); 5/146. Julien Demers, D, Ottawa (OHL); 6/177. Tommy Wingels, C, Miami-Ohio (CCHA); 7/186. Jason Demers, D, Victoriaville (QMJHL); 7/194. Drew Daniels, RW, Kent (HS-CT).</p><h2><b>ST. LOUIS BLUES</b></h2><p>1/4. Alex Pietrangelo, D, Niagara (OHL); 2/33. Philip McRae, C, London (OHL); 2/34. Jake Allen, G, St. John&rsquo;s (QMJHL); 3/65. Jori Lehtera, C, Tappara (Fin); 3/70. James Livingston, RW, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL); 3/87. Ian Schultz, RW, Calgary (WHL); 4/95. David Warsofsky, D, USA U18 (USDP); 5/125. Kristofer Berglund, D, Bjorkloven (Swe2); 6/155. Anthony Nigro, C, Guelph (OHL); 7/185. Paul Karpowich, G, Wellington (OPJHL).</p><h2><b>TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING</b></h2><p>1/1. Steven Stamkos, C, Sarnia (OHL); 4/117. James Wright, C, Vancouver (WHL); 5/122. Dustin Tokarski, G, Spokane (WHL); 5/147. Kyle De Coste, RW, Brampton (OHL); 6/152. Mark Barberio, D, Moncton (QMJHL); 6/160. Luke Witkowski, D, Ohio (USHL); 7/182. Matias Sointu, RW, Ilves (Fin Jr.); 7/203. David Carle, D, Shattuck-St. Mary&rsquo;s (HS-MN).</p><h2><b>TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS</b></h2><p>1/5. Luke Schenn, D, Kelowna (WHL); 2/60. Jimmy Hayes, RW, Lincoln (USHL); 4/98. Mikhail Stefanovich, C, Quebec (QMJHL); 5/128. Greg Pateryn, D, Ohio (USHL); 5/129. Joel Champagne, C, Chicoutimi (QMJHL); 5/130. Jerome Flaake, LW, Kolner Haie (Ger); 6/158. Grant Rollheiser, G, Trail (BCHL); 7/188. Andrew MacWilliam, D, Camrose (AJHL).</p><h2><b>VANCOUVER CANUCKS</b></h2><p>1/10. Cody Hodgson, C, Brampton (OHL); 2/41. Yann Sauve, D, Saint John (QMJHL); 5/131. Prab Rai, C, Seattle (WHL); 6/161. Mats Froshaug, C, Linkopings HC (Swe Jr.); 7/191. Morgan Clark, G, Red Deer (WHL).</p><h2><b>WASHINGTON CAPITALS</b></h2><p>1/21. Anton Gustafsson, C, V. Frolunda (Swe Jr.); 1/27. John Carlson, D, Indiana (USHL); 2/57. Eric Mestery, D, Tri-City (WHL); 2/58. Dmitri Kugryshev, RW, CSKA Moscow (Rus3); 4/93. Braden Holtby, G, Saskatoon (WHL); 5/144. Joel Broda, C, Moose Jaw (WHL); 6/174. Greg Burke, LW, Monarchs (EJHL); 7/204. Stefan Della Rovere, LW, Barrie (OHL).<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0165-02

NHL ENTRY DRAFT 2007-08

f0171-01

MINORS & JUNIORS 2007-08

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0172-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0172-0121/9201605-1-eng-US/f0172-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>28</p><p><b>JARED BOLL | Columbus Blue Jackets</b></p> <span class="photo-credit">(GREGORY SHAMUS/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="88" height="100"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><h2><b>GETTIN&rsquo; YA HANDS DIRTY</b></h2><p class="dropcap"><span>J</span>ared Boll of the Columbus Blue Jackets made opponents accountable for their actions last season, leading the league with 28 major penalties.</p><h3><b>MAJOR PENALTIES</b></h3><p>1. Jared Boll</p><p><b>Clb</b> 28</p><p>2. Riley Cote</p><p><b>Phi</b> 24</p><p>3. George Parros</p><p><b>Ana</b> 23</p><p>&ndash; Zack Stortini</p><p><b>Edm</b> 23</p><p>5. David Clarkson</p><p><b>NJ</b> 21</p><p>6. Dan Carcillo</p><p><b>Pho</b> 20</p><p>&ndash; Ian Laperriere</p><p><b>Col</b> 20</p><p>8. Colton Orr</p><p><b>NYR</b> 19</p><p>9. Krys Barch</p><p><b>Dal</b> 17</p><p>&ndash; Eric Godard</p><p><b>Cgy</b> 17</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0172-029/9201598-1-eng-US/f0172-022.jpg" title="f0172-02" width="2331" height="1181"></div><p>*indicated notables</p><h2><b>THE GO-TO GUYS</b></h2><p>When a Toronto Maple Leaf lined up for a faceoff last season, almost half the time Mats Sundin was the one who took it.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0173-0121/9201591-1-eng-US/f0173-012.jpg" title="f0173-01" width="1634" height="1559"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>40.8</p><p><b>MATS SUNDIN | Toronto Maple Leafs</b></p> <span class="photo-credit">(DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h3><b>PERCENTAGE OF TEAMS FACEOFFS</b></h3><p>1. Mats Sundin</p><p><b>Tor</b> 40.8</p><p>2. Rod Brind&rsquo;Amour</p><p><b>Car</b> 40.1</p><p>3. Vincent Lecavalier</p><p><b>TB</b> 36.7</p><p>4. Sidney Crosby</p><p><b>Pit</b> 36.5</p><p>5. Marc Savard</p><p><b>Bos</b> 36.1</p><p>6. John Madden</p><p><b>NJ</b> 34.9</p><p>7. Joe Thornton</p><p><b>SJ</b> 34.8</p><p>8. Mike Sillinger</p><p><b>NYI</b> 34.6</p><p>9. Eric Staal</p><p><b>Car</b> 34.0</p><p>10. Samuel Pahlsson</p><p><b>Ana</b> 33.7</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0173-0210/9201584-1-eng-US/f0173-022.jpg" title="f0173-02" width="2331" height="1181"></div><h2><b>TWO-WAY THREATS</b></h2><p>Detroit has the most efficient duo in the NHL. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg combined for 74 goals, 189 points and a plus-71 rating.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0174-0121/9201577-1-eng-US/f0174-012.jpg" title="f0174-01" width="1640" height="1539"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>+41</p><p><b>PAVEL DATSYUK | Detroit Red Wings</b></p> <span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h3><b>BEST PLUS/MINUS</b></h3><p>1. Pavel Datsyuk</p><p><b>Det</b> 41</p><p>2. Nicklas Lidstrom</p><p><b>Det</b> 40</p><p>3. Dany Heatley</p><p><b>Ott</b> 33</p><p>4. Ryan Getzlaf</p><p><b>Ana</b> 32</p><p>5. Henrik Zetterberg</p><p><b>Det</b> 30</p><p>&ndash; Duncan Keith</p><p><b>Chi</b> 30</p><p>7. Viktor Kozlov</p><p><b>Wsh</b> 28</p><p>&ndash; Alexander Ovechkin</p><p><b>Wsh</b> 28</p><p>9. Brian Rafalski</p><p><b>Det</b> 27</p><p>&ndash; Jarome Iginla</p><p><b>Cgy</b> 27</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0174-027/9201570-1-eng-US/f0174-022.jpg" title="f0174-02" width="2334" height="1178"></div><h2><b>THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT</b></h2><p>While Mathieu Garon enjoyed a breakout season in 2007-08, he truly ran away from the pack with a .938 save percentage in shootouts.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0175-0119/9201563-1-eng-US/f0175-012.jpg" title="f0175-01" width="1643" height="1559"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>.938</p><p><b>MATHIEU GARON | Edmonton Oilers</b></p> <span class="photo-credit">(NOAH GRAHAM/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h3><b>SHOOTOUT SAVE PCT</b></h3><p>1. Mathieu Garon</p><p><b>Edm</b> .938</p><p>2. Carey Price</p><p><b>Mtl</b> .818</p><p>3. Jose Theodore</p><p><b>Col</b> .786</p><p>4. Johan Hedberg</p><p><b>Atl</b> .774</p><p>5. Dany Sabourin</p><p><b>Pit</b> .769</p><p>6. Manny Legace</p><p><b>StL</b> .765</p><p>7. Dominik Hasek</p><p><b>Det</b> .750</p><p>8. Martin Brodeur</p><p><b>NJ</b> .744</p><p>9. Tomas Vokoun</p><p><b>Fla</b> .732</p><p>10. Dwayne Roloson</p><p><b>Edm</b> .730</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0175-025/9201556-1-eng-US/f0175-022.jpg" title="f0175-02" width="2328" height="1175"></div><h2><b>CLUTCH PERFORMERS</b></h2><p>Alex Ovechkin came through when it mattered, with 11 game-winning goals, but he wasn&rsquo;t without his flaws. He had 199 missed shots and 93 giveaways.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0176-0121/9201549-1-eng-US/f0176-012.jpg" title="f0176-01" width="1631" height="1552"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>11</p><p><b>ALEX OVECHKIN | Washington Capitals</b></p> <span class="photo-credit">(GREG FIUME/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><h3><b>GAME-WINNING GOALS</b></h3><p>1. Alex Ovechkin</p><p><b>Wsh</b> 11</p><p>2. Jeremy Roenick</p><p><b>SJ</b> 10</p><p>3. Jarome Iginla</p><p><b>Cgy</b> 9</p><p>&ndash; Brad Boyes</p><p><b>StL</b> 9</p><p>&ndash; Thomas Vanek</p><p><b>Buf</b> 9</p><p>6. Dany Heatley</p><p><b>Ott</b> 8</p><p>&ndash; Johan Franzen</p><p><b>Det</b> 8</p><p>&ndash; Patrik Elias</p><p><b>NJ</b> 8</p><p>&ndash; Marian Gaborik</p><p>Min 8</p><p>&ndash; Milan Michalek</p><p><b>SJ</b> 8</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0176-027/9201542-1-eng-US/f0176-022.jpg" title="f0176-02" width="2329" height="1193"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0172-01

SPECIALTY STAT SORTS

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0182-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0182-0114/9201709-1-eng-US/f0182-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">The 2008-09 season kicks off in Prague when the Tampa Bay Lightning &ldquo;host&rdquo; the New York Rangers. <span class="photo-credit">(SCOTT AUDETTE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="mon012.jpg" title="common01" width="88" height="100"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0183-0114/9201702-1-eng-US/f0183-012.jpg" title="f0183-01" width="4800" height="3150"><figcaption class="caption-body">There will be a Stanley Cup rematch Feb. 8 in Pittsburgh when the champion Red Wings visit the Pens. <span class="photo-credit">(DAVE SANDFORD/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0185-0113/9201695-1-eng-US/f0185-012.jpg" title="f0185-01" width="2400" height="3150"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0182-01

2008-09 NHL SCHEDULE

<div class="byline">by Darryl Dobbs</div><p class="dropcap"><span>E</span>very season there are always a few players you had pigeon-holed as third-liners who hadn&rsquo;t produced fantasy-worthy numbers in their careers and likely never would. So you passed on them and then they surprised you.</p><p>In 2007-08, Chicago&rsquo;s Patrick Sharp and Carolina&rsquo;s Matt Cullen stepped up. The 26-year-old Sharp topped his career high of 35 points by 27. Cullen, 31, matched his career high of 49 points in just 59 contests (compared to 78 games in 2005-06). These are players who had established a certain production range and then broke through it without warning. All they needed was a shot on a scoring line and/or some chemistry with a star linemate.</p><p>It is always a difficult task to identify players who can do this. After all, in the NHL, many dozens of players have the potential to do so. The best method is to match a player&rsquo;s skill level with the odds of him getting an opportunity and then hope he clicks with a slick pivot or a sniping winger. Here are some suggestions:</p><p><b>ERIC BELANGER, C, MINNESOTA</b> The 30-year-old set career highs with 24 assists and 37 points, which are third-line numbers. However, 32 of those points were in the first 41 games and coach Jacques Lemaire once said he felt Belanger could get 80 points. The former junior star just needs to keep it up for the full 82-game slate.</p><p><b>JOHAN FRANZEN, LW, DETROIT</b> The most obvious candidate on this list scored 15 goals in the last 16 regular season games and then continued that torrid pace throughout the post-season. He could be a 40-goal scorer this year after toiling on the third or fourth line for the better part of three seasons.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0186-0111/9201754-1-eng-US/f0186-012.jpg" title="f0186-01" width="673" height="797"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(KOBASEW: SPORTS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>ANDY HILBERT, LW, N.Y. ISLANDERS</b> He was a star in college and a star in the American Hockey League. The 27-year-old also finished the 2005-06 season with 18 points in 19 games for Pittsburgh playing with you-know-who. So the talent is there, he just needs the right linemate.</p><p><b>CHUCK KOBASEW, RW, BOSTON</b> He put up close to a goal per game in the WHL and the BCHL, and also had impressive numbers in college hockey. However, Kobasew was brought into the NHL too quickly and after four full seasons, 2007-08&rsquo;s 39 points is his career high. The return of Patrice Bergeron could help jump-start things.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0186-028/9201747-1-eng-US/f0186-022.jpg" title="f0186-02" width="1014" height="1106"><figcaption class="caption-body">IS TAYLOR PYATT REALLY A BUDDING TODD BERTUZZI? <span class="photo-credit">(PYATT: MICHAEL MARTIN/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p><b>BROOKS LAICH, RW, WASHINGTON</b> Th is high-scoring junior struggled to translate those numbers to the pro game&hellip;until this past February. He earned 26 points in his last 29 games, including the playoffs. The Caps had him pegged as a third-line checker, but now they&rsquo;re not so sure.</p><p><b>MATTHEW LOMBARDI, C, CALGARY</b> The Flames have flirted with putting Lombardi on the second line for the better part of three seasons, primarily because of his blazing speed and his 130-point season in the Quebec League (2001-02). He hasn&rsquo;t been ready to embrace the role, but that could change any time now.</p><p><b>BRETT MCLEAN, LW, FLORIDA</b> The 29-year-old has toiled on the third or fourth line for the better part of four seasons, but his chemistry with Olli Jokinen late last year looked promising. He had 26 points in his last 28 contests, including a run of five games with at least two points.</p><p><b>ERIC PERRIN, C, TAMPA BAY</b> The diminutive pivot plays his heart out and, against the odds, he has earned himself a permanent spot in the NHL. His responsibility has increased with every year he has been in the league. A big producer at every level in which he has played, the 32-year-old could achieve 60 points with the right linemate.</p><p><b>ALEXEI PONIKAROVSKY, LW, TORONTO</b> If he stays healthy, his chemistry with Nik Antropov could be a boon to poolies. As the Leafs rebuild, Ponikarovsky could see first-line minutes. He averaged 15:57 of ice time per game last season.</p><p><b>TAYLOR PYATT, LW, VANCOUVER</b> He was once equated to Todd Bertuzzi, but hasn&rsquo;t had more than 37 points in six seasons. In comparison, Bertuzzi&rsquo;s high after six seasons was just 55 points. Big Bert didn&rsquo;t catch people off guard until his seventh season when he put up 85 points.</p><p><b>JON SIM, LW, N.Y. ISLANDERS</b> He missed almost all of last season with a knee injury, so we never saw how coach Ted Nolan was going to use him. The Isles gave him a three-year deal, so they obviously think highly of him. Before arriving, Sim was used as a third-line scoring threat. But the Isles need a first-line goal-scorer, so you never know.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

Search for your favorite player or team

Ultimate Fantasy Pool Guide 2008-09

NHL CHECKLIST

Not enough Nash to go around

Depth up front Canes best asset

Hot 100