NHL predictions 07-08 - Central

Central Division (predicted order of finish):
1) Detroit's Hated Red Wings

Buzz: The defending champs went ahead and added Ty Conklin and Marian Hossa from Pittsburgh. Ouch!

Significant Roster move(s): see above.

Outlook: Kind of like a CU tailgate, it will go well for a long time, but I see someone ending up with a bloody lip.

2) Chicago Blackhawks

Buzz: New ownership, to includes televised games, two great young players, and two nice free-agent additions. Playoffs anyone?

Significant Roster moves: lost Lang, kept the Bulin wall, and then aded Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet.
Outlook: Sort of like picking up girls and then hot-tubbing with Frank and Glen - it will probably be rewarding at first, but the night may come to a quick, and disappointing, end.

3) St. Louis Blues

Buzz: Nowhere to go but up, I suppose. Their franchise D-Man of the future was injured playing in a gold tournament. I can't imagine how that could happen?

Significant roster moves: None, waiting for the prospects to develop.

Outlook: kind of like Mike’s locker room stall - toe socks, white helmet, yellow gloves, wooden stick - you look at the whole production and still scratch your head.

4) Nashville Predators

Buzz: They have a great coach, but shaky ownership and diminishing funds means that talent is leaving.

Significant roster moves: lost Zilicky and Radulov.

Outlook: They have actually overachieved more than Pete and Joe did in marriage, but like Pete’s ability to be fun, and Joe’s waist-line, things are on the downward spiral.

5) Columbus Blue Jackets

Buzz: They have to make the playoffs eventually - don't they?

Significant roster moves: They were able to rob the AVS of a 1st round pick, but I digress. Added a bunch of guys you have barley heard of and dumped some soft Euros - Don Cherry would be proud.
Outlook: There is a better chance of meeting Adam for beers in the summer than them making the playoffs.