Ready To Rumble: The NHL returns

The first week of every October brings a hockey fan’s paradise—the sound of skates scraping the ice for the first time in months fills 30 arenas around the continent, as thousands pack the seats, dawning their team’s colors, greeting their fellow addicts, and counting down the remaining moments to the drop of the puck. The off-season brings new faces to every lineup and bids farewell to old favorites gone via retirement or trades.

But through all of the roster changes, adjusted rules and renewed expectations, the vibe remains the same: fierce rivalries, bloodthirsty players and, ultimately, a clean sheet of ice on which to battle. It’s hockey season, and for the next six months, these 30 teams will fight for 16 sweet spots come April, taking their fans along for the always-tumultuous ride.

The National Hockey League (NHL) opened the season this past weekend with four exhibition games in Europe. Building on the success of an exhibition match-up last fall in London, the NHL sent the New York Rangers to Prague for a two-game series versus the Tampa Bay Lightning, while the Ottawa Senators traveled to Stockholm to play two games against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Rangers swept the weekend, coming away with a pair of 2-1 wins, doubling up on shots against Tampa’s shaky defense in both games. Meanwhile, the Senators and the Penguins split the two-game weekend in Stockholm. The Pens took the first game 4-3 in overtime, as Tyler Kennedy scored the game-winner on a breakaway for his second of the night. Thanks to Dany Heatley’s two goals, the Sens came back Sunday to top Pittsburgh 3-1, who avoided a shutout by scoring with two seconds left. The weekend abroad was a perfect lead-in to the NHL season that starts off in North America on Oct. 9.

In fear that the NHL would fall further from the national sports limelight and with the 2004-05 strike season still fresh in minds of many, the league has redesigned its scheduling format. Instead of overemphasized division rivalries at the expense of inter-conference play, there will be more of a balance. Each team will play teams from its opposing conference at least once, as well as six games against each of its four division rivals.

The game-of-the-year will be the second-annual Outdoor Game played on New Year’s Day, with the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks taking over Wrigley Field for a chilly bout between two of the NHL’s “Original Six” clubs.

Last season, Detroit stood at the top of the pack, beating the Penguins in a six-game series to capture the Cup in June. Predicted to excel once again, Detroit continues to be the closest thing to a dynasty in the NHL since the turn of the century. Moving west, the gritty Calgary Flames could top the Northwest Division, boasting three of the best players in each of their respective positions: forward and captain Jarome Iginla, defenseman Dion Phaneuf and goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff.

Arguably the most competitive division, the Pacific is up for grabs between the Dallas Stars and the San Jose Sharks. The Stars had an impressive showing in last year’s playoffs, making it to the conference finals, and have added some grit in the capricious yet talented Sean Avery, whom his peers have voted the NHL’s most hated player. The Sharks continue to disappoint in the postseason, but are anchored by Evgeni Nabakov, who is one of the league’s best net minders, as well as their strong offensive core.

The final four playoff spots in the Western Conference may be filled by some new faces, as others fade. Chicago will have a breakout year after acquiring some veterans to blend with its homegrown young stars, quite possibly stealing Nashville’s spot, as Columbus and St. Louis remain out of the hunt. If the Minnesota Wild can work on its offense, and the Edmonton Oilers on its defense, they could very well be playing into April, unlike aging Colorado and changing Vancouver. The Anaheim Ducks should join the playoff crew as well, while division rivals Phoenix and Los Angeles continue their rebuilds for sure-to-be success in a few more years.

As for the Eastern Conference, things shouldn’t change much from last year. Starting in the north, look for Montreal to dominate once again. The team’s goaltending remains suspect and the deciding factor will be how its two young net minders respond to the pressure. The city is sure to be looking to celebrate the franchise’s 100th season with a significant playoff run. The Penguins showed confidence in their core by signing young star Evgeni Malkin, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, and head coach Michel Therrien to multi-year extensions.

Down south, the Washington Capitals feature Alexander Ovechkin who may very well lead them to a division lead while charming crowds by blowing post-goal kisses. Look for the Philadelphia Flyers to make another push, along with the Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils, though the latter may surprisingly drop off. If any of the above struggle, both the Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins will be right there to snag a spot.

Tampa is definitely revamped but it may take another year for it to climb out of last year’s cellar. Don’t count on Buffalo to return to old form, though the New York Islanders and Toronto will continue to their terrible trend. Florida and Atlanta also have no reason to suddenly join the league’s elite.

The pecking order may be rearranged, but the teams are ready to go. It’s the perfect time of year for beautiful goals, flying fists, brilliant saves and intense celebrations. There will be blood…and great hockey. It is October after all: let the games begin.