Taking Off...Slowly

WINNIPEG JETS

2011-12 record: 37-35-10 (84 points)
missed the playoffs
Captain: Andrew Ladd

The Winnipeg Jets were at one point in the season, in first place in the Southeast Division.  However, that moment of elation would not last, as their struggles away from MTS Centre would doom them to another year of no playoffs.  Still, the people of Winnipeg will be behind this team, and players such as Evander Kane, Blake Wheeler, and Andrew Ladd give them good reason to stick around.  Olli Jokinen was the major addition, and he should give the Jets a number one center that they lacked last year.  It would help if Alexander Burmistrov and Patrice Cormier start living up to their expectations.  Defensively, Dustin Byfuglien is an offensive force from the blue line, but Tobias Enstrom is the rock of that unit.  However, Enstrom missed time to injury, and he will need to be healthy for a full season if Winnipeg hopes to make the playoffs because the depth on the blue line drops off significantly, especially since Zach Bogosian will miss most of the season to injury.  Ondrej Pavelec needs to be more consistent, but he also shows signs of being a good starter in the league.  Al Montoya is the backup, which would spell trouble if Pavelec is out for any significant period of time.

Prediction: 12th in the East

Band: Elis/Zirkonium

The little country of Liechtenstein has produced a metal band in Elis, who were well on the way to big things until original vocalist Sabine Duenser died in 2006.  Since then, Elis managed to release two more albums (including Duenser's final album with the band in Griefshire), but were never the same after that.  Two vocalists later, they decided to call it a day as Elis and are now Zirkonium.  The Thrashers had a similar path, but bad ownership led them to become the Jets.

I do not have any material for Zirkonium, as they formed about a month ago, so to that end, I will provide this teaser of Zirkonium:

And some Elis material:

Capital Improvements

WASHINGTON CAPITALS

2011-12 record: 42-32-8 (92 points)
Lost to NY Rangers in Conference semi-finals
Captain: Alexander Ovechkin

The Capitals were heavy favorites to win the Stanley Cup at the beginning of the season.  Then, November rolled around, and they stunk so bad that Freshwave  was installed (read: Bruce Boudreau was canned for Dale Hunter, who then decided to take his puck and go home to London Knights).  On the dying days of the season, the Capitals barely snuck into the playoffs and knocked off Boston before succumbing to the Rangers in seven.  Offense was ordinary, as none of the premier weapons in Alexander Ovechkin, Niklas Backstrom, or Alex Semin had particularly good years.  Semin is now in Carolina, and now, it is up to Ovechkin and Backstrom to get back some of what they lost.  The blue line, long perceived as a strength, was anything but, as Mike Green missed most of the season and no one really stepped up.  This year will be Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby battling for the starting goaltender role, and Holtby has the advantage of being the one who has played well more recently.

Prediction: 6th in the East

Band: Korpiklaani

When Korpiklaani started out, they were the fresh, new thing in metal.  Now, you wonder if they will ever be anything more than a curiosity.  The Captials are hoping to be more than just a perpetual bridesmaid.

We Got the Blues!

ST. LOUIS BLUES

2011-12 record: 49-22-11 (109 points)
Lost to Los Angeles in Conference semi-finals
Captain: David Backes

The Blues were heading to another year of no playoffs when they decided to make the coaching change, with Davis Payne out and Ken Hitchcock in.  The result was a division title and a two-headed goaltender system that worked to near perfection.  Whoever is starting, be it Brian Elliott or Jaroslav Halak, the Blues feel secure most nights.  Of course, the blue line could use some depth, but it's nice to have Alex Pietrangelo to build around, as he is pushing his way into Norris Trophy discussion in the near future.  Offensively, there is no real superstar, but Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz could be pushing for top six forward consideration.  David Backes is a perfect fit as captain, and David Perron should see his numbers spike with a full, healthy season.  T.J. Oshie was signed to an extension, and now would be the time for him to start playing to his full potential.  A bounce back season from Chris Stewart would be nice, too.

Prediction: 3rd in the West

Band: Swallow the Sun

Once thought to be a breakout candidate, Swallow the Sun is just now getting their recognition due, even if it came in an unusual manner.  The Blues had a similar breakthrough in a not-so-usual manner.

Pha-Hoe-Nix

Before I get to today's team in the 2012-13 NHL Season Preview (lockout proof), I do have to address the 5-2 drubbing the Portland Winterhawks took against the Seattle Thunderbirds.  No one ever said it was going to be an easy road, and certainly, not having two of your best three offensive options is not good.  The goaltending will get better as the season goes on, but there are growing pains to get through, and I believe Brendan Burke will be good at the end of the year.  The blue line is a work in progress, but I think it, too, will be where it should be, and likely the best part of the team.  Now, that I'm done with my Winterhawks report, on to the NHL team:

PHOENIX COYOTES

2011-12 record: 42-27-13 (97 points)
Lost to Los Angeles in Conference Finals
Captain: Shane Doan

The Coyotes have been predicted to finish out of the playoffs in each of the last three years, and each year, they've made the playoffs.  This past season was undoubtedly their best yet, as they made the Conference Finals with Mike Smith in goal.  Yes, the same Mike Smith who couldn't stick as a starter in goalie-starved Tampa Bay.  It's about time we give due to the coaching staff, who has not only resurrected the career of a player, but also maximized the team's abilities.  It begins with Shane Doan, who will be finishing his career in Phoenix after signing a four year deal to remain with the team.  Radim Vrbata is the goal scorer on the team, but beyond that, it's scoring by committee, and Martin Hanzal and Mikkel Boedker are ready to take the next step after having their coming out party in the playoffs.  Defensively, there is a great deal of depth, with Brandon Gormley and David Rundblad likely having to fight for the last spot in the top six.  Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are as good as it gets when starting the offense, but Ekman-Larsson is not too far from being the best of a solid group.

Prediction: 8th in the West

Band: Ancient Rites

A band that has been around for a while, Ancient Rites hasn't quite gotten the recognition they have deserved.  For a time, that changed in 2008.  The Coyotes are hoping that recognition lasts longer.

(Blue line) Help Wanted

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

2011-12 record: 47-26-9 (103 points)
Lost to New Jersey in Conference semi-finals
Captain: TBD

The Flyers took it on the chin when it came to the health of their blue line, and that figures to be the case once again.  It began with Chris Pronger, who may have to retire (read: will retire), and it claimed Andrej Meszaros and Andreas Lilja this off-season, with Meszaros out for the year and Lilja missing the first two months of the season.  Is it any wonder why the Flyers tried to go after Shea Weber?  Their biggest acquisition was Luke Schenn, who will benefit from a change in scenery and the idea of playing alongside younger brother Brayden.  Brayden put up decent numbers, but he was hardly the focus of the Flyers' offense, as both Scott Hartnell and Claude Giroux emerged as the team leaders.  Daniel Briere can still be counted on for the clutch goals, and Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek, Matt Read, and Sean Couturier give the Flyers assurance that their forward production will be good for years to come.  Ilya Bryzgalov is the starter, but one has to wonder if the Flyers will ever solve their goaltending problem.  Recent starting reject Michael Leighton is the backup, and no one really knows where Bryzgalov's head is when it comes to the big games.

Prediction: 5th in the East

Band: Burzum

Infamous for things other than the music, Burzum has been all over the place and no one really knows what is truth and what is not.  The Flyers are equally tough to figure out, and yet like Burzum, the Flyers still have their fans.

Centurians Reignited

OTTAWA SENATORS

2011-12 record: 41-31-10 (92 points)
Lost to New York Rangers in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Daniel Alfredsson

Last year was supposed to be a rebuilding year for Ottawa.  However, something happened and now Ottawa has much higher expectations.  Yes, they will be without 30-goal scorer Milan Michalek to start the season as he recovers from surgery.  However, Jason Spezza remains, and he had the best season of his career to date, finishing fourth in the league in scoring.  Erik Karlsson also remains, and he only took home the Norris Trophy after leading all defensemen in scoring by 25 points.  Don't forget about Daniel Alfredsson, who rebounded nicely from a disappointing 2010-11 season to put up respectable numbers.  He is the face of the franchise, and is a player others gravitate towards.  Kyle Turris found a comfort zone in Ottawa, and it will be expected that he will take that next step forward, as will Zack Smith and Guillaume Latendresse.  Chris Neil and Chris Phillips are pillars on which the Senators have built their teams for years, and that figures to be the case again this season.  However, the Senators will need to shore up their defense, as 6-5 shootouts are not going to cut it every night.  Craig Anderson pulled out victories when there shouldn't have been one, but a 2.84 GAA is not championship material.

Prediction: 7th in the East

Band: Mago De Oz

There is never a dull moment with the Spanish folk metal band Mago De Oz.  Ottawa has similar moments, and it would be wise to play all 60 minutes against them.

Stranded Again

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

2011-12 record: 34-37-11 (79 points)
missed the playoffs
Captain: Mark Streit

If not for the tragic comedy in Montreal, the Islanders would have finished dead last in the conference.  Offense is not the problem, as John Tavares and Matt Moulson lead the way.  It would be nice if Michael Grabner, Josh Bailey, and Kyle Okposo found their offensive games more consistently, though.  Once we get past the forwards, things get incredibly dicey, as Mark Streit is the only real spark plug on the offensive side of the blue line.  The problem is he's not much in his own end.  Adding Lubomir Visnovsky will help the offense, but not in their own end much.  The best option in their own end is Andrew MacDonald.  Beyond that, they'll have to make do with a bunch that is not ready for primetime.  After all, there was a reason the Islanders drafted all defensemen in this past year's draft.  Evgeni Nabokov is solid in net, even if he is no longer the player he was in San Jose.  Kevin Poulin will likely get the first starts when (yes, I said when) Rick DiPietro suffers his annual injury.

Prediction: 15th in the East

Band: The Kovenant

Once a band on the rise, they changed their name and saw their sound go in a different direction.  They have not been heard from since 2003.  The Islanders were once a dynasty, but fell off dramatically in the mid-90s.  They have not sniffed the playoffs since 2007.

Rebuilding Hell

NEW JERSEY DEVILS

2011-12 record: 48-28-6 (102 points)
Lost to Los Angeles in Stanley Cup Finals
Captain: TBD

How fast can one team go from the penthouse to the outhouse?  Well, that is the story of the New Jersey Devils's summer.  As of June 1, they were competing for the Stanley Cup.  However, as July reared its ugly head, the Devils were smarting from a Stanley Cup defeat at the hands of the Kings and on July 4, they lost Zach Parise to the Wild.  At least they still have Martin Brodeur and Ilya Kovalchuk.  While Brodeur is firmly entrenched as the starting goaltender, there is still no clear cut future starter, as evidenced by Johan Hedberg's two year deal (the same as Brodeur's deal).  Kovalchuk will have to shoulder more of the load without Parise, but last year was his best overall year yet, as he played a more complete game than in years past.  Adam Henrique looks like a future star with the Devils, and the team has Travis Zajac healthy and Jacob Josefson (2009) and Mattias Tedenby (2008) are eager to validate their first round status.  On defense, Adam Larsson has potential, but suffered the typical rookie troubles.  Those were largely masked by a defense that features the likes of Bryce Salvador and Anton Volchenkov.

Prediction: 11th in the East

Band: Theatre of Tragedy

In the beginning, the band had some major success.  A sudden change in style led to a downturn and a change in vocals.  The new vocalist provided a brief spark, but nothing really came of it as the band would disband in 2010.  The Devils are experiencing a similar fate, minus the splitting up part.

Climbing Out of the Basement

Before getting to today's team, yes, I am aware that the lockout will happen if something doesn't surface by the end of tonight.  However, this blog will continue with the preview, as I'm halfway through and have no intention of stopping over a labor disupte (read: I don't do it for the money).

MONTREAL CANADIENS

2011-12 record: 31-35-16 (78 points)
missed the playoffs
Captain: Brian Gionta

It's hard to imagine having a team with such a storied history like the Canadiens could have the circus that it did last year in a year that saw them dead last in the conference.  From the coaching debacles to the general manager follies to "being bi, but not lingual," the Canadiens had enough material for a soap opera.  The offense was practically non-existent, with the top line of David Desharnais, Max Pacioretty, and Erik Cole being the primary options there.  Mid-season acquisition Rene Bourque (acquired in one of those GM follies) did virtually nothing in Montreal.  Part of the problem has been the lack of toughness, something the team tried to address with the pick-ups of Brandon Prust and Colby Armstrong.  The blue line does indeed have talent, but it's time for PK Subban to finally become the player the Canadiens thought they were getting and for Andrei Markov to be healthy again.  Tomas Kaberle showed instances of being the guy that was the number one option in Toronto, and given that he is a second pairing player on the Canadiens, expect some improvement in his numbers that fell off horribly in Boston and Carolina.  Carey Price was far and away, the best player on the team, and he did well despite not having a lot of help in front of him.

Prediction: 13th in the East

Band: Alcest

Alcest fills the French speaking quota here, and given the province of Quebec and the zeal in which their people upholding the French-speaking quota, I should expect no complaint letters here.

Defending the Crown

LOS ANGELES KINGS

2011-12 record: 40-27-15 (95 points)
Won the Stanley Cup
Captain: Dustin Brown


The Kings got into the playoffs in the dying days of the regular season, yet were the last team standing at the end of the playoffs.  What happened, you ask?  They found some offense, Jonathan Quick turned into the next Great American Goalie, and the defense proved just as stout.  For much of the season, the Kings could not find offense from anyone not named Anze Kopitar.  A mid-season pickup of Jeff Carter helped set things in motion, as he, Dustin Brown, and Kopitar led the team in playoff goals with eight.  The Drew Doughty that looked like a future star in 2009-10 returned in the playoffs, and the rest of the blue line looks solid today and tomorrow, even after trading away Jack Johnson for Carter.  The Kings lost no one of significance, nor did they gain anyone of significance, meaning the team believes that they have the right chemistry to repeat.


Prediction: 2nd in the West

Band: Witch Mountain

A band that seemingly has come from nowhere to grab the listeners' attention, Witch Mountain has expectations now that more people know about them, and to this point, they have met every single one.  The Kings are facing higher expectations, and safe money says they will meet them.

Striking for Oil

EDMONTON OILERS

2011-12 Record: 32-40-10 (74 points)
missed the playoffs
Captain: Shawn Horcoff

For three straight years, the Oilers have stunk up the joint, and for three straight years, they have had the number one overall pick in the NHL Draft.  Front line help is not the issue, as Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Jordan Eberle are already making an impact.  Throw in hot prospect Nail Yakupov and the Oilers look like they want to recreate the run 'n' gun of the 1980's Oilers squad.  So, why have the Oilers not been as good in recent years?  One needs to only look at the blue line and see that the team needs a lot of help, and the top prospects there are still a year away from contributing regularly.  The wild card of this group is Justin Schultz, the top free agent this offseason who has not played an NHL game, yet because he did not sign with Anaheim after leaving Wisconsin, was allowed to sign anywhere.  If Schultz lives up to the hype, the Oilers will go a long way to solving some of their blue line problems.  Goaltending is another issue, as it is still largely unknown if Devan Dubnyk is the answer.  Yes, he put up good numbers, but that was only 47 games, and now that he will likely play 60 games, will he be the same player or better?

Prediction: 13th in the West


Band: Månegarm

A band that has a lot of potential, yet remains largely unknown.  A new label in Napalm Records will hopefully change that.  The Oilers have potential, but still need that one element to get over the top.  Where they will get the element remains to be seen.

Failure to Launch

DETROIT RED WINGS

2011-12 record: 48-28-6
Lost to Nashville in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: TBD


In the time since Detroit was last seen on the ice, Nicklas Lidstrom retired, Brad Stuart went to San Jose, Columbus refused to trade Rick Nash to them, and Zach Parise and Ryan Suter spurned them for Minnesota.  So, how did Detroit get better in the offseason, you ask?  Their best signings were Mikael Samuelsson, who can pot 30 goals when healthy (something he has not been the last two seasons), and Jordin Tootoo, who provides much needed sandpaper to a team that needs it.  Make no mistake, there is still offense, as Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk are still around, but they are also on the wrong side of 30.  Even without Jiri Hudler, who took the money in Calgary, the offense is the least of the team's problems, though the fact that they were kicking the tires on Nash and Parise suggests that there is never enough.  Goaltending is also not an issue, as Jimmy Howard made his first All-Star appearance last year.  However, he does need to find consistency, as his playoff numbers aren't exactly that great, and given that he will be working behind a considerably weaker blue line, he will need to step his game up even more.  Speaking of the blue line, Niklas Kronwall is the team's best defenseman, but like Howard, consistency will have to come sooner than later.  It's time that the likes of Jakub Kindl and Brendan Smith make their marks because the team lacks depth, and having either or both be the guy that was drafted in the first round (Kindl in 2005 and Smith in 2007) would go a long way in shoring up the blue line problems.

Prediction: 9th in the West

Band: Dark Tranquillity

A model of consistency for a large period of time, Dark Tranquillity hit a pothole with the 2010 release We are the Void.  Detroit did not miss a playoff appearance in the 20 years that Lidstrom played for them.  This coming season just might be that pothole.

Starting Over

CLOUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

2011-12 Record: 29-46-7 (65 points)
missed the playoffs
Captain: TBD

The story of the 2011-12 Blue Jackets was one of horror, as the acquisitions of James Wisniewski and Jeff Carter did not pan out, and Carter was shipped out midseason for Jack Johnson.  While Johnson has firmly put himself in position to lead the team this coming season, Carter would rediscover happiness on the way to a Stanley Cup with Los Angeles.  The Rick Nash trade rumors also dogged the team late in the season, and he eventually got sent to the Rangers in the off-season.  Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov will be looking to establish themselves in Columbus after being the return in the Nash trade.  Offense was a major issue last season, and it doesn't look like it will change.  Their defense, namely goal, was also terrible, and the Blue Jackets will likely ask Sergei Bobrovsky to be their long-term answer in goal.  The blue line is now the team's strength, with Johnson leading the way and Ryan Murray likely figuring into the teams plans soon.

Prediction: 15th in the West

Band: ReVamp

ReVamp is the project of ex-After Forever vocalist Floor Jansen, who made her mark with the band.  ReVamp is a different band looking to establish an identity all their own.  The Blue Jackets are looking to do the same after their long time face of the franchise was traded.

Snowed In

Before I get to today's team in the 2012-13 NHL season preview, I would like for everyone to take a moment of silence to remember those lost in last year's plane crash that claimed the lives of the Yaroslavl Lokomotiv players, coaches, and most of the plane's crew.

COLORADO AVALANCHE

2011-12 Record: 41-35-6 (88 points)
missed the playoffs
Captain: Gabriel Landeskog

The Avalanche are a team that is still growing into their roles.  Now, with Landeskog being named captain, the team will definitely have some more growing pains.  Landeskog acquitted himself quite well, showing a maturity beyond his nineteen years on the way to a Calder Trophy.  Matt Duchene saw his numbers fall off a little, and it will be expected that he will increase his scoring totals.  The blue line is led by Erik Johnson, but it is now or never for the former first overall pick.  He hasn't been a bust, but compared to fellow 2006 first rounders in Jonathan Toews, Jordan Staal, and Niklas Backstrom, he hasn't justified the pick as much.  PA Parenteau was the team's big signing, and while it will remain to be seen if his numbers last season was the product of being on the same line as John Tavares, he will certainly be a help to Duchene's success this season.  Goaltending is still a sore spot, but the team is confident that Semyon Varlamov will build off his second half, where he played well down the stretch.  Jean-Sebatsien Giguere figures to play 20-25 games as a backup.

Prediction: 14th in the West

Band: Turisas

A band with so much promise, Turisas laid an egg with Stand Up and Fight.  The Avs looked like they were going to be moving up after a 2009-10 season that saw them make the playoffs.  They too, laid an egg the following season and would lay another egg last season.

Concussed

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS

2011-12 Record: 45-26-11 (101 points)
Lost to Phoenix in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Jonathan Toews

Last season's Blackhawks were a shell of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2010.  They were also not the gritty team that nearly made the 3-0 playoff deficit turn in their favor in 2011.  Offense was never the problem, though Jonathan Toews missed time with a concussion issue, Patrick Kane had career lows in scoring since his rookie year, and Marian Hossa was concussed by a Raffi Torres hit in the playoffs.  Defense, namely goaltending, was a major issue, and it reared its ugly head when Corey Crawford let in some soft goals in the playoffs.  Special teams also took a nose dive, as the Blackhawks ranked in the bottom third in both the power play and penalty kill.  The Blackhawks didn't add much, with only Sheldon Brookbank joining the Blackhawks this season, so much of the team's success this year will have to be dependent on bounce-back seasons from players such as Crawford and Kane and recovery from injuries by the likes of Toews and Hossa.  On the positive side, expect no less than two prospects to make an impact this year, as Brandon Saad and Brandon Pirri will likely make the team out of training camp and Phillip Danault and Mark McNeill could join sometime during the season.

Prediction: 5th in the West

Band: The Atlas Moth

Much like the Chicago-based doom metal band, the Blackhawks' season was not pretty.  However, there is still talent and it will work somehow.

Blowing the Door Down

CAROLINA HURRICANES

2011-12 record: 33-33-16 (82 points)
missed the playoffs
Captain: Eric Staal

Things could not have started worse for the Hurricanes last season, as they not only stumbled out of the gate, but they also canned Paul Maurice.  Under Kirk Muller's direction, the Hurricanes made strides, but it wasn't enough to squeak into the playoffs.  This offseason, the Hurricanes decided to take some major steps in improving the team.  Beginning with the NHL Draft, the 'Canes traded away dependable center Brandon Sutter, prospect Brian Dumolin, and the eighth overall pick that would turn out to be Derrick Pouliot to Pittsburgh.  Carolina didn't do so bad in this trade because in return, they got Jordan Staal, who will be given every opportunity to be the superstar center that he was not about to be in Pittsburgh.  As a bonus, he will likely be on a line with Eric Staal, so expectations for both will be high, and both look like they're up to the challenge.  The wild card of the offense is Alexander Semin, and Carolina is waging $7 million that he will produce this year.  Carolina did well to lock up Tim Gleason, Tuomo Ruutu, and Jeff Skinner to extensions, which means the core of the team will be around for some time barring trades.  The blue line needs improvement, and certainly, Justin Faulk did well.  However, Joni Pitkanen needs to step up his game and Joe Corvo needs to prove that his game really does work in Carolina like the last two times he's been in Hurricane colors.  Cam Ward's numbers are slightly deceiving, as he did have to play behind a porous blue line.  He is the team's rock in goal, and he has proven durable the last two years.

Prediction: 3rd in East

Band: Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost had some success early on, but fell off a bit in the middle of their career.  In recent years, they have experienced a resurgence of sorts in their success.  Carolina hopes replicate it this coming season.

Searching for a Spark

CALGARY FLAMES

2011-12 record: 37-29-16 (90 points)
missed the playoffs
Captain: Jarome Iginla

Against better judgement, the Flames have always tried to get pieces to compliment Jarome Iginla and Miikkaa Kiprusoff in order to make a push for the playoffs.  Often done at the expense of a youth movement, the same will hold true this coming season, as once again, it will be Iginla, Kiprusoff, and a bunch of others.  Midseason acquisition Mike Cammalleri played well for the Flames and will look to build on those numbers this season.  The blue line hasn't been great when it comes to generating offense, nor do they have a true shutdown guy.  Newcomer Dennis Wideman will at least provide the former.  Losing Olli Jokinen to the Jets will hurt the team down the middle, but the Flames are banking on KHL import Roman Cervenka to fill some of that void.  It's time for Mikael Backlund, Leland Irving, and Greg Nemisz to make their mark in the NHL, but none of them look ready for that everyday role.  One player that is ready for a full-time NHL role is ex-Portland Winterhawk Sven Baertschi, who impressed in a five game call up last year.

Prediction: 12th in the West

Band: Alestorm

Like the Scottish band, the Flames are often seeking the quickest way to get where they want to go, often to mixed results.

Gritting it Out

BUFFALO SABRES

2011-12 record: 39-32-11 (89 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Jason Pominville

Pominville led the team in scoring in his first year as captain of the Sabres.  An under-appreciated member of the team, he has also been one of the most consistent players on the team since the lockout.  Ryan Miller got off to a slow start last year, and his getting run over by Milan Lucic exposed the team as a rather soft team.  Miller got better as the season progressed, but he will have to find his 2009-10 form if the Sabres wish to make the playoffs this year.  Speaking of soft, the Sabres lost Derek Roy to the Dallas Stars, but got back super pest Steve Ott in return.  Ott essentially replaces Paul Gaustad in terms of defensive ability, but he also adds an element of toughness and will make it harder for opposing teams to push the Sabres around.  The blue line has many questions, and certainly, having a more consistent effort from Tyler Myers would help.  Christian Ehrhoff also needs a bounce back season,  as his numbers dropped in his first year in Buffalo.  A lot of Sabres had their numbers drop off last year, and the Sabres would love for most of them to trend upward this season.

Prediction: 10th in the East

Band: Children of Bodom

Often accused of having a lot of flash, but not a lot of substance, the Finnish quintet somehow still makes a fair share of fans.  The Sabres recently addressed the substance issue and look forward to moving up in the Eastern Conference

All Quacked Up

The 2012-13 NHL season preview will be happening this month, and today is the first step in what will undoubtedly be a long journey for this blog.

ANAHEIM DUCKS

Record: 34-36-12
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Ryan Getzlaf

The Ducks' season last year got off to a horrible start, and Randy Carlyle was they fall guy.  In stepped Bruce Boudreau, who himself took the fall for the Capitals' November swoon.  A late run was not enough for them to make the playoffs.  This is still Teemu Selanne's team, as he led the team in scoring with 66 points.  Those are good numbers, but when you see that both Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf fell off, it looks not so good.  Both Perry and Getzlaf are in the final year of their respective contracts, but the pressure will be more on Getzlaf, as his numbers have dropped since being given the Captain's C.  Cam Fowler is an offensive dynamo on the blue line, but his -28 suggests that he needs defensive improvement.  Bryan Allen was brought in for size and prowess in his own end, and he could be paired with Fowler.  Both could benefit by playing with one another.  Part of the movement on the blue line cost the Ducks Lubomir Visnovsky (pending his situation with the Islanders), and he will be missed for his offense.  He will not be missed for his penchant of missing a few games due to injury (he only had one healthy season in the last five years).  Goaltending looks like a gaping hole if Jonas Hiller doesn't stay healthy for 60 games.  Viktor Fasth is a wild card here, as few in North America have seen him play.

Prediction: 10th in the West

Band: Opeth

Much like the Swedish prog-metal band, Anaheim hit their success fairly early in their career.  Also like the band, Anaheim hasn't found that formula for sustained success since the high point...at least, according to the critics.

Two Years Ago Today...

Ronnie James Dio left this world and a legacy that is still felt today.  And now, for some light-hearted fun at his own expense: