Wales Conference - Patrick Division Preview

Flyers

Key Additions -

Mathieu Dandenault (D), Jose Theodore (G), David Hallstrom (C)

Key Losses –

Dustin Butler (G), Brad Isbister (LW), Marian Hossa (RW)

The Flyers dispatched the Penguins in 4 straight in Round 1, they then were shell-shocked by the upset-minded Islanders in Round 2. They have looked solid so far in the pre-season, and all the experts expect them to win the Patrick again, but maybe not by the same dominating margin. The loss of Butler in goal is the key, in spite of their still amazing blueline. Look for the Flyers to be goalie shopping come the trade deadline. They’ll score goals, but I think they will struggle to score the same 449 they did last year. Armstrong, Thornton Zetterberg and Van Riemsdyk give the Flyers a ton of offence up front and Brian Lee is the league’s best d-man bar none.



Islanders

Key Additions –

Oscar Moller (C), Sam Gagner (RW), Joffrey Lupol (RW)

Key Losses –

Andreas Pietila (C), Jaroslav Modry (D), Nigel Dawes (LW)

Although the Canadiens stole Cinderella’s glass slipper in Round 4 of the play-offs, dispatching the Islanders after they took out the Devils, Flyers and Capitals, the Islanders would seem to still be ready to play bridesmaid to the division-dominating Flyers in he regular season once again. The loss of Pietila at C will be tough to fill, but the Islanders management relied on the affiliate Crushers for most of their support this upcoming season. Moller, Gagner, Hoeffel and Disalvatore should all step in and fill key roles on what should be three more balanced lines. The key to the Islanders will once again be trade-deadline pick-up Sebastien Centomo in goal. He should he could single-handedly take games away from the opposition and he’ll need to keep doing that.

Devils

Key Additions –

Vyacheslav Kozlov (C), Mikhail Yunkov (LW), Michael Hengen (D)

Key Losses –

Gennady Churilov (C), Sebastien Dube (G), Wes O’Neill (D)

After losing out to the Islanders for the rights to home ice in the 7th game of their opening round match-up, most pundits still picked the Devils to roll past the Isles and be the only legitimate challenge for the Flyers. However, even with play-off vet Martin Brodeur between the pipes, the Devils got out-schooled in goal by Centomo and the rest was history. After a disappointing pre-season, you can bet management is anxious for the season to begin to right some wrongs from last year. Questions still abound though over where the offence is going to come from. Satan, Regier and Boll must continue to produce at the same level or higher. Plus the Devils need to find offence elsewhere. It will be interesting to see who steps up from the defensive corps to fill the offence that O’Neill provided. Mangement seems high on Hengen, but vetern Roman Hamrlik has the more proven track record. Watch out if the devils get off to a really slow start as you may see Brodeur on the block, with Fleury waiting in the wings.

Rangers

Key Additions –

Johann Ramo (G), Brian BOYLE (C), Marian Hossa (RW)

Key Losses –

Billy Ryan (C), Alex Radulov (LW), Ty Wishart (D)

For missing the play-offs in PHL 8, the Rangers were the beneficiaries of highly-touted draft pick, Brian Boyle. He is being expected to step in and provide instant offence up front for the Blue & Red. The acquisition of Marian Hossa should also help balance a good group of forwards up front. The young defensive corps led by Godfrey, Weircioch and Magnan should also be improved and that’s why many are picking the Rangers to put last year’s dismal season behind them and be a lock for a play-off spot in the Patrick. Mattias Modig will continue to shoulder the burden of the load in goal, but more than capable backup Johann Ramo should step in and see some action as well. The Blueshirts have been only mediocre in the pre-season so far, but a 25 point jump in the standings is not out of the question in the upcoming PHL 9.

Penguins

Key Additions –

Chad DANNY (D), Martin Johansson (C), Tom Sestito (LW)

Key Losses –

David Aebischer (G), Alex Svitov (C), Glen Murray (RW)

A lack of continuity in the front office has the left the Penguins without a long-term plan. There’s a lot of young talent there spread out in all positions, but the Pens will end up on the outside looking in this year for the play-off unless they make some radical changes, starting in the front office. The talent has risen to the top, so to speak, in the pre-season, but in the long run, they just can’t match up with the rest of the very strong Patrick Division. Some shining lights this season should be the play of blueliner Mike Lundin and young sniper Tom Sestito, who tallied 47 times in the PMHL last season. Lundin is ready for a bigger role in the offence, while Sestito will try to make up for the loss of veteran Glenn Murray, who scored 36 goals for the parent club. Also expected to play a key role will be PHL 8 draft choice Chad Danny. Although not much of an offensive presence, he is rumoured to be very sound in his own end.