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Preseason poll (cont.)

Posted: Tuesday October 4, 2005 12:18PM; Updated: Tuesday October 25, 2005 6:29PM
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NHL Power Rankings
Rank LW Team
16 -
Pittsburgh Penguins (0-0)
What will the Sidney Crosby factor mean for the Pens? Perhaps a playoff spot for the first time since '01. "He's going to be a superstar in this league," teammate John LeClair said, making up his mind after a single training camp practice. Crosby's jersey is already selling in Pittsburgh with numbers comparable (given the huge disparity in interest between the two sports) to Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger's No. 7 jersey.
17 -
Atlanta Thrashers (0-0)
If the Thrashers can keep superstar Ilya Kovalchuk in North America this season, they're a fifth or sixth seed in the East. But despite the additions of Marian Hossa, Bobby Holik and Greg de Vries, Atlanta would be scratching and clawing for the final playoff berth sans Kovalchuk -- who has the potential to pot 60-70 goals in a season. Of course, the fact still remains that the Thrashers are relying heavily on rookie goaltender Kari Lehtonen, who battled a groin injury much of the preseason.
18 -
Toronto Maple Leafs (0-0)
One of the oldest teams in the league, the Leafs might be in for a huge downturn in fortunes. Yes, Eric Lindros has come home, but he went scoreless during the preseason while nursing a tweaked rib muscle. This might be a sign of things to come in Toronto. In fact, the Leafs' biggest acquisitions this season all have injury-plagued careers (Lindros, Jason Allison, Jeff O'Neill).
19 -
Edmonton Oilers (0-0)
Oilers players offered to personally deliver all season seat packages and mini-packs purchased last Sunday to the buyer's home or work. While Edmonton is doing everything it can to win back fans, there's reason for excitement this season. With the additions of Chris Pronger and Michael Peca, the Oilers are headed in the right direction. A playoff spot is definitely within grasp -- if the play between the pipes improves.
20 -
Los Angeles Kings (0-0)
This could be the season the Kings start to reap the benefits of a rich farm system, as a number of young players will get a chance to show their skills. Mix in a number of snipers like Jeremy Roenick, Pavol Demitra, Craig Conroy and Valeri Bure, and Los Angeles will be able to display some firepower and a balanced roster. They've also improved between the pipes, where Mathieu Garon is the main man.
21 -
Chicago Blackhawks (0-0)
Don't look now, but it finally appears as though the Blackhawks are moving in the right direction. Chicago made a number of big moves this offseason, inking Cup-winning goalie Nikolai Khabibulin, defenseman Adrian Aucoin and winger Martin Lapointe. The Bulin Wall will give them a chance to win every night, but the 'Hawks will only make serious strides this season if Tyler Arnason decides to play to his ability and Tuomo Ruutu builds on a solid freshman campaign.
22 -
New York Islanders (0-0)
This might be the season the Isles do more than just make the playoffs. The losses of Adrian Aucoin, Michael Peca and Roman Hamrlik will hurt, but the additions of Miroslav Satan, Alexei Zhitnik, Mike York and Brent Sopel make this a better and more balanced team. It'll be interesting to see if Satan can spark a fire under enigmatic Alexei Yashin. While Rick DiPietro is a solid No. 1 option in net, it's time he proves capable of winning important games on a regular basis.
23 -
Phoenix Coyotes (0-0)
Even with legend Wayne Gretzky behind the bench, it might be asking too much to expect the Coyotes to make the playoffs this year. They have scoring depth and a number of good pieces in place, but there are still a number of questions -- including in net, where Brian Boucher and Curtis Joseph will split duties. Phoenix also needs to improve on the power play and penalty kill.
24 -
Columbus Blue Jackets (0-0)
After making some big moves this offseason -- most notably adding defenseman Adam Foote -- the Blue Jackets appear serious about chasing a playoff spot. While the team has plenty of scoring punch and excitement, a lack of overall depth means the playoffs will have to wait at least another year. So when will Columbus be playoff bound? When Pascal LeClaire is ready to grab the No. 1 goalie spot from Marc Denis.
25 -
Buffalo Sabres (0-0)
It could be a long season for the Sabres, who lost Miroslav Satan and Alexei Zhitnik to free agency. But at least the club re-signed restricted free agents Daniel Briere, Maxim Afinogenov and J.P. Dumont. But the pressure of being the go-to goal scorer now falls on 21-year-old rookie Thomas Vanek, who had eight points this preseason. "He's [Vanek] probably the most all-around gifted player I've been around," said coach Lindy Ruff.
26 -
Carolina Hurricanes (0-0)
The ?Canes have a number of solid young players in the fold, but they won't make their mark in the NHL for a few years. Carolina finished last in goals in 2003-04, so finding a legit No. 1 scoring threat is a must. Could 20-year-old Eric Staal be that guy? The Hurricanes would also welcome some scoring punch from Jozef Vasicek. But the biggest question entering the season is in net, where Martin Gerber is the starter after being J.S. Giguere's backup in Anaheim for two years.
27 -
Minnesota Wild (0-0)
Just four members from the team's first season return for year five: Manny Fernandez, Marian Gaborik, Filip Kuba and Wes Walz. Needless to say, there has been a lot of turnover in Minnesota. But that doesn't seem to sour Minny fans, as the Wild have sold out all 187 homes games in club history. Gaborik provides great speed and scoring punch, and Fernandez and Dwayne Roloson are a solid goaltending tandem, but there's not enough offense or depth to make a playoff push.
28 -
New York Rangers (0-0)
Simply put, it's Jaromir Jagr and not much else. The Rangers are still in the process of ridding themselves of aging, high-priced veterans, so it will be a few more seasons before the Rangers threaten for a playoff spot. That could mean trading Jagr while the price is still right. One bright spot is young netminder Henrik Lundqvist, who could unseat Kevin Weekes as the starter by January.
29 -
St. Louis Blues (0-0)
It will be a real struggle for the Blues this season. Without Chris Pronger, Pavol Demitra and Al MacInnis, St. Louis will see its streak of 25 consecutive playoff appearances come to an end. But at least the team improved its situation in net, with Patrick Lalime becoming the team's fourth No. 1 goalie in five seasons. Look for Calder-winning defenseman Barrett Jackman to bounce back after playing just 15 games in 2003-04 because of a dislocated shoulder.
30 -
Washington Capitals (0-0)
Not much can be said about the worst team in the league, but at least fans will get a chance to watch 2004 No. 1 pick Alexander Ovechkin show his immense talents. While some have suggested Ovechkin will be better than Sidney Crosby in the long run, it'll be a tough rookie season considering he's the only serious scoring threat for Washington. It's all about the future for the Caps, who have a number of talented youngsters a few years away.
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