SI predicts how they'll finish

For SI's in-depth look at each division, click on any logo or team name. An asterisk denotes a playoff-qualifier.

How They'll Finish: Eastern Conference Rank Team 1 Buffalo Sabres* Fast, skilled and hardworking, these are no longer the Sabres of the 1990s, who depended heavily on Dominik Hasek to get them a win. "We had a reputaion as a goaltender team stuck on offensive hockey," says coach Lindy Ruff. "Now all areas of our game are very good." 2 New York Rangers* Jaromir Jagr remains the pre-eminent weapon on a young team built on quick forwards, mobile defensemen and splendid sophomore goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who led Sweden to the 2006 Olympic gold. With Brendan Shanahan, the Rangers may have staying power. 3 Ottawa Senators* If you're counting, Ottawa has advanced past the first round only four times in the past nine seasons. This year's team has less skill but more grit, a development that coach Bryan Murray hopes could finally yield the sort of grinding team that can make it deep into the playoffs. 4 Carolina Hurricanes* The Hurricanes believe they have helped their chances of repeating by taking cues from the recent past. With a first-class sniper in center Eric Staal and a Conn Smythe-winner in 22-year old goaltender Cam Ward, Carolina has the makings of a Southern dynasty. 5 New Jersey Devils* Listen to Claude Julien, the team's first-year coach, and it sounds as if this year's Devils are trying to revert to the Devils of old. "Defensive hockey doesn't have to be boring hockey," says Julien, who replaces GM Lou Lamoriello behind the bench. "I enjoy having a team that is difficult to play against." 6 Philadelphia Flyers* By signing forwards Kyle Calder (26 goals, 33 assists for the Blackhawks) and Geoff Sanderson (25 goals, 21 assists for the Coyotes), the Flyers added depth and talent to an offense that should top last season's 263 goals. But Philadelphia is undermined by a slow defense. 7 Boston Bruins* The biggest changes for the Bruins occured in the front office, not on the ice. In addition to improving the meek 74-point performance of last season, the new regime will be looking to instill team chemisty and focus on defense. 8 Atlanta Thrashers* Atlanta has a potent attack in forwards Ilya Kovalchuk (52 goals,46 assists), Marian Hossa (39 goals, 53 assists)and Slava Kozlov (25 goals, 45 assists). With Kari Lehtonen healthy and playing at his potential, the Thrashers should finally make it into the postseason. 9 Pittsburgh Penguins There's no denying how scary-good the center-ice tandem of second-year man Sidney Crosby and rookie Russian import Evgeni Malkin will be, but the Penguins' playoff hopes rest with their ability to keep the puck out of their net. 10 Montreal Canadiens With a lackluster offense -- among playoff teams, only Calgary and New Jersey scored fewer goals last season -- the Canadiens will be counting on Cristobal Huet to carry them into the postseason. 11 Toronto Maple Leafs It's been 39 years since the Maple Leafs won a Stanley Cup, a streak that's going to reach 40. At 35, center Mats Sundin remains the team's only legitimate first-line player (78 points in '05-'06). 12 Tampa Bay Lightning While the Cup-winning offense -- led by center Vincent Lecavalier (35 goals, 40 assists), center Brad Richards (23 goals, 68 assists) and right wing Martin St. Louis (31 goals, 30 assists) -- remains intact, the Lightning's fixes, though not too late, are too little. 13 Florida Panthers The Panthers will return eight players who scored 15 or more goals last season. "We've got four solid lines," says left wing Martin Gelinas. To stay out of the cellar, Florida will need consistent play out of each of them. 14 Washington Capitals The outlook is bleak considering the woeful Capitals lost 11 games by more than three goals, allowed 300 goals and led the NHL with 673 penalties. GM George McPhee made a bid for elite defenseman Zdeno Chara but settled for ordinary Brian Pothier. 15 New York Islanders This season won't be any more entertaining than the club's summer. Owner Charles Wang, who apparently didn't learn from the foolish 10-year contract he gave center Alexi Yashin in 2001, signed goalie Rick DiPietro to a record 15-year, $675 million deal. STANLEY CUP FINALS: Anaheim Ducks over Buffalo Sabres

ALSO: Western Conference