For the first time in the NHL's 90-year history, neither of last season's Stanley Cup Final participants will be a part of the playoffs. The Oilers flamed out shortly after shipping Ryan Smyth to Long Island and a third-period collapse on April 3 sealed the Hurricanes' fate.
In the preseason, I picked Buffalo and Anaheim to battle for Lord Stanley. I see no reason to jump ship. With that in mind, there is one thing working against the Sabres: Only six Presidents' Trophy winners have gone on to win the Cup in the 20 years since the league began giving out the award.
When compiling this list, I considered a number of factors: goaltending strength, postseason experience/trends, special teams, recent play and intangibles. I realize fans of certain teams (Predators and Sharks) won't be pleased, but maybe it'll serve as bulletin-board material in the locker room.
Notes: FR denotes team's final regular-season ranking.
| NHL Power Rankings |
| 1 |
1 |
 |
Not only did the Sabres clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time in 27 years, they head into the playoffs with what appears to be a healthy Tim Connolly. The 25-year-old pivot managed five goals and 11 points in eight postseason games last season before being sidelined with a serious concussion.
Last 10: 7-3-0
|
| 2 |
3 |
 |
The Ducks stumbled down the stretch with just three regulation victories in their last 10 games, but at least their fourth-ranked penalty-kill unit shined, stopping 35 of 39 opportunities during that span. Holders of the Pacific crown for the first time, Anaheim -- the most penalized team in the NHL -- will need to play smart to ensure a deep run.
Last 10: 5-3-2
|
| 3 |
8 |
 |
They are the unfortunate squad that faces the Devils in the first round. With its defensive schemes and top-notch goaltending, New Jersey is made for the postseason. "If I was on an opposing team, I would say I'd probably rather not face us," Erik Rasmussen told the Star-Ledger. "We're playoff ready. We play 82 games a year with a playoff style."
Last 10: 6-3-1
|
| 4 |
9 |
 |
The Senators will be making their 10th straight playoff appearance, the longest current streak among Canadian teams. They also managed to reach 100 points for a fourth consecutive season. Despite that success, Ottawa has flamed out -- getting beyond the semifinals just once. With all that said, Dany Heatley and Co. will be more than a handful for the Penguins.
Last 10: 6-2-2
|
| 5 |
4 |
 |
Will the third time be a charm for the Wings? The past two seasons, Detroit earned the No. 1 seed in the West only to fail to get past the semifinals. If they hope to change their fortunes, the Wings will have to do it without Niklas Kronwall. Their 21st-ranked PP went 9-for-75 in the last 18 games of the regular season. Not a good sign.
Last 10: 5-1-4
|
| 6 |
5 |
 |
The Canucks get the award for deal of the year. Roberto Luongo, acquired in an offseason trade with the Panthers, has been everything Vancouver hoped for and more, leading the team to its second division title in three seasons and fifth in franchise history. "Since Christmas, we obviously have been one of the best teams in the NHL," coach Alain Vigneault said.
Last 10: 6-3-1
|
| 7 |
2 |
 |
What's on the Preds' mind? Try revenge. They open the playoffs with an opportunity to avenge their 2006 first-round defeat by the Sharks. "We saw them last year, and I think we're a little more prepared as a team and as a group," coach Barry Trotz told the Tennessean. Don't forget about healthier, with the returns of Scott Hartnell and Scott Nichol.
Last 10: 5-3-2
|
| 8 |
7 |
 |
The Stars want to carry their momentum from a 12-2-2 season-ending run into the playoffs against the Canucks. That first-round battle will most likely be close, considering all four regular-season meetings ended in 2-1 scores. Dallas finished the season killing 25 straight penalties, but will, as usual, only get past the Canucks if Marty Turco doesn't do his usual spring el-fold-o.
Last 10: 7-1-2
|
|
Read on for teams 9-16 ...
