Crystal ball

Taking a stab at the 2002-03 NHL postseason awards

As the 2002-03 campaign commences, let’s take a quick overview of potential honors forthcoming.

Montreal should be better on the attack, but Theodore's goaltending exploits define this team. The combination should mean an improved season for the Canadiens and another MVP honor for the Habs' netminder.

Same equation applies in Tampa Bay -- better offense backed by Khabibulin's staunch puck-stopping. If the Bolts ever challenged for the Southeast Division title, Khabibulin likewise would challenge for the Hart.

Young talent abounds throughout the NHL. As Dany Heatley proved in Atlanta as last year's recipient, fine individual play sometimes is easier to recognize on a team that struggles. A young player on a developing team gets more quality minutes in offensive situations than a rookie on an established team. In that vein, Chistov in Anaheim edges Alex Frolov in L.A. as the NHL's top freshman.

Until someone puts together a monster year on the blue line, Lidstrom's all-around excellence will remain the standard in the league for rearguards.

If Ruff gets his young charges to build upon their second-half success of a season ago, a playoff position is possible. If that happens, the honor as the NHL's top bench boss won't be too far behind.

Kariya is looking to rebound from a sub-standard offensive season. With the emphasis on eradicating interference, Kariya should spend most of the season streaking down the left side and racking up points.

Teams blessed with quality personnel on their third lines -- guys who are capable offensively yet play a pivotal defensive role -- are best suited for the run of special-teams play that is likely this season. One of the best third lines in hockey plays for the San Jose Sharks, and Sundstrom is a major contributor on that unit. If he scores 15 goals and continues his defensive excellence, recognition for the unheralded Swede seems appropriate.

Forsberg publicly stated that he feels the need to atone for missing the entire regular season last year. With that mindset, assuming an injury-free campaign, Forsberg is primed to pile up the points, especially on the power play, as he and Joe Sakic rekindle the league's top two-man game with the man advantage.

The Vancouver Canucks have a tandem up front that is emerging as elite in its own right. Behemoth Todd Bertuzzi and silky-smooth sniper Naslund should produce points aplenty, both at even strength and on the power play. After back-to-back 40-goal campaigns, Naslund conceivably could reach the 50-goal plateau this year.

Divisional winners

Read Darren Eliot's division previews by clicking on each division name.

Atlantic: N.Y. Rangers
Northeast: Ottawa
Southeast: Carolina
Central: Detroit
Northwest: Colorado
Pacific: Los Angeles

Conference champions

Eastern: Ottawa
Western: Colorado

Stanley Cup champion

Colorado

Breakout team -- Montreal

If the Habs stay healthy, they should have a fine season. They have veterans who can score and youngsters who are ready to contribute. They have excellent speed up front and mobility on the blue line. Oh, as a reminder, the Canadiens have outstanding goaltending to bring it all together.

Breakout player -- Derek Morris, Colorado

Derek Morris is entering a situation in Colorado that will define his career. Surrounded by stalwarts Rob Blake and Adam Foote in a winning environment, Morris has a chance to realize his full potential, delivering on the promise shown while apprenticing in Calgary.

Disappointing team -- St. Louis

The Blues seem to have lost their way. Injuries, age and questions regarding the fit of the supporting cast leave the Blues with as many unknowns as certainties -- hardly the plan considering their sizeable payroll.

Disappointing player -- Ed Belfour, Toronto

Maybe it isn't Belfour's fault. He has had a stellar career and doesn't deserve to suffer by way of comparison. It is hard to live up to the expectations placed on players in Toronto -- just ask Mats Sundin -- but Curtis Joseph did. Even without a Cup victory for the Leafs, fans and media alike lionized CuJo. Let's just say Trevor Kidd may become vitally important to the Maple Leafs' season.

Underrated player -- Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa

Alfredsson competes hard every night. He wades into the high-traffic areas to make plays, and given his slight stature, that is no small feat. His combination of willingness and skill make him a treat to watch.

Overrated player -- Jiri Dopita, Edmonton

Dopita fizzled in Philly last season after arriving with much fanfare based on his outstanding career in his native Czech Republic. The Oilers feel he has the wherewithal to supply them with much-needed production as their second line center. They're staking a trip to the postseason on Dopita's wobbly knee and aloof approach -- a very tenuous combination indeed.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for CNNSI.com.

 

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2002-03 NHL Season at a Glance CNNSI.com's Darren Eliot: Atlantic Division Preview CNNSI.com's Darren Eliot: Northeast Division Preview CNNSI.com's Darren Eliot: Southeast Division Preview CNNSI.com's Darren Eliot: Central Division Preview CNNSI.com's Darren Eliot: Northwest Division Preview CNNSI.com's Darren Eliot: Pacific Division Preview

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