Team by Team Pacific Preview
Anaheim Ducks
Last year:last in NHL
Strenghts:great depth at centre, defence, and goalie. Zubov and Pronger solid 1-2 on D
Weaknesses:lack of depth on wings, no solid #1 centre
Prediction:likely not into playoffs yet, but won't be last in league again. 5th in division
Dallas Stars
Last year:4th in division, 8th in Western conference. lost to Calgary in first round of playoffs in 6 games
Strenghts:core built around youth, solid forward depth, amazing first line, great defensive depth, amazing goalie depth
Weaknesses:I'll get back to you on that
Prediction:this team has undergone a rebuilding stage, and this season we will see it begin to pay off. 1st in division.
Los Angeles Kings
Last Year:3rd in division, 6th in Western Conference, defeated St. Louis in first round in 7 games, lost to Calgary in 2nd round in 5 games
Strengths:solid depth at LW, C and D
Weaknesses:no forward stars beyond Pouliot, very weak goaltending
Prediction:could be top team again with improved goaltending, skaters very strong in depth. 4th in division.
Phoenix Coyotes
Last Year:2nd in division, 5th in west. Defeated Minnesota in 7 games in 1st rd, swept San Jose in 2nd rd, lost to Flames in 5 in 3rd rd
Strengths:strong centre depth, lots of forwards to fill in for injuries, solid top line, very balanced
Weaknesses:could use another LW, D in trouble if injury trouble arises, weak backup goaltender
Prediction:could trade to cover up lack of D depth, expected to get goalie soon. Likely the last shot for this team before rebuilding phase begins. 3rd in division
San Jose Sharks
Last Year:1st in division, 2nd in West and NHL, defeated Vancouver in 6 games in 1st rd, swept by Coyotes in 2nd round
Strengths:solid top 4 centres, great goaltending
Weaknesses:no top line LW, forward depth after top players lacking, poor defensive depth
Prediction:won't be as strong as last year, but still a solid team. 2nd in division