NHL Pacific Division: The Kings will reign again
It’s pretty funny that a land of desert and beaches produce some of the best teams in the NHL. What Canadians would give to have the Kings, the Ducks, and the Sharks in their country. At least two of the three have qualified for the playoffs since the lockout. Let’s take a look at the NHL’s Pacific Division to see what the future holds.
1) Los Angeles Kings
Even with the departure of Willie Mitchell to Florida, this is still very much the team that ran to the Cup. There’s nothing like last year’s victory to inspire you for another. Their leaders are hungry – Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick. Though Anaheim finished ahead of them last year in the standings, I believe the Kings have the edge with a star like Quick in net.
2) Anaheim Mighty Ducks
The King’s rivals to the south finished first last year in goals for with 263. However, they’re relying on the tending of Frederik Anderson. Yes, he was named to the NHL All Rookie team, and yes he had 20 wins with five losses (2.29 GAA, and 0.923 %). But to have everything riding on his success? What if he were to go down to injury again? John Gibson is next, who’s only played seven NHL games. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry tore it up, and the team added Dany Heatley and Ryan Kesler, both trying to get fresh starts. The Ducks lost the man behind Getzlaf and Perry in points (Nick Bonino), and also vets Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu.
3) San Jose Sharks
Like I said, it must be nice to be a hockey fan in Cali. To be fair, I would have the Sharks at fourth, but no other team has their talent. Since last year, they’ve lost Dan Boyle, Brad Stuart, and Martin Havlat. Also, though for now they have Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Antti Niemi, don’t expect them all to be around by the end of the year.
4) Arizona Coyotes
Who? Oh right. Phoenix. It was a good idea (in my opinion) to buy out Mike Ribeiro’s contract. However, Derek Morris is also outta the state, along with Radim Vrbata. Shane Doan is only getting older. The addition of Sam Gagner should help, but not all that much. When defenseman Keith Yandle is your leading scorer, there’s a problem to fix. Goalie Mike Smith I’m sure wants to prove himself after injuries last season. Let’s hope for a wildcard.
5) Calgary Flames
They’re very hardworking, but not playoff worthy. The Flames finished last year near the bottom of offense (23rd in goals) and defense (24th in goals against). To help, they brought Jonas Hiller in net, and also want some offense from newbies Mason Raymond and Devin Setoguchi. Calgary did lose Mike Cammalleri to New Jersey, but look for Mark Giordano and Jiri Hudler to lead – even Sean Monahan.
6) Vancouver Canucks
They have the most dynamic pair in the NHL on their top line, and they finished 28th in goals as a team last year? Kesler’s gone, the Sedins have trouble staying healthy now, and they lost Ryan Kesler. The additions of Nick Bonino and Radim Vrbata should help the second line (notice the “should”) and newcomer Ryan Miller can hopefully not lose his spot to Eddie Lack.
7) Edmonton Oilers
No Gagner. No Ryan Smyth. They have some of the most offensive talent, but had the 21st best powerplay in the league last year. They didn’t even crack 200 team goals! Benoit Pouliot and Teddy Purcell can improve the forward core. All eyes are on Nail Yakupov, who had a terrible year, finishing -33 (fourth worst in the league). Expect Ben Scrivens and Viktor Fasth to switch duties in net; both have yet to be a secure number one, and now, they’ll be in a young, defense-less team.
More from FanSided.com
NFL Power Rankings Week 4: Cowboys rise
College Basketball: Preseason AAC power rankings
NBA: 7 players with the most to lose in 2014-15
Derek Jeter and MLB’s 20 richest players
All 30 NHL franchises ranked by all-time greatness