Post by League Commish (Hurricanes GM) on Mar 23, 2013 19:10:59 GMT -5
15. FLORIDA PANTHERS
Last Season: 13th
The Florida Panthers are in the midst of a rebuild that will continue through this campaign. With some excellent young talent brewing in the system, the Panthers are looking to set up a franchise that will compete for a long time in the future. Some of those key pieces will be getting a taste of action this year with Shinkaruk starting in the AHL and Seth Jones starting out in the NHL.
While not a terrible team, the Panthers do have several young players mixed in amongst the veterans but there is a real lack of star power players who can just grab a game and take control. Marc Savard gets a chance at being a key player in the NHL again, it will be interesting to see if he still has what it takes. This is a learning year for the Panthers, so look for Seth Jones to see plenty of ice time as he adjusts to the NHL.
Players to Watch[/u]
Seth Jones (D), Jacob Markstrom (G), Dmitry Kulikov (D), Marc Savard (C)
14. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Last Season: 8th
After making the playoffs and driving all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Maple Leafs have chosen to continue their rebuild by trading away the rest of their key players. Gone are Kessel, Phaneuf, and in are an influx of young talent including Brett Connolly and Mikhail Grigorenko. Don't expect to see this Leafs team near the playoffs this season, however.
The lack of a number one goaltender will hurt them, especially with a young defense. Morgan Rielly should see tons of time, and Nazem Kadri will be given every change to blossom into a top forward. With potential franchise players developing, it will be a tough year for Leaf fans after coming so close to Lord Stanley, but in the end it just may pay off.
Players to Watch[/u]
Morgan Rielly (D), Zach Bogosian (D), Nazem Kadri (C), Ryan Johansen (RW)
13. BOSTON BRUINS
Last Season: 3rd
The Bruins have also chosen to start a rebuild after making the playoffs as the Northeastern Champions last season. While not bad, the roster isn't as strong as in previous years, but the return of big Joe Thornton might be a sight for sore eyes for some long term Bruins fans. The forwards really aren't all that bad. Guys like Thornton, Nash, Horton are all more than capable of getting it done. However, on D, the team isn't as solid and will definitely miss Zdeno Chara on the backend.
It will be a rough year for Tuukka Rask. Expect the Bruins to be winning high scoring games this year until young dmen like Olli Maataa and Kevin Shattenkirk reach their defensive ceilings. The Bruins definitely have the tools to place much higher than 13th, but I feel like their defensive woes will catch up to them in the end.
Players to Watch[/u]
Joe Thornton (C), Tuukka Rask (G), Olli Maata (D), Rick Nash (RW)
12. NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Last Season: 11th
The Islanders seem to be in an eternal purgatory keeping them from finishing either in the playoffs or low enough for a top pick. The talent is there, and it really is a surprise that the Islanders have not had more success than they have. John Tavares is one of the league's best goal scorers, and he has a great cast with some talented wingers like Moulson, Grabner, Okposo and Niederreiter.
Goaltending has often been a problem for the Islanders and I'm not sure that the acquisition of Steve Mason will be the answer. Adding Duncan Keith on D will, however, go a long way. Young guys like Griffin Reinhart will cotninue to develop their game but the Isles definitely need to put up more goals just in case their goaltending should falter.
Players to Watch[/u]
John Tavares (C), Steve Mason (G), Duncan Keith (D), Griffin Reinhart (D)
11. OTTAWA SENATORS
Last Season: 12th
I think I might be making a gamble in saying that the Senators will finish higher than division rival Boston, but I'm confident that the talent this team has will be better than expected. As always, with some strong scorers in Jason Spezza, Milan Michlaek, Mika Zinabejad, the Senators have offensive firepower supplimented by one of the league's finest offense defenders in Erik Karlsson.
Goaltending is a huge strength for the Sens where defense might not be. Anderson has proven himself as a starter and big Ben Bishop is no slouch, and should they falter, young star Robin Lehner is ready in the wings to take over. I think that goaltending advantage will work well to the Sen's advantage. Also, look for Kyle Turris and Mark Stone to continue to prove themselves as top six NHLers.
Players to Watch[/u]
Craig Anderson/Ben Bishop/Robin Lehner (G), Erik Karlsson (D), Jason Spezza (C), Mark Stone (LW)
10. BUFFALO SABRES
Last Season: 15th
Again, I might be over-estimating the Sabres in comparison to the Bruins, but I really like the forward group they have assembled. Sniper Phil Kessel joins fellow american stars Patrick Kane and Bobby Ryan to provide a great offensive core with two excellent centers in Backstrom and Couture to compliment them. Add in secondary scoring from Devin Setoguchi and Marcus Foligno and you have a very great offensive squad in the making.
Also, on D, the Sabres have some great stay at home defenders as well McNabb has established himself, as has Mike Weber. Robyn Regehr is the leader on the backend and an excellent mentor to youngster Matt Dumba, who continues to impress. The achiles heel for the new look Sabres might be goaltending should Lindback and Reimer prove that they cannot handle the load of being a starter, but right now, a tandem situation might be enough. Expect to see the Sabres to finish much higher than their 15th finish last season.
Players to Watch[/u]
James Reimer/Anders Lindback (G), Patrick Kane (RW), Phil Kessel (RW), Matt Dumba (D)
9. WINNIPEG JETS
Last Season: 14th
The Winnipeg Jets have some serious talent up front. It's really a surprise that they've yet to see the post season since their return to the NHL and I feel like they'll be right there in the thick of things this season. Their forward depth is incredible, with plenty of options at center and some great wingers as well. Defense might be an issue but with Jacob Trouba and Hamphus Lindholm on the way, the Jets might have a fix there as well.
Is it Scheifele and Palmieri's years to finally become legit NHL scoring threats? I'm not convinced that their defense and goaltending can hold up well enough to compliment their offense and get them into the post season, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them squeaking in as the 8th seed or maybe even competing for the division lead.
Players to Watch[/u]
Jacob Trouba (D), Ondrej Pavelec (G), Evander Kane (C), Mark Scheifele (RW)
8. NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Last Season: 9th
After barely missing the playoffs during the final week, the Devils went out and added some key pieces that I think will give them enough to make the final push and make the playoffs this year. Travis Zajac brought in some excellent pieces, including center Anze Kopitar, to compliment sniper Ilya Kovalchuk. The defense might be an issue, as will be goaltending should Neuvirth and Brodeur falter, but the Devils offense will definitely be able to hold it's own.
Look for a strong year from young stars Adam Henrique and Filip Forsberg, as well as another great year from Kopitar and Kovalchuk alongside each other. If Neuvirth stands tall, the Devils will be able to make the playoffs and from there with the gamebreakers they have, who knows what may happen.
Players to Watch[/u]
Anze Kopitar (C), Ilya Kovalchuk (RW), Filip Forsberg (RW), Michael Neuvirth (G), Adam Henrique (C)
7. WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Last Season: 1st
The Capitals shocked many by dealing Ovechkin and then finishing first in the Eastern Conference. They have a good offense and defensive core, and a budding young star goaltender in Holtby. That said, I feel like they have some room to fall off this year and may be unable to repeat the success from last season. With that in mind, the Capitals are nothing to slouch at.
Claude Giroux, Tyler Seguin Loui Eriksson, David Krejci and Sean Couturier make up a scary forward group with some solid defensive bottom liners. On defense, Mike Green has tons of help with Adam Larsson, Karl Alzner and John Carlson, and the developing Jamie Oleksiak. The Capitals have the tools but depth may be an issue as their farm team is bare and in case of long term injuries to top guns, the Capitals might struggle. Also, Holtby is still unproven despite a solid season.
Players to Watch[/u]
Braden Holtby (G), Claude Giroux (C), Mike Green (D), Adam Larsson (D)
6. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Last Season: 6th
The Tampa Bay Lightning are once again a serious offensive threat in the east. While there is work to be done on their D, look for the Lightning to push hard for the playoffs and challenge for the Southeast title. The addition of Mike Cammalleri adds another sniper to join the ranks of Stamkos, Gaborik, Perry and Pominville. With so many game breakers and one-shot scorers, the Lightning will be trouble for defenses all around the league.
Cory Schneider is an excellent goaltender and he'll need to be on his game. The Lightning defense isn't terrible by any means, and Victor Hedman is one of the best in the game, but there are some worries on the rest. That said, the Bolts have enough offensive firepower to get them out of any situation and to keep them in any game regardless of how their defense and goaltending fair. Besides, any team with Steven Stamkos will be competitive regardless.
Players to Watch[/u]
Steven Stamkos (C), Cory Schneider (G), Corey Perry (RW), Victor Hedman (D)
5. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Last Season: 5th
The Flyers were quiet in the offseason but they're still in a position to be a top four team in the Eastern Conference. Bryzgalov will need to put forth a strong effort but the Flyers have a decent enough defense core and a great offense.
Evgeni Kuznetsov has become a scoring threat, as has Tom Wilson. The two youngsters join Roy, Briere, Ribeiro, Voracek and Stafford as the Flyers' forward group. Some great secondary scorers like Matt Read and Scott Harnetll will also help putting the puck into the opponents goal. The Flyers D, built around guys like the aging Chris Pronger and Luke Schenn, will need to be solid but they have the talent to shutdown alot of the league's offenses.
Players to Watch[/u]
Evgeni Kuznetsov (RW), Ilya Bryzgalov (G), Jakub Voracek (RW)
4. NEW YORK RANGERS
Last Season: 4th
The Rangers should probably be a bit higher than fourth, but due to divisions, this is the highest I can see them finishing. The Rangers have a depth of forwards up front, a solid defense and a great goaltender. Those three things combined together usually makes for a team that's pretty hard to play against and the Rangers definitely fit that description.
Snipers like Vanek, Sharp and Ryder lead the way but the team also has some great defensive players like last year's Selke winner Brandon Sutter. The loss of Del Zotto will be felt on D, but players like McDongah, Volchenkov and the young McIlrath are there to pick up the slack. Kari Lehtonen is a top goalie and will be able to keep them in games this year where the defense may struggle. With the addition of one more dmen, the Rangers will be a serious threat to capture the Cup.
Players to Watch[/u]
Thomas Vanek (RW), Brandon Sutter (C), Ryan McDonagh (D), Dylan McIlrath (D)
3. MONTREAL CANADIENS
Last Season: 3rd
I don't neccessarily think that the Habs are good enough to be a top team in the Eastern Conference, but I think they're the best bet to win the Northeast Division, which guarantees them a top three seed. Carey Price will win games on his own, the Habs just need to provide him with offense. Luckily, players like Gagner, Pacioretty and Gionta are there, as well as young stars Brendan Gallagher and Alex Galchenyuk who continue to reach their stride in the NHL.
The Habs have a good, strong defense featuring the likes of Subban, Tinordi, Gorges and Emelin to insulate Carey Price. The return of Andrei Kostitsyn adds some secondary scoring to help them capture first in the Northeast, and once youre in the playoffs with home ice advantage, who knows what can happen.
Players to Watch[/u]
Alex Galchenyuk (C), Carey Price (G), P.K. Subban (D), Sam Gagner (C)
2. CAROLINA HURRICANES
Last Season: 6th
After falling just short of capturing the Stanley Cup, the Carolina Hurricanes look to make a run at the championship again this season. The Staal brothers provide a formidable core that also includes young superstar Nail Yakupov and some quality secondary scorers like Kris Versteeg and Jiri Hudler. The Hurricanes achilles heel may be on D. While their D isn't bad at all, it could definitely use some boosting past their top three.
Cam Ward provides solid goaltending that should help out with the struggling D, but it will be interesting to see if the Canes can prove that they are the best in the east this year in the regular season. They'll need big efforts from the core, as well as young players like Jared Staal and Brandon Pirri who make their NHL debut this year.
Players to Watch[/u]
The Staals, Cam Ward (G), Brandon Pirri (LW)
1. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Last Season: 2nd
The Pittsburgh Penguins are, by far, the favorites to win the Eastern Conference after adding Alexander Ovechkin to an already star-studded offensive corps that contains two of the league's best in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Secondary scoring is there as well, with James Neal, Stephen Weiss, Vladimir Tarasenko and Clarke MacArthur, giving the Penguins a multitiude of options up front.
With the offensive firepower that they have, you'd be hard pressed to find a D that can shut them down, but other teams may be able to overpower the Penguins' defense. Their D, while not bad, could use some work and relies heavily upon Despres and Letang, with Fleury in goal. Still, the top three forwards on this team are arguably the three most talented players in the entire game of hockey, which is a scary thing.
Players to Watch[/u]
Alexander Ovechkin (LW), Sidney Crosby (C), Evgeni Malkin (LW), Simon Despres (D)
Last Season: 13th
The Florida Panthers are in the midst of a rebuild that will continue through this campaign. With some excellent young talent brewing in the system, the Panthers are looking to set up a franchise that will compete for a long time in the future. Some of those key pieces will be getting a taste of action this year with Shinkaruk starting in the AHL and Seth Jones starting out in the NHL.
While not a terrible team, the Panthers do have several young players mixed in amongst the veterans but there is a real lack of star power players who can just grab a game and take control. Marc Savard gets a chance at being a key player in the NHL again, it will be interesting to see if he still has what it takes. This is a learning year for the Panthers, so look for Seth Jones to see plenty of ice time as he adjusts to the NHL.
Players to Watch[/u]
Seth Jones (D), Jacob Markstrom (G), Dmitry Kulikov (D), Marc Savard (C)
14. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Last Season: 8th
After making the playoffs and driving all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Maple Leafs have chosen to continue their rebuild by trading away the rest of their key players. Gone are Kessel, Phaneuf, and in are an influx of young talent including Brett Connolly and Mikhail Grigorenko. Don't expect to see this Leafs team near the playoffs this season, however.
The lack of a number one goaltender will hurt them, especially with a young defense. Morgan Rielly should see tons of time, and Nazem Kadri will be given every change to blossom into a top forward. With potential franchise players developing, it will be a tough year for Leaf fans after coming so close to Lord Stanley, but in the end it just may pay off.
Players to Watch[/u]
Morgan Rielly (D), Zach Bogosian (D), Nazem Kadri (C), Ryan Johansen (RW)
13. BOSTON BRUINS
Last Season: 3rd
The Bruins have also chosen to start a rebuild after making the playoffs as the Northeastern Champions last season. While not bad, the roster isn't as strong as in previous years, but the return of big Joe Thornton might be a sight for sore eyes for some long term Bruins fans. The forwards really aren't all that bad. Guys like Thornton, Nash, Horton are all more than capable of getting it done. However, on D, the team isn't as solid and will definitely miss Zdeno Chara on the backend.
It will be a rough year for Tuukka Rask. Expect the Bruins to be winning high scoring games this year until young dmen like Olli Maataa and Kevin Shattenkirk reach their defensive ceilings. The Bruins definitely have the tools to place much higher than 13th, but I feel like their defensive woes will catch up to them in the end.
Players to Watch[/u]
Joe Thornton (C), Tuukka Rask (G), Olli Maata (D), Rick Nash (RW)
12. NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Last Season: 11th
The Islanders seem to be in an eternal purgatory keeping them from finishing either in the playoffs or low enough for a top pick. The talent is there, and it really is a surprise that the Islanders have not had more success than they have. John Tavares is one of the league's best goal scorers, and he has a great cast with some talented wingers like Moulson, Grabner, Okposo and Niederreiter.
Goaltending has often been a problem for the Islanders and I'm not sure that the acquisition of Steve Mason will be the answer. Adding Duncan Keith on D will, however, go a long way. Young guys like Griffin Reinhart will cotninue to develop their game but the Isles definitely need to put up more goals just in case their goaltending should falter.
Players to Watch[/u]
John Tavares (C), Steve Mason (G), Duncan Keith (D), Griffin Reinhart (D)
11. OTTAWA SENATORS
Last Season: 12th
I think I might be making a gamble in saying that the Senators will finish higher than division rival Boston, but I'm confident that the talent this team has will be better than expected. As always, with some strong scorers in Jason Spezza, Milan Michlaek, Mika Zinabejad, the Senators have offensive firepower supplimented by one of the league's finest offense defenders in Erik Karlsson.
Goaltending is a huge strength for the Sens where defense might not be. Anderson has proven himself as a starter and big Ben Bishop is no slouch, and should they falter, young star Robin Lehner is ready in the wings to take over. I think that goaltending advantage will work well to the Sen's advantage. Also, look for Kyle Turris and Mark Stone to continue to prove themselves as top six NHLers.
Players to Watch[/u]
Craig Anderson/Ben Bishop/Robin Lehner (G), Erik Karlsson (D), Jason Spezza (C), Mark Stone (LW)
10. BUFFALO SABRES
Last Season: 15th
Again, I might be over-estimating the Sabres in comparison to the Bruins, but I really like the forward group they have assembled. Sniper Phil Kessel joins fellow american stars Patrick Kane and Bobby Ryan to provide a great offensive core with two excellent centers in Backstrom and Couture to compliment them. Add in secondary scoring from Devin Setoguchi and Marcus Foligno and you have a very great offensive squad in the making.
Also, on D, the Sabres have some great stay at home defenders as well McNabb has established himself, as has Mike Weber. Robyn Regehr is the leader on the backend and an excellent mentor to youngster Matt Dumba, who continues to impress. The achiles heel for the new look Sabres might be goaltending should Lindback and Reimer prove that they cannot handle the load of being a starter, but right now, a tandem situation might be enough. Expect to see the Sabres to finish much higher than their 15th finish last season.
Players to Watch[/u]
James Reimer/Anders Lindback (G), Patrick Kane (RW), Phil Kessel (RW), Matt Dumba (D)
9. WINNIPEG JETS
Last Season: 14th
The Winnipeg Jets have some serious talent up front. It's really a surprise that they've yet to see the post season since their return to the NHL and I feel like they'll be right there in the thick of things this season. Their forward depth is incredible, with plenty of options at center and some great wingers as well. Defense might be an issue but with Jacob Trouba and Hamphus Lindholm on the way, the Jets might have a fix there as well.
Is it Scheifele and Palmieri's years to finally become legit NHL scoring threats? I'm not convinced that their defense and goaltending can hold up well enough to compliment their offense and get them into the post season, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them squeaking in as the 8th seed or maybe even competing for the division lead.
Players to Watch[/u]
Jacob Trouba (D), Ondrej Pavelec (G), Evander Kane (C), Mark Scheifele (RW)
8. NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Last Season: 9th
After barely missing the playoffs during the final week, the Devils went out and added some key pieces that I think will give them enough to make the final push and make the playoffs this year. Travis Zajac brought in some excellent pieces, including center Anze Kopitar, to compliment sniper Ilya Kovalchuk. The defense might be an issue, as will be goaltending should Neuvirth and Brodeur falter, but the Devils offense will definitely be able to hold it's own.
Look for a strong year from young stars Adam Henrique and Filip Forsberg, as well as another great year from Kopitar and Kovalchuk alongside each other. If Neuvirth stands tall, the Devils will be able to make the playoffs and from there with the gamebreakers they have, who knows what may happen.
Players to Watch[/u]
Anze Kopitar (C), Ilya Kovalchuk (RW), Filip Forsberg (RW), Michael Neuvirth (G), Adam Henrique (C)
7. WASHINGTON CAPITALS
Last Season: 1st
The Capitals shocked many by dealing Ovechkin and then finishing first in the Eastern Conference. They have a good offense and defensive core, and a budding young star goaltender in Holtby. That said, I feel like they have some room to fall off this year and may be unable to repeat the success from last season. With that in mind, the Capitals are nothing to slouch at.
Claude Giroux, Tyler Seguin Loui Eriksson, David Krejci and Sean Couturier make up a scary forward group with some solid defensive bottom liners. On defense, Mike Green has tons of help with Adam Larsson, Karl Alzner and John Carlson, and the developing Jamie Oleksiak. The Capitals have the tools but depth may be an issue as their farm team is bare and in case of long term injuries to top guns, the Capitals might struggle. Also, Holtby is still unproven despite a solid season.
Players to Watch[/u]
Braden Holtby (G), Claude Giroux (C), Mike Green (D), Adam Larsson (D)
6. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING
Last Season: 6th
The Tampa Bay Lightning are once again a serious offensive threat in the east. While there is work to be done on their D, look for the Lightning to push hard for the playoffs and challenge for the Southeast title. The addition of Mike Cammalleri adds another sniper to join the ranks of Stamkos, Gaborik, Perry and Pominville. With so many game breakers and one-shot scorers, the Lightning will be trouble for defenses all around the league.
Cory Schneider is an excellent goaltender and he'll need to be on his game. The Lightning defense isn't terrible by any means, and Victor Hedman is one of the best in the game, but there are some worries on the rest. That said, the Bolts have enough offensive firepower to get them out of any situation and to keep them in any game regardless of how their defense and goaltending fair. Besides, any team with Steven Stamkos will be competitive regardless.
Players to Watch[/u]
Steven Stamkos (C), Cory Schneider (G), Corey Perry (RW), Victor Hedman (D)
5. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS
Last Season: 5th
The Flyers were quiet in the offseason but they're still in a position to be a top four team in the Eastern Conference. Bryzgalov will need to put forth a strong effort but the Flyers have a decent enough defense core and a great offense.
Evgeni Kuznetsov has become a scoring threat, as has Tom Wilson. The two youngsters join Roy, Briere, Ribeiro, Voracek and Stafford as the Flyers' forward group. Some great secondary scorers like Matt Read and Scott Harnetll will also help putting the puck into the opponents goal. The Flyers D, built around guys like the aging Chris Pronger and Luke Schenn, will need to be solid but they have the talent to shutdown alot of the league's offenses.
Players to Watch[/u]
Evgeni Kuznetsov (RW), Ilya Bryzgalov (G), Jakub Voracek (RW)
4. NEW YORK RANGERS
Last Season: 4th
The Rangers should probably be a bit higher than fourth, but due to divisions, this is the highest I can see them finishing. The Rangers have a depth of forwards up front, a solid defense and a great goaltender. Those three things combined together usually makes for a team that's pretty hard to play against and the Rangers definitely fit that description.
Snipers like Vanek, Sharp and Ryder lead the way but the team also has some great defensive players like last year's Selke winner Brandon Sutter. The loss of Del Zotto will be felt on D, but players like McDongah, Volchenkov and the young McIlrath are there to pick up the slack. Kari Lehtonen is a top goalie and will be able to keep them in games this year where the defense may struggle. With the addition of one more dmen, the Rangers will be a serious threat to capture the Cup.
Players to Watch[/u]
Thomas Vanek (RW), Brandon Sutter (C), Ryan McDonagh (D), Dylan McIlrath (D)
3. MONTREAL CANADIENS
Last Season: 3rd
I don't neccessarily think that the Habs are good enough to be a top team in the Eastern Conference, but I think they're the best bet to win the Northeast Division, which guarantees them a top three seed. Carey Price will win games on his own, the Habs just need to provide him with offense. Luckily, players like Gagner, Pacioretty and Gionta are there, as well as young stars Brendan Gallagher and Alex Galchenyuk who continue to reach their stride in the NHL.
The Habs have a good, strong defense featuring the likes of Subban, Tinordi, Gorges and Emelin to insulate Carey Price. The return of Andrei Kostitsyn adds some secondary scoring to help them capture first in the Northeast, and once youre in the playoffs with home ice advantage, who knows what can happen.
Players to Watch[/u]
Alex Galchenyuk (C), Carey Price (G), P.K. Subban (D), Sam Gagner (C)
2. CAROLINA HURRICANES
Last Season: 6th
After falling just short of capturing the Stanley Cup, the Carolina Hurricanes look to make a run at the championship again this season. The Staal brothers provide a formidable core that also includes young superstar Nail Yakupov and some quality secondary scorers like Kris Versteeg and Jiri Hudler. The Hurricanes achilles heel may be on D. While their D isn't bad at all, it could definitely use some boosting past their top three.
Cam Ward provides solid goaltending that should help out with the struggling D, but it will be interesting to see if the Canes can prove that they are the best in the east this year in the regular season. They'll need big efforts from the core, as well as young players like Jared Staal and Brandon Pirri who make their NHL debut this year.
Players to Watch[/u]
The Staals, Cam Ward (G), Brandon Pirri (LW)
1. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Last Season: 2nd
The Pittsburgh Penguins are, by far, the favorites to win the Eastern Conference after adding Alexander Ovechkin to an already star-studded offensive corps that contains two of the league's best in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Secondary scoring is there as well, with James Neal, Stephen Weiss, Vladimir Tarasenko and Clarke MacArthur, giving the Penguins a multitiude of options up front.
With the offensive firepower that they have, you'd be hard pressed to find a D that can shut them down, but other teams may be able to overpower the Penguins' defense. Their D, while not bad, could use some work and relies heavily upon Despres and Letang, with Fleury in goal. Still, the top three forwards on this team are arguably the three most talented players in the entire game of hockey, which is a scary thing.
Players to Watch[/u]
Alexander Ovechkin (LW), Sidney Crosby (C), Evgeni Malkin (LW), Simon Despres (D)