Rangers
No doubt the biggest threat in the Atlantic. They've practically resigned their entire team, added on some big guns with Gomez and Drury and secured the net with Lundqvidst. Who cares if they've spent every last penny on doing so? Hey, the front office doesn't. "Take good care of the stick you have now, it's all we can afford this year." - Unofficial quote from Rangers President and GM Glen Sather.
4-4 or 5-3 Rangers
Devils
Parise, Zubrus, Elias, Langenbruner. That's all the offense has left (and has gained) in the off season. Oh yeah, they also have Madden and Pandolfo, but I meant people of significance. Brodeur's flexibility will be at test early in the season. Lord knows he'll be diving everywhere to keep the biscuit out thanks to a collapsing defense and pitiful offense. Not to put a ridiculous blogger hex on him, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Brodeur goes down early this season. At the least, he'll be sitting a few games to watch Weekes in net. "Wait, you mean I have to actually EARN my salary?" - Unofficial, but highly speculated quote from Kevin Weekes.
5-3 Penguins
Islanders
Guerin is back in the Atlantic, I'm sure he couldn't be happier. Only now he has a C on his sweater and he won't just be taking practice shots on Brodeur. There's one thing I've noticed about Islanders' fans - they're in denial. Signing a goalie for 12+ years is not smart managment. Frankly, it's pretty dumb. Di is not franchise material. Secondly, if you needed any further emphasis on the fact take a look at the Smyth signing last year? There's an idea. Trade away a first round draft pick for a guy to come play with you for the remainder of the season, only to wave goodbye when he signs with Colorado. Now you're out that player and also your first round pick. Silly Islanders. Plus, Blake is now on Toronto, which for the sake of my retnas is a good thing. When I first saw him face to face, I thought Powder learned how to ice skate. "You can't see me in the snow."- Unofficial quote from Jason Blake.
6-2 Penguins
Paparazzi photo of Jason Blake minutes before signing with Toronto
Flyers
The mediocre goaltending of Biron, mixed with the goal scoring from Gagne and the recent addition of Briere may just be the recipe Philly needs to find a spot in the playoffs. As a Penguins fan, I find it difficult to openly appreciate another Pennsylvanian team. But, put it this way - I've considered going up to New Hampshire to watch VanRiemsdyk play. Will the Penguins sweep the Flyers again this year? Highly unlikely. "If I pass it off the boards to myself and then score a goal, can I get the assist also?" - Unofficial quote from Simon Gagne, circa February 2007.
6-2, but would love to see 7-1 Penguins
Part 3 for your viewing pleasure.
