NHL Preview: Eastern Conference Atlantic Division

My problem with the Rangers are many...they bought their way again...and everyone knows how that turns out for the Rangers...usually not good. The Pens still lack defense...the Flyers are a year away. The Devils may have lost Rafalski and Gomez...but got much more physical on D...and up front as well. Parise scored over 30 last year...he is far from a sleeper but Andy Greene may be more of a sleeper honestly. The Devs got rid of two headaches...one that was slowing down (Rafalski) and one that only turned it on when he wanted to last year (Gomez). Team chemistry will drive them to a better fate than many think. It doesn't hurt that Brent Sutter is a damn fine coach...the best in the division. I won't guarantee the Devils finish in first but I won't be surprised either.

Because the Ranger failed in the past with big stars doesn't mean that they will never succeed again with big stars. I think the biggest problem the Rangers could face is mediocrity on the blue line.

The Penguins look good, but I still don't like Sykora especially since he scored half his points total in his first 15 games last season. Also I don't believe in Fluery. They will probably make the playoffs despite this.

The Devils still have Broduer and as long as he is still there they always have a chance, but how many pieces are they going to continue to loose and still win hockey games?