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Todd Cordell
I like Nashville to win the division. Their defense is fantastic and they have plenty of high-end forwards in Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen and James Neal so offense certainly shouldn't be an issue.
The only thing that concerns me is goaltending. I don't have much faith in Pekka Rinne, however, the Stars won the division last year with terrible goaltending so perhaps the Preds can do the same.
1. Nashville
2. St. Louis - Their defense is spectacular and I think Vladimir Tarasenko is ready to challenge for the Rocket Richard.
3. Dallas - Defense and goaltending could be suspect again but with Benn, Seguin and co. they should score enough to win a lot of games.
4. Chicago - They were a poor 5 v 5 team last season but the addition of Brian Campbell will really help.
5. Winnipeg - They are deep and extremely talented up front. I think they could get a wild card spot if they don't overuse Ondrej Pavelec, Mark Stuart and co.
6. Minnesota - I want to be down on the Wild this season but I think Bruce Boudreau will really help this team. Could easily make the playoffs but this is a tough division.
7. Colorado - A good core was already in place and they surrounded it with some nice depth pieces. I expect them to be better without Patrick Roy behind the bench but it'll be tough to make a big jump in such a tough division.
James Tanner
The division title will go to the Blues, who have, in my opinion, one of the deepest and best teams in the NHL.
The teams will (I predict) finish as follows:
1. St. Louis
2. Winnipeg (Have quietly assembled a pretty impressive roster)
3. Minnesota
4. Nashville (needs goalie to rise in the rankings/ make playoffs)
5. Colorado (Getting better, but defense is weak after Barrie)
6. Chicago (Will suffer effects of aging core and bad contracts)
7. Dallas (Been is coming off hip surgery, Seguin seems like the new Lupul and/or Hanzal, the D is weak and I don't like their goalies).
Peter Tessier
Winner: Nashville Predators
Nashville wins it because Poile has meticulously put together a smart skilled roster while improving his forward group and bolstering his defence, only question is which Pekka Rinne shows up?
The standings after:
St Louis
Chicago
Minnesota
Dallas
Winnipeg
Colorado
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