2011-2012 NHL Predictions

It is that time of year. The 2011-12 NHL season is upon us. So many changes have happened since the Bruins hoisted the Stanley Cup in Vancouver.

1. Washington Capitals (115 pts)

Despite fantastic regular seasons year after year, Ovechkin and the Caps are unable to put it together come playoff time. Goaltending has been their Achilles Heel for some time, but with the acquisition of Tomas Vokoun, that issue may possibly be put to rest. A capable and experienced goaltender and depth players like Troy Brouwer, Jeff Harplen and Joel Ward added to their offensively dynamic roster, the Caps might get over the hump of past playoff disappointments. Superstar Alex Ovechkin had a career low in points and goals in 2010-11 and looks to bounce back and rekindle that scoring touch he had in previous years. With the Caps rebuilt, and Ovechkin hungry, look for them to go farther than they ever did before. All pressure is on coach Bruce Boudreau on whether he can get it done when it matters.

2. Buffalo Sabres (108 pts)
The Sabres came into the league as an expansion team in 1970 along with the Vancouver Canucks. Yet coincidentally, both teams have yet to win a Stanley Cup, though the latter came one game short last June. This season, as Vancouver suffers from the Stanley Cup run hangover, the Sabres are ushering in  a new era as Terry Pegula, the new owner of the Sabres, who is determined to bring change to this long-suffering franchise. Years of penny pinching days under the old regime of Regier and Quinn are over and  with the addition of Robyn Reghr, Christian Erhoff, and Ville Leino, the Sabres have shown signs of willingness to spend money in order to compete for the cup. With the backend loaded with Erhoff, Reghr, and youngster Myers, a formidable offense led by Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, and a healthy Derek Roy, and arguably one of the top goalies in the NHL, Ryan Miller, look for the Sabres to reach the pinnacle of professional hockey as they bring Lord Stanley's mug to title-starved Buffalo.

3. Pittsburgh Penguins (100 pts)

Crosby and Malkin were both out with injuries yet the Penguins still remained in contention last year. The Penguins were up 3-1 against Tampa in the first round before losing the next three. If the Penguins are to have any chance of winning their fourth Stanley Cup, Crosby and Malkin need to be healthy! However, with Crosby's concussion recovery questionable, Crosby may be limited to a few games. Even if Crosby is cleared to play, post-concussion syndrome may have a negative impact on his play. During the off-season, the Penguins did lose Max Talbot, hero of the 2009 Stanley Cup win which could hurt Pittsburgh's depth. However, last season, Penguins added James Neal who should be a formidable winger that could play with Crosby and/or Malkin. In my mind, this team is way too deep to miss the playoffs.

4. Boston Bruins (106 pts)

Unlike last years Blackhawks, the Bruins didn't lose a significant chunk of their depth players from their Stanley Cup winning team. This year's version of the team could very well repeat as Stanley Cup champions. Zdeno Chara (King Leionidas) is still one of the top defenseman in the league and Tim Thomas is still kicking it in despite his age. Tyler Seguin, the 2nd overall pick from 2010, looks to take the next step in his development. However, with a short off-season and teams in the Eastern Conference all getting better, it would be hard-pressed to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions. The last defending champion to win a Stanley Cup was the 1997-98 Red Wings. Don't be surprised if the Bruins fall flat early in the playoffs to an upstart team. It just goes to show how hard it is to repeat as champion, especially in the post-lockout era.

5. Tampa Bay Lightning (103 pts)
It seems wherever Steve Yzerman goes, success follows. Ever since Yzerman took over the GM reigns in Tampa, the franchise has been turned around and brought back to respectability. Led by their young stars Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman, and the soon-to-be 42 year old goalie Dwayne Roloson, the Lightning are looking to to build off from their impressive playoff run where they finished one game short of their second Stanley Cup Finals appearance in franchise history. Losing Simon Gagne may hurt them depth wise but this is a very young team that can be very dangerous in the post-season, as shown last year. This is my darkhorse pick for possible Stanley Cup champions. Don't be surprised to see the Lightning skating off with Lord Stanley's mug next June.

6. New Jersey Devils (95 pts)
Coming off a very disappointing season last year, the Devils are going into this season determined to prove everybody that last season was nothing but a flukey bad year. Even I have to admit, I believe this is a good team that had a terribly bad season. The first half of last season was dismal to say the least for Jersey, but cranked it up a notch in the second half, almost bringing the team back into playoff contention. Kovalchuk's second half turnaround was key in the Devil's second half surge and he's looking to build off that momentum. With a healthy Zach Parise, and key acquisitions like Eric Boulton and Cam Janssen, the Devils are primed for a turnaround in 2011-12. However, Brodeur is showing signs of aging as the man who was the backbone for this organization is at the twilight of his career. The Devils do have a bright spot in rookie Adam Larsson, who was drafted by the Devils 4th overall and look for him to be in contention for the Calder. 

7. New York Rangers (93 pts)

The good ole New York Rangers. Spend, Spend, Spend. Acquire the most sought after free agent in the market in hopes of producing a championship caliber team. This off-season is no different as the Rangers signed the most sought after free agent in the market, Brad Richards to a lucrative 9 year worth $60 million contract. Adding Richards will give the Rangers a premiere number one centre to play with Marian Gaborik. With the talent added, the Rangers should be among one of the NHL elites but like so many previous Rangers team, signing a top free agent doesn't always equal success. This year, should be no different as the Rangers will again be a playoff bubble team. However, come playoff team, this Rangers team does have potential of causing uneasiness among the Eastern elites.

8. Philadelphia Flyers (91 pts)

Only a year after the Flyers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Flyers decided to change directions and cut ties with their two biggest stars. Jeff Carter was dealt to Columbus for Jakub Voracek, 1st round pick in 2011 (Sean Couturier), and  3rd round pick in 2011 (Nick Cousins) and Mike Richards was dealt to LA for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and 2012 2nd round pick. Other additions include goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, a team need, Max Talbot, and Jaromir Jagr. GM Paul Holmgrem felt it was necessary for the franchise to change directions. Despite all that, the Flyers still possess strong veteran defenseman in Chris Pronger, scoring forward Daniel Briere, and many others. In addition, they finally added a capable goaltender in Bryzgalov. Look for the Flyers to struggle with the new chemistry but they sneak in the 8th and final spot in the East. And this Flyers team still possesses the ingredients to pull off an upset against the 1st placed Capitals and don't be surprised if that was to happen.

9. Montreal Canadiens (90 pts)
Ever since Pierre Gauthier dealt Jaroslav Halak to St. Louis after that amazing 2010 playoff run, all eyes were on Carey Price. Last season, Price proved his doubters wrong as he posted respectable record. With players like Markov and Georges healthy, the Canadiens look to build off a relatively successful season last season and hope to put a disappointing first round loss to eventual Stanley Cup winner Boston Bruins behind them. P.K. Subban looks to take his game to the next level as he becomes one of the leagues best young defenseman. However, with teams below and above them getting better and the Devils, bouncing back into the playoffs in 2012, it seems like the Habs are the most likely playoff team from last season to slip out of the top 8 this year.

10. Carolina Hurricanes (88 pts)

Jeff Skinner was a pleasant surprise last season as he out-performed fellow draftee and first overall pick Taylor Hall and won the Calder Trophy. This year, Skinner looks to build off his successful rookie season as he hopes to avoid suffering the dreaded sophomore jinx. Despite missing the playoffs four times in six years, it wasn't long ago that the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup. Eric Staal and Cam Ward, both of whom won a Stanley Cup back in 2006 are hungry to get the Hurricanes back to cup contention. With the addition of Tomas Kaberle, the Hurricanes hope to make the push for the Top 8. However, the East has gotten a lot stronger and the Hurricanes have work cut out for them. Look for them to be in the fight all year but fall short.

11. Toronto Maple Leafs (85 pts)
James Reimer has brought hope to a city that hasn't seen a Stanley Cup parade since 1967 and playoff hockey since 2004. This year, it will be no different. Reimer may have had a decent season but imagine the pressure and scrutiny he will be under all year from the Toronto fans and media. All eyes will be on him. Brian Burke may have gotten the Leafs "better", but there are still teams above them that are much better and it will be a challenge for the Leafs to make it to the top 8. An injury prone Tim Connolly as their first line centre might or might not be the solution. Too many question marks surrounding this team for the Leafs to be successful this year. Can Kessel and Phaneuf play consistent? Can Clarke MacArthur duplicate his successful season from last year? Can Reimer replicate his outstanding play from last year? Can Nazem Kadri make an impact? The Leafs have work cut out for them and a lot of factors have to go their way for them to reach the Top 8.

12. New York Islanders (84 pts)

This year, the Isles won't be pushovers. With this team brimming with young talent, the Islanders are looking to take the next step and bring this once proud four-time Stanley Cup winning dynasty back to glory. John Tavares, Nino Niederriter, Ryan Strome, Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey, Michael Grabner, and Matt Moulson make up a good strong core for the future. Last season, the Islanders had a dismal first half but were able to put together a decent second half and this year, they're looking to build off and ride that momentum. The Islanders look like they are 2 years away but with the direction of the management (Wang and Snow), I sometimes question whether the Islanders potential could fully be reached. It will be interesting and fun to watch this team grow this season. However, the Islanders will be mired in off-ice issues as Charles Wang continues to search for a solution to find a new arena to replace the outdated Nassau Coliseum.

13. Winnipeg Jets (82 pts)

After a 15 year hiatus, the Winnipeg Jets are back in town. WELCOME BACK WINNIPEG! Years and years of speculation of when the Jets will come back has finally became reality. Although, it wasn't Phoenix, the original Winnipeg Jets franchise, Canadians are just glad that one of Bettman's southern US markets failed and moved to a market that embraces hockey. With all the excitement of having the Jets back, don't expect the season to be exciting as the Jets are forced to play in the Southeast division in place of the now defunct Atlanta Thrashers. Travel will be an issue for the Jets this year.The Jets will have plenty of young talent to work with and a good chunk of players from the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks team (notably Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien) so do not expect the Jets to be pushovers. The best thing about this Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets franchise is playing in front of sold out crowds. Finally a crowd that loves hockey.

14. Florida Panthers (81 pts)
As miserable this team has been over the past decade, I have to admit, Dale Tallon has pointed this franchise in the right direction. We can't forget that Tallon has built the 2010 Chicago Blackhawks Cup winning team and he's molding the Panthers in the same vision. Some players from the 2010 Hawks team include Kris Versteeg, Brian Campbell, and Tomas Kopecky. However, despite signing a good load of new players, they've also lost Tomas Vokoun who has been their number one goalie. Jose Theodore may or may not be the man, but look for the Panthers to improve but not enough as the Eastern Conference gets more and more competitive. On a positive note, attendance might go up due to the ongoing NBA Lockout which is expected to wipe out the 2011-12 NBA Season. Did I mention that Lebron James have the same amount of rings as the Florida Panthers franchise?

15. Ottawa Senators (71 pts)
The 2010-11 Season was a disaster in the Nations Capital. The Senators missed the playoffs for the second time in 3 years and are primed to miss the playoffs again this year as they embark on their rebuilding process. On a bright note, the Sens farm team, the Binghampton Senators won the AHL Calder Cup, which will give this franchise hope for the future, however, the road back to respectability is going to be long and hard as the Sens look to start off their rebuilding season with a high draft pick in 2012. Also expect, either Spezza and/or Alfreddsson to be moved at the deadline to contenders. Alfie deserves a cup, do the right thing Bryan Murray!

1. Los Angeles Kings (118 pts)
Back in Black! With the addition of Mike Richards their already deep roster with the likes of Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, Jack Johnson, and Drew Doughty (barring contract negotations), the LA Kings are primed to make noise in the NHL by capturing their first division title since 1991 and their first ever President's Trophy. Mike Richards did come at a hefty price as they had to let go of promising forwards Wayne Simmonds and prospect Brayden Schenn. No doubt this will be a strong and exciting team as Lombardi has done a fine job tuning and rebuilding the Kings from scratch. However, with rebuilding over, the Kings are ready to contend for the Stanley Cup! But like many other teams that win championships, look for the Kings to encounter more playoff disappointment as part of their quest for their first Stanley Cup continues.

2. Vancouver Canucks (111 pts)
The Canucks will likely ice the same team as last year, but their biggest lost came from defense as Christian Erhoff signed a lucrative offer to play in Buffalo. The Canucks hope to use their cup loss last year as motivation to win it next season. However, don't be surprised if the Canucks show signs of playoff hangover come April as they face off Chicago in the first round, a team that is determined to get back in the Stanley Cup mix. Will Luongo finally shed his choker label or will the Canucks endure another season empty handed with zero cups? Can the Sedins and Ryan Kesler elevate their play in the playoffs? Still lot of questions surrounding this team on whether they can get it done in the playoffs. Time is ticking for the Canucks and their window of opportunity will soon close if the Canucks don't find a way to do it when it counts the most.

3. Detroit Red Wings (104 pts)
The wise old men from Motor City look to make a run for the cup one last time. Nicklas Lidstrom, the man who has been the anchor of the team's defense for 20 years look to make one final run for the cup. Don't be surprised to see the Wings skate with Lord Stanley in what could be Lidstrom's final hurrah. This is a veteran team, full of men who knows what it takes to win. Not to mention, this is a team that almost came back from a 3-0 deficit against San Jose. Look for Jimmy Howard to continue to build on his resume and become one of the leagues finest young goalies. Pavel Datsyuk is still one of the league's most exciting and explosive players and Henrik Zetterburg is still one of the league's best two way forwards. The Wings still have the pieces to make one final run for the cup and this year could be the last if Lidstrom does decide to retire next season.

4. San Jose Sharks (109 pts)

 After making it into the Conference Finals for two straight years, the Sharks shook things up by shipping Dany Heatley and Devon Setoguchi for Brent Burns and Martin Havlat. Adding Brent Burns will give the Sharks a dynamic defenseman to play with Dan Boyle and shipping off Heatley will alleviate cap space. Havlat may be injury prone but he comes cheap and is still a legitimate scoring threat that the Sharks can use. With youngsters like Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture on the rise and veterans Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau still part of the core, the Sharks look like they are finally ready to take the next step and reach the Stanley Cup Finals. Once they reach the Finals, anything can happen. Look for them to put behind years of playoff disappointment as the Sharks reach the Finals for their first time in franchise history.

5. Anaheim Ducks (102 pts)
Fresh off a career and Hart Trophy winning year, Corey Perry is looking to build off that in hopes of bringing the cup back to the West Coast. The Ducks have a solid group of forwards including Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Bobby Ryan. On defense, it consists of Lubomir Visnovsky, Francois Beauchemin, and youngster Cam Fowler. In net, Jonas Hiller who posted respectable numbers will look to build off those numbers in 2011-12. Look for the Ducks to have a respectable season as they try and recapture the glory of the 2007 Stanley Cup. However, work will be cut out for them as they play in a highly competitive Pacific Division. The Ducks definitely have the tools to make a run for the Stanley Cup and do not be surprised if they throw a scare at some of the top dogs in the West.

6. Nashville Predators (98 pts)

 It seems every year I predict the Predators to miss the playoffs, they find a way to sneak in. This year will be no different as the Preds look to build off their successful playoff run where they reached the second round of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The Predators possess a strong group of defenseman including Ryan Suter and of course Shea Weber who is in his contract year. Pekka Rinne is one of the league's most underrated goaltenders. Part of the reason why the Predators have been successful in making the playoffs is due to one man, coach Barry Trotz who has been with the franchise since its inception in 1998. Barry Trotz has one of the smartest hockey minds, there has to be a reason why the Preds compete year after year despite sustainining losses via free agency. However, this could be the last season we see Weber in a Predators uniform as he only signed a one year deal as opposed to a multi-year deal.

7. Chicago Blackhawks (94 pts)
Blackhawks losses continue as Kopecky, Campbell, and Brouwer are all gone, making the current Blackhawks team a shell of the 2010 Cup winning team. The new version of the Blackhawks are hoping to recapture the glory of their 2010 Championship but that will be hard-pressed. The Blackhawks still have their main core in tact: Jonathan Toews, Pat Kane, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Dave Bolland and Marian Hossa. And with the rise of Corey Crawford and Brian Bickell, the Hawks still have the tools to be a playoff contender. The Hawks may be reduced to a playoff contender as opposed to a cup contender but do not be surprised if they pull a few upsets along the way. This team still has a core group of guys that won a Stanley Cup two seasons ago!

8. Edmonton Oilers (88 pts) - 40 wins
The kids are one year wiser. Dubnyk is going to take the next step and be a pleasant surprise. Ryan Whitney is healthy and looking to rejuvenate the blueline along with youngsters Jeff Petry and Theo Peckham. Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Magnus Paajarvi, Sam Gagner, and Linus Omark are looking to build off last season and have career years. Ales Hemsky is back to add even greater offense. During free agency, Tambellini brought in Ben Eager, Darcy Hordichuk, Eric Belanger, Cam Barker, and Andy Sutton which adds toughness, something the Oilers lacked. And not to mention, the Oilers brought back Ryan Smyth, the heart and soul of the team. Look for playoff hockey to return to Oil Country after a five year hiatus. It will be a dogfight for the 8th and final spot as the Oilers come out on top.

9. St. Louis Blues (88) - 39 wins
The Blues have all the tools to be a playoff contender. Young talent, solid young defense, and solid goaltending Jaroslav Halak. However, this is also a team that gave up former 1st overall pick Erik Johnson, a trade they might regret down the road. The Blues offense consists of David Backes, TJ Oshie, Patrik Berglund, and Chris Stewart. Defense include Kevin Shattenkirk, Alex Pietrangelo, and Barret Jackman. The Blues have all the tools to make the playoffs but it will be an uphill as the Oilers and Blue Jackets vy for that 8th and final spot in a three way battle for 8th. Expect the St. Louis Blues to be in the playoff fight all season long and do not be surprised if the Blues do sneak in and throw a scare at some of the top teams in the West, especially when Halak is in net, who is especially dangerous and unpredictable come playoff time.    

10. Columbus Blue Jackets (88 pts) - 39 wins
Scott Howson finally realized that sitting idle and hoping for the best isn't going to bring respectability to a franchise that has only made the playoffs once and subsequently, that year, they were swept. The Jackets have built around Rick Nash and have finally found the number one centre in Jeff Carter to feed him the puck. However, Carter came at a price as they were forced to give up Voracek, and two draft picks in hopes of bringing this team into the top 8 in a very competitive Western Conference. IF Steve Mason can replicate his Calder Trophy winning season, the Jackets have a very good chance of being in the Top 8. Regardless, this Jackets team is improved tremendously and will compete for a playoff spot from start to finish.

11. Minnesota Wild (86 pts)
Dany Heatley and Devon Setoguchi will add offense, no doubt, but it came at a price of defense. The Wild's main problem last season was scoring and adding a player like Dany Heatley should alleviate some of those problems. However, in a strong and competitive Western Conference, it is going to take more than strong offense to make the Top 8. Losing Brent Burns will hurt defensively for the team. A team that was traditionally built on defense-first is going through an identity crisis as the Wild will struggle to cope with a new offense first system. Mike Yeoh will have his work cut out for him if playoff hockey is to return to the State of Hockey. Sadly, this team seems like its drifting nowhere and directionless.


12. Colorado Avalanche (81 pts)
The Avs were a surprise in 2010, making the playoffs a year after they finished with a franchise worst in 2008-09. In 2010-11, the Avs fell back to earth hard. The first half, the Avs looked decent, but the second half, the Avs fell apart. They plummetted all the way down to 2nd last but thankfully, they were able to acquire the 2nd overall pick in Gabriel Landeskog. In addition, the Avs acquired two goalies Semyon Varlamov and JS Giguere in hopes of solving the goaltending issue that's been plaguing this franchise since Patrick Roy's retirement. However, they will be hard-pressed because the West is too strong. Look for the Avs to be better but have its fair share of struggle as they continue with their rebuilding process. Bringing Joe Sakic to the management team might help but who knows.

13. Calgary Flames (75 pts)

This is it Calgary. The tide has turned in the Battle of Alberta. It is your turn to endure the long suffering last place finishes. This is your chance to rebuild. There is no elite prospects in the system, no young players that can step up and replace aging veterans. Kipper and Iginla are both in the twilight of their careers and have yet to win a Stanley Cup. Jay Bouwmeester has been a complete flop of a free agent signing. The best thing that can happen for Calgary is to let the bottom cave in, trade Iginla and Kipper to a contender and let the rebuild begin. Rebuilding is inevitable and since the Flames won't win a cup anytime soon, might as well "Fail for Nail". Feaster has his work cut out for him with all the mess Darryl Sutter left behind.

14. Phoenix Coyotes (66 pts)
It's not a matter of how the Coyotes are going to do this year, it's a matter of where the Coyotes will play after this season. I can almost assure you that the Coyotes will play one final season in the desert before they get moved to either Quebec City, Hamilton or Seattle. There is no chance in hell the City of Glendale is going to fund another $25 million dollars of public money to keep the Coyotes for another season. The clock is ticking to find an owner willing to bleed money for a franchise that doesn't have the fanbase to sustain it. Atlanta has shown the world it's not a hockey market and Phoenix is definitely not a hockey market. Bettman, do yourself and the league a favour and put this mutt out of its misery. The Coyotes will plummet down the standings due to lack of goaltending and off-ice distraction.


15. Dallas Stars (58 pts)

North Texans have plenty to cheer about. The Texas Rangers look like they'll be contending for a World Series. The Dallas Mavericks are fresh off a championship win. The Cowboys are..well America's Team. And then you got the Stars. At this point, the Dallas Stars are an afterthought in the Big-D sports scene. Brad Richards bolted to the NY Rangers for nothing. The Stars lack quality prospects. Lot of holes in this team. Jamie Benn may be the only bright spot on this dreadful team. The best thing for this Dallas team is to blow this team up and start afresh. Expect the Dallas Stars to suck! And when I say suck, I mean, they will suck!! HARD!!! Nail Yakupov, this is your new home!

PLAYOFFS 2012

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Washington over Philadelphia 
Buffalo over NY Rangers
Pittsburgh over New Jersey
Tampa Bay over Boston

Western Conference Quarterfinals
Los Angeles over Edmonton
Vancouver over Chicago
Detroit over Nashville
San Jose over Anaheim

Eastern Conference Semifinals
Washington over Tampa Bay
Buffalo over Pittsburgh

Western Conference Semifinals
San Jose over Los Angeles
Detroit over Vancouver

Conference Finals
Buffalo over Washington
San Jose over Detroit

Stanley Cup Finals 2012
Buffalo over San Jose 

BUFFALO SABRES ARE YOUR 2011-12 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS.

FIRST TITLE IN FRANCHISE HISTORY!

               


PLAYOFFS 2012
Conn Smythe: Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres 
Hart: Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres
Art Ross: Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
Maurice Richard: Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Frank J. Selke: Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Vezina: Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres
Calder: Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia Flyers
Norris: Shea Weber, Nashville Predators
Mark Messier: Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings 
Ted Lindsay: Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres  
GM of the Year: Dean Lombardi, Los Angeles Kings
Bill Masterton: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Jack Adams: Terry Murray, Los Angeles Kings
Plus/Minus: Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Lady Byng: Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning
William M. Jennings: Ryan Miller and Jonas Enroth, Buffalo Sabres

Potential Big Names to be Traded
Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators
Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes
Mikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames
Mark Streit, New York Islanders

Coaches to be Fired:
Brent Sutter, Calgary Flames
Ron Wilson, Toronto Maple Leafs
Joe Sacco, Colorado Avalanche

GMs to be Fired:
Bryan Murray, Ottawa Senators
Garth Snow, New York Islanders
Paul Holmgrem, Philadelphia Flyers