NHL Central Division Preview
The Redwings, with excellent defense, goaltending, special teams and scoring, will dominate the weak Central Division. Last season in goal, Dominik Hasek (.913 SV%) was massive and backup Chris Osgood (.907 SV%) dependable. Their combined GAA was 2.21! “D-man” Nicklas Lindstrom (62 PTS) was plus-40 and no returning Detroit defenseman had a negative rating. On offense, Pavel Datsyuk (87 PTS) offers fine veteran leadership.
The Nashville Predators’ main problem is offense. Their defense is about as solid as it gets, with Shea Weber (40 PTS, +13), Marek Zidlicky (30 PTS, +8) and Ryan Suter (24 PTS, +10) being tough blue-liners. Net man Chris Mason (.925 SV%) is right on, but the Predators still need that star forward. Until they get that, it’ll be tough for them to go deep into the post season.
In the middle of the pack are the spunky but fairly average Blues. The team has a promising goalie in Czech Marek Schwartz; but he’s not ready yet, leaving the primary goaltending duties to vet Manny Legace (.907 SV%). The well-traveled Paul Kariya (76 PTS), late of Nashville, offers goal and play making potential. There are some good, tough workers on “D.” Still, with uneven goal tending and a weak offense, the Blues will have a tough time winning.
The Blue Jackets continue to be a less than average team. Last season, Fredrik Norrena (.904 SV%), a Finn, took over in goal when vet Pascal Leclaire (.897 SV%) was hobbled by a bad knee. Either could start in 2007. Winger Rick Nash (57 PTS) and defenseman Rostislav Klesla (22 PTS) are both keepers, and there are some promising youngsters. But it will be awhile before this team can contend.
At the bottom of the division are the Blackhawks. Chicago has some of the weakest offense and defense around. Goalie Nikolai Khabibulin (.902) can do just so much for a team that averaged only 2.38 PPG. In the plus/minus category, almost ever play is at minus.
Projected Finish in 2007- 2008
1) Detroit Redwings
2) Nashville Predators
3) St. Louis Blues
4) Columbus Blue Jackets
5) Chicago Blackhawks
Check out the other Western Conference divisions previews including the Northwest and Pacific.
