Lukas' 2008-2009 NHL Northeast Predictions

With training camp set to open around the NHL this week, it is time to look at my favorite division—the Northeast. It should be a duel at the top between the Montreal Canadiens and a surprising Boston Bruins squad. Watch for it to be close every time these two old-time rivals square off, with a tie at the end of the season. In the offseason Boston made few moves while Montreal made several—most recently trading for Robert Lang. With Lang now a Hab, Bob Gainey said that his Canadiens are no longer interested in Sundin. Third placwe should see the Ottawa Senators, who jettisoned Ray Emery. I think that Emery was so much of a distraction to the Sens in '07-08 that he is the main reason why they almost missed the playoffs, and then got swept in four by Malkin, and company. Fourth should be the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Hagman replacing Tucker, Grabovski replacing Wellwood, and Ron Wilson coming in to coach, this should be a much-improved Toronto Maple Leafs squad come October ... (link)