and the Sharks still finished 2nd. Mixed with improves will they get past the Stars but will make some strides for their young stars. young and old talent and top goalie Evgeni still 3,d place In the division isn't bad and Either way, 5th in the division and already Nabokov the Sharks should be even better 5"’ in conference is most likely where they booking their summer vacations during the this year. will end up. playoffs. Projection: The Sharks fit the mold of There it is hockey fans, the official projections "paper champions". They are loaded on of the 2008-09 NHL Season. Take this time by talent and have no excuse for losing. They going to your local bookie, place your bets, will finish 1st In the division and 2nd in the and then pay tribute to The Sports Yeti. conference behind the Red Wings but this team should make a run at the cup. Phoenix Coyotes: Disclaimer: Factory Times and The Sports Yeti The Coyotes were a very young team last are not responsible for any losses you may, season and struggle at times during the and probably, will incur. In fact, check to see if season. They lacked a strong presence in the gambling on sporting events is legal in your middle and they addressed that by getting area. the talented Olli Joklnen from the Panthers. They also had some problems keeping the Dallas Stars: puck out of the net but added 2 defensemen Written by Adam Constable Incredibly good at defense and In goal with in Kurt Sauer and David Hale. Ilya Bryzgalov Designed by Eric Constable Marty Turco, it always seems like the Stars can returns in goal for his 2nd season as starter make a big run in the playoffs. In addition to with the Coyotes and should improve. savvy vet Brad Richards they also added Sean Avery to an already deep team. Equipped Projection: There Is always one team with a solid defense the Stars are looking for that comes out of nowhere and surprises another Stanley Cup Run. everyone and makes it Into the playoffs. This will be my sleeper team to make the Projection: The Stars will finish 2nd in the playoffs. This is a super tough division so division and 4,h in the conference, they are they will finish 4lh but will make it in as the too good not too. 8,h seed in the playoffs. Anaheim Ducks: Los Angeles Kings: Just the Ducks now, but still a great team Sorry Kings fans but this team was the worst In Anaheim. The Ducks gave up the fewest in the NHL this past season. To make things goals of any team not named Detroit and even worse they traded away most of their are stacked on defense and in goal. Jean- veterans in exchange for prospects. Typically Sebastlen Giguere Is still protecting the net they are called prospects because they and he still has all world defensemen in Chris haven't proven anything yet. Anze Kopitar Pronger and Scott Neldermayer. They are and Dustin Brown could develop into mega young and talented on offense which is led stars and each had very solid seasons for a by right winger Corey Perry. bad Kings team last year. Projection: The Ducks are a team built Projection: You know how I feel about teams for the playoffs. Only if there offense built around potential. Hopefully this team factory times • 25.