(Win totals presented for information purposes)

Anaheim (41.5 wins): First Chris Pronger leaves to Philly, then Francois Beauchemin leaves to Toronto, now Scott Niedermayer retires. However, if Jonas Hiller plays like he did after the first two months of last season, this Ducks team could exceed expectations.

Calgary (41.5 wins): The Flames got solid goaltending from Miikka Kiprusoff last season and the defense certainly has improved under the Sutter regime. However, the offense was among the league's worst. If Iginla bounces back and additions like Jokinen and Tanguay pay off, don't be surprised to see Calgary back in the post-season. That is what we are forecasting for the Flames.

Chicago (48.5 wins): Look for a dropoff here after winning the Cup last season. Too much roster turnover means depth is an issue with the Blackhawks heading into this season. Couple that with the bulls eye Chicago has on their backs and it's easy to see why we're forecasting the Hawks to fall short of this win total this season. Look for value in going against Chicago often this season.

Colorado (42.5 wins): The Avs snuck into the post-season last year but it could be tough to get back there this season. The Avalanche are not strong in their own end. With a lack of speed, skill, and experience, the defense for the Avs is a concern. Will the rookies step up?

Columbus (34.5 wins): The Blue Jackets have, for the most part, chosen to "stand pat". However, how much of that is a good thing when you're a team that won just 32 games last season? Blue Jackets will surprise some if they get stronger goaltending this season. Steve Mason struggled between the pipes last year after playing so well the prior season.

Dallas (38.5 wins): Ownership change will eventually help but this team still is holding the purse strings too tight and that could extend the time that it takes for the Stars to rebuild.

Detroit (47.5 wins): Take a strong team, keep them intact, have better luck in terms of avoiding injuries, and you've got the perfect situation for a cup contender. Look for the Red Wings to move back up the standings.

Edmonton (33.5 wins): Very young team and another rough season likely is on tap. This team is definitely looking ahead to the spring of 2012 in terms of true playoff potential.

Los Angeles (44.5 wins): The Kings had a very strong season last year but the lack of offensive punch is still a limiting factor. Los Angeles only ranked 19th in 5 on 5 situations and that is concerning for a playoff hopeful.

Minnesota (38.5 wins): The Wild are trying to go to an up tempo style under Todd Richards but it's evident that the personnel is not the right fit for what management is trying to achieve. The struggling defense last season was certainly nothing like the solid, low-scoring results that use to define Minnesota hockey. That makes the Wild a bit of a question mark entering this season.

Nashville (40.5 wins): The Predators have added speed up front but the blue line could be a concern with too much reliance on younger players. A lot of talent exited Nashville during the off season and the Preds now take a step back after 47 wins last year.

Phoenix (42.5 wins): The Coyotes definitely overachieved last season and that sets them up for a fall this season as they certainly won't be able to sneak up on any one this season.

San Jose (48.5 wins): The Sharks lost some players in the off season but this is still a very strong team that enters this season with some added confidence. That comes thanks to their solid playoff run last spring. San Jose is solid all the way around but don't forget the goalie change from Evgeni Nabokov to Antero Niittymaki could be a key to how the Sharks run goes this season.

St Louis (41.5 wins): The Blues continue to show signs they are ready to make a move back into prime playoff position. Getting goalie Jaroslav Halak is a key and don't forget that this team was #1 on the penalty kill last season.

Vancouver (47.5 wins): Which Roberto Luongo shows up this season? The offense is extremely potent but if Luongo can't be more consistent between the pipes, the Canucks are unlikely to go as far as many are predicting. The wide open style that Vancouver now likes to play makes them an "over team" especially when Luongo is in one of his patterns where he is struggling.

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