2008 NHL Predictions: Canadiens, Capitals Surge, Panthers a Bust

Ron: In the eastern conference, I believe this is the year the Montreal Canadiens go far into the playoffs. Plus, I expect the Washington Capitals to get further into the second or maybe the 3^rd round of the playoffs if they can get good goaltending by Jose Theodore. In the Western conference, I'm big on the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames. Don't get me wrong, Detroit is the top dog in the West, but fatigue will catch up like it has for every other Stanley Cup champions of the past 10 years. Going back to back is very tough to do now in this parity era of sports. I like the fact the Stars got Richards at the trade deadline last season and look for Avery to give them more grit.

Ron: Sorry to tell you Jenny, but your Florida Panthers are going to suck and suck big time this season! They have no identity on this team, when Stephen Weiss is your first line center, you have problems. I see them being last in the league. I don't like what the NY Islanders have done in the off season, when I look at their second and their line scoring, I don't see Dough Weight or Mike Sillinger getting more than 12 goals this season. In order to make the playoffs, you need for your second line players to score 20 or more goals and I don't see it from this Islanders line up. I think the Coyotes will be a disappointment again this season, as I think the other bottom feeders will be a bit better then Gretzky's boys. Those are 3 teams who will not make the playoffs this season.