NHL Preseason Power Rankings
If these preseason rankings had come out in October, teams would have occupied different spots than you see here. The shortened season means they must be viewed through an entirely different prism, one that is more short-term. The old hockey saying used to be that the season didn't really start until January anyway, when the really good teams get serious for the playoff push. Well, it's January, before Game 1. So will the veteran, battle-tested rosters actually fare better because their attention will be piqued on opening day by the knowledge that they have little margin for slumps? Or will the younger teams with more energy and vigor be better in a sprint instead of the usual marathon? We'll find out, but for now these are my first projections for the lockout-shortened season:
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