[icehog3]

I agree with Mike that the Canucks may be the team to beat this year, though as defending Champs I give the Hawks more chance than most.

Son, I know the Wings have some dynamite forwards in Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Franzen. I think the Hawks have that beat with Toews, Kane, Hossa and Sharp, and have a better defensive core...though I know Lidstrom is still maybe the smartest D-man in the league. Goaltending will be huge....can Howard repeat in his sophmore year? Can Turco improve behind a much better defense than he had in Dallas? Will the Sharks go after Niemi or stand pat with Niitymaki? Can Luongo step up to the challenge? That might be the West in a nutshell.