Top Five Things to Watch for This Season in the NHL
By Corianne Egan
5. Captaincy in San Jose:
Before the preseason began, San Jose coach Todd McLellan took the “C” away from Patrick Marleau. He spent the entire preseason with it in his desk, waiting for someone to step up into the roll. Not surprisingly, it was Rob Blake. With Joe Thornton and Dan Boyle as his assistants, Blake will try to take over a team full of potential, but with little to show for any of it. This may make the difference between being on top, and winning a championship.
4. New Look New York:
It seems like every year we have something to say about spending money and making over the Rangers. This year, they shelled out a lot of dough for Marian Gaborik, who will be a game-changer, especially in the Atlantic Division. He gives the Rangers a powerful shot, which they need to unseat Pittsburgh. They even got Donald Brashear to contend with the Flyers’ brawn, and if Marc Staal continues to mature, the Rangers could be a contender.
3. Chicago is All Grown Up: 
Last year, it was a bit of a miracle that they made it to the playoffs. They were considered young and inexperienced, but now they have a year of knowledge under their belts. This season, the Blackhawks will be more aggressive, and hopefully, we will see what Patrick Kane can really do (besides beat up cabbies). This Chicago team is more like a family, and they are growing together, which means their chemistry is almost unmatched.
2. The Philadelphia Flyers:
If you don’t follow hockey in the off-season, you will be surprised to see the new-look Flyers on the ice. The staff in net – volatile Ray Emery and returning hero Brian Boucher – is all new, and they have let go of a few integral pieces. Philadelphia also went out and signed Chris Pronger, who will be in charge of the blue line and bringing stability and wisdom to the young locker room. Rookie James VanReimsdyk will be joining the team (after a few starts in the minors) and showed a lot of potential in the preseason. With 08-09 in the books, the Flyers are coming to play with more intensity than ever, and your team better watch out.
1. A True Classic:
The Winter Classic isn’t about being at a good location, or against two rivals… it’s about both. The NHL got it right this season, pitting the Flyers and the Bruins against each other at Fenway Park. There is no doubt that this game will be intense, and we are only hoping it will be a bloodbath.
