2009 NHL Atlantic Division Season Preview

Welcome to the best and most complete 2009 NHL Atlantic Division Season Preview available online. The teams that make up our 2009-2010 NHL Atlantic Season Preview are the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Islanders have the most to prove in the Atlantic division. In the NHL Entry Draft, they drafted one of the the most talked about young prospect since Sidney Crosby. John Tavares, a left winger from the OHL’s London Knights and Oshawa Generals. Some say he could be the the one to turn the Isles around. The Rangers will have to adjust to the rigors of new head coach John Tortorella, as well as the departure of Scott Gomez, but they have their goaltending set as Lundqvist signed a 6-year deal in ’08. The New Jersey Devils will have spectacular goaltending from Martin Brodeur, and a core of veterans featuring Patrick Elias, Brendan Shanahan, and Jay Pandolfo. New Jersey will once again be solid, and will be near the top of the standings. The defending Stanley Cup champs the Pittsburgh Penguins look to have their core group of players back. And the Philadelphia Flyers made the playoffs last year, but a first-round exit won’t help quiet their critics. Mike Richards needs t to get more help from Danny Briere this season.

2009 New Jersey Devils Season Preview

New Jersey personifies success. The Devils are always competitive regardless of the circumstances. I see them competing to be the best in the NHL once again. Simply put goaltender Martin Brodeur wins, and he will establish another goaltending record and be on top of his game. Zach Parise and Travis Zajac emergence is a testimony to the excellent development and scouting. The Devils “D” is overlooked, but they get the job done. Coach Jacques Lemaire always has New Jersey prepared to win. The Stanley Cup is clearly a possibility again this season.

New Jersey Devils 2009 Season Preview – New Jersey Devils 2009 Season Schedule

2009 New York Islanders Season Preview

The Islanders future looks promising but unfortunately it will not happen this season. John Tavares, Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey are the foundation for an electric offense. And Doug Weight’s experience will benefit the youthful rising stars. On defense, Mark Streit is an superb player who is underrated as one of the leagues top defensemen. Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron are very capable in goal and their additions allow Rick DiPietro to get healthy again. The goal is clear for the New York Islanders but they will have to be patient this season, but the future looks bright.

New York Islanders 2009 Season Preview – New York Islanders 2009 Season Schedule

2009 New York Rangers Season Preview

The Rangers were one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league last year. New York per sued a game breaker, and landed Marian Gaborik, a volatile offensive player to score goals to put more W’s in the win column. Henrik Lundqvist is outstanding in goal. Coach John Tortorella preaches a continual attack, offensively and defensively. The Rangers will be more competitive and an opportunity is in place for their younger talent to pitch in, but the offense will have to get better to advance in the post season.

New York Rangers 2009 Season Preview – New York Rangers 2009 Season Schedule

2009 Philadelphia Flyers Season Preview

The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the contenders for the Stanley Cup this season. Manager Paul Holmgren recognized that to battle with the elite teams in the East, certain improvements need to be made. With that said they landed Chris Pronger, an top-notch player capable of having the goods to dominate a game. The addition of Pronger makes the Flyers defense one of the best in the league. Mike Richards is the heart and soul of Philadelphia and excels in all situations. Jeff Carter can produce goals, Simon Gagne is a premier wing, Scott Hartnell provides a physical presence and a healthy Daniel Briere is a game breaker. This could be the season the Flyers get their hands on the Stanley Cup.

Philadelphia Flyers 2009 Season Preview – Philadelphia Flyers 2009 Season Schedule

2009 Pittsburgh Penguins Season Preview

The Penguins won the Stanley Cup championship last June, and should contend to defend their crown. Pittsburgh is capable of having a defensive prowess, Marc-Andre Fleury ensures that the Penguins can wing in any type of game. Sergei Gonchar anchors a D that exemplifies the skill needed to excel in a transitional offense. The offensive mastery of hockey’s biggest stars, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, is a daunting challenge for every team in the league. They will be Stanley Cup contender, but how the predecessor for Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill perform will predispose if they can repeat this season.