Predicting the Eastern Conference Finals

It is that moment during the opera, the crescendo builds and the diva (or fat lady from Jersey, in hockey terms) hits the vibrato high note, falls to her death poisoned out of love -- all of which is proceeded by the pivotal moment when that audience member screams 'brava!' (or bravo!) first! This is what the audience waited for - whoever is FIRST is king.

Such is the case in hockey, whoever makes predictions FIRST on the upcoming season is the only prediction people care about. Relevant and accurate doesn't matter, it is all in the timing. After that, it is just another list.

So without further adieu, may I present to you The Hockey News first official-hockey prediction of the new season in order of predicted rankings in the Eastern Conference:

Predicted Eastern Conference Finals
1. Ottawa Senators
2. NY Rangers
3. Pittsburgh Penguins
4. Buffalo Sabres
5. Carolina Hurricanes
6. Tampa Bay Lightning
7. New Jersey Devils
8. Atlanta Thrashers
9. Philadelphia Flyers
10. Washington Capitals
11. Toronto Leafs
12. Florida Panthers
13. Montreal Canadiens
14. NY Islanders
15. Boston Bruins

Naturally, The Dark Ranger would be extremely pleased with these rankings and it would ring true to what most people are already thinking about the Atlantic division -- that both the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins are equal threats. It will be close in the rankings, and will make for enjoyable and nerve racking meetings between these two teams. Oh, those poor Islanders -- not only are they considered one of the weakest teams on the planet this season, check out their new jerseys 'to boot'. Go here for a bad fashion statement.

In regards to the remaining free agents, just let Mike Peca go to Columbus -- though he is providing us fellow hockey bloggers something to write about in August, it is resembling 'annoying' if this indecision drags on any further.

You know it's time when you start looking forward to the pre-season.

tdr