Ironically, this should greatly enhance the prospects of the New York Rangers, who last season looked more like an armored battalion that had seen one too many campaigns than a first-place team. Whatever else you may want to say about John Tortorella's coaching style, know this: it is very demanding and exacting. No matter how hard the Rangers huffed and puffed, they just didn't have enough in the gas tank for four full playoff rounds, not after a grueling 82 game schedule.
But with a 48 game schedule, plus the addition of winger Rick Nash, the blue shirts should be able to go long enough in the post season to capture their first Stanley Cup since '94. Overall, no team in the league is better balanced. Their defense, among the best in the NHL, returns with an additional year under its belt. Marian Gaborik, who had off-season surgery, is fully healthy, which will be welcomed news. He and Nash give the Rangers a legitimate one, two punch. And then there's Henrik Lundqvist, last year's Vezina Trophy winner, who will once more spin his magic between the pipes. At 30, he has at least another five to seven prime seasons left in him.
They are deep, young and determined. Assuming they get off to a fast start - an absolute must in a shortened season - they should challenge for top honors in the conference, if not the league. Indeed, only one team should present any challenges for them: the Pittsburgh Penguins, who will have a fully healthy Sidney Crosby. The New Jersey Devils, who got more out of their lineup than most thought last season, will not be as much of a force. This will be the year Martin Brodeur finally looks his age.
My prediction for the finals: Rangers over St. Louis Blues in seven games.
