Some hockey pundits believe the balance of power in the NHL has shifted from the West to the East for 08-09. I don't buy it. The West is relatively unchanged, and superstar Marian Hossa has gone from the East to the West, joining Detroit.

One thing this conference will be is completely and totally unpredictable. It's a horse race, there's no getting around that. Teams that get off to a quick start should be weary of burning out toward season's end - it's going to be a battle all year long in this conference.

The East has its powerhouses. Teams like Montreal, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Ottawa are all but assured playoff berths, in my opinion, so long as they don't self-implode. The West doesn't. Other than Detroit, and maybe San Jose, no team should be thought of much more than the rest.

So here's my predictions for the Western Conference in the 08-09 season. Ready? Here we go.

Last Year, Final Conference Standings
1. Detroit, 54 wins, 115 points
2. San Jose, 49 wins, 108 points
3. Minnesota, 44 wins, 98 points
4. Anaheim, 47 wins, 102 points
5. Dallas, 45 wins, 97 points
6. Colorado, 44 wins, 95 points
7. Calgary, 42 wins, 94 points
8. Nashville, 41 wins, 91 points
Just missing: Edmonton, Chicago, Vancouver

This Year, Projected Conference Standings
1. Detroit, 50 wins, 108 points
2. San Jose, 48 wins, 104 points
3. *Vancouver, 44 wins, 99 points
4. *Chicago, 45 wins, 98 points
5. Calgary, 42 wins, 95 points
6. Anaheim, 40 wins, 93 points
7. *Phoenix, 41 wins, 92 points
8. *Columbus, 40 wins, 90 points
Just missing: Edmonton, Dallas, Nashville
*did not make playoffs last year

What say you?

By the way, the Hawks looked good Tuesday against Columbus in their first preseason game. Brian Campbell logged 20+ minutes in his first game as a Hawk and the team came away with a 4-3 comeback win for the hometown fans. And this new and exciting team is off and running.

KEY UPCOMING DATES:
Tonight, Sept. 28, Oct. 5: preseason home games
Sept. 29, Sept. 30, Oct. 2, Oct. 3: preseason road games
Oct 10: Regular season begins in New York against the Rangers.

COMING SOON TO HAWKEY CENTRAL:
-Playoff predictions, just for fun
-Hawks Depth Chart

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