I am still very optimistic but this is going to be a very tough division. The Coyotes are going to have to be sharp to make a playoff appearance this season. On paper, I think the Kings are the weakest team in the division. They've got a nice group of up and coming talent, but in the meantime there are a ton of holes in their roster. Dallas is always a strong team but I think this is the year they finally regress. I can't say I am a big believer in Turco though.
There is a lot of talk about Anaheim's top two blueliners and rightfully so, but beyond that their defensive group is very weak. However, you have to figure the Ducks will have a strong run. San Jose is my pick to win the division, even though they have what I believe is the weakest defense in the division. They still have excellent goaltending and a lot of offensive weapons.
As for the Coyotes, I am predicting a hard fought 3rd place finish in the division, which is hopefully good enough to snag one of the last playoff spots. When healthy the Yotes defense is one of the strongest and deepest in the league. Cujo was great last year, and the backup goaltending should be a lot stronger, which will help keep Joseph fresh. Even though the team looks like it could have some trouble putting pucks in the net, strong defense mixed in with steady goaltending can take a team a long way. With a lot of the guys they have brought in, the Coyotes sure aren't going to be pushed around like they were last year, and I think that is going to be a big difference.
As for individual predictions, I am going to say that two of the three of Doan, Comrie, and Nagy will have huge years, especially since each are on the verge of free agency. Jovanovski could also have a big year for the team, but he is going to need to stay healthy. I am really not expecting a whole lot from Roenick or Nolan, but one of those two needs to have a productive year for the Coyotes to go anywhere.
