Northwest Division Preview

Arguably the leagues most competitive division last year looks to be just as tight this year with the two clubs who didn't make the playoffs, Vancouver and Minnesota, making significant improvements in their squads.

The Calgary Flames finished first and took the West's third seed by a comfortable margin, but the remaining playoff spots weren't decided until the last weekend of the season because only three points separated the three teams. It shouldn't be much different this time, although the faces might ultimately be different by the time the postseason rolls around.

Here's a closer look and a breakdown by Wes Goldstein for CBS SportsLine.com of what all the Northwest teams have done during the off-season and what their prospects are for the upcoming NHL season.