Ten Questions

...for the NHL as the season gets ready to begin.

By GEORGE RICHARDS
grichards@MiamiHerald.com

1. Can the Ducks be mighty once more?

The defending Stanley Cup champs went into camp not knowing if two of their veteran leaders were going to join them in defense. Still, with Mathieu Schnieder coming in to replace Scott Niedermayer and Ryan Getlaf emerging as a star to supplant Teemu Selanne, hockey should be pretty intense in the O.C. again this year.

2. Do the Rangers have enough to win it all?

Offensively yes, defensively the Blueshirts appear to be seriously challenged. Fans in New York are obviously jacked about the Rangers chances and with solid goaltending, this team should challenge to win the East.

3. Did Buffalo's Free Agent Fallout ruin the Sabres?

No, not with the offensive firepower still at Lindy Ruff's disposal. The Sabres aren't as talented as they once were, but that doesn't mean they won't go far. There's still plenty of difference-makers in Buffalo, and they'll be back in the playoffs.

4. How good, really, are the Penguins?

They are the chic choice in the East again, much like last spring when the playoffs started. Pittsburgh is only OK in goal, but look to have the pieces elsewhere to make a run. Will they? Quit asking all these questions!

5. How far do the Thrashers fall?

Atlanta had as rough an offseason as the Sabres and Islanders, only it wasn't as talked about. Atlanta paid a price to make the playoffs last year, and its flop resonates with this year's team. The Thrashers could be the Southeast's first-to-worst team.

Questions 6-10 can be found >>> here.