2009 NHL Northeast Division Season Preview

Welcome to the best and most complete 2009 NHL Northeast Division Season Preview available online. The teams that make up our 2009-2010 NHL Northeast Season Preview are the are the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Senators got rid of Dany Heatley, in a recent trade to San Jose. New coach Cory Clouston closed out last year with his squad playing over .500 in the last 2 months of the year. The Eastern Conference regular-season champs Boston Bruins will once again be solid. The Sabres will still settle for mediocrity, however the resigning of Mike Grier, is a step in the right direction. The Canadians will improve with it’s reunion of former New Jersey Devils Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta, along with signing Paul Mara and Jaro Spacek on defense. And the Maple Leafs will once again be one the NHL bottom feeders.

2009 Boston Bruins Season Preview

Administering the lessons of past experiences to achieve greater success is Boston’s objective this season. Tim Thomas provides solid goaltending. Zdeno Chara is a pillar on the blue line. The Bruins forwards are a well-balanced and provide all the vital elements to win games. Marc Savard is an elite play maker, David Krejci a excellent two-way player and a healthy Patrice Bergeron is ready to return to the form when he was an emerging star. With the size and power of Milan Lucic and Blake Wheeler, the scoring of Michael Ryder, Marco Strum and Chuck Kobasew and the winners instinct provided by Recchi, Boston should have their eyes on the Stanley Cup.

Boston Bruins 2009 Season Preview – Boston Bruins 2009 Season Schedule

2009 Buffalo Sabres Season Preview

Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier and Coach Lindy Ruff continue to produce a competitive team each season despite player departures to free agency. Ryan Miller is a top goaltender who saves games, and the defense is mobile and adept with the puck. The Buffalo forwards are adequate, playing physical and skating, making a game uncomfortable for opponents from a variety of perspectives. The one thing that can possibly hold the Sabres back from returning to the playoffs is injuries.

Buffalo Sabres 2009 Season Previews – Buffalo Sabres 2009 Season Schedule

2009 Montreal Canadiens Season Preview

The ’08 NHL Season began with high expectations but after Montreal hosted the All-Star Game, those expectations went south quickly. Those disappointing results led to change, Coach Jacques Martin brings a wealth of successful, experience and knowledge with the ability to coach a team to win as a team. Scott Gomez, Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta are gifted players. The Canadiens have a well-balance of skills among the forwards and defense, but the key for Montreal to win will be Carey Price playing at a high level consistently.

Montreal Canadiens 2009 Season Preview – Montreal Canadiens 2009 Season Schedule

2009 Ottawa Senators Season Preview

After defenseman Zdeno Chara left Ottawa, the Senators went to the Stanley Cup. The Senators fans are hoping for a repeat outcome with the departure of Dany Heatley. Coach Bryan Murray filled a significant void for his team by acquiring Pascal Leclaire at last year’s trade deadline. A healthy Leclaire should ensure this is no longer a problem area. Adding Alexei Kovalev and Milan Michalek provide the Senators more balance on offense. If Jonathon Cheechoo can score like he can and Mike Fisher returns to his strong two-way player form, the post season is definitely in sight for the Senators.

Ottawa Senators 2009 Season Preview – Ottawa Senators 2009 Season Schedule

2009 Toronto Maple Leafs Season Preview

President and GM Brian Burke has promised to build a team that competes for the Cup consistently. The promise has not been fulfilled, but it is getting closer. Focusing on a rugged and physical D, adding Mike Komisarek and Francois Beauchemin will agonize opposing forwards and make life more enjoyable for Tomas Kaberle. Developing players like Tyler Bozak, Viktor Stalberg and Nazem Kadri represents Burke’s model of skilled, competitive, top-six forwards. Phil Kessel’s acquisition can not be understated, natural goal scorers are tough to obtain. Coach Ron Wilson successfully develops individuals and teams into winners. Toronto has reason to be optimistic this season and for years to come.