Eastern Conference Review

September 30, 2008 1:34pm CDT

This week we take a look at Eastern Conference training camp news. Some key players are hurt and other lineups are taking shape with the regular season a week away.

Atlanta – Young Zach Bogosian is a big hope for the future after he was drafted high in the first round this summer. His progress has been slowed by a strained hip flexor, which can be a nagging injury. We expect the Thrashers to be very cautious with him and look for him to return to the Junior ranks after training camp. The more pressing concern is the fact that Erik Christensen (shoulder) is banged up to start the season. This team is thin among the forward ranks already. Another future offensive spark, Angelo Esposito, was returned to the junior ranks.

Boston – The Bruins have to be thrilled that Patrice Bergeron has shown no ill effects after returning from last year’s concussion problems. He exploded for four points in a game against Montreal last week. In the same game, goalie Manny Fernandez got the starting assignment and the win. If he continues to show that he is healthy, he will split time with Tim Thomas. David Krejci has had a good camp and has clicked with free agent Michael Ryder and Milan Lucic on what could be a dynamic second line. Zdeno Chara has not yet played after offseason shoulder surgery.

Buffalo – Despite tallying three points in two exhibition starts, flashy Maxim Afinogenov seems to have fallen down the depth chart. Jason Pominville, Drew Stafford and Ales Kotalik all rate ahead of him because Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff insists on defensive responsibility. The only injury concern is checking line center Adam Mair, who has not fully recovered from offseason knee surgery. Daniel Paille came from nowhere to get 19 goals last year and signed a new contract in the offseason. Time will tell if he can repeat as a third-liner.
Carolina – Rod Brind’Amour has only started skating this past week after a serious knee injury last season. Justin Williams, another scoring forward, is not expected to return until January 2009, from his torn Achilles tendon. These are big losses and ironic as this team really bolstered the blueline in the offseason. If they need offensive help they may be able to deal a defenseman from their mix.

Florida – Bryan McCabe reminded fans that he was injured most of last season. That, plus a change of scenery, has him inspired at the Panthers’ training camp. The Panthers do not have a lot of depth at forward, so it is a key to note who is playing with Nathan Horton, the new focal point of the offense. Early indications are that Stephen Weiss and Rostislav Olesz will join Horton on the top line.

Montreal – Alex Tanguay and Roman Hamrlik are both battling groin strains during camp. It is expected that they will start the regular season in good shape, however. Tanguay is tabbed for a partnership with Saku Koivu, as the basis for a second scoring unit behind the Alex Kovalev, Tomas Plekanec, and Andrei Kostitsyn. Andrei Markov has picked up where he left year, notching four points in his first two exhibition games.

New Jersey – The Devils’ image is one of dull defensive hockey, yet two talented scoring lines may change that outlook. Free agent Brian Rolston returns to New Jersey as a solid scorer, projected as the top center, between Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner. Brian Gionta and Patrik Elias each have three points after two games and will anchor a second scoring line. Martin Brodeur has already gone on record, predicting that he will play at least 70 games in goal again this season. That is good enough to make him a top fantasy goalie option again this season.

NY Islanders – The Islanders have a few key injury concerns already. Goalie Rick DiPietro may not test his injured hip (from last season) until the season opener. Defensemen Chris Campoli (shoulder) and Andy Sutton (hamstring) have been injured in early exhibition games, thinning the depth of an already-suspect defensive complement. Kyle Okposo is the newest hope for a young offensive talent, and he may be paired with veteran center and excellent passer Doug Weight.

NY Rangers – The Rangers have struggled to a 1-5 mark after completing their exhibition schedule. Now they are headed across the Atlantic Ocean to start the regular season against a revamped Tampa Bay club. After losing two of veteran centerpieces (Jaromir Jagr and Brendan Shanahan) in the offseason and only scoring 12 goals in those exhibition games, this situation is priming the Rangers for a slow start to the regular season. Markus Naslund is going to start the year on a line with Scott Gomez.

Ottawa – As they began their exhibition games, Daniel Alfredsson was moved off the top line in favor of rookie Jesse Winchester, yet he was back in his usual roster spot to close out the Sens’ preseason schedule. Nick Foligno has had an impressive camp and seems likely to have earned a scoring-line role. Filip Kuba and Jason Smith have a combined seven assists, but Ottawa did not get a goal from any of their defenders. That may be a portent of an expected team weak spot.

Philadelphia – The Flyers are pleased with the early returns relating to Simon Gagne, as he has formed an effective union with new captain Mike Richards on the top line. Daniel Briere has joined them on that line but will likely only join them on a power play alignment in the regular season. There is some concern over the health of Kimmo Timonen, who injured his ankle in his first exhibition game. Braydon Coburn is penciled in as the number two offensive defenseman and has already notched three points in three preseason games.

Pittsburgh – Key injuries to Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney will impact the Pens for most of the season. Kris Letang and Brooks Orpik will have to step up to fill the offensive defensemen roles. Miroslav Satan has been handed the plum assignment alongside Sidney Crosby. The other wing spot is up for grabs. Evgeni Malkin will work with converted center Jordan Staal on his wing. Janne Pesonen has impressed with two points in three games and he may earn a spot on one of the top two lines.

Tampa Bay – Matt Carle (four assists, +4) has had an impressive preseason and has solidified a position on the top defensive pairing with another offseason acquisition in Andrej Meszaros. Last year’s top blueliner in Tampa, Paul Ranger has been hampered by a bad shoulder and appears to be slotted for the second defense pairing. Up front, big Russian Evgeni Artyukhin (one goal, two assists) has impressed on a line with Steven Stamkos. Jeff Halpern, a talented center, will be lost to Tampa until January due to a bad knee injury.

Toronto – Rookie Luke Schenn has impressed with his overall game as he has a goal and a pair of assists to go along with his highly touted defensive ability. Carlo Colaiacovo has had a strong camp as well (one goal, two assists) and wants to stay healthy this year to prove his worth. Dominic Moore has three goals and has been very effective, particularly in shorthanded situations, for a team that needs to improve in that area. Alexei Ponikarovsky (two goals, one assist) has looked good in using his size to find scoring opportunities down low, in front of opposing goalies.

Washington – Nicklas Backstrom, the impressive rookie center who played so well with Alex Ovechkin last year, has been held out of games so far, due to a minor ankle injury. In the meantime, veteran center, Michal Nylander (four points in two games) has been solid in the early going. He appears to be fully recovered from injuries sustained last season. Another veteran, Chris Clark, is in the same boat, with three points in two games. He is also back to playing his abrasive game that worked so well with Ovechkin, during the latter’s rookie season.