Originally Posted by lucifer_sam

I dunno how Crosby is going to play this year, but from the way Malkin looked these past few weeks, he's relishing the opportunity to turn this into a milestone season. I wouldn't be surprised if he carried the 'Guins into the playoffs; it seems like he took last season as a personal blow to his ego. And minus the (hopefully) momentary absence of Crosby, the lineup is thankfully intact...whether or not it stays the case in April is another thing entirely.

I think the Kings are better than most will admit, they just haven't had a reliable anchor since the good old great one departed for fairer waters in the '90s. But it's refreshing to see them draw some young blood to fill the gaps in their roster; Dustin Penner was definitely a worthwhile acquisition, albeit not of the same caliber as the Mike Richards trade.

For the first time in many years, I feel like Detroit is going to struggle rather than benefit from the burdens of experience. It may not be this year, but injuries are going to cost Detroit heavily by the time they reach the playoffs.