2011-12 NHL Preview - Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks came second in what was best division in the NHL last year. The Pacific division sent four out of its five teams to the playoffs, but only the Sharks made it out of the first round. The Ducks are poised to have another solid season and should be a factor in the 2011-12 playoffs.

Anaheim was one of only two teams to have three players in the top 15 in points last season, along with Vancouver. Maurice Richard trophy winner Corey Perry (50G, 48A), Teemuu Selanne (31G, 49A) and Ryan Getzlaf (19G, 57A) led the Ducks' offense and contributed to the team's 23.5% powerplay percentage, tied for second in the league. Anaheim would benefit from a more balanced offense, however, as the Ducks' only other forward inside the top 100 point scorers last season was Bobby Ryan (34G, 37A). Saku Koivu was their next-best forward who put up 45 points (136^th in the league).

2010-11 Maurice Richard Trophy winner Corey Perry

2011-12 NHL Preview - Northwest Division

Calgary Flames

The Flames finished second in the relatively weak Northwest division and tenth in the Western conference, 3 points out of a playoff spot. Calgary scored 250 goals last year which was fifth-best in the league, and has an elite goalie in Mikka Kiprusoff. However, expect this team with ageing stars to have a tough time fighting for a playoff spot.

Iginla will need some help if the Flames want to make the playoffs

Week 4 Pick'ems

Last week, Simon narrowed the gap with another 11-5 week, while Mike went 9-7. Mike now leads by just one game, 23-9 to 22-10. Here are our Week 4 picks.

Simon Daugulis		Mike Dow
CHI	CAR @ CHI	CHI
CIN	BUF @ CIN	BUF
TEN	TEN @ CLE	CLE
DET	DET @ DAL	DAL
HOU	PIT @ HOU	PIT
NO	NO @ JAC	NO
MIN	MIN @ KC	MIN
PHI	SF @ PHI	PHI
WAS	WAS @ STL	WAS
NYG	NYG @ ARI	NYG
ATL	ATL @ SEA	ATL
SD	MIA @ SD	SD
GB	DEN @ GB	GB
NE	NE @ OAK	NE
BAL	NYJ @ BAL	NYJ
TB	IND @ TB	TB

Week 4 Forecaster

A lot of attention this week is being given to two franchises experiencing an exciting—and well deserved—resurgence: The Buffalo Bills and the Detroit Lions. The fanbases of both of these teams have endured long enough, and while I could easily write a full article on these teams, it would just be paying lip-service to a hot topic which has been documented elsewhere. Instead, I'm going to focus on a team that had relatively high expectations, and have looked terrible thus far: the St. Louis Rams.

The NFC West stinks. We all know that, and yet some team still has to win the division and make the playoffs. For me, the smart money heading into the season was the Rams. Literally, I have a futures bet on them making the playoffs. With a young up-and-coming quarterback, an established run game, a new offensive co-ordinator of a reputable background, and an improving defense, what was not to like? Surely they could muster up 7 wins, and take the division... right?