NHL Western Conference capsules

CENTRAL DIVISION No. 1 Detroit Red Wings Last Year: 54-21-7, President's Trophy winner, Stanley Cup champion. Who's In: RW Marian Hossa, G Ty Conklin. Who's Out: G Dominik Hasek, RW Dallas Drake. What's Happening: The Wings have to avoid the dreaded (OK, not-so-dreaded depending on how you look at it) Cup hangover. This is a veteran bunch that really seemed to enjoy last year's run and would like to do it again. They certainly are talented enough. Nice score, lifting Hossa from Pittsburgh for a nice payday, yes, but also a promise this team would be back in the running for a repeat. The Prediction: Detroit continues to show it's the best team in hockey, and after an early lull, get rolling and top Montreal in a Stanley Cup classic. No. 2 Chicago Blackhawks Last Year: 40-34-8, third in CEN. Who's In: G Cristobal Huet, D Brian... [read full story]