Faith

Check out the league's new commercial:



Looks like ole Nasher is finally becoming a poster boy for the NHL.

Thanks to Skraut over on HF for the pointer.

Kevin points us to FoxSports.com Central Division preview (via THN):

Columbus Blue Jackets
THN Prediction: Eighth

Key additions: Mathieu Garon, G; Sammy Pahlsson, C; Anton Stralman, D Key departures: Christian Backman, D; Manny Malhotra, C; Michael Peca, C; Jason Williams, RW

Like the 'Hawks, Columbus' batch of young potential that broke through to the playoffs last year epitomizes a division that is quickly becoming the league's toughest.

For Columbus to build on the franchise's first playoff appearance, rookie of the year Steve Mason has to play up to a level approaching what he accomplished last season. Although asking or expecting him to post another 10 shutouts is unfair, the Jackets were third best in shots-against last season and coach Ken Hitchcock is renowned for his defense-first mentality.

To take some of the pressure off Mason, the Jackets absolutely have to improve on the league's worst power play. Since they failed to add a reliable man-advantage quarterback, the responsibility falls on Rick Nash and the cast of 20-something offensive weapons the Blue Jackets will go to battle with up front.

The Western Conference has improved around them, with non-playoff teams Dallas, Edmonton and Los Angeles all expected to be better, so adding full seasons from Nikita Filatov and Derick Brassard to the already-talented mix should help keep the young franchise in the postseason.

Finally Craig points us to Puck-Daddy's preview of the Toronto Maple Leafs and specifially calls out this line:

Warranty Expires (Prediction): This is not a playoff team.

We all sort of want it to be, because you're lying to yourself if you pretend that a competitive Toronto club doesn't make the NHL a more interesting place. Add in the fact that they're a physical bunch, and they're on everyone's radar.

But the kids aren't old enough yet. The depth isn't there. There are too many parts moving right now on this roster. The X-Factor is Gustavsson, who could have the type of impact on the Leafs that, say, Steve Mason(notes) had on the Jackets last season. But Phil Kessel isn't Rick Nash(notes), and Grabovski and Matt Stajan(notes) (15-40-55) aren't Antoine Vermette(notes) and Kristian Huselius(notes).


-LTL