Fast Break

NHL Primer

NHL begins 90th season

As the NHL’s 90th anniversary season begins this morning with the first of two games between the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings in London, a look at the season:

Happy Ducks

Three reasons the Ducks could repeat as Stanley Cup champions. 1. Even without Scott Niedermayer (pictured above), the Ducks, with Mathieu Schneider added, have one of the league’s best defenses. 2. No other team can match Anaheim’s blend of talent and toughness. 3. This team understands what’s required to win it all.

Sad Ducks

Three reasons the Ducks probably won’t repeat: 1. The Ducks are banged up. Samuel Pahlsson, Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Schneider all are starting on the injured list. 2. Teemu Selanne has unofficially retired, and his eternal optimism and jovial demeanor will be missed. Even at the most pressure-filled times, Selanne could keep his teammates loose. 3. This is the salary-cap era, and there’s too much parity to allow for any hint of dynastic rule.

Most improved

1. Philadelphia Flyers. 2. Los Angeles Kings. 3. Washington Capitals.

Sliders

Teams that could slip in the standings: 1. Edmonton Oilers. 2. New Jersey Devils. 3. New York Islanders.

Bottom feeders

Teams that could be in the hunt for the No. 1 pick: 1. Coyotes. 2. Oilers. 3. Boston Bruins.

Keep an eye on

1. The Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s not too early for them to win it all. 2. Columbus Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash. He has the talent to be among the top five offensive players. 3. Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber. Not this season, but some day he’ll win a Norris Trophy because he can do it all.

Rookie hot shots

Newcomers with 20-goal potential: 1. Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks). 2. Jonathan Toews (Chicago). 3. Bryan Little (Atlanta). 4. Peter Mueller (Phoenix Coyotes). 5. Bobby Ryan (Anaheim).

Top goalies

1. Martin Brodeur (New Jersey) is still the king, but he’s vulnerable to being overthrown. 2. Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks) might be the league’s No. 1 difference maker. 3. Miikka Kiprusoff (Calgary Flames) has an aura. 4. Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres) has proved himself in tight games. 5. Henrik Lundqvist (Rangers) is still rising.